Back to the present time, after Candaith finishes his story. I hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Chapter 84

Back to Gwin's POV

"And here we are now," Candaith finished. I took a deep, shaking breath at all we had just heard. I realized how lucky we were that Elladan and Candaith had survived at all. Noting my anxiety, Candaith took my hand in his and intertwined our fingers. I almost started crying again at how wonderful it felt, but thankfully kept myself under control and gave him a smile. He returned it and it made my heart flutter, as always. I felt a wave of warmth in my soul, and I realized how much I had craved this connection during the short time it was absent.

After a time, we started to discuss our next moves. Candaith had pulled me into his lap, and Elladan had an arm thrown over his brother's shoulders. I found it likely they would refuse to be parted unless there was no other choice.

"We should return to camp as soon as possible," Candaith was saying. "I am sure they worry for all of us, and are still searching for Elladan and I."

"Lavaneth told me Corunir and Daervunn were made aware of your presence here, so I am sure they went to tell the others as quickly as they could," I replied. Candaith looked relieved. "However, we are still on a mission to join Aragorn, and we cannot delay. This has already cost us much time."

Elladan sighed. "It is unfortunate. We will need to avoid further mistakes."

"Are we still interacting with Nar and Frithgeir?" Candaith asked. "They were very much involved in all of this." I sensed some bitterness, and I honestly could not blame him. Much had been set into motion when we took up Nona's request; it seemed like so long ago.

"I am not sure of the status of that mission," I said slowly. "The focus had been on the…on the Forsaken Road." My voice stuttered, and I felt Candaith squeeze me briefly. "I think Halbarad recalled anyone who was still up there back to the main camp when you both went missing."

I heard Candaith make a pensive sound behind me. "I suppose the main goal would be to make sure Nar and Frithgeir are safe; clearly the older dwarf knows something valuable to Saruman."

"Perhaps some of the rangers from Harndirion could be spared to guard the main pass," I suggested. "We can run it by Halbarad when we return."

Elladan hesitated, and I urged him to speak with a look. "As much as I want to return quickly, I think we need to rest for a few hours." He gave Elrohir a concerned look, and it was heartbreaking to see how upset he was at how their separation had almost cost Elrohir his life.

"I agree," I said hastily; I could tell Elrohir was about to protest, but he still looked weak and pale, despite his rapid improvement in condition. "I am sure Lavaneth has a place we can go."

Sure enough, she escorted us to where Candaith and Elladan had been healing, and we all took some time to rest. Despite the small size of the bed, Candaith and I snuggled close together. I felt completely safe and content with his arms wrapped around me, and I rested my head on his chest. His steady heartbeat was comforting and reassuring. He kissed me on the forehead and I fell into reverie while he slept.

When I blinked to awareness, I was unsure how long it had been. Candaith was running his fingers through my hair, and pulled me closer once he noted I was awake. "Hello, meleth," he said quietly.

I looked up at him, noting his serious expression. I moved up a little and kissed him briefly. As much as I wanted to take things further, Elladan and Elrohir were in beds close to ours, so there was no privacy. I ran a finger over his forehead, trying to smooth out his worry lines. "What troubles you?"

He huffed a sigh, "It is unimportant." When I looked at him sternly, he gave me a tiny smile. "You will not give up until I tell you, will you?"

"Of course not; you know how stubborn I can be," I said playfully, trying to lighten the mood and prevent him from sinking into darker thoughts. He kissed me slowly, and it took much effort not to deepen it. "Are you trying to distract me, meleth?" I asked breathlessly.

"Is it working?" he answered huskily, and it made me shiver.

"Almost," I whispered. "But not quite." He rolled his eyes but a smile was on his face.

Pulling me closer, he tucked my head under his chin and paused to gather his thoughts. "I…I wish we could just go off together, somewhere safe. I know it is impossible, and we have a duty to Aragorn…but a selfish part of me wants you to be protected, where we can live in peace."

I sighed, "I know, but is this not what we are fighting for? In order to rid the world of evils like Sauron and Saruman, we must push back against the darkness. Unless we all rise, we will all fall. If we can get Aragorn the forces he needs, we can do our part to protect the innocent from pain and death." My words were grave, but important. "We have to trust the Fellowship will remain true and succeed." I did not have all the details of their expected route, but knew enough about some of the troubles they had faced. I prayed constantly for the Valar to watch over Frodo; he had the most important job. If he failed, the world would fall into darkness. It made me shudder.

Candaith resumed running his fingers through my hair in comfort. "You are right. We must not be overcome by despair. Let us have faith in the Free Peoples, as you would call them." He adjusted us slightly so his face was tucked in the crook of my neck, and he kissed it lightly. "We will prevail, I know it." I felt a shift in the atmosphere and a flicker of mischief come from Candaith. Before I could inquire, I jerked a little as I felt his tongue tracing my ear as his fingers traced the other. The sensation was overwhelming, and I bit back a moan with great difficulty.

"What are you doing?" I managed to whisper, my voice trembling with desire.

"What does it look like I'm doing, meleth nin?" He breathed into my ear huskily, and I almost came undone right then and there.

Using all my focus, I tried something we hadn't done before and used my mind to 'speak' via our souls. "Elladan and Elrohir are right there!"

Candaith startled a little, and I knew he 'heard' me. After a pause where I assumed he was also trying to focus, he 'said', "This is interesting…and to reply to your concerns, they are still sleeping."

I sat up slightly and noted with a little worry that both of them had their eyes closed; clearly they had some more healing to do. Their breathing was even, and their beds right next to each other as they held hands. It broke my heart a little.

"Meleth?" Candaith whispered, sounding concerned. "I did not mean to worry you."

I looked down at him and noted his apologetic smile. He was so ridiculously handsome that I had to stare for a moment. His smile turned roguish and he said, "Do you like what you see?"

I raised an eyebrow before putting my lips just a breath apart from his, "Perhaps," before he closed the distance, crushing me to him. He ran one hand through my hair and brushed my breast with the other, cupping it through my thin linen shirt. He swallowed my moan as he moved against me, rolling his hips against mine.

Before I could abandon all logic and tear his clothes off, he slowly stopped kissing me, resting his forehead against mine and breathing heavily. "This is to remind you of what I will do to you when we are finally alone, meleth nin."

"What about what I will do to you?" I whispered huskily, and noticed his eyes darken; he tried very hard to control himself as I trailed my hand lower, brushing against him.

"You play a dangerous game, Gwin," he murmured against my lips, grasping my wrist gently to put a stop to my teasing.

"What can I say, I like to live dangerously," I breathed, taking his bottom lip between mine and biting it gently. He groaned, and I smirked a little. "Besides, you started it."

He took some deep, shuddering breaths to try and calm himself, before sitting up and settling me with my back to his front, with his legs on either side of mine and his arms wrapped securely around my torso. I sighed softly, knowing that there would be no more 'funny business', but relaxed against him and placed my hands over his.

Some unspecified time later, the twins awakened and wandered outside to inquire if there was any food left. They looked at the two of us with blank expressions, but Elladan couldn't quite manage it and smirked a little as they left. I rolled my eyes while Candaith chuckled.

After a simple meal of some bread, fruit, and cheese, we were given some basic supplies. The Huntsman said farewell personally.

"I do not know how to express my gratitude adequately," I said earnestly. "We owe you more than we can ever repay."

He smiled warmly, "You owe me nothing. We are always willing to aid those in need, however we may." He came a little closer. "The Valar impressed upon me that you have much to do, and many wrongs to right. I could not in good conscience allow you or your loved ones to suffer." He took my hand in his, "Go with the blessings of Oromë and myself."

"Our blessings too!" an excited Arrasiel chimed in. The other three women looked at her with some exasperation, but nodded in agreement.

Lavaneth came forward. "I will escort you to the lake outside your camp." With one last beautiful smile, she turned into the majestic, silver stag we had first come to know.

We looked at Munfaeril uncertainly, and with a tinkling laugh, she said, "Place an arm somewhere around her body or neck, and hold on tight. Keep your eyes closed."

The four of us looked at each other, and got into position. Candaith had an arm securely around my waist, and I knew he would not let me go until we were safely on the other side of Enedwaith.

The last thing I saw was the warm expression of the Huntsman before the familiar whoosh and crackling of magic in the air. My eyes were closed, but I knew we had reached our destination at the excited shout of someone and the pebbles beneath my knees.

My eyes fluttered open for just a moment before I was barreled into by someone. "You're back! You're alive!" It was Radanir, and he picked me up by the waist and swung me around.

"Radanir, put me down!" I cried laughingly. "You're making me dizzy, mellon nin." It was true, as the journey had disoriented me a little.

He slowly set me down and grinned, putting a hand on my cheek before pulling me into a hug. "I am glad you are safe," he murmured.

I heard someone clear their throat, and Radanir stiffened and abruptly moved away from me. I tried not to giggle as he gave a wary look to a stoic Candaith. "Ah, you're back…and alive." I noted with amusement that he had used almost the same words to greet Candaith as he had to greet me. His eyes then brightened in delight, and Candaith's serious expression melted into a genuine smile. They clasped shoulders in the warrior fashion, and Radanir excitedly greeted the twins. "Elrohir, I am glad to see you much improved."

Elrohir nodded, "Hannon le, mellon nin." I noted he still looked fatigued, and Elladan gently turned him towards the camp and put his arm around his brother's shoulders as they walked. I smiled at the sight.

During this time, I had not noticed Candaith pulling Radanir aside until I turned back around. A serious conversation was taking place, and I raised an eyebrow. Clearly Candaith was putting Radanir in his place. Part of me felt a little bad; Radanir was just being a friend to me, and Candaith got the wrong idea. However, it was inevitable, due to Candaith's jealous streak. Radanir looked solemn, which was a very odd expression to see on his usually smiling face. After a short time, Radanir nodded, and Candaith clasped his shoulder before they both turned and noticed me watching. I smirked, and was amused to see their cheeks redden, but did not comment.

Radanir went back to man his post on watch, and Candaith and I slowly wandered towards camp. He had his arm around my waist, perhaps a little possessively, but I refrained from rolling my eyes. Men.

I smiled as the tents came into sight, and knew things would be well.

Whew, everyone has returned to camp, and Candaith reacts to Radanir's friendly behavior in a predictable fashion. However, there are no hard feelings between the two, so no worries about that! I hope you enjoyed the chapter; there will be one more before what I consider 'book one' to be completed. Chapter 86 will begin the next portion of their story. Leave a review if you have a moment!