Finally, after hours of trudging through the forest, we make it through the clearing.
"Look," Legolas points towards the large white stone fortress that stands out among the barren grasslands surrounding the kingdom. "We have arrived at Gondor. We must make haste if we want to make it to the gates by sundown."
I nod in approval. We quicken our pace and make our way across the tall grass. A breeze began to pick up, sweeping the grass like ocean waves.
"The wind. It makes the grass look like an ocean." I smile.
Legolas glances around, scanning the land around us, and agrees, "You're right, my love. It does."
He puts an arm over my shoulder. We continue on, the breeze twisting through our hair. I scan the sky and the sun is lowering in the pale blue expanse. I see faint pink lining the thin clouds along the horizon. As the sun begins to set, we are close enough to the fortress that it is almost my entire field of vision. We stop for a moment to take in what is around us.
"We're almost there." I sigh.
"Finally," He adds lightly, "It's been too long of a journey. Mirkwood needs our aide now. It's already been long enough. Who knows what became of the kingdom..."
Concern crosses his face. "If only I knew my father was okay... If only I could see him one last time."
"I'm sorry, dear." I pause, frowning, "I wish I could do something." I lean on his shoulder, closing my eyes. My heart is heavy for him. I know how much pain his heart demands to be felt, and I know it's killing him slowly inside. He relaxes a little, and sighs deeply.
"Well, we best be going. I am sure if Aragorn has heard any word of what has happened, he will be anxious for our arrival."
----
As we approach the gates, we are greeted warmly.
"Legolas!" Aragorn comes with outstretched arms. He embraces him tightly. Then he smiles widely, "what brings you here, old friend?"
"Well... I... My father..."
His smile fades, and he furrows his brow, "Ah, yes it is as I feared. I have heard the word, Legolas. Several of your people fled here and explained to us what has occurred.... Im goheno nin, Legolas."
Legolas looks down, and mutters a reply so softly I cannot make it out.
"Come, my lady." Aragorn motions to me. "I am sure you need your rest."
"Le fael, hîr vuin," I bow.
"You are most welcome."
Legolas takes my hand and Aragorn leads us up the winding staircases, all the way to his castle.
"Legolas. Tûrwethiel. This is where you may stay. It is the best room I have to offer. I promise you both that as soon as you wake, we will speak about the arrangements we have made for a rescue plan. Trust me, your people are in good hands. I will not bother you any further tonight, please get some rest. I am sure you both need it. Good night my friends. Sleep well."
Aragorn turns to leave, and as he shuts the door, Legolas says, "Aragorn?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. You do not know how much I appreciate your help."
"Of course, my friend." He smiles, "get some rest."
"We will, my lord."
The door clicks shut and Legolas instantly relaxes into a soft chair, resting his elbows on his knees, cradling his head in his hands. I step over to the enormous window that takes up and entire wall. I pull the drapes shut, and the room is instantly plunged in darkness. I pick up a few candles off the table and light them with a match. I wave it out, and slowly walk over to him. I sit as quietly as I can next to him, and he raises his face to mine.
"My love, you need to relax. It'll all be alright."
He gives me a sad smile, and let's me take his bow and his quiver and rest them on the table. I take my own weapons and lay them across the oak coffee table.
"I am just worried about my father."
"I know. I worry for him too." I rest my hand over his, and gaze into his blue eyes. They glitter like crystals in the flickering candle light.
I lean closer to him, and he looks from my eyes down to our hands. I lean closer, and his other hand glides to my side. He kisses me ever so softly, and then we gaze a long time into each other's eyes. He finally rests his forehead against my own.
He whispers, "We best be getting our sleep, my darling. We have quite the day ahead of us."
"Alright." I reply softly.
A soft knock comes on the door, and Legolas calls out, "Come in!"
"My lord," A young woman says, "Lord Aragorn had me bring you and your lady these."
She nods to a green silk gown and a silver silk set of clothes she has folded over her arm.
"Thank you." I reply. I take the clothes from her and she smiles, then closes the door behind her as she exits.
"Aragorn sent us some clothes for sleeping." I hand him the silvery tunic and pants.
"Thank you."
I smile, and whisper, "I'm going to get dressed and I'll come back in a few moments so we can sleep."
"Alright dear, don't feel like you have to rush."
"Alright."
I step away into the parlor off the side of the room, and slip off my boots, and unlace my bracers and vest, and slip out of my dress. I slip the green silk gown over my head and lace the cord in the back and tie it in a neat knot. I glance at my reflection in the mirror for a few seconds. Reddened scratches cross my cheeks and brow, and purple bruise is fading on my brow bone. I see that my hair is tangled from the wind as well. I take some water from the basin and splash it over my face, and then pat it dry with a clean cloth that is draped over the rod in the wall. Afterwards, I pick up a bristly hair brush and pass it through my auburn locks. Once it is presentable, I smooth the front of the gown and step back into our quarters.
"You look wonderful." Legolas manages a smile.
"Thank you," I grin, "you look comfortable." I laugh lightly.
"I am." He blows out the candles. He then steps closer to me, wrapping his arms around me. I wrap mine up over his shoulders. I kiss him softly. He intensifies our embrace. He kisses me a little harder and I run my fingers through his smooth blond hair.
"Le melin..." I whisper.
"I love you more, Tûrwethiel."
I kiss him back, passionately as I can despite how tired and useless I feel.
"It's getting late. We should rest..." I mumble.
He leads me silently to the bed. It is like a dream. The covers thick and plush, I am relieved for something as good as this. It is such a comfort after sleeping in forests and boats, and in uncomfortable positions for so long. The sheets are warm and soft, I let my body sink into the soft bedding as I curl up on my side. Legolas climbs in next to me, we entwine our bodies, keeping each other safe and warm in the darkness. I smile against his warmth. I love him so much, I would be nothing but lost and lonely without him. I will love him as long as I live. Slowly, we drift off to sleep, our heartbeats keeping in time with each other's until our dreams take over all of our waking thoughts.