"Finrod." Amarië turned and looked over her shoulder at him as he picked his way gingerly through the bracken. 

"I'm coming, Amarië, just be patient--" he broke off to unsnag his tunic that had caught on a thorn branch. Having freed himself, he hurried to her side as they continued to walk through the woods. 

"Finrod, will you take me to the festival in Tirion?"

"What festival?" He knew, but was asking all the same. He would never tire of hearing her sweet voice in his ears. 

"The song and dance festival. They say Varda herself will be there. And I wish to go, but I cannot go unaccompanied."

Finrod blinked, thinking of an answer. 

"Please?" she begged, taking hold of his hand and standing in front of him. 

"On three conditions."

"Three?" she asked in confusion. 

"Aye. Three. First, you will go as my companion and won't leave my side; I shan't wish to lose you in the crowd. Second, you must hold your peace during the singing--"

"Finrod! You know I'm more quieter than you in that respect!" 

"--Just a jest, Amarië."

"What is the third condition?" she asked after a pause. 

"The third, yes..." He looked at her with a twinkle in his eye. 

"Well?"

He bent down and snatched a kiss from her before running off, leaving her to chase him indignant. 

"Finrod!"

"What? I know you don't mind." 

"That gives you no excuse."

"Fine, I shan't do it again." He feigned walking away, but she stopped him.

"Finrod," her voice was so soft. "Please, don't." 

He turned and smiled. "As you wish."

She stood up on her toes and kissed him back.

Then a cold wind blew and the scene changed drastically. 

Finrod pushed the happy memory away from his mind as he struggled through the sleety winds of the Helecarxë, tears rolling down his face. Those times were over. He would never see Amarië again. 

'If only we had not rebelled! If only we had not chosen exile! If only we could reverse time--then I would not have to be apart from her...'

The wind moaned in cold mockery to his words.

Finrod opened his eyes with a start and blinked rapidly, trying to regain his bearings. 

Amarië was sleeping peacefully, her hand still gripping his. The grey light of early dawn was spilling among the cracks of the closed window. He had no idea how he would explain himself being there without people thinking ill of them both despite the truth. 

Carefully removing her small fingers from around his wrist, Finrod slipped out of her room and returned to his own, laying back down on his bed and attempting to get some more sleep before the sun broke over Nargothrond, its golden rays shining down the shafts built in the underground city to allow the light in.

But sleep did not come. 

Only the dream he had had replayed itself in his mind. Indeed, the sorrow he had experienced then was nothing to be compared to the joy he had now, reunited and soon to be married to the love of his life. Morgoth's threat echoed in his mind and he pushed it away. Surely the Valar would not take away from him the only thing he had left! 

"Amarië, my Elthríel, starlight. I promise I will not let him win against us," he whispered softly into the still air. 

Then he turned over and slept. 

Amarië woke to the warm sunlight shining on her bed. She sat up, rubbing her temples, as slowly the events of the night before came back to her. Finrod was no longer there; she supposed he had returned to his room. A wise choice, she concluded. 

She rose and dressed, but remained in her room until she heard others stirring. 

Meanwhile, she softly hummed a song her mother had sung. She couldn't remember all the words, but the gentle melody was soothing. After Morgoth's threat, she longed for something calming to push it away. 

Then she heard a knock at her door. 

Rising, she opened it and slipped out. "Finrod?" she asked quietly, so as to not wake anyone else up. 

"Amarië, come with me." 

He led her through the empty corridors and to one of the gardened courtyards. He sat down on one of the cold, marble benches, and gestured for her to sit next to him. 

"Did you sleep well, after your dreams?"

She nodded. "They were peaceful after that." She glanced up at him. "But what does it all mean? Does he really have that power?"

Finrod glanced away, his face gravely sad. "His hand has not shortened over the years, rather the contrary. I don't know what he will do. I cannot foresee the future. But I do know one thing." He took her small, fragile hand in his strong one. "I will not let him succeed if I can help it." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I love you, Amarië."

A faint smile crossed her face. "I love you too, Finrod Felagund."

"Did I tell you my sister will be here, when we wed?"

"Will she come, truly?" her face lit up. 

"Aye, I sent word to her yesterday. Amtharel will be leaving for Menegroth with her when it is all done."

"Out of jealousy?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. But at least she will no longer pose a nuisance to you." Finrod smiled. "I never thought, after we had arrived in Middle-earth, that I would ever be as happy as in the days of Valinor. You have proved me wrong."

"Are these days as happy as in Valinor, long ago? To me they do not seem so. Happy they are, but there is always a sadness about them."

"Aye. I don't think such joy is to be ours again--not like it used to be. Even if the same measure of happiness was to be had, there would always be that sadness, that tone of regret. But it is better than nothing."

She smiled. "Indeed so."

He rose to his feet and held out his hand to her. "Come, soon we will be wed, but meanwhile, let us go. 'Twill be time to break our fast." 

Who's all ready for a wedding? :) What did you think of the flashback/dream? It's been awhile since I had one of those in here. 

I hope you are enjoying this so far! Please leave a vote and a comment if you are!

~ Gwynnedd

P.S. Isn't this art of Varda so beautiful?