A/N since this is a part 2, this is not r-rated. Just thought you should know.

Seasons passed with no words received, no messages conveyed. All I had was a ring hidden from sight beneath layers of clothes. A ring I should have worn proudly on my finger but that dangled from a thin golden chain around my neck. I had read the words inscribed over and over again on nights when my body craved the memory of his touch. I read them again when guilt washed over me like freezing rain.

The pressure of finding love did not lessen despite the promise made. Taurel's mate had gone to great lengths, shoving females in my way that only furthered my sense of guilt. After a night of forbidden passion, I appeared ruined, or perhaps I had been from the start--only unknowing of my weakness. 

It sounded terribly wrong to call the feelings I had for a weakness, but how else could I describe them? Our brief encounter could never be spoken of, never heard, never seen. Nywendor's name, when spoken aloud, would always mar my heart, but I could never react. 

"You are lost in your thoughts again." Eurin smiled, giving me an apple from the orchard. It was bright red, depicting the fiery passion of a night I had better forget before the day was over. A full year had passed, and celebrations were due once more. Tomorrow evening, the village would hold court for those who blessed us with their presence each year. 

"I believe I am," I replied, attempting a smile in return. Eurin deserved any kindness I could bestow. She deserved more than that, but at least I had been able to dissuade her careful wooing over the months since my life took an unexpected direction. 

"Will you ever tell me what is wrong?" she asked.

"It is unlikely. Forgive me." I longed to open the barriers and share my fears and doubts, but it would not be fair on my dear friend to place such burdens on her shoulders. If her smile faltered, even for a second, I would blame myself even more than I already did for rejecting her affections. 

"Will you help me with the flowers tomorrow?" 

"I have not forgotten my debt from last year. I will help you." It was time to forget and make up for the promises I never fulfilled. 

"Then I shall leave you to your thinking." Eurin placed her hand on my shoulder in parting, leaving me to stand alone by the cliff overlooking the landscape below. Mountain tops towered in the distance, covered in layers of snow that never thawed even on the warmest days. My parents had fought and died beyond those mountains, far away from home. 

Promises. 

My fingers found the ring, clasping it tightly and breaking the fragile chain with a swift tug. It seemed to burn in my palm, heavier than its size called for. What did a promise mean? Nothing. 

Every day, I had waited for him to send word. Something. Anything. None came, and here I stood, at a precipice, regretting months lost and a frayed heart. It would be easier to forget if not for the ring. A simple thing, easily thrown away. I let it dangle over the edge, the chain barely held with reluctant fingers. 

One day, and then I would know for certain. One look, and I could let the memories rest forever behind the walls I had created for secrecy. 

I gripped the ring, breathing slow as I slipped it on my finger--the place where it belonged. Clouds shifted in the sky, revealing a warm sun; the light cascading down to where I stood. Months ago, I would have revelled in the warmth, thinking that it was a sign from mother nature that she bestowed her blessing on our union. These days, I saw the signs for what they were--occurrences of no importance. 

Footsteps sounding through the forest behind me forced the ring off my finger and into the depth of my pocket. 

No one appeared, yet, I was reminded that it was time for me to head back lest someone should catch me dreaming too vividly. Taurel had gifts that made her dangerous, and likely, she was not the only one who could glimpse thoughts when they were spoken too loud. With steps heavy and unwilling, I returned to the village, hoping that I could find a way to make myself useful without others close to watch over my every move. 

------

The dreaded day began with a rush of heat and a cold awakening to a reality where I remained alone. His touch had been firm but gentle, movements perfected during nights upon nights together. Illusions. Dreams holding me hostage. They were bittersweet, giving me a taste of what I had lost.

Children dashed among the trees, excited for the celebrations just like everyone else, everyone but I. Neglected, hopeful parts of my soul thrived with the knowledge that I would lay my eyes on him tonight, but they had been drowned by reality long ago, fading to faint whispers barely heard. This day was not about rekindling desires. 

"There you are." Eurin approached, flowers already woven into her soft hair. She placed a blue forget-me-not behind my ear.  Ironic, I thought, hoping that she wouldn't make me wear it throughout the night. 

"Thank you." 

She graced me with one of her kind smiles. "We have to gather wild flowers in the meadow. The children will help us, I'm sure." As if they heard her call, several of the young elves gathered around us.  Looks were deceiving. None of them was born less than a decade apart, but they all appeared to be of similar age--to human eyes at least. 

Gathering flowers was a task requiring only minor focus, leaving me ample enough opportunity for stray thoughts and wayward day-dreams. The ring hung heavy around my neck as if it asserted its claim, never allowing me to forget him completely. It was possible that he was pulling at me from afar through the ring. No one knew the full extent of the gifts wielded by the Eldafyr, but rumors were plentiful. During long nights, I had wondered and hoped of his presence carried within the ring, but I let that thought go when I recalled that he would have felt my distress and acted on the calling for him to take me away and relieve my worries. 

Eurin approached, holding a basket of flowers similar to the one I carried. She blushed, something not commonly seen on an elf, and I was afraid she might renew her wooing. She did not. 

"I think it is time for me to look beyond our village," she said, surprising me with her honesty. 

"What brought this on?" It was not very common to seek a partner from another group, partly because elves lived long lives and years of separation from the society you grew up within was a hardship too heavy for most. 

"I believe I am too picky." She blushed again. 

"Do you have your sight set on someone?" It was the most logical reason, unless she was also pressured from the elders about her lack of a partner. 

"Perhaps. You must think me silly. I saw him a year ago, and I find myself longing for nightfall, hoping that he will talk with me as he did one year ago."

"May I ask his name?" It was a case of mild curiosity of a caring friend, but her reply left me breathless. 

"Nywendor of Eldafyr." 

"How?" I asked the question before I could rein it in. 

She let out a soft laughter. "We spoke. He was very kind and attentive. Asked me questions and so forth. He never talks to anyone like that, Taurel told me after he left." 

I had so many questions swirling inside my mind, but the one that left my mind was, "Do you know if he will attend tonight?" I palmed my chest, feeling the ridges of the ring beneath. 

"Taurel told me that he replied to their invitation." The smile she wore shattered my heart into tiny pieces with sharp edges burning inside where they struck. 

"What questions did he ask?" 

Eurin frowned, clearly surprised by the odd inquiry. "Plenty of things. Why are you asking?" 

I tried to come up with a passable lie. "I care about your well-being. He is imposing." 

Another blush tinted her cheeks with a soft pink. "I don't know about imposing. He was very obliging."

I left it at that, not wanting to prolong my agony with more questions or answers that I wished I never heard. 

An hour later, we gathered our baskets brimming with flowers and returned to the village. Preparations were underway and we helped where we could. Taurel came to fetch Eurin before we were done, leaving me to finish the arrangements with a mind that too often wandered toward unhappiness. 

Listening in on a conversation only made it worse. Two of Eurin's friends giggled and spoke of the clothing Taurel wanted Eurin to wear tonight. Clearly, Eurin was being prepared in what opulence our village held from years of wealth. She was to win a heart tonight, a heart already promised to me. 

I finished the last flower arrangement in haste, wishing to be far away and find some peace before the other elves arrived. However, peace never reached me. An hour later, I was still debating what to wear and how to braid my hair. It was required of me to wear clothes meant for celebration, but those I had would show the chain and ring around my neck. It was a difficult decision to leave it behind, but one I had to make to not anger my extended family. 

Dressed in dark green silk, I stole a last glance at myself in the mirror and suddenly arrived at a solution. I took the ring from the night stand where he once had left it, weaving it into one of my braids. The gold gleamed, barely visible, but it was enough for me. No one would suspect it to be a ring of promise, only jewellery to signify the importance of Freden. 

-------

The Eldafyr arrived late, causing more of a stir than usual within our village as they stepped out into the clearing. It seemed as if everyone knew of Eurin's hope for an exchange of promises, or at least a conversation. If she was right, the entire village would be honored upon receiving such a connection with the powerful Eldafyr, with their leader no less. 

Nywendor stood as tall as I remembered him, wearing an expression of indifference. He was stunning beneath the moonlight, something that failed to lessen the ache in my chest. 

I tore my gaze away from his steel gray eyes that never looked my way, and stepped further into the shadows. This year, I had a chance of getting away from those who watched my comings and goings since everyone was preoccupied with gossip about the two prospective partners. 

However, I could not make myself leave as Taurel approached the Eldafyr with Eurin at her side. True to her word, Taurel had dressed Eurin in a remarkable outfit, deep red as the apple Eurin gave me the day before, red like passion. 

Nywendor greeted them both but offered no smile or gesture of intimacy. Instead, he moved on from them as soon as custom allowed him, greeting others who came to offer their long-winded songs of praise for the male they thought above them. It was a strange circus, but hierarchy among the different groups of elves was important. The Eldafyr descended from Eld, and hence they held the coveted position as leaders among leaders.

A hand landed on my shoulder. "You will not leave tonight, Ailen." Taurel's mate stood beside me, looking grave and displeased. 

I bowed my head. "I will not." 

"Good. This night is about joy and pleasure. Make use of it and drop that sad shadow you carry." He pushed me forward, not enough to make me fall but enough to convey how serious he was. 

He left me when I joined a group of elves from a nearby forest. I recognized their faces, and they quickly included me in their conversation. For the first time since Eurin told me of her hopes, I didn't hear any vague undertones of the tale of Nywendor and Eurin. It appeared it was of little importance to them, or they simply had not heard of it yet. 

They kept me occupied for an hour, during which I prevented myself from seeking out the only one whose company I truly wanted. It was harder than I thought, regardless of the knowledge that he likely wanted nothing to do with me. The night we shared a full year ago was not of importance to him, clearly. 

However, when my attention strayed, I caught Taurel and Nywendor leaning in to talk. Perhaps his intentions with Eurin were honest, after all. What other reason could they have to talk in whispers? 

Taurel nodded with a smile and turned her head, not stopping until she caught me staring. She waved at me, calling for me to approach. Nywendor's gaze shifted to me, reminding me of the stolen looks from last year. It couldn't be. He meant nothing with it. 

The emotions warring inside of me as I began to walk could not be put in words. I had no way of describing them, I could merely feel. Closing my hands behind my back, I raised my chin and hoped that I could feign the confidence I did not possess. 

"Ailen," Taurel said as I arrived. "Nywendor of Eldafyr asks you to join them as they part from us this night." I could hear the astonishment in her voice. "You are to be a companion to his ward. It is a great honor, Ailen." She leaned closer, whispering, "I did not know he had a ward, but he speaks of her beauty. This is your chance. This is why you have waited." 

I could hardly breathe. How could he? Custom dictated my response, however. "I am honored, Nywendor of Eldafyr." I wanted to form the words of a respectful decline, but as I saw a faint smile dance over his lips, I realized that I would do anything to be by his side, whether it was as a companion to a ward I had never met or something else. "I will be ready to leave with you." 

"See that you are, Ailen son of Faulon," he replied, his mask of indifference steady on his face, but his voice carried veiled passion--or was it just my imagination. I heard the voice of the male who had made love to me, searing my soul with his. My treacherous hand found the braid with the ring, clasping around the metal that seemed to burn and pulse. I gasped and let go, catching another hidden smile before Nywendor backed away and disappeared into the crowd. 

Taurel touched my arm. "I did not know you were acquainted."

"I am not sure we are." It was a strange lie, but the only one I could muster to voice when my mind still lingered on what had transpired between us while Taurel stood by our side. 

"You must be since I did not give him your full name."

He remembered, was all I thought as I made a short bow and excused myself. I needed time to sort through the strangeness. 

------

No one disturbed me while I gathered my belongings, only bringing the items I couldn't bare to live without and some clothes. It was a long journey to the ancient forest of Eld, and I was certain that they traveled at a pace much faster than what I was accustomed to. Carrying light would be important if I wanted to keep up. 

I changed into garb more suited for traveling and sat down on my bed, taking a few moments to breathe before I met my unknown fate. Joining them as a companion to his ward was indeed an honor, but a dubious one for someone who dreamed of nights such as the one I was granted once--and only once. I wanted Nywendor, despite the guilt surrounding such a forbidden union. 

A brief knock on my door sent my heart into stutters, afraid but eager to see who stood on the other side. 

I opened and deflated. "Eurin." She was fighting tears. "What happened?"

"I do not wish to speak of it. I was sent here to ask that you join them. They are leaving." 

Her situation needed no further explanation. She had been rejected. "I am very sorry, Eurin." I was sorry for her sake, but while my heart wept for her, it rejoiced in the revelation that Nywendor remained unattached. 

"I hope you find his ward to be of your liking." She tried to sound brave, but her sadness dampened the words. 

I embraced her, something I had never done before. "You will find love, Eurin. You deserve it." 

Her arms circled around me, and I felt cold tears landing on my shoulder. "Thank you."

The festivities still carried on in full as I returned, but the Eldafyr stood together, waiting to depart. Nywendor was yet again talking to Taurel. I approached and bowed. "Forgive my tardiness."

For the first time in my life, Taurel bowed her head to me. "Take care, Ailen. We are sad to see you leave but convinced you will find the forest of Eld to your liking." 

I did not know how to reply, never liking the strange sense of parting. "We will meet again," I said instead. 

She smiled and agreed with a nod. "Off you go. Try to find happiness." 

I gulped at her words, wondering if she knew how those words could be interpreted in a mind such as mine. If she knew our story, she would have given me words of caution, or not let me go at all. 

I looked back at the village, wondering if they would miss my presence. Probably not since I was a sad reminder of the friends they had lost. I sighed and shook my head. They would not miss me, and I would not miss them. I was ready to move on and find life somewhere else where I was more than a burden to carry. 

Nywendor's hand landed on the small of my back, sending a shockwave of heat along my spine as he steered me out of the village, not saying a word to ease my nerves. He let the others lead the way, lingering a brief moment in the darkness away from the festivities. With the Eldafyrs in front and the others behind, he turned toward me and let his fingers brush my braid and the ring. "I believe we have waited long enough," he said, moving his fingers to his lips as if giving me the kiss he dared not give when others could be watching from afar. 

"Let's go," he continued, calling me toward a life I never thought possible. 

Incapable of keeping myself in check, I let my hand brush against his. It was only once, but it was enough. He had not forgotten about me, after all.