Legolas took her hand and gently drew her to her feet. “Come. We must give my father this news. He will be overjoyed.” His boyish grin set her
heart aflutter, and she laughed. “But, Legolas! Your father already knows!” she said, as he spun her around and tugged her into his embrace.
“Then he shall be all the more overjoyed now that he is certain his son shall live long enough to see the day!”

He kissed her once more, and led her through the thick double doors. Outside, his father waited, along with two attendants. Haldir stood nearby,
a grim expression upon his noble face. There was such an absence of hope on the face of his father that it contrasted with the stoic assurance of
his friend’s countenance.

“And to think I’d thought my kin would be overjoyed at my recovery,” Legolas said loudly, grinning as all the heads in the room jerked toward him.

Thranduil blinked rapidly, but not before Legolas saw the telling glint of moisture in his father’s eyes. Moved, Legolas reached out to him, and
father and son shared an embrace that required no words. Haldir clasped his arm and smiled his pleasure. “It is good to see you once again, my
friend,” he said, though his eyes belied his true message. *There are things we must speak on, and things you need to learn. But later, for the
present is good for naught but celebration.*

“I have been told you have already been introduced to my betrothed,” Legolas said happily, drawing Coralynne up beside him and interlacing his
fingers with her own.

“We have not been properly introduced, my son,” the elder Elf said, taking in the lovely picture the two made together. Legolas introduced them
properly and explained, in short terms, the nature of their meeting, and how their friendship turned to love. He spoke without remorse, and
Coralynne once again was reminded how much of the race of Men was still left in her, though her blood be pure once more. Perhaps she would
never be completely belonging to one race or the other. Perhaps that was why she and Lord Elrond…

Oh, no… She nearly covered her mouth in shock. Legolas must be told of their encounter. She could not deceive him so, and he deserved the right
to make his decision based upon that. What had she done…?

“Come, beloved, you must be exhausted. I will show you to your rooms,” Legolas said, bidding his father good evening as dinner had already been
served. “Perdhan, please have some food sent to my rooms, and see that Haldir is well taken care of. I shall speak with you soon, my friend,”
Legolas said. “Until then, I ask that you rest. You are not as young as you used to be,” he said with a smirk, and ducked around the corner before
giving the mock-enraged Haldir a chance to respond.

Coralynne could hardly keep her heart from leaping from her chest. Through the splendorous halls and out through a lavish courtyard she could
not find her tongue, and so remained silent until they were safely inside the confines of Legolas’ private quarters. “Love,” she said, her voice
quavering, “is it not customary to show me to my separate chamber until our wedding day?” Somehow she managed a slight smile despite her
fear.

Legolas, however, sensed her discomfiture. “What is it? What is wrong? You seem distraught. Please,” he added softly when she turned her head
away from him. “Whatever has gone amiss, I pray thee, say it now. There is not enough ill news to cover my singing spirits. So, love, please…what
is troubling you?”

Coralynne glanced at his face, and into the silky depths of his eyes, and nearly choked on a wave of guilt. “I have…done something terrible,” she
said, hanging her head. “I was upset. But that is no excuse. When I reached Rivendell and Lord Elrond said you had hurriedly gone without a
word, only days after receiving word of my visit, I did not know what to think. All I could see was Lanat gone, and my parents gone, everything I’d
ever loved gone…”

Legolas didn’t like where this was leading. In his heart he felt a tug of jealousy, but ignored it. She would explain what had happened, and until
then his full attention was of utmost importance.

“I…I shared a kiss with Lord Elrond. Two, actually. It started out innocently enough. I saw you in my dreams,” she said, remembering the cruel
words he hadn’t actually spoken. “You told me that you never loved me, that I was a mistake you didn’t intend to make once more…I was so
afraid, and so upset. My head began to ache, and Lord Elrond healed me. But when he did I saw so many things… things he never intended me to
see. He does love me, Legolas. And I thought you did not.” She took a deep breath and gazed at the beautiful bracelet on her wrist. “I do not
deserve your love… This, I expect, you will be wanting back,” she said, beginning to slip the armlet off.

Legolas’ hand snaked out and gripped her own, stilling the movement. There was a flash of anger there, and then pain. She knew she had hurt
him, and that he couldn’t possibly trust her now. “That bracelet was not a token of an exchange of love,” he said fiercely, his voice encased in hard
steel. “Do not think to return it to me upon these spoken words. Did you not love me, or did you doubt my love for you?” he demanded, standing
before her, his hands clenched at his sides.

“Two years, Legolas,” Coralynne retorted, standing as well. Her fiery green eyes sparked and flamed at him, and he was shocked at the intensity
in their depths. “Two years with no word. Not if you lived or died, not that you still loved me or thought of me. But I thought of you every day.
Every single day I spent in Lorien, with no one to chase away my fears of the dark shadows and the things that lurk therein. I was alone, Legolas,
though Haldir guarded me and became my sole confidant when the dark seemed to close in. Where were you during those darkened days? Where
were you…?” she said, her anger making her voice a low growl.

Legolas’ eyes darkened with anger, and a fierce pride in her willingness to stand up to him. Yet she was right. He wanted so much to hurt her as
he was then. But, he thought to himself, I already have. I already have. “Love cannot be questioned, Coralynne. If it is true, then it survives, no
matter what grief it may cause.” His words were intensely spoken, his quiet voice not masking the thread of tension that was wound tautly
throughout his body.

“Then prove it,” she demanded, brushing her fingertips from his temple to his chin. “Prove it.”

Legolas’ eyebrows went up slightly at her sudden change of interests. One moment she was intent upon fighting him, and the next she was nearly
asking him to… “You leave me no choice, Lady,” he said, taking her wrists and pulling her near. He whispered sweet phrases in his Sindarin
language into the delicate softness of her Elfin ears, trailed his fingertips over the peaks and planes of her lovely face while his lips discovered the
sweet skin above her right ear.

He drew her along with him until he bumped into the edge of his bed, the thick mattress rustling along the backs of his thighs. Silken coverlets
shimmered behind him, and gently he sat, drawing Coralynne onto his lap. He kissed her, and this time held nothing back of himself. He showed
her with that kiss everything he was feeling, and everything he had ever felt, or would feel again.

Helpless, Coralynne slipped a hand up to thread it through his hair, gripped his shoulder with the other. Here at last was the passion she had
longed for through the endless days prior. Fire and ice he was, teasing her and taking her mouth with the surety of one who knows what he is
doing. After all, she remembered with a shiver, they had done this once before.

Yet it had been different. Legolas had been so tender with her, so slow and easy. There had been none of the breath-robbing kisses that he
wreaked upon her now, making her clench her toes in delight.

“Love,” he whispered, a smile upon her face. “Tell me he did not kiss you like that.”

Coralynne drew back, shocked. “No,” she said truthfully. “Never like that. Legolas…please. I am sorry. Can you ever forgive me my foolishness?”

“No,” Legolas said. When Coralynne’s eyes jerked up toward him, and she nodded miserably, accepting the punishment she had earned, he
smiled. “I cannot forgive you because I have already done so in my heart. It hurts me, but it is not completely your fault, either. Galadriel’s words
had much of an impression upon me, and I did not wish to disturb you during your stay. But now I realize I should have done so frequently and
with many words. There is so much I wanted to say to you, and I truly thought of you every single day…”

“As did I, my Prince,” Coralynne said, resting her forehead against his strong chin. Moments later she met his eyes once more. And, their eyes
communicating as their lips never could, she kissed him. A song floated on the air through the open windows of the palace, and they smiled
against each other’s lips. Arms wrapped about the other, they sat thus for some time, simply enjoying the feel of being in one another’s presence
again.

The sun had dipped completely beyond the horizon when next they stirred. Legolas stood first and Coralynne followed, stepping past him to gaze
out the windows over the beautiful forest line that bordered their grand home. Behind her, Legolas came to stand, draping his arms lightly about
her waist and resting his chin in the hollow where her neck joined her shoulders. “You know,” he said, “we haven’t picked out a date for our
wedding yet.”

Coralynne laughed. “A few moments ago I wasn’t certain there would still be a wedding.” She sighed. “Perhaps before the end of this season…
before the cold comes and steals away the blooms of the flowers.”

“You would be married so soon?” he teased.

“I would be married this instant were it possible. And do not tease me, for your eyes betray the same desire.”

“My eyes may betray one desire, love, but the others you have yet to see.” Passion once again flared in his gray eyes.

“Legolas, we should not… We must maintain a distance until that day. It…it is what is proper…” Her feeble and half-hearted protests merely elicited
a raised eyebrow from her intended. “Alas, Lady, you are giving into the ways of Men once more. Our kind look on loving in a completely different
light than they. It is precious and sacred, something given and taken freely by those in love. There are no regulations upon its color, or shape, or
even duration.” He winked at her, and she stifled a grin at his grandiose words.

“Alright, you’ve made your point,” she said, blushing. Straightening before him, she managed to speak steadily despite her words. “Legolas,” she
whispered, sliding her hands up his chest. “Since you have so potently influenced me with your heart-felt words, I feel the need to correct my
mistake.” Ever so slowly she slid her hands up to the base of his throat, and placed a soft kiss to the heated skin there. There was shiver, but she
could not be certain if it came from him or herself.

“Lie back,” she ordered softly, and Legolas complied, even if he was a mite baffled at her assumption of control. Her gentle fingertips left tiny licks
of flame on whatever path they took. She reached the ridge of the first bandage and lifted it gingerly, sighing her relief when she encountered a
well-closed wound. Each bandage she removed and placed on the table near the bed, satisfied that he was healing rapidly, even for Elves, and
would not likely injure himself further by- she blushed, and continued on her way.

Free to look at him now at her will, she took in the pale expanse of his lithe frame. Lean muscles roped their way about his abdomen and chest,
snaking up his bow-strengthened arms, and down his back. Despite his thin appearance there was no mistaking the power in him, and she nearly
shivered to be so close.

Legolas was torn with indecision. He badly wanted to pull her to him and kiss her once more, and the other part wished that she would continue
touching him. While his mind and body fought, his heart won the battle.

Ever so gently he took her hands from his body and stood, drew her around with him to his side of the bed, helping her up onto the large soft
expanse of mattress. He followed her, intense passion blazing in his eyes. Sitting beside her, he took in her appearance for the first time. Her
clothing was soiled and a bit worn from their long journey. Dark circles rimmed her lovely eyes, despite the energy she’d shown him when scolding
him earlier. Legolas nearly chuckled at the memory of her standing toe to toe with him, giving as good as she got. It had been quite a surprise, for
he’d never seen that side of her before.

He liked it.

“Love,” he said, kissing her cheeks. “You are exhausted. I can read it clearly on your face. Come, I will lead you to the bathing pool.” He smiled and
held out his hand, and reluctantly did she take it. Bathing did not sound nearly as wonderful as being with him, but it would come in a close
second.

He led her through his room to a small alcove that opened up into a room, spaciously made, with long gauzy curtains fluttering in the breeze.
Cinnamon and citrus scents drifted to her, and she recognized the aroma as belonging specifically to Legolas. It made her feel safe, to be in this
room, where his mark was upon everything her eyes settled on, from the fine silver comb on the long counter to the towels folded neatly on a
chair nearby. This was his private area, and he was sharing it with her.

“Anything you need will be right there,” he said, helping her unlace the tunic and slip it over her head, revealing her silvery gray shift beneath. His
breath caught in his throat at his first glimpse of soft curve when a knock sounded at his door. Tempted to curse, he indicated that she should
finish and get into the tub, and opened his door.

Perdhan, his father’s attendant, stood there holding a large silver tray. “An evening meal for you and your Lady, my Prince,” he said politely, and
Legolas smiled his thanks as he took the tray. “Please have some clothing brought up for her, as her own garments are quite worn from her long
journey. Thank you,” he said, when the light complected Elf assured him he would be swift.

When he reentered the bathing area, Coralynne had already slipped beneath the steaming water and added a wonderfully luxurious oil that filled
his senses with the heady smell. “What is that?” he demanded with a smile, settling the tray of food on the rim of the pool.

“It is the essence of the elanor flower. It soothes the mind and the body.” Coralynne found it strange that she was bare-skinned before this regal
Elf Prince, though he could see nothing in the depth of the darkened pool, speaking as though this were a normal occurrence. Still, she managed
to keep her rate of breathing slowed to as close to normal as she could manage, what with his beautiful torso looming above her.

When he reached for the bindings of his drawers, Coralynne’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

Legolas smiled at her, slipping them down his legs and slipping into the bath before she could say aught, or protest the situation. “Helping you
bathe,” he said simply, guiding her to a built in rock ledge that she could sit on comfortably. He removed the cover from the tray of food, revealing
wonderfully cooked deer meat, with freshly roasted rabbit in onion and wine sauce. Fresh bread still steamed on its own plate with soft butter,
and two glasses of wine that were still frosty from being chilled.

Coralynne’s stomach growled, and Legolas frowned. “What have you eaten today?” he demanded, his dark brows coming together slightly. She
squirmed under his gaze. “We ate a small breakfast this morning before coming to the palace. Elvish bread, wine, and a bit of hard cheese.
Satisfied?” she asked cheekily, touched that he should be so concerned and embarrassed that she had not thought clearly enough to request
much more than that for their entire journey.

After nineteen days of hard travel and little to eat, Coralynne’s traveling garments hung loosely about her waist, and slipped out of place easily.
Haldir, too, looked a little worse for wear, but it was nothing that couldn’t be remedied with good food and lots of rest.

Unfortunately, Legolas somehow read all that in her face as well, and was not satisfied until she’d eaten nearly everything on her plate. Stuffed,
she studied him over the rim of her wineglass, wondering just how she’d come to end up in the same bathing pool with him, after fearing his death
just hours before.

“I love you,” he said unexpectedly, and she smiled at the words. “I thought perhaps it would be best that I tell you now, rather than wait until
later. After what happened to me…” He took a deep breath. “Even some Elves don’t live forever. I just want you to know that I love you.”

Coralynne looked at him with her answer in her face. “I love you, my Prince. Forever.” They touched their glasses in a silent toast to their future
and drank to the day they would be joined as husband and wife.

“Now,” Legolas said softly, coming forward to press random kisses to her cheek, neck, and collarbone. “About your bath…”
 
 

~*~*~*~*~*~
 
 

The palace was darkened when another knock came at Legolas’ door, heralding the arrival of several garments for his Lady. Night dresses, riding
habit, two gowns, and a pair of soft slippers. One of the dresses was a deep green, the color of Mirkwood, while the other was a blue to surpass
the color of the skies. Beautiful.

Silently, he slipped over to his bed. Coralynne was fast asleep, her cheeks still tinged with a blush. He watched her for a few moments, taking in
her serene and young face before maneuvering her gently and easily into the simple white night dress. She barely stirred in his arms as he drew it
over her head and down her shoulders, murmuring something with a smile and burrowing back into his shoulder.

He drew the light coverlet over the both of them once more, smiling to himself as he caressed the silky hair that tumbled around him. Kissing the
top of her head he whispered to her in that fairest language until he fell asleep, his strong arms encircling and protecting his future wife and his
present love.

“Losto, ol nin…Losto…hodo tielyanna…losto…”

TWENTY:-
A Welcome Respite...

Legolas sat up slowly, his mind winding back to the present reality from whence it came. He pushed a lock of hair behind his ear and studied the
beautiful creature next to him. She slept soundly, not as Elves do. It seemed that would be among the traits she retained of her human life,
though it did her no more good than the path walking of the Elves. Perhaps she felt more secure in the darkness of sleep, he thought. Her
sanctuary.

Despite his earlier words of forgiveness for her his heart still ached with something fierce, like a hot poker in his chest. He realized it was the
unfamiliar cold stab of jealousy that he was feeling, nothing more than a possessive instinct he had thought Elves could not possibly obtain.

He and Lord Elrond would exchange words upon his return to that sacred place. That he vowed, then and there. Though his love for Coralynne
made ready forgiveness, there was naught keeping him from speaking a few choice phrases to the Lord of Imladris, the wise, the all-knowing. If
he was the master of knowledge as he was proclaimed throughout Middle-earth then he would have foreseen.something. Legolas didn't know
what exactly, but that was still no excuse for placing hands upon his love that were anything more than platonic and with good intentions at heart.
He should have put a halt to things before they could progress far enough that either one would have anything to feel sorry for.

Legolas sighed softly. He still could not fully blame Coralynne for her mistake, yet he was disappointed by it. It was his fault he did not leave word
that he would return, but alas, he had not been certain he would. Elves were not always destined to live forever, as he would have discovered
personally, if not for Coralynne and Galadriel's aid. Subconsciously he touched the now-smooth planes of his chest, where hours before the red
welts of the arrows had been. There was barely a sign of them now, in the form of tiny white marks. They, too, would disappear soon; such was
the quick healing of the Elves.

Coralynne shifted, instinctively moving closer to him in her sleep, and he smiled. Perhaps he should not have forgiven her so quickly, but he could
not help it. She was still, after all, partly human, and thus such mistakes could, perhaps, be cast on that aspect. Men did not think on love as the
Elves. There was personal insecurity, and doubt, that could not help but cloud over the smallest spark of hope.

But Coralynne did truly feel sorrow and remorse over what she had done. And her love for him had not changed, nay, if anything it had grown
stronger since they had been reunited. Elves were able to read the emotions of ones heart more readily than Men, and he could see it all there in
her eyes, radiating in waves.

Yes, he had forgiven her, and if that was a mistake on his part, then so be it. It had been worth the risk to hold her in his arms once more.

He smiled once again, feeling the soft blanket of contentment settle upon his mind and his body as it had moments before. She was truly beautiful,
and her imperfections only served to endear her more to his heart, as she made no apologies for the way that she was. She was simply
Coralynne, and she lived with it. She was a Princess who had lost her Kingdom before she'd ever known it existed, lost her best friend and lifetime
confidant suddenly and without warning, and fallen prey to the insecurities of the minds of Men.

Yet, watching her now, layers of worry and cares washed away by the sweet languid love that still flowed throughout her, she looked every inch a
regal and royal Princess. Her breathing flowed softly through slightly bruised lips that curved upward in a gentle smile, and her satiny hair fanned
out in long locks around her face. He touched her lips and brought them to his own, anxious for her to wake simply because he wanted to see
what she would have to say to him.

When he had lain with her the first time, she had been frightened, timid, and uncertain of herself or the rightness of what they had been about to
do. This time there had been passion, and a clashing of wills that left him uncertain of who had truly been the victor. As far as he was concerned,
both had won and benefited from such a sensual assault. He smiled tenderly down at his future wife, trailed a slender finger down the length of
her cheek. She sighed and blinked slowly, letting her eyes adjust to the light. Then she smiled.

Zoom! Champagne bubbled in his veins, and he grinned back at her, for she made quite a lovely sight to him then. Her hair was slightly mussed,
he saw, and spilling over the bed in all directions; her full lips were moreso than usual, and they were slightly reddened from his loving kisses. He
frowned. As he continued to look her over, he caught more traces of bruises. On her upper arms there were dark purple angry marks, and a larger
one just above her knee. How.?

Coralynne sensed his distress. She followed the line of his gaze to her arms, where there lingered a slight reminder of the previous night's
passion. They were slightly tender, but already they began to fade as she woke herself more fully. "It is alright, Legolas. I.I bruise easily." she said
lamely, remembering how she'd made a similar explanation to Lord Elrond. It was strange how it seemed so long ago, so distant. Yet even that
was not completely true. Her arms were tender and her flesh sore from his passion, and yet she found a sweet joy in the marks. They were a
brand of sorts, a claim that she was and would always be his, and his alone.

She would find a way to set right the things she had done. If only there was a way. Certainly, Legolas had forgiven her, and she had forgiven him,
though she saw no need. He had been in the right and she in the wrong, but that was not the issue at hand. How could she possibly have had so
little faith in him? And why, if another were to catch her eye, would she fall in with Lord Elrond? Nothing made sense. Nevertheless, she would
make it up to him, she vowed. Each day of the rest of her life she would prove her love and faithfulness. Even now, she could not see any other
save him, and it warmed her heart through to her toes.

A muscle in his jaw flexed. "No. It is not alright," he said, his grim tone bringing her back to reality. He fixed his gaze on her face, and he relaxed a
bit. "Come," he requested, slipping from the bed, unmindful of his nakedness. Coralynne couldn't help but admire his whipcord strength.

"Were you looking for something?" he said, a hint of a laugh in his voice. Coralynne blushed, and ducked her head. "Oh, dear.I'm afraid I've been
caught admiring your assets." Despite her tease, she colored more fiercely than before.

"Would you mind if I returned the favor?" he said silkily, trailing his fingertips over her jaw line. "I'd be hurt if you didn't," she laughed, bravely
withstanding the heated perusal of her flesh. He had seen it all before, and he had made clear his feelings on the subject. Many times.

"Lovely!" he exclaimed, taking her hand and tugging her from the bed. "Now, I must go to meet with my father, to make plans. Bathe here and
seek me when you are ready. There are gowns waiting for you on the table there." He paused, stopping to take in the beautiful picture she made.
He imprinted it upon his mind, and felt a pride as he realized they would have eternity to wake up to each other in such a way.

Reaching for his clothing that lay over the back of a high chair, he slipped into his breeches, tying the laces while Coralynne held his tunic out for
him. Her satiny touch slipped over his skin as she finished helping him dress, and he marveled at what a contradiction she could be. At some times
she was as feminine and womanly as the elanor flower, and others she was tougher and stronger than the Dwarves' precious mithril. He could
certainly believe why Lady Galadriel wanted to keep her, and to tutor her. At least, he thought smugly, he was grateful to her eternally, no matter
what the outcome of the situation may be. There was no time in his life that he could recall when he had been so happy.

"Thinking deeply again, my love?" Coralynne asked, now tucking the corners of a bathing sheet beneath her arms. He took her hands and kissed
the backs of each. Tenderly, so sweetly and with such longing that she was nearly overcome by the urge to weep. "Legolas?" she queried,
wondering at the intense look in his eyes.

He gently massaged her upper arms, wincing at how careless he had been of her. Next time he would be gentle, for no flesh so lovely deserved
such a crude marring.

"It does not hurt, Legolas," she whispered, placing gentle fingertips upon his hands where they rested on her skin. "Perhaps it is an after- effect
of the healing I gave you.Likely it weakened my own defenses momentarily." She touched a finger to his lips when he would have protested. "Say
naught. I would have your passion tenfold than have you hide from me." Her tone was bold and self-assured, and Legolas was convinced she
meant exactly what she said. His eyes remained remorseful, yet there was a passion still blazing in their crystalline depths. "Later," she said, for
his emotions were drawn all across his face. "You must go to your father now. I shall meet with you as soon as I am dressed. Now go," she
laughed, playfully herding him toward the door.

When he reached to open the door, he changed his mind, snapping her back into his arms with a speed and grace that only an Elf could manage.
He kissed her passionately, and when she murmured a slight protest, he gentled his embrace, tilted her head back to rest on his arm.
Apologetically he caressed her mouth, making up for earlier hurts, and he smiled against her lips when a purr of satisfaction escaped her throat.
"Is that what you call 'later'?" he asked softly, seeing her eyes snap at the gentle tease. He leaned his forehead against her own and kissed the
bridge of her nose.

Coralynne mock-glared at him, which only made him smile more broadly. "That was all your fault, need I remind you. Now get on with yourself,
before I'm forced to do something.drastic."

Legolas cracked the door and sent her a boyish smile. "Promises." he sighed, and slipped out before she could catch him.

Hearing his laughter all down the hall, she shook her head. "He'll pay for that," she said aloud to no one as she dropped the sheet and stepped
down into the bath. Her skin already had begun to tingle as it healed the marks away. Within the hour it was probable that there would be no sign
of their short stay upon her flesh. "Oh, he'll pay for that and more," she laughed, dripping a generous amount of a citrus-smelling oil into the
water. Breathing in its invigorating aroma she sighed softly.

"Later."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas found his father in his study, his chin resting on the tips of his fingers. He looked up when he heard the young Prince enter, and he was
shocked at the open affection in her father's bright gaze. "My son," he said, standing. He opened his arms to him, and Legolas went willingly.

"I thought I had lost you," Thranduil said, his voice nearly breaking on a tortured note. "If that girl had not come along."

Legolas leaned back from him. "Her name is Coralynne, father," he said, realizing that Thranduil had probably not been paying much attention at
the time.

"Of course. I meant no offense, my son. Alas, I was preoccupied with many things at the time of our introduction."

"Yes. But you will be introduced to her properly, as soon as she comes to seek me. We are to be wed," he said, and his tone brooked no protest
from his father. He hurried on. "She is a Princess, so there is no need to worry about that. Her father was Durmond of Ethwaine, and her mother
was the Lady Glenwynne." There was no recognition on his father's face. Legolas sighed, realizing he would have to relate the entire story to
Thranduil before he would understand her special circumstances.

"Durmond saved Lord Elrond's life in the Battle of Dagorlad by taking an Orc's arrow directly to his heart. His last words to Elrond were a plea.a
plea that he would look after his wife Glenwynne. When the battle was ended and Elrond returned to Ethwaine, he found Lady Glenwynne with
child and near the birthing time. She had learned of her husband's death and was ready to go herself, but the child kept her here. Elrond took her
to Galadriel, who could not save the mother but managed to save Coralynne.

"Galadriel placed a guise upon Coralynne that would hide her from the eyes of Sauron, for the Ethwaine Kingdom was once very powerful in itself,
and the child was no less than blessed. Now, the guise has been lifted, and she is again as she was meant to be."

Though that was the quite-shortened version, Legolas felt satisfied by his recounting of the tale. His father's eyes were thoughtful, and for a
moment he feared that he would not believe. But then a light dawned in the fair face, and he knew that everything had come around to him. "She
was meant for you, then," Thranduil said. "Her coming here was no accident."

"No, it was not. Galadriel sent her word of my quandary, and she came with all haste. She and Haldir rode alone through the forest of Mirkwood to
come here and lend aid, father."

"And for that she will always be welcome here," he said. "And since she is your betrothed, this will be her home, for now and always. I am very
proud of you, Legolas," he said, seating himself once more. "Perhaps one day the Halls of Mandos will call me, and then this place will be yours.
You would make a good King, my son. A just, noble, and kind Lord who would rule and rule well."

Legolas nodded, feeling the tight knot of emotion coil up within him. "Yes, father. But nay, let us not speak on such things now. I wish to hold
council with you on the wedding. And I fear I know not where to begin."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Coralynne sighed, standing before the large mirror. Two handmaidens waited beside her, smiling brightly at their Lady. "You are as beautiful as
the elanor flower, Lady," said young Ninuriel. Her sister, Ninirawen, voiced her own compliments as well.

Laughing, Coralynne twirled about in the blue dress. The velvet gown fit snugly down to her hips where it flared slightly to her feet. Dipping low
and scooping across the top of her chest, the gown revealed just the top of her shoulders, then met in a small meshy train at the back. Silver
clasps held the gown at the back, while sparkling white gems had been woven into the neckline, sparkling and glinting as she turned. Long
sleeves came slightly to a point just below her wrist and then belled out, accenting the deep blue satin belt that met in her front and looped
through a circlet of silver before trailing down the length of the gown.

"I feel like a Princess," she said, and the young girls laughed. "That is because you will be a Princess, Lady!" Ninirawen exclaimed, laughing. She
was thankful the girls were not privy to the long history of her past.

"I suppose you are right," she said, shaking her head. Even now, as long as it had been, the idea had not truly come home to her. She may have
once been a Princess, but that no longer mattered. Now she was to marry a true Prince, a noble, fearless, honorable Elf who loved her like she
had always dreamed of being loved.

Coralynne decided it best to withhold further comment, and gazed at the beautifully intricate design her hair made. It had been braided in several
small sections and the rest gathered to the crown of her head, where a small circlet let the strands trail down her back in long golden curls.
Sighing, she smoothed her hands down the length of the bodice, anticipating her meeting with Legolas and, likely, his father.

Everything seemed so overwhelming to her, but somehow she would work through it. There was naught else she could do but hold her breath and
ride the tides of change wherever they might lead her. Lord Celeborn had taught her that, and she remembered his wise words every day. And
despite her gladness to be with Legolas, she missed Lorien, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. They had become family to her, as had her faithful
friend Haldir. She was not truly complete without them in her life, this she knew.

Shaking away those thoughts with a firm resolve, Coralynne turned to her two handmaidens. "Well, I do believe I can manage the rest on my own,
then. Thank you," she said graciously as the two maidens nodded and left the room.

Smoothing her hand over her middle, she sighed. Perhaps soon she would be able to settle down, to fully enjoy her life and all it had come to be.
But for now, she needed to seek out Legolas and manage her way through the events of what would surely be a hectic and pressing day. She felt
torn in all directions, as though parts of her heart and being belonged to different places and people; to Lorien, to Rivendell, Lord Celeborn,
Galadriel, Haldir, Legolas, and yes, even Lord Elrond. There were too many things left unresolved where he was concerned, and she intended to
remedy that situation as soon as possible. Legolas may have forgiven her folly, but she had not forgiven herself. Perhaps she did not deserve his
love. She certainly had not withheld through the first test of their relationship. What made him think she was worthy of his devotion?

Nay. It did not matter. Such things were in the past, and that was where they should be allowed to lie. No good would come of dredging up painful
memories, not when such a happy time was blessing them both.

With that established firmly in her mind she took a deep, steadying breath and pulled open the door. It was time to face her future.

Yet as she did so, a tall blonde figure fell towards her, and she shrieked in alarm. Cradling the dead weight in her arms, she sank slowly to the
floor.

"Haldir!"

Instinctively she brushed back the soft blonde hair, and gasped in alarm at the faraway, lifeless look in the eyes of the one she held.and
screamed.

TWENTY-ONE:-
Shadow of the Past...
 
 
 

The terrified cry echoed off the walls of the Thranduil's home, causing Elf Lords and Ladies alike to gasp in alarm. It touched upon Legolas' ears
and he immediately sprinted back toward his quarters, his Elvin grace and speed carrying him faster than he'd ever thought possible. His heart
thundered in his ears, and the blood in his veins surged in fear and trepidation.

Something was very wrong.

He burst through the doors and skidded to a halt, the breath catching in his throat. There on the floor, cradled in Coralynne's arms, lay his best
friend and confidant. Haldir's eyes were half-closed, and his already pale face was ashen, almost lifeless. Yet his friend lived, this he knew. He
would feel it if Haldir were dead. But alas, Legolas could still feel the life in the room, and breathed easier for it.

As if suddenly sensing his presence Coralynne looked up at him, her lovely eyes wet and her cheeks streaked with the tracks of her grief-shed
tears. "Legolas.what is wrong with him? These wounds.they are not Orcish." Her voice took on a horrified whisper, so soft even he had trouble
hearing. "They were inflicted by an Elf's blade."

Shocked, Legolas sank down and brushed Coralynne's long hair back over her shoulders so that he could see his friend's body more easily. He
gasped at the random slashes throughout his friend's robes, stained now with the red of his blood. The wounds that he could see were thin, and
most assuredly inflicted by the elegant and slender Elvish blades, most likely a fighting knife.

"Who would do such a thing, Legolas?" she asked on a tortured sob. "I don't know how to help him.there's so much blood. Please."

He understood her fear, for it echoed in his own heart as well. "Come," he said, lifting his body from the floor. She stood and followed him from the
room, paying no heed to her once lovely gown, now stained with Haldir's precious life force. Time was pressing. They needed to get him to a bed
and settled, so that he might heal all the more rapidly.

Legolas entered an empty room and took no time at all to situate his friend beneath the soft coverlets, which were left thrown back to prevent
infection. Then he set about ripping away the ruined robes, and saw that Coralynne had gone, likely to get cloths and steaming water to disinfect
the lacerations. "Nay, my friend," he said softly when Haldir gasped with pain. "Nay, now is not your time to meet in the Halls of Mandos. Another
day, perhaps, but not today."

This seemed to calm Haldir a bit, for he relaxed and his breathing became slower. Coralynne reentered the room just as Legolas finished removing
the last of the tattered gray robes. She carried a heavily laden tray, filled with silken threads for mending, white soft cloths, and small steaming
bowls of water. "Coralynne, what.?" he asked, but she shook her head at him. "Those wounds will need stitches, Legolas. If he dies." She trailed
off, and took a deep steadying breath. "Lanat taught me many things, Legolas. If I clean these wounds and stitch them finely enough, he may yet
live. We've got to get the bleeding stopped. Please." she pleaded. "Help me to help him."

Legolas nodded, realizing the sudden change in her. Scant moments before she had been terrified, unable to do anything more than grieve, and
now she was as sure and certain as Lord Elrond himself during a healing. Perhaps she had the makings of a healer in her after all, he thought, as
she set about cleaning the wounds. Her hands did not shake, and she never wavered in her task. Methodically she picked up a thin needle, ran
one of the lengths of silken thread through it, and began to stitch up one of the longer cuts.

Fascinated, he watched as the wound became smaller and smaller. His brain registered slightly that a young maiden came in and left clean
bedclothes for Haldir, but he paid her no heed. The wound was very large, spanning diagonally from the bottom of his ribcage to the point of his
hipbone, and nearly the width of his thumb. Thankfully the bleeding had slowed, and now there was barely a drip as Coralynne tied of the delicate
stitches and sliced the excess thread away.

"Coralynne." Legolas queried. "How.?"

"When I was a young girl I fell from a tree and gashed my leg open. Lanat stitched it up like this, and told me that it would stop the bleeding and
keep the wound closed so that it would heal. It's really like mending leathers, Legolas," she explained softly, her eyes intent upon the next slash.
"He will have no scars, of course."

"Of course," he agreed, but his eyes were upon her hands again, watching as wound by wound she repaired Haldir's broken flesh. Those steady,
capable hands had a quality about them. He could almost feel the care she took flowing through him. Likely because he could still remember how it
had felt when she had healed him of his own fatal wounds. He wondered what all Galadriel and Celeborn had really taught her. She was different,
this woman, from the one he had known so long ago. And though he felt close to her, in mind and heart as well as body, he was suddenly not so
certain of the way things stood between them.

Nothing was clear to him anymore, and as he watched her close up the last of the deadly cuts, he felt overcome with a sudden jealousy. It burned
in his heart as well as his body, made him angry. And the more he watched her move her hands gently over his best friend's body, cleaning up the
last of the blood that marred his flesh, he found that the love that had swelled so much for her just a short while ago was flickering. A bitter taste
came into his mouth, and just then he needed to get out; to do anything but be near this woman who was so dear to him and yet the source of
his anger and bitterness.

And so he rose and stalked out of the room, needing time to deal with this new and unwelcome emotion. He paid no mind to the startled look
Coralynne tossed his way, nor to the shocked looks of his people as they saw the unbridled jealousy and rage upon his face, a new emotion to be
sure of their solemn but kind Prince. The whispering started as he passed, and he was certain he would not be rid of it until he was far away from
these people.

So he passed on into the gardens, once so lovely and full of life. Now they were in a state of disrepair, as all his father's energies had been held
up with keeping the shadow from his kingdom.

And so he was not surprised when he felt his father enter the garden behind him.

"Father," he acknowledged, not turning to face the Lord that came to stand beside him. He fought to contain the words that burned within his
throat, but in the end his will betrayed his strength.

"The wedding is no longer necessary."

Thranduil jerked around to face his son, shocked at the bitterness of his softly spoken words. "My son," he fumbled, seeking words of comfort,
which refused to make themselves known to him. "Is there a reason for this sudden change of heart?"

Legolas sighed and hung his head. "Too much has taken place, father. Too much, and too fast. I cannot explain it to you in any better terms than
this. Coralynne is dear to me, but I cannot wed her. Somehow it.it is not right. My mind is consumed with doubt, and with doubt there can be no
trust. Without trust.there is no love."

It seemed to Thranduil that his stricken son was speaking more to himself now than to him.as though he were just now fitting these pieces
together. And so he said nothing, simply stood by his son, as the sun's soft rays cast shadows throughout the deadened gardens.

And for Legolas the silence was enough.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Back in Haldir's quarters, Coralynne finished applying the last bandage to his wounds. His breathing was restful and she knew he was sleeping
soundly. Praise the Valar she'd been able to complete that dreadful task. Her hands had seemed to guide her, and somehow she had remained
steady throughout the harrowing ordeal. While she had cleaned and stitched she would have sworn she could feel his spirit around her, hanging
on only because she fought so valiantly to save it. And at last her battle with death had been won. Haldir had returned to himself and the
darkness of death's shadow had gone from the room. She could feel and appreciate now the soft warmth of the sun and the balmy gentleness of
the breeze as it caressed her face.

But where was Legolas? He had gotten up and left so abruptly she'd not had a chance to ask where he was going. Something was very wrong,
and her heart told her that things were about to change. Again.

She could feel his doubt of her, his anger, and there was naught she could say or do to contest it. She had, after all, fallen into Lord Elrond's
supportive embrace, if only briefly, and that was her fault. It mattered not that her heart had been shattered, and only her weakness and
vulnerability remained, leaving her with the knowledge that Elrond would never desert her. It had been wrong, and she knew that. Knew it better
than any could ever learn from a mistake. But perhaps she had not suffered enough for her folly.

And then she knew. She and Legolas were not to wed. She could feel it as sure as she felt the rays of the sun upon her face, and her heart closed
in upon itself. If she closed her eyes she could see him, standing there in the gardens, his father by his side; could see his beautiful lips as they
moved, proclaiming the wedding as no longer necessary.

Of course. He still doubted her, and there was no love where there was doubt, only suspicion and jealousy. Her place was no longer here, and she
knew it. Yet the knowledge did not make her weep with irrepressible fits of grief as she suspected it might. Nay, instead she hardened her heart,
her soul, against the wall of anguish that threatened to cave in on her at any moment. And if Haldir could have woken then and seen her, he
would have seen a flower covered in frost, with no hope of seeing the sun, petals drooping, recognizing its defeat.

Rising, she went to seek out Legolas. There was no longer a need for her to be here, in this strangely foreign place with the shadow hanging like
a curtain above her head. She would not go to Rivendell, nay, not there. Nor would she seek the haven of Lorien, even though Galadriel and
Celeborn would welcome her back warmly into their embrace. It seemed there was nowhere she might travel that would let her leave herself
behind.

But she would find a place, she vowed. She would hold herself to this vow, and find a place to rest.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She found him still in the garden, sitting upon a long bench. She did not dare to sit beside him, for he seemed strung as taut as his bow, and
feared he might snap if she did so. That made it all the harder for her to speak then, yet she managed.

"I understand, my l- Legolas. Your doubt and jealousy is much deserved, and I lay no blame for it upon you. I.I am leaving. Tonight. Haldir will be
all right, so long as he is not moved. I shall never forget you, kind Prince. Please.find happiness. Find it and I will know, but do not try to seek me
out, for you will never find me. I.I will always love you," she choked out, unable to force any more words from her tightened throat.

And so she left him there, his stormy eyes filling with moisture and his shoulders quivering. Yet he did not follow her. His heart ached so fiercely he
thought he might die of it, and yet he felt suddenly freed. Freed from a great weight that had lain atop his shoulders. She was right. Though their
love was truly great, there would be no wedding for them, no happily ever after. His heart was broken in his chest, yet he was whole, and the
knowledge that they had done what was right made the grief easier to bear.

He watched her go, her soft gown trailing behind her in the breeze, and closed his eyes as a lone tear slipped from his cheek.

"Coralynne." he choked on a tortured whisper.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Coralynne stopped only long enough to bid Haldir a farewell. Gazing down into his noble face she saw that he would heal, and for her that was
more than enough. Haldir was her best friend, her noble companion, and yet not even he could accompany her on this journey, for she knew not
where it would end, or when.

Seating herself, she quickly penned two notes, one for Legolas, which she perched on Haldir's bedside table, and the other for Haldir himself,
which she tucked inside his bed shirt. Then she placed a kiss upon his pale cheek, warm as marble against her lips, and took her leave of him. She
gathered her meager belongings from her room, taking little time to put on her riding habit and soft boots before scurrying from the halls. They felt
as though they were closing in upon her, and she could not breathe with their heavy weight.

No one stopped Coralynne as she made her way to the stable. Dananir tossed his mighty head, sensing her urgency to be away. He trembled as
she saddled him, the caged muscles eager for a dead out run. "Come, my friend," she whispered urgently. "Take me away from this place as fast
as you can fly. Orcish arrows shall find no place among our hides this day!"

And so they burst from the stable, one being moving as a white blur down the road. She did not look back, and the wind buffeted away all traces
of her tears. Soon Mirkwood would be behind her, and her sadness along with it. She and Legolas were not meant to be, not anymore. She would
simply have to find another path, one better suited to her.and to her heart.

But first, she had to get out of Mirkwood alive.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas entered Haldir's chambers, his throat raw and his heart aching. Yet he pushed it to the back of his mind, focusing upon his friend lying in
the bed, pale still but breathing evenly. He breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in his chair, surveying Coralynne's effective work. Nay, he
thought. I shall think no more on her today. The pain is still too fresh, too near.

Solemnly, he removed the tray from Haldir's bedside, spying the piece of delicate paper lying there upon the table. His name was written in
Coralynne's elegant script, and as he reached out to pick it up he saw that his hands, legendary among many for their steadiness and economy of
motion, were trembling.

He picked up the paper and unfolded it slowly, uncertain whether or not he truly wanted to know what it would say to him, but knowing he had to
continue. She was gone, but surely he could not simply forget her. That was impossible. And so, he was not surprised at the soft sound of her
voice in his head as he read her hastily written words.
 
 

"Legolas,

It is with a heavy heart that I leave you now, but I know you will see things as I have seen them, someday. I have betrayed you, this is true,
though I did not see it as betrayal at the time, for my own heart was broken and betrayed then as well. Yet it matters not, for our hearts are not
destined to be together. This I know as surely as I know I will draw my next breath, no matter how painful or wrenching it is to be apart from you.
Our love was great, and it may yet live on, though only time may tell. You no longer trust me, and I am ever weary of your mistrust. Find some
other maiden to love you, for I am not the keeper of your heart. Perhaps I, too, shall find another better suited for my soul and heart, though it
seems unlikely to me now. Things do change, my friend, they change so suddenly that we are never prepared for what life may bring tomorrow.

"So I ask you now, please forget about me. Forget about all the things we've shared, and all the loving moments we have endured together. And
as I ask this impossible task, I shall ask yet another: find it in your heart to forgive me if you can, for I truly do love you. Fate has a different path
for me, though it is uncertain now. I have written to Haldir, and his choices are his own when he awakens to your family's compassionate care.

"Be well, good Prince. My heart will always be with you.

Coralynne."
 
 

Legolas dropped his head, feeling the strain in his shoulders and body. She was gone, then. Forever. Never again would he see her smiling face,
hear her beautiful laugh, or see her loving eyes cast upon him. And he had already forgiven her. He just couldn't trust her. Could he? His mind
reeled with the impact of his decision. It was possible that he had just driven away the only chance for love and happiness he would ever have.
And so it was his own fault that his love rode through the untold dangers of Mirkwood now, her weapons useless against a band of Orcs, or the
other creatures that inhabited these woods.

He closed his eyes against a wave of nausea and bit back a moan, for he felt as though he were being split in two. Likely it was his heart breaking,
he thought bitterly. No less than he deserved. But she wasn't dead. He would know if she were no longer alive, would feel it in his heart and mind.
For the time being, Coralynne was alive and well.

But how long would that last?

Just then Haldir groaned and opened his eyes. Legolas jumped and picked up a cloth, dipping it into a bowl of cool water. Gently he dabbed away
the perspiration that had gathered there. "Haldir, my friend. You have come back to us."

Haldir focused on Legolas' face with some effort, and forced a smile. It quickly turned into a frown when he recalled what had happened to him.
"Yes, it would appear so," he said grimly.

Legolas frowned. "What happened to you, Haldir? What could have happened to get the drop on the best Guard of Lorien?"

Haldir's twisted smirk darkened, and his eyes flashed with fury. They blazed daggers as he spoke one word with indescribable venom.

"Anarwyn."

TWENY-TWO:-
A Disturbing Interlude...

"Let us kill her now, Lady," snarled Lurg. His hideous Orc's face was cast half in shadow, giving him an appearance of stark grotesque terror and
evil. Beside him, fair as a lark and smiling satisfactorily, was Anarwyn. Her sharp eyes missed no movement as they watched Coralynne make her
way on the treacherous road. They, hidden by moss-covered branches and quite some distance away, had a very clear view and an even clearer
shot.

"No," Anarwyn hissed angrily. "I want her alive. She will pay for what she has done to me, and to Legolas. I saw her in Lord Elrond's arms, his
cursed arms! But I will not strike until she is outside the boundaries of Mirkwood. To do so now would involve the Prince, and I shant take such a
risk. He still loves her, the blind fool. But that deceiver shall pay for what he has done as well," she said, her voice calming and becoming serene
once more. "We will take our time with her, though, my love," she said quietly, turning tender eyes on the Orc before her. "We will make her
scream, and she will plead for death when we are finished!"

Smiling his misshapen smile, Lurg nodded and turned away.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Coralynne sighed, blinking back moisture for what seemed like the thousandth time on her long ride. Her muscles ached, her heart beat at a
labored pace, and it seemed that her very lungs struggled for breath. Hanging long and snarled down her back swung her golden hair, for she had
taken no care to tie it back.

All around her she could feel eyes, and it made her nervous. Dananir fidgeted with his bit and bridle, tossing his head, and she knew he could feel
it as well. Eyes that had ill intent and were much too numerous to hold at bay should they decide to act followed her every move, making it hard
for her to focus on her surroundings, on anything except them.

From her point of view, she registered that Mirkwood must once have been a lovely place indeed. Though the shadow lay heavily on the land, she
could almost see back in time to what it had once been- a lush, green growing place, full of life and light. But now, as dark boughs overhead
blocked out the light, and moss-filled branches obstructed her view, she found her thoughts becoming darker and her mind wearier. She longed for
rest, but dared not stop until she felt the danger of the darkened forest was past. Time was of the essence to her, as she wished to be far away
from this place.this place that held so many memories already.

She must forget, she told herself. She must. Yet it was of no use to her. All that filled her mind were thoughts of Legolas. Of his fair face, his soft
voice, the velvety touch of the back of his hand as he brushed her cheek. All of it came flooding back clearly, so clearly that it took her breath away.

And she had hurt him so, she thought. Hurt him by deceiving him, betraying him with one he trusted and looked on as a friend, nearly a father.
That rift would likely never be repaired, and even then it would take a miracle. Yet she held no pity for herself. The severity of what she had done
demanded that she do penance for her crime, and she would. Of that, at least, there was certainty. It loomed over her like a shroud, blocking out
any happy thoughts, save those of Legolas, which might happen her way. Something was going to happen, something awful, and yet she felt no
fear. Even death would be a welcome respite from the pain that constricted her chest and squeezed her heart.

And so she rode on. Rode for what seemed like days, stopping neither to eat nor rest. Her mind seemed to fog over, and the trees and road
passed on in a blur. Dananir never faltered, missed not a step, guiding her along like a kind man would a blind one. And blind she was, indeed.
Blind to all but the fantasies and dreams that filled her mind. In them she did not need sleep, did not need to rest. They gave her a solitude, a
comfort that would never be again in her reality.

Sometimes, Lanat came to her, begged her to stop, to eat. But she only smiled serenely and continued on, heedless of his words. Helpless, Lanat
stood back and watched her body, her spirit waste away to nearly nothing. She did not stop when she reached the borders of the forest, and did
not give direction to Dananir. He simply kept a steady pace, his giant muscles never giving in, though he stopped many times to nip grass and
drink. Coralynne appeared oblivious to any change in the weather, did not cover herself when it rained, did not shield herself from the wind.

Only when Caradhras loomed dark and monstrous above her did Coralynne snap from her reverie. Her eyes were glazed, her lips frozen and
chapped from the wind and dehydration. When she tried to dismount she found she nearly lacked the strength to support her own body, and it
frightened her. Weakened and weary, she made her way to the shade of a large tree and collapsed beneath it, grateful for its scant shelter and
support.

"Oh, Coralynne." said a voice in her mind, a male voice, and she looked up, expectant. Yet it was not who she wished it to be.

"Lanat," she managed weakly. "What have I done?"

Her long-dead friend surveyed her from head to toe, sadness in his normally bright eyes. "You are killing yourself. Elves are immortal, but they can
die, Coralynne. You are dying, and dying of a broken heart. If you do not fight back against the sadness that threatens you now you will be dead
by morning." His voice became harsh, thick with worry and helplessness. "You must fight now! Your wrongs and rights, all your injustices and the
purpose of your life here will have been for nothing! Now get up! You need shelter, food, a fire. These things I cannot do for you, but do them you
must. You must survive, sweet one," he added more gently. "Even now your path is not complete. You are young in your years, and yet old. Time
will teach you many things, but you must help it along. So come now," he said, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. He held her steady until
she forced her muscles to cease their quaking, and then set her apart from him.

It was unbearable to watch as she weakly searched for wood with which to start her small fire, but as she went on it seemed her determination
grew, until she had managed to eat some food, drink a little, and settle up against the trunk of the large tree. She did not sleep, just sat staring
into the flames, no expression to taint or light up her face. He sat across from her, soaking up her guilt and pain. This was a hard lesson for her,
yet she needed to learn it. Even though her intentions had not been with malice, she had betrayed Legolas, who was as much in love with her as
she was with him. It is a dreadful business, love, he thought. Too painful, too shaped and colored by what it should be instead of what it really is.
Perhaps Coralynne and Legolas would learn that before it became too late for them.

This was not his affair, however, not this time. Wrong had been done, justice misjudged on both sides, and Coralynne would suffer if she were
meant to, as would Legolas with his guilt at driving away his chance for happiness. Both were of able minds, and it was time they figured things
out once and for all. He was tired of the ups and the downs, the yes's and the no's. A decision had to be made, and soon.

Long hours passed of the night, on into the first rays of dawn, and still Lanat kept watch over her. As she slept, a bit of color came back into her
face, and her breathing became deeper, more rested. She would recover from this. Even in sleep her resolve was strengthened. Perhaps Elrond
was guiding her subtly in her dreams, speaking to her as he could not in slumber. And at that he gave a start. She was sleeping like Men, not as
Elves. Perhaps her exhaustion was so complete that it required such a manner.

He shook his head. "Poor child," he murmured quietly. "So many love you, but the one you want has cast you aside, though not without his
reasons." He sighed and looked around him. "Where will you go, young one? Rivendell holds an unpleasant discomfort for you now, and Lorien will
remind you only of things painful, make you wistful for something else. Your thoughts are your own, but what are they?

"Will you wander about, or will you accept your destiny and go back to Rivendell, to fulfill your duties there as protectress of Elrond's people, of the
elves? Not all stories have a happy ending, child," he continued, "but yours may yet."

On his last word Coralynne stirred, her eyes fluttering open slowly. When she glanced up and caught him, she did not jump. Her eyes were clear, a
beautiful green so like the anciently rooted trees of Rivendell that he could see them clearly.

"Lanat," she managed, sitting up straight and looking at him strangely. "Have you been here all this while?" When he nodded she shook her head.
"I didn't realize how far I had come, or how fast. I must have ridden nonstop.is Dananir alright?"

"He is fine, and never far from you."

"Then I should be off again soon," she continued. "I do not know where I will go, but I must go somewhere. That I know. Perhaps I could visit the
forest of Fangorn, see those Ents that Merry and Pippin seemed so fond of. There is Rohan, Minas Tirith.perhaps I could meet Boromir's kin and see
the White City for the first time. I do know that I cannot go back to Mirkwood. I have betrayed Legolas," she said softly.

Lanat did not speak, sensing that she needed to finish whatever it was she had started.

"When Elrond told me of his departure, I felt so betrayed, so.cast aside. I could think of no reason he would have done such a thing, save a
change of heart. And so, I decided that, rather than fight a broken heart and deny what had so certainly happened, I would move on, forgive him
his change of mind and not hold it against him. And Lord Elrond was so magnificent. Larger than life, Lanat.there is such a power in him, a
steadfast magnetism that I cannot help but feel. I kissed him, yes I did, but no more than that. He comforted me when I though there was no
other in the world to do so, and I shall always be grateful. It is my treachery to bear, and no other's.

"But I do know this: I shall never ask Legolas to give his heart to me. I have betrayed it once and I shall not give my fickle heart the chance to do
so again," she said fiercely, and in her eyes Lanat saw that she said exactly what she meant.

"You are too harsh upon yourself, Coralynne. You made a mistake. Legolas has forgiven you for it, to be certain. But even you must understand
why he would be hesitant to trust you, though he understands your motives and the reason you did what you did. He simply needs time,
Coralynne.time to sort out what is truly important to him. It must be he that makes the move to you. Do you understand what I have told you?"

She nodded, solemnly binding her hair back once again in a long braid. "I will always love Legolas, Lanat. He owns my heart. There is no room for
another." She straightened her riding clothes. "Until then, I shall travel to Lorien. The memories there are not all unpleasant, and there is still much
to learn from Galadriel and Celeborn. I miss them," she said softly. "As I miss my life there. It is where I belong for the time being."

"Then I shall go. But as ever I will be watching over you. Do not fear your path, young one. It will lead you to where you are meant to be." He
patted her hand one last time, and was gone, his hand raised in a silent farewell.

Shortly, Coralynne was on her way. The road was sure, and she felt no hesitation. At last she would be where she belonged, if only for a while.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Haldir groaned as he sat up, bruises aching and a sharp twinge in many places. Legolas was gone, he noticed, and spied a piece of paper on the
table near his bed, his name scripted elegantly across the front. As he read, his heart became heavy and his mind troubled. So it had finally
happened. Coralynne and Legolas had taken their leave of one another. Galadriel had warned him it might happen, long before their arrival in
Lorien, back when she and Haldir had shared the same disturbing dream.

She was gone, too then. Had left him behind to heal and then follow if he so wished. The choice was his to make and she would not find fault with
any decision he made. Legolas was his good friend, and it was only right that he stay with him. On the other hand, Coralynne had become very
dear to him during their shared years, like a sister. There had been, to be honest, times when he had envied Legolas, wanted to love her like he
did, but it had not been right. It still was not right.

However, she was out there now, seeking her way to Valar knew where. Alone. And Anarwyn had come back to exact her revenge.

Rage boiled behind his eyes as he remembered the ambush he'd come across.

He'd been out walking, taking a calming walk to soothe his mind, when she had stepped in front of him from a shadow. Alarmed that he had not
noticed her before, his senses were rattled enough that he did not register the very fine thin blade she drew from her side. Then it had been too
late. He was unarmed, and Anarwyn was very swift. Before half a thought could pass through his mind she had sliced him in several different
places.

As he dropped to his knees in shock she had leaned down to whisper in his ear. "Before you die," she taunted, "give word to Coralynne and
Legolas that they will share the same fate." Then she had disappeared, and somehow he had managed to make his way back to a room, to
Coralynne. He would never forget the sheer terror in her eyes when he collapsed, would never forget how she healed him. Only half conscious
then, he could remember her calming words, the steady deliberation of her hands as she worked to save his life.

That made up his mind. He would go after her, try and find her before Anarwyn did. She was out for revenge, for blood, and nothing would stop
her.