Discreet {Erthanist PoV}

                                    

                                          
"Erthanist, would you please join me in the study?" Ada beckons. I tear my eyes away from the noon sun and inhale.
                          
"Yes, Adar." 
                          
I hurry to the study to find him deeply engrossed in a letter. The crisp parchment gives away its origin. It is from Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom within the Golden Wood. I narrow my eyes. A letter from Lothlórien could mean any number of things. Ada sets the letter down on his desk and looks at me. "Lady Galadriel, Lady Arwen, Lord Celeborn and young Estel are to arrive in Imladris within a fortnight, with a host of elves who shall soon sail for Valinor." The way in which he informs me of this is evidence enough of his desire for me to join those returning to the blessed realm. I know too well that if it was his choice, I would have left with Nana and Arnolan long ago. 
                          
"You knew of this?"
                          
"I counseled with Galadriel and Celeborn in Caras Galadhon about this host and many more who shall seek care and rest in Imladris in years to come before passing over the Belegaer. The Elves are soon to depart permanently from Middle-Earth." 
                          
"Yes, it is common knowledge now." I comment. He sighs. 
                          
"Erthanist, would you help me in organizing a feast and quarters arrangements for the guests?" 
                          
"I would be delighted to." 
                          
"Excellent." We quickly leave to find Lindir and Elrond. I smile when Elrond brightens up after we tell him Arwen is returning. Lindir, on the other hand, begins to instantaneously stress. I agree to help him out with planning and we set off to the kitchens first. 
                          
"We're well stocked on everything." Neniel, the head cook and also wife of Lindir, informs us, placing a loose strand of caramel hair behind her pointy ear. I smile.
                          
"They will sojourn with us for a few days, and it is a large host. Shall we have our hunters bring in more game, namely for the feast?" Lindir inquires. Neniel chuckles, shaking her head. 
                          
"It is your decision, my love." She retorts and I hold back laughter. This couple is so perfect for one another. My heart is struck with a pang of sadness as I watch the two discuss the feast. I want to open up about my courtship to Legolas, and be able to be affectionate without worrying about spies. 
                          
"Neniel, is there anything in particular we need for the feast?" I finally cut in, knowing we'll need particular staples. Neniel nods and grabs a small slip of parchment, ink and quill. 
                          
"These." I take the list from her and smile, tucking it safely away. 
                          
"Thank you, Neniel." 
                          
"You're welcome, Lady Erthanist." She answers and I turn to Lindir, whom I can sense is very stressed. I smile.
                          
"If you wouldn't mind, I will take over, Lindir. I insist." He smiles with his eyes and nods. I smile and leave the couple to each other. 
                          
There is a lot to do. 
                          
A Fortnight Later
                          
"Lady Erthanist, it is wonderful to see you." My friend Losson, who I used to train with, greets. I smile and curtsy. 
                          
"It is a pleasure, Losson." He smiles and moves inside for the feast as I continue greeting the others. Galadriel and Celeborn are meeting with my father, Mithrandir, Thranduil and Elrond, and I've already reunited with Arwen and met Estel. I find their bond very unique, between an immortal and mortal. I inwardly giggle, remembering their behavior. 
                          
At last it is time for the feast, and I hurry inside to the hall. All of Imladris have gathered, and all of the elves who came from Greenwood are also in attendance. Tauriel has already blended with the Galadhrim who are departing, and many of the Silvan elves are pleasantly socializing as well. My eyes flick to and fro to locate Legolas. 
                          
We are hoping to silently slip out of the feast and have some time to ourselves. We have not had more than ten minutes alone since Adar and Thranduil arrived. We're no longer under scrutiny but things are very sensitive at the moment between my family and his, so we've steered clear of each other. Successfully. 
                          
"M'lady." I smile and turn around. 
                          
"Your highness." I answer, we greet each other formally. He gently places a slip of parchment in my hand, disguising it as he walks past me. 
                          
I watch Legolas make his way to his seat and find my own, discreetly unfolding his note on the way. 
                          
Meet me by Bruinen when the stars are brightest. I will be waiting for you.
                          
-Legolas
                          
I hide the note before my father and Thranduil arrive, and manage to keep my mind off of Legolas. I notice his departure halfway through, his excuse being that he feels ill and will retire to his chambers. It's not yet time for me to join him though, and so I pass the time by engaging with my friends from Lothlórien. At one point, I meet Galadriel and Celeborn, and converse with them. 
                          
And so the rendezvous time approaches quickly. I excuse myself just as the stars reach their peak of brightness, and first make my way home to drop off my cloak and change from slippers into boots. I then hurry down to the river, to to the exact spot where I collided with Legolas not too long ago. 
                          
Without much difficulty I find him sitting on the rocks. He's set up a blanket there, and is standing with a very happy grin. I speed up and run straight into his arms. We embrace and he lifts me up. "At last." I breathe, wrapping my arms around his neck. 
                          
"It is too painful to stay apart, Erthanist." He buries his face in the crook of my shoulder, picking me up bridal style and carrying me to the blanket. "I was tempted to steal you away from the feast." 
                          
"Perhaps you should have, my love." He sits down with me in his lap. I reach up and kiss his cheek. He pulls me closer and exhales contentedly. 
                          
"I would have," Legolas admits, "I just could not. We would not have had any privacy." 
                          
"True." 
                          
I smile, seeing the blissful glaze over his bright blue eyes. He leans in and kisses me on the lips. 
                          
"I love you, Erthanist." 
                          
"I love you too, Legolas." I kiss him back.
                          
Thanks for reading!
                          
~Uilosris