Discovered {Legolas PoV}

                                    

                                          
I awake at dawn, expecting by habit to find myself in my quarters. It takes a second to remember why I'm by the river. Erthanist and I spent the night under the stars. We did not do much besides cuddle and kiss while watching the skies, but every moment with her is precious. I smile and look at Erthanist, who is still in a deep slumber. Her eyes, unlike mine which were open, are closed in sleep. Elves usually sleep with their eyes open and walk whilst dreaming, but she was exhausted. She has not rested well for weeks. I lean closer towards her, closing my eyes in relaxed bliss and grasping her hands in mine. 
                          
"Legolas..." Erthanist whispers a few minutes later. I slowly open my eyes again and my heart's flame rekindles to see her looking back with her jewel-like eyes. 
                          
"Good Morning, my love." I greet. She smiles. 
                          
"Good morning," Erthanist inhales, "We stayed out here all night..." 
                          
"And despite being on the rocks, you slept very deeply. You needed it." 
                          
"We could have been found, though." I sigh and stroke her hands. 
                          
"Would it have mattered? We're going to have to come out about it or we'll be discovered, whichever comes first," I brush a kiss across her knuckles, "I want to be able to freely express my affections for you." 
                          
"Me more than you, darling. But the world is very complicated. I worry about what my father could do." 
                          
"Are you afraid of him?" 
                          
"Nay. He wants me to find a husband and marry, in his heart it his one of his greatest wishes for me, but he's very protective. He has innumerable ways to intimidate or remove suitors he finds unworthy. It's happened before. Ada has very high expectations." 
                          
"Our parents have no say in whom we love and pledge our lives to." 
                          
"I know, I know. It was one of the principles drilled into me since birth, Legolas. Ada is wary of every ellon who comes my way especially with evil breeding in the east. There are many reasons he is protective. I do not want to tear my family or yours apart if we can instead strengthen them." 
                          
"Let us cease speaking of this, Erthanist. It darkens our time together." She nods in agreement and I pull her closer. 
                          
"Legolas?!" I smile mischievously and begin to pepper her with sweet and tender kisses. Erthanist begins to giggle uncontrollably, her face becoming a scarlet hue. After a couple of minutes I stop and allow her breath, still not releasing her. 
                          
"L-L-Legolas..?!" Oh no...
                          
Erthanist inhales sharply, her eyes widening. I don't have to look to know why. We're caught. I release Erthanist and sit up. There stands Adar, wearing the most befuddled, shocked expression I've ever seen. His hair and clothes are mussed, and he's dropped his sword upon the rocks. 
                          
"Adar, let-" 
                          
Erthanist suddenly sits up and I see Glorfindel, his sword raised, on our other side. Unlike my father his expression is cold and almost emotionless, but his eyes are aflame with emotions I cannot name. My heart begins to pound. He is very intimidating. Erthanist grips my hand and squeezes it reassuringly as both of our fathers approach. My father has replaced his confusion with searing judgement and retrieved his blade. 
                          
"Ada, this can all be explained..!" Erthanist insists, facing her father. But he does not stop marching, and in three strides is before us. She begins to speak but he cuts her off with one fixing glare. Glorfindel swiftly detaches her from my side. At this same moment my father pulls me to my feet and the two drag us in separate directions towards Imladris. 
                          
Adar and I walk in silence until we reach our shared quarters, where he slams the door. "You would go so far as this for what, Legolas? I thought you were in trouble or worse. I came back and found you gone, only to find you with Glorfindel's daughter!" He turns around, "Ion-nin, do you know how illicit it was!? It is scandal, Legolas! Why would you do it?" 
                          
"It is not scandal, neither was it illicit." 
                          
"Sneaking out and being found on the riverbank at dawn with an elleth such as Erthanist is very illicit! Did you think it would not be a weighty matter?"
                          
"Silence, Adar, and let me explain! Yes, I admit, it appears illicit, but nothing happened! I would never have relations outside of wedlock and neither would Erthanist!" I inhale, my heart swelling, "We spent the night watching the stars together and cuddled and yes, we fell asleep. It was highly refreshing to get some quality rest after the past few weeks." 
                          
"You cannot do things like this, Legolas." 
                          
"I love her, Adar! I have loved her since she came into my life! I fought it for months and where did it get me? I nearly died because of it. She rescued me and since then, I have been able to heal and make amends with her guidance and support. I might not have reconciled with with you, nor Tauriel," His sword again falls to the ground, "Nor myself... We kept our courtship under wraps because we both were aware of the tension between our families and did not want to add more drama. We both agreed to it. We knew we would either be found out or have to tell everyone, sooner or later, and took the risk last night." After a long few minutes of staring at each other he walks closer and places his hands on my shoulders, his eyes softened a few degrees. 
                          
"Legolas, I am upset with you for concealing this from me and especially Glorfindel, but I apologize for presuming your behavior was illicit." He sighs, "I am very happy that you have found love, Ion-nin. I feared you might succumb to a fate like mine, Legolas." He smiles and brings me close to him. We embrace. 
                          
"I won't. Do not doubt that I have found my love, Adar-nin." We pull away and he clears his throat, assuming his usual authoritative persona. I almost chuckle at how fast he collected himself. 
                          
"Now, Legolas, I believe you must meet with Glorfindel himself." 
                          
"I know, Adar." 
                          
"I will not be able to help you. I remember speaking with your mother's father for the first time after we announced our courtship. It is not easy, and Glorfindel has told me himself he will accept no one unworthy of her. Erthanist respects him for it. I saw it in her eyes this morning." 
                          
"I know. She's told me countless times,.." I take a deep breath, "I shall speak with him as soon as I can find him." Adar blanches. 
                          
"You are not going to rehearse what you are going to say?" 
                          
"No, why should I? I know what I want to say." He laughs heartily. 
                          
"Fatherly advice, ion-nin. Think on how to behave before you speak with him. Glorfindel will not assume the most gentle persona, especially now that he knows what is between you and his daughter." 
                          
"True." 
                          
There is suddenly a knock at the door. Adar sighs and opens it to reveal Lindir, who looks as if he's seen the Valar themselves. "Yes, Lindir?" 
                          
"Lord Glorfindel requests the presence of Prince Thranduilion in his private garden, your majesty, in ten minutes." 
                          
"Very well, Lindir. Thank you." He leaves and Adar closes the door. I hurry to change into clean, presentable clothes with his help and leave early, using the time walking there to think. I send a prayer to the Valar that this will go well. 
                          
Thanks for reading and voting! Suggestions are welcome! 
                          
~Uilosris