Salvation

Disclaimer- I own nothing

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I woke up happy. That hasn't happened for a long time. I was safe and secure and nobody was going to try to take that away from me. I felt Legolas' arms tighten round me and I burrowed into his chest. I looked up into his face. His bright azure eyes met my own sliver ones, they were twinkling with laughter and delight. He kissed my forehead and I couldn't help but giggle. I wanted to stay here in the arms of the elf I loved and my new father and brother. I laughed into Legolas' tunic. I was giddy and right now I wanted to laugh, at anything. I hadn't truly laughed in so long and it felt so good.

My giggling must have woken Haldir and Glorfindel. I turned around, still laughing with tears running down my face. They looked at me like I was mad. Well, I suppose I would've done the same. Unfortunately it only made me laugh harder and I couldn't stop.

After five minutes of non-stop giggling I stopped and calmed down. I was lying on top of Haldir with the others at the side of me.

"I love you guys" I announced in a singsong voice that sent me into yet another bought of laughter.

We were all hungry so it was a joint agreement to leave and go down to the dinning hall. I really didn't want to face the Lady, she scared me. But I wanted to know why she'd brought me here. I had to know.

Without even getting changed we all left my room and started down to the dinning room. Haldir and Glorfindel must have noticed that me and Legolas wanted some time alone as they both walked ahead of us.

I took Legolas' hand in mine and almost skipped as we walked. I nearly fell over when he stopped and pulled me in another direction.

Eventually, we got to the glade that Legolas wanted to show me. It was beautiful. The trees covered the surrounding area so it was completely private. Purple and blue flowers surrounded the small pool that was situated in the middle of the clearing.

He sat down and pulled me with him. We sat for a few minutes, just looking at each other and grinning like idiots.

"Thalia. I am sorry for what you have been through. I know that it was hard for you to tell us last night. But I am honoured that you did. You have finally shown the really you. Lle naa belegohtar melamin"

"What does that mean?"

"It means, 'you are a mighty warrior, my love'".

"Legolas, thank you, but I'm no warrior".

"Thalia, the courage that you hold in your heart surpasses that of some who have fought many battles. You have survived something ghastly and yet you sit here with a whole heart and a free spirit".

I couldn't think of anything to say to him. I just sat there with tears running down my face.

"Mani naa ta?" (what is it?)

I threw myself into his arms and hugged him tightly. The sobs were coming out of me and I was unable to stop them. Legolas wrapped his arms around me and stroked my back in slow, soothing circles. He carefully picked me up and settled me on his lap. I had stopped crying, but we were both content to sit with each other. I lay my head against his chest. I could hear his steady and comforting heart beat from within him. I loved him.

"Legolas", I said. My voice husky form my crying,

"I love you".

I could feel rather than see a huge grin make its way across his features. He squeezed me tightly.

"You have no idea how long I have wanted to tell you that I love you. Amin mela lle Thalia".

~

My heart leapt in my chest as she said the three words that I had been wanting to hear for so long. She loved me as I loved her.

I put my hand on her shoulders and pushed her away from me a little. She tilted her head and watched me through half closed eyes. I leant down and brushed a feather light kiss on her lips. She moaned when I pulled away. She grabbed my tunic and pulled me against her in a heated kiss. Her lips were soft and yielding to me. Her kiss held so many things; acceptance, need, passion, trust and love.

We finally drew back from each other. Her lips were swollen and her eyes sparkling. She laughed, it was a sweet and melodious laugh full of happiness. Her arms encir my my neck and she clung to me. I felt blessed. She was beautiful and brave, and she was mine.

We sat there for hours talking and kissing in each others embrace.

Haldir and Glorfindel would not worry, they knherehere we were.

I could hear her steady breathing, she had fallen asleep. Without waking her I stood up, one of my arms was under her knees and the other on her back. Her head lolled onto my shoulder. She sighed in her sleep.

It only took ten minutes to get back to her room. Peeling back the sheets on her bed I laid her down. I removed heippeippers and put them beside the bed. Then I lifted her up and unlaced her dress. As the garment slid down her torso the scars were revealed. I smiled, knowing that she had overcome her torment and pain, not completely, but she had begun the journey. The new cuts were revealed as the dress slid down her legs. I finally knew what she had been doing, but to see it was different. I felt a tear make its way down my cheek and I watched it drop on her leg. She wouldn't need to do it now. I would take care of her and together we would defeat her demons.

I stood up and removed my clothes so that all I was left wearing were my undergarments, and then I slipped into bed next to her. I chuckled as she unconsciously burrowed into my chest and wound her hands into my hair. I didn't sleep that night, I watched her as she slept, occasionally smiling at something.

I was simply content to hold her all night. I loved her and she loved me.