Between Friends

“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous” - Ingrid Bergman

~~~~~~

The sun broke over the mountains, spreading its orange glow over the sleeping land. This evening would find them safely back in Rivendell and Legolas was both relieved and disappointed at the prospect.

Annowe had fallen asleep in his lap as they sat by the fire and he had held her closely, stroking her hair and ruminating on her words. Never had he felt so helpless or foolish. He had been simply worried about Haldir while Annowe had been fretting over the very fate of their world.

As Legolas watched her sleep, he was more determined than ever to voice his feelings for her. She needed to know and he needed to tell her before they reached Rivendell and his chance would be lost.

Annowe stirred in his lap then slowly sat up and yawned. Today she would be in the river and her heart soared with joy at the thought. She needed the water to cleanse her tired and worn spirit.

They silently gathered their packs and started walking northward toward sanctuary. Neither of them spoke as Annowe led the way toward the river. Her pace had increased and Legolas could feel her mood lift as they approached the Loudwater River.

He knew she would need its calming waters to soothe her and wash away her terrible memories. He wished there were some way he could wash away his own guilt at his selfish behavior.

When the river finally came into view, Annowe gave a shout of joy and took off running, leaving a trail of equipment and clothing in her wake. Legolas had to smile as he followed behind her, picking up her discarded items along the way. Sometimes he felt like the senior in their relationship.

Legolas finally reached the river and sat down on the bank, laying aside their equipment and her clothing as he waited for her to surface. He could see her blurry form swimming through the clear water and she burst up through the surface near him, laughing with delight.

“Oh, Legs, this is great!” she sighed contentedly. “You should join me. It’s quite refreshing!”

As soon as the words escaped her lips she realized the implications of what she had said and her eyes opened wide in fear. She was completely naked and knew she could not contain her desire if he were to come near her in the water.

Legolas saw the look in her eyes and his blood froze. “Do you no longer trust me?” he asked softly.

“No, it me I don’t trust,” she admitted shamefacedly lowering her gaze.

Yes, he knew exactly what she was talking about and nodded to her. Without a word, he tossed her leggings and under tunic into the river at her and she smiled at him gratefully. He wanted her but he would not force the issue. No, he had waited this long and could wait a few more moments until she was comfortable. He wanted to make sure she could not misunderstand his intention or merely think he was trying to take advantage of the situation.

She slipped into her clothes as he stripped down to his leggings and slowly walked down to the riverbank. Cautiously, he waded into the river up to his waist. Annowe moved closer to him to offer her support.

“Now, remember, elves can drown,” she warned him. “Take it slow.”

“Yes, I know,” Legolas said and slid into the water up to his neck. “But you won’t let me drown.”

She laughed. “No, not if I can help it. Your father would have my hide!”

“That much is certain,” he agreed with a grin.

She kept close to him, refusing to let him get into the water over his head until she was certain of his ability. He was learning quickly and enjoyed the feeling of the cool water against his skin, his guilt soon forgotten.

Without warning, he plunged his head under the water and tried to swim off. Annowe gasped in horror, thinking that he had been pulled under by the current and quickly submerged to rescue him. She found him several feet away, just floating there and grinning from ear to ear, his pale hair floating eerily around his head.

“Monster,” she mouthed to him in mock disgust. He could be quite impish if the mood struck him and it obviously had. She wanted to slap him for giving her such a fright.

Deliberately he slid his hand to his throat in the choking signal and watched her carefully. Her heart constricted in her chest and she hesitated, uncertain of what to do. What was he playing at? She wondered.

Slowly, she slid over to him and motioned him to surface. Certainly there was no reason he should stay under the water if he needed air. Was there?

Legolas shook his head and gazed into her eyes. His heart skipped a beat as he anxiously waited for her response. He knew she would not let him drown but how would she react to his ploy?

Annowe silently cursed his beauty, his race, his stars, and anything else she could think of as she put her lips on his and breathed into his mouth, closing her eyes so she would not have to see him so close. Her lips quivered on his and she tried to think of anything but the beautiful elf before her.

Legolas relaxed and closed his eyes when he felt her lips on his then slowly slid his tongue into her mouth to touch her tongue. Instantly, she pulled away but she did not rebuke him. Instead she stared at him for a few minutes, a myriad of emotions flickering across her face as she battled her conflicting feelings.

With a pounding heart, he waited for what seemed like an eternity. Either she would accept him or turn him away. He had made his move. It was up to her now. Slowly, he reached out for her, running his fingers tenderly over her breast so there could be no mistaking his intention.

Suddenly, her arms were around his neck and her mouth was on his. She kissed him like she had wanted to for years, her pent up desire finally loosed on him. Instantly, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, afraid she would change her mind if he did not respond in kind.

He moaned softly as he crushed her body to his, feeling her hard nipples through her wet tunic as her tongue slid between his parted lips. She was his now and he would not let her go.

~~~~~