The Sindarin used in this chapter is roughly translated. I used some translators for individual words as well as a dictionary, plus a short class/guide to elven syntax.

Chapter twelve: The voice returns

Legolas knew it in his heart that he had been selfish despite wanting only what was best for Juliet. She was right. Had it been him or any of the others, they would not stay behind if they were capable and willing to continue, and she was both despite the wound that should have incapacitated her. Had they overestimated the damage?

No. She had died. And something had brought her back.

As Edoras came into view, these thoughts grew in his mind. The road to Isengard had been one of expectant peril and so he had less time to think and more to focus on their journey and what was to come. But now, his chest ached with the thoughts of their discussion. Would she hate him now? Had he insulted her so deeply she could never forgive him?

Aragorn had not thought it strange when Juliet did not ride with them. He had not gone to see her thinking she would be resting and did not wish to interrupt. He had asked Éowyn to inform her about their plans, and assure her that they would be back with her soon. That is why when he noticed Legolas' unease, he misinterpreted it.

"I am sure she is well," he said in elven. "Gandalf assured us she would not relapse, and Éowyn would have taken good care of her. She is fond of Juliet."

"It is not her wellbeing that ails me," Legolas admitted in elven. He knew he should have told Aragorn about his discussion with Juliet. But he had feared he would side with her and allow her to come once he saw her, and this shamed him. He related to Aragorn the conversation he had with Juliet that day and apologized deeply for not having spoken with him before choosing to leave her behind. Aragorn listened in silence until he was done.

"I understand your reasoning. I would have also preferred for her to stay, even if she is on her feet."

But?

"But Juliet has proven that she can deliberate on whether she is fit to continue, or should stay behind for the good of the cause."

Legolas nodded, remembering when she had chosen to not drag them and stayed behind as they hunted the Uruk-hai across the plains. This guilted him even more.

"I cannot say if she was fit to ride. Indeed, it is hard to believe she would be fit for it after one day of healing. But I believe if she said she was able, then she must have been certain that she would not be a hindrance."

Legolas nodded. "I have hurt her beyond forgiveness then. I diminished her strength when I would not have doubted yours or any of our other companions in her situation. I have dishonored her."

"If I may," said Gandalf who had been listening in silence. "I do not know Juliet well, but I do not believe that she would see this as a thing of honor. She is hurt, no doubt of that, but not because her honor was brought into question, but because you did not trust in her word and capability. From what you have said, she is one who would not let her pride get in the way of our progress."

"I agree," Aragorn said. "When you see her, mend your words, and acknowledge her strength."

Legolas knew they were mostly right, but he doubted it was as easy as acknowledging he had been wrong, not at this point. She had been left behind on his account alone, and he would have to tell her that as well. She might forgive him, but he did not think she would ever look at him the way she had before.

As he got closer to Edoras, a voice both familiar and strange echoed in his mind.

I'm here.

His chest tightened. His eyes flickered around but no one seemed to hear anything.

The voice sighed. There was no laughter, no sweetness to it as it had had before. It was heavy with a sadness that haunted his own heart.

I am alone, the voice said, and Legolas felt his heart shatter. I have been left behind. He knew then, that somehow, this was Juliet's voice. He knew not how it could be, but he was as certain as he was of his own heartbeat.

The first thing Legolas did when he arrived at the Golden Hall was look for Juliet. It was not easy. Some thought she had left with them, others did not know of her whereabouts nor had wondered about them. He felt a spike of anger at their dismissal for her. But then again, he was not one to challenge them when he had left her behind.

It took time to find someone who knew what had become of her. Because the Hall was taken mostly by the injured for treatment, Juliet had been sent away to a peasant's house. The woman who relayed this information didn't have many details, save that she had been sent off with medicinal herbs, and that the woman who had taken her in seemed to know her. She pointed him in the right direction, and he wasted no time in finding the small cottage.

In front sat an old woman knitting by the last rays of sunlight. He stopped in front and looked in.

I'm here, the voice said.

"Juliet?" Legolas asked more to himself.

"No," said the old woman as she looked up from her work. "I am Eólida."

Legolas snapped into focus and he gave the old woman a small bow. "Forgive my rudeness. I am looking for Juliet. I was told she took refuge with you."

Eólida stared at him for a moment. Legolas rarely found himself uncomfortable under a human's gaze, but Eólida looked at him as if she knew something about him that he either didn't know or did not wish she knew. Still, he bore her eyes in silence.

She spoke as she resumed her knitting. "My lord will forgive this old woman's loose tongue. I myself do not think it is any of my business to speak my mind now, especially when she has refused to confide in me what has her heart in such a gloom. But, Juliet has suffered a wound, and I do not speak of the Uruk's blade. Were it up to me, I would not permit such a guilty-looking man to approach her now. But, it is not in my right to decide what she wants."

Legolas winced. How the old woman could guess he had not only caused her pain, but the nature of such pain as well so accurately was beyond him. He did not think most humans to be so wise even in older years. But this woman could see more than many of his kin would be able to see even if they were countless times older and, so he thought, wiser.

Legolas bowed his head, ashamed. "I understand. Please, forgive me. I have erred and wish to correct it. And I thank you for having taken her in when all others have forgotten her."

"All others indeed," Eólida muttered, unaware of his hearing prowess, or perhaps she knew that as well.

She left her work and went inside. Even as she spoke in a hushed voice to Juliet about his presence, he could hear every word, and it ached even more to hear Juliet's scoff and her unsureness of whether she would see him or not. Eólida suggested she did for closure, though also assured her that there was nothing wrong with giving her heart and mind time to think. She could always send him away.

At long last, Juliet appeared in the doorframe. She was wearing a simple brown dress and her hair was tied back in a braid. She had once told him she didn't know how to braid hair and that was why she wore it in a bun or a ponytail as they travelled. The look suited her. Despite wearing plain peasant clothes and having no weapon at her side, she stood with the unwavering assuredness of a warrior.

"Am man oduleg hi?" (Why are you here?)

"Díheno nin." (Forgive me) "I was wrong," he said in the common tongue for Eólida and anyone else who cared to listen to understand. He would not hide his fault from others even as Juliet gave him the chance. He would let everyone know that he had been wrong.

"I was wrong in not trusting your strength. You have not held us back before, and I should have known you would not do so now. I wanted to protect you, but I know that I was selfish as well." He took a deep breath to steady himself. "When I held you in my arms, I felt as though my heart would soon stop to follow yours. I could not bear the thought of losing you. But this is no excuse. Aragorn would have not opposed your presence should you have told him you were in condition to come. I should have trusted you the same way. I am sorry for wronging you."

Juliet nodded slowly, but kept quiet.

"I know it is not right for me to desire your forgiveness. But if there is anything I can do to earn it, know that I will not hesitate to do it."

Juliet closed her eyes with a deep breath.

Legolas understood and bowed his head. "I will speak to the King to find you accommodation in Medusel. You deserve no less."

"I don't care about Medusel nor what the King or his men think of me being or not being there. Their opinions don't matter to me," she said with a steely voice. "Eólida has been good to me and I will stay with her for as long as I can."

Legolas nodded.

"The only opinion I ever cared about, was that of the people I care about. Not because I depend on it, but because I also want to be there for them. The last thing I want is to hold them back, or worse, become a liability."

"You are not-" Legolas rushed to say but stopped as Juliet rose her hand.

"I understand your concerns. This was my fault too. I didn't want to think that I could be left behind. Even knowing you would be back, I felt like I had become a burden and had to prove that I was not. I would have probably been useless in a fight in my condition. There was no need for me to be there."

"No, you are needed, Juliet. You were right, I would have not stayed behind had I been in your place. I would have done all it took to be there with my companions. It was I who gave you no choice."

Juliet smiled weakly. "Apology accepted. And, I also am sorry."

"No, you-"

"Legolas, I know I have some blame too. There was no need for me to despair when I knew you would return. Can we agree on this and just move on?" She offered him a genuine smile.

"If that is what you desire, then so be it."

"You don't have to be so serious about it," she said as she walked towards him. "What happened at Isengard?" she asked in a casual tone.

Legolas felt his heart warm with the easiness of her tone and posture as she settled closer to him. He had to hold a grin before he spoke. "We found Merry and Pippin."

Her eyes shot wide. "Are they alright?"

"They were rejoicing in the spoils of their victory," he said with a smile.

"Victory?"

"They persuaded the ents to attack Isengard, and they succeeded. As for Saruman, he now lies dead, along with Grima."

"Did he say anything useful?"

Legolas shook his head ruefully. "Nothing that could assist us in our quest. But at least he will be a threat no more."

She nodded. "What now then?"

"We have no course yet. Tomorrow night there will be a feast to celebrate the victory and commemorate the dead. We are all welcomed."

Juliet didn't miss his insinuation and could not help but to scoff.

"Forgive me," Legolas said quickly. "I only meant-"

"I know, Legolas. Don't worry. As much as I hate how things are, I can't just change an entire country's belief on what I should or should not do. And I understand that you also have a challenge in having me here, despite everything. But rest assured that I will go to that celebration, and any man that thinks I shouldn't be there can fight me."

"You will be fighting an army alone then," came Eólida's voice as she appeared to retrieve her kitting items. Juliet quickly went to help her pick them up.

"Not alone," Legolas said ardently.

Juliet smiled.

Eólida gave him an assessing look before nodding to herself, as if satisfied with his words.

"I'll be going to bed soon," she said. "I shall be leaving the door open for when you return."

"Thank you."

Eólida gave her a knowing smile before slowly walking back in.

"Can you take me to see Merry and Pippin?"

"Of course."

They walked back to the Golden Hall.

"How are you faring?"

"I'm better than I thought I'd be so soon. There's something odd about how fast it's healing."

"Odd?"

"Well, the cut I received in Amon Hen was infinitely less serious, but it healed slower, much slower than this. And I was using the elven medicine back then. I'm not fully healed, but for what this wound was, I feel as though weeks have passed in its healing."

"I see. We can ask Gandalf if he has some knowledge of this."

"If he'll share it," she mumbled.

Legolas chuckled. "Mithrandir does keep many secrets. But he would never keep anything that could cause us any harm."

That night Juliet met with the hobbits at Medusel. Seeing them brought her more joy and comfort than she had expected. That night the Fellowship dinned together around a small fire beside Medusel. It was their first respite since Lothlorien, but despite the genuine comfort and joy it brought them to have this chance to truly rest, a cloud loomed over them, even as none spoke of it. They were missing three, had been separated for days, and all wondered if they would ever have another chance like this where the others would also be there.

ooOoo

"I have found you two dresses for you to choose for tonight!" Éowyn said excitedly as she led Juliet through the halls towards the small quarters she had been given.

Juliet could not help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"I had a tailor fit those based on your travel tunic. They should fit you nicely, and you will have another stored away for another occasion."

"Thanks. But you didn't have to lose two dresses for me."

"Who told you they were mine?" Éowyn asked, stopping and looking at her in surprise.

Juliet laughed. "You did, just now," she said with a mischievous smile.

"Oh you! But it is no bother at all. I am thrilled to share them with you. Besides, they will flatter your skin tone so much more than they will mine!"

Juliet couldn't help the sudden nervousness at the mention of her skin color. She had learned that it matched best the Harad people, which were enemies to most. But Éowyn didn't seem to think of this when she mentioned it.

"I will also have a maid help you with your hair. You have such lovely gentle curls, but you keep it tied back even here."

Juliet laughed. It was difficult for her to explain that it was kept cleaner and less tangled that way because her hair was used to being washed infinitely more often than she could manage here.

They entered a small room, and Juliet recognized it was the same one she had been given on that day she first arrived to Edoras. A tub was being filled by a maid who curtsied and left to gather more water. Juliet almost abandoned all propriety to jumped head first into it.

"These are it," Éowyn said, waving at the two dresses draped over chairs.

"Oh," Juliet said, taken aback by their sight. They were nothing like what she had been given so far. She should have known given they were Éowyn's.

The first was a lovely burgundy gown with small gold accents at the neckline, waist and sleeves. The second one was a simpler looking olive green gown with lace sleeves and a lace neckline. She loved them both, but if she was honest, the burgundy dress was her favorite. But thinking of the celebration, she decided simplicity was best given they not only celebrated victory, but mourned the dead.

She explained this to Éowyn who understood her desire. "Very well. I shall leave you to bathe. Senta will be here soon with more water and to help you with your hair. I shall be back soon to prepare as well."

Juliet eased herself into the water. It was not as hot as it had been the first time, but she sighed with content nonetheless. She dunked her head underwater and scrubbed it fiercely. Then, she grabbed the bottles left to her. She had no idea which was for what, but chose one and scrubbed her hair with it.

The maid, Senta, arrived soon. She didn't say anything about Juliet's choice in hair scrub, so she considered that to be good. The woman offered to dunk the new pot of water over her head, which Juliet gladly accepted. Slowly, the woman poured the water and Juliet washed until she felt her head clean. Juliet would not waste this rare chance at a bath and scrubbed her body nearly raw. Senta remained quiet and only offered her a soft sponge. When she was done, she was helped to dry and to get dressed. Juliet knew she had no status for this, and that it had to have been Éowyn who arranged this. Still, if it got her hot baths, then she would remain quiet about it.

She was helped with wrapping the wound and then getting dressed. Then, she was sat on a chair and the maid dried her hair as best she could.

"Would you like your hair down or up?"

Juliet considered Éowyn's comment about her hair. She did wear it up most of the time and this was a good occasion to mix it up. So the maid braided the sides of her hair and brought them together in a single braid on the bad that laid over the rest of her loose hair. The woman then left, and soon Éowyn returned. She wore a beautiful soft beige dress with subtle patterns and small brow and gold beads at her chest. Her golden hair seemed to glow in the light.

"You look like a queen," Juliet said with a smile.

Éowyn smiled shyly. "And you look beautiful in that dress. Come, people have begun to gather in the Golden Hall."

They walked side by side, and if anyone had a problem with that, none dared let it show. They entered through the backside. Fires silently roar on two pits, long tables are laden with roasted lamb, bread and some fruit. On every corner, there were barrels of mead and wine. Man, women, and younger folk were arriving and finding a place for themselves. Tankards for toasting were being passed around and Juliet took hers, secretly stealing a sniff at its content.

"If it is quality drinks you desire," came a low whisper in elvish from her side. She snapped to look at him, startled. Legolas smiled. "Then if you would allow me, I would take you to my homeland where you can have a variety of wines."

Juliet felt a blush creep at the implication. "I can't hold alcohol very well. This doesn't smell very strong, but I'll probably have just this one."

Legolas gave her a curious smile. "Oh? And what is it that you do under the influence?"

"Are you asking what type of drunk I am?"

Legolas grinned mischievously.

"If you really want to know, I am the boring drunk. I'll fall asleep. Sometimes I might laugh stupidly for a while, but I'll always end up leaving early to sleep. Once I just fell asleep on a stranger's home."

"I am shocked!" he teased.

"Stop it! I was with a friend and this guy was his friend. I was given a bed, and nothing happened. Sorry for the disappointing boring story."

Legolas laughed and then stared at her affectionately. "The dress suits you."

"You hear that," she said, looking at her dress, "He doesn't think you're unbecoming of me."

Legolas laughed, and several people looked at them with judging eyes.

"What's their problem," Juliet said, still in elven. "Not like they're not secretly waiting to break out the booze and get stupid drunk. I've already seen some take a few sips of their toast cup for the dead."

Legolas grinned in amusement.

The hall was now packed so tightly it was nearly impossible not to breathe on top of one another. Both Legolas and Juliet turned to see Gimli trying to make his way through the crowd and mumbling "excuse me," over and over as he shoved his way forth.

"Here, Gimli," she said as she waved.

The dwarf squeezed his way up to them and humphed his annoyance as he settled between the two.

"These humans give you more trouble than orcs?" Legolas teased.

"If they were orcs I would have charged right through them with my axe instead of having to apologize to every lady whose skirt I ruffled."

Juliet bit back a laugh.

Soon the King arrived, and the Hall fell silent. Eowyn served a cup and presented it to him.

"Tonight," Théoden said somberly, "we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious death!"

"Hail!" everyone replied before drinking.

Juliet took a tentative sip before realizing it wasn't an absolutely terrible taste and took a bit more, afraid that her lack of intake was somehow disrespectful.

Slowly, as if not wanting to look too eager to get past the serious formalities and into the partying, people began to move to gather food. But as the minutes passed, voices began to rise, and chatter became livelier until cheers and laughter boomed around them.

Juliet had not been shy in taking her meal. She chopped a piece of lamb roast large enough to scare a grown man, and the most golden potatoes she could find. Eólida had provided her with food, but the old woman did not have much to offer for two. She had refused to come, saying these activities were far less for the dead than they were for their own enjoyment. Juliet didn't see anything wrong with it. After all, many of these people did fight and deserve some sort of reward.

"Are you challenging me?" Gimli asked Juliet when he saw her settle her food plate.

"I don't challenge if I don't think I have at least a slight chance of winning," she said teasingly.

"Then you're a smart woman," Gimli said with his face in a tankard.

After eating, Gimli dragged Legolas to a drinking competition. Juliet had no interest in possibly getting puked on by a drunk man, so she moved away to find entertainment for herself. She sought out Éowyn, and spotted her just as she moved towards Aragorn and offered him a cup. The look she gave him was unmistakable. Her smile, the hopefulness in her eyes, and the joy when he took it and drank, screamed of love.

Juliet didn't know much of Aragorn, but she had been told of his love for an elven woman. Juliet knew this would not end well for her friend.

She settled for leaning against a wall just as music broke out and pairs began to form. She observed their dancing and noted a graceful rowdiness to their movements. They flowed like a large wave, rough on its edges but smooth in its path.

After a while of observation, a young man approached her. He smiled widely at her. His light brown hair fell over his boyish, yet chiselled features, as if his face couldn't decide between growing and staying young and settled for an in-between.

"Would you care for a dance milady?"

Juliet was surprised. She had thought she would be ignored not only for being a woman who "forcefully played as a man", but also because she was a complete outsider.

"I do not know any of your dances," she replied as polite as possible.

"Then would you care to learn?" he asked with an enthusiastic smile.

A dance won't hurt, she thought, before taking his hand and following him to a corner away from the more crowded dancing areas.

"If you do not mind my mistakes then yes."

The man smiled and extended his arm for her to take. He led her to the dance floor and began to teach her. She was not the fastest learner but she did well enough considering her lack of knowledge. After the first song ended she danced another one with the same man and this time she was able to read his movements and the melody better.

The song ended and the man grinned at her. "Is it true that you rode a warg?" he asked, taking her by surprise.

"Yes," she said, disliking where the conversation would probably lead.

The man looked impressed. "May that tale be sung amongst our bards then! A woman who defied men and orc and triumphed!"

Surprised wasn't exactly the most accurate word to describe how Juliet felt right now. But once she got over her shock, she smiled. The man took her hands in his and kissed them before leading her away from the dance floor and leaving her to go drink.

Juliet was happier than she thought she could be. She leaned against a wall and observed the dance floor until Aragorn came up to her.

"Would you like to dance?"

"Did you not see my magnificent dancing just now?" she said teasingly.

"I would say you did well."

She raised an eyebrow. "You men seem to like having your feet stomped."

Aragorn laughed and extended his hand to her.

Juliet shrugged. "You have been warned."

A faster song came up and Juliet laughed when she was twirled and lifted by the waist in a spin. There was far more footwork to the song and she barely followed in breathless laughter as Aragorn led her. Feet were stomped, people were bumped, the room spun, and laughter roared through the crowd.

The song ended and a slow ballad began. Many left the dance floor as new couples took to the floor. She and Aragorn walked back to the edge of the dance floor. As they found room to lean back and observe, Juliet caught glimpse of Éowyn looking at Aragorn, a hopeful, pleading look in her eyes. She wanted to dance with him.

Juliet's heart ached. Her friend had an impossible love. Aragorn would love no one other than Arwen. She sneaked a glance at Aragorn who gave no notion of having noticed Éowyn's gaze on him. But he had. His posture, though subtle, was poised to avert her eyes. He would shift slightly as if observing the hall, but his eyes remained clear of hers.

The night went on with celebration. The fire continued to cast a warm, orange hue over the halls and its people. Laughter and cheers filled the room, and Juliet couldn't help but smile. She hadn't felt this at peace since she first arrived to Middle earth. Even back at Lorien her heart had been burdened with apprehension and fear of what was to come. But now, standing here, after a victory in the battlefield, she felt truly at peace. If she didn't return home, maybe staying here would not be so bad. She would have to fight over the status women lived under, but she had her first victory at being recognized by her previous dance partner. Surely, he was not the only one who saw her as more than a skirt. And if no one else did recognize her, then she would make them do it. And with the Fellowship by her side, who was to openly undermine her? She would rise, she would make them see that women were more than a wife and a mother.

Juliet smiled to herself, and as she did, her eyes caught Legolas. He seemed uneasy as he consumed tankards of ale. Gimli was by his side, and he seemed more than thrilled by the prospect of getting utterly wasted. She chuckled and leaned back to observe Legolas. The fire's orange hues cast upon Legolas made his hair shine golden. She had to blink a few times, for the scene appeared surreal to her. In her mind she saw herself walk up to him and take in her hand a golden thread. And in her mind, he would turn to her and smile, and he would take her hand in his and bring it to his lips. She imagined that the softest silk would not compare to the softness of his lips. Then, he would pull her to him and onto the dance floor. He would spin her, would press her to him, and then, his face would come close to her, and he would… he would…

Juliet closed her eyes against the tears running down her cheeks. This was stupid. This was unrealistic. This was unfair to both of them. But gods! Why did it hurt so much?

Juliet pushed herself from the wall and walked along the wall until she found a door and headed out. The night outside was windy and cold, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the celebrations. Her eyes went up to the stars. They twinkled, and she was sure she saw the wisp of a falling star.

"I wish…" she whispered. A small sob escaped her. "I wish…" she cried, for what could she wish for? For her love for an impossible man to die? For the circumstances that kept them apart to somehow change?

She quietly cried, and silently, she wished as hard as her heart could, that her love for Legolas would die before her heart did.

"Juliet?" a soft voice whispered.

Juliet whipped around with a startled gasp.

Legolas stood paces away from her, his face heavy with worry and emotion.

"It is you," he whispered.

Juliet wiped at her face quickly. "M-me what?"

"I heard you. You called."

"I don't understand. I haven't-"

"The voice. It was always you. It has always led me to you."

"But… but I haven't…"

Legolas walked up to her and stopped within arm's reach.

"Every time I've heard it, it has led me to you. I believe that deep inside, I always knew that it was connected to you. But now I know it in my heart and mind."

"But how is that even possible?"

"I do not know how, but I am as certain of it as there are stars in the sky. I can hear you. I can hear your soul. I can hear its pain."

Juliet's breath hitched and her cheeks flushed. What exactly had he heard? What had this voice that was apparently hers said to him about what she was feeling now?

"Juliet," Legolas said softly, reaching for her hand.

Juliet's chest tightened as his finger gently held hers. When she didn't pull back, he held her other and hand and brought them together to his lips.

Heat erupted from the top of Juliet's head to her toes.

"I know that your future is uncertain. Your path may yet find a way back to your world. It is selfish of me to want you."

He wants me! Her heart sung.

Her fingers instinctively closed around his, as if afraid that if she let go, he would take his words back.

Legolas smiled. "If you would have me, Juliet, I would have you too, for as long as you remain in Middle earth."

Juliet smiled as she fluttered away stray tears. But a thought rang loud in her mind, and she hated herself for needing to address it.

"I want nothing more than you, Legolas. But, you are an elf, and I'm… well." She bit her lip. "It wouldn't be fair to y-"

Juliet caught off when Legolas' face came down upon hers and stopped barely an inch from her lips. His breath warmed her face against the cold winds, and his eyes shone brighter than all the stars above. And in his eyes, she saw his love for her, and there was no doubt that this love could not push aside for another time. So she leaned forward and closed the gap between them. And gods, she could never have prepared for this.

His arms circled her and pressed her to him. One hand came to rest on her neck, causing butterflies to crawl over her skin with his touch. Her hands went up and cup his head on each side. His lips were tender and sweet as he pressed them against hers, shaping against her mouth as he memorized her softness and shape.

After a moment, they pulled away enough to look at each other.

"I would have you," he whispered, "If only for a day, if it was all I could have you."

"Legolas," she softly said, "you can have me for as long as we can get."

"Then you shall have me too, for as long as we can get."

Their lips met once more, this time with a tone of urgency as if making up for lost time, as if time would be ripped away from them then and there. Her hands gripped his hair and pulled him closer, willing every space between them to close. His lips pressed against hers needlingly, and he gently nipped at her lip, a silent, shy plea, and she was more than willing to grant him access. Their kiss deepened. Every motion made Juliet lightheaded, but she kissed him back, willing herself to get lost in his essence.

A loud thud rumbled behind them, followed by loud laughter. The door to the Hall opened and light and noise streamed out.

Slowly, Legolas broke the kiss. He pressed his hand against her face and held her close. He did not look away even as a drunken man stumbled out singing loudly and barely managing to hold himself upright.

"Shall we go somewhere undisturbed?" he asked.

Juliet could hardly hide the glee behind her eyes as she nodded.

Legolas offered her his arm, and she held it. There was nowhere to go. The Keep would be full of soldiers and the wounded. But Legolas led her to the steps of the Golden Hall. They sat by a brassiere. From there they could see the rest of the city and the looming mountains beyond the plains.

They talked as if there was no past nor future, and only now was eternal. Hours passed and slowly people lumbered back to their homes, and the Golden Hall silenced. Juliet had leaned against Legolas. She sleepily listened to him, and her replies became increasingly mumbled and incoherent.

"You should be going back now," Legolas playfully murmured in her ear.

"Hmm, later," she grumbled as she nuzzled into him.

"Alright then," he said before lifting her into his arms.

She struggled lazily as she giggled, but eventually, she cuddled against him.

Legolas brought her to Eólida's home. The old woman received them and led him to place Juliet on a small cot on the floor. Decorum kept him from placing a kiss on her forehead, but he settled for running his hand over her cheek one last time before leaving.

Last chapter was really short and this chapter was quite long. Sorry for the inconsistency on these last chapters. The rest should have the average length of the previous ones.