Always

Chapter 12.

Outside , the temperature began dropping drastically ,turning the still driving rain into needles of ice that coated every twig , every leaf , turning the night into a crystal fairyland . To the rider making his way into Tanderrah’ , however , the beauty of the night was lost ; he sought nothing more than a stable for his mount and a dry bed upon which to lay his head . He rode the tired beast into the very stable Legolas had only recently used , and the livery owner collected his coin with a greedy hand .

“Not a fit night out there for man nor beast .” the stableman said , tossing a forkful of hay in for the animal . “Will ye be needin’ more than one night’s board ?”

The rough looking traveler grunted , untacking his horse and tossing the saddle into the corner . “Depends on how the weather cooperates .” came the reply . “I don’t imagine my quarry will be moving fast in this ice storm .”

The shorter man cocked an eyebrow at him . “Your quarry ? Are you a bounty hunter , then ?”

“Nay , not a bounty hunter by trade , just a man with a cause before him . The name’s Galin Callad . I’m on the trail of a murderer , killed my uncle a few months back . Nothin’ but a slip of a girl , a slave girl .”

The stable owner extended his hand “Pleasure meetin’ you , Mr. Callad . My name’s Torren , Torren Allistar . You think this murderin’ slave girl came through Tanderrah’ , d’ya ?”.

Callad shook his head . “I can’t be sure , just following her trail as best I can . Not easy following a slip of a girl , she fairfairly disappear into the land . But I’ll not give up , until I wash my hands in her blood .”

“Would she be traveling alone , them ?” Allistar asked curiously .

“So far as I know .” Callad responded . “Would you join me for a whiskey at the pub ?”

“Aye , I think I’ll take ye up on that offer .” Torren Allistar slapped the traveler’s shoulder and they stepped out together into the driving ice storm .
*********************

Legolas awoke first ; Caitlin has turned in his embrace and was laying with her back pressed tightly to his stomach , using his outstretched arm to pillow her head . She gripped his hand tightly in both of hers ; hai hair spilled all around him , and he leaned forward to press a kiss to her bare shoulder . He gently pulled away , standing with the grace only possessed by the Elven , and walked to the mouth of the cave , leaning his arm on the cold rock and looking out into the night . Sharp needles of ice pelted his face and bare body , and he shivered . How had this happened ? What had he done ? More than ever he felt the need to speak with Aragorn , perhaps the one soul in the universe that could understand the consequences of this love … a love that should have never come to be , but that could never be denied .

Caitlin awoke to find the bedding empty and cooling around her , and she rose , coming to stand behind Legolas , sliding her arms around his lean waist andssinssing herself against his back , and planting a kiss between his shoulder blades . He covered her arms with his own , rubbing his palms up and down her forearms . “You’re cold .” she whispered , and he turned in her embrace to face her , pressing a kiss to her mouth .

“I think I know someone who can warm me .” he said with a lazy smile , and amazingly , he felt another stirring in his loins . “Are you hungry , titta er ?” . He led her toward the warmth of the fire and dropped to sit beside it cross-legged , and Caitlin sat beside him , snuggling her back against his side . He reached for his cloak and draped it over both of them , sliding his arm around Caitlin , and she sighed contentedly .

“Starved .” she grinned , reaching for one of the rabbits ; she pulled it off the spit and ripped a leg off , biting into the crisped , brown flesh , still slightly pink inside . “Mmmmm…” she purred , “that is delicious .” She held it up to Legolas , and he steadied her hand , taking a delicate bite of the meat . He nuzzled against her neck , closing his eyes .

“You’ll never be hungry again .” he whispered . “I will see to that titta er , I will take care of you .”

Tears stung her eyes and Caitlin shivered against him . “I could have never expected this , Legolas . I have been alone for so long . I have not known such kindness , not ever , not since my parents .”

He turned , wrapping both arms about her and gently stroking her stomach , and kissed her ear . “Kindness ? I prefer to call it love Cait .” . He pulled a piece of rabbit from the bone , chewing on it thoughtfully . “I was thinking Caitlin , I have a good friend , the King Aragorn of Gondor , he has taken an Elven Queen . Aragorn will accept us , help us through the prejudice we are certain to encounter . Will you come to Gondor with me , Cait ?”

She smiled up at him , with all the love in the world shining from her face . “I will follow you to the ends of the earth , Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood .”