Middle Earth || OS

56. Meludir | Here You Are III

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As you kissed four-year-old Innith and two-year-old Annúndir on their foreheads, hearing them whisper 'good night' before their eyelids shut for slumber, you couldn't help but gaze for several minutes at their innocent faces, shining golden in the silent lantern light.

Innocent. That was the word Meludir had used to describe you, an escaped prisoner, to King Thranduil. Your love had returned you to the Woodland Realm for care after your head injury on the river, and with or without his lord's blessing, he was going to be with you, even if he had to leave the forest forever.

But first Meludir defended you and pleaded your case, holding you close the entire time, as Thranduil glared angrily from his throne.

"Take her to the healers," the king ordered, "and then return. This conversation is not over, Meludir."

Your kiss with Meludir on the return trip back to Thranduil's halls had left you dizzier than the tree trunk whack on the head. The combination of injury and powerful love had weakened you; you spent a week in the infirmary, with Meludir visiting as often as he could, and a surprise visitor on the last day as you finally felt the strength to sit up and sip some freshly prepared broth.

Out of nowhere, Thranduil stood over you like a rain cloud.

"Meludir is one of my best, most discerning guards. If he says you are innocent, if he says he loves you, then I believe him."

You opened your mouth to thank him, but he wasn't finished.

"You are guilty of one thing, however," he said.

"What is that, my lord?"

"Stealing his heart."

You gulped, not exactly knowing what would come next, in either his actions or words.

"I pardon you of that crime," he announced, "as long as you do not break it."

"I won't, King Thranduil. I promise."

All these memories came trickling back while you watched your children from their doorway, and like always, wished for their continued well-being and happiness.

Suddenly a pair of warm hands were on your shoulders.

"Looks like everyone is in place," Meludir said, kissing your neck.

"Except for their parents," you said, turning around and pressing your cheek to his chest before looking up lovingly at your guard, your husband, your lover, your Meludir.

"Let's go to our bed, my love."

"Ah, yes," he grinned slyly. "That is where we should be."