In The Light of the Valar (LOTR) (ELROND

8: Moonlit Walks & Stolen Glances

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow across the landscape as Elrond led Liv away from the archery range. The soft sounds of the river flowed nearby, and the air was fragrant with the scents of blooming flowers. Liv's heart raced with excitement, a thrill coursing through her as they walked side by side.

"What do you think of the gardens?" Elrond asked, glancing sideways at her. The corner of his mouth twitched upward in a smile, the warmth of his gaze making her heart flutter.

"They're magnificent," she replied, her eyes sparkling. "I've always found solace among flowers. They remind me of freedom and adventure." She paused, glancing at him. "Just like tonight."

He chuckled softly, a rich sound that sent shivers down her spine. "You certainly embody both."

As they reached the garden, the moonlight illuminated a path lined with silver petals that seemed to shimmer in the darkness. The lush greenery enveloped them, creating a secluded world where only the two of them existed.

Elrond led her toward a small clearing where a wooden table sat adorned with a bottle of wine and two goblets. He poured the deep red liquid into the cups, the rich aroma filling the air as he handed one to her. "A toast," he said, raising his goblet. "To adventure and new beginnings."

Liv clinked her goblet against his, their eyes locking for a moment that felt electric. "To adventure," she echoed, taking a sip. The wine was velvety, warming her from the inside, and she savored the taste as she watched him over the rim of her goblet.

As they settled on a stone bench, surrounded by the soft glow of moonlight and fragrant blossoms, Liv leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "What about you, Elrond? What do you seek in life?"

He considered her question, his gaze drifting to the stars above. "I seek to understand the world, to protect it and those I love," he replied, his voice contemplative. "But I also yearn for connection, for moments like these that remind me of the beauty in life."

Liv's heart raced at his words, her breath catching in her throat. "And do you find beauty in unexpected encounters?" she asked, her tone teasing as she nudged him lightly with her shoulder.

Elrond turned to face her, his dark eyes searching hers. "I do," he admitted, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Especially when the encounter is with a spirited lady like yourself."

A playful grin spread across Liv's face, her confidence swelling as she leaned even closer, their bodies almost touching. "Spirited, am I? I must admit, I've never thought of myself that way. Perhaps you're simply charming me with your poetry."

Elrond chuckled, his heart racing as he felt the warmth radiating from her. "Perhaps it is your own spirit that draws me in, Lady Liv."

Their eyes held for a moment, the air thick with tension as Liv's heart raced at his compliment. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, her pulse quickening. "You really think so?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I know so," he said softly, his voice laced with sincerity. "You have a fire within you that is rare among the elves."

Liv felt emboldened by his words, a rush of exhilaration coursing through her. She reached out, her fingers lightly grazing his hand, a thrill running up her arm at the contact. "And you, Elrond, are unlike any elf I've ever met. You are... different."

His breath caught in his throat, and he felt the warmth of her touch linger on his skin. "Different how?" he asked, his voice low and filled with curiosity.

"Different in the way you see the world," she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And perhaps a bit mysterious."

"Ah, but I believe you are the true mystery here, Lady Liv," he said, his heart pounding as he turned his hand slightly to intertwine his fingers with hers. "You are full of surprises."

She bit her lip, unable to suppress a smile. "I do like to keep people guessing."

Their laughter danced in the air, and Liv felt alive in this moment. The world around them faded into the background as they shared secrets and stories beneath the starlit sky.

As they finished their wine, Liv leaned back on the bench, gazing up at the constellations. "Do you ever wonder what lies beyond the stars?" she mused, her voice dreamy.

"Sometimes," Elrond replied, his gaze following hers. "But I also believe that the greatest adventures often lie within the hearts of those we meet."

She turned her head to look at him, her heart fluttering at the intensity of his gaze. "And what adventures do you think we might have together?"

His breath caught as their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, the world around them seemed to disappear. "I believe that depends on how far you're willing to go, Lady Liv," he said, a playful challenge in his voice.

Liv felt her heart race at the implication. "I'm willing to go anywhere," she replied, her voice steady, the daring words escaping her lips before she could second-guess them.

Just as the atmosphere thickened with unspoken words and anticipation, a guard rushed into the garden, his face flushed. "My lord!" he called, urgency lacing his tone. "The King requests your presence immediately."

Elrond's expression shifted, the moment between them shattering like glass. He stood up, reluctantly releasing her hand, and the loss of contact sent a pang of disappointment through Liv. "I must go," he said, his voice filled with regret.

Liv nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "Of course, duty calls."

He turned to her, his gaze softening. "I hope this is not the end of our adventure, Lady Liv."

"It is merely a pause," she replied, her heart heavy yet hopeful. "I shall await your return."

Elrond hesitated, his eyes searching hers for a lingering moment before he nodded, a promise unspoken in his gaze. "I will return."

As he walked away, Liv felt the weight of the night pressing down on her, the sweet taste of the wine mingling with the bittersweet pang of longing. She watched him go, the silhouette of the handsome elf disappearing into the shadows, and the echo of their stolen moments lingered in the air.

With a sigh, she leaned back against the bench, staring at the stars above. Though their evening had been cut short, Liv knew this was only the beginning of something beautiful—a connection that would forever change the course of her life.