[Maikadilwen]

Having spent the rest of the night on her bed, thinking about what had happened between them, Anwanelme left it to others to prepare for the journey ahead. She knew her mother would come by her chamber soon and she would undoubtedly go through all her belongings anyway, so she didn't bother to even cast a glance at any of it.
Instead she went for a walk through Imladris, taking in the sight of the place she had thought of as her home for some time now, wondering what would be 'home' once she and Melost had been wed.

A sigh escaped her as she once again thought about their quarrel and part of her regretted being so harsh. She knew he loved her, in fact there was no doubt in her mind that he did. And she cared for him as well.
Leaving the room in order to search for her betrothed, Anwanelme heard her mother's voice and though she couldn't yet see her, she could hear that she was coming closer and swiftly she fled down the hallways and into the open.
She was not in the mood for her mother at the moment, at least not before she had spoken with Melost.

Once outside Anwanelme was struck with the vision of troops, riding and marching forth and she stood for a moment in awe, feeling like a child again as she remembered seeing the great host of Nargothrond ride out many years earlier.
It was a beautiful sight and yet it made her feel sad. She had seen too much war in her life and much of her own family had been lost to it.

With a sigh she turned away from the magnificent sight and went in search of Melost.
She had nearly given up when she finally saw him and that he was speaking with Arthain. Knowing that they needed to talk as well, she decided to wait and she stood watching them from afar, happy that their friendship was that strong. Melost needed someone that close.
They embraced each other and the depth of their friendship was obvious to her. Feeling a sting in her heart she suddenly realised that although she and Melost were to wed and he loved her, they would never be this close. He had not even told her about Arthain and yet Arthain knew about her.

When they finally parted and left to do some final preparations, Anwanelme followed Melost, running as fast as she could to catch up with him.
Though she was light-footed, Melost still heard her and he turned toward her before she was even close.
The look on his face when he saw her was far from pleasant and she stopped, standing for a moment just looking at him as if asking for permission to step any closer. Finally he reached out his hand and she threw herself into his arms, all her anger gone.

"Please forgive me. I acted like a child. I had no right to say what I did."

The pleading look in her eyes nearly melted his heart and once again Melost remembered why he had accepted this betrothal in the first place. With a sad smile he gazed at her, playing with her hair as he became lost in thought. There was no easy way for him to tell her what he wanted to.

What right do I have to do this to her? Who am I to shatter her dreams? How can I deny her the happiness I saw in her eyes only yesterday when she told me about the future she is hoping for?

He was ripped out of his thoughts by a kiss and for a moment he wished for nothing but to stay with her, well knowing that he alone would make no difference in the war against Sauron, but realising that he could never do that, he pulled her into a crushing embrace.

"My love, there is something I need to tell you...."

Before he could go on, they heard someone approach and they both turned as Thelian cleared his throat. Melost sighed aloud. Of all time in Arda, of course he must choose now... he thought and his grey eyes looked like thunderclouds when he glared at Thelian, having no intention of hiding his irritation. "Yes?"
Thelian swallowed hard when he met Melost's gaze but then he took a deep breath.

"I am sorry to interrupt but the escort is nearly ready and you are needed there."

Anwanelme tried as well as she could to hide her disappointment and she flashed Melost a bright smile and kissed him lightly.
"I will go see to Menelya." she said, leaving Melost to gaze after her as she walked back the way she came.