After a long while, Erthanist pulls back and sighs, "I suppose I should tell you, Legolas." 

"Only if you're ready." 

"I'll never be if I don't tell you now, when we're away from Adar-nin." 

"Very well." I coo and she leans back into me. I encircle her with my arms and rock her ever so gently. 

"Legolas, now I know why Adar has been opposed to our relationship and the idea of going east. Why he's been so protective about me, keeping me like a caged fowl. He told me a secret that has been kept since before my birth, that holds so much of my heritage and identity that I still cannot believe it." 

"I will not think different of you, meleth, for whatever secret you shall reveal to me." I assure and she calms down a little. 

"I am the granddaughter of Ingwe. Naneth-nin was his only daughter. The royal blood combined with that of Adar-nin has apparently... rendered me a rarity, and a prize for any seeking control of elvendom... I just wish I had known why Naneth was so sad at times, and why she could command so regally and with such grace and power. They hid a part of me away by not telling me." I rub circles on her back, trying to find the right words to respond. 

"... I don't think they did." 

"Pardon?" 

"They did not hide you from yourself. They kept evil from you. If you'd known, and if the knowledge was widespread, then your life would have been dark and dangerous from the beginning. It also allowed you to spread your wings and grow into the most beautiful elleth, inside and out," I pull away and press a tender kiss to her lips, "Even if you're a royal heiress, meleth-nin, I still love you. This revelation does not change that my heart is yours. The only thing it changes, meleth, is the degree of protection I will devote to you." 

"I'm so glad..!" She smiles. I lean in and we kiss once more. Erthanist sheds a few tears which I quickly brush away, "I love you more than anything, Legolas." 

"That is my line, meleth." 

I really need suggestions for what happens next. Sweet interlude? Peril? Glorfindel's thoughts? Please comment or message me with ideas and PLEASE vote! Thanks for reading!

~Uilosris