Ten Years Later

I dusted off my hands magic ebbing from my fingertips as I released the spell. Casting a critical gaze over the freshly tilled field I nodded, satisfied with what I saw. A decade before the elves of Mirkwood planted a forest at the mouth of the valley to combat the frigid mountain winds that swept through the basin cutting between Erebor and Dale.

Cap in hand, one of the farmers gathered at the edge of the field approached me. "Lady Wizard, may we begin planting?"

"I drew up minerals from deeper in the earth to enrich the soil." I grimaced at my dirty fingers and rubbed them on my green robes. "The trees will help protect the field from soil erosion and if you continue to till in your compost the valley will become more fertile."

The farmer seemed puzzled. "What is erosion?"

Folding my arms, I cobbled together an explanation he'd understand. "The trees protect the land from being worn away. Erosion is the leeching of valuable nutrients from the land. Nutrients necessary for crops to grow."

He still was confused but didn't press the matter further. Bowing low at the waist, the farm donned his cap. "Whatever you did, we are grateful. Praise Lord Bard for summoning a wizard! Dale cannot suffer another growing season like the last. If not for the elves, we would have starved!"

"Well, I'm happy to help. Excuse me, I am going to rest. Casting spells takes a lot out of me." Waving, I bid the farmer farewell and returned to Dale.

The last of the construction had been completed the previous fall. Little trace remained of the damage caused by the Battle of Five Armies or the Desolation of Smaug, save for a few blackened walls.

Yawning widely, I cut through the market down a side street to the inn. My staff clanked loudly on the common room floor as I entered. The dining area was mostly deserted except for a few dwarf merchants eating their lunch, none of whom I recognized.

Drying a glass with a rag, the innkeeper smiled as I perched on a stool. "Welcome back, Lady Wizard! How goes the work in the fields?"

I propped my elbows on the bar top. "The farmers are beginning to plant. You'll have a decent yield in the fall."

A glass of ale slid into my hand.

The innkeeper winked. "That's on the house." He leaned close, dropping his voice to a whisper. "Your friend is waiting for you upstairs."

I hopped down from the stool, leaving the ale. "Then I better go let him know I'm done with my work."

Heading for the stairs, I nearly crashed into one of the dwarves. Catching my balance on the banister, I rocked back on my heels. "Excuse me."

The dwarf squinted at my robes; his cheeks flushed with drink. "Freyr at your service!" He bowed deeply and hiccupped. "My friends and I are celebrating our king's good fortune!"

Amused, I arched a brow. "Oh?"

"Queen Freya has given birth to a daughter!" Freyr clapped me on the shoulder, his strength nearly bowling me over. "We are on our way to the christening but stopped for a pint along the way!"

Straightening, I pressed my hand against my chest and bowed my head. "Congratulations. I am sure the king is pleased."

Freyr blinked taking in my robes again. "Are you on the way to the christening to offer a blessing? A blessing from a wizard will bring the wee princess good luck!"

Fatigue pulled at my edges. I fought back another yawn. "Afraid not. I have other obligations." I paused on the first step. "Will you take a message to the king for me?"

"Aye, I can do that lass." Freyr beamed at me.

"Tell your king, Adelaide Monroe offers congratulations on the birth of his daughter."

The dwarf's eyes bulged. "You've been holding out on me lass! To think I've been talking to Adelaide the Green!"

"Who did you think I was? There's only one female wizard in Middle-Earth." I said dryly.

Freyr shook his head in amazement and muttered to himself. "Adelaide the Green." He headed back to his companions to share the news.

I shook my head and made my way upstairs. Only three years out of my apprenticeship and I already had a reputation. Fortunately, apprenticing to Radagast was the best choice I could've made. My magic turned out to be earth oriented like his.

I'd learned to heal injured trees and animals. Make farmland fertile and breathe new life into withered crops.

Among humans my abilities were in high demand. Much of Middle-Earth was wide open plains and required my magic to draw up rich soil for planting.

The door to my room was unlocked. I eased it carefully closed behind me so as not to deserve the sleeping elf on the bed. Aelfric was a light sleeper and often jolted awake at the smallest sound.

It showed how tired he really was.

Toeing off my boots, I stripped my stockings off and padded barefoot over to the washbasin and cleaned my hands thoroughly, wiggling my nails in the bar of soap to get the dirt out. The life of a wizard was grueling and almost never glamorous with long weeks on the road and very little rest.

I glanced at the bed again as I dried my hands with a towel. But all the hardships were worth it to have Aelfric in my life.

The elf slept with a book propped open on his chest. His golden hair was fanned out on the pillow, one of the thin braids woven along his temple partially unraveled.

I crawled into bed. Nestling my head beside his on the pillow, I watched the steady rise and fall of his chest. A gentle warmth radiated from his body and his skin glowed faintly while he dreamed.

Smiling, I bit my knuckle and continued to watch him.

My dearest love.

During that first winter, Aelfric never once mentioned his confession or pressured me for an answer. He kept me distracted between lessons with Radagast, never straying beyond friendship. While he helped me do recovery exercises to strength my muscles, he told me stories about the elves. When I could walk around on my own again, he taught me how to identify medicinal plants and how to use them.

A few times he allowed me to assist him when a scout came back injured from battling spiders. There was something fulfilling about healing others. It made me feel good.

In exchange, I taught him about my world, explaining how there were invisible things called germs which can infect a wound. Aelfric found it amazing that these germs could be viewed underneath a microscope.

He especially was fascinated by modern technology; amazed humans could create machines to fly across the sky and into the stars.

Slowly the pain Thorin's rejection caused washed away by spending evenings beside the hearth with Aelfric or enjoying an afternoon cup of tea. He took me on walks in the gardens and arranged midday picnics.

Elves could grow anything anywhere even inside a mountain stronghold. Thranduil's indoor gardens were lush and beautiful full of exquisite flowers and marvelously sculpted bushes.

The sight of him simply entering a room filled me with joy.

In the spring a crew of elven builders accompanied Radagast and me to the wizard's home to help with repairs. With an audience of woodland creatures, they fixed all the damage caused by the spiders and even built a well close to the house so that fresh water would be easily accessible in the winter.

In the shade of the enormous tree guarding the wizard's house Aelfric and I shared our first kiss. I could never forget the tender sweetness of his lips meeting mine for the first time. The way the dappled sunlight gilded his golden hair and brightened his eyes was forever imprinted on my mind.

The seasons turned and the years wore on.

Our love began as a newly planted tree which grew deep roots that twined around our hearts. In his presence my fears and reservations faded. With the sensation of his lips moving against mine, I no longer feared the differences between us.

I granted Aelfric permission to court me.

When I finished my apprenticeship and set out on the road, he came with me. Unwilling to be parted from my side. We had been together ever since. Friends. Partners. Lovers.

I lifted the book from Aelfric's chest, and he jerked awake. Blinking slowly, his gaze focused on me. "Adelaide?"

Propping my cheek on my fist, I grinned. "Good afternoon, sweetheart. Did you rest well?"

A faint blush decorated his cheeks. "Forgive me, I did not intend to slumber so late."

I giggled. "I'm only joking. You obviously needed the rest." Rolling onto my back I reached for his hand. "I finished with the field. We can leave Dale tomorrow."

"Then you must rest." Aelfric leaned over me, his hair creating a curtain around our faces. "Mela en'coiamin." He kissed me gently, pressing me into the mattress.

Fresh energy swirled through my limbs, awakened by his lips moving against mine. Twining my arms around his neck I pulled him closer, until he lay on top of me. "A'maelamin." I pulled away to stare into his eyes. "I think I've got my second wind. Make love to me."

"In the middle of the day?" He inquired but didn't move away when I loosened his tunic laces.

Sliding my fingers through his hair, I cupped the nape of his neck. "I want you day or night."

Aelfric kissed me again and I forgot everything but him and the glorious feel of my beloved healer's hands on my body and him moving inside me.

OoO

Humming cheerfully, I strutted down the stairs the next morning in good spirits. I plunked down at an empty table and ordered breakfast for Aelfric and me. He'd volunteered to pack our belongings and pick up the room.

The barmaid brought me a cup of tea, steam gently curling from the cup. Inhaling, I brought the rim to my lips.

"May I join you?" A low voice asked behind me.

I stiffened. It had been over ten years, but I'd recognize that voice anywhere. Arranging my features into a neutral expression, I turned on the bench to meet a pair of familiar blue eyes. "Hello, Thorin."

He smiled. "You haven't aged at all."

Forty-four and I still looked the same as I did a decade ago. Wizard blood had some benefit after all. It's the only thing I'm grateful to Alatar for. It meant I wouldn't wither and die on Aelfric for decades, possibly centuries.

Thorin couldn't say the same. He wore the years of his kingship on his body. His dark hair had turned grey and deep lines seamed his face.

The barmaid delivered my breakfast and Aelfric's to the table. She smiled at Thorin in recognition. "Is there anything I can get you, my lord?"

"No, thank you." The dwarf king waved her off politely. He turned back to me. "You seem well."

"I'm doing just fine." I agreed, sipping my tea. "I hear congratulations are in order. You're a father."

Thorin's eyes lit up. "Yes, little Frigga is lovely, the spitting image of her mother." His smile widened. "But she has my eyes."

"How is the rest of the Company doing?"

"Everyone is doing well. Balin and Dwalin are my advisors. Tauriel and Kili wed five years ago. They have a son named Finn. Fili is courting a dwarrowdam from the Blue Mountains."

"I had a letter from Bilbo. He's taken in his nephew Frodo. Things are well in the Shire." I said.

"I'm glad to hear it." He inhaled deeply and continued. "Adelaide, you have been much on my mind of late. I treated you unfairly."

I tapped my index finger against the handle of the teacup. "Perhaps, that's true. But time and distance has given me a different perspective." I regarded him thoughtfully. "Like countless men before, you chose your pride and power over love. That doesn't make you a bad man, Thorin. It merely makes you a typical one."

The dwarf king flinched at the assessment. "I am sorry." He apologized.

I sighed. "I forgave you a long time ago. I am utterly happy with my life."

"With the elf?" He grumbled.

I gaped at him. "How did you know about Aelfric?"

"Rumor of a lady wizard and her elven companion has reached my ears in Erebor. Such a queer pairing was bound to gain the attention of the entire valley."

I glared at the innkeeper manning the bar. "Never mind. I think I know how gossip spread." Turning back to him I pursed my lips. "However, you're right. I'm well suited to life with Aelfric. He is everything I can want in a life partner. Sweet, kind, thoughtful, supportive. Really, I can go on forever listing all his attributes. Did you only come here to apologize again? Because it's not necessary."

"I wanted to see for myself how you fared." Thorin admitted. "I suspect we will not encounter one another for many years. If you are happy, I can be content."

We lapsed into comfortable silence. There was distance between us that hadn't been there before, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was like visiting with an old friend you hadn't seen in a long time. Any past quarrels became irrelevant because you were so glad to see them.

Hair neatly combed and braided; Aelfric bounded down the stairs our packs slung over his shoulder. His eyes widened briefly when he spotted Thorin at our table. He crossed the room in three strides and slid on the bench beside me. "My lord, do you have some business with Adelaide?" His tone was polite despite the protective energy vibrating from him.

"No, no, no business." Thorin murmured. "I merely wanted to greet an old friend."

I sliced my boiled egg in half and placed one piece on a slice of toast. "Aelfric, eat your breakfast we have to leave for home soon."

"That's not much of a breakfast." Thorin remarked.

"Well, I don't have the appetite of a dwarf. Besides, I've learned its best to eat light when I ride. Otherwise, I get nauseous." I clamped a hand over my belly and grimaced. "Heavy breakfasts never sit well with me."

"Are you with child?" The dwarf asked.

Aelfric sprayed his tea all over the table.

I nearly choked on the bite of egg in my mouth. Coughing, I drained my tea. "No, I'm not." I wheezed.

The elf wiped up the spill with a napkin and carefully folded it beside his plate. Poor Aelfric. The tips of his ears turned red. Elves were not accustomed to displays of clumsiness.

I covered Aelfric's hand. "We have decided not to have children. Living on the road is not conducive to raising a family."

Thorin looked embarrassed. "Forgive me, I should not have spoken so bluntly. I did mean to cause you discomfort."

I nodded, finishing my last bite of toast. "You have 'baby fever'. New parents suffer from this euphoria and see babies everywhere. Parenthood isn't for us though."

Aelfric squeezed my fingers. "Melamin, we must depart. There is much to do before the wedding."

A buoyant feeling filled my middle, and I returned his gentle smile. "I know."

Thorin started. "The two of you are getting married?"

I nodded and pushed away from the table. "In a fortnight when the spring flowers are in full bloom."

"It seems I am not the only one who deserves congratulations." Thorin regarded Aelfric with none of his usual bigotry. "I hope you have a long and fruitful marriage."

Twining his arm with mine, Aelfric picked up our packs. "My thanks, my lord. Adelaide's love is the greatest gift I have ever received. I treasure that she has agreed to share her life with me." He bowed his head regally. "Fare thee well, my lord."

Donning my wizard's hat, I waved at Thorin. Hugging Aelfric's arm as we entered the street, I looked up at my fiancé. "Let's go home."

He beamed at me, radiant in the morning sunlight. "As long as you are at my side, I am home."

OoO

Nerves plucked at Aelfric's insides as deftly as the harpists plucked their strings. Garlands of niphredil were draped over the arbor where Aelfric waited. The fragrance of the delicate flowers combined with the ethereal music the musicians played in an exquisite harmony.

Dressed in their finest, his people occupied rows of chairs, the ends of each row draped with garlands of spring flowers and silk ribbons.

A pair of larks landed in the arbor, chirping merrily as they fluttered their wings and settled. In the front row Radagast cradled a hedgehog in his lap. Catching Aelfric's eye, the wizard winked conspiratorially.

Movement in the back of the garden drew Aelfric's attention. The wedding guests turned in unison and stood as Adelaide glided into view.

Aelfric's gaze landed on her, and breath left his lungs. Her lovely hair, normally pinned up out of the way hung in loose waves down her back, a coronet of niphredil encircling her brow. She wore a green satin gown with a long train that flowed behind her like water.

Adelaide's eyes met his and a shy smile curved her lips. Clutching a bouquet of lilies and irises, she glided up the aisle. She handed the bouquet to an elf maid and entered the shade of the arbor.

Calm descended over Aelfric. Without taking his eyes off her beautiful face, he reached for her, gripping her hands in his, linking their fingers together.

Moving in front of the couple, Thranduil inclined his head regally to them both and began the binding ceremony.

"I swear to honor, cherish and love you for all time." Aelfric said in Elvish.

"I vow to love, honor, and cherish you always." Adelaide replied, her voice sweet as honey.

The first thread of the binding took shape, tying their souls together. Her eyes widened as she felt it take hold.

"May the Valar bless the union of our Fea, that we may ever be one for eternity." Aelfric answered, his voice ringing clear.

Her fingers tightened around his reflexively as she repeated the vow. Her spirit brushed against his warm as a sun-gilded pool in the forest. If he closed his eyes, Aelfric imagined he could smell the clean fragrance of the trees emanating from her skin.

"I am yours and you are mine." Aelfric and Adelaide said in unison.

"We bear witness to the binding of Aelfric of the Greenwood and Adelaide the Green." Thranduil intoned, his voice carrying through the clearing. "May the Valar bless them with joy and happiness."

Holding her lightly by the elbows, Aelfric dipped his head and pressed his lips against hers in a chaste kiss, allowing himself no greater liberty in front of the guests. Physical affection was a private matter between partners, guarded selfishly and never to be displayed in public.

Closing his eyes, Aelfric leaned his forehead against hers. A faint breeze played through his hair, twining the golden strands with her long dark locks. "Mela en'coiamin." Love of my life.

"A'maelamin." My beloved. She whispered.

For eternity.