Moon of the Sea by pandemonium_213

Chapter 7: Emergence

It was daring, diving alone, but the calm waters of the secluded cove soothed her. She had seen Lord Amandil’s ship glide into the harbor this morning, but she became so restless with waiting that in exasperation, her mother had sent her out to gather shellfish.

She rose from the cool water into the summer-kissed air, the sack of oysters thumping against her naked thigh. She pushed sea-drenched hair away from her face and drank in the sun. Then she was aware that she was not alone.

Without moving her head and belying her awareness of the other, she glanced from the beach over tumbled rocks and to the top of the low cliff that overlooked the bay. He stood there, watching her.

Elendil.

She raised her head then to capture his eyes, a half-moon of a smile on her lips, and was gratified to see the blush cover his face.