Chapter 2
Laurelin's warm golden light radiated out, basking Artanis in a bright glow. She stared off into the distance, thinking of Lómennel. Her cousin Findekáno silently approached her from behind. She started when he called her name.
"Sorry to startle you," he said. "Your brother said I would be able to find you here. I am going into the city now. Would you perhaps wish to accompany me?"
"Certainly."
The main square of the city was humming with activity. The markets were open and minstrels were playing. They walked together along the edge of the square, but then suddenly Findekáno dove into the crowd. He must have found whatever he was looking for there, and had disappeared in pursuit. Artanis wandered through the area, looking in all directions to find him again.
Her foot then caught on something unseen, and she pitched abruptly forward. She was stopped, though, by a gentle grasp. She looked up to find herself in Lómennel's arms, her head against the other's chest. She smiled sheepishly, her face reddening with embarrassment.
"That was a lovely greeting," Lómennel laughed.
"I did not expect to see you here," Artanis said as she righted herself and adjusted her dress, "though, I am by no means unhappy that I did."
"Yes, I have been longing to see you again. I could not get that night with you out of my mind."
"Well, then, it seems that we perhaps ought to replicate those events," Artanis said with a smile.
"I agree."
Lómennel took Artanis by the hand and ducked into an empty corner out of sight. Without a word she grasped Artanis around the waist and brought their lips together. Artanis returned the kiss with a hunger as she felt Lómennel's hand stray lower and lower. She pulled suddenly, though, away when she heard Findekáno's voice nearby.
"My cousin must be looking for me," she said. "I must go. But, we must meet again. Tomorrow meet me at the city gate at the second hour when the light of the trees mingles."
"I will. And I shall think of nothing else until then," Lómennel replied and bid Artanis farewell, beaming.
"Where have you been?" Findekáno asked Artanis. "I've been looking for you."
"I could say the same to you," she replied.
"Yes, quite so. Then perhaps it would be best that we drop the subject." He turned and began to walk back.
"Oh," she said, taking him by the shoulder and turning him back to face her, "now you have stuck my interest. Where were you, my cousin?"
"It is of little importance," he said evasively. "I was merely … merely agreeing that it was unfair for me to ask, when I myself had be gone without explanation."
Artanis laughed at her cousin's obvious attempt to hide some secret, and then smiled to herself, thinking of Lómennel, impatient for their next meeting.
