"Get away from me," Even in anger, Eldrim's voice sounded calm and gentle.
"Melamin," Lylith started.
Malethel walked up to Lylith.
"Amin delotha lle," Malethel whispered to Lylith. I saw her hand hover over her knife.
"Malethel," Legolas grabbed her hand to stop her. Instead, her other hand curled into a fist and before I could even realise, Malethel, sweet innocent Malethel, had punched the cruel, manipulative Lylith square in the nose.
Blood gushed from Lylith's nose, her perfect Elven features ruined. The deep crimson contrasted with her pale skin.
Legolas pulled Malethel into his arms, and moved her away from Lylith.
"Lylith," Aragorn walked up to her. She fell to her knees and sobbed. "Leave Minas Tirith, for all the wrong you've done by the people. We have no place here for people who want nothing but power. We will provide you with some food and clothes, but that is all we will do for you. You should leave by noon tomorrow,"
"All I ever really wanted was you, Aragorn. You're all I've ever wanted. My own people are far too perfect. Please, melamin,"
"Your words are poison!" I screamed. I tried to run towards her, but I was held back by Eldrim. "Don't listen to her, Aragorn. She is but a snake hidden within another's body,"
"Leave," Aragorn looked Lylith in the eyes. "I do not care for those who hurt my people,"
And with that, he turned and walked away.
"You are lucky I let you alive," Malethel spat. "You have done more than enough to deserve death, wethrinaer."
"Come, melamin," Legolas pulled Malethel away from the other Elf, who lay sobbing on the floor, blood covering her hands and face.
In that state, I couldn't help but feel a little pity for the girl. I decided I shouldn't, and strode out of the room. Legolas, Malethel and Eldrim followed, leaving her alone.
"I'm glad you realised who was being truthful, Eldrim. It could have ended badly for all of us…" I was half his height, and had to take 3 steps to every one of his to be able to keep up.
"I saw no signs of lies in your eye when you spoke. Nor in Legolas'. Aragorn is lucky to have you, and Malethel to have Legolas. I can tell you are both very trustworthy," Eldrim looked down at me, and smiled. His expression was one of calm and peace.
"I thank you. And I am sorry that you had to find out about Lylith's predicament in such a way," I frowned.
"I am glad I found out before she could cause any real damage, and I am glad that she hadn't had a chance to hurt anyone else but me and Legolas. Though I am still saddened, and I do still care for the girl." He frowned. "I am sure I will be fine eventually, since I am surrounded by a group of such hospitable caring people,"
"We will do our best to take care of you," I smiled.
We reached the dining hall, and Eldrim excused himself to sit with his own kin.
"My King," I knelt and kissed Aragorn's hand before taking my seat next to him. I glanced over to the table where Legolas sat, to see Malethel sat on one side, and Eldrim on the other. They all seemed happy, eating and drinking, laughing and joking. The circlet on Eldrim's head glistened in the candlelight.
The afternoon turned to evening as we ate, and the glow of the Sun began to fall behind the distant mountains, bathing the city in a peaceful shadow. After following Aragorn around for a while, making polite conversation with the people of the city, we retired to bed.
"Lylith will be gone for good tomorrow," I smiled, getting myself undressed for bed.
"I know, but I can't help but feel sorry for her," Aragorn frowned as he unbuttoned his shirt.
"She'd have worked her way up, you'd have been the next on her list," I sighed. "I'm glad I found out when I did, or she'd have had you wrapped around her little finger with her honeyed words and empty promises,"
Aragorn walked up behind me and put his hands around my waist, resting his head atop mine.
"I'm just glad we have each other," We stood in silence for a few minutes.
We both climbed in to bed. I lay my head against his chest and he had his arms around me.
"I never did ask how you came to speak what Elvish you do," Aragorn hinted.
"I travelled here with Elves. They cared for me on the journey, teaching me their language and philosophy. They were nice people…" I sighed.
"What happened to them?"
"There was a bear. The three Elves offered themselves up attempting to kill the beast, only buying me time to escape. I'm not sure if any survived,"
"I'm sorry," he kissed the top of my head.
"I still remember the nickname they gave me," I laughed.
"Oh?"
"Eilor," I smiled, "Blue flower."
"For your eyes, and height, I presume," He laughed.
We lay in silence, and I slowly drifted to sleep.
Elven Translations:
"Melamin," My love
"Amin delotha lle," I hate you
"wethrinaer," Deceitful one