Chapter 21

If more of us valued food and cheer and song

above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.-JRR Tolkien

Rory and Mari appeared with the dinner and began setting it out. They chattered merrily to the younglings as they worked. Gormaelith sat stiffly upright and fixed her gaze across the room until they were gone. Then she snorted derisively. Luinur asked her "What is it, Mae?" Elei saw her unbend a bit again when he called her "Mae."

"Oh," she scoffed, those Periannath... Mithrandir and Elrond seemed quite impressed with them; after their big council, especially. I do not see why. They are so... unrefined." She looked as if she had a bad taste in her mouth.

"What council was this?" asked Luinur.

"Oh, some big meeting they held." she said dismissively. "I was not invited." she added.

"Ah... therefore it must have been unimportant?" said Luinur sarcastically.

Gormaethil said "Well, no... Legolas and some of the elves went. He was given some important mission; evidently with a bunch of non-Elves." her lip curled with a sneer.

They sat and ate in relative quiet for a while, with the younglings continuing to chat around them. Finally, Luinur sat back, smiling. He looked over at Gormaethil, who was eating eagerly. "Excellent supper, do you not agree Caradorn?" Caradorn nodded, also smiling. "'Tis fortunate we have the Periannath to help with their cooking skills." he said pointedly. Gormaethil scowled, but said nothing. "In all the time we were gone, our searches found no one." Luinur said to Elei. She nodded.

Caradorn asked her, "Have you had anything happening here?"

Elei shook her head. "It has been quiet." she said.

Gormaethil frowned at them. "How does this concern her?" she asked.

Caradorn answered in a stern tone. "Her cousins and uncle patrol here, but most of them are presently on the way back from Tharbad. Eleirien relays our information to them. Her father is commander Thalion of Dale and Fornost." Elei felt a warm glow at his defense of her. Gormaethil acknowledged his remarks with a tiny nod of her head as she looked at him. She continued to ignore Elei.

One of her companions spoke to Caradorn. "Eryngon, we have been under attack more than usual, of late, at home."

"More orcs," said Gormaethil, "and they seem better organized than before. We fear a massive assault is being prepared, aimed at Ivorcalarond itself, and at Dale."

Elei blanched. Caradorn surreptitiously laid one warm, reassuring hand on her thigh, under the table, for a few moments. Elei felt bereft when he removed it, then scolded herself mentally. 'Courage, Elei, be tough, like her.'

Gormaethil went on. "The pattern of attacks is such that I believe they are testing our defenses."

"Do we know where they are coming from?" asked Luinur.

"Some do indeed seem to have come all the way from the Black Gate, but we fear others are coming from Dol Guldur again." said Gormaethil.

"When the scouts return from Tharbad we may find out more about what is happening on this side of the Misty Mountains." said Caradorn.

"They should be here soon. We had seen evidence of incursions from Dunland and Isengard here, but none last week." Luinur added.

"We need to scout back towards Rivendell again." said Caradorn. "The Rangers will be here by tomorrow."

Gormaethil pouted, scowling. "Why should we wait? Early morning would be a good time to depart."

Caradorn said, "There is no hurry. You were not followed here, nor did you battle along the way, correct?" He kept his face stern. She nodded curtly. "But in any case, 'twould do us well to retire early." he said.

Elei had to duck her head to hide her blushes, as a sudden image of Caradorn's bare back in a bathtub had flashed before her eyes. As Gormaethil bowed her head briefly to him and turned away, Elei glanced up at him. His gaze as it met hers was filled with longing. Luinur said "Lakh hiru," and Caradorn reluctantly tore his gaze from hers. "What is our plan in the morning?"

Gormaethil had walked over to join the young elves. She was lounging insolently against the wall, hands on her hips.

"I do not know." admitted Caradorn sheepishly. Elei looked up at him in surprise. "I am hoping Elei's cousins will appear betwixt now and the dawn." he said. Luinur nodded. "Tonight," Caradorn said, "I want another bath."

Elei turned quickly on the bench, so her back was to the rest of the elves. Her face flamed with a fiery blush again. Caradorn saw her discomfort with a quick glance, and he focused on Luinur. Luinur casually looked over to his right to see if Gormaethil had noticed. She had not, as she was now engaged in conversation with the younglings. "Elei," said Luinur softly, "shall we walk to the bar?" Elei nodded mutely.

She glanced up at Caradorn and his eyes widened briefly when he fully saw her stricken expression and fiery cheeks. He lowered his eyes and looked contrite as he extended a gloved hand to her, to help her rise. "I would like some ale." he said in a calm tone of voice. He smiled at Elei and Luinur as they stood.

They walked to the bar, Elei breathing deeply to calm her self. "Two ales, please." said Luinur. As Rory went to tap the ale, Luinur said, "Now, Elei, what set you to blushing?"

She stuttered "Well, I...I guess my overactive imagination." She stood with her back to the elves. A blush still lingered on her cheeks as she choked, "He mentioned a bath." She hung her head, fanning her face with one hand.

Luinur grinned. "Ah, I see." he said. "My friend really needs to go see his father. Then you can help with a bath." He grinned saucily at her.

Elei choked on a giggle, then sighed heavily. "Nay," she sighed, "Do not give me more to imagine! 'Tis torture enough already."

He relented, sobering. "You are right, it must be difficult." he said.

"It is." said Elei. "Would we had a good excuse to be dining in my parlor, instead of here." He looked at her with raised eyebrows. "That is..." she sputtered, "if we had visitors...not alone! Say, you, since my cousins are gone."

"Yes." said Luinur. "But, we dare not leave Gormaethil alone with all the younglings. If your cousins return, we can arrange something." His lips were now set in a disapproving line. "Or, if we send you off together soon, we won't have to worry anymore." He winked at her, a wry smile springing up on his face. Elei scowled in reply.

"Now, Miss, don't fret, here's yer ale." said Rory jovially. He set two foaming tankards on the bar.

"Allow me." said Luinur, as Elei reached for them. She watched, amused, as he hefted them and glided back to their table with elven grace. She saw that the foam on the ale barely showed a ripple of movement. She rolled her eyes.

Rory said "Why, look at that! He'd make a fine tavern helper."

"I am jealous." said Elei, "I cannot carry full tankards that well, yet."

As Elei headed back, she glanced toward the elves. Gormaethil's eyes were on Luinur as he maneuvered back into the bench. As Elei followed, she murmured to Caradorn, "Do you think she wants him, or the ale?"

Caradorn glanced casually over the tables for a moment. "Both." he said, smiling at Elei. Her heart fluttered as she smiled back, meeting his warm brown eyes. Gormaethil laughed loudly at something the younglings said.

Elei leaned slightly toward Caradorn and murmured "Why can't she be left in charge of the younglings?"

He frowned for an instant. "Because of the attitudes I mentioned. Father hopes that her mingling with different races will broaden her mind. But for now, she is too hasty and intolerant."

"Oh... so you mean, because of the younglings..." started Elei.

"And their girls." finished Caradorn. "Half-elf or not, she will resent them 'interbreeding', I suspect." He shook his head.

"Have they been warned?" asked Elei.

"I will sit amongst them." said Luinur. "Then, I think she may watch what she says."

"Or, you will serve as a distraction." said Caradorn.

Luinur narrowed his eyes. "There is that..." he said, with a wry smile. "I can offer myself up as a sacrifice. I can stand a tongue lashing."

Elei looked concerned. "We will be alone..." she murmured.

"The best way," said Caradorn, smiling, "in public." Then he sobered. "We can talk, if we watch our demeanor. She is still watching."

Elei had sat up straight, looking more cheerful. Now she deflated. "Oh. That's right." she said.

Luinur looked at Caradorn intently. "Do you want me to stay here?"

Caradorn surveyed the expressions on the elves' faces, listening intently for a few moments. He took a deep breath and sat stiffly upright, hands clasped around his tankard. "She's looking bored." he said urgently to Luinur.

Luinur glanced at Gormaethil. "I'm going!" he said, rising. He moved casually over and wormed in between the elves closest to the end. Elei slid to the end of their table, as all the elves scooted toward them to make room for Gormaethil and Luinur. Then Caradorn slid off the bench, and switched sides so he was opposite Elei. He once again clasped his tankard with both hands, after he set it on the table between them. He averted his eyes as he said "Luinur went over when she looked bored, because she has a habit of stirring up trouble when she has nothing better to do."

"Like chasing Luinur?" asked Elei with a wry smile.

He glanced at her. "Yes." His mouth curled in a smile. Elei gazed contentedly at his mouth, admiring its curves. "Elei..." he murmured, averting his eyes again. He took a long swig of his ale. "Try not to look at me that way for long, she may notice." Elei nodded, doing her best to blank her expression. He glanced at her briefly and said "Or, maybe, look elsewhere." He sighed. "I imagine I get the same look on my face, if I look at you." he said, with a catch in his voice.

Elei sighed heavily, and turned to look out over the tavern for a moment, with her back to the elves. To her chagrin, tears sprung to her eyes. She blinked, taking a few deep breaths as she tried to compose herself. Caradorn glanced up and saw her distress. "Elei..." he said in a choked voice, "I have missed you so."

She gulped and nodded. "And I, you." A breath of fresh, cool evening air came in as the door opened. Aruzir entered, looking dusty and travel worn but in good spirits. He looked warily at the elves as he came over to join Elei and Caradorn. They stood to greet him, shaking hands.

"Cousin!" Aruzir said to Elei. Gormaethil's gaze turned to them. They sat and Aruzir quietly asked "Who is the new addition?"

Caradorn shot him a warning glance. "Gormaethil. She is a contemporary of Luinur and I, but is rather an exclusionist. Father sent her here to broaden her horizons...or so he hoped." he said.

Aruzir set his left arm on the table, and leaned his forehead on his hand, shading his eyes from her view. "How quickly can you send her out?" he asked.

"Why?" asked Caradorn.

"Dwarves." said Aruzir. "A party from Rivendell. We met the advance party as we came up the Greenway. They went on to Bree, but more were following. They expected to arrive here for the night."

Caradorn said,"I think I need to speak to my friend." He rose casually, stretching. He caught Luinur's eye and motioned toward the bar as he grabbed his tankard. Luinur strolled over to meet him.

Elei asked Aru "Is she watching?"

He glanced nonchalantly at the younglings. "No, one of the youngsters has her attention." he said.

Elei relaxed. "Good." She turned to survey the tavern. The humans and hobbits looked familiar, but she saw no one she knew by name. Luinur and Caradorn were in a huddled conversation at the bar. They both looked concerned. A draft of fresh air came in as the door opened to admit several girls, then several more. Elei counted seven, giggling to each other. They made a beeline past Elei to the elves. Two immediately went straight to their chosen partners. The rest huddled around the table, talking and flirting with the younglings. One tall, dark-haired girl stood slightly back, glancing at Aruzir.

Luinur mad a beeline for Gormaethil. She was staring to look tense, where she stood by the wall, arms folded. Elei was amazed at how Luinur switched on his charm. He sauntered up to her, leaning close to murmur to her. Gormaethil's eye were locked on him.

"Whew!" said Aruzir with a smile. "He works fast."

"'Tis well she's susceptible." said Elei. "Now it's your turn." She motioned to the tall girl. Aruzir's eyebrows rose, then he grinned.

"Thanks, Elei, I was not being perceptive." He rose and caught the girl's eye. She smiled, and they stood close talking.

Caradorn went over to the elves, saying "Pardon me, friends." All eyes were on him, and a hush came over the group. "We must leave early tomorrow evening, so your visiting tonight must needs be short." The younglings nodded. Caradorn slipped back in, across from Elei. They sat quietly sipping their drinks for several minutes, as the chatter resumed amongst the elves.

Finally, some of the couples rose and headed to the door. Luinur was consulting quickly with Gormaethil, who looked unwilling. He leaned closer to her ear again, his lips moving. She smiled and he gave her his arm. They faced the group, waiting for the younglings.

Caradorn leaned toward Elei across the table. "We should follow." he said. Elei looked surprised. His eyes were on the group as he said "to supervise a bit." She thought his expression looked sheepish, but Elei agreed. They rose as Mae and Luinur passed them. Caradorn gave Elei his arm, smiling down at her. "A breath of fresh air will be nice." he said. Luinur's arm slid around Mae's waist as he guided her out the door. He tossed a wink over his shoulder at Caradorn.

Elei took his arm as they followed the others out into the cool night. The couples were strolling off to the village. As they came out beyond the building, Caradorn tugged gently on Elei's arm, steering her so they were strolling under the trees. The moonlight filtered down, casting silvery patches of light between black shadows. Their pace slowed, until they were further behind the murmuring couples. Elei said "'Tis a beautiful night." She glanced up at Caradorn's profile in the moonlight. He silently nodded his head. She felt his arm tremble and tense under her hand. As they passed a large shadow cast by some tall evergreen shrubs, Caradorn suddenly pulled Elei aside into the dark. He spun facing her, hands on her shoulders as he pulled her close. Elei tensed in surprise, then gasped as she felt his arms around her back. She slipped her head against his broad chest. His heart hammered under her ear. Her hands roamed up over his back of their own accord. His slid down her back to her waist and she swayed toward him. Heart thudding, she marveled at how their bodies fit together. She unconsciously wiggled her hips closer.

"Oh, Elei," he groaned against her hair, "how are we going to wait?"

"I do not know." she gasped.

He pulled gently away, hands trembling on her shoulders, and looked down at her, moonlight playing on his features. "I fear I will have to distance myself from you."

"And will you talk to your father?" she asked in a husky voice.

"It would take at least a week to reach him, now that he is in Dale. If they are not attacked at home, threatening the palace at Ivorcalarond itself, he will stay a while in Dale to help organize defenses." He drew in a ragged breath. "So, I will scout farther afield, love, until I have a week or two to find him. Do not forget me."

"As if I could!" laughed Elei shakily. "Never fear that, my love."

A few of the younglings were returning from walking girls home, so they drew apart. They stood erect as the elves approached. They drifted back in, a few at a time. Soon all were back except Luinur and Mae.

A bustle was heard from the road, with the stamp of feet and jangling of metal. A party of dwarves came tramping into the tavern. As Elei and Caradorn followed them in, the dwarves were already seating themselves and calling for supper. They walked through, seeing no other elves. As they came to the top of the stairs, Caradorn stopped outside Elei's door. He clasped her hands, but stayed at arm's length. She looked solemnly at him, drinking in the classical lines of his face, and the glow of his fiery hair. "What am I going to do while you are away?" choked Elei.

He gazed at her fondly as he said, with a twinkle in his eyes, "Well... among my people, a bride occupies her time preparing her garments, when there is a delay before the wedding. But I am not saying you have to."

Elei laughed. "Yes, I would not be making any, myself! I do have a few things ordered. And, I did attempt a simple gown recently." Her eyes sparkled as he raised his eyebrows in a silent question. "Galen declared it a tent." she said, laughing.

Caradorn frowned thoughtfully. "We could use a tent." he said. Elei peered at him, and his mock serious expression dissolved into a merry smile. He chuckled and squeezed her hands. "Well..." he said, "we will be apart again, for only a week or two. Did your mood decline while I was gone?"

She nodded. "Yes, I was nearly in despair before you came back."

He said "I, too. Luinur may bring us together sooner, if he cannot stand my sadness any longer." He frowned. "If only we knew..."

"What?"

"How true the rhyme is. If it speaks in absolute truths, we cannot risk it." He shook his head.

"Oh... I see." said Elei. "It does sound as if it might be better to have our "hearts grow fond", than to be in the "your love you will miss" depression."

"But then we might be one touch away from going too far." he said.

"Yes." said Elei. Their eyes lowered to their clasped hands. Elei absentmindedly rubbed the raised embroidered design on his suede gloves with her thumbs.

"Oh, Elei, I am a fool!" he exclaimed suddenly, meeting her concerned gaze. His eyes had an eager light in them as he said "I have something for you!" He dropped her hands and reached into his pouch. He pulled out a small bundle and pressed it into her hand. Elei took the soft grey-green bundle and unfolded it. It was a pair of fine, soft gloves, like his, but smaller. She marveled at the fine stitching and softness for a moment. 'Try them on!" he urged. Elei complied, and they fit perfectly. A twining pattern was embroidered on the backs that matched the design on her shield. She turned her hands this way and that, admiring them.

"Oh, thank you!" she enthused.

"These may help prevent...accidents." said Caradorn.

"Yes." she said.

"And now, I can do this." he said, eyes glinting. He snatched up her hand, and pressed it to his lips. Elei sighed as she felt the warmth of his lips through the glove.

"Well, not quite as good as bare skin," she said, "but now I can do this." She lifted both hands to his face, laying her fingers against his cheeks. He froze as their gazes locked. Elei left one hand in place, then traced his browline, cheekbone and jaw with the index finger of her other hand. She traced around to his lips. His gaze grew heated as her fingertip reached the center of his lips. He parted them slightly, and nipped gently at her finger, then pursed his lips, kissing it. A wanton smile crept onto his face as she shivered at the pleasurable sensation she felt.

"Ah, there you are!" came Aruzir's jovial voice. He started up the stairs. They broke apart guiltily as he climbed up to their level. His eyebrows raised as he took in their silence. "Well...you both look happier!" he said, hands on hips. "I was about ready to put Elei on her pony and come find you. She was moping around here like a lost lamb."

"Aye," said Caradorn, "Luinur would doubtless say the same of me, these past two weeks."

Aruzir rolled his eyes. "Hmpf." he snorted, "If this is what happens when one falls in love, I am well clear of it."

Elei and Caradorn smiled at each other. "Good night, meleth." he said, clasping her hands.

"Good night." murmured Elei. They stepped apart. Aruzir clapped Caradorn on the back.

"'Til morning, then, Elei," Aru called over his shoulder as the two men walked over to Caradorn's door.

Elei sighed and opened her door, watching wistfully until they were out of sight and his door was shut. Only then did she go into her room and to bed. She undressed hastily and spread her elven cloak out over the bed. She placed her gloves neatly inside the chest, and climbed into bed. She drifted off to sleep quickly, but she slept restlessly, her dreams filled with images of Caradorn working at the forge.