0_0 Wow. I sooo didn't expect this chapter to turn out this way. *coughs awkwardly* well! just a warning! this chapter is FLUFFY! I needed to write some fluff since things will be getting pretty heavy soon. So consider it a break of sorts. But phew!
KEZZ1: thank you so much!
Misstigerlily1013: thank you so much. To be honest, I never expected people to like this idea so well. My favorite pairings for LOTR would be Aragorn/Arwen, Boromir/OC Elladan or Elrohir/OC Glorfindel/OC Lindir/OC Erestor/OC and an occasion if well written Thranduil/OC. For the hobbit, it's Kili/OC Fili/OC and Bofur/OC and any of the others above... You?
Slaythevampire87: Rumil it is! Yay! Umm, any preferences in character, weapons if any, backstory, and looks? If not, I'll make it up. See ya Kyra!
Chapter 36
"I know." I replied. "But fire berries are really fun to an angel." I replied, then hiccuped. A tiny burst of flame puffed out of my lips and I cringed.
"And now I remember why I quit eating them." I groaned. Everyone was staring open-mouthed.
"I never did tell you about that one, did I?" I asked with a grin, plopping back down, this time next to Mithrandir. "Can't the Maiar do that too, Olòrin?" I asked, sipping a bit of tea to get the taste of ashes out of my mouth. He smiled in reply, amused.
"I suppose so." He replied. Everyone went back to eating. Conversation started up between groups, and I found myself talking to Rumil and Orophin. Drago was busy teasing Pippin, while Gimli, who I forgot to mention was invited by Legolas, was arguing with Ada about whether Dorwinian wine or Ale was better.
"What about the time you pranked Haldir with the bucket of water?" Rumil was arguing with Orophin. I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and caught Sam's eye.
Discreetly moving away from the two trouble-makers, I scooted over to Sam. "What's your favorite snack, Sam?" I asked, snitching a piece of his tart. He smiled shyly.
"I think lemon cakes are, Miss Ren." He replied. I hummed.
"Yes, they are good, aren't they?" I agreed. That fell into a discussion of which method of cooking was best, until Frodo and Sam decided to discuss the best ways of cooking an orc, which I ran away from. I found myself next to Ada, listing to their argument.
"I prefer a swirly myself." I interjected. They stared as I grinned. "I'll have to make one for you all. Wait here." I said, leaping up to go to the kitchen. I got many tall cups, a huge assortment of berries, a tiny bit of wine, cream, sugar, and a large bowl with water and a few rags.
Everyone turned to me as I re-entered the garden. I set the bowl down and and poured the berries into it. I took the wine and mixed it in, then grabbed a rag and covered the bowl. I washed my hands, and after a few minutes spent arranging the cups and rolling up my sleeves, I took the cloth off. I had sped up the process of soaking a bit, so now I took my hands and began to crush the berries.
"What's that?" Pip asked. I grinned at him.
"It's what I like to call a swirly, Pippin. Trust me, you'll love it." I promised. Soon, I took a thin cloth and placed it over the mouth of a cup. I poured the mixture over the cloth and let it strain the liquid into the cup. I did it with each of the cups until all were filled.
Then I took the bowl and put in the cream and lots of sugar. Using a cold metal spoon, I whipped the cream until it was light and fluffy. Then I scooped it up onto the top of the cups, making it neatly into peaks. I handed them out. Drago got one in a bowl.
"Try." I said with a smile. They tilted their heads while I happily started by licking the cream off of the top.
"Some like to mix the cream with the liquid to make it thicker, while others like to leave it be for the sweet taste." I added. Pip shrugged and took a sip. His eyes lit up.
"This is delicious!" He exclaimed, tilting it back up.
"Don't drink too fast, pip!" I warned. He slowed down, and savored it. I smiled.
"By the way, take small sips and let it stay in your mouth. THe best taste comes that way." I added. They began to try.
"This is very good." Aragorn said, peering into his cup.
"Hmm." Arwen agreed, to my giggles.
"Delicious." Eowyn smiled. I choked, and glanced at Aragorn, whose lips had disappeared into his cup to hide his laughter, but his eyes grinned at me.
"It's good." Boromir noted, taking a swig.
"It tastes like summer in the Shire." Sam said, smiling at me.
My eyes grew dreamy. "Does it? Then I would love to visit the Shire."
"Very poetic, Sam. It does remind me of strawberry patches." Frodo agreed.
"Like Farmer Maggot's crops." Merry gurgled. I rolled my eyes along with the rest.
"The fruit and wine are strong but nicely dulled by the cream." Ada noted professionally, taking a sip and savoring it.
"It's like a piece of Valinor." Rumil sighed happily. I squeaked and hid my burning face in my cup as those words invoked a- particular memory. Haldir was smirking at me, I could feel it.
"Refreshing." Orophin agreed.
"Actually I think it would be a well-received beverage in Imladris." Legolas chipped in, smiling at me. I smiled back.
"Howling in the wine-colored sunset in the warm, sticky, sweet summer." Drago murmured, eyes closing.
"Beautiful description. I agree with Drago." Mithrandir said, winking at me.
"White mountains and passionate springs." Faramir commented, eyes closed with another sip.
"I agree with that one, lass. Very good. Not bad, this." Gimli said, raising his mug to me. I grinned in reply.
"Fruit and wine. Sweet and sour. Red and white." Haldir said, languidly relaxing against a shrub.
"Well I'm glad that you lot like it, then. I'll keep it in mind." I grinned. They chuckled at me. Conversation went on, and I scooted over to Drago, who tossed me the brush. I rolled my eyes and began to brush his fur.
His growls of contentment earned attention. "I'm next." Boromir said, grinning.
"Yes, Great Steward. Everyone who wants it gets a turn." I dead-panned.
Frodo, Sam, Merry, Rumil and Orophin clamored for information. When Drago's fur was immaculate once more, I untangled his hair from the brush and went to Boromir.
"Your hair reminds me of strawberry wine in a deep cup." I mused, brushing through his hair.
"I've never had anyone describe my hair before." He notes, slightly amused. I laugh.
"Well, I like to note such things. Each person has their own description in my head." I replied.
"What's mine?" He asked, interest taking over. The others turned to listen.
"Well." I paused, gathering thoughts. "Colors. Yours would be wine. A banner flying in the breeze against a backdrop of white stone. Arrows and shields. A warrior's stance." I replied. "That's you to me. There." I finished his hair and moved on to Pippin.
"And me?" He asked, while I brushed his curls. Boromir was thinking about my description and rolling his shoulders.
"Hmm. Color. Bright yellow. Like the wings of a butterfly. Buttery yellow. Laughter. Childish eyes. Gardens." I mused, eyes flicking to his shirt in thought.
"Really?" He asked. I nodded. "And your hair is like roasted chestnuts on a fire." I added, moving on with a laugh. He pouted while the rest laughed at the mention of food.
I ran my fingers through Frodo's hair. "Me?" He asked, peering up at me with his bright blue eyes. I grinned.
"Let's see. Color, most definitely the same blue as your eyes. Books. Dreams. Vague, innocent laughter. Courage. Brown wood on a tree, and green doors." I smiled.
"Green doors?" He asked baffled. I grinned.
"Yes. In the hall of doors. Yours is green." I replied. He hummed in thought.
"And your hair is like the bark of a tree in an old forest, wise and knowing." I added, moving over to Merry.
"I'll bet you anything that Rumil and Orophin will fall asleep." Aragorn piped up. I rolled my eyes as the brothers looked at me.
"Whatever. Merry, now, his color is bright crimson. Laughter, but also toned down by silent feet. A bright, round ball. Common sense mixed with winsomeness." I said. He looked up at me, head in my lap. I blew a piece of hair teasingly. He flashed a smile.
"And hair like dirt mixed with veins of rubies." I said, raking a hand through his thick mop. I patted his head and moved to Mithrandir.
"Very expressive." He noted, puffing on his pipe. I grinned as his wisp of smoke decided to make the shape of a pair of wings that flitted around my head. He chuckled along with the rest.
"Well, let's see. You're rather difficult, Olòrin." I teased. He raised his eyebrow. "Actually, the color is obviously white." I added dryly. He huffed indignantly. "And I think of your staff. Pops and cracks. White fire. Stars wheeling overhead. Milky blue eyes that shine with kindness. Righteous rage tempered by wisdom of the ages. And hair like a moth's wings fluttering in the moonlight." I added.
"That's the perfect discription." Sam spoke up as I moved to him. I grinned.
"I forgot. Also smoke rings and ships." Everyone cracked up along with me.
"Now you, my dear Sam, I think of a deep yellow. Sensible, firm, steadfast. Unwavering. A glowing blue blade lighting up dim halls tainted with murky blackness. Mild eyes that can become coals of fire. The smell of fresh dirt and green grass." I described, while he relaxed under the brush.
"That's you, Sam." Frodo agreed heartily, to Sam's embarrassment. I giggled.
"Thank you, Miss Ren. It felt very relaxing." I smiled, moving on to Arwen.
"And hair like hazelnuts piled in a storeroom filled with sunlight." I finished.
"I am nervous of what you would say of me." Arwen teased as I began to brush. I laughed.
"No fears, dear sister! You remind me of grey twilight, a clearing filled with moonlight where fairies dance to the music of Nessa, and light, white feet moving gracefully in time to the tune. Your color is deep, twilight, mysterious purple, mixed with wise grey. Eyes flecked with silver strands and hair like ebony feathers polished with fine cloths made for gems." I said, fingering the strands of jet black in my fingers.
"Agreed." Aragorn said promptly. I snickered along with the rest as Arwen blushed.
"Should I not brush your hair in revenge, Gwador?" I teased, almost passing him.
He grabbed my arms and pulled me down next to him, shifting and laying his head in my lap. I laughed heartily and dragged my fingers through his hair.
"Me?" He asked lazily, lacing his fingers with Arwen's.
"Hmm. Silvery winged crowns in gleaming light. Hair like molten bronze and brass flowing in rivulets streaked with gold into a hot forge. Eyes like clear green meadows that speak of strength and hidden sparks lying within. Shining swords and yet peace. Ancient runes engraved on hands wielding strength of many. The color of bright, vivid, yet liquid green. Clear streams and fountains in white stone." I said, humming lightly. Everyone thought.
"A perfect picture and yet so vague." Faramir marveled. I turned to him with a smile.
"Shall you hear, then, about yourself?" I asked, holding out the brush. He smiled and nodded.
"Please."
"Books." I immediately stated. "The color of ink and parchment. Firm and immovable. Strong and flexible. Quality of the highest. The smell of battle and the leather covers of old books. Quills mixed with arrow fletchings. Wise, bluebell eyes and poetry. Wise strength. The power of knowledge. Hair like the brown of worn leather or reeds in a stream. The color of dull gold." I finished. His hair felt rough and yet pliant. Like reeds in a stream.
"Thank you." He said thoughtfully.
"Eowyn?" I asked. She smiled and shifted so that I could reach her hair, and linked her fingers with Faramir's.
"The white lady of Rohan. Hooves thunder against the ground, and tapestries decorate the steeds. The color of cream. Draperies flutter in the wind and eyes like clear pools of spring water search the rippling grasses for signs of horns lifted in welcome. Hair like the smooth white sheets in the halls of healing, but spun of thread mixed with golden embroidery. Gilded passion." I finished, brushing through her light blonde hair. She closed her eyes, and with a secret smile, I moved on to Rumil and Orophin.
"And you, my dear brothers?" I asked, whacking their heads with the brush. They yelped and rubbed their heads, to my satisfaction and the amusement of others. The glared at me.
"Don't try that." I said blithely, beginning on Rumil. "I'm the one who does it best." I nodded. "I've got Mandos and Tulkas to prove it."
"Brat." Rumil muttered. I yanked on his hair and earned a yelp.
"Let's see. Ummm, Rumil is like a bucket brimming with miruvor. Bubbly and sparkling with energy. Eyes sparkle and laughter bubbles like froth from a cup. Hair like the blade of a polished dagger. Wit like a fountain and waterfall. Eyes like the silver wood of Mallorn trees." I giggled as I finished, kissing his cheek fondly and moving on to Orophin.
"She's captured your essence there, Rumil." He laughed with the rest.
"Orophin, now, you remind me of a beautiful arrow. Smooth wood and a gleaming silver tip. Lithe and swift, beautiful yet deadly. Fletchings of dove feathers. Hair like white gold. Rare and bright. A grin made of pearls and a bow of mallorn bark. Eyes of pale blue, like the sky early in the mornings." I kissed his cheek as well and leaped up, floating with my wings over to Legolas.
"You're next, Muindor." I smiled. He laid his head in my lap and reached up to finger my own light locks with a fond smile.
"They're almost asleep." Aragorn pointed out smugly. Everyone laughed as the brothers shook themselves. "Told you."
"It feels relaxing." Rumil defended.
"So what am I like to you, Onònë?" Legolas asked expectantly. I smiled.
"You are like a vision. Dreamy and hazy, but comforting, like a spirit in your dreams. Beautiful and yet cold. Hard and yet warm. Your voice is like the music of a twanging bow, and your eyes are silver-blue, cool and yet holding warmth. Hair like refined gold, spun into threads of silk. Slivers of sunlight woven into a silk tapestry. In fact, to me you are like a wolf. Lithe, deadly, beautiful, enchanting, mysterious, strong, gentle. Your color is leafy green, like our sibling rune. Full of contradictions." I said gently, finishing with an adoring smile. His fingers twined with mine and the leaves glowed warmly.
His eyes smiled at me. I kissed his cheek sweetly and re-braided his hair. He tugged fondly on a lock of my hair and I moved to Ada.
"I wish my brothers would do that to me." Arwen moaned jealously, cropping up laughter. "You're blessed, Legolas." She said knowingly. Legolas chuckled.
"In spite of the fact that only she can make me so angry, yes." He smirked.
"I take it back. I don't love you anymore." I growled at him playfully. More laughter.
I was brushing Ada's hair. "You are rather interesting, Ada." I giggled. He raised his eyebrows at me questioningly.
"Of course, I love my hair because it takes after yours." I grinned. "You are the color of blue fire. Blazing blue. Hair platinum-blonde. Impossibly tall, like a tower. Strong and stern. But inside it is furnished with beds just like a home. Head raised high and a voice like smooth, polished gems. Eyes of leafy green. Commanding and yet caring. Distant and yet vivid. Sharp and slim." His hair ran through my fingers like silk strands. I kissed his cheek and then suddenly snickered. "Spiderweb hair." I teased.
"Eruanna Thranduiliel!" He thundered. I scampered away with a yelp as Legolas bent over double laughing. I ran back. "Oh wait! I forgot!" I poked Ada's side. He let out a muffled sound and jerked away from my fingers.
I bent over double laughing, staggering away from Ada. He stood and grabbed me fluidly, eyes sparking. "And what exactly was that for?" He asked dangerously.
"Blame Legolas! If he had answered my question I wouldn't have had to do it!" I shrieked in protest. Ada turned to Muindor with a raised eyebrow.
Legolas looked scared. "She asked me if elves were ticklish." He said sheepishly. Everyone burst into roars of laughter, unable to stifle their snickers anymore. Ada shook his head and began to poke my side. "You're an elf, mîn yeldë. Why don't you find out for yourself?" He teased seriously, eyes glinting wickedly.
I screamed in laughter. "No Ada!" I pleaded, gasping. "S-stop!" I cried, tears of laughter pouring down my cheeks. He finally gave in and carried me over to Haldir, setting me in his lap and going back to his seat.
"As you wish." He replied calmly, sitting down regally. I glared and then realized my position. I leaped away, and whipping tears off of my cheeks, got the brush.
Haldir was smiling languidly. "Do I get a description, Mela en' coiamin?" (Love of my life) He asked. I blushed at the endearment and sat down behind him. He settled his head on my lap.
Everyone was sprawled comfortably somewhere. It had gotten to the end of the day, and the moon was out now, the sky in twilight. Aragorn had his head in Arwen's lap and was smiling at her while she pulled delicate fingers through his hair. Faramir was the same way with Eowyn and their fingers were intertwined fondly.
Haldir was smiling at me lovingly. "Well." I started, pulling my fingers through his hair. "You are like a silver blade. Polished and glimmering in soft light. Sharp and deadly, but also familiar and comfortable. Your hair is like rivulets of pure silver and slivers of moonbeams peeping through the silver lining of the clouds. Eyes like deep wells of night-blue water. Swift and silent. Sharp and cutting. The passion of battle and the temper of a storm. But also the softness of a leather sheath and gentleness of a caress to the hilt of the weapon. The color of silver mixed with deep blue." I murmured, pulling fingers through his silver locks.
His fingers reached up to tangle in my hair. My fingers brushed against his temples. Everyone was silent and tenderness lingered in the air. Friendship, family, camaraderie, and love was exchanged empathetically.
His hand reached up and grasped one of mine, lacing his fingers with mine. His knuckles brushed my cheek. I moved my free hand to trace the planes of his face lightly.
I suddenly felt something brushing against my consciousness. I opened my mind and it came in, a new presence. Haldir's feä brushed against mine, and intertwined gently. It was warm, and tenderly wrapped around mine. I smiled shyly and his face glowed.
Arwen and Aragorn were glowing with the light of the Evenstar as their feäs met, and Haldir and I gleamed with the light of the Morningstar as our feäs communed.
His eyes were skittering over my face and went to my lips, then went back up to my eyes. I reached out and touched his cheek, tracing it down to his neck and tunic. His breath shuddered. Warmth crept into my cheeks and stained them crimson.
Arwen and Aragorn's lips met gently. Elves, in all honesty, are not afraid to show affection in public. Humans are normally different, but elves are very open. Faramir had his fingers tangled in Eowyn's hair and brought her face down gently to his.
Everyone left the couples to themselves and instead were talking quietly and smiling, all feeling the magical quality on the air. We all were reluctant to end it because we all knew that it would not last for long.
Haldir's breath mingled with mine, our lips not touching. His heart beat underneath my fingers. Mine beat in time with his. My lips felt dry. I bit my lower lip and my hair fell like a curtain over my face.
Haldir's fingers brushed my hair back and it fell on either side of his face. He reached up and traced my lips with his finger. "Eruanna." He murmured.
I released my lower lip from my teeth and felt the blood rush back into it and flush it scarlet. His eyes riveted on my lip, eyes darkening. A heated puff of air left my mouth.
"Amin mella lle." He whispered, hand cupping my cheek. I flushed and let my thumb ghost against his cheek.
"Ar lle Mellon." I replied softly. His eyes closed and he let out a quiet groan.
"You have been avoiding me all day." He said, voice strained. I smirked slightly.
"Payback." I whispered in his ear coyly. His breath hitched at the feeling of my breath against his ear. "I am fire, and I know how to play with it." I whispered, eyes glinting.
I lifted my face as his fingers still locked in mine twitched. His eyes opened and his eyes were deep blue. "Eruanna." His voice was deep, matching his eyes, and pleading.
"What?" I murmured in reply.
He suddenly shifted, sitting up and pulling me into his lap roughly. His free hand tangled in my hair and tugged me up to his face. His lips were a breath away. One hand still laced in his. My other balanced me on his chest.
His hand snaked around my waist. Lips landed on mine. My eyes fluttered closed lightly. His breath tasted like berries and cream. His lips made mine burn red. They moved down as his hand moved up, tangling again in my hair. His lips trailed down my jaw and slipped to my neck.
I attempted to tug away, but he would have none of it. Heated lips scorched the hollow of my neck, leaving a burning imprint. I whimpered slightly and managed to pull away, breath coming fast and cheeks hot.
His gaze raked my face, ruining my attempt to recover. "Haldir." I begged for him to stop.
"What?" His voice was gravelly.
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Look at me like that." I replied weakly. Arwen and Eowyn looked like they were in a similar predicament. His eyes glinted.
"Forgive me, Hiril Vruin." (My lady) He murmured, lips going back to my jaw. I squirmed slightly.
"No." I whimpered. His mouth cut me off. His tongue brushed my lip, and my eyes flew open and my mouth opened in protest. I let out a muffled cry as his tongue curled around mine and cut off my protest.
I pulled away for air and hung my head, gasping for breath and cheeks burning. "Ha-Haldir." I rasped, fingers clutching his tunic. "Please." I whimpered.
He groaned slightly and clutched me to him, breath shaky and burying his face into my hair.
...
She was perfect. So perfect that he had to restrain himself. Her scent made him feel heady and he breathed it in, begging himself to calm down and stop raging.
He knew that he would have to wait. Things were not well quite yet in Arda, and they would be busy trying to settle things down.
Besides, they had to set a date for their wedding sooner or later. He now realized what she was capable of. He had been pining for her all day and she had purposefully avoided him.
His lips quirked. She may be an angel, but she didn't always act like one. She was an avenging angel sometimes.
But he loved her nonetheless, and he thanked the Valar for her in his life. He had a feeling that if the Valar heard him, they were snickering at both of them, especially Eruanna's now-swollen lips.
*tugs collar* is it just me, or is it a tiny bit hot in here? Review please? *swallows*