LITTLE THINGS: Sunlight On Silver
by Janet Elizabeth
Early spring.
We have stopped for a brief rest on the borders of the Golden Wood to tend to Frodo's wounds and I take this chance to set down some of my turmoil of thoughts.
We have lost Gandalf. He fell in battle with Durin's Bane, the Balrog of Kazadhum. It is a deadly blow for us all and little comfort is to be found, though one of Durin's race do not seek comfort as a rule. But I am changed from what I was before this quest began and comfort I do too seek.
My eyes go unwilling to the one thing that eases my mind of late. A fair thing, nay fair does not being to describe something as rare as mithril and, to me, just as precious.
A quick glance only will I dare at this moment and that shall have to sustain me. But it is a glorious sight and gladdens my heart just a little.
He is so beautiful. How can any one creature be so lovely? His eyes so old they make me feel young. The planes of his face so delicate like the finest cut diamond. And his hair, bright as sunlight on silver.
I am overwhelmed that a dwarf could feel these things and for an elf as well. What possess me? What change has this lovely creature worked upon me? Is it some glamour or spell of the elves? I am lost in each moment he is near and of late, he is all too near too much.
I am tormented at his every word or glance. And if he should touch me, I feel a fluttering in my breast. It is unseemly and yet I cannot deny my feelings.
I long to see him unclothed, to gaze upon that milk white flesh that so haunts my dreams. I want to touch and devour, to forsake myself in pleasure with him. Desire is strong within me and I burn in need.
I steal one more quick glance and my breath catches in my throat. He stands sentry, his lovely long-seeing eyes scanning for the orc's who pursue us. I shiver as the heat from my loins spreads like fire all through me. And then I have to look away. He is too beautiful and I am a dwarf.
A curse on elves and all their beauty. Legolas is too fair by far.
Aragorn has signaled to move on. For now I am saved.
Gimli, son of Gloin
