Ch. 5: Distractions

I turned to see Gimli grinning at me from the shelter of the trees. Hesitantly, I walked back over to him. Talk about bad timing. I laughed nervously and looked at the ground.
He stepped closer and lifted my chin. Yet again, I was staring into his eyes. I was afraid to move or even breathe for fear of another interruption.
His hand moved to the back of my head, and he kissed me lightly. He drew back after an all too short moment, but just far enough to look into my eyes. I was a little stunned. I'd never been kissed before. My heart was beating about a hundred miles an hour. He kissed me again. This time, it was a long, tender kiss. My arms seemed to wrap themselves around his neck of their own accord, and when he finally pulled back, he pulled my head down against his shoulder. His beard tickled my face. We held each other for a long time. I could feel him breathing. It could have been a few minutes or an hour for all I could tell.
Eventually, I felt him sigh. I suppose we ought to go back inside.
Do we have to? I looked up at him without lifting my head.
I think it would be for the best. He kissed my forehead lightly, then stepped back. We walked back to my room, he kissed me goodnight. The kiss was brief, but wonderful. I went inside and tried to go to sleep, but sleep wouldn't come. Sometime near morning, I finally slipped off.
I was awakened perhaps an hour later by Arwen. I had slept so little, I wasn't even tired. How are you this morning, Lady Amy? Several of us are going to ride a little today, and I was hoping you would come with us. We'll have a picnic lunch and be back in time for dinner It sounded fun, so I agreed to go with them (wondering who all was included in that ).
I walked with her to breakfast, but sat with Gimli and Glóin. Glóin looked at me a little oddly, but didn't say anything. I wondered if he knew what had happened last night. After a quiet breakfast, I pulled Gimli off to the side. He smiled warmly. Good morning, Amy. I trust the day has begun well for you?
Yes, it has. I didn't sleep well, but it's no bother. We were still in the hall, and I found myself suddenly shy. Arwen has asked me to go riding with her today.
Gimli grunted at this. Hmph. You won't get me on any horse. If I can't get there on my two feet, I'd rather not go.
I looked down at my hands, which were suddenly very interesting. Um, well be back before supper tonight. I'll see you then?
Very well. Until this evening. He turned and left. As much as I wanted to be discreet, I found myself wishing he'd said something more. Was he upset with me for going? I knew I wouldn't enjoy the day if I was worrying about it, so I ran after him and caught up with him just as he reached his room. He saw me coming and held the door open for me. I walked in and he shut it behind me.
Gimli, I—
He put a finger to my lips. I may not trust the Elves, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy their company. I'm sorry I snapped at you back there. Go enjoy yourself. I'll see you this evening. He kissed me lightly before opening the door for me.
I hurried off looking for Arwen. I found her at my room. There you are, Amy! I was looking for you! I brought you some riding clothes. I think they will fit well enough. She was holding a dark green split skirt (obviously hemmed up for me) and a pale green shirt with darker embroidery. They were beautiful.
Thank you, Lady Arwen. Give me just a moment to change. She followed me into the room and I went behind the dressing screen to change. When I had finished, she helped me do my hair up into little braids that held it back and out of my face without having to put all of it in a ponytail. We hurried out to the stables, where a couple of people were waiting. Glorfindel was there, and another Elf I didn't recognize, and a Man.
Hello, Lady Amy. I'm glad you've decided to come with us. Allow me to introduce Prince Legolas from Mirkwood and Aragorn the Dúnedan.
The Man called Aragorn held the reins of a pony, as well as a horse I assumed was his. I thought you might be more comfortable riding a pony than a horse. Have you ever ridden before?
No, I haven't.
Don't worry. It will be no great difficulty. Can you mount without assistance?
I wasn't sure, but once they showed me how to put my foot in the stirrup, I was able to swing up without too much difficulty.
Aragorn seemed surprised. You are strong, Lady Amy. I wish I had learned that skill so easily. The others mounted, and we spent the day exploring the forest around Rivendell. In late morning, we came to a small target range, and Aragorn, Legolas, and Glorfindel spent about half an hour trying to beat each other at archery. Arwen and I laid out a blanket while they were shooting, and when they finished, we all shared a picnic lunch. I couldn't be sure, but it seemed like there was something between Arwen and Aragorn. I dismissed the thought it as ridiculous. After all, she'd been the one to tell me about Lúthien and Beren, and how unusual their marriage had been. I got the impression such things just didn't happen.
After lunch, we explored for the rest of the afternoon. We got back just as the dinner bell sounded. The stable hands took the horses, and I started to go to my room to change and wash up a little, but Arwen convinced me to just come with them directly to supper. They insisted I sit with them, and I couldn't think of a way to get out of it gracefully, so I sat with them through supper.
After supper, Gandalf and Elrond pulled me aside, asking about the Dwarven prophecy and the details of how I'd gotten there, then Arwen pulled me along with her to the Hall of Fire. By that time, I was thoroughly frustrated and looking for a way to get out of there and find Gimli, but I didn't want to be rude and leave right away. I was just starting to get interested in the song Aragorn and Arwen were singing when I felt a hand on my shoulder. Gimli was smiling down at me. He sat down beside me and we listened to the rest of the long song, before finally slipping out.
I waited to speak until we were out in the gardens. I'm sorry I didn't find you earlier. Arwen insisted I sit with them for supper, and then Elrond and Gandalf wanted to talk to me, and
I know, Amy. I'm just glad to finally have a chance to talk to you.
Unfortunately, the short night finally decided to catch up with me, and I started yawning. I'm sorry. I didn't sleep much, and it's been a full day.
I'm sorry. I should let you rest instead of bothering you.
No! I've been trying to get away all night so I could see you. UmI remembered something I meant to mention earlier. I hope it isn't a problem
What is it? Gimli looked confused and a little concerned.
When I talked to Gandalf and Elrond last night, they told me about the council and the Fellowship and all that, but I also told them about that prophecy you told meI hope I wasn't breaking a confidence or anything.
He laughed a little. No, love, it isn't any kind of secret, just an old story I could barely remember. I had to ask my father about it so I wouldn't get the details wrong. I had never paid much attention to it before, but I just remembered it when you told me your story.
What had he called me? Love. That sounded good. Really good. I had to force myself to pay attention to the rest of the words. He noticed. Don't worry about it, Amy. You didn't do anything wrong. With that, he kissed me for a long moment. The kiss grew intense, and after a long time he finally pulled back. I think he was as stunned as I was. He seemed to be fighting to control. He took my arm and we went inside. He didn't walk me all the way to my door, but stopped just down the hall. Good night, Amy. I'll see you in the morning. He kissed my hand and walked off.