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.
