Chapter 22
The fire has died down, and Elandra is sleeping reasonably peacefully. I have been able to sooth her little sleep disturbances by singing to her. She looks so lovely, sleeping, her hand clasping mine. I reach over and stroke her face lightly, my fingertips exploring her soft skin and the contours of her face. She stirs a little at my touch, and I gently rub her temple settling her again.
It is cold now, and I cannot be bothered looking for more firewood. Elves of course can stand great cold without it affecting us, but I prefer not to feel cold if I can avoid it. I kick off my boots, and stand to remove my outer robe. Clad in my shirt and leggings I slide into the bed beside Elandra, being careful not to wake her. I slowly move closer to her, feeling the warmth and softness of her body against mine.
Instinctively my love cuddles up to me, and I wrap my arms about her feeling great joy at being so close to her. Soon, I feel warmer, and in the comfort of Elandra's company, I too drift into sleep.
In the early morning, just before dawn I wake, Elandra has her head on my shoulder, her hair spread over my chest and the pillows. She stirs, waking up too.
'Haldir, what are you doing in my bed?' she asks
'I was cold, and I slid in bed with to warm up. I hope you do not mind' I reply to her, and kiss her forehead.
'No, I don't mind. It is cold', she says pulling the bedclothes higher about her.
We are silent and I lie still unable to believe she is allowing me to hold her, and run my fingers through her hair. She is half asleep again, and I want this moment to last forever.
Finally, she wakes completely. 'Is it day yet?' she asks me
'The sun is just rising', I reply to her.
'Let's get up then, and watch the sun rise' she suggests.
'That would be nice', I agree.
In the near dark of the room, I help Elandra pull her dress on, and throw her cloak about her. I pull on my boots, and robe and we walk quietly out on to the castle rampart, I leading the way, as with my elven eyesight, I find seeing in the pre dawn twilight easier than she.
We sit on the edge of the massive stones that make up the castle walls, leaning against each other, watching the display of colour the rising sun is putting on.
Short, but I hope sweet. Next chapter, Elandra starts to read her mum's diary.
The fire has died down, and Elandra is sleeping reasonably peacefully. I have been able to sooth her little sleep disturbances by singing to her. She looks so lovely, sleeping, her hand clasping mine. I reach over and stroke her face lightly, my fingertips exploring her soft skin and the contours of her face. She stirs a little at my touch, and I gently rub her temple settling her again.
It is cold now, and I cannot be bothered looking for more firewood. Elves of course can stand great cold without it affecting us, but I prefer not to feel cold if I can avoid it. I kick off my boots, and stand to remove my outer robe. Clad in my shirt and leggings I slide into the bed beside Elandra, being careful not to wake her. I slowly move closer to her, feeling the warmth and softness of her body against mine.
Instinctively my love cuddles up to me, and I wrap my arms about her feeling great joy at being so close to her. Soon, I feel warmer, and in the comfort of Elandra's company, I too drift into sleep.
In the early morning, just before dawn I wake, Elandra has her head on my shoulder, her hair spread over my chest and the pillows. She stirs, waking up too.
'Haldir, what are you doing in my bed?' she asks
'I was cold, and I slid in bed with to warm up. I hope you do not mind' I reply to her, and kiss her forehead.
'No, I don't mind. It is cold', she says pulling the bedclothes higher about her.
We are silent and I lie still unable to believe she is allowing me to hold her, and run my fingers through her hair. She is half asleep again, and I want this moment to last forever.
Finally, she wakes completely. 'Is it day yet?' she asks me
'The sun is just rising', I reply to her.
'Let's get up then, and watch the sun rise' she suggests.
'That would be nice', I agree.
In the near dark of the room, I help Elandra pull her dress on, and throw her cloak about her. I pull on my boots, and robe and we walk quietly out on to the castle rampart, I leading the way, as with my elven eyesight, I find seeing in the pre dawn twilight easier than she.
We sit on the edge of the massive stones that make up the castle walls, leaning against each other, watching the display of colour the rising sun is putting on.
Short, but I hope sweet. Next chapter, Elandra starts to read her mum's diary.