Judging by the time they had traveled, the Ethir Prince concluded that one of Gondor's smaller colonies, Methedenglad [End of the Wood], was less that twenty miles away, and hoped to arrive there before nightfall. Both of the horses were sweating and foaming at the mouth, having been running for quite a while without stop. But, loyal to their owners, they continued on. Celesil loosened the reins, letting Ruinwen run her best. She still did not understand why or what Tauren had wanted to get up and run from.
They stopped for a short respite by a large pond. Celesil slid off Ruinwen's back and bending down to drink, patted her horse's neck soothingly. Wanting to go on, Tauren appeared antsy. He, too, though, understood his horses need for rest and freed the steed of his burden, urging him to drink. "Not long, vende [maiden]. We must reach Methedenglad before nightfall." Continuing to map out their actions, the prince stated, "After staying a night, we shoud leave before dawn the next day and head towards...Gondor." A pang hit him, considering the current state he was in. An Ethir spy was seeking refuge in his enemy's citadel? He was running from his own people, and if he continued, would most likely be named a coward...'No, I must face Rauko,' he thought. "Let us slow down for the horses' sake, Luinfalasien. We should reach Methedenglad soon, anyway." Upon opening the leather saddle bags, he slightly frowned, seeing only a few bread crumbs littered throughout the small container.
The she-elf plopped down on the ground, spreading out her dirty and torn dress on the ground. Leaning forward, then, on hands and knees, she peered into the blue pond, gazing at her reflection. What a sight! Dusty clothes, calloused hands, smudged face, gnarled and wind-blown hair? Inwardly she hoped Tauren had some spare coins on him to afford a bath and perhaps even a new dress. Suddenly it hit her. The people of Methedenglad knew her, as the royal family stopped by about thrice a year.
"Tauren?" she called. "Would it be fine with you if I borrowed your cloak when we entered Methedenglad? My appearance is unseemly..." Hoping to further influence her point, she attempted to comb her hair with her fingers. They became stuck about half way.
"Anything for a lady," Tauren replied as his smile flashed.
A few hours later, they arrived at the gates of Methedenglad. Upon knocking, the gate keeper hesitantly opened the door.
"Yer names?" he grunted.
"I am Nuavar, and this is..." he glanced sideways towards hooded and cloaked Celesil, "...my wife, Luinfalasien. We have been traveling from the Blue Coast and hope to reach Gondor. Is there room in the inn?"
"Yar, room there be," the gatesman replied, nodding as he opened the door wider, and the couple led their horses through.
Celesil knew the layout of the town like the back of her hand, but hoped not to show it, the state being she was supposed to be a Sea Elf running away. "Over there," she said, as she pointed towards a large building near the entrance, "is the inn. See the sign with a candle?" Tauren nodded.
A young stable boy, having lounged around all day with nothing to do, eagerly ran up to them and took their horses, leading them to the stable in the back. Upon entering the door, the prince and princess were greated by a rather large man with a half-head of hair and stubbly beard. "Welcome to the Methedenglad Inn. Madoc Tunnely at your service!" The middle-aged man beamed at them and leaned over the counter. "What can I help you with?" he asked.
"We'd like to stay the night, in your nicest room. How much would it cost?" Tauren fingered is coin pouch.
"Well, now, how many rooms?"
The prince quickly caught a glimpse of "Luinfalasien" from the corner of his grey eye. "One," he replied. Celesil shot him a surpised, almost frightened, glance. Tunnely took no notice, as he was jotting down the information for his records.
"Beds?" he asked without looking up.
Celesil drew in a sharp breath as her lover replied, "...One, please."
Tunnely chuckled. "Yessir! That'll be 50 gold. Breakfast is served in the morning. Just ring the bell if you would like it delivered to ya room...Thank ya very much, sir," he said, exiting his counter-space and heading up the stairs, motioning for the two to follow him.
"Wait just a moment," the hooded Celesil said, eyeing a clothing shoppe built into the inn. The size was not very prodigious, but the woman there smiled as the princess walked in. "May I help you?" she asked, standing up.
"Yes, please. I'm looking for two new dresses - one for traveling and another for city-wear. My own has become quite dirty and ragged during our journey."
"I have just the one for you..." The woman took a few steps to her left to a bar full of dresses and pulled one out. It was leather, dyed to be a deep burgundy, falling down to the ankles. However, slits up to the thigh allowed riding and free movement, and the top was sleeveless. Brown leggings were included. As for decoration, a sylvan green trim ran along the collar and bottom. Seeing her customers were Elves, the next dress she pulled out was light blue. The top was tight and came to a point over the skirt. The skirt, however, was billowy and full, and the sleeves transparent and light. As in traditional Elven style, the front was beaded with iridescent beads in an intricate pattern.
"Price?" Tauren asked, retrieving his coin bag once more.
"Only 90 gold for both."
"We'll take them. Thank you." The exchange was made, and Tauren gave a slight bow to the shoppe-keeper before heading out.
Patient Tunnely waited outside the built-in shoppe. When they emerged, he said, "That there's Ruby. She's a nice lady, she is, but couldn't provide for herself once her husband died couple years back. Brought her in myself, and she seems to be boosting business, too." The three stepped up two flights of stairs to the second story, walked down the hall about half way, and stopped. The key unlocked the door, and Tunnely opened it, escorting his guests in. Handing Tauren the keys, he winked and said, "Good night!" before closing the door.
Celesil hugged Tauren, thanking him for the new clothes. He held her close. "Don't worry about it, melamin," he whispered into the half-elf's pointed ear, inherited from her mother's side. She squeezed tight, and then released him from her grasp.
"Now, if you don't mind, I'll go downstairs to bathe." She set down the riding dress, so that she only held the city-wear, and started out the door. While she was gone, Tauren took out his black leggings and a fresh green tunic before heading downstairs, too, for his own bath.
Celesil stripped off her dirty cloak and clothes and slowly stepped into the small pool of warm water. It had been so long since she had had the chance to cleanse herself fully from the sweat, grime, and dust that had accumulated onto her body. She leaned back, soaking her hair, rinsing it thoroughly. Next, the half-elf grabbed the soap, turning it over and over between her hands, and ran the lather along her slim body. The process was repeated a few more times, and after she had thoroughly enjoyed the warm bath, reluctantly climbed out, grasping for the soft towel hanging on a bar. She dried off, and, wrapping the towel around her for a covering, opened the bath door, leading her into a larger room with mirrors and changing rooms. Accepting one of the combs on the counter, she brushed her hair to shiny, wet perfection, and pulled it back into a half-ponytail with one of the white ribbons hanging from the many hooks. Then her barefeet walked into the changing room, closed the door, and let the towel fall to the floor. Sliding the blue dress over her head, she pushed her arms up into the sleeves and pulled the rest of the dress over her body. Hand behind her head, she laced up the back of her dress and threw her hair out of the head hole. Stepping out, she fluffed her hair, satified with her appearance, grabbed her old clothes, and walked out the door.
She handed the remaining clothes to the washer woman outside the door, and found Tauren, now in a fresh set of clothes and clean himself, sitting at one of the wooden tables in the dining room. Hearing her footsteps approaching, he turned his head towards her and awed at her appearance. Her brunette veil of hair crowned her head in glistening radiance, cascading down mid-back, her skin glowed with a dewwy softness, and the blue, beaded dress, scooping low and fitting perfectly, revealed the color of her eyes as dark orbs set into her flawless face. If the scene had taken place in Arda, she would have been mistaken for VĂ na, the Youthful, one of the Valar.
"Luinfalasien..." he muttered as a hand reach out to stroke her silky hair. "Nalye vanima" Snapping himself out of his dream-like stance, Tauren walked to the other side of the table, pulling out a chair for his companion. She seated herself, and he scooted the chair back under the table before he sat down again, himself. They smiled at each other.
"You yourself appear quite stunning, as well," she commented.
"Diola le," he replied as he signaled a waitress.
"What may I get for you tonight, mi'lord and lady?" The couple ordered their food, and ate their meal conversing on generic material. Half and hour past, and their plates were empty. Tauren suggested desert, and Celesil accept, eagerly. As the small cakes were brought to their table, Tauren brought up their plan for tomorrow.
"Luinfalasien, I plan to ride back a while on the morrow. I would like to see what is going on and check things out. I will return before sunset, and trust you will remain in Methedenglad."
Celesil looked down at her half-raised fork, contemplating the words "Nuavar" had just spoken. Straightening her head, she looked back at him. "Ofcourse, Nauvar. I will patiently wait your return." She was curious to know what was happening that would scare him so much. They finished the mini-cakes, drank the last from their tankards, and left a three coin tip for the waitress. Upon leaving the table, Tauren wrapped his arm around Celesil's waist, and she around his, so the two walked side by side up the stairs.
Upon reaching their room, Tauren shut the door, smiling at Celesil. Moving his hands more tightly around her waist, he kissed her, nudging her closed mouth gently with his tongue. Accepting his kiss, she opened her mouth, and their two tongues dueled together and teased each other passionately for several minutes. His hands moved over her shoulders, and he lightly pulled one of the strings of her lacing, asking permission, deepening his kiss. She slowly pulled away from him, shaking her head. "No, melamin. Let us wait, please. I'm not ready for that yet."
The prince of the Ethir sighed and faked a pout. "Alright. I respect that." His eyebrows raised hopefully as he asked,"But will you atleast lay next to me tonight?"
She nodded her head, staring at the ground. She had been taught by her elders to save her purity for marriage, and to that she intended to keep. Temptation was present, but she had resisted it.
With a light kiss to her lover's lips, the half-Elf flipped over one of the bed's pillows, took the light nightgown underneath, stepped out of the main room into a small walk-in closet, where she changed from her clothes to the nightgown. The sillouette of her slender body was visible through the thin linen of the nightgown, but nothing else. She then pulled the ribbon from her hair, allowing it to flow down in a wave of mahogony strands. Emerging from the closet, she saw past the hair fallen over her eyes Tauren, in black silk leggings, in which most male Elves rested in, just taking off his tunic. He turned around, a bit surprised, but then smiled, opening his arms to her. She wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his toned, bare, hairless chest. He stepped towards the bed, still holding her, and with one hand pulled back the green velvet bedspread and silver silk sheets. She slid from his hold between the sheets, resting her head on the soft pillow. He climbed in beside her, and motioned with his hand for her to lean onto his chest again. Accepting his proposal, she did, and caressed his cheek, tracing the jawbone down to his chin, and left it around his neck. His right arm wrapped itself around her, and he whispered, "Fumalye mara, amelamin [Sleep well, beloved.]" She nodded her head sleepily, muttering his names, and drifted off to sleep.
Celesil awoke early the next morning the movement of Tauren's body leaving her arms. She still kept her eyes closed, however, knowing he was dressing at the moment, due to the sound of rustling clothes. After some time, though, she opened them. Seeing her awake, he leaned over the bed and gently kissed her forhead, brushing away the strands of hair that had fallen into her face.
"Good morning, mi'lady. Would you like your breakfast in bed? I will be leaving soon, and wish to share it with you."
She nodded as she sat up, her eyes still infested with sleep. Rubbing her eyelids, she climbed out of bed to the mirror across the room and began to brush her hair. Tauren poked his head out the door and yelled down the stairs for breakfast. While waiting, he began packing his saddle bags. A page arrived, carrying a large platter of fruit, bread, and pitcher of water, and two glasses. The couple enjoyed their breakfast, chatting between themselves.
The last strawberry gone, Tauren picked up Celesil, swung her around in his arms, and kissed her tenderly. "I promise to return by nightfall, Luinfalasien."
She wrapped her arms around him and touched his lips teasingly before pressing hard, beginning a prolongued kiss, of which he could barely break away from. "How's that for a goodbye kiss, mi'lord?"
"Superb," he stated, smiling. "And I hope for another when I return." He set her down, arms aching, and headed towards the door.
"Melan le!" she called towards the door.
Melan le!" was a muffled voice she heard from the bottom of the stairs.
A/N: How was that for a long chapter? Please read and review, and I'll give you a bowl of ice cream, or maybe even another chappy :)
They stopped for a short respite by a large pond. Celesil slid off Ruinwen's back and bending down to drink, patted her horse's neck soothingly. Wanting to go on, Tauren appeared antsy. He, too, though, understood his horses need for rest and freed the steed of his burden, urging him to drink. "Not long, vende [maiden]. We must reach Methedenglad before nightfall." Continuing to map out their actions, the prince stated, "After staying a night, we shoud leave before dawn the next day and head towards...Gondor." A pang hit him, considering the current state he was in. An Ethir spy was seeking refuge in his enemy's citadel? He was running from his own people, and if he continued, would most likely be named a coward...'No, I must face Rauko,' he thought. "Let us slow down for the horses' sake, Luinfalasien. We should reach Methedenglad soon, anyway." Upon opening the leather saddle bags, he slightly frowned, seeing only a few bread crumbs littered throughout the small container.
The she-elf plopped down on the ground, spreading out her dirty and torn dress on the ground. Leaning forward, then, on hands and knees, she peered into the blue pond, gazing at her reflection. What a sight! Dusty clothes, calloused hands, smudged face, gnarled and wind-blown hair? Inwardly she hoped Tauren had some spare coins on him to afford a bath and perhaps even a new dress. Suddenly it hit her. The people of Methedenglad knew her, as the royal family stopped by about thrice a year.
"Tauren?" she called. "Would it be fine with you if I borrowed your cloak when we entered Methedenglad? My appearance is unseemly..." Hoping to further influence her point, she attempted to comb her hair with her fingers. They became stuck about half way.
"Anything for a lady," Tauren replied as his smile flashed.
A few hours later, they arrived at the gates of Methedenglad. Upon knocking, the gate keeper hesitantly opened the door.
"Yer names?" he grunted.
"I am Nuavar, and this is..." he glanced sideways towards hooded and cloaked Celesil, "...my wife, Luinfalasien. We have been traveling from the Blue Coast and hope to reach Gondor. Is there room in the inn?"
"Yar, room there be," the gatesman replied, nodding as he opened the door wider, and the couple led their horses through.
Celesil knew the layout of the town like the back of her hand, but hoped not to show it, the state being she was supposed to be a Sea Elf running away. "Over there," she said, as she pointed towards a large building near the entrance, "is the inn. See the sign with a candle?" Tauren nodded.
A young stable boy, having lounged around all day with nothing to do, eagerly ran up to them and took their horses, leading them to the stable in the back. Upon entering the door, the prince and princess were greated by a rather large man with a half-head of hair and stubbly beard. "Welcome to the Methedenglad Inn. Madoc Tunnely at your service!" The middle-aged man beamed at them and leaned over the counter. "What can I help you with?" he asked.
"We'd like to stay the night, in your nicest room. How much would it cost?" Tauren fingered is coin pouch.
"Well, now, how many rooms?"
The prince quickly caught a glimpse of "Luinfalasien" from the corner of his grey eye. "One," he replied. Celesil shot him a surpised, almost frightened, glance. Tunnely took no notice, as he was jotting down the information for his records.
"Beds?" he asked without looking up.
Celesil drew in a sharp breath as her lover replied, "...One, please."
Tunnely chuckled. "Yessir! That'll be 50 gold. Breakfast is served in the morning. Just ring the bell if you would like it delivered to ya room...Thank ya very much, sir," he said, exiting his counter-space and heading up the stairs, motioning for the two to follow him.
"Wait just a moment," the hooded Celesil said, eyeing a clothing shoppe built into the inn. The size was not very prodigious, but the woman there smiled as the princess walked in. "May I help you?" she asked, standing up.
"Yes, please. I'm looking for two new dresses - one for traveling and another for city-wear. My own has become quite dirty and ragged during our journey."
"I have just the one for you..." The woman took a few steps to her left to a bar full of dresses and pulled one out. It was leather, dyed to be a deep burgundy, falling down to the ankles. However, slits up to the thigh allowed riding and free movement, and the top was sleeveless. Brown leggings were included. As for decoration, a sylvan green trim ran along the collar and bottom. Seeing her customers were Elves, the next dress she pulled out was light blue. The top was tight and came to a point over the skirt. The skirt, however, was billowy and full, and the sleeves transparent and light. As in traditional Elven style, the front was beaded with iridescent beads in an intricate pattern.
"Price?" Tauren asked, retrieving his coin bag once more.
"Only 90 gold for both."
"We'll take them. Thank you." The exchange was made, and Tauren gave a slight bow to the shoppe-keeper before heading out.
Patient Tunnely waited outside the built-in shoppe. When they emerged, he said, "That there's Ruby. She's a nice lady, she is, but couldn't provide for herself once her husband died couple years back. Brought her in myself, and she seems to be boosting business, too." The three stepped up two flights of stairs to the second story, walked down the hall about half way, and stopped. The key unlocked the door, and Tunnely opened it, escorting his guests in. Handing Tauren the keys, he winked and said, "Good night!" before closing the door.
Celesil hugged Tauren, thanking him for the new clothes. He held her close. "Don't worry about it, melamin," he whispered into the half-elf's pointed ear, inherited from her mother's side. She squeezed tight, and then released him from her grasp.
"Now, if you don't mind, I'll go downstairs to bathe." She set down the riding dress, so that she only held the city-wear, and started out the door. While she was gone, Tauren took out his black leggings and a fresh green tunic before heading downstairs, too, for his own bath.
Celesil stripped off her dirty cloak and clothes and slowly stepped into the small pool of warm water. It had been so long since she had had the chance to cleanse herself fully from the sweat, grime, and dust that had accumulated onto her body. She leaned back, soaking her hair, rinsing it thoroughly. Next, the half-elf grabbed the soap, turning it over and over between her hands, and ran the lather along her slim body. The process was repeated a few more times, and after she had thoroughly enjoyed the warm bath, reluctantly climbed out, grasping for the soft towel hanging on a bar. She dried off, and, wrapping the towel around her for a covering, opened the bath door, leading her into a larger room with mirrors and changing rooms. Accepting one of the combs on the counter, she brushed her hair to shiny, wet perfection, and pulled it back into a half-ponytail with one of the white ribbons hanging from the many hooks. Then her barefeet walked into the changing room, closed the door, and let the towel fall to the floor. Sliding the blue dress over her head, she pushed her arms up into the sleeves and pulled the rest of the dress over her body. Hand behind her head, she laced up the back of her dress and threw her hair out of the head hole. Stepping out, she fluffed her hair, satified with her appearance, grabbed her old clothes, and walked out the door.
She handed the remaining clothes to the washer woman outside the door, and found Tauren, now in a fresh set of clothes and clean himself, sitting at one of the wooden tables in the dining room. Hearing her footsteps approaching, he turned his head towards her and awed at her appearance. Her brunette veil of hair crowned her head in glistening radiance, cascading down mid-back, her skin glowed with a dewwy softness, and the blue, beaded dress, scooping low and fitting perfectly, revealed the color of her eyes as dark orbs set into her flawless face. If the scene had taken place in Arda, she would have been mistaken for VĂ na, the Youthful, one of the Valar.
"Luinfalasien..." he muttered as a hand reach out to stroke her silky hair. "Nalye vanima" Snapping himself out of his dream-like stance, Tauren walked to the other side of the table, pulling out a chair for his companion. She seated herself, and he scooted the chair back under the table before he sat down again, himself. They smiled at each other.
"You yourself appear quite stunning, as well," she commented.
"Diola le," he replied as he signaled a waitress.
"What may I get for you tonight, mi'lord and lady?" The couple ordered their food, and ate their meal conversing on generic material. Half and hour past, and their plates were empty. Tauren suggested desert, and Celesil accept, eagerly. As the small cakes were brought to their table, Tauren brought up their plan for tomorrow.
"Luinfalasien, I plan to ride back a while on the morrow. I would like to see what is going on and check things out. I will return before sunset, and trust you will remain in Methedenglad."
Celesil looked down at her half-raised fork, contemplating the words "Nuavar" had just spoken. Straightening her head, she looked back at him. "Ofcourse, Nauvar. I will patiently wait your return." She was curious to know what was happening that would scare him so much. They finished the mini-cakes, drank the last from their tankards, and left a three coin tip for the waitress. Upon leaving the table, Tauren wrapped his arm around Celesil's waist, and she around his, so the two walked side by side up the stairs.
Upon reaching their room, Tauren shut the door, smiling at Celesil. Moving his hands more tightly around her waist, he kissed her, nudging her closed mouth gently with his tongue. Accepting his kiss, she opened her mouth, and their two tongues dueled together and teased each other passionately for several minutes. His hands moved over her shoulders, and he lightly pulled one of the strings of her lacing, asking permission, deepening his kiss. She slowly pulled away from him, shaking her head. "No, melamin. Let us wait, please. I'm not ready for that yet."
The prince of the Ethir sighed and faked a pout. "Alright. I respect that." His eyebrows raised hopefully as he asked,"But will you atleast lay next to me tonight?"
She nodded her head, staring at the ground. She had been taught by her elders to save her purity for marriage, and to that she intended to keep. Temptation was present, but she had resisted it.
With a light kiss to her lover's lips, the half-Elf flipped over one of the bed's pillows, took the light nightgown underneath, stepped out of the main room into a small walk-in closet, where she changed from her clothes to the nightgown. The sillouette of her slender body was visible through the thin linen of the nightgown, but nothing else. She then pulled the ribbon from her hair, allowing it to flow down in a wave of mahogony strands. Emerging from the closet, she saw past the hair fallen over her eyes Tauren, in black silk leggings, in which most male Elves rested in, just taking off his tunic. He turned around, a bit surprised, but then smiled, opening his arms to her. She wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his toned, bare, hairless chest. He stepped towards the bed, still holding her, and with one hand pulled back the green velvet bedspread and silver silk sheets. She slid from his hold between the sheets, resting her head on the soft pillow. He climbed in beside her, and motioned with his hand for her to lean onto his chest again. Accepting his proposal, she did, and caressed his cheek, tracing the jawbone down to his chin, and left it around his neck. His right arm wrapped itself around her, and he whispered, "Fumalye mara, amelamin [Sleep well, beloved.]" She nodded her head sleepily, muttering his names, and drifted off to sleep.
Celesil awoke early the next morning the movement of Tauren's body leaving her arms. She still kept her eyes closed, however, knowing he was dressing at the moment, due to the sound of rustling clothes. After some time, though, she opened them. Seeing her awake, he leaned over the bed and gently kissed her forhead, brushing away the strands of hair that had fallen into her face.
"Good morning, mi'lady. Would you like your breakfast in bed? I will be leaving soon, and wish to share it with you."
She nodded as she sat up, her eyes still infested with sleep. Rubbing her eyelids, she climbed out of bed to the mirror across the room and began to brush her hair. Tauren poked his head out the door and yelled down the stairs for breakfast. While waiting, he began packing his saddle bags. A page arrived, carrying a large platter of fruit, bread, and pitcher of water, and two glasses. The couple enjoyed their breakfast, chatting between themselves.
The last strawberry gone, Tauren picked up Celesil, swung her around in his arms, and kissed her tenderly. "I promise to return by nightfall, Luinfalasien."
She wrapped her arms around him and touched his lips teasingly before pressing hard, beginning a prolongued kiss, of which he could barely break away from. "How's that for a goodbye kiss, mi'lord?"
"Superb," he stated, smiling. "And I hope for another when I return." He set her down, arms aching, and headed towards the door.
"Melan le!" she called towards the door.
Melan le!" was a muffled voice she heard from the bottom of the stairs.
A/N: How was that for a long chapter? Please read and review, and I'll give you a bowl of ice cream, or maybe even another chappy :)
