Chapter 3 CoTN
Authors Notes: Firstly, Curufin's explanation of the Beren and Luthien incident is just that, Curufin's and therefore only vaguely resembles the Silm situation. Notice that he doesn't mention the fight he and Beren had, quite deliberately, so I think he's ashamed of that. And yes, he does think that his wife and son disowned him unfairly, he won't allow himself to see the Oath as something they couldn't get involved in for their own sake!!
Lipstick, of course Curufin wants to peek at Fianth naked, he's curious. And like all Feanorians, curiosity must be satisfied!
Finch, you're welcome, and I don't know Ambarussa do anything in their secret hideaway except get away from other people who don't understand their twin relationship. And hunt, a lot. Then again, they could be lying to me!
In the caves.
I came back to reality rocked in the arms of a mortal woman whose still wet hair tickled me. I made as if to sit up, and she let me, but kept her arm around me.
'Do you feel better?' Fianth asked.
'Yes. I'm sorry for crying all over you. I shouldn't do that, cry I mean. Maedhros never cries,' I said pushing my hair out of my face yet again. I actually felt quite embarrassed about my emotional outburst.
Fianth smiled, 'Yes, he does.'
'He does!!' I knew from her face that my expression of shock must have quite ludicrous. 'How do you know that?' I asked suspiciously.
'About a year ago, I was sent late at night with a message for Lord Maedhros and when I got to his chambers, the door was slightly ajar. I don't know why I didn't knock, but I didn't. I peeped through the crack in the door instead, and well, Maedhros was lying on his bed, clearly weeping.'
I doubted I could be more surprised if Father had returned to life in front of me! 'What did you do?'
'I left, and came back a few minutes later, making quite sure to knock loudly. I don't think Maedhros knew I'd been there earlier.'
'Could you have been.mistaken?'
'No.'
'I see', I sat quietly, pondering what Fianth had told me.
'Stop thinking that hard, or you'll hurt yourself!' my guide laughed! 'You need some tea!'
'You think we've had enough wine?'
'Absolutely.' She stared out at the rain still pouring down outside. 'Somehow, I don't think we'll going anywhere tomorrow.'
I nodded agreement, and for some time we sat lost in our own thoughts. Fianth began combing her hair soon, and when she was done, loaned me her comb as I'd forgotten to bring one.
I handed Fianth back her comb, and she yawned as she put it away. Strangely, I felt more tired than I had in many years, 'I don't think that one of us needs to be on watch tonight, the horses will alert us if necessary.'
She nodded agreement from where she lay on her blankets. 'Fianth, would you mind terribly if I moved my blankets next to yours? To be next to you?' For the first time since I was a small boy I felt shy, and I was worried that she would say no.
'Not at all,' she smiled, and I wondered if she guessed that I was reluctant to feel alone tonight. Probably, for a mortal she seemed quite intelligent.
So, we lay in our blankets, facing each other but not quite touching. On an impulse I didn't understand, and couldn't seem to fight, I reached over and caressed her face. She pulled back a little at first, and then relaxed. Her skin was smooth, not quite as silky smooth as an elf's but pleasant to touch just the same.
'Thank you for your compassion, Fianth. I needed it badly.'
'You're welcome,' she said sleepily, and soon she did fall asleep, and I left my hand resting on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her.
I must have slept like an elf child, for I woke with the day well started from what I could see of the angle of the sun through the cave entrance. And Fianth curled up against me, her hair tickling my face. She looked so young asleep, I noticed and I wondered; how old was she?
The horses were gone, and I was contemplating getting up to see where they were, when my stallion popped his head into the cave, casually informing me that the others were grazing and he was watching them. I didn't bother contradicting him even though there were a few stalks of grass hanging from his mouth. He vanished again as quickly as he had appeared, so I had no reason to move for a little while. That pleased me, for it was very pleasant lying there comfortably with Fianth. She moved a little, and I thought she would wake, but instead she snuggled up closer, and I felt happy to let her do it.
Her breath was warm, and she felt good against me, and I was happy with the world that morning. Finally Fianth stirred, opened her eyes and looked directly into mine. 'Curufin! How, why?' she looked confused. 'You've been awake for a while'. That was a statement and not a question.
'Yes, for a little while. You looked so comfortable I didn't like to disturb you!' I said.
'Oh! I'm sorry for..' and she tried to move away from me, and I prevented her.
I saw the same tinge of apprehension in her expression as I had the previous evening, 'don't move, Fianth. I won't hurt you. I am simply enjoying the feeling of your nearness.'
She still looked uncertain, and I knew that I was not behaving how she expected me to. 'What do you want of me, my lord?' she asked, suddenly formal again.
'Nothing. Not a thing, and I have told you to use my name,' I insisted when she gave me a funny look. What was it that she thought I wanted, I wondered.
'You are confusing me, Curufin. A mortal man would want something. Do you know much of mortal customs?'
'In what respect?' I asked, intensely curious now.
For some unaccountable reason she blushed, 'Women like me, young widows.'
I wondered if I looked as bewildered as I felt. 'Fianth, I have no idea what you are talking about!'
'A mortal man, in your place, and knowing I am neither maiden nor wife would be likely to want me to lie with him.'
That gave me one of the biggest surprises of my life! 'Supposing I did want such from you, would you?' I asked her, curiosity overcoming me again.
She considered this carefully for a few moments, 'Probably. I wouldn't know for sure unless I was put in that position, but quite likely.' Her brown eyes were fixed on mine, 'You do not seek comfort from elven ladies?' she asked.
'No, for an elf remains constant to his or her spouse,' I replied.
'Even if separated by distance or death?'
'Yes'.
'Oh', then she laughed as she digested what I'd told her. 'So, I can feel quite safe, then!'
I didn't quite know about that, this lady was rousing feelings in me that I should not be having. 'Probably', I said softly and kissed her brow. Before she could react in any way I rolled away from her and got up. Breakfast was certainly in order, I was hungry, and I guessed Fianth would be too.
So we toasted the last of the bread over the fire, and ate it with some cheese. The rain had stopped now, so we went for a look at our surroundings, to see if it was feasible to move today, or whether we would need to stay another night.
'I think we're stuck here!' commented Fianth when she saw that the small stream we'd crossed to find this place was now a raging torrent after the rain.
I nodded agreement, 'Until tomorrow at least, maybe longer although I suspect any stream that can flood so quickly will probably abate as fast.' Fianth agreed and we went back to the cave, for it was still very cold outside. On our way back I noticed some tracks in the thick mud I found interesting. I would show Fianth she was not the only one who could hunt!!
Back in our camp, I picked up my bow, and hunting knives, then decided I should take my sword. The chances of finding Orcs in broad daylight were slim, but other dangerous creatures abounded in this world, and some of them would hunt wild boar too.
'Going hunting, I see,' said Fianth and made to pick up her gear to accompany me.
'No, please stay here, and gather more wood for tonight. If I am successful we will need a good fire'
'Male pride', she said smiling. I see elf men are just as prone to it as mortals. Off you go then, Curufin, but if you haven't returned by mid afternoon I'm coming looking for you!'
'Women!' I returned. 'Always fussing over one as though you were still a child!'
'Ah, we wouldn't need to at all if you men could look after yourselves!'
I walked off to carefully trail the family of wild boar whose tracks I had seen earlier. Well before mid afternoon and long before my guide would 'come looking for me' as if I hadn't been hunting for many years before she was born, I retraced my path to the cave carrying a young pig I'd shot and dressed. We would eat well tonight.
'Successful, I see', said Fianth as I entered the cave.
'There was never any doubt but that I would be' I stated, and she laughed, no doubt finding my male pride amusing again.
'You have been busy,' I said, approvingly. For she had been, enlarging the fire pit, and ringing it with stones, now that we were staying another night, and she'd cleared up after the horses too. Then I took a good look at the objects I could see further towards the back of the cave, and realised that Fianth had done some washing. My clothes, too! I thanked her, and she simply smiled, saying that while she trusted my cooking, what man ever lived who could clean anything. I chose not to tell her of the times I had cleaned forges, perfectly satisfactorily too.
Instead, I started the pig cooking, for it would take some time. Part of the cave floor was sandy, and I dug a ground oven, lining it with rocks I heated in the fire. The pig I wrapped in some wild herbs, and I stuffed it with more, before laying it in the hot pit and covering it with more hot rocks and a careful layer of sand.
'It will take several hours to cook, Fianth, so I am going to clean myself up,' I remarked as I stripped off my bloodied shirt and tunic.
'It's just as well I did the washing, or you'd have nothing clean to wear,' Fianth smiled.
The horses clattered back into the cave as another rain shower started, and soon made themselves comfortable around the fire, their coats steaming as they dried.
'I think I'll join you as the horses have taken over in here!' said Fianth.
I drank the last of the tea she'd poured for me when I first came in, and we walked back to the hot spring. Curiously, Fianth seemed less concerned today over whether or not I saw her naked. Was it because we'd touched last night, and having done so, she realised that although I was a Noldor, born in Aman and a prince of my people that I was yet just an incarnate being such as herself, that when I was taken down to my basic elements, I was flesh and bone like she?
This new attitude of hers did have advantages, of course. For one I able to take a very good look at her, and while she was broader of hip and fuller of breast than an elf woman, she was very attractive naked. Her skin had a soft golden glow, and like my mother and Caranthir she had a soft dusting of freckles across her nose and her cheeks. She was not beautiful, but she was pretty, and I knew I had to touch her. Not now, maybe, but later. For now I wanted to be clean.
Fianth settled herself in a comfortable position, and seemed to have drifted off into what mortals call a daydream; her eyes half open but her mind clearly elsewhere. So, mortals could do that too; take themselves away into place or time or event of their lives if they wished. From many things I had observed of Fianth these last days, it was clear that cousin Finrod was right: mortals and elves were closely akin.
I finally decided that we should probably move before Fianth feel asleep in the water, and I playfully splashed her to rouse her.
'Oh', she cried, startled. 'Was I falling asleep?'
'Yes, and that's not a good idea neck deep in water.'
She didn't reply immediately but simply looked at me, her eyes wide. Then suddenly, when I least expected it, her hands moved quickly for a mortal, and she sent a great wave of water my way. Splash me back, will you? I thought, and immediately splashed at her again, and was surprised to find I missed as she'd clearly anticipated me.
The game continued, and I found myself enjoying this foolishness of splashing each other; I had not played like this since my son was a small boy. We laughed and I felt my spirits lift, even as I realised that Fianth was somewhat better at this water game then I. So, then I would change the rules!
Careful not to give any warning of my intentions, I suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Fianth by the shoulders, pinning her against the edge of the pool. She didn't struggle as I pinned but I felt embarrassed when I realised that it was fear widening her brown eyes. Slowly I released her, and sat back.
'I did not mean to frighten you,' I said quietly.
'I'm being foolish, but you did startle me!'
I reached out, and stroked her face gently, 'Fianth, I would not hurt you. You do not need to fear me.'
'I don't, not really, but you are just puzzle me greatly, and yes, sometimes I feel a little wary of you.' Her voice was barely audible even to my elven ears.
'Come,' I said, leaving the water and extending my hand to her to help her up, 'Let's go back by the fire.'
Fianth hesitated before taking my hand, and I noticed she kept her eyes downcast while she climbed from the water. Peculiar how mortals can be so upset by a little thing like nudity. We dried ourselves, and dressed back by the fire, where it was warm. Carefully, I checked the ground oven, but dinner was not yet cooked.
The horses had moved back towards the mouth of the cave, and Fianth and I settled by the fire. She suggested playing a simple game using coloured wooden counters, and although she won the first game, once I knew the rules she could not beat me again. We put that game away when I declared the pig cooked after a second check, and we finished the rest of my purloined wineskin with the rich meat.
As I had cooked, Fianth offered to clean up, and I was content to let her. I pulled a book from my saddlebag, and settled down to read, but I noticed Fianth occasionally glancing at me as she worked. Finally my infamous curiosity got the better of me again, and I asked what her problem was.
'What is the book about?' she asked.
'Do you want to read it?' I replied, holding it out to her.
She blushed again, looking very uncomfortable, and I wondered why. When she replied, I was quite astonished, 'I do not know how to read, Curufin. I am a farmer's daughter, and so was not taught what was considered an unnecessary skill.'
I blinked in surprise, 'would you like me to teach you?' I offered, more out of curiosity to see what she would say.
'Would you!' she gasped, clearly delighted.
'I would not have offered if I didn't mean it,' I said, quite sincerely, for her enthusiasm was clear. 'Come here,' I said, indicating she should sit next to me. She moved, and I showed her the book. 'See, these symbols represent sounds, and the sounds are parts of words.' She nodded, and I drew some runes in the cave floor, showing her the same ones as parts of words in the book, and teaching her the sounds. This mortal woman was proving more and more intriguing, and before long she was reading simple words and short sentences I wrote in the sand for her. Her ability to write was slower developing, but overall I was impressed by her intelligence and desire to learn.
And by other things I should not have noticed. Like her scent, and her warmth, the colour of her hair, neither blonde nor truly light brown, but a rich dark honey colour. I remembered my earlier promise to myself, to touch her, to enjoy her. Why was the breaking of this law of the elder, to be constant to my estranged wife bothering me so? I had broken every other law of my people, including the strictest one of all: to never cause physical harm to another elf. For that, my family, and I, in fact my whole people had been cursed. Was what I was feeling for Fianth part of that, or simply loneliness for a woman's company? Perhaps the mortals were right, to seek comfort from another when one was separated from ones spouse? It was hardly likely that I would ever see my wife again, for I was banned from Valinor. By what right should I consider myself still bound to her when she had refused to follow me into exile? My mind was made up, I would no longer try to resist Fianth's charms, if she was willing, I would take the comfort she offered.
She turned towards me, wondering about my sudden silence, and I pulled her close. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to kiss her deeply, and she responded. 'Fianth', I whispered rather unsteadily, 'would you give me comfort? Would you lie with me?'
'Yes', she said, as her hand tangled in my hair, and she kissed me this time, her lips meltingly soft. I gasped at the passion in her, and time seemed to stand still as we gave and took pleasure in each other.
Authors Notes: Firstly, Curufin's explanation of the Beren and Luthien incident is just that, Curufin's and therefore only vaguely resembles the Silm situation. Notice that he doesn't mention the fight he and Beren had, quite deliberately, so I think he's ashamed of that. And yes, he does think that his wife and son disowned him unfairly, he won't allow himself to see the Oath as something they couldn't get involved in for their own sake!!
Lipstick, of course Curufin wants to peek at Fianth naked, he's curious. And like all Feanorians, curiosity must be satisfied!
Finch, you're welcome, and I don't know Ambarussa do anything in their secret hideaway except get away from other people who don't understand their twin relationship. And hunt, a lot. Then again, they could be lying to me!
In the caves.
I came back to reality rocked in the arms of a mortal woman whose still wet hair tickled me. I made as if to sit up, and she let me, but kept her arm around me.
'Do you feel better?' Fianth asked.
'Yes. I'm sorry for crying all over you. I shouldn't do that, cry I mean. Maedhros never cries,' I said pushing my hair out of my face yet again. I actually felt quite embarrassed about my emotional outburst.
Fianth smiled, 'Yes, he does.'
'He does!!' I knew from her face that my expression of shock must have quite ludicrous. 'How do you know that?' I asked suspiciously.
'About a year ago, I was sent late at night with a message for Lord Maedhros and when I got to his chambers, the door was slightly ajar. I don't know why I didn't knock, but I didn't. I peeped through the crack in the door instead, and well, Maedhros was lying on his bed, clearly weeping.'
I doubted I could be more surprised if Father had returned to life in front of me! 'What did you do?'
'I left, and came back a few minutes later, making quite sure to knock loudly. I don't think Maedhros knew I'd been there earlier.'
'Could you have been.mistaken?'
'No.'
'I see', I sat quietly, pondering what Fianth had told me.
'Stop thinking that hard, or you'll hurt yourself!' my guide laughed! 'You need some tea!'
'You think we've had enough wine?'
'Absolutely.' She stared out at the rain still pouring down outside. 'Somehow, I don't think we'll going anywhere tomorrow.'
I nodded agreement, and for some time we sat lost in our own thoughts. Fianth began combing her hair soon, and when she was done, loaned me her comb as I'd forgotten to bring one.
I handed Fianth back her comb, and she yawned as she put it away. Strangely, I felt more tired than I had in many years, 'I don't think that one of us needs to be on watch tonight, the horses will alert us if necessary.'
She nodded agreement from where she lay on her blankets. 'Fianth, would you mind terribly if I moved my blankets next to yours? To be next to you?' For the first time since I was a small boy I felt shy, and I was worried that she would say no.
'Not at all,' she smiled, and I wondered if she guessed that I was reluctant to feel alone tonight. Probably, for a mortal she seemed quite intelligent.
So, we lay in our blankets, facing each other but not quite touching. On an impulse I didn't understand, and couldn't seem to fight, I reached over and caressed her face. She pulled back a little at first, and then relaxed. Her skin was smooth, not quite as silky smooth as an elf's but pleasant to touch just the same.
'Thank you for your compassion, Fianth. I needed it badly.'
'You're welcome,' she said sleepily, and soon she did fall asleep, and I left my hand resting on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her.
I must have slept like an elf child, for I woke with the day well started from what I could see of the angle of the sun through the cave entrance. And Fianth curled up against me, her hair tickling my face. She looked so young asleep, I noticed and I wondered; how old was she?
The horses were gone, and I was contemplating getting up to see where they were, when my stallion popped his head into the cave, casually informing me that the others were grazing and he was watching them. I didn't bother contradicting him even though there were a few stalks of grass hanging from his mouth. He vanished again as quickly as he had appeared, so I had no reason to move for a little while. That pleased me, for it was very pleasant lying there comfortably with Fianth. She moved a little, and I thought she would wake, but instead she snuggled up closer, and I felt happy to let her do it.
Her breath was warm, and she felt good against me, and I was happy with the world that morning. Finally Fianth stirred, opened her eyes and looked directly into mine. 'Curufin! How, why?' she looked confused. 'You've been awake for a while'. That was a statement and not a question.
'Yes, for a little while. You looked so comfortable I didn't like to disturb you!' I said.
'Oh! I'm sorry for..' and she tried to move away from me, and I prevented her.
I saw the same tinge of apprehension in her expression as I had the previous evening, 'don't move, Fianth. I won't hurt you. I am simply enjoying the feeling of your nearness.'
She still looked uncertain, and I knew that I was not behaving how she expected me to. 'What do you want of me, my lord?' she asked, suddenly formal again.
'Nothing. Not a thing, and I have told you to use my name,' I insisted when she gave me a funny look. What was it that she thought I wanted, I wondered.
'You are confusing me, Curufin. A mortal man would want something. Do you know much of mortal customs?'
'In what respect?' I asked, intensely curious now.
For some unaccountable reason she blushed, 'Women like me, young widows.'
I wondered if I looked as bewildered as I felt. 'Fianth, I have no idea what you are talking about!'
'A mortal man, in your place, and knowing I am neither maiden nor wife would be likely to want me to lie with him.'
That gave me one of the biggest surprises of my life! 'Supposing I did want such from you, would you?' I asked her, curiosity overcoming me again.
She considered this carefully for a few moments, 'Probably. I wouldn't know for sure unless I was put in that position, but quite likely.' Her brown eyes were fixed on mine, 'You do not seek comfort from elven ladies?' she asked.
'No, for an elf remains constant to his or her spouse,' I replied.
'Even if separated by distance or death?'
'Yes'.
'Oh', then she laughed as she digested what I'd told her. 'So, I can feel quite safe, then!'
I didn't quite know about that, this lady was rousing feelings in me that I should not be having. 'Probably', I said softly and kissed her brow. Before she could react in any way I rolled away from her and got up. Breakfast was certainly in order, I was hungry, and I guessed Fianth would be too.
So we toasted the last of the bread over the fire, and ate it with some cheese. The rain had stopped now, so we went for a look at our surroundings, to see if it was feasible to move today, or whether we would need to stay another night.
'I think we're stuck here!' commented Fianth when she saw that the small stream we'd crossed to find this place was now a raging torrent after the rain.
I nodded agreement, 'Until tomorrow at least, maybe longer although I suspect any stream that can flood so quickly will probably abate as fast.' Fianth agreed and we went back to the cave, for it was still very cold outside. On our way back I noticed some tracks in the thick mud I found interesting. I would show Fianth she was not the only one who could hunt!!
Back in our camp, I picked up my bow, and hunting knives, then decided I should take my sword. The chances of finding Orcs in broad daylight were slim, but other dangerous creatures abounded in this world, and some of them would hunt wild boar too.
'Going hunting, I see,' said Fianth and made to pick up her gear to accompany me.
'No, please stay here, and gather more wood for tonight. If I am successful we will need a good fire'
'Male pride', she said smiling. I see elf men are just as prone to it as mortals. Off you go then, Curufin, but if you haven't returned by mid afternoon I'm coming looking for you!'
'Women!' I returned. 'Always fussing over one as though you were still a child!'
'Ah, we wouldn't need to at all if you men could look after yourselves!'
I walked off to carefully trail the family of wild boar whose tracks I had seen earlier. Well before mid afternoon and long before my guide would 'come looking for me' as if I hadn't been hunting for many years before she was born, I retraced my path to the cave carrying a young pig I'd shot and dressed. We would eat well tonight.
'Successful, I see', said Fianth as I entered the cave.
'There was never any doubt but that I would be' I stated, and she laughed, no doubt finding my male pride amusing again.
'You have been busy,' I said, approvingly. For she had been, enlarging the fire pit, and ringing it with stones, now that we were staying another night, and she'd cleared up after the horses too. Then I took a good look at the objects I could see further towards the back of the cave, and realised that Fianth had done some washing. My clothes, too! I thanked her, and she simply smiled, saying that while she trusted my cooking, what man ever lived who could clean anything. I chose not to tell her of the times I had cleaned forges, perfectly satisfactorily too.
Instead, I started the pig cooking, for it would take some time. Part of the cave floor was sandy, and I dug a ground oven, lining it with rocks I heated in the fire. The pig I wrapped in some wild herbs, and I stuffed it with more, before laying it in the hot pit and covering it with more hot rocks and a careful layer of sand.
'It will take several hours to cook, Fianth, so I am going to clean myself up,' I remarked as I stripped off my bloodied shirt and tunic.
'It's just as well I did the washing, or you'd have nothing clean to wear,' Fianth smiled.
The horses clattered back into the cave as another rain shower started, and soon made themselves comfortable around the fire, their coats steaming as they dried.
'I think I'll join you as the horses have taken over in here!' said Fianth.
I drank the last of the tea she'd poured for me when I first came in, and we walked back to the hot spring. Curiously, Fianth seemed less concerned today over whether or not I saw her naked. Was it because we'd touched last night, and having done so, she realised that although I was a Noldor, born in Aman and a prince of my people that I was yet just an incarnate being such as herself, that when I was taken down to my basic elements, I was flesh and bone like she?
This new attitude of hers did have advantages, of course. For one I able to take a very good look at her, and while she was broader of hip and fuller of breast than an elf woman, she was very attractive naked. Her skin had a soft golden glow, and like my mother and Caranthir she had a soft dusting of freckles across her nose and her cheeks. She was not beautiful, but she was pretty, and I knew I had to touch her. Not now, maybe, but later. For now I wanted to be clean.
Fianth settled herself in a comfortable position, and seemed to have drifted off into what mortals call a daydream; her eyes half open but her mind clearly elsewhere. So, mortals could do that too; take themselves away into place or time or event of their lives if they wished. From many things I had observed of Fianth these last days, it was clear that cousin Finrod was right: mortals and elves were closely akin.
I finally decided that we should probably move before Fianth feel asleep in the water, and I playfully splashed her to rouse her.
'Oh', she cried, startled. 'Was I falling asleep?'
'Yes, and that's not a good idea neck deep in water.'
She didn't reply immediately but simply looked at me, her eyes wide. Then suddenly, when I least expected it, her hands moved quickly for a mortal, and she sent a great wave of water my way. Splash me back, will you? I thought, and immediately splashed at her again, and was surprised to find I missed as she'd clearly anticipated me.
The game continued, and I found myself enjoying this foolishness of splashing each other; I had not played like this since my son was a small boy. We laughed and I felt my spirits lift, even as I realised that Fianth was somewhat better at this water game then I. So, then I would change the rules!
Careful not to give any warning of my intentions, I suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Fianth by the shoulders, pinning her against the edge of the pool. She didn't struggle as I pinned but I felt embarrassed when I realised that it was fear widening her brown eyes. Slowly I released her, and sat back.
'I did not mean to frighten you,' I said quietly.
'I'm being foolish, but you did startle me!'
I reached out, and stroked her face gently, 'Fianth, I would not hurt you. You do not need to fear me.'
'I don't, not really, but you are just puzzle me greatly, and yes, sometimes I feel a little wary of you.' Her voice was barely audible even to my elven ears.
'Come,' I said, leaving the water and extending my hand to her to help her up, 'Let's go back by the fire.'
Fianth hesitated before taking my hand, and I noticed she kept her eyes downcast while she climbed from the water. Peculiar how mortals can be so upset by a little thing like nudity. We dried ourselves, and dressed back by the fire, where it was warm. Carefully, I checked the ground oven, but dinner was not yet cooked.
The horses had moved back towards the mouth of the cave, and Fianth and I settled by the fire. She suggested playing a simple game using coloured wooden counters, and although she won the first game, once I knew the rules she could not beat me again. We put that game away when I declared the pig cooked after a second check, and we finished the rest of my purloined wineskin with the rich meat.
As I had cooked, Fianth offered to clean up, and I was content to let her. I pulled a book from my saddlebag, and settled down to read, but I noticed Fianth occasionally glancing at me as she worked. Finally my infamous curiosity got the better of me again, and I asked what her problem was.
'What is the book about?' she asked.
'Do you want to read it?' I replied, holding it out to her.
She blushed again, looking very uncomfortable, and I wondered why. When she replied, I was quite astonished, 'I do not know how to read, Curufin. I am a farmer's daughter, and so was not taught what was considered an unnecessary skill.'
I blinked in surprise, 'would you like me to teach you?' I offered, more out of curiosity to see what she would say.
'Would you!' she gasped, clearly delighted.
'I would not have offered if I didn't mean it,' I said, quite sincerely, for her enthusiasm was clear. 'Come here,' I said, indicating she should sit next to me. She moved, and I showed her the book. 'See, these symbols represent sounds, and the sounds are parts of words.' She nodded, and I drew some runes in the cave floor, showing her the same ones as parts of words in the book, and teaching her the sounds. This mortal woman was proving more and more intriguing, and before long she was reading simple words and short sentences I wrote in the sand for her. Her ability to write was slower developing, but overall I was impressed by her intelligence and desire to learn.
And by other things I should not have noticed. Like her scent, and her warmth, the colour of her hair, neither blonde nor truly light brown, but a rich dark honey colour. I remembered my earlier promise to myself, to touch her, to enjoy her. Why was the breaking of this law of the elder, to be constant to my estranged wife bothering me so? I had broken every other law of my people, including the strictest one of all: to never cause physical harm to another elf. For that, my family, and I, in fact my whole people had been cursed. Was what I was feeling for Fianth part of that, or simply loneliness for a woman's company? Perhaps the mortals were right, to seek comfort from another when one was separated from ones spouse? It was hardly likely that I would ever see my wife again, for I was banned from Valinor. By what right should I consider myself still bound to her when she had refused to follow me into exile? My mind was made up, I would no longer try to resist Fianth's charms, if she was willing, I would take the comfort she offered.
She turned towards me, wondering about my sudden silence, and I pulled her close. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to kiss her deeply, and she responded. 'Fianth', I whispered rather unsteadily, 'would you give me comfort? Would you lie with me?'
'Yes', she said, as her hand tangled in my hair, and she kissed me this time, her lips meltingly soft. I gasped at the passion in her, and time seemed to stand still as we gave and took pleasure in each other.