Tempting
Introduction: Since there were so many requests for a sequel for 'Longing', my muse obliged. Enjoy.
*if there are more requests there may be another…*
I stand at the back of the room, not really a part of the ceremony taking place around me. I am not Rohhirim, but still I feel the loss of their kin as if I were. My head bowed, I remember all those who had been in the armory that night, when I lost my temper with Aragorn – something I still regret. Very few of them lived, as I'd feared.
After a few words and a moment of silence the group breaks up. Gimli and I sit at a table near where we were standing. The hobbits join us soon after, bearing four mugs of ale which they pass around to each of us. I wonder idly where Aragorn is as I sip the golden brew, controlling the grimace that threatened to show on my face.
After several minutes of silence I look up, sensing that I am being watched. At first I don't see who it is, instead catching a glimpse of Aragorn in the crowd talking with Theoden. But then, movement to the right draws my attention, until I see two curious blue eyes staring at me. It's her – the King's niece. I'd met her a few times before in Edoras, and at Helm's Deep, but we don't really know each other. We never had much interest in each other, but now things seem to have changed.
She was partially hidden by the pillar she stood behind, but I could see her face, feel her eyes tracing the lines of my face and upper body. Beside me, I hear Gimli and the hobbits talking softly but I ignore them as I stare back at the woman. Soon I become as captivated with her as she seems to be with me.
I know what she's thinking, or at least I think I do. I've spent enough time with mortals to know the look of longing that comes into their eyes when they see something they could never have. Looking at it now, I recognize it as one I've worn on my own face time and again. She wonders if she will ever marry, just as I.
In this broken world with few kingdoms, it's hard for eligible royals to find a mate. I imagine she's having the same problems I am…the same loneliness. I could talk to her, tell her I share similar feelings, but then the way she's looking at me…she may offer to try to relieve them.
Not that I'd be opposed to the idea.
She is indeed fair, even according to elven standards. A fine woman to be sure, trained as a fighter, skilled in many crafts, yet still a lady in every respect. Strong and noble of character and no doubt versed in many subjects of lore and history of her people as well as several others. She would indeed make a fine wife, an honor to the house of Thranduil. But then, she is a mortal.
Father would hate it.
I feel a slow smile begin to spread across my face at that one thought. Yes, he would hate it, wouldn't he? He would absolutely despise the thought of one of his sons marrying a human. But then, no. I could not marry purely for the merit of annoying my father, no matter how amusing that may be. I could never be so cruel as to drag another into it. But then…
Suddenly the eyes disappear behind the pillar. She noticed my eyes on her. I feel confusion as a pang of loss enters my heart. Was I really enjoying her presence that much? Maybe there is something there. Perhaps I could find her later and-
What are you thinking? Snap out of it! This is a war – you can't be thinking about going on dates with pretty human girls, no matter how tempting it is! It's just not possible. Besides, she fancies Aragorn, not you!
Then why haven't my eyes left the pillar?