Aragorn smiled at the sight before him as he entered his chambers. Arwen was resting peacefully, her book still open and resting in her hands. The firelight cast a warm glow on her features and her lips puckered slightly in a smile.
He approached her slowly, not wanting to wake her, and took the book from her limp hands, mindful of her place. He took the rose from the nightstand and placed it between the pages. He faltered slightly when he glanced at the title, 'The lay of Luthien' glaring up at him. Clearing his head of such gloomy thoughts he turned back to the bed to find Arwen watching him.
"Such a mysterious thing, love" she whispered and held out her hand to him. Taking his rough hand in her smooth one, she pulled her husband to her. Aragorn held her gently, breathing in the scent of her hair. Pulling away he placed his hand on her cheek, running his thumb across the flawless skin.
"But such a beautiful thing as well" he said and kissed her forehead. Leaning back he found she had drifted back to sleep. Smoothing her hair tenderly he stood up to prepare himself for bed.
Legolas unfortunately was not finding sleep so easy. Rolling over once more he reached his fingers beneath his pillow for the comforting feel of his knife handle.
Mirial did not even consider sleep, having taken catnaps all day, she felt adrenaline course through her system as she strapped on her fathers sword. She hesitated a moment as she caught a glimpse of her reflection, a picture of beautiful hatred. Pulling the hood up to cover her face once more, she took one last glance and slipped out of her room.
Raumo whickered when he saw her, stretching his nose out to her, nostrils flaring as he begged for attention. Mirial smiled at her best friend and stroked his neck, he nosed her pockets. She sighed and pushed him away,
"Sorry Raumo, no treat tonight. We have work to do; I need you to behave yourself. Can you do that for me?" she asked quietly. Raumo nodded his great head and blew in her face, Mirial scratched his cheek and went to get his tack.
Mirial stared up at the balcony above her head, having no knowledge as to whose room she was about to enter she pulled a dagger out. She gave Raumo a last pat and pulled her grappling hook from his saddle bag.
With a soft grunt she tossed it in a smooth arc to land inside the balcony. Pulling the rope taught she began her climb up, hoping she was not in the Dwarfs room.
