A/N: Yay! Another chapter, and so soon! I am hoping to update once a week, and since the last chapter was 1.5 weeks, I wanted to make this one quicker! But so few reviews… whimper. Sigh… Anywho, thanks to those who did review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any thing else written by J.R.R. Tolkien. However, I am on my way to owning Rúmil. Have bribed Orophin with cookies to help me. Go me!
Chapter 3 – Lle Vesta!
Ashlieth sighed and walked along the pathway, bored to tears. Elrond was holding a council, and Rúmil (his mouth normal once more, although it had taken both he and Elrond four months for it to leave completely) and all her friends were there, meaning Ashlieth had no one to talk to. The Hobbits and a group of Elves had returned two days ago, and yesterday it had been Bilbo's 129th birthday. Ashlieth had felt much relief to see Peregrin once more, safe and well, though it seems she was not the only one scarred by the battle. He was still in small amounts of pain, especially when he moved for too long, though it was impossible to keep the Hobbit still. Meriadoc was constantly worrying about him, although he tried not to show it. The poor lad was almost beside himself trying to keep Peregrin still, Rúmil had commented that the Hobbit was already sprouting some grey hairs.
When Ashlieth had told Rúmil that she was glad that someone was taking care of Peregrin, he seemed like someone who needed guidance and protection. Rúmil had laughed and given her a huge hug, he said it was the mother inside of her that was talking. This had given way to a small spat, with Ashlieth's temper getting the better of her as she claimed that she 'did not have a mothering instinct' and walked off, ignoring the sound of Rúmil's laughter.
Ashlieth grinned ruefully, her temper was too quick and she was too hasty in her actions. But what could she do? She was her father's daughter after all!
Ashlieth wandered along a forgotten path, having no idea where it was taking her. Humming a tune to herself, she bent down to smell a rose, its fragrance strong and sweet. As she leant down, she saw that a twig had been snapped in half by someone walking past. She stood up, and between the forest she saw a path, hardly noticeable, and fresh footprints indicated that someone had walked by recently.
Unable to hide her curiosity, Ashlieth stalked silently along the small path and down a small hill, her footprints light and making not a noise. Up ahead she could see a clearing, and she hid behind a tree, and peered cautiously out. In the middle of the clearing, oblivious to all around them, Elrohir and an Elf stood there, gazing into each other's eyes. Ashlieth blushed at the pair, then slowly started to walk away, leaving them to croon to each other.
As she did so, she heard a wild yell of someone falling down the path, and she spun around quickly as a figure crashed into her and knocked her into the clearing, both of them screaming. Elrohir and the Elf sprung apart, and looked on in bemusement as Ashlieth and Pippin lay there, covered in dirt and leaves.
Ashlieth groaned and lifted herself up onto her hands and knees, embarrassed at disturbing the couple. She lowered her head to hide her blushing face. "Ever wish that the ground would open completely and swallow you up?" She asked Elrohir. "Well, that is how I feel now. I am very sorry for disturbing you, Elrohir. Please accept my sincerest apologies, My Lady." Ashlieth apologised humbly.
"Yeah, we're sorry Elrohir. Please, pretend we're not here and go back to kissing your ladyfriend." Pippin added, as Ashlieth thwacked him hard.
"Pippin! Hush!" she scolded, and leaping up, she made as if to run away.
"Please, stay." The female Elf smiled. "Indeed I think Elrohir can wait a while, don't you?" She asked, winking.
Ashlieth grinned back. "I believe so. Actually, I am curious about one thing, Elrohir, why are you not at Elrond's council? Or yourself Pippin?"
Elrohir stared at Ashlieth, then back at the Elleth. "The council! Oh no, I was meant to… he asked me to…oh by the Valor no!" He exclaimed, and ran to the path and up the hill, Pippin laughed at his retreating back.
"Lord Elrohir had better tuck in his shirt, or his Father won't be to pleased!" He chuckled.
"And why are you not at this council, Pippin?" Ashlieth asked, amused. Pippin shrugged.
"Lord Elrond told me to go and fetch Elrohir, he said he had to think without my constant prattle. To be perfectly honest, I think he needed time to understand all of my brilliant ideas, no offence to Lord Elrohir, but Elrond just doesn't have the capacity to understand like us Hobbits." He added knowingly. "Well, I've found Elrohir and sent him on his way, so I'll see you two later." Pippin declared, scampering off. The elleth and Ashlieth looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"So, you must be Ashlieth? I am pleased to finally meet you." The lady smiled, walking up to Ashlieth.
"Yes, I am. And you are the love of Elrohir's life, Alurina, are you not?" Ashlieth said grinning. Alurina went red.
"I hope so." She said softly.
"Oh, I can assure you that you are. He spoke very little whilst I was in Mordor, but what he did say persuaded myself that you are everything to him." Ashlieth assured Alurina.
"My Elrohir? Spoke little? That comes as a slight shock to me, but I thank you for your kind words." She smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Would you like to go for a walk? We have time to waste whilst the men are away." Alurina asked Ashlieth.
"Thank you, that would be lovely." Ashlieth replied, and they walked down the path. "I am surprised that Elrohir did not inform us you were back from Arwen's marriage. He has been bemoaning you absence for so long that I assumed he would have mentioned your return."
"I only arrived back today, one of our men was wounded on the way back and I remained behind to heal him." Alurina told Ashlieth, who grinned.
"And I assume he has been to busy to inform us of your return?" She asked as Alurina's ears blushed and the Elleth changed the subject.
"You live in the Echoriath, do you not?" Alurina asked Ashlieth, who nodded.
"Aye, in Gondolin."
"Gondolin? But that was lost in the first age, I had no idea that it still existed." Alurina asked, shocked. Ashlieth smiled.
"It does, let me assure you. Many live there now of all races and creeds." Ashlieth felt proud of her homeland, it was an almost unique place where all creatures lived together.
"Pardon?" Alurina's eyebrows lifted dramatically. Ashlieth tried to explain.
"Gondolin was lost, as you know, at the end of the first age when they were attacked by Melkor. All fled, and the great city was thought to be lost. Some years ago, my mother went back to the Echoriath and found it's secret path once more. She slowly rebuilt some of the ruins with a few of her loyal friends, trying to restore it to its former glory. One morning, my mother was alerted by a call from one of the watchmen. When she arrived at the scene, she saw a tall man with flaming red hair, his sword drawn, yelling that he would destroy all those who tried to lay hands on him!" Ashlieth smiled.
"It was my father, badly beaten and with terrible injuries, yet he refused to lie down and die. When he saw my mother, however, he bowed low and told her he had no idea that the Valar resided there." Ashlieth smiled and Alurina sighed.
"How beautiful!"
"It was. He only allowed my mother to care for him, and he was a terrible patient, always re-opening wounds as he trained to become stronger and nearly killing himself with fatigue as he stayed up late studying. Gradually, however, my Mother fell in love with him, and he… he loved her. They married and opened up Gondolin for those who had nowhere else to go. Elves, Men from all over Middle-Earth, Dwarves, we have even had a few Hobbits." Ashlieth chuckled.
"They work for their food and shelter and all learn to trust each other. We have had a few bad eggs, but no one has ever left Gondolin, for it is a beautiful place, secure and comforting. In Gondolin, children grow up without the feeling of true fear." Ashlieth stopped her talking as she thought back to a few years ago, when she had been one of the fearless.
"So, tell me Ashlieth. What is the world of men like? What is it like to live among them, yet be an Elf?" Alurina queried, interrupting Ashlieth thoughts.
Ashlieth frowned. "It is hard to explain. As you know, I am only half Elf, and so in that regard I do understand the ways of Men more than most. They are not as selfish as folklore makes them out to be, indeed they can be caring and selfless, when they wish. That is the problem with Men, for the Elves are serene, Hobbits are loyal, Dwarves are gruff, yet Men are not anything. Some are kind, some are greedy, some are shy, some are grumpy, and some are helpful yet cold, some hate yet wished to be loved. They have no one strong trait and that is what makes them hard to figure out. I suppose if they were to be given a title, it would be courage. Even the weakest child will stand up for what they believe in, be it right or wrong. Many of them die for their beliefs."
Ashlieth's voice trailed off slightly, and for a moment she stood alone with many painful memories, looking through the trees.
"It is hard to know them well, when they die so young, many Men do not make it into three digits of life. I have had many friends over the years, and all of them die. In the end you try not to make mortal friends, for then you do not suffer when you lose them. It is too hard to constantly lose those you love, Alurina. It is so hard." Ashlieth broke off.
They walked on for a while in silence, then sat on a bench, talking about nothing for quite some time, until both Elrohir and Rúmil came striding down the path, deep in conversation. Upon seeing the girls they both broke out into wide smiles and they walked up to them, Elrohir holding out his arm for Alurina.
"Milady, I believe we were interrupted before, and I for one would like to continue where we left off. May I?" He asked, half smiling, whilst winking at Rúmil.
Alurina stood up and took Rúmil' arm, and they walked off, leaving Elrohir and Ashlieth behind stunned. As they walked, Alurina turned and winked at Elrohir, holding her head high. Elrohir smirked back.
"Well, if Alurina is not going to kiss me, I will have to kiss Ashlieth here instead!" He declared, swinging Ashlieth up into his arms.
Ashlieth face paled as a voice, cold and sinister, coming from the depth of her memory rang in her head.
"Will you marry me, Rusvamir?"
She struggled frantically, memories flooding to her mind. "No! No! Put me down, you great dirty beast! Naurcom, put me DOWN!" She screamed, wriggling out of Elrohir's grasp, and giving a very sharp and hard kick to the surprised male's shin.
"Oww!" Elrohir gasped, clutching his shin. Alurina raced up to him and knelt beside him whilst Rúmil burst out laughing.
"Are you okay, would you like me to get something for it?" Alurina asked, concern in her voice.
"No, I'm fine." Elrohir stood up, wincing.
"That will teach you Elrohir. Never take a female off guard!" Rúmil hooted, tears rolling down his face.
Ashlieth blushed, ducking her head. "I'm sorry Elrohir, it's a natural reaction, you scared me." She said, ashamed.
"Why did you call me Naurcom?" Elrohir asked softly.
At the stares from the others Ashlieth shrugged. "It is a story for another day, but I am sorry."
"Don't worry yourself about it, it is only a flesh wound." Elrohir chuckled. "But it does hurt a lot, Alurina, can you kiss it better?" He asked cheekily. Alurina promptly leant over and placed a kiss on his mouth, and Rúmil and Ashlieth threw their hands over their eyes, not wanting to witness 'that sort of thing'. There was a long pause, and an amused Alurina called out. "We've finished you two, you can look now!"
A very embarrassed Rúmil and Ashlieth slowly took their hands off their faces.
"It's not that bad, you two. You really should try it sometime." Alurina chuckled.
"If anyone is going to kiss Ashlieth, it will be me!" A voice called out. The group spun around and saw the offender walking down the path, a dark look on his face.
"Naurcom!" Ashlieth gasped. The mirth was immediately wiped off Rúmil's face and he placed himself between the two. Suspicion was expressed all over Naurcom's face. "Rúmil, I am allowed to kiss my fiancée, you know." He said, an eyebrow raised.
Promise me Ashlieth!
"Ex-fiancée." Ashlieth said.
Naurcom stopped mid-stride. "Pardon?" he queried.
Don't let Father ruin your life!
"I said, ex-fiancée. I will not marry you Naurcom, not if you brought me the world." Ashlieth said determinedly.
Don't let him hurt you!
"Why not? What brought this about?" Naurcom asked slowly, walking towards Ashlieth.
Promise me Ashlieth!
"You know perfectly well what you did, Naurcom. And you know why I will not marry you." Ashlieth replied calmly, her knees trembling as she stared into the awakening fury of Naurcom.
Lle vesta Tuilindelle! Lle vesta!
Naurcom's face twisted into anger. "Yes, you will. Remember what your father said? We are to be married in two months time. That is what the ring on your finger says, doesn't it, Rusvamir? That you agreed to marry me." He snarled. Ashlieth looked at her hand. There it was, the ring he'd given her when her father had consented for her to marry Naurcom. Ashlieth shuddered as she remembered that night.
"No, Father I will not marry him!" Ashlieth screamed as she ran around the table to face her father.
"Yes you will, for I have said so!" Anárion bellowed, grabbing a vase and throwing it at Ashlieth, the glass smashing against the wall as she ducked. His face was contorted with anger and he stormed over to Ashlieth and grabbed her arm. "Listen to me," he said, his voice dangerously quiet. "You will marry Naurcom, he has done a nice deal with me and I must uphold my end."
Ashlieth snarled back at him. "So this is what I mean to you, father. Nothing! I am just an object that you own and can sell off to the highest bidder!" She wrenched her arm away from her father, her hair flying into her face. "Well, I refuse to be sold!" She stormed away, then spun back to face Anárion.
"And why Naurcom? You hate Elves, Father, it is your hate for their immortality that has eaten away inside of you for so many years, why have me marry Naurcom?"
"I hate their immortality because rightfully it should be mine! Had my forefather Elros chosen to remain as elf-kind then I too would have an everlasting life. Instead I have to spend my life doing tests, drinking potions and studying, trying to preserve this meager life of mine. But I am determined to have immortality in my descendants one way or another, and your marriage to Naurcom allows my grandson to have the upbringing that you and Meneldil had because of my marriage. You should be grateful for what I have done for you!" Anárion snarled, his eyes shining with hate as he relived his younger days.
Ashlieth shook her head; her father really had lost his mind. "I am not grateful, and I never will be. You have no right to rule my life, or the life of my children." Ashlieth spat back, ducking as her father threw another ornament at her.
"You will change you mind." He father scowled, his eyes glinting dangerously. "Naurcom!" He bellowed. Naurcom entered the room, and Ashlieth's eyes narrowed, wondering what her father had up his sleeve. "Naurcom, my son." He said pointedly. "I wish to leave you and Ashlieth alone for some time, for you to get to know each other."
Naurcom smiled. "Thank you, my Lord, that will be much appreciated." He bowed to Ashlieth, but there was something in his eyes that sent shivers down her spine. Anárion left, and the two were left facing each other.
"Naurcom, I will not marry you, so you may as well leave now" Ashlieth spat at him. Naurcom simply smiled.
"Yes you will, dearest. Your father has said it will be so, and what will happen if you don't? More than likely he will take it out on your mother, and I would hate for her to be hurt." He said menacingly.
Ashlieth's blood boiled, and she threw herself at him, screaming. "How dare you! Don't you ever hurt my mother! Don't you dare! I hate you! I will never marry you, you creep!" She screamed, hitting him with everything she had. Naurcom simply warded off her blows, until one managed to hit him, square on the chin. Ashlieth smirked, proud of herself as Naurcom felt his jaw.
"You will pay for that." He said coldly in the silence that followed, his eyes glinting dangerously in the dimly lit room. Ashlieth backed away from him, wide-eyed, for the first time in her life, scared.
"Go away." She whispered, still backing away. Naurcom leered at her.
"I don't think I will, she-elf!" He snarled, then lunged forward and grabbed her by the wrist, flinging her across the room. She cried out as she hit the cold stone wall, her unruly hair flying into her eyes. Naurcom came closer. "Will you marry me?" He asked her.
Ashlieth growled back at him, flinging the hair from her eyes. "No!"
He came forward and hit her across her face, leaving a cut on her cheek as her head snapped back from the strength of the blow. "Will you marry me?" He asked for a second time. Once again Ashlieth shook her head, not allowing her hand to rub her stinging cheek.
Outside the room, two guards stood there, pained looks on their faces. They could hear the blows being rained upon Ashlieth, and again and again the question being asked, "will you marry me?" With each blow the guards cringed, and finally one could no longer stand it. "She is your daughter!" He called desperately to the nearby Prince. "Help her Sire!" He begged.
The Guardian smiled at the guard. "Oh, but you see, I am." He said quietly.
"Will you marry me?" Naurcom asked the beaten Ashlieth. Blood ran down from her mouth and her hair was sticking up widely. She shook her head again, and he grabbed her and slammed her into the wall, twisting her arm behind her back. Pressing his face up against her hair, he again asked, "will you marry me?" Ashlieth remained silent, tears running down her face. Snarling, Naurcom wrenched her arm around further until he heard a scream escape her lips.
Satisfied, he let go of her and she dropped to the floor, clutching her arm and sobbing. "Will you marry me, Rusvamir?" He asked, and slowly she nodded, tears pouring down her face. Naurcom smiled and knelt behind her, pressing kissed all over the back of her exposed neck. "There, that wasn't so hard, was it, Rusvamir?" he crooned. Then he took her left hand, and pushed a ring onto her finger. "There, we are now engaged. Make sure you act like it." He cautioned, and standing up, he left the room, leaving her huddled against the wall, sobbing.
Ashlieth stared at the ring, it was filled with evil, like the man who gave it to her. She hated him, and suddenly she didn't care what he did to her, she just wanted him out of her life.
Rúmil stared at Ashlieth. She had remained in silence for quite some time now, and he could see her muttering to herself. She was pale and trembling slightly, massaging her left arm. Rúmil' eyes narrowed, what had Naurcom done to her? He moved closer to her, offering her support, whilst at the same time preventing Naurcom from reaching her. "Ashlieth?" He asked gently, offering her his hand.
Ashlieth smiled up at him, and as she did so, her eyes cleared and her face became more resolved. She took his hand and squeezed it, then walked past him so she could see Naurcom, though still standing quite close to Rúmil and her hand clung to his for support. "Take your prized ring, Naurcom. I don't want it and I don't want you! Leave me alone!" she commanded him.
Naurcom stood there, a disgusting look on his face. "Fine," he snarled. "I'll leave, for now. But you will marry me in the end, Rusvamir!"
Ashlieth's eyes shot sparks at Naurcom, and she hurled the ring at him, which hit him in the cheek, leaving a red mark across it. "For old times sake." She smirked at him. His hand flew to his cheek, and his eyes widened. Then he bent down and picked up the ring, his eyes never leaving hers, singeing them with a smoldering fire of anger. Then he turned, and walked back the way he had come.
As soon as he was out of sight, Ashlieth felt her knees buckle underneath her, and as she fell Rúmil sprang forward and caught her, scooping her up into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Ashlieth burst into tears, burying her face in his chest.
Rúmil held her close, and whispered comforting words to her in Sindarin, rocking her gently until she feel asleep. He turned around to see Elrohir and Alurina standing close to each other, sorrow in their eyes. With a heavy heart, Rúmil turned back and took the sleeping Elf back to her room.
Rúmil felt many emotions rushing through him as he carried her, anger at Naurcom for what he had done that had mentally hurt Ashlieth so much. He felt pride in what she had done, standing up to Naurcom the way she did, but he also felt worried by what Naurcom had said, "I'll leave, for now. But you will marry me in the end, Rusvamir!" Rúmil frowned, there was no way he was going to let Naurcom get to Ashlieth, even if it meant following her constantly. And even as he looked down on the sleeping Elf he felt a peace in his heart, knowing that she had turned to him for protection comforted him, it made him even more resolved to protect her.
Coming into her room, he placed her softly on her bed, and pulling the covers over her, he turned to leave. Ashlieth whimpered in her sleep, her arms reaching out, trying to find him. Walking back Rúmil took her hands in his, and sat beside the bed, comforting her in sleep as best he could.
:::
Ashlieth was dreaming. In her dream she was standing in a huge field, completely alone. The sun was warm on her as she danced around, and she hummed a tune to herself. "Ash, you can speak!" a voice called out. Turning, Ashlieth saw Timon standing behind her, his face lighted up in a smile. "Catch me Ash!" He called, and turned and ran away. Laughing, she ran after him, but no matter how far or how fast she ran, Timon was always ahead of her.
"Timon, wait!" She called, but she could not hear her own voice. Suddenly an arrow flew out of the forest and went straight through Timon, piercing his heart, and he fell on his face. Ashlieth cried out and she ran forward and turned him over. She screamed when she found it was Naurcom, his hand grasping her wrist. "Marry me!" He whispered.
Ashlieth pulled her arm free, and as she did so she found herself in a long, dark hall, dimly lit by torches hung on the walls. Naurcom was standing down one end, Rúmil down the other, and she stood with Elrohir and Elladan in the middle. "Choose now." Elrohir and Elladan commanded in unison, and they moved away, leaving her alone.
Naurcom held out his ring, and sneered at her. "Marry me, choose me, be mine." He whispered. Ashlieth turned away from him, and instinctively walked towards Rúmil. Naurcom spoke again. "Your Father will kill your mother. Marry me, choose me, be mine." Ashlieth faltered, and looked at Rúmil. Rúmil did nothing, just stand there and look at her, his eyes pleading.
"Your Father will destroy you. Marry me, choose me, be mine." Naurcom called again. This did nothing to sway Ashlieth, she continued to walk towards Rúmil. "Your Father will slay him. Marry me, choose me, be mine." Ashlieth stopped in her tracks. "No," she whispered, turning to face Naurcom, "No, I won't let him die." She stumbled back towards Naurcom.
"Ashlieth!" Ashlieth turned to face Rúmil, as he called out to her. He held out his hands, his eyes telling her to trust him. She stood in the middle, undecided.
"Marry me, choose me, be mine." Naurcom mocked her. Rúmil said nothing, yet his eyes spoke it all. Ashlieth ran towards him, sobbing. She ran as fast as she could, flinging herself into his arms.
"Marry me, choose me, be mine!" Ashlieth looked up to find it was Naurcom she clung to, and Rúmil was far away. She tried to pull free, screaming at the disappearing Elf. "Rúmil! Rúmil! Rúmil!"
:::
"Ashlieth, Ashlieth!" Rúmil shook her, trying to wake her up. "Ashlieth wake up!" He called to her. Ashlieth was calling out in her sleep, and she was distressed, tossing and turning in her dream. "Ashlieth, you're safe, wake up!" He murmured, stoking her hair gently. Suddenly her eyelids fluttered open and she sat up, looking into his worried face, tears streaking down her pale cheeks.
"Rúmil?" She muttered, then smiled and flopped back onto her bed. "Thank Eru, it was all a dream…" She said. Sitting up once more, she rubbed sleep out of her eyes. "I feel dreadful, what with Naurcom turning up and that nightmare… I feel dirty! I need a swim." She decided.
Rúmil looked concerned. "Ashlieth, if you don't mind me asking, what was your dream about?"
Ashlieth's eyes opened wide, and she blushed as she remembered the decision she made at the end. "Umm… nothing really, just a bad dream?" She said hopefully. Rúmil arched an eyebrow.
"Honestly, it wasn't that bad." Ashlieth laughed nervously. "Just lots of… monsters with large teeth and dripping fangs and blood and stuff."
Rúmil's eyebrow disappeared into his hairline.
"Oh, alright." She sighed, and proceeded to tell him what had happened.
His eyes displayed nothing but concern for her, and when she had finished he sat there, thoughtful. "Perhaps you are right, Lady. Come, I will take you to where you can swim. Mayhaps it will clear our thoughts." Taking her by the hand, he went to lead her out of the room. Ashlieth didn't budge, her eyebrows raised.
"Umm, Rúmil? I can't go swimming in this!" she gestured to her dress. "Would you give me a moment to change?" she asked. Rúmil grinned,
"I could just stay." He winked and Ashlieth raised an eyebrow. "I won't look." He promised innocently. Ashlieth snorted.
"Yes, and I am a flying Dwarf, no, Sauron! No, Eru himself!" She laughed, flinging her arms wide and Rúmil left the room, rolling his eyes, closing the door behind him. Ashlieth quickly changed into a pair of pants that she has stolen from Elladan and a shirt of Elrohir's, then they exited the house.
It took them quite some time to reach the river, but when they got there it was well worth it. It was crystal clear water, Ashlieth able to see right to the bottom. She smiled as Rúmil sat by the bank, ready to watch her. "Are you not coming in Rúmil?" She asked him.
"I think not, I will instead watch you swim." He replied.
"I don't think so Rúmil." Ashlieth muttered under her breath. She leant down by the water's edge, and WOOSH! A huge spray of water landed on Rúmil, drenching him from head to toe. His eyes widened and he blinked a couple to times, then a mischievous smile spread across his face.
Ashlieth, who was laughing so hard she was unable to breath, backed slowly away from him, her heads held up to protect herself. "Don't you even think about it!" She gasped, but Rúmil continued to walk forward. Suddenly he leapt forward and scoped her up into his arms, and walked over to the river, Ashlieth wriggling in protest. "Rúmil, don't you dare…" SPLOOSH! Ashlieth landed in the water, and she went under.
Rúmil stood there laughing at her, then stopped suddenly when he realised she had not come back up. "Ashlieth!" He called, walking over to the water edge and peering into it. "Ashlieth, where are you-" He called as the Elf pushed him into the water, dripping wet. Rúmil' arms flailed, and he fell forward, diving gracefully into the water at the last second. His head cleared the surface and he blew water off his nose, grinning. "Alright, you got me. Truce?" He called out, extending his arm out to her.
Ashlieth grabbed his hand, and was promptly pulled into the water. Coming up, Rúmil fell about laughing, and they had a huge water fight, with Ashlieth coming off much worse then Rúmil. After much splashing and dunking, they climbed back onto the bank, and flopped onto it, drenched and still chuckling. The stars had come out, and Ashlieth and Rúmil lay there, each lost in their own thoughts.
"Rúmil?" Ashlieth finally broke the silence.
"Hmm?" Rúmil turned over to look at her.
"The night when Naurcom insulted me, and we were next to the river. You started to say something, but Naurcom's horn interrupted you. What was it you were going to say? It started with 'I wish'."
Rúmil flopped onto his back and they lay there in silence for quite some time. "I wish…" he began, "I wish that everyone had someone out there, who was designed just for them. I suppose I wanted to have the comfort in knowing that my 'other half,' as Men put it, was back in Lothlórien, waiting for me to come home." He finished, his voice tranquil in the calm of night.
Ashlieth sighed. "I know how you feel. I too have no 'other half', for there is no one in Middle-Earth who could possibly love a half Man, half Elf like me."
"A Peredhil you mean?" Rúmil queried.
"Yes, a Peredhil, a union of Eldar and Edian." Ashlieth whispered in understanding. "The only people I attracted are creeps like Naurcom." She sighed.
Rúmil smiled at her. "Don't be to sure." He whispered, and they lay there, once again looking at the stars.
Footnotes:
Rusvamir: broken jewel
Lle vesta Tuilindelle = Do you promise, little Swallow?
Peredhil = Half-elf. Often used in reference to Elrond and Elros (Elrond's brother who choose mortality)
Once more, complete honesty about what you though (but flamers will be severely laughed at and used for flambé), and this chapter's question…
There is none. Just honest reviewing would be nice.
Sorry if it is the latter. A pack of Exploding Snap for reviewers and 2 for those who found her dull. Again, apologies.
Merry Lad: (waves) Hey! Nice to see you back again! I'm really glad you still like my story, I pray that this chapter wasn't a disappointment, due to the lack of happiness. Sorry, I will try to remedy that one. I'm glad you like the characters, let me know if I stuff them up too much.
Android Jennifer: Hello! I'm glad you like my story. Elladan and Elrohir say hi (twins wave) and I like your name as well… dbz perhaps? :D Hope you like this chapter too! P.S. Thanks! – me!
Show Jumper: Hi! I went and read/reviewed your story, so far so good! Here is some more story for you!
Stephenie Wilcox (and her coral bracelet): You poor dear! So many terrible things happening to you! Here, have more plushies! hands over millions of plush Haldir toys . Oh, and enclosed is some weights, to help you regain fitness and your yoghurt. I hope the 'woe-ing' will be gone soon and you will feel comforted! But here, have more stories!!!
Please review! Even if it is just a simple 'yea' or 'nay', just to let me know that someone has read this! Thanks!
- Just Curious