Title: Moon Rune
Author: GundamNymph
E-mail: runttie@cybertours.com
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The three Slayers of our time are sent to Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance and violence. Legolas/Ellen Aragorn/Arwen Frodo/Celia Bonnie/Damon Faramir/Eowyn
Feed back: Please review, even if it's a one liner, so I know there are people reading.
Warning: Uh, violence, and swearing.
The more reviews I get, the faster I'll start popping chapters out.
Okay, in the first chapter, I had the elfish speaking parts underlined. It didn't transfer to ff.net, so instead of having it underlined, there was nothing to indicate elfish being spoken. I'm going to do what everyone else is doing:
'Elfish'
"Common"
*telepathy when not describing something*
http://photos.yahoo.com/gundamnymph
I added a whole bunch of stuff to my art gallery, including a Draco Malfoy kitty. Most of it is old stuff, some is new. I am working on many other kitties as we speak, including The Princess Bride kitties. Buttercup and Inigo are in the works. I really very sorry for getting this out so late, and for being a little short, but I've been grounded, and have only recently taken refuge in the school computers. Want to request a kitty? Leave the order in a review.
And YES, if your interested in Damon, or the Vampire Diaries, I suggest you borrow it out of a library, or buy it. It's been reprinted several times already, and seems to be popular. And if your into a witch story, there's The Secret Circle by the same author.
YAY! My e-mails back up! Hee, hee. I am SO happy right now.
Chapter 9
Word got around fast that Boromir was back from the dead. The dinner for that night had been already been planned as a big feast, now it floored to the ceiling. Almost all the servants were at work in the dining hall, or in the kitchens. Elrond and Bonnie kept watch over him, with Bonnie sharing her own experiences. Damon had gone off hunting in his crow form, promising to be back by sun down. That was another thing, Celia and Ellen noticed, that seemed to prove the powerful hunter was becoming soft. They were sure that the earlier occurrence with Bonnie had been a shock to him, and he had taken solace in going out for a feed, muttering about how he was lowering himself to level of a human just for some women.
The other members of the Fellowship were preparing for the trip that was to set out in a few days, feeling grim, but not backing down as Ellen knew they would do. They also helped with the preparations for the feast, and checked on Boromir more than once.
Celia wandered around, searching for bags that Bonnie could cast a spell on them to hold any number of things, of any size. It was quite a nifty trick, and it had aided them before. All of their belongings would be able to fit in one bag, which they would wear, and would be only as heavy as a couple of books.
She found amusement in playing tricks on the hobbits. Pippin had found a harmless snake among his clothes, though he did not know it was harmless. Merry had a nice shower of what looked like oatmeal to Ce. Sam found his cooking wear on top a VERY high shelf, and Frodo fell in the river. He got back at her by pulling her in beside him. She tried not to remember the feeling of his body length next to hers, as they bobbed in the shallow waters. Or how blue those big eyes were, and how cute that smirk was. This started the prank war, that took many innocent victims along the way, even including Lord Elrond himself getting sprayed with washable paint.
She purposely started the war, because she didn't care for the almost morbid atmosphere. She was also trying to keep from gazing at Ellen worriedly. She wasn't sure what kind of deal she made with Afaeria. It could be something little, or something demanding. Bonnie was called to be the next Slayer, on top of acting as guardian for Fells, Virginia. But Ellen was already a Slayer, and Celia didn't even want to try to figure out what the spirit had in store for her friend.
Ellen was wandering around in the garden near a stream, when Herdare found her. Her spirit seemed so sad, he became worried. "Lady Ellen? What troubles you?"
She whirled around, surprised, which meant he caught her in thought. Her were dark, but she forced a smile on her face.
"Hey, Herdie. You really shouldn't sneak up on people like that. How's it going?" His eyes narrowed as she ignored his question. He walked closer to her, and grabbed her shoulder gently.
"Ellen, I know something is going on. You're not the only one ignoring certain questions. Legolas has been avoiding me all day. Please tell me Ellen, before it drives you." She sighed heavily.
"Bonnie had a vision, as you know, and in it, he dies. Most of the time they, the visions, come true. I have, these, feelings for him. I've never had any feelings like this before. Corny, I know. In the story books it would mean I'm in love with the guy." Herdare smiled.
"It doesn't sound silly to me. I agree with the 'story books'. You two haven't had much time alone, and I know for a fact that Legolas fancies you. You're the only female, besides his sister Carrin, that has been able to keep his attention and interest. He truly respects you. And as you mentioned, it's not a sure thing that he will die. And there is always a chance, however small, that if he dies, he'll be reincarnated."
"But the time of the elves is almost over. You know that, I know that, everyone except Ce and Bon know it. If there was a way to revive this land, and bring back the power of the elves, I'd do it. I'm worried about the battle. All the races will be involved this time: the remaining elves, dwarves, the Mortal armies, the hobbits, and others I do not recognize." He looked at the girl in front of him.
"What deal did you make with Afaeria?" She looked away from him, avoiding his gaze. She had a tendency not to lie, so he didn't have to worry about that. She knelt by the water, and let her fingers drift on the surface. Covered by the water, were smooth river stones. They were beautiful, like everything in this land. She picked up one stone, and turned it over in her hand, studying it. It was a lilac gray when wet, and had swirls of quartz on one side. The other side was dappled with splotches of baby blue.
Herdare crouched next to her. He studied her face as she gazed at the stone. It was relaxed, almost in awe of the stone. She leaned forward, and let the stone fall through her long fingers, hitting the water with a soft plunk. The current carried it a little, until it settled among the others. Each one was pretty. Each one was different. Each one seemed to represent the peoples of Middle-Earth.
Herdare was startled to see crystalline tears fall from her woodland eyes. He reached over and wiped them away. She looked into his eyes, and he was transfixed by their intensity.
"Yes, I worry about Legolas. But I also worry about this world." She gazed at all around them. "The elves sustained this world, always keeping it from falling to ruin. I know what a world is like without your kind. My world is like that." She said this almost bitterly, and whispered it fiercely. "I would do anything to keep this magical world from following mine." Herdare didn't know why, but his stomach dropped at this, and he grasped her hand. He was just about to say something, perhaps to ask about her world, when they were interrupted.
One of the sons of Elrond was walking toward them. He seemed to hesitate upon seeing them, but continued at Herdare's smile. 'Good Afternoon, Elrohir. Coming to add more to your collection. Don't worry, the Lady won't bite.' Ellen glared at Herdare for speaking in elfish. She really wanted to learn the langauge. Maybe he would teach her on the journey. It had been decided that Herdare would come along, as well. 'Are you sure my friend? She seems plenty ready to bite you.' Elrohir said with a fond smile.
Herdare laughed as Ellen glared at both of them, wanting to stay angry, but grateful for the interruption. The elf in front of her wore a dark blue tunic, and silvery pant legs. His blue-gray eyes twinkling at her. He gave a small bow to her, and joined them.
"Don't tell anyone, but I still collect these stones from the stream. They are quite lovely, but my brother and friends like to tease me about it. They say I act like a she-elf."
"I think it's sweet. It just means you're a sensitive guy. Girls like that. Most of the men from my world are jerks, but that also might be because their men, and not elves." She giggled at something she remembered involving a teenage boy. Elrohir seemed relieved not to receive any criticism from her. He took off his boots, and began to roll up his pants to the shin. Ellen, still wearing Capri's, just had to roll them up a bit. She also rolled up her sleeves, and joined Elrohir in the stream.
Legolas found them that way, or so they thought. After the council, he had gone away to rest in the arms of a friendly tree. He didn't really speak with it, and the trees understood, and occasionally brushed their leaves up against him in an imaginary breeze. He still hadn't told Ellen about his gift.
As a child, he often took refuge among the trees from his brothers, angry caretakers, or stern father. He never caused any trouble, and still didn't know why they had always been upset with him. Carrin told him it wasn't his fault, that after Mother died, they just wanted someone to blame. Only his sister, Herdare, and Lord Elrond who was like a father to him, knew of this gift.
After he had felt more calm, he made his way to Elrond's study, and finished reading a book he started last time he visited. The volume was huge, but Legolas was a VERY quick reader. He had then peeked in on Boromir, and then went in search of Ellen. He overheard the majority of Ellen and Herdare's conversation. Now, he decided to make an appearance, as Elrohir and Ellen waded in to find precious stones.
'Elrohir, you trying to hide from your brother again?' The twin looked up to smile widely at Legolas. The young elf had always been like the younger brother he never had. He knew that Arwen and Elladan felt the same, though his brother wouldn't admit it.
'But of course. You know what he thinks of my collection. I now have to disguise them as simple stones at the bottom of the fountain in my room.' Legolas laughed.
'You keep lovely company, I see.' The twin gave a sly glance to Herdare, instead of Ellen, who raised an eyebrow at their antics.
'Why, Greenleaf, I didn't know that yours was the way of Mortals.' Legolas rolled his eyes, and gave a Dwarf like snort.
'Hardly. But I am beginning to worry of the time you spend with them.'
"And we are greatly concerned of the time you spend with your dwarf friend." Legolas glared at Elrohir, but in good humor. Ellen smiled as they switched back to Common. She always felt as though they were talking about her when they spoke in elfish. Legolas crouched near the stream, next to Herdare, and watched as Ellen and Elrohir searched for rocks. Herdare smiled at him.
'How long were you standing there?'
'Not long.'
'I meant before you decided to join us.' Legolas glanced at him sharply. Herdare always seemed to sense where he was. Maybe it was from many years being his mentor. He sighed.
'Quite a while. But I am glad I did. I was worried about Lady Ellen, and now I am more worried.'
Elrohir was teaching Ellen an elf lullaby, as they collected the stones in a velvet pouch of his. Worried though they were, Herdare and Legolas relaxed to her voice, and the song. Herdare looked at his 'charge' and friend.
'You really are taken with her.' It wasn't a question.
'She is quite fair, and is humble about it. She doesn't seem to realize how special she is. She's interested in ME, and not some rank or station.'
'So tell me, who is going on this quest? I know that Ellen and her friends are going, as well as the fellowship-'
'Your father will not be pleased. He was quite upset the last time. It took a whole week for the wounds to heal. But Sim'nol and Arni'or will return to tell him of exactly what happened. I made it known that if they said otherwise, they would regret it.'
'You really shouldn't threaten them. They are a whole lot more civil towards us, since they met Lady Ellen. I don't care if my father is upset with me for going on another quest. If it was not mandatory that I go, I would still volunteer. He cares for nothing more than his treasure room, and wouldn't care if this world was covered in darkness. He would just travel to the Grey Havens. I wish Mother was still alive.'
'You were her favorite. I think that's why your brothers are hateful towards you. It's most likely that the King tries to break your loving spirit, because you remind him so of his late wife. You have her gentle nature, but you also have her determination.'
Herdare reached over, and tugged fondly on Legolas's hair. The hair was a beautiful pale golden color, shinning silver at night, that Legolas had inherited from his mother. It was the envy of the she-elves, but didn't make him look girlie at all. His eyes were a beautiful blue. Usually a soft sky blue, his eyes were now midnight blue, due to the emotion swirling in them. Herdare could see the eagerness in Legolas's face, as he spoke of the long dead Queen. It was rare to hear anything about her, since it caused much grief, and the younger elf didn't remember all that much about her.
He was just about to mention something else to his friend, when he noticed that Ellen had stopped singing and was now staring in shock at her hands. Concern grew on his face, thinking she might have been injured somehow. Legolas turned to look at Ellen, seeing Herdare's face turned her way. There was no blood on her hands, and it was almost as if she was staring through them. Elrohir hopped over to her in the quick current, and placed worried hands on her shoulders. At his touch, she gasped and jumped.
When she turned, they could see her face. It was pale, very pale. Her eyes refused to meet any of theirs, and there was a frown upon her forehead. Elrohir helped her out of the stream, and she knelt down. Legolas rested a hand on her shoulder, and she jerked her head to look at him, then away. He grew very concerned.
"Ellen? Are you okay? What's wrong?" She forced herself to meet his gaze. Those beautiful eyes were still dark, but not with sadness anymore. She gave a wan smile.
"I'm okay. I'll just… just go… and change for dinner." She managed to get up quite easily. She nodded to Elrohir, giving him a smile; and hugged Herdare quickly. She ignored their concerns, because she WAS fine, and as she passed Legolas, she squeezed his hand in reassurance. A sharp, but pleasant tingling went up through her arm at the brief skin contact. She thought it was because her skin was cold from the river, and because his skin was warmer. But, then, wouldn't he be the one feeling the tingle, and not her? She looked at him, startled, and saw that he felt it, too. She all but ran up the slopping hill.
Author: GundamNymph
E-mail: runttie@cybertours.com
Rating: PG-13
Summary: The three Slayers of our time are sent to Middle-Earth to kick Vampire @$$. Romance and violence. Legolas/Ellen Aragorn/Arwen Frodo/Celia Bonnie/Damon Faramir/Eowyn
Feed back: Please review, even if it's a one liner, so I know there are people reading.
Warning: Uh, violence, and swearing.
The more reviews I get, the faster I'll start popping chapters out.
Okay, in the first chapter, I had the elfish speaking parts underlined. It didn't transfer to ff.net, so instead of having it underlined, there was nothing to indicate elfish being spoken. I'm going to do what everyone else is doing:
'Elfish'
"Common"
*telepathy when not describing something*
http://photos.yahoo.com/gundamnymph
I added a whole bunch of stuff to my art gallery, including a Draco Malfoy kitty. Most of it is old stuff, some is new. I am working on many other kitties as we speak, including The Princess Bride kitties. Buttercup and Inigo are in the works. I really very sorry for getting this out so late, and for being a little short, but I've been grounded, and have only recently taken refuge in the school computers. Want to request a kitty? Leave the order in a review.
And YES, if your interested in Damon, or the Vampire Diaries, I suggest you borrow it out of a library, or buy it. It's been reprinted several times already, and seems to be popular. And if your into a witch story, there's The Secret Circle by the same author.
YAY! My e-mails back up! Hee, hee. I am SO happy right now.
Chapter 9
Word got around fast that Boromir was back from the dead. The dinner for that night had been already been planned as a big feast, now it floored to the ceiling. Almost all the servants were at work in the dining hall, or in the kitchens. Elrond and Bonnie kept watch over him, with Bonnie sharing her own experiences. Damon had gone off hunting in his crow form, promising to be back by sun down. That was another thing, Celia and Ellen noticed, that seemed to prove the powerful hunter was becoming soft. They were sure that the earlier occurrence with Bonnie had been a shock to him, and he had taken solace in going out for a feed, muttering about how he was lowering himself to level of a human just for some women.
The other members of the Fellowship were preparing for the trip that was to set out in a few days, feeling grim, but not backing down as Ellen knew they would do. They also helped with the preparations for the feast, and checked on Boromir more than once.
Celia wandered around, searching for bags that Bonnie could cast a spell on them to hold any number of things, of any size. It was quite a nifty trick, and it had aided them before. All of their belongings would be able to fit in one bag, which they would wear, and would be only as heavy as a couple of books.
She found amusement in playing tricks on the hobbits. Pippin had found a harmless snake among his clothes, though he did not know it was harmless. Merry had a nice shower of what looked like oatmeal to Ce. Sam found his cooking wear on top a VERY high shelf, and Frodo fell in the river. He got back at her by pulling her in beside him. She tried not to remember the feeling of his body length next to hers, as they bobbed in the shallow waters. Or how blue those big eyes were, and how cute that smirk was. This started the prank war, that took many innocent victims along the way, even including Lord Elrond himself getting sprayed with washable paint.
She purposely started the war, because she didn't care for the almost morbid atmosphere. She was also trying to keep from gazing at Ellen worriedly. She wasn't sure what kind of deal she made with Afaeria. It could be something little, or something demanding. Bonnie was called to be the next Slayer, on top of acting as guardian for Fells, Virginia. But Ellen was already a Slayer, and Celia didn't even want to try to figure out what the spirit had in store for her friend.
Ellen was wandering around in the garden near a stream, when Herdare found her. Her spirit seemed so sad, he became worried. "Lady Ellen? What troubles you?"
She whirled around, surprised, which meant he caught her in thought. Her were dark, but she forced a smile on her face.
"Hey, Herdie. You really shouldn't sneak up on people like that. How's it going?" His eyes narrowed as she ignored his question. He walked closer to her, and grabbed her shoulder gently.
"Ellen, I know something is going on. You're not the only one ignoring certain questions. Legolas has been avoiding me all day. Please tell me Ellen, before it drives you." She sighed heavily.
"Bonnie had a vision, as you know, and in it, he dies. Most of the time they, the visions, come true. I have, these, feelings for him. I've never had any feelings like this before. Corny, I know. In the story books it would mean I'm in love with the guy." Herdare smiled.
"It doesn't sound silly to me. I agree with the 'story books'. You two haven't had much time alone, and I know for a fact that Legolas fancies you. You're the only female, besides his sister Carrin, that has been able to keep his attention and interest. He truly respects you. And as you mentioned, it's not a sure thing that he will die. And there is always a chance, however small, that if he dies, he'll be reincarnated."
"But the time of the elves is almost over. You know that, I know that, everyone except Ce and Bon know it. If there was a way to revive this land, and bring back the power of the elves, I'd do it. I'm worried about the battle. All the races will be involved this time: the remaining elves, dwarves, the Mortal armies, the hobbits, and others I do not recognize." He looked at the girl in front of him.
"What deal did you make with Afaeria?" She looked away from him, avoiding his gaze. She had a tendency not to lie, so he didn't have to worry about that. She knelt by the water, and let her fingers drift on the surface. Covered by the water, were smooth river stones. They were beautiful, like everything in this land. She picked up one stone, and turned it over in her hand, studying it. It was a lilac gray when wet, and had swirls of quartz on one side. The other side was dappled with splotches of baby blue.
Herdare crouched next to her. He studied her face as she gazed at the stone. It was relaxed, almost in awe of the stone. She leaned forward, and let the stone fall through her long fingers, hitting the water with a soft plunk. The current carried it a little, until it settled among the others. Each one was pretty. Each one was different. Each one seemed to represent the peoples of Middle-Earth.
Herdare was startled to see crystalline tears fall from her woodland eyes. He reached over and wiped them away. She looked into his eyes, and he was transfixed by their intensity.
"Yes, I worry about Legolas. But I also worry about this world." She gazed at all around them. "The elves sustained this world, always keeping it from falling to ruin. I know what a world is like without your kind. My world is like that." She said this almost bitterly, and whispered it fiercely. "I would do anything to keep this magical world from following mine." Herdare didn't know why, but his stomach dropped at this, and he grasped her hand. He was just about to say something, perhaps to ask about her world, when they were interrupted.
One of the sons of Elrond was walking toward them. He seemed to hesitate upon seeing them, but continued at Herdare's smile. 'Good Afternoon, Elrohir. Coming to add more to your collection. Don't worry, the Lady won't bite.' Ellen glared at Herdare for speaking in elfish. She really wanted to learn the langauge. Maybe he would teach her on the journey. It had been decided that Herdare would come along, as well. 'Are you sure my friend? She seems plenty ready to bite you.' Elrohir said with a fond smile.
Herdare laughed as Ellen glared at both of them, wanting to stay angry, but grateful for the interruption. The elf in front of her wore a dark blue tunic, and silvery pant legs. His blue-gray eyes twinkling at her. He gave a small bow to her, and joined them.
"Don't tell anyone, but I still collect these stones from the stream. They are quite lovely, but my brother and friends like to tease me about it. They say I act like a she-elf."
"I think it's sweet. It just means you're a sensitive guy. Girls like that. Most of the men from my world are jerks, but that also might be because their men, and not elves." She giggled at something she remembered involving a teenage boy. Elrohir seemed relieved not to receive any criticism from her. He took off his boots, and began to roll up his pants to the shin. Ellen, still wearing Capri's, just had to roll them up a bit. She also rolled up her sleeves, and joined Elrohir in the stream.
Legolas found them that way, or so they thought. After the council, he had gone away to rest in the arms of a friendly tree. He didn't really speak with it, and the trees understood, and occasionally brushed their leaves up against him in an imaginary breeze. He still hadn't told Ellen about his gift.
As a child, he often took refuge among the trees from his brothers, angry caretakers, or stern father. He never caused any trouble, and still didn't know why they had always been upset with him. Carrin told him it wasn't his fault, that after Mother died, they just wanted someone to blame. Only his sister, Herdare, and Lord Elrond who was like a father to him, knew of this gift.
After he had felt more calm, he made his way to Elrond's study, and finished reading a book he started last time he visited. The volume was huge, but Legolas was a VERY quick reader. He had then peeked in on Boromir, and then went in search of Ellen. He overheard the majority of Ellen and Herdare's conversation. Now, he decided to make an appearance, as Elrohir and Ellen waded in to find precious stones.
'Elrohir, you trying to hide from your brother again?' The twin looked up to smile widely at Legolas. The young elf had always been like the younger brother he never had. He knew that Arwen and Elladan felt the same, though his brother wouldn't admit it.
'But of course. You know what he thinks of my collection. I now have to disguise them as simple stones at the bottom of the fountain in my room.' Legolas laughed.
'You keep lovely company, I see.' The twin gave a sly glance to Herdare, instead of Ellen, who raised an eyebrow at their antics.
'Why, Greenleaf, I didn't know that yours was the way of Mortals.' Legolas rolled his eyes, and gave a Dwarf like snort.
'Hardly. But I am beginning to worry of the time you spend with them.'
"And we are greatly concerned of the time you spend with your dwarf friend." Legolas glared at Elrohir, but in good humor. Ellen smiled as they switched back to Common. She always felt as though they were talking about her when they spoke in elfish. Legolas crouched near the stream, next to Herdare, and watched as Ellen and Elrohir searched for rocks. Herdare smiled at him.
'How long were you standing there?'
'Not long.'
'I meant before you decided to join us.' Legolas glanced at him sharply. Herdare always seemed to sense where he was. Maybe it was from many years being his mentor. He sighed.
'Quite a while. But I am glad I did. I was worried about Lady Ellen, and now I am more worried.'
Elrohir was teaching Ellen an elf lullaby, as they collected the stones in a velvet pouch of his. Worried though they were, Herdare and Legolas relaxed to her voice, and the song. Herdare looked at his 'charge' and friend.
'You really are taken with her.' It wasn't a question.
'She is quite fair, and is humble about it. She doesn't seem to realize how special she is. She's interested in ME, and not some rank or station.'
'So tell me, who is going on this quest? I know that Ellen and her friends are going, as well as the fellowship-'
'Your father will not be pleased. He was quite upset the last time. It took a whole week for the wounds to heal. But Sim'nol and Arni'or will return to tell him of exactly what happened. I made it known that if they said otherwise, they would regret it.'
'You really shouldn't threaten them. They are a whole lot more civil towards us, since they met Lady Ellen. I don't care if my father is upset with me for going on another quest. If it was not mandatory that I go, I would still volunteer. He cares for nothing more than his treasure room, and wouldn't care if this world was covered in darkness. He would just travel to the Grey Havens. I wish Mother was still alive.'
'You were her favorite. I think that's why your brothers are hateful towards you. It's most likely that the King tries to break your loving spirit, because you remind him so of his late wife. You have her gentle nature, but you also have her determination.'
Herdare reached over, and tugged fondly on Legolas's hair. The hair was a beautiful pale golden color, shinning silver at night, that Legolas had inherited from his mother. It was the envy of the she-elves, but didn't make him look girlie at all. His eyes were a beautiful blue. Usually a soft sky blue, his eyes were now midnight blue, due to the emotion swirling in them. Herdare could see the eagerness in Legolas's face, as he spoke of the long dead Queen. It was rare to hear anything about her, since it caused much grief, and the younger elf didn't remember all that much about her.
He was just about to mention something else to his friend, when he noticed that Ellen had stopped singing and was now staring in shock at her hands. Concern grew on his face, thinking she might have been injured somehow. Legolas turned to look at Ellen, seeing Herdare's face turned her way. There was no blood on her hands, and it was almost as if she was staring through them. Elrohir hopped over to her in the quick current, and placed worried hands on her shoulders. At his touch, she gasped and jumped.
When she turned, they could see her face. It was pale, very pale. Her eyes refused to meet any of theirs, and there was a frown upon her forehead. Elrohir helped her out of the stream, and she knelt down. Legolas rested a hand on her shoulder, and she jerked her head to look at him, then away. He grew very concerned.
"Ellen? Are you okay? What's wrong?" She forced herself to meet his gaze. Those beautiful eyes were still dark, but not with sadness anymore. She gave a wan smile.
"I'm okay. I'll just… just go… and change for dinner." She managed to get up quite easily. She nodded to Elrohir, giving him a smile; and hugged Herdare quickly. She ignored their concerns, because she WAS fine, and as she passed Legolas, she squeezed his hand in reassurance. A sharp, but pleasant tingling went up through her arm at the brief skin contact. She thought it was because her skin was cold from the river, and because his skin was warmer. But, then, wouldn't he be the one feeling the tingle, and not her? She looked at him, startled, and saw that he felt it, too. She all but ran up the slopping hill.