Chapter Twenty One-Reputations And Other Such Nonsense
I awoke just after dawn, the presence of Glorfindel's prone body jolting me out of a deep slumber. I rolled over and looked at his body lying stock still under the covers, hair splayed over the pillow like some golden silky fabric, and noticed his eyes had come out of their glaze of reverie.
Covering my mouth with my hand to keep any morning breath out of the equation, I said, "Good morning. Now don't you feel much better, having spent the night in a cozy bed rather than sitting up all night in an uncomfortable chair?"
Glorfindel turned towards me and smiled, "My lady, I was perfectly fine in the chair, but I thank you for sharing your comfortable bed. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, with the knowledge you were safely ensconced in a proper bed and not freezing your butt off. I cannot abide being comfortable when another is not," I explained.
"Well, I was very comfortable, thank you," he pulled back the covers and got out of the bed, "I shall have to leave here quickly if I do not want to put your reputation at risk." He went over to his shoes and pulled them on.
"I don't think my reputation is remotely cared for here. I believe it is yours that is in danger should you be discovered," I said drily, remembering Elrond's remark of how some felt I was inappropriate for Glorfindel, being mortal and all.
"My lady, I do not give a whig about what anyone thinks about me. I am only concerned for your good name," Glorfindel came back over to the bed to where I was sitting up, and grasped my hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it, leaving his lips on my skin for just a moment to long. "Until later my lady."
"Until later," I breathed.
Glorfindel stared into my eyes for what seemed an eternity and then he turned and strode out of the room. I flopped back onto my bed, only then realizing my nightgown had slipped off my right shoulder, baring my skin. I wondered if Glorfindel had noticed. Probably. That elf noticed everything. I wanted to feel more than just his lips on my hand. Sure, it was a chivalrous action, kissing a lady's hand. But I wanted to feel passion emanating from every pore as he kissed me so hard, it rushed down to my toes. I wanted to feel the length of his body pressed to mine, and feel every inch of naked skin brush against mine. I didn't know if we'd ever get there, but in the meantime fantasy provided fuel for the fire.
I got up from bed and cleaned up, brushing out my hair and cleaning my face. After I had brushed my teeth, I got dressed and then walked out of my room to head down to the meal hall to see if the hobbits were up. They were. Sam was waiting outside the door and when he saw me, he waved and ran over.
"We've already got a table, even though they haven't brought out breakfast, we wanted to make sure to get here early to eat first," he pulled me into the hall and over to the table where the hobbits looked up and cheered.
"Morning Lady Karyn!" a resounding chorus of greetings rose up from the hobbits perched on the benches.
"Morning boys. What's on the agenda for you today?" I asked. Everyone began speaking at once. I think I heard Sam say he was in the gardens working, Frodo said he was going to practice sword play with Strider, and Pip and Merry were up to no good, trying to find adventure. Bilbo calmly took this all in and announced he was going to take a nap after breakfast.
"But Bilbo, you've just gotten up. Why go back to bed?" I asked.
"I am old my dear, and the elderly need their sleep," he informed me.
I laughed, "You're only as old as you think you are Bilbo. Don't go tempting fate there."
Bilbo shook his head and snorted. Soon the food was served and all the hobbits dove in like it was their last meal. I took a small plate of fruit and a bun with cheese, which always made the hobbits remark over how little I ate for a big person. Pip swore I'd blow away if I didn't eat more. I advised I'd have to be rolled away from the table if I ate as much as a hobbit. The image of an obscenely rotund me, being physically rolled from the table sent the hobbits into gales of laughter.
During our merriment, Glorfindel joined our table, eating a small meal as well. We'd calmed down by the time Boromir sat down. He had a plate full of hearty foods and a mug of something hot.
After he was settled, he looked over at me and spoke, "My lady, it is good to see you well. You had me worried for your health when I found you and could not rouse you from your stupor."
"Thank you for your assistance Lord Boromir. I appreciate your concern for my safety, as you can see, I am fine now," I said politely.
"When I carried your body to Lord Elrond for assistance, he could not tell me the cause of your insentience. What happened to you my lady?" Boromir looked at me intently.
Pip saved me from answering, "She got sick and dizzy, and passed out. Didn't you Lady Karyn?"
"That about wraps it up in a nutshell, yes," I agreed.
"How did you fall ill my lady? If I'm not too forward in asking." Boromir asked.
"I haven't the foggiest idea," I lied.
Boromir gave me a hard look but before he could say anything more, Glorfindel jumped in.
"It is a very good thing you found her when you did Lord Boromir, or she could have been much worse off. We are forever grateful." Glorfindel probably meant the Elves were grateful, but the look that Boromir gave him made me think Boromir thought otherwise.
"Lady Karyn's safekeeping is always my concern my lord," Boromir stated curtly.
Man, call me a crazy nut, but I thought Boromir was calling Glorfindel out on the carpet. For what, I had no idea.
Glorfindel looked unperturbed, "As it is ours my lord."
Boromir said nothing but gave any icy look and returned to his meal. Glorfindel and I discussed what supplies would be required for the dwarves travel back to their home and the hobbits piped up when they thought we had missed vital items such as beer. After the meal Glorfindel had to go off and see to some security concerns regarding Imladris. I was walking back to see about procuring foodstuffs for the dwarves' journey, when I felt a hand brush my arm. Stopping I turned around to see Boromir looking dark and broody.
"May I help you my lord?" I asked, not really wanting to know. He felt like he was pissed about something.
"Yes my lady. I would like to know why you spend so much time with that elf, and no time with me, a fellow mortal?" his tone was clipped.
"My lord, I work with Lord Glorfindel, and as such, I must spend time with him. As for spending time with you; you have not asked to court me, nor would it be appropriate to be with you as your standing in Gondor would not allow it," I said calmly.
"But you're a mortal with elves!" he hissed, "They aren't like us. It isn't appropriate for you to be here alone with them. You need to come home with me and live amongst your own kind."
"Pardon me? Am I hearing bigotry in your words? I am sorry Lord Boromir, but what would I do in Gondor? Be a servant in someone's house? Get married off to someone old enough to be my father? No. I don't think so. I never had to do those things when I was at home, and I will not do them now. I will go home when it is safe to travel, as I don't think seeing the South interests me anymore." I declared.
Boromir looked like he had been slapped, "Lady Karyn, you misunderstand my words. I mean to keep you from harm. The elves are magical folk and can ensnare your heart when you least expect it. I do not want you to suffer. I could take care of you in Minas Tirith. I would see to your happiness, this I swear."
"I know you only have the best intentions my lord, but I am an adult and can see to the safety of my heart just fine. I have kept it safe for decades, and it will remain so. I cannot take you up on your offer sir. I do not want to be some kept lady, I have virtue to protect and all would be lost should you endeavour to see to my welfare. Do not worry about me. I am fine and will continue to be so. I think you need to worry about yourself more than I," I countered.
Boromir stiffly bowed his head, "Of course my lady, but I will leave the offer with you should you change your mind. I will take my leave of you then." He turned on his heel and walked briskly away.
I couldn't believe he thought I shouldn't be with the Elves. Arwen was right when she had told me of mortal discomfort with the Firstborn. I mulled over this situation as I continued on with my errand.