Dinner and Dessert
"Let's see...thyme, sage, rosemary, ah...athelas!" Fiondra took a sprig of the herb from one of the dried bundles hanging from her kitchen ceiling. She took the athelas and sprinkled it over the stew simmering in the fireplace. The spicy aroma tickled her nose and she smiled.
WHACK! The resounding thud of an axe rattled the small house. Fiondra walked over to the kitchen window and peered out. The dwarf was chopping up numerous chunks of wood for her woodpile. Fiondra called to Gimli that he had already cut more than enough and she turned back to stir her stew. She had just tasted it when the back door opened.
"Here is your water," Legolas said setting down two overflowing pails. Fiondra stood there and stared, rooted to the spot. The elf had taken off his shirt. Fiondra's eyes roamed over his muscled chest and strong arms.
Oh, to be held close to him, surrounded by his arms, feeling his heart beat against my fingers.The fire popped, interrupting her daydream. Fiondra's cheeks flushed as if Legolas had read her mind, and she hurriedly thanked him.
Legolas gave her a puzzled look and then realized what she had been staring at. He looked down and rushed to explain to her. "Gimli's better with an axe than I am, so we decided to trade chores, and well, I sloshed water on myself, and took off my shirt to dry."
"I see. Forgive me for staring. It was quite rude of me," Fiondra mumbled, turning her back to him. She continued, in a louder voice by saying, "Supper should be ready soon, if you would tell Master Gimli to wash up."
Legolas nodded and went outside to find the dwarf. He found Gimli wiping wood chips off of his axe. "Fiondra says to wash up; we will be eating soon," Legolas informed him.
"Good, good. I'm hungry enough to eat a troll," Gimli said heartily. "That girl is a blessing. If not for her, we'd be eating lembas bread and berries again tonight. It doesn't hurt that she's a comely lass either, eh?"
Legolas muttered, "No that doesn't hurt a bit. But what is she hiding?"
Gimli looked up at him, but shrugged the question off. The elf was always pondering something and at that moment, Gimli was too famished to care.
"That, my dear, was the best meal I've had since before the war of the ring," Gimli said settling back, patting his bloated stomach.
"I have to agree. The stew had a certain herb in it that just burst with flavor,"Legolas added pleasantly.
Fiondra glowed with pride and thanked both of them. She also had to admit that her food had been better than normal that night. She stood to clear away the dishes and Legolas rose to help her.
"I'd get up as well, but I fear my stomach would not allow it," Gimli called from his chair, while lighting his pipe.
Legolas chuckled and followed Fiondra into the kitchen with the remaining plates. She started scrubbing them and Legolas picked up a cloth to dry them with. "I want to thank you for both feeding us and allowing us to stay here for the night. If there's anything I, or rather we, can do to repay you, just ask and it shall be given," he said to Fiondra.
Fiondra looked at the plate that she was washing. "Actually, there is. I know that you've done more than I asked for, in return for a simple meal and lodging, and believe me, I'm grateful. But I must ask you, please take me out of this forest, and I shall forever be indebted to you. You'll understand why later, but you must take me out of these woods, never to return!"
Fiondra's eyes pleaded with him, and Legolas felt something thaw his heart and warm his body. He reached for her face, and kissed her gently, slowly. Her arms crawled up his back and locked around his neck. Legolas teased her lower lip with his tongue and her mouth opened. She tasted of the stew, spicy, and yet somehow pure.
She came closer to him, and Legolas pulled away abruptly. He tore his gaze away from her confused face and said curtly, "You owe us a story. I'll be outside, When you're ready, let me know." With that, he strode out the door into the cool night air.
Fiondra trembled. His kiss had been so warm, so loving. She had felt a fire burn throughout her body. But when Legolas had walked away from her, her heart had shattered. She was so confused; she had so many questions that needed to be answered. Why did he make her feel this way? Why had his kiss made her feel so special, not dirty? How would he react when he found out her secret? He was her only hope and somehow, she had to make him see that...
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Athelas (also known as kingsfoil) – I borrowed this from LOTR. Yes, I know it was used as a healing herb, but I've decided it can be eaten too. It gives a rich, exotic flavoring to whatever it is used in. If I've spelled it wrong, let me know. I'm always looking for constructive criticism. Thanks!
Please review. I hope you like it so far! Thanks to all of my reviewers, this story is for you!