~Living Dreams~
Legolas awoke early, the pale light of dawn only beginning to bathe the land beyond the quiet of the tent surrounding him. The air had a chill in it, but he could not be warmer for it was as if he rested beside sunlight itself, his fingers tangled in rays of light. He gazed at the sleeping elleth tucked against his side, her features peaceful, long lashes brushing the top of her cheeks, a half smile upon her lips.
Today they would march toward the unknown. Worry shadowed his heart. Could he keep Aerlaer from doing anything reckless against their enemy this time? Against herself? He pulled her closer, breathing in the scent of violets. While they were safe upon these guarded fields, he would push his worries aside.
"Legolas?" Aerlaer mumbled, fingers curling at the soft fabric of his tunic.
"Shh, I am here." A sigh ghosted across his collarbone, and his eyes drifted closed once more, lulled by her steady heartbeat.
…
Sunlight filtered through the cream canvas of the tent, waking Aerlaer. Blinking, she wondered at how the light danced off Legolas's loose hair, the pale strands glimmering silver. She made to move, only to find hi hands were impossibly tangled through her own tresses. It seemed if she wished to get up, she would have to wake him too.
Gently, she touched his angular cheek, hoping the small action would make him stir, but he only sighed contently. She replaced her fingers with her lips, lightly brushing them across his cheek and his eyes fluttered open.
"Am I dreaming?" He asked, voice rough with sleep, and she laughed.
"I hope not." She replied to which he smiled lazily at her. "Will you come to the Houses of Healing with me?" She asked and a frown instantly marred his peaceful features.
"Why, are you not well?"
"I am very well, I promise. I wish to see Éowyn before we leave."
"Ah and you wish to have one of the lethal elves of the Woodland Realm as your guard?"
"No, I simply wished for your company, but if you wish to also be a guard, I will not complain." She smirked. "I did not want to wake you, you looked so peaceful, quite the opposite to lethal, but you have me quite stuck here beside you." She indicated to her hair, still unable to sit up.
Legolas let out a deep, rumbling laugh and carefully began to disentangle his fingers from her tresses. Suddenly, a wicked grin spread across his face, and before Aerlaer could do anything against his impending mischief, he'd re-tangled his hands in her hair, pulling her towards his lips. Slowly, he kissed her, taking his time, rendering her breathless. Seeing Éowyn could perhaps wait…
…
"Ahem." The unexpected voice startled Legolas, and he broke away from Aerlaer, squinting towards the tent flap to behold Aragorn's raised brow. Feeling as if he had been caught doing something he shouldn't, Legolas sheepishly loosened his hands from Aerlaer's hair, and pushed himself up, straightening out his tunic.
Only now did he notice the twins and Taurorn were no longer sleeping, they were not even in the tent.
"Good morning, Aragorn." He said, attempting to sound nonchalant, as Aerlaer sat up beside him.
"Morning." He chuckled. "If you can spare him Aerlaer, Prince Imrahil would very much like to pick your brain, Legolas."
"Oh, so he no longer thinks me to be an inept idiot?" Legolas asked and Aerlaer snickered beside him.
"Maybe if you displayed the true patience and concentration of the elves, he might not have drawn such a conclusion." Aragorn calmly replied but a smirk betrayed him. Legolas smirked back, but he wondered again as he had the previous eve, were his actions truly elflike?
"I will be out in a moment, wait for me." He said to Aragorn, and with a nod he let the entrance flap shut behind. Legolas turned to Aerlaer; her hair looked gloriously wild from where his hands had messed it a little. He stood, quickly straightening out his own hair, failing to hold back a smug smirk that it was in far better condition than Aerlaer's.
"Ai!" What was that for!" He cried out as one of his boots hit him in the stomach.
"My hair!" She growled out and he chuckled and just managed to catch the second boot which this time was aimed at his head.
"I like it, it is extra wild." He outright grinned, and she shook her head.
"Get out before I make you fix it." She threatened, but he caught the tell-tale signs of a poorly hidden smile before he left the tent.
"I see you two are making up for lost time." Aragorn smirked. Legolas shrugged, falling into stride beside him. Is that what he and Aerlaer were doing? He couldn't shake the feeling they were doing something wrong, yet why did he care? They weren't currently dictated by elven customs.
"Does something trouble you, mellon nin?" Aragorn asked at length.
"Yes and no." Legolas admitted. "Although I am unsure how to word my question." They walked in silence again as Legolas decided on his words. "I do not know if it is because we are far from our own customs or if I have just never paid any attention before, but I wonder are we perhaps not acting quite as elves should or would? He asked quietly, embarrassed he did not know himself. Aragorn studied him a moment in thought.
"No, you are not exactly acting elflike." He replied, and Legolas's heart both sank and rebelled against his ribs. "I wonder if it is because you have travelled together for so long now, you are perhaps comfortable around each other and you both already know you would die for one another?" Aragorn mused. "No one can deny how strong your love for one another is. Perhaps it is because you met so many centuries earlier? You are both of a similar nature, predictably unpredictable and proud and easily fired up. And you both have a passion for life itself or you would not both be here now, far from all familiar, fighting for all of Middle Earth to be free again." The Aragorn gave him an encouraging smile, but it faltered ever so slightly.
"We are about to march to Mordor in a few short hours, to what end even I cannot say. It matters not if you are being elflike or not, just be your true self. It is why she loves you." He nudged Legolas in the side as they reached Imrahil's tent. Swallowing, Legolas nodded, gladdened for the reassurance. Yet, not so gladdened for the reminder of the perils they would soon face in Mordor.
Recognizing Aragorn, the guards stepped aside, allowing both he and Aragorn entrance into the tent.
A makeshift table had been set up, with maps spread across its expanse. On the other side of the table stood Imrahil, a welcome smile making him appear younger as he gestured Legolas forth.
"Greetings Lord Legolas, Aragorn tells me you used to captain your realms guard?" He nodded. "Even as far as Gondor we have heard tales of the fierceness of the Elven king's warriors who keep his lands safe."
"Thank you." Legolas replied, surveying the maps and small, carved figures of an army.
"I wonder if I could go over some strategies with you in the event we come across the enemy before we reach the gates." Imrahil looked at him hopefully. Glad he was no longer thought of as inept, Legolas nodded.
"Of course, it would be my pleasure." He replied and with a grin. Aragorn nodded to him and left him with Imrahil.
…
Taurorn glanced up, catching sight of pale form walking towards him and the hobbits. "Aerlaer, you are dressed to take on the dark lord himself!" He laughed as he beheld the sight of the elleth. Her dress of creamy white and gold made her look like some ethereal elven warrior of the first age, as she carried her bow in hand, quiver and blades strapped at back, vambraces strapped to her bare arms.
"Legolas picked it." She murmured with a smile as she came to sit gracefully beside him.
"Then that elf has impeccable taste."
"Of course, he does!" Pippin laughed to his right. "He has the loveliest elf in all of Arda."
"Oh, I would not go so far as to say that." Aerlaer replied and Taurorn chuckled.
"Pippin is probably right. All those other elves that had their eye on you will be devastated." He teased lightly. Aerlaer only looked bewildered.
"What other elves?"
"Ah many." He snickered. "You were just completely oblivious to them all. I think I understand why now." He gave her a wry smile which she returned.
"It is quite romantic really, you and Legolas meeting so very long ago." Pippin chimed in.
"Ai, and it is as if fate has brought you back together." Merry added. Taurorn caught her small smile, although she looked down at the bow in her lap.
"I am hungry again." Pippin suddenly declared, changing the subject and Taurorn laughed for they had not long eaten.
"Perhaps we could find something in the city to eat?" He suggested.
"You are just hoping to run into Aida." Merry said slyly and he nodded.
"Yes, and she showed me where the main markets are yesterday. There is wonderful food there."
"Have you coins on you?" Aerlaer asked, and he kept his face straight as he answered.
"No, but the vendors simply loved trading their goods for an elvish wrought tiara."
"You didn't!" She laughed and he shook his head.
"No, and yes I do have coins. How much longer will Legolas be?"
"I do not know, hopefully not much longer. Can you wait, Pippin?"
"I can, I have been hungrier before." He replied with a shrug to which they all nodded, falling into contemplative silence. They had all been hungrier before at some stage of their journey.
…
They watched the Rohirrim prepare to leave and the trickle of Gondor soldiers slowly entering the fields from the city. Aerlaer saw Bregon from a distance, pleased he did not notice her sitting with her companions.
Pippin's stomach growled for the hundredth time, and Aerlaer wondered how much longer Legolas was going to be, when Gimli's gruff voice flitted to her on the breeze. Leaping up, she turned towards it as he and Legolas stepped out from behind a half-dismantled tent. Still sitting, Taurorn snickered as Legolas faltered in conversation with Gimli, his gaze meeting hers.
Striding forward, he was before her in moments, and contentment washed over her, along with that exciting heat which raced beneath her skin as he bent down, brushing a chaste kiss upon her cheek.
"I was right about the dress." He whispered, taking a step back now to admire the garment, before his gaze met hers once more, and she saw the same heat there which crawled beneath her skin. Her feet moved of their own accord, until she was close enough for his fingers to run lightly down her arms, to rest at her waist. Eru, she felt like prey, yet she had no intention of running from him, or fighting this.
"By Aulë, will you two give it a rest!" Gimli called out. "You only saw one another a moment ago." Gimli chuckled along with Taurorn. Embarrassed by the thoughts which had been racing through her mind, Aerlaer hid her face against Legolas's chest. What was wrong with her?
"Can we please head into the city now, I am starving!" Pippin whined, and Aerlaer pulled away somewhat reluctantly.
"Yes, we can now. Gimli do you wish to come?" She asked and he nodded.
"Food and a visit to see Éowyn, of course I am coming. Besides, someone has to keep you mischief makers in line." He rumbled to which Legolas smirked at him.
…
The city was fascinating, especially for a small hobbit like him. Pippin could not seem to see enough; he could spend days here. Days provided he was with his companions. Despite being in Minas Tirith long before the others, he had dwelt in the Stewards Halls and not ventured into the city.
Now he could see for himself the place he'd pledged to protect. A pledge he supposed was now broken since Lord Denethor had cast himself in his madness and grief off the edge of his own city.
The men and women of Gondor were an interesting folk. Merry had told him they were very different to those of Rohan. The city-folk watched them now with a wary curiosity mixed with outright awe towards the elves, as they passed through the narrow streets. He noticed the elves purposely paid them no heed as they chattered away in their own tongue; laughing at Taurorn as he tried to keep up with his poor elvish. He wondered if Frodo would be able to understand the two. Frodo had learnt the language of the elves from Bilbo. He wondered just how Frodo fared?
"Pip, you're awfully quiet?" Merry said to him and he shook his head of the thoughts chasing one another in circles.
"I was only thinking."
"Well don't think too hard young hobbit or your head might blow up!" Gimli chuckled heartily.
"I wouldn't want that." He replied lightly but Merry watched him curiously.
"What were you thinking of?" He asked.
"Of Frodo." He murmured and the elves turned back to regard him.
"I think of him too." Aerlaer said quietly and Legolas nodded.
"And Sam."
"And I think they are probably doing just fine." Gimli said and they all looked at him questioningly. "You hobbits may be small folk, but you are mighty of heart and I believe Frodo and Sam will come through in the end and defy Sauron who seems to be the epitome of death himself. We have all done alright so far to be here." Pippin found himself nodding although an image of Boromir flashed across his mind and for that he felt a deep pang of sadness but Gimli was right, the rest of them had continued on and defied many odds to be where they now were and the journey was not yet over.
"Here we are—the marketplace." Taurorn announced in that quiet, ranger way of his, and they all turned to behold a wide street filled with many stalls.
"Well I think this will be an adventure in itself." Merry murmured as Pippin surveyed some of the food stalls in anticipation, mouth already watering.
…
If Legolas ever had to feel acutely aware he was indeed an elf, it was now as they strode into the market street. He felt the gazes on them, the many faces of men, women and children beholding the sight of him and the splendor of Aerlaer beside him. Often, snippets of conversation drifted to his ears; exclamations that there were elves in the market and many comments on their beauty which amused him thoroughly. They wondered over the presence of a dwarf and many exclaimed how they thought hobbits were only legends. Murmur's reached his ears of the mysteriousness of the young ranger too.
In his opinion, these people of Gondor were incredibly naïve to the world around them. Watching Aerlaer's reaction to the bustling market street however, made their adventure into the city completely worth it for him. The elleth gazed about in amazement, as if she had never seen such a thing before. Perhaps she had not, his father's kingdom had something similar amongst the woods and to him it was not so strange.
Legolas looked to where her eyes were currently drawn—to many colourful, silk kites of different designs. He shook his head as a great red, brown and gold dragon reminded him of the wrathful Smaug. Whoever designed the kites was an excellent craftsman or woman, for he could easily discern the time and skill which had gone into each one.
"They are exceptional." He murmured and Aerlaer nodded enthusiastically.
"The birds, they look almost real." She said in awe and he smiled for her mood was infectious.
"It is a wonder the market is still open really after everything which has gone on these past few days." Gimli muttered as they moved along.
"I guess these people still need to make a living." Taurorn mused and Legolas silently agreed with him. While they were mere visitors in this land, these people still had their day to day lives to go about. He felt a warm and gentle hand upon his forearm and turned to Aerlaer, she was pointing towards the stall of a smith where many swords and daggers hung on display.
"I have not forgotten our conversation last night." She said casually.
"And I have not forgotten what the winner will be owed, and I intend to." He answered with a roguish grin and watched as her eyes darkened a shade as they danced mischievously.
"What are you two planning now?" Gimli asked warily, glancing up at them both.
"Something along the lines of another fighting competition." Taurorn called back breezily and Gimli shook his head.
"Oh no, last time you two fought it was bad enough."
"But it will be different now I think." Merry commented with a laugh.
"Yes, this time I will not have to worry you are with another." Legolas smirked.
"You what? Who? Are you mad?" Aerlaer gaped at him in disbelief to which Taurorn and Gimli laughed loudly.
"You better explain yourself." Aerlaer demanded hotly and Legolas smirked.
"I don't have to." He brushed off her demand, trying not to laugh at her reaction.
"Yes, you do." She growled out and he stopped and watched her, considering.
"I will tell you." He said slowly. "But it will cost you." He added to which she narrowed her eyes at him.
"What exactly will it cost me?" She asked regally.
"I have not decided yet." He answered, thoroughly enjoying winding her up.
"Gimli will tell me." She said and turned to the dwarf expectantly.
"No, no I am staying out of this." He said to which she growled in annoyance.
"Taurorn?"
"Sorry dearest sister, I am not saying a word."
"Fine." She said huffily to which Taurorn looked back at him and winked.
"I saw that."
"You were meant to." Taurorn chuckled.
"Pastries!" Pippin cried out excitedly and it seemed Aerlaer momentarily forgot her previous annoyance with he and Taurorn as her eyes lit up at the assortment of sweet and savory pastries on display.
"They look delicious." Merry murmured and Aerlaer nodded as she and the hobbits walked forward to further inspect the delicacies. He, Gimli and Taurorn followed behind them.
"How much sweet food is too much?" Legolas asked the ranger quietly and he looked at him with a smirk.
"It does not bother me." He chuckled. "Aerlaer is now your problem if she happens to get sweet-blood." Taurorn nudged him in the side. "But for reference, probably no more than six of those sweet pastries." He helpfully added. "It is my shout anyway so she cannot get more." Legolas grinned.
"Can we help you and your companions, my Lady? One of the two middle aged women kindly greeted Aerlaer and the hobbits. Legolas grinned as Aerlaer and Pippin began to excitedly ask about the contents of the pastries, leaving the two women looking quite overwhelmed to have the elleth speaking so quickly and animatedly. Clearly, they did not realize elves were not actually the quiet beings that simply ate nuts and berries and spoke with the trees. The interaction between races was also amusing even to Gimli who chuckled lightly.
He listened carefully to the women's description of the contents of each pastry and eventually they had all decided on a mixture of both sweet and savory. With their delicacies wrapped carefully in a cloth, Taurorn now led them towards the Houses of Healing where they could share what Pippin declared to be their second breakfast, with Éowyn.
…
"Aerlaer, it is wonderful to see your lovely, friendly face!" Éowyn exclaimed as she entered her Rohirrim friend's chamber and dashed across the room to the chair which she sat in. Gently embraced her, surprised when Eowyn hugged her back fiercely.
"You look well my friend, do you feel well?" Aerlaer asked, and the young woman nodded.
"Yes, I am feeling much better, every day I feel a little stronger."
"Are you strong enough for second breakfast in the Healing Gardens with the hobbits, Taurorn, Gimli and Legolas and I?" She asked hopefully and to her delight Éowyn nodded.
"Of course! I would love to see you all. Éomer told me you were unconscious also; I am glad you are well. You will have to tell me of your journey through the Paths of the Dead." She added as she stood from her chair. Aerlaer automatically handed her the cloak which rested upon the corner of the bed. The chamber was like the one she had awoken in.
Together they walked slowly from the chamber, Aerlaer noting that despite her good spirits, Éowyn was still a little weakened from her run in with Angmar the Nazgul. Sunshine and fresh air will do her good.
They walked beneath the outside area where Legolas had kissed her, and she smiled at the memory.
"You look very pleased about something." Éowyn noted and she wondered how long it would take her friend to figure it out. She simply shrugged her shoulders.
"It is a lovely day." She answered nonchalantly which Éowyn seemed content with as they stepped down onto the cool and lush lawns of the small garden. Aerlaer was pleased to see it was only occupied by their companions who sat in a small circle a gap left beside Legolas and one between Gimli and Merry. Their four companion's faces lit up as they beheld Éowyn. Legolas's eyes fell on her and he gave her a bright smile for her alone, and her heart skipped a beat, her stomach feeling as light as a feather. I do not think anything could bring more clarity to my world than that smile.
"Aerlaer?" Éowyn questioned.
"Oh, sorry I was in thought what were you asking?" She apologized a little sheepishly.
"Are you all leaving for the Black Gate?"
"Yes." She answered quietly and Éowyn nodded.
"Then I am glad to spend this time with you all." She said warmly as they finally reached the small group and Aerlaer unslung her weapons and rested them beside where Legolas and Taurorn had placed their quivers before sitting down beside Legolas, tucking her legs half under her.
"You are looking much better." Merry commented and beside him Pippin nodded.
"You truly do."
"Between you and Aerlaer, you gave us all quite the scare." Gimli murmured gruffly. "It is good to see you up and about, young lassie."
"They'll call you Éowyn the wraith-slayer now!" Legolas smirked and Taurorn nodded in agreement.
"Yes, no one will dare mess with you!" To that Éowyn laughed, blushing a little.
"You are all too kind." She tried brushing their words off.
"But it is true." Merry said with a smile.
"Now we can eat!" Pippin declared and Aerlaer laughed lwhile Taurorn and Gimli shook their heads at the food driven hobbit. Legolas carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal the mixture of pastries.
"There are sweet and savory ones, but they are all mixed up. Help yourself, my friend." Taurorn said to Éowyn and allowing a cheerful grin to grace her lips, she selected the closest pastry to her and took a bite.
"Oh, these are wonderful!" She said between mouthfuls as Pippin scoffed down his second pastry while Aerlaer picked one out she was sure was apple and rhubarb and took a small bite from the corner, and realizing she had picked correctly, savored the taste.
"What one do you have?" Legolas asked between a mouthful of his own.
"Apple and rhubarb." She replied before taking another bite.
"Can I try?" He made to swipe the other half from her hand, and she held it out of his reach.
"No, find your own." She laughed mischievously.
"But I want yours." He grinned and she quickly shoved the rest of her pastry in her mouth, trying not to laugh and choke on it.
"Sometimes I think you are a hobbit, Aerlaer." Taurorn teased while Éowyn laughed at her attempt at wolfing down the pastry.
"And here I was thinking I was in the eloquent presence of a Princess." Legolas quipped and she glared at him, a smirk betraying her as she then grabbed another pastry and took another small bite and discovering it was one of the apricot ones from the eve before.
She watched as Legolas looked for another apricot one upon the quickly diminishing pile of pastries, and realised she held the last one. Quickly she took another bite before he realised too.
"You have that which I seek." Legolas said and she leapt up and back a few feet away from him.
"It is mine." She declared with a devious smirk as he leapt up too, facing her.
"I have information which you seek." He said cleverly as he took a couple steps towards her. She took three steps back.
"You do." She mused thoughtfully and watched his face light up as he thought she would exchange the pastry for what he had withheld from her earlier. He should know by now I never do what someone expects me to. She grinned.
"I am not trading though, your negotiations are...fruitless." She took a small nibble from the delicacy in her hand, watching him. Lightening quick he leapt towards her, grabbing her by the arm. Damn, I was too busy watching his eyes!
She hid the remaining pastry behind her as the other elf tried snatching it from her, glad she'd set her quiver down as she twisted around trying to free herself of his grip.
"Ah ha! I have got it!" Legolas declared as he managed to grasp her other wrist and bring it from behind her.
"Don't go counting your pastries before you've eaten them!" She laughed, twisting out of his grip but he impeded her hasty retreat and her only escape was down as she rolled neatly, carefully holding the pastry so as not to ruin it.
Quickly she brought it to her mouth and had a quarter of the delicacy between her teeth about to bite down when a hand wrapped itself around her wrist and her other shoulder was pinned down. Aerlaer managed to take a decent bite of the pastry before Legolas brought her hand to his own mouth and snatched the remaining half of the pastry between his teeth, eyes dancing victoriously as he chewed with purposeful slowness, savoring the taste.
Aerlaer enjoyed the last of the tangy apricot before swallowing the pastry and then ran her tongue along her bottom lip, in case any remaining taste of apricot lingered. Legolas grinned deviously and leant down and kissed her, to her shock, running his tongue lightly over her bottom lip which he had captured with his own.
"Will you two cut it out!" Gimli cry out in exasperation, reminding Aerlaer they were far from alone. Legolas stopped kissing her and sat up, looking a little startled and sheepish as he held out a hand to help her sit up. What in Arda was wrong with them both? Elves did not act like this. Especially royalty. She was absolutely sure Legolas would have endured the same courtly upbringing which her mother had directed her in, and which she had to live by in Lothlorien. Royal blooded elves simply do not act like this, no matter how fun and exciting it is.
She felt possibly more sheepish than Legolas as she looked towards their companions. Gimli looked a little disgruntled while the hobbits were purposely concentrating on eating with amused smiles on their faces, Taurorn was outright laughing and Éowyn wore slightly stunned expression.
"Well, I see I was right about that one." She said with a light laugh. "It seems I have missed out on much." She beckoned for her and Legolas to re-join the circle. "So, when did this happen?" She asked with a half-smile, half grin as they both settled back down in their places, once again acting civilized.
With a toothy smile of his own, Gimli took it upon himself to re-tell the tale from his point of view which gave them all plenty to laugh about as he described hers and Legolas's antics over the past few days, both she and the woodland elf adding bits to Gimli's tale. When finally, he arrived at the part where Legolas had kissed her in the Healing Gardens and realised who she was, Éowyn gasped in awe.
"They will sing songs about you two." She said dreamily. "For if that is not fated true love than nothing is." Legolas laughed as the hobbits agreed with Éowyn.
"Well Pippin you had best start thinking up a song." Merry teased and Pippin nodded, a smile playing upon his lips.
…
They remained in the gardens with Éowyn for a full hour and Legolas cherished the peace he felt; being amongst friends and beside Aerlaer. After their unintended play-fight concerning the pastries he was trying to be on his very best behavior, although he was already plotting how he would find a moment before they left to kiss her again. It seemed Éowyn had clued onto his feelings for Aerlaer too.
Had anyone not, apart from Aerlaer herself? He truly had been terrible at hiding them, and it was a wonder Aerlaer had not figured it out sooner. Another conversation they had not yet had. It was almost as if Éowyn, the hopeless romantic he now realised she was, was thinking along the same lines.
"When did you realize you cared for her?" She asked him and he glanced at Aerlaer who was watching him now with curiosity.
"Not counting the first time, it was in Lothlorien." He replied softly to which Aerlaer smiled.
"When did you realize, Aerlaer?" Éowyn asked and he was amused to see the other elf look a little embarrassed.
"I did not even know until Rodwen told me." She admitted with a laugh. "Truly I thought I was dying, my heart kept feeling funny." Legolas looked at her incredulously while Taurorn snickered in thorough amusement. He had buried what love felt like to protect his own heart but clearly her father had rendered anything she had felt centuries before as so incorrect, she had forgotten what love truly felt like. The realization was a bitter one. If only they knew the actions of their fathers.
"But once I figured it out, I realised I had cared for him since he tried to get himself killed during the Uruk-hai attack on the banks of the Anduin." She grinned at him and he recalled her incredible lifesaving maneuver.
"Oh, I think it was before then." Pippin quipped.. "Do not think we have forgotten the mines." He said with a smirk which Merry reflected.
"Oh yes, you rendered the lad practically speechless." Gimli sniggered and Legolas shrugged.
"Well if her eyes were not so entrancing." He defended himself as Aerlaer smirked at him.
"Are they?"
"Very."
"Enough. I've heard enough of your lovesick talk." Gimli grumbled loudly, causing Éowyn to laugh. "Thank Durin I did not have to share a tent with you both!"
"I did. They did not shut up for hours." Taurorn snickered.
"You shouldn't have been able to hear us!" Aerlaer said indignantly, causing Éowyn more laughter which the hobbits had now joined in on.
"I might not be an elf, but I am not deaf." Taurorn replied and then turned and grinned to Éowyn. "You should have heard them, whispering sweet nothings to one another—"
"How is Aida, Taurorn?" Aerlaer cut him off with a smirk causing him to grapple for words.
"Aida? As in the young healer woman?" Éowyn asked and received a confirmation nod from Legolas.
"Yes, Taurorn is quite enamored with her, aren't you dearest brother?" Aerlaer teased, taking her revenge with glee.
"Well, ah, yes." Taurorn admitted to the entire group, looking rather embarrassed and annoyed Aerlaer had turned the jesting on him.
"You know she did mention she had become acquainted with one of the rangers, I had assumed she meant Lord Aragorn being he is a healer too." Éowyn mused with a smile and Legolas held in a laugh as Taurorn's face lit up. I should not even think to laugh, for how different is Taurorn's reaction to any of mine regarding Aerlaer if I'd thought she had spoken of me?
"Did she say anything about me?" He asked eagerly.
"She only said she enjoyed your company and that of the elves too, for you are very different to those of Gondor and kinder and fairer of heart." The ranger looked pleased with Aida's assessment Legolas noted, a smile playing on his lips. He turned to Aerlaer to find her looking up at the sky, looking disheartened.
"We need to head back, we leave shortly." Her mood seemed to affect them all, and he was sure they all wished as he did, they could remain in the joyful state they had been in for the past hour. Begrudgingly Éowyn stood as Merry folded up the cloth which had held the pastries. He too stood and held a hand down to Aerlaer which she took, her light grip sending warm tingles through his hand and up his arm.
Éowyn embraced them all in turn. When she came to Legolas he was nearly crushed into a caring hug as she placed a brief kiss upon his cheek as she had with the others.
"Keep her out of trouble." Éowyn directed and he chuckled.
"I cannot promise anything, but I will certainly try." He smiled at her as she released him. As a group, they walked back into the Houses of Healing, escorting Éowyn back to her chamber.
"Be safe all of you, I want to see the six of you again soon!" She said with feeling as they fare welled her.
"Of course, you will see us again." Aerlaer assured her with a grin as she practically skipped out of the Healing Hall. Legolas hoped with all his heart her reassurance to Éowyn was true, as they once again entered the city streets to make their way back to the encampment, and then onwards to Mordor.
Hi peeps!
The good news! I've edited five chapters for There Were Ten. Taking full advantage of the current heat wave here in Australia, and time off work to get this thing finished! I admit I could be a bit tighter with the editing, but I've gotten to the point I just want it posted up for you guys to be able to read the end!
Quick update, I participated in NaNoWriMo last month, and that was wild! I reached my 50,000 words, which means I have maybe 20,000 left to finish the first draft of my YA Scifi, Delusion. Bring on the editing rounds! I think I'll be going down the Indie Publishing path, having met so many incredible indie authors in the past nine months, and devouring their stories. Totally going to drop an indie author friend's deets here, if you haven't already heard of Crown of Conspiracy by Kara S Weaver, seriously get on Amazon and get your hands on it! CoC has all the elf feels, with a female main character who is a reckless warrior princess much like Aerlaer, and her guard, Tal, who reminded me so much of the Hobbit Legolas, but with more humor. It is awesome! I think you guys, loving There Were Ten, will enjoy it.
Blasttyrant asked if house moving went well. I can't believe it has been a full year since we moved! I only just unpacked all my books about three weeks ago, when I finally found a bookcase I liked! :D
After I've tackled finishing There Were Ten, I'll move on to Fated, which is close to finished, and from there, Letters to Raven. September was the last time I updated, eep! Even though I've been inactive, I have been reading everyone's reviews (guilt trips, haha), and I love hearing from you all! They make my day, especially on the day's I'm working on my original projects and wondering who is going to read the muck I'm writing! I love you guys all have so much love for this story and Aerlaer!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and stuffed themselves like hobbits!
A xx