Hello again! Sorry for the long gap between updates, but I've been really busy with my finals and my dissertation. But it's all over now so I can spend my free time writing more of my stories! I have three on the go at the moment so please be patient with me! Thanks again to everyone who reviewed! I love hearing your opinions!
Elanor followed Arwen through the open corridors of archways and stone framed windows. Through them she could see the sky turn a deep orange as the sun began to set over the rushing falls. Outside the trees stood tall and proud, leaves falling to the ground as they turned golden and brown with the coming season. Arwen lead them a little further down the corridor and around the corner before stopping front of a large wooden door, identical to the ones either side of it. Arwen reached down and opened the door, stepping aside to allow Elanor through. She was met with a small smile that signalled the approval of their guest.
The room itself was not overly large, only slightly bigger than the one they had just left, but it held a wonder of its own. Light filtered through the large open window, marred only by the white linen curtains that were suspended in front of them. Against the far wall stood a large bed and upon the head rest were carved figures of birds and intertwining branches. These branches then extended up into a canopy from which silver drapes hung.
Upon her bed lay her saddle bag and pack. Through a small archway to the left stood a large metal bath brimming with hot water and the sweet smell of lavender floated through the room. For a woman you had lived much of her life in a tent, it was a pure joy. Arwen smiled as she watched Elanor inquisitively inspect the room,
"You are free to come and go as you please," She said, "But for your own safety it is best you do not leave this place at nightfall."
"You need not worry Arwen. I have no intention of wandering tonight. All I desire is a hot bath and a warm bed."
Arwen laughed, "That we can manage." She said, pointing to the bath. Elanor sighed happily and moved through the arch into the other room,
"If you leave your clothes aside I shall have them washed for you." Arwen called from the other room.
Elanor called out in thanks and heard the soft sound of footsteps and the click of the door as Arwen left. Elanor smiled happily at the tub of awaiting water and began to peel of her clothes. She threw aside her heavy coat and removed the outer lays of armour, covered in mud. Elanor pulled a face at the state of her undergarments. She had not changed them since they had left and now clung to her with sweat. Why had no one told her she smelt so bad?
She shed her remaining clothed and slide slowly down into the bath. She groaned happily as the warmth crept over her body, washing away the dirt of her travels. She reached up and removed the leather thong that held back her hair and let it fall down about her. Elanor took a deep breath and plunged under the water. As she rose, she pulled her damp hair from her face and smiled. Looking round, she found a piece of round golden soap that smelt faintly of a small flower she recognised but could not name. She lathered the bar in her hand and began to wash away the blood, sweat and tears of the days past.
Once finished, Elanor leant her head back against the side of the tub and slowly closed her eyes feeling, for the first time in days, completely relaxed.
The water had grown cold by the time Elanor awoke from her sleep. In fact she did not realise she had slept, until she heard a bell toll some distance away, which snapped her from her dreams. Shivering slightly Elanor stood up, letting the water run from her body and leaning over, grabbed one of the large towels left beside the bath. Wrapping it tightly around her she noticed her disregarded clothes had already been removed and that upon the bed before her lay simple undergarments and the most beautiful gown Elanor had ever seen. A robe of purple silk, embroidered with tiny silver flowers about the neck and cuffs. Elanor reached out hesitantly almost afraid to touch it.
From somewhere outside another bell tolled its sound resonating through the valleys. Elanor stared at the dress once more before pulling open her own bag and rummaging through it. A sudden knock at the door halted her actions. Elanor grabbed instinctively at her towel,
"Elanor, are you dressed? The bell calls us to dinner." Elanor let out a sigh as Talins voice came through the door,
"Come in Talin." She called. There was a momentary pause as the door handle turned and Talin stepped through the doorway,
"What on earth is tak…"
His voice caught in his throat, and a blush rushed to his cheeks as Elanor stood before him, wearing only a fluffy white towel,
"Look at this, Talin." She said anxiously, pointing to the bed. Talin, who had his eyes to the floor, was unwilling to look anywhere else that this point,
"Surely she cannot expect me to where this? I've never worn anything so expensive in my life! What if I ruin it?"
Talin glanced up briefly and looked at the dress. His blush growing deeper as his eyes lingered on Elanors exposed figure a moment longer than he should,
"It looks fine to me." He mumbled.
"Of course it does. It looks beautiful. Too beautiful. I could never wear something of such finery."
Talin mumbled something else and shifted his feet.
"Honestly Talin, what is the matter with you?" she asked huffily, putting a hand on her hip, "Stop mumbling and look at me."
Talin raised his head and fought back a laugh as he watch Elanor try to appear annoyed one hand of her hip while trying to hold up a towel with the other.
"Sorry El." He smiled at her and Elanor frowned. She hated when he called her that. She sighed heavily,
"It doesn't matter." She said, "Could you go and find Lady Arwen? Do you know her?"
Talin looked at her confused,
"Yes I know her, but what do you…"
"Tell her I need a different dress, a plainer one." She said, running out of patience,
"Elanor, you do know that…"
"Not now Talin. Please just go and get her. I don't want to keep everyone waiting."
Talin sighed dejectedly and nodded. As he left the room Elanor quickly grabbed the cotton undergarments left out for her and carefully pulled back her hair which had already began to dry in the warm evening air. A soft knock came from the door,
"Who is it?" Elanor called. Arwens voiced answered her from the other side and Elanor ushered her inside followed by another elven handmaid carrying a bundle in her arms,
"A young ranger tells me you are unhappy with the dress?" she asked, slight disappointment in her voice,
"No, not at all." Elanor said quickly, "It's just, well, it's not me. This is a gown for the daughter of Kings. Not a ranger of the north."
Arwen seemed to contemplate what Elanor had said and gave a small smile, showing that she understood,
"Then we shall keep it until you feel worthy of it." Arwen said, scooping up the dress in her arms and giving if to the maid beside her,
"Perhaps this is more to your taste." With one fluid movement Arwen took the cloth bundle from the maid and held it out to Elanor, letting it unravel from her hands. The bundle was, in fact, another dress, simpler in design than the first. It was made of soft, white material with a woven silver belt hung about the waist. About the curved neckline was a simple design of silver leaves which extended down the length of the arms. Elanor smiled and nodded,
"It belonged to one of the handmaidens who wished for you to have it, considered it a gift from the House of Elrond." Arwen said handing the dress to Elanor who stared open mouthed,
"Thank you" she said gratefully, "I shall take great care of it."
Arwen smiled at her, "You are welcome. Now we must hurry and get you dressed, for I can already hear the growl of your stomach!"
Hehehe Isn't Talin cute? For those who asked Elanors father will be revealed soon I promise! And he might even make an appearance later on…. (so you know he's not dead. )