Chapter 3
Outside the majestic gates of Tirion, Laurelin's faint gold began to mingle with the fading silver of Telperion, glittering upon the pathway and the fields. Just outside the gate, Artanis waited. Soon, Lómennel emerged from the open gate, seeming to glide down the stone staircase towards Artanis. As she caught sight of Artanis, an elegant smile spread across her face, and Artanis smiled back. They reached out to each other and clasped their hands together, fingers interlocking.
"You look more and more beautiful each time I see you," Artanis said.
"As do you," Lómennel replied, stroking Artanis' cheek.
"Come walk now with me," Artanis said. "Most others are in their homes in the city now, and the forest is quite beautiful at this hour."
Hand in hand, they slowly strolled through the quiet wood, savoring each other's touch. They paused when they reached a small clearing amongst the tall trees. Artanis placed her hands on Lómennel's thin waist and gazed into those deep pools of sea-gray.
"I think I am in love with you," she said in a soft, airy voice.
"That is good," Lómennel replied, "because I know I am in love with you."
Those words had barely left Lómennel's lips when Artanis grasped her jaw with both hands and kissed her vigorously. Artanis dropped her hands down to Lómennel's shoulders. With her thumbs she toyed with the edge of the other's wide-necked dress. At the same time Lómennel drew her hands gently up along Artanis' sides. Continuing to kiss, Artanis then slid the dress over Lómennel's shoulders and let it fall to the ground in a shimmering stream. Lómennel soon did the same to her. The two fair elf-maidens stood in each other's arms, breasts touching, locked in a kiss.
Artanis then guided Lómennel onto her back on the cool, soft grass and poised herself above her. She let her fingers wander over Lómennel's flawless, creamy skin, savoring each curve. Lómennel bit her lip, causing it to momentarily turn a vibrant red. Pushing her long golden hair aside, Artanis lowered her head to the warmth between Lómennel's legs. With her tongue she explored the other maiden's depths, as Lómennel began to breathe heavily. Only when Lómennel let out a soft cry of pleasure, hips buckling, did Artanis pull away.
Lómennel lay still for a few moments, taking long breaths, her cheeks glowing red amidst her pale face. Holding onto Artanis, she rolled them both over, with Artanis' back now on the ground. She placed her mouth on the hard, rosy hill atop Artanis' full, firm right breast, caressing it with her lips and tongue. As she did this, she slid a soft, smooth finger inside of Artanis. She slowly worked it within her until Artanis' body was flooded by warm waves of pleasure. As Laurelin reached fullest brightness, they continued to bring each other to ecstasy again and again, sending up cries of passion into the cool, clear air.
Eyes closed and their bare bodies bathed in bright gold, they lay side by side, facing the sky. Their shoulders were pressed gently together and their fingers intertwined. Artanis' golden locks mingled with Lómennel's black hair on the grass behind them. Silently, Artanis leaned over to Lómennel and gently kissed her neck.