Chapter 8
The click of a door closing wakes me. Legolas' blonde head of hair remains still on my chest so I bring my fingers up as quietly as I can and gently comb through his ever tangle free locks. I can feel the moment he wakes even though he doesn't move.
"How did you sleep?" I ask gently.
"Very well, I feel well rested." He sits up and I regret speaking.
"You look much better." I say sitting as well and studying his face. I reach up and gently brush a thumb over the smooth skin under his eyes. "The weariness is gone from your face." He gives me a small smile before standing and extending a hand to me.
"It looks like Pippin left to prepare for the party tonight." I say picking up the note on the table. "He says we're welcome to the leftovers if we'd like."
We each grab a bite to eat and decide to leave our floor bed where it is since no one is likely going to spend much time in here today. When we're finished eating, Legolas decides to go help set up. I offer to help but I think he can tell I also want to stay and read Bilbo and Frodo's stories, so he convinced me to stay.
I crawl over our bed onto the grey couch and get comfortable. Their stories easily pull me in, they're so engaging. And oh boy I thought I had it bad. At least I didn't have to face a giant fire breathing dragon or get stabbed multiple times. I also have a new appreciation for Sam. Frodo wrote of him so highly, and the great bravery and strength he had in the Tower of Cirith Ungol and on Mount Doom.
"Oh! You're not ready yet?" I lift my head from the book to see Rosie standing in the archway. I look up to the clock Pippin has hanging over the fireplace. Jeez, 6:30? Where did the day go? I look back sheepishly and lift the book as if that explains things.
"Oops, I got carried away." I close the book and place it carefully on the end table. Rosie watches as I crawl back over the couch to stand by her.
"Well, lets do our best to get you ready quickly then." She moves to where the dress sits folded and quickly unlaces it before handing it to me. I take it and scurry to the bathroom to change. When the belt is laced back up in place she has me sit in front of her. I wait patiently as she twists and tangles the top half of my hair.
"Perfect!" She cheers and steps back. "Come." She grabs my hand and pulls me to the bathroom. We stand in front of a mirror and she lifts a hand held mirror behind me so I can see her beautiful work. My hair is pulled up into a half updo. Where all my hair pulls together, she's created a braided flower looking bun.
"It's beautiful, thank you!" I turn around and bend slightly to hug her. She chuckles happily.
"Alright, let's go before the guys eat all the food." I smile and follow her out the door.
Wow. The hobbits have transformed the place. In the trees hang hundreds of little orange lights, and between the trees are strings of lanterns. There's an area to the right with square tables covered with white tablecloths and plates of food. To the left there's an open area with hobbits dancing. The music flows from a few men with mandolins, pan flutes, and an instrument that looks like an open drum. Straight ahead, further away, someone's started a bonfire. The door to the tavern is also open and hobbits come and go with drinks.
The party is already in full swing. Rosie grabs my hand and pulls me forward. She weaves us around a few tents I didn't notice at first. We're moving to fast for me to see what's in them, but I think I noticed fireworks in one of them and the possibility excites me. We slow to a stop in front of a table of our friends. The guys all stand when they notice us; the manners here still astonish me.
"You appear to belong wherever we travel. You look beautiful once again." Legolas complements me. My cheeks heat and I turn to Rosie to redirect the attention.
"I've been blessed with wonderful girl friends who help me." I say and squeeze her hand. She smiles bashfully.
"We got you girls some mead." Sam says pushing a couple mugs toward Rosie and me. I wonder briefly how long my luck will last before we each grab a mug and move to sit at the table. Legolas, Pippin, and I are on one side while Sam, Rosie, and Marry are on the other.
Legolas and I tell the hobbits about our plans to head down to Gondor next to get Gandalf before we visit Gimli in the Glittering Caves, and how finally we plan to go to Greenwood to see Legolas' home. Sam tells us about his plans to add some of his own ideas to the blank pages at the back of the tale the Baggins' wrote. We take turns talking, eating, and drinking.
"Ready for another?" Rosie nods at my mug when we finish our food. I nod. "Let's go then!" She stands and I follow her lead.
"Would you like anything?" I turn back to Legolas. "Anyone?" I quickly add on looking around the table. They all shake their heads so Rosie and I take our leave.
She leads me past the people dancing to the open door of the tavern. She orders us 2 more mead from the barmaid behind the counter who nods and turns to pour our drinks. The barmaid turns back around and places the new mugs in front of us.
"On the house dear." The lady says to Rosie. We thank her and make our way back out to our friends. On the way she explains it's one of the perks of working there.
We stay at the table for a while just talking and drinking. I'm a tad warm and I'm mostly sure my cheeks are rosy, but I find I don't care. There's a pleasant hum running through me.
"We should go dance!" I turn to Legolas after setting down my nearly empty mug. "When Rosie and I got our drinks we passed the hobbits dancing. They looked like they were having so much fun!" He looks like he's trying not to chuckle at me but acquiesces.
We stand and I stumble slightly as the world spins a bit. Legolas and Pippin both reach out to steady me. I put my hands out in what I hope is a confident stance.
"Don't worry, I got this." I say.
"If you insist." Legolas says amused but I can tell he's prepared in case I stumble again. I give him an 'I'm watching you' side eye and he raises his hands in an 'I'm innocent of anything' gesture. I grab one of his raised hands and pull him toward the makeshift dance floor.
The hobbits are doing a merry jig in partners or small groups to an upbeat string tune. A drumbeat starts up and I pull Legolas just inside the edge of the dancers. I face him and try to pick up the moves while he, of course, effortlessly picks them up.
A few songs in, the hobbits grow more carefree with us and one pulls me in to switch partners. I look back over my shoulder and smile at Legolas before turning back to my new partner. The songs and partners switch a few more times before I'm returned to Legolas.
"I think I need a break." I say out of breath.
"Where would you like to go?" He asks looking down at me. I look around assessing my options.
"Another drink and then the fire!" I declare, lifting my finger in the air. He holds back a grin and nods.
"Lead the way." I step in front of him and guide us to the bar. I order my usual here, and he tells the barmaid to 'make it two'. He pays and we give our thanks before stepping out. I take a sip and barley notice the last of taste this time. I grab Legolas' free hand and tug him toward the roaring fire.
Someone's added more logs since we first came out and now the flames are almost as tall as I am. On the ground lay large tree trunks as we find an empty spot to sit together. The sky is dark now and I take a moment to appreciate how the lanterns and lights glow beautifully in the trees. The music's slowed considerably and it gives the atmosphere an almost romantic feel. Or maybe that's just me imagining things.
We sit in silence, sipping and just enjoying each others company. A wave of contentment washes over me and I lean my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes. The pops of the burning wood crackle softly. He hasn't pushed me away, so I place my mug on the ground then loop one of my arms with and hold him gently with my free hand.
A bang interrupts my peaceful moment and I startle. I look around frantically for what happened when another boom rings out. This one is followed by a fizzling sound and I see gold sparks raining down.
"Fireworks!" I exclaim, looking to our left. We watch as the sky fills with colour after colour, golds, greens, blues, purples. Most explode out into circles or stars and then slowly fall toward the ground, but some spiral out, while others create a waterfall effect. Cheering erupts when the show ends. I clap along, still looking at the now quiet sky. I cover a yawn with my hand as I turn back to Legolas.
"Tired?" he asks, and I nod. "Tolo." He stands. "Let's head back so you may rest."
I stand and sway. Legolas steadies me while I close my eyes and bring a hand to my face. I take a moment to breath and try to get the world to stop spinning. Things feel still, so I lower my hand and open my eyes again.
"Ready?" I nod and cringe as things start moving again. Bad idea.
Legolas leads us over to the hobbits and informs them we're going to retire for the night while I stand slightly in front of them trying not to look drunk. How are they still going? None of them look ready to quit anytime soon. They all come hug me and say goodnight to us.
I walk in front of Legolas toward Pippin's door. The music and lights of the party fade the further we get. The moon is small tonight and the bright stars catch my attention. The moment I look away from the ground I trip. Thankfully Legolas manages to catch me. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, he's caught me around my middle. His hand is splayed across the belt just under my breasts. The tips of his fingers just brush the undersides of them.
My heartbeat quickens and I'm grateful he's behind me and can't see my face flush. He pulls me so I'm upright and waits for me to nod before removing his hand. I make sure to watch the rest of my steps back.
"You do not hold drink well do you Guren?" I hear the teasing glint in his voice.
"Don't judge me." I groan. "I don't drink back home." I say pushing Pippin's door open.
"Why is that?" He closes the door behind us. "I was under the impression humans participated in drink regular, for fun or other purposes." I sigh and leg my shoulders sag.
"It's not important." I spot my bag. "I'm going to change." I grab it and head to the bathroom. I hold onto the counter as the room spins. I take a few deep breaths before stepping back and reaching for the ties of the belt. I fumble with the never ending knot and sway. Dammit. Reluctantly, and probably unnecessarily, I lean through the doorway.
"Legolas." I call.
"Yes?" He appears in no time at all.
"Could you, um, help me with the tie?"
"Of course." He says and makes his way to me. I straighten, then lean back against the counter for support.
I try not to move as he starts untying the knot at the bottom. Once free, he starts unlacing the belt and all I can think about is his fingers inching upward while I'm braless under the fabric. He expertly finishes unlacing and avoids any inappropriate touches while I hold my breath. He sets the belt next to me and looks to me in question.
"I'm good now, thanks." I reassure him. "I can do the rest." He nods once and then heads back to the living room I suppose. I take off Rosie's dress then replace it with the nightgown Arwen gave me. As I make it back to the living room Legolas stand from the fresh fire.
"Come and turn around." I do as he says, and he starts removing the pins from my hair. It falls down my back and he combs through it a few times to get rid of any tangles.
"Thank you." I say and lower down to my side of the bed.
He joins me and just like the previous two nights, he lays on my chest. The room still spins but the pressure helps me feel secure. I run my fingers through his hair again.
"Your hair is truly beautiful you know. So are your eyes, your face, all of you really." I slur and he chuckles, but I can't stop my mouth from moving. "You're super strong too. And kind. And smart. And dependable. And loyal. And graceful." I slur some more, dreamily.
"You complement me highly."
"You deserve it." My words blend together. He's quiet for a moment. I hear him start to say something but my fingers still in his hair and my body pulls me into the darkness.
"Shhh." I turn onto my stomach and put a pillow over my head to try and drown out the distant talking. It goes silent and I relax. I don't have the energy to jump when a hand suddenly rubs my back. I groan and turn over. Legolas is crouched beside me.
"We let you sleep as long as we could but we should get on the road soon." He says quietly. I rub my forehead and sit up with his help. He goes over to my pack and pick out my most comfortable riding outfit then brings it over to me. I stand and accept it from him. As I leave to change, he starts picking up our floor bed.
It's mostly a killer headache that's left bothering me once I'm dressed and freshened up. I ignore the heavy feeling trying to cling to my muscles and walk into the living room. It's all cleaned up so I move to my bag and shove my folded clothes in it. Footsteps sound behind me and then I feel a tap on my shoulder.
"I packed up some breakfast for you for the road. I figured you wouldn't want ta' eat anytime soon." Pippin says holding a wrapped bundle out to me.
"Thank you, that's very thoughtful of you." I say and place the bundle at the top of my packed bag. "I'm gonna miss you Pippin."
"I'm gunna miss you too. You're welcome back anytime!" I smile and pull him into a side hug.
"Can I take your bag? I'm going to tie mine to Arod." Legolas asks coming up beside us. I nod, let go of Pippin and hand over my pack.
"Oh, be careful with it. Pippin packed us some food and it's sitting on top." He nods then leaves with both our bags.
I grab the dress, belt, and pins from Rosie and fold them in a neat pile. Then I gently place Sam's book on top of it. Carefully, so as not to drop anything, I hug It all close to my chest and turn to Pippin.
"Do you know where I can find the others? I'd like to say goodbye to them." Pippin nods and tells me to follow him. He leads me out to where the party was held and I see the three of them cleaning up a table.
"Hey guys, have a minute to say goodbye?" I ask jokingly.
"Of course we do Miss Delilah!" Sam says and they stop what they're doing to come over to me.
"Oh here, this is yours." I say handing the red book back to Sam. "Thank you. It was really something special to read." I say sincerely. "And these are yours." I turn to Rosie and hand her the clothes. "Thank you for helping me fit in here."
"Of course. I'll miss you! Come back for another visit." Rosie says and we give each other a tight hug.
"Goodbye Miss Delilah, have fun on the rest of our journey."
"Thank you Sam." I say and open my arms for a hug from him. When he lets go I turn to Merry.
"Make sure you keep these crazy hobbits in line." I joke. "I'll miss you too." I say, a little unsure if we got close enough for a hug. He makes that choice for us and wraps his arms around my middle.
"Ready?" Legolas asks from behind me, and Merry lets go.
"Yep." I say and wave to them all one last time before we turn and walk to Arod. "I'm kind of sad to be leaving already. I really liked it here." I se him nod in my peripheral vision.
"Gimli is expecting us though, and we stayed longer than planned in Arnor." I nod knowing he's right. "How is your pain?"
"It's manageable. Can I ride in front though? I'm still kind of tired." He helps me onto Arod then climbs up behind me. One arm wraps around my waist while the other grabs the reins. Pressure builds behind my eyes and and I squeeze them tightly shut. I lean my head back and try to let sleep win out over the heaviness.
Back on the road and sleeping in the open; the nightmares come back. I haven't had a good sleep in almost a week, and every chance I get I take Legolas' bow to practice. He doesn't try talking about it anymore since I turn him down every time.
I set my feet shoulder width apart, straighten my back, and raise the bow in my left hand. My right hand notches the arrow and pulls back.
"Do not use your thumb." I jump as Legolas instructs me unexpectedly. "If you are going to develop habits they may as well be the correct ones." My eyes flicker over to him briefly before I follow his suggestion. I hook my index, middle, and ring fingers on the string, fitting the arrow between my index and middle fingers and pull back again. I fidget at the adjustment.
"I know it feels strange, but it will give you better accuracy as you become more comfortable with it." I nod in response and set my shoulders in determination. The feeling of him studying me momentarily distracts me but I do my best to push it away and refocus. The arrow lands closer but still not centre.
I retrieve the arrow then retake my place in front of the tree that's acting as my target. I set myself up again, take the proper grip, and squint in concentration. I almost fumble and drop the arrow when I feel Legolas breath behind me. He puts his hands on my shoulders and presses down.
"You are tense and shrugging your shoulders." I drop them and he removes his hands. "Better." He says lowly near my ear. "But now you've let your elbow drop in exchange." His breath tickles my cheek and I swallow, trying to keep the heat from creeping up my cheek and face.
He cups my elbow and encourages me to raise it. The gentle touch tingles and goosebumps raise along my arms. I'm thankful the clothes Arwen lent me have long sleeves so he can't see my body's reaction; I slouch slightly.
I can't help the blush this time or the pounding of my heart as he places his other hand on my back. Instinctively, I straighten and correct my posture.
"Good, now aim." My brain is slow to process his words and I just release the arrow without thinking. It hits the centre of the tree. Legolas steps back and cold replaces the warmth of his hands.
I just stand frozen in place, torn between disbelief of the shot, relief that I can breathe again, and regret that he took those warm fuzzy feelings with him. I shake myself out of it and move to get the arrow.
It's not fair. He can elicit feelings from me without even trying or probably even knowing. If what Arwen thinks is true then it shouldn't be to hard to get reactions from him too. Let's put her theory to the test. I grab the arrow from the tree absentmindedly while I try to concoct a plan.
I flinch later when he places a hand on my bow wrist to tell me its time to stop for the night. He gives me a concerned look as I hand back the bow and arrows.
"Are you in pain?" I shrug and look away.
"The new grip has been an adjustment." I admit somewhat embarrassed and walk to sit near the fire he's created.
"May I see?" He nods to my bow wrist. Reluctantly I extend my arm to him and he rolls up the sleeve. His brow furrows when he sees the two bruises I have. A faded one sits closer to my elbow from when I accidently snapped the string against it and a darker, redder one sits under my thumb on my wrist from all the times today my fingers slipped with the new grip.
"Stay here." He says then stands and walks into the small forest beside us.
I only have to wait a few minutes before he comes back with a small green plant. He's crushing it between his hands. He sits beside me again and motions for me to give him my arm again. I lay it on his crossed knees and watch as he gently smooths the chunky past on the bruises. It tingles and feels cold.
"Mentha piperita." I shoot him a confused look. "Peppermint. It can help with the pain in the absence of better trained healers." He says apologetically.
"It's more than enough, thank you. I was just going to hope it healed quickly."
"You must talk to me if things are troubling you. I may be able to help." I nervously chew on the inside of my lip and look to the fire. He stays still, waiting patiently.
"I can't get Sauron or the orcs out of my head." I say then look back to him. "They invade my dreams. Sometimes they surround me during the day. I felt so helpless. Before you guys showed up." I choke on my next thought. "When I couldn't save you guys from having to return to Mordor." Pressure swells under my eyes and a few hot tears streak my face. "I was hoping to have it all over with by the time you all caught up to me."
I close my eyes as he wipes a few of the tears away. When he removes his hand I look back at him. He looks at me with an expression I can't quite place. I sniffle and he cups my cheek.
"This is why you are pushing yourself so hard now?" I nod. "Sauron is gone now, and I cannot banish him from your mind. However, I can listen and help you work through the memory should you wish to speak about it further." He pauses. "As for the orcs, or any other danger, I will give my last breath protecting you. Should you allow me to do so. Do not fight alone for my benefit. I am a skilled fighter, I have been trained and trained many others for this. Place your faith in me. We can keep training with the bow and blade but only for a last resort and to restore your sense of confidence." He wipes a few more tears from my face and thinks for a moment.
"I am, and I know, the others would be touched you cared enough about us to wish to spare us. I will whatever is in my power to help you carry the burden of Sauron's actions." I smile as best I can and nod in acceptance. It's the assurance I didn't know I needed; to know that he doesn't blame me for anything.
"Do you wish to speak more about it tonight?" I shake my head and yawn, mentally drained.
"But could we… could I have a hug? If it makes you uncomfortable that's okay." I rush out the last little bit. Gently, he gives a half smile then opens his arms for me.
I shuffle closer so our legs touch. I tuck my bruised arm against my stomach so I don't get any mint paste on him and lean across our legs. I wrap my free arm around his lower back and he wraps his arms around my shoulders and upper back. We stay like this for a while and I close my eyes, just breathing in his scent.
He strokes my hair a few times before pulling away. While I climb into my bedroll he takes his and moves it behind me so I'm protected between him and the fire. I fall asleep to him playing with my hair and listening to a soft song in Sindarin.
A bird chirping wakes me. The fire is barley leftover coals now. I roll over and Legolas' dark green pants fill my vision. I look up and he's looking back down at me.
"How do you feel about riding longer today? We should give your arm time to heal before practicing some more."
"It's probably a smart idea."
We quickly pack our camp up and tie our things to Arod. Legolas mounts first then pulls me up easily to sit behind him. It's a nice day but the sun doesn't beat down on us the same anymore. The days are going to start getting colder soon.
Around midday we stop to give Arod a break and stretch our legs. I take the opportunity to wash my face and hands. When I look up I notice what looks like beans hanging just down the river. I tie Arod to a tree and go investigate. I pick the few beans, leeks, and parsnips scattered around. We already agreed to travel extra today but I'll have time to cook a hot meal tomorrow.
After I've safely tucked away my little find we get back on the road, er, path. One thing I miss about cars is how easy it is to talk in them. When we're going this fast it's hard to talk so it's pretty boring. As if they can read my mind, we slow to an easier pace. Time to test Arwen's theory.
I move as if to adjust but this time I scoot closer until I'm flush against his back and the inside of my thighs are lining the outside of his. I rest my cheek on his back and slide my hands around his sides to his chest and stomach. I open then close my fingers twice rubbing over the fabric of his tunic. The only reaction I get is a straightening of his back and Arod speeding up again.
We ride until its dark then decide on a quick meal of apples so we can stargaze before sleeping. We spread the bedrolls out beside each other, so they make a big blanket. He takes his bow, arrows, and cloak off before laying on the outer roll. I take the one between him and the fire.
The sky is cloud free and the stars shine brightly. We take turns pointed out different shapes that we see or constellations that we know. I look over at him when he speaks, he's got the arm closest to me tucked under his head. He's basically inviting me to cuddle him. But he never actually said that. Would it be too much? But if what Arwen thinks is true it'd be fine. Right?
I miss everything he says while I debate with myself. The worst he'll do is push me back over. I decide to go for it. I fake a yawn and stretch. Ew. I try not to cringe at myself. Then I roll to my side, move closer, and reach an arm across his stomach, resting my cheek on his chest. I close my eyes and try to even my breathing.
He stills. I hold my breath waiting to see what he's going to do. Eventually I feel him shift and then his cloak is fanned out on top of me. Oh my god. I swoon at his unexpected response. The hand that was behind his head comes to rest along my back, holding me in place and his other hand smooths down my hair and shoulders. I try to stay away to enjoy it but the overwhelming comfort sooths me to sleep.
I inhale deeply and snuggle into my pillow. Thump thump thump.I scrunch my face in confusion. My pillows move. Legolas.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." I try to push myself up, but his arms don't release me.
"Ú-moe edaved." He says. I relax and we lay in relative silence; the only sound is the birds chirping.
"We should go soon. I'd really like a proper bed again." I say once the sun rises and I start to get antsy. He chuckles but releases me. I ride in front today and nothing of importance happens. I spend most of the time watching the scenery pass by.
We stop earlier today giving me enough time to make a basic soup with the vegetables I found yesterday. He takes care of Arod while I watch the soup and set up our camp.
"We should make it to Gondor the day after tomorrow if we keep our pace. He says joining me around the small fire.
"I can't wait to see Gandalf and Gimli again." I say and smile fondly. "And I'm excited to see what Gimli is planning for us."
I return to stirring the pot and get lost in my thoughts. I need to step up my efforts. Last night was sweet but I want the same kind of reactions he evokes in me. I watch the spoon move through the liquid and brainstorm. Most of my ideas get X'd though after deciding I'd probably look more like a fool than something to desire.
"Hannon le." He says as I hand him a bowl.
"I 'ell nîn." I saw without thinking much about it.
"Sindarin appears to come easier to you now." He sounds proud. I pause and think it over.
"Yeah, I guess it does… I have a good teacher." I smirk up at him. Pink dusts his cheeks. Really? That makes him blush? I finish spooning myself some soup and sit beside him. He waits for me to get comfortable before we both dig in.
I discreetly look at him beside me; he's focused on his soup. If my plan is going to work, I need his attention on me. I look back to my almost empty bowl. It's now or never. I take a spoonful of soup then lower my spoon quickly. I let out a fake squeak of surprise and bring my hand up to cover my mouth. I see movement from the corner of my eye so I take my middle finger and slowly wipe the corner of my mouth.
I take a breath to gather courage then slide my finger in my mouth and suck at the pretend dribble of soup. He moves again and I chance a small glance over at him. His gaze is acutely focused on the bowl in his hands. Dammit. My mind races quickly to come up with something else. I chuckle quietly.
"It looks like you have something there too." I don't give him a chance to move. I reach over and curl my fingers under his chin so I can wipe the corner of his mouth with my thumb. I brush my thumb half way across his bottom lip before pulling back.
His intense gaze flicks to me and then my lips, and his jaw clenches. A few breaths later he looks back down to his soup, pink dusting the tips of his ears. I look back to mine and try to hold back my grin. I'll take the small win where I can.
I leave him to his thoughts for the rest of our meal. The proud feeling sticks with me right up until we decide it's time for me to sleep. I'm hopeful we might sleep the way we did last night but he stands a few feet away scanning the area.
I deflate a but. Maybe Arwen's wrong and I made him uncomfortable. He was probably just being a gentleman, not embarrassing me and keeping his composure like a prince should. I sink down and climb between the blankets. I don't bother trying to stay up and instead let sleep claim me.
The whispers and screeches are dizzying. I feel like I'm spinning. Everything grows louder by the second. Inside, I feel frantic and desperate, but my movements don't match as I sluggishly roll to my back and raise the elvish blade I stole from Legolas.
The flames, and smoke, and cries, and cold dirty stone, and harsh wind, and the black figure coming toward me are all familiar. I know I'm dreaming of Mordor again but I can't get myself to wake up.
Sauron speeds up and I squeeze my eyes closed, bracing myself for impact. The platform shakes as he collides with the sword, with me.
"Delilah. Guren."
I suck in a deep breath and open my eyes. Legolas stops shaking my shoulders. My eyes dark around as the campsite comes back to me. Our eyes lock and I sigh, tired and defeated.
"I apologize or waking you. You seemed to be having a nightmare." I nod.
"Thank you. I was back in Mordor. I could tell I was dreaming but I couldn't pull myself out of it."
"Would you like to rest more?" I shake my head. "We could travel if you wish. The sun will rise shortly." I nod and push myself up. We finish the soup from last night before packing up the camp.
He helps me up first then slides behind me on Arod. It's like he can sense I need the feeling of him protecting my back. One more night. Then we can sleep inside. I try not to think on it anymore.
Notes:
Tolo – come
Guren – my heart
Hannon le – thank you
I 'ell nîn – it's my pleasure/my joy