Disclaimer: I own obvious OC characters! Everything else belongs to Tolkien!
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Gwaenor thrust the letter into my hand! Estennil had things to do and had left me earlier. She wanted to meet again soon.
A letter had arrived! It was from Aewenel. Gwaenor continued to laugh.
He had won! He won the bet! Ivoriel now had to ask Hatholon to the upcoming festival. Oh how he was going to rub it in my face! I groaned.
"Read it!" he snickered uncontrollably. The fierce joy clear on his face. I began to read.
I groaned again as I finished reading the letter we had received from Naneth. Yet I felt undeniable delight at the thought of having another brother.
Although that now meant I had to ask Hatholon to the feast. If he wasn't already taking someone. But hearing from my reliable source. Aka Gwaenor. He wasn't going with anyone, yet...
Gwaenor obviously guessing what I was planning quickly squashed my diabolical plan.
"You have to ask him right away! Today. Soon! Before any other Elleth gets to him." he said, unsuccessfully trying to remain passive. I grumbled my disapproval. He tutted me.
"Go on!" he laughed, clearly enjoying it at my expense. I poked my tongue at him and raced off to find Hatholon. A deal was a deal. I would keep my word.
…
It took some time to locate him. I had to ask a few maids and guards where he may be. He was near the stables, in a warmer part of it. He was still in his council robes sitting on a bench. He hunched over a leather bound book with blank pages.
He was drawing! A little cream feathered chicken was perched on his leg. Clearly comfortable and warm. The mother wasn't so far away either. She comfortably sat at his feet with the other fluffy little chickens. My heart melt at the sight. I approached slowly as not to scare his subjects away. Hatholon looked up from his work.
"My lady!" he said blurted loudly, the mother hen made a noise of protest. He bowed his head but not before I saw his cheeks flush in embarrassment. I smiled at him warmly and gracefully came closer.
"My lord." I said in return placing a hand over my heart. He murmured a few words in welcome, returning the gesture. His cheeks still slightly pink.
I slowly crouched down beside the hen. She shuffled warily. Until I placed a bits of bread out for her. She called the fast growing little chickens and they quickly hurried to her. Upon seeing food they hastily downed the pieces. I looked up at Hatholon to see what he was drawing. But the parchment filled book had long gone and the half grown chicken on his lap had joined the others.
"How can I help?" he asked kindly. I petted the hen timidly.
"Well I came to ask if you would go to the upcoming festival… with me. As my partner?" I asked apprehensively. I looked down at the tiny creatures that almost jumped in my lap. I missed his pleased smile. He waited a few moments before answering.
"I would love to, my lady." He replied gently. I looked back at him and beamed happily. That seemed to be answer enough.
"I apologise for the state I am in! It is most inappropriate." He apologised.
"It is fine!" I laughed it off, not at all bothered by it. If you ever got a crushing hug from Gwaenor after patrol. You would understand why…
…
Moriel had left Ivoriel after a while. She grew bored of their pathetic chattering. But unbeknownst to her while she had been watching Ivoriel. Someone had been watching her. They watched Moriel's body language and the hateful emotions splayed across her features. Surely this was evidence enough.
Why she did these things. They would never know. They would keep a watchful eye on her. Enough evidence will have to be gathered before any formal accusations could be heard by the king. Hopefully before it was too late. But until then…
…
Gwaenor and Estennil walked arm in arm around the west-end gardens. Gwaenor could almost feel his heart race like a galloping horse out of the confines of his ribcage. His hands became slightly clammy. Estennil mostly talked and he listened attentively, while occasionally playing with her fingers. The nagging feeling that this was all a dream never seemed to vanish. He couldn't believe it 'how could such a beautiful creature have the slightest inkling of likeness towards me?' he thought bewildered.
"I have never seen an orc! What are they like?" she asked, like a small curious child.
"I do not wish to scare you." He said quietly. She scowled at him slightly, which amused him greatly. The way her lips puckered and the playfulness glinted in her eyes.
"You cannot scare me!" she said, sounding almost offended.
"They are horrid foul smelling fiends. Vicious and cruel to whomever stands in their way. They only have one purpose. To corrupt the light by wreaking havoc. They are monsters…" He replied kissing her hand gently in comfort. Estennil's eyes sparked in mischief as she spotted the fountain of water. Gwaenor led her straight to it. Clearly oblivious of her intentions. She scooped a little water up into her hand and splashed it over Gwaenor.
Shock was evident on his face, but that soon faded. Replaced by a mischievous look.
Estennil quickly learned what a mistake it was. She squealed when he picked her up off her feet and plonked her into the shallow water. The stone was slippery, causing Gwaenor to slid a little. Estennil took advantage of this and pulled him down to her. He stopped himself by placing both hands on each side of her. His face was brought closer to her.
He could see her pupils dilate. They both started laughing uncontrollably. Gwaenor benefited from her distraction and righted himself. Helping her up in the process. They should perhaps start to get ready for the party.
Short I know… hopefully the next will be much longer! But I really wanted to update. Anyways let me know what you think of this chapter!
Until next time