Kiera

The next few weeks passed by in a blur and she was beyond exhausted. Her training lessons were brutal and not in a good way. Glorfindel had set up wooden dummies and she practiced the same forms and techniques. Her hands had grown thick callus from holding the wooden sword and smashing it against the straw dummy, over and over again. It was incredibly tedious, and they did the same thing everyday. Her arms and body ached, but she was slowly building muscles and endurance from her morning runs.

Rog's party came up and she was considering skipping until she received a heated glare from Hanniel who bluntly reminded her that she promised to go with her. And so, the day arrived and she took a long nap after training before Hanniel arrived.

Her friend showed up early and barged into her room. "Time to get up Kiera. We need to get ready for the party."

Kiera rose her head out of the comfy blankets and groaned. Hanniel didn't waste any time as she grabbed the end of the blankets and pulled. When the blanket was off, the cold air made her shiver and she was wide awake.

"Alright," she yawned. "I'm up."

Hanniel grinned and smiled smugly. "Why don't you get cleaned up while I change? Then we can pick out a dress for you and help each other do our hair."

She nodded and made her way over to the bath. There was no use asking for hot water, so she took a lukewarm bath. It was mainly to freshen up after training, and when she was finished, she stepped out into her room with a towel wrapped around her.

A few dresses were laid across her newly made bed and she had to smile at her friend's thoughtfulness. Her favorite black one was laid across the bed along with a power blue one and a light green. Her eyes drifted towards the green one as Hanniel's dress was a bright gold. Her friend had the complexion for it and it looked stunning on her.

Hanniel smiled, "I knew you would pick the green one. It is the perfect dress for spring. Do you need me to turn away while you change?"

Kiera snorted and Hanniel giggled at that, but she walked over to the vanity and gave her some space anyway. Kiera dropped her towel and stepped into the dress with ease. It hung a little loose on her frame and she smiled happily at the fact that she lost a bit of weight. She wandered over to her friend who zipped up the back of the dress for her.

Then, she stood behind Hanniel and looked at her in the mirror. "I'm not nearly as good as an elf for hairstyles, but did you want your hair changed?"

Hanniel had already put her hair into a high braid that was much more intricate than she could do. Her friend shook her heard, "no. I just need some help putting in my jewelry."

She handed Kiera hairpieces and pointed out where she wanted them placed. When they were firm and snug in her hair, Kiera thought it looked dazzling. "You're so pretty," Kiera told her.

Surprisingly, Hanniel looked down and bit her lip. "You think so? My parents are not a lord and lady so we do not have as much extra coin for lavish jewelry. I wear the same pieces often, but do you think anyone notices?"

Kiera patted her on the shoulder, "who cares what those snotty, stuck-up ladies of the court think? I think you are so pretty and any man would be lucky to have you. Besides, you're funny and so full of energy. Those ladies of the court are miserable gargoyles."

Hanniel giggled, "what's a gargoyle?"

That made Kiera pause as she realized that there were none in the city. Perhaps in the future, there might be, but not at this time. "It's a cold stone creature that guards a city. I meant it as an insult, but it doesn't matter. Those women are miserable vultures."

"Those I know," she laughed. "And a fitting description for them."

Kiera laughed with her as she helped her put on the remaining jewelry. Then they swapped places so Hanniel could dry and style her hair. It was so much fun getting ready with a friend, but the sadness grew on her face as she remembered her friends from back home and how much she missed them.

Hanniel must have seen her face as she said, "I am sorry you don't have any of your friends or family. I am happy that you are here and we are friends. We will enjoy the evening and dance the night away. Hopefully, we both find some handsome ellons to enjoy the night with."

That made her smile and she brushed the sadness away. While Hanniel finished up, she asked, "is Ecthelion going tonight."

She blushed, but her friend did not see. "No. I asked him to so we could dance, but he said that he didn't want to go. Glorfindel is going, but I think it would be more surprising to hear if he is not. All the craftsmen are going though."

Hanniel hummed at her, "yes. My sister is going with Harmon again. They seem to be spending a lot of time together. She won't tell me anything, but have they spoken to you about it?"

Kiera snorted, "no, they are men. Besides, Harmon has always been more reserved and quiet."

"Far enough," Hanniel replied. "Well, we will just have to wait and see what happens. My sister has not spent this much time with an ellon before. I hope they end up together. They are so cute."

She smiled and agreed. Finally, they were ready and they left the house together. In the courtyard, they ran into Tuor and Idril coming back to the house.

Tuor winked at her and smirked, "have fun at the party tonight. I enjoyed last month's party but I wanted to spend the night with Idril."

Kiera nodded at him, but then glanced over at Idril. The princess was gawking at them both, so she just said, "have a good night Tuor, and you as well princess Idril."

Hanniel repeated the same and they left Idril standing in the courtyard watching them. Once they were far enough away from the house, Hanniel told her, "I heard she got into a fight with Lady Tithessel. Apparently, she confessed to spending a night with another man. My sister told me that Idril was supportive at first, but then gradually got upset when others called her out. It is a terrible stain against an elf to be unfaithful to their beloved. Lady Tithessel does not feel bad about it."

"Princess Idril is getting some flack from the other ladies of the court over her decision to defend her. This has been happening for the last month and then a few days ago they got into a loud fight. My sister overheard it in the palace and Idril was not happy with Lady Tithessel. She wanted her to apologize to Glordil and try to make amends but she refused. It is quite the scandal and I know you have not kept up with the drama of the court. There are some rumors that Glordil will be at the party tonight."

"Hmm," was all she responded with making Hanniel giggle. Kiera didn't keep up with the drama or happenings around the city as she was too tired to care. Maybe if she knew who more of the people were, but she doubted it. Hanniel knew who all the important people were and often pointed them out to her during their walks around the city.

Curious, she asked, "are you planning on asking Glordil to dance if he is there? I imagine the place will be packed like it was when Tuor came. If so, I will have to find someone to get me to the back room."

Hanniel smirked, "I might, but I do want to spend the evening with you. I want us to find some ellons together and have some fun and drink. Maybe you will see that ellon again from your first party. What was his name again? Oh right, Tamion, the elf who doesn't exist."

She spluttered, "what?"

Her friend had a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "my sister knows everyone in this city by name. She has to, as she is in charge of the books and records. She did not recognize the name and even looked through her books. No such elf exists in the city. We have both been curious but I have not asked. You might tell me in time or maybe you didn't even know the name or it was a false one."

Kiera felt herself blush and she coughed. Hanniel smirked triumphantly at her as she screeched, "I knew it! Who was it really? I promise not to tell."

"I cannot tell you," she replied awkwardly. "If you guessed, I could but I promised I would keep it a secret."

Hanniel huffed, "fine. I will just have to watch your interactions tonight. I have ruled out a lot of your friends and so has Cadweth. We are enjoying the mystery of it, so I won't guess just yet."

They finished the rest of the walk in silence until they came upon the house. The line was long again and they waited their turn. The rumors about Glordil must be true as the line was longer than ever before. Once inside, they walked straight to the dance floor. The room was packed to the brim and she grabbed a glass of wine to start the night.

She and Hanniel walked around the edge of the dance floor together. They both said hello to a few people as they made their way around. Kiera glanced to the center of the room and was surprised to see Glordil dancing up a storm. He looked so happy and full of life, but she had no idea if he was happy now that his courtship was over. There seemed to be a constant line of women waiting to dance for him and she was glad for him, as he seemed like a genuine person.

Hanniel grabbed her arm and pulled her quickly to a corner table where the craftsmen were seated along with Cadweth. Celebrimbor was whispering in the ear of a blonde elf, which was making her giggle uncontrollably. Kiera rolled her eyes at him as they approached. For someone so hated around the city, women seem to flock to him for a night of pleasure.

Cadweth and Harmon smiled at them. They were sitting next to each other and holding hands. They both looked so happy, that Kiera hoped their relationship would continue.

Cadweth looked at her sister and said, "we are not staying long. We wanted to dance for a little while and see you both before we leave. Are you doing alright? Are the ellons treating you well?"

Hanniel rolled her eyes and scoffed, "I don't need a chaperone. I am fine. This is my third party, I know what to expect. Enjoy your night with Harmon. Kiera and I will find some handsome elves to keep us company."

Cadweth sighed, "I promised mother I would look out for you. I am just doing my role as an older sister."

Hanniel walked around the table and pulled them both up until they were standing. Then, she proceeded to push them in the direction of the dance floor. They were too far away for her to hear, but she could imagine what they were saying. The scene made her miss her own sister as her sister had already left home when she started dating, They used to go shopping together and pick out outfits. Kiera missed her entire family, but she didn't want to be sad tonight.

When she turned her attention back to the table, she noticed that everyone else was gone. Celebrimbor and his date were headed to the back room together while Rhuidhen and Echrodon were prowling around the edge of the dance floor.

A flicker of movement caught her gaze and she saw someone waving to get her attention. Elemmakil walked over to her and joined her at the table. Surprised, she said, "I didn't know you were back in the city."

He smiled happily and downed the rest of his wine. He grabbed another before saying, "I requested to come back today so I could enjoy the party. I have been at the gates for months and I desire a long night with a beautiful elleth. Out of respect for Voronwë, I will not pursue you but you look very beautiful tonight. I just wanted to come over and say hello as I have not seen you in a while."

The compliment made her smile and she knew he was a good friend to Voronwë. Hanniel came up behind her and asked, "is this the mystery ellon?"

She laughed. "No, this is Elemmakil. He is the head guard and Voronwë's friend. This is my friend Hanniel."

They both introduced themselves to each other and Kiera saw the spark of interest in Elemmakil's eyes. Happy to push them together, she said, "Hanniel I need to use the ladies' room. Will you be alright here with Elemmakil for a moment?"

Hanniel waved her hand dismissively and started to flirt with Elemmakil. He reciprocated and she sneaked away to the restroom to give them some time alone. It took longer to maneuver around through the crowds of people, but when she stepped into the hall it was quiet. Unlike the bars and clubs from home, there was no line.

When she left the restroom, someone was waiting for her in the hall. Her eyes narrowed as Maewnis was waiting for her. Maewnis glared at her with such hatred and loathing, "you better watch yourself mortal. I do not care who you sleep with in this city, I will destroy you. I have many friends in the court who feel the same. Amara and I are good friends and it seems we have a common enemy now."

Rolling her eyes, she ignored her and continued to walk past her. Maewnis put her arm up to stop her as she bared her perfectly straight teeth at her. "I have many friends in this city. Do not think you have gotten away with threatening me. I am patient and you will beg for mercy before I am through with you."

Kiera glared at her in return and snarled, "I would fuck Maeglin every day just so he follows through on his threat. I would give in to his every desire and make him the happiest elf alive just so you end up working in the mines. You hurt my friend and I will never forget that. You are the one who needs to watch out. I have many friends in this city and I am not scared of you. You can tell your friend Amara the same. Get out of my way."

Maewnis tried to move closer to her, but she smashed her shoulder into her, causing her to move out of the way. She kept walking but looked out of the corner of her eye to watch her. Maewnis just stood in the middle of the hall not moving. It was strange until she noticed that Maeglin was waiting for her at the end of the hall.

Maeglin opened the door for her to the dance floor but pulled her quickly into a quiet corner. He pressed a finger to his lips and pointed at the door. They waited a few moments until Maewnis left the hall. The elf spotted them together and the blood drained from her face. She fleed as Maeglin chuckled at the sight.

He caught her eye and said, "I saw her go after you into the ladies' room. I was going to go in after her but I heard you both in the hallway. I will take care of it, do not worry about it anymore."

His eyes glossed over with lust, "I loved the part about fucking me every day. That was a nice touch. I will escort you to the back room as Celebrimbor and Glorfindel are there drinking. I believe your new friend Hanniel is there as well with Elemmakil."

Without waiting for her to respond, he pulled her along the wall until they ended up at the back doors. He bid her goodbye as the guards open the doors for her. When she entered, she found her friends sitting together at a table, drinking. Kiera took a glass from a server and joined them.

"Look who decided to finally arrive. You didn't bring a guest with you, so who let you in," asked Celebrimbor.

She smirked, "Maeglin. He left to solve some issues. Are we all drinking or waiting for something."

"Just drinking, my date has left already and so has Celebrimbor's," replied Glorfindel.

"We could play a drinking game if you're interested?" Kiera offered. "My friends and I always played when I was home."

The whole table got excited, as Celebrimbor asked, "what kind of game."

She thought for a moment and then decided. "We can play never have I ever. It is a simple game. We take turns going around the room and saying things that we have or haven't done. It could be anything from simple stuff to sexual stuff. If you have done it, you take a drink. If not, you don't. It's a fun game to play with friends. I can start if you want." They all eagerly shook their heads in agreement. "Never have I ever been to Valinor."

They all stared and she sighed, "if you have been to Valinor, you drink."

Glorfindel and Celebrimbor took a drink. Kiera looked to Hanniel next. Her friend thought a moment before saying, "never have I ever kissed a woman."

All the men drank and she joined them. Celebrimbor choked on his drink and looked at her, stunned. She grinned smugly and said, "this is why this game is fun." She winked at him which made him laugh.

Elemmakil was next and said, "never have I ever kissed a man."

She and Hanniel both drank, but to her utter surprise so did Glorfindel. A few of them stared at him in shock, but he just looked sheepishly around the table. "I thought I was in love with Ecthelion when we were younger. Plenty of people thought we were as we are very close. It is a long story, but one day he kissed me. We spent some time together after that, but eventually, the feelings faded. He is my best friend and I wouldn't change anything about that time my life. It made the bond we share stronger and we laugh about it now."

Kiera had no idea and she was blown away by his admission. The more she thought about it though, the more she realized that it wasn't all that surprising. Ecthelion and Glorfindel shared a deep bond and what friends didn't grow to have stronger feelings for one another. At least they both felt the same and one was not left pinning over the other.

Celebrimbor's eyes were twinkling as he said, "I love this game already. Oh, the secrets I can find out. Your turn Glorfindel."

Glorfindel thought for a moment before he said, "never have I ever paid a woman to spend the night with me."

Nobody drank and he pouted. Celebrimbor was next and he was quick with his. "Never have I ever lied about spending the night with someone."

Kiera glared at him as she drank, but Elemmakil drank as well. Curious for more secrets, she said, "never have I ever been with more than one person at the same time."

Glorfindel and Celebrimbor drank which wasn't surprising. They grinned at one another, while she laughed.

Hanniel went next and said, "never have I ever had the full bonding experience."

The entire table held their breath as she drank alone. Hanniel clapped excitedly at her and said, "I knew it, I have been dying to ask you but I didn't know how. What is it like?"

Kiera shrugged, "hard to explain. It is an experience for sure. I don't really know how to describe it beyond that when it is good, it is amazing."

Celebrimbor questioned her, "how many times? With one man or more than one? How did you not get pregnant?"

She gave him a look, but his eyes still twinkled with mirth. "I don't keep track. When you are in a relationship you don't count the number of times. I have had the full bonding experience with six men. Most of whom I have had a long relationship with. I did not get pregnant because there is medicine in my world that prevents it."

The table stared at her in shock causing her to sink into the chair. The silence was heavy and she wanted to move on now. Celebrimbor noticed her discomfort and said, "well I have lost track of how many women I have been with. Six does not sound so bad."

Grateful for the interruption, Kiera looked to Elemmakil with pleading eyes. He coughed as said, "never have I ever been with a mortal."

Kiera was the only one to take a drink. She turned to Celebrimbor and gasped in surprise. "You told me you were friends with mortals. How have you never been with a mortal?"

He chuckled, "I had mortal friends who were men. You are the first mortal woman I have befriended."

Stumped, Glorfindel added cheekily, "never have I ever kissed a mortal."

Again, she drank by herself. Glancing around the table in surprise, the wine kicked in and she made a quick decision. Leaning over towards Celebrimbor, she grabbed the front of his tunic and pulled him down towards her. In an instant, their mouths met. Shocked at first, Celebrimbor was stiff, but then he quickly relaxed as he kissed her back greedily.

The kisses were long and deep as the desire built up. After a few more heated kisses, he slipped his tongue in while his hand brushed up against her thigh. Kiera pulled away first, gasping for breath while the table watched them.

Feeling bold she asked, "anyone else want to kiss a mortal?"

"Me!" replied Hanniel.

Kiera turned to her friend in surprise. Hanniel's face flushed as she said, "I have always wanted to kiss a woman and a mortal. Might as well do it at the same time."

The rest of the table leaned in closer to hear her answer. Grinning, she turned towards Hanniel and nodded. Kiera could feel the blush forming on her cheeks, but she kept going as she tilted her head to the side and pressed her lips softly against hers. The first kiss was slow and curious, but then it was followed up by a small soft kiss that was tentative and warm. They broke apart quickly and broke out in a fit of giggles.

Everyone was looking at them with wide eyes, but the wine was making her feel bold. She looked over at Glorfindel and Elemmakil and said, "well?"

Elemmakil coughed and blushed. "I would very much like to, but only if you are fine with it. I know they say there is no difference but I would like to. At least once."

Glorfindel hesitated as he bit his lip. "I would like to as well. It is just strange to ask."

She laughed but then switched places with Hanniel so she was sitting next to Elemmakil. Kiera leaned in closer to him and it didn't take long before his mouth found hers. His kisses were needy and she could tell he had been longing to spend the night with someone. After a few deep kisses, they broke apart and he grinned at her.

"No difference but you are a very good kisser."

Elemmakil got up and walked over to Hanniel. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, making her nod. He stood and said, "if you will excuse us. I want to spend the rest of the evening with a pretty lady. Thank you for a fun game, enjoy the rest of your night."

The rest of the table said goodbye to them as they walked to the private rooms. She was happy for her friend and hoped she had a good time with Elemmakil.

Once they were gone, she scooted over to the empty seat next to Glorfindel. Cheekily, she said, "I saved the best for last."

Celebrimbor scoffed at her and rolled his eyes. However, a slight blush grew on Glorfindel's cheeks as he looked down at her. He seemed to be hesitant, which confused her. Seeming to make up his mind, he took a drink and then turned his body to face her. Slowly, he reached out and cupped her face in his hand as he tilted his head toward her. Their lips met, with a few soft and sweet kisses. Glorfindel was shaking a little and just as Kiera was starting to relax into the kiss, he abruptly pulled away.

"I am sorry, but I cannot. It is nothing against you as I think you are wonderful. I have seen how close you have gotten to Ecthelion and I do not want to hurt him."

Oh, Kiera mused. His words were not unkind, but they seemed to bring her back to the present. A small flicker of guilt started to grow inside her as she realized that Glorfindel spoke the truth. "I understand. I don't want to hurt him either as he is my friend. I don't like you in that way, and I don't think I ever will."

Glorfindel sighed deeply and looked relieved at her words as he said, "thank you. I do not feel that way about you. You are a very good kisser and I am having fun tonight. I want to keep playing even if it is just the three of us."

Celebrimbor laughed and nodded. "I enjoyed our kisses as well. You surprised me and I like it when you drink. You let go and have fun. Let's keep playing."

They called over a server who brought them more wine. She knew it was strong, so she paced herself and drank some water in between. Their game fizzled out after a few hours as the questions became more slurred and dumber by the minute.

Celebrimbor fell out of his chair laughing so hard, which caused Glorfindel to call it quits for the night. When Kiera looked around the room, it was empty beside them and she wondered what time it was. As she tried to stand, the room spun and she reached out to steady herself. Glorfindel helped her, but he was a bit wobbly himself. Celebrimbor pulled his arm around her other side and the three of them marched towards the door together.

It took them forever to leave the back room and then the front hall as they all were tipsy and laughing too much. When they finally reached the front entrance, the guards and workers were shaking their heads at them in disappointment. Kiera thought it was the funniest thing to ever happen and she fell to the ground from laughter. Glorfindel hauled her up and walked towards the main road.

Celebrimbor broke off from them as he turned towards the direction of his house. He wiggled his finger at Glorfindel in a stern, but slurred voice. "You take her homeee Glorfindel and make sure she getts home."

She watched as her friend stumbled as he walked, zig-zagging down the road.

Glorfindel spun them around towards the direction of their houses, but neither of them could walk in a straight line. His grip on her tightened as he stuttered out, "I nedd to tell Ectjelionn what happeneddd. I cannottt beers the guilt anaymroe."

He picked up the pace, making her world spin. He was walking too fast as he pulled them over the bridge into Ecthelion's courtyard. There was a determined look on his face as they stumbled into the entryway. The place was empty, but they crashed into the staircase, after tripping on the bottom step.

Before she could reach the ground, Glorfindel grabbed her and swung her up over his shoulder. He raced up the stairs, which made her dizzy and caused her stomach to rumble.

"Glorfindel, I dopt fele good," she murmured.

"Be fine, almosttt there. Theil will help," he stuttered.