Kiera
The last few weeks had been quiet, and she had declined to go to Rog's party in May. Happy to be somewhat friends with Idril again, they had spent the evening together at the house with Tuor and Voronwë. The days passed by easily until the date of the spring festival arrived. The festival was called the Nost-na-Lothion, and it celebrated the first bloom of flowers in the plains. Unfortunately, she hadn't been allowed to leave the city without an escort, and she hadn't wanted to ask anyone. She longed to walk amongst the flowers in the valley as she stared out at them from the castle walls. Idril suggested she request permission to go into the valley as part of the festival was celebrated in the plains with a dance and feast in the evening. Kiera declined as she did not want to ask the king, but she still enjoyed the evening dancing with her friends.
After the festival, she focused her time on her training and lessons again. Glorfindel still wouldn't let her spar with anyone, and she spent every training lesson hitting the wooden dummy. He told her she was progressing well, but she wouldn't be sparring with anyone that season. They were focusing on the basics and building up her strength, and while she knew it was necessary, it was boring at times. He laughed at her when she told him, but he said she would thank him for it someday.
Her morning runs with Ecthelion were her favorite now, as she could keep up with him fairly well. They would usually take a break and watch the sunrise together and talk. One morning, he surprised her by asking, "one of my house members is getting married in a week. Their ceremony is going to be out in the plains near the Eithel Nínui. I know you have not been to an Elvish wedding ceremony, and I was wondering if you were interested in going with me. There will be a large party and dancing after the ceremony."
She didn't need to be asked twice as she cried happily, "yes. I would love to."
He grinned at her with his eyes twinkling as they did when they spoke. "I will have to tell the king you are going, but I can be your escort." His face fell as he grimaced, "I am sorry about that. I am not sure when he will release you from your restrictions. The plains around the city are beautiful in the spring, and I used to walk there in the mornings."
Eager to get out of the city for a change, she asked, "is it a full-day event or just the evening? I have no idea what an elvish wedding ceremony is like."
His eyes sparkled, as he spoke. He told her very little as he said he wanted her to experience it for herself. The ceremony would be short but the entire event would last the afternoon and evening.
Later that same day, Idril helped her pick out a summer dress in the market. She had to get it tailored, but she said it was made for women to attend the weddings as it was a simple gown as the focal point was the bride. Idril didn't know who the couple was, but she and Tuor were planning to go as well.
When the day came, Kiera dressed in her light blue dress and Idril put up her hair for her. When they walked down to the entrance hall, Ecthelion and Tuor were waiting for them.
Kiera couldn't keep her eyes off Ecthelion as he looked very regal and lordly in his finer clothes. While they lacked the usual amount of gems, his hair also had no diamonds. She thought he looked better without them.
When their eyes met, his smile warmed her heart as he said, "you look very beautiful today. Thank you for joining me. Princess Idril, you look lovely as well."
He offered his arm, which she accepted. They walked behind Idril and Tuor, who were enjoying themselves immensely. He said, "I am not sure how many people will join us outside of my house. Typically, weddings and births of children are celebrated within the houses. I do not think the king will be there, but Maeglin makes an appearance at every wedding."
That surprised her, and it must have shown on her face. He chuckled, "Maeglin is the prince of this city. He is not the friendliest or the most caring, but he does care about this city and the people. He does his duty and runs his house well. I hear your weekly meetings are almost over with him. Did you enjoy your time together?"
"He is alright," she answered honestly. "He sort of grows on you over time. He is incredibly smart and witty. I hope to call him a friend someday, but only time will tell." She was speaking the truth as her weekly meetings were always interesting. Maeglin enjoyed learning for the sake of learning, much like Ecthelion did. While Maeglin was not interested in stories, he was consumed by the technology of her world.
Ecthelion laughed heartily next to her. "I do not think he has a real friend. That will be quite a challenge, I'm sure. If anyone could do it, it would be you."
His words made her smile as it was quite a challenge to befriend Maeglin. She was surprised at how easily she and the prince got along. They were very similar and Maeglin helped her keep her spark of building and creating alive by asking her questions about her world.
The rest of the way to the main gate, they spoke of minor things as Ecthelion shared a funny story about Glorfindel. When they reached the front gate, the doors laid open and she breathed out a sigh of relief as she stepped onto the path. The sense of openness and freedom filled her and she just now realized how stuffy and suffocating the city was. As they walked down the stone steps, she stared with wonder and amazement out at the plains. Having stared at the view from the high walls, she couldn't wait to feel the flowers in her fingers and run through the valley.
As they made their way down to the plains, large groups of elves were heading in the same direction near the lake. The area was the one place she longed to go to most in the valley as people spoke often about it and its beauty.
Ecthelion caught her staring wistfully at it and asked, "do you know the tale about the fountain?"
She had not heard anything of the tale so she shook her head no. Ecthelion looked back towards the fountain and lake and started his tale.
"After the battle of Nirnaeth Arnoediad, we traveled with the people from Nargothrond and two marchwardens from Doriath. We are secluded here, and we do not receive news often. We exchanged stories, and we finally found out how this fountain came to be as one day the fountain had sprung up. Beren and Lúthien were rescued from the gates of Angband by the great eagles. They flew over the mountains and the plains of this city. Lúthien cried tears of joy at seeing the hidden city, and those tears fell to the earth to create the Eithel Nínui or the fountains of Tinúviel. We were all amazed by the fountain, and for the first ten years, this place was the most popular in the valley. Interest diminished over time, but many wish to have their ceremony here. We found the waters to have some healing properties, and the healers use it regularly. Some have even included the ritual of sharing a cup of the water before the exchanging of rings."
"Magnificent," she cried with awe. "This world is filled with wonders. I suppose my world is as well, but there is something amazing about the people and the places here."
Kiera turned her gaze back to the fountain as she looked upon it in a new light. It was a comforting thought to her and she never realized it until that moment. She had met Ulmo who was a god, but it wasn't until now that she felt at peace in this world. There were higher powers and she felt comforted in knowing that there was something more out there.
Her thought then strayed to the tale of Beren and Lúthien. There has only been one marriage between an elf and a mortal. While she said before that she didn't mind being alone, her heart still longed to find love and have a family of her own one day. The thoughts swirled around in her head, but she pushed them down and focused on enjoying the day.
They approached the fountain area, and she could see the gathering of elves around two families. Ecthelion led her to the front of the crowd, and they came to a stop next to the other lords. Penlod and Ecthelion started speaking immediately, but she turned to Maeglin and gave him a warm smile.
He smirked at her and said, "nice of you to join us. I assured my uncle that I would help watch you today. He is still concerned about you being a spy, but just give it some time. You look stunning today, and I hope you will save me a dance later."
"Of course. You look very handsome as well."
Which was true. He was wearing his favorite color of black, but the tunic was embroidered with silver trim and set him apart from the rest. Maeglin was quite good-looking, though people often commented on his pale skin. Even now with the bright sun shining overhead, his skin held onto its ghostly paleness.
She looked back to Ecthelion, but he was talking with the bride and her family. Maeglin saw her looking and said, "it is customary for the lord of the house to speak to the couple before the ceremony. This is the time for them to back out of the marriage if they wish. The groom is from Penlod's house, and the bride is from Ecthelion's house. I am told you have yet to see an Elvish wedding ceremony. I would be happy to explain to you anything you are curious about."
She had questions about the ceremony, but she'd rather enjoy it first. Instead, she turned to him and asked, "do you have to go to every wedding as the prince, or do you actually enjoy the ceremony and party after?"
His eye lit up in surprise as he smiled, "both, actually."
Kiera snorted, "yes. You're a right ray of sunshine every day."
His mouth twitched as he tried not to laugh. She grinned at him and continued. "So what happens during the ceremony? Does the bride walk down an aisle, or is it just the passing of rings and then a feast?"
"No, the families get together and ask if either of them wish to break their courtship. That typically never happens. The couple will stand with their families, and they will exchange their courtship bands for wedding bands. The courtship bands will be melted later. The Noldor have an additional ritual, and we will see that here today. Then the crowd of elves will congratulate the couple and then move to the feast. It will be at Ecthelion's house tonight. Everyone will eat, and then the couple will open the dance. This couple has decided to have their dance in Ecthelion's halls, but I have seen others who come back to the plains. Eventually, the couple will leave and to do the bonding ceremony."
Ecthelion surprised her by adding, "typically, we do not marry in times of war. This couple has been in a courtship for the last five years and wish to marry. I do not think they will have children until a time of greater peace, but they have decided not to wait any longer."
The two lords then took their places on either side of her as the ceremony was about to begin. Everyone turned towards the edge as the crowd parted for the entering couple. The bride was as great along as all elves, but she seemed to sparkle and stand out amongst the entire crowd. Her silver gown was heavily adored with diamonds and gemstones with her hair braided up in a fancy updo. Delicate jewels were strung in the braids to form a crown. The groom matched his bride as his silver tunic was covered with gems. Kiera thought they both looked magical and lovely and she knew why everyone else dressed in similar clothes.
As they walked through the crowds, Kiera spotted the family waiting for them at the front. When the couple reached them, the father of the groom took one of their hands and led them the rest of the way to the edge of the lake, near a small rocky fountain. When the bride and groom turned to face each other, her breath caught in her throat as the scene was incredible and she could understand why they wanted to be married here.
The father stood up, and then someone placed a small stool under him. He stood above everyone and addressed the crowd. She could understand a few sentences and a smattering of words. After a short speech, the couple dropped their hands and each of them took off the silver courting bands. They turned them over to the groom's father as the mother of the bride came forward with golden rings on pillow. They each took one and put them on their betrothed. The crowd cried at the exchanging of rings, and she teared up a little herself. The father started speaking softly, but she couldn't understand any of the words, so it must have been Quenya.
Then, the couple leaned forward and shared a short kiss as everyone clapped and cheered. Once they pulled apart, the mother of the bride put a chain with a jewel on the groom. The father of the groom did the same for the bride. They kissed once more before turning to face the crowd. The looks of sheer happiness and bliss on their faces would stay with Kiera forever. She found herself tearing up at the sight even though she did not know they. When she glanced up at Ecthelion, she noticed he was just as awestruck as her and there were small tears pooling in his eyes.
The look on his face made her choke as it was a mix between longing, heartache, and happiness. Kiera reached out and grabbed him softly on the arm to get his attention. She smiled softly as their eyes met as she said, "it is a beautiful thing. I wish for that more than anything, and I hope you find love someday."
Ecthelion tears came easily then as they gather in pools around his eyes. A few tears started to run down his face, but he wiped them away quickly. "Thank you Kiera. Your words mean a lot to me and I am glad you are here with me today. I hope we are both blessed with love someday." He smiled at her then and it was a smile that reached up to his eyes.
Everything drifted away then as she was lost in the moment with Ecthelion. A soft cough from behind her startled them and they both looked away. Maeglin and Penlod were waiting near a line of people, looking at them with blank expressions. Kiera blushed and turned away for a moment, but Ecthelion led her over to the other lords. The four of them waited in silence to give the couple their congratulations.
When it was there turn, Kiera spoke the few elvish words she knew to them. The bride grinned and replied, "thank you," in common. The groom didn't speak, but nodded his thanks to her. She smiled at them both as she stepped back as they bowed low to Ecthelion. He gave spoke to the bride first and clasped her hands tightly in his as they spoke. They spoke in elvish and she could only understand a handful of words, but she picked up on love and happiness. Then, Ecthelion turned to the groom and did the same. When he was finished, he came to stand by her side in silence. He had a blank expression on his face, but his eyes told a different story.
Kiera looked away as it would be rude to ask him at the moment. She didn't know what they were waiting for until Maeglin came over after saying his congratulations to the couple.
Ecthelion said, "I have to arrive with the couple at my house. Would you mind walking with Maeglin? I could take you with me, but I believe you would like to see the fountain before dinner."
"No worries," she smiled brightly at him. "Thank you for bringing me. Am I sitting with Maeglin at dinner or by you?"
"You're both seated at my main table, but you will be next to Maeglin. The couple and the families usually sit near the lord of their house. Save me some dances though."
"Of course."
He left to wait near the couple's family with Penlod. Maeglin just grinned at her and offered his arm. Kiera took it, and they started to walk closer to the beach and the fountains. Once they had made it out of the crowd, her eyes roamed around the area taking everything in. Large rocky boulders had water springs coming up from the ground and flowing over the rocks into the lake. The sand was soft and dry as they walked along the lakeside, with the wind blowing her hair around her face. The lake was not as large as she had seen from the walls, but it was more than a pond. On the opposite side of the rocks, the lake flowed into a river that snaked around the plains. Maeglin led her along the beach as they walked towards a small building around the edge of the lake.
As they walked to it, Maeglin said, "I enjoy walking out here. It is quite peaceful, and the evenings are cool. Our meetings are coming to an end, and I was wondering if you would like to walk with me sometimes in the evenings?"
Her mouth fell open in shock. Maeglin was being nice again, but she was quicker now when he surprised her and she jumped on the opportunity. "YES," she cried excitedly. "I would love to be able to walk in the plains and get out of the city. I've had enough of the people and could use a break away from everyone."
He chuckled as he said, "I guessed as much. I enjoy our conversations, and you are interesting to speak to. I feel I could spend forever learning about your world. The things I have learned so far are fascinating, and I am working on a few projects."
Curious, she asked, "like what?"
He smirked as his eyes twinkled, "you will just have to stop in my workshop and see. I have a few sketches for your sword, but Glorfindel tells me I have time to make it. You can come by sometime when you are free, and we can discuss the designs, and you can see some of my projects."
"Thank you for making me a sword. I know you are the best smith in the city. Is it going to glow blue like the others?"
He shrugged, "if you want it too. The process does not take long. I would also like to spar against you sometime when you are trained."
That made her choke. "Why."
He shot her one of his famous looks that she knew meant that he thought she was being stupid. Kiera had picked up on the many faces and expressions of Maeglin as they spent time together. Now, she could understand some of his thoughts by looks alone. Just as she suspected, Maeglin answered, "you are a new opponent. You are small and weak, so I suspect that Ecthelion would have Glorfindel teach you how to be smart. I am curious to see on how you would try and defeat me. The women that are guards are very cunning and use their brains to outsmart their opponent. Not many like to use swords, as they prefer a bow. It will be an interesting match."
Kiera couldn't fault him for that logic, so she replied, "if you want to, I wouldn't mind. Glorfindel says I will train against others a few times a week and with him the rest. I am not sure when that will be, but I trust in his teachings."
He didn't answer as they had arrived at an outdoor gazebo. The white marble from the city was used to create it, and inside were marble benches. She could see across the whole lake and the city in the background. "Beautiful," she whispered as she came to stand at the edge of the railing to stare out across the plains. Her eyes roamed hungrily at the sight and she thought it might just be her favorite place in the valley.
After a while, Maeglin came to stand beside her. "It is a wonder. I still remember the first time I saw the city. It was like nothing I had seen before, and I had traveled to the east of Beleriand many times. The great dwarven cities of Nogrod and Belegost, are magnificent in their own right, but Gondolin is beyond those. I think my greatest surprise was the number of elves that live in the city. We have roughly around 30,000 elves, and I was amazed at the number of people in the city."
She choked, "what? There can't be that many."
He laughed, "oh yes. Half of that number are guards and soldiers. We used to have many stationed at the gates and around outposts in the plains. There is a small village out by the mines, but they number less than 100. The rest are people from different houses. The times we get together for the larger festivals, we fill up the main courtyard and the palace. I have close to 4,000 people in my house alone."
She stared gobsmacked and thought that the number couldn't be right. "How? I have never seen that many people at the festivals or at the individual houses."
"That is because the house dining halls are for the workers and unwed elves. Families tend to have their meals together at their homes. Have you ever taken a look around the city besides the main houses? The houses are large enough that many families share. The main houses on the king's way are all homes with five to six families each. The only festival that gets really packed is the Gates of Summer festival. Nearly all of the city turns out for it, and we give everyone the day off. It is coming up soon, so you will see."
The amount shocked her and made an unsettling feeling simmer in her stomach. The future she knew came barreling into her and she had a hard time swallowing and breathing. Thankfully, Maeglin managed to shock her out of her panic state.
He rested his body against the railing and leaned down closer to her. He purred, "Like what you see? You have been staring at me for almost a minute. I will admit I have missed our cat-and-mouse game. I didn't expect myself to be so interested in your world, so I have been lacking in our game. Did you enjoy the ceremony? Did it bring up any feelings?"
She turned her face away from him quickly, but that was not why she was staring at him. Her whole body froze as the number of people sunk in. The panic came and without Maeglin's distraction, she wouldn't have come back to herself so quickly. Kiera focused on his questions and tried to push the horrible thoughts from her mind.
"Yes," she replied quietly. "I want that someday. Now, more than ever, but I am hopeful and nervous. There has been only one marriage between an elf and a mortal. I am not sure if I will ever find love here, but I suppose there are plenty of single, handsome elves in the city. I won't give up hope just yet."
Turning to look back at Maeglin, he surprised her again by pushing a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. He cupped the side of her face and said softly, "I wish I had your optimism, but I have given up."
"Why?" She croaked out.
He didn't answer her and instead let her go and turned away. Kiera had heard the rumors around the city, but she didn't know if it was love or just lust. Somedays, when he spoke of his family and the princess, Kiera caught the subtle shifts in his voice. If she didn't know ahead of time, she doubted she would have noticed. Beyond that, Kiera couldn't tell if it was love or just lust.
Maeglin walked out of the gazebo and waited for her on the path. He lifted his arm and glanced back at her, "come. It is time for dinner."
When she took his arm, they started towards the city in silence. Maeglin's face was blank as he stared straight ahead. Kiera frowned at the sight and told him, "I think you will find someone someday. Don't give up just yet."
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and replied, "I already have. They do not love me back and never will. I do not wish to talk about this anymore, but speak of this to no one."
They walked back towards the gates in silence. The crowd had gone, but a few stragglers were making their way back into the city. Kiera enjoyed her time in the plains and sighed longingly when they entered into the city. The walk to Ecthelion's house was a quick one, but the place was packed when they arrived. His dining hall was overflowing with people, but there were spaces available for them at the head table. Ecthelion and Penlod were speaking with the couple and their families, but Maeglin led her over and pulled out a chair for her to sit. They were alone for the moment on their end of the table, so she glanced around the room.
The place was decorated in Ecthelion and Penlod's sigils and the tables were set for the feast. Bundles of flowers in vases decorated the tables and the chandeliers were burning with candlelight while lanterns hung around the edges. It felt intimate and luxurious without feeling gaudy.
The people were all happy and mingling among the crowd. Kiera noticed a few similar faces, but a lot of them she didn't know. There were also a handful of families sitting together, with a couple of them holding onto children. There were very few children in the city and it made her smile to see them happy and giggling.
Maeglin watched her and said, "lots of people come out for weddings. We have not had one in many years, and this couple seemed to be popular. They are also from two different houses, so both houses are here tonight."
She looked around the room and just people watched while they waited. Her heart thudded in her chest as she wondered if she would ever have a wedding like this in the city. She was shaken out of her musing as Tuor and Idril came into the hall together and made their way towards them. Idril sat next to her as Tuor took the seat on the other side of Maeglin. She and Idril watched cautiously as Tuor started a conversation with Maeglin. Expecting Maeglin to ignore him, Kiera was surprised to hear him respond and have a conversation with Tuor.
She let out a small breath as Idril turned to her and they shared a look. Idril spoke, "Tuor and I took a walk around the plains. Did you and my cousin go for a walk as well?"
"Yes, we walked to the gazebo and then came back. It is beautiful in the plains, and I've longed to go since I arrived."
Idril smiled, "it is one of my favorite places in the valley, but I do not leave the city much. My days are busy and the plains feel dull in comparison, but it is nice to spend a day out there for some peace and quiet."
She laughed, "It's the peacefulness and quiet that I like. I honestly think the city is a bit boring, but maybe that's just me."
Idril laughed a happy laugh, and Kiera caught the hungry look on Maeglin's face. Tuor was still speaking to him about one of his adventures, but Maeglin was ignoring him and had a tight line forming on his mouth. The families came over to the table and everyone started to take their seats, so Idril turned to speak with them.
Kiera tugged on Maeglin's tunic and whispered, "do you want me to change seats with Tuor?"
He gave her a sideways glance and said quietly, "yes."
Tuor was still speaking about his tale and didn't seem to notice their conversation. Kiera got up and patted Tuor on the back, "why don't we switch seats? I'm sure Idril would love to speak to you tonight, and I would like to talk to Maeglin. I don't want you feeling left out of the conversation."
Tuor stood and clapped her on the back jovially, "I would like that, my friend. I do not like sitting at the end of the table where I cannot talk to everyone."
They switched seats and Kiera felt better knowing that the evening was going to go smoother now. Tuor struck up a conversation with Idril immediately and she watched her two friends with a happy smile on her face. They were good for one another and watching them fall in love was a beautiful thing.
Maeglin poured them both glasses of wine and while she sipped hers, he downed his and then poured himself another. Then he turned to her with a mischievous look on his face. "Thank you very much. I cannot stand to listen to his exaggerated stories any longer. I would rather focus on you during dinner." His fingers brushed the edge of her thigh tentatively and she shot him a look. That only spurred him on as he said, "come now, don't you want to have some fun? This is a party after all and I miss our cat-and-mouse game. My spies tell me they haven't seen you with anyone lately. Are you missing the feeling?"
Her cheeks flushed and she reached for her wine to take a drink. While she had thought of their night together, a small part of her wanted something more. It was a silly feeling as she had started to come to accept that she would probably never marry or have children. Yet, she couldn't quite let go of it just yet. Maeglin was right though, it had been some time and she was missing it. However, tonight was not the night for it.
Maeglin's fingers continued to work their way up her thigh as she glared at him. The smirk never left his face, but his fingers stopped for a moment and she relaxed. Thankfully, no one could see under the table and she was at the end away from everyone. Kiera thought he just wanted to tease her, so she started to set her glass down on the table.
That must have been what he was waiting for as his hand moved quickly further up her thigh. The motion made her fumble and she dropped her glass in surprise. The wine poured across the table as everyone turned to look at her. Maeglin withdrew his hand instantly as her entire face was on fire in embarrassment.
"Sorry, I will clean it up," she choked out.
Ecthelion glanced between her Maeglin before saying, "It is alright. Spills happen; my handmaidens will clean it up." He called a handmaiden over, and the maid wiped up the spill as she sat in her chair flustered. Maeglin had a shit-eating grin on his face and watched the scene with amusement. After the maid left, the couple walked in, and she was saved for the moment.
The room cheered and clapped as the couple made their way to the high table. They took their seats in the middle next to their lords, as Ecthelion called for dinner to start. As the workers brought out the food, she scowled at Maeglin and hissed, "you did that on purpose, didn't you?"
He smirked and leaned in closer to her to whisper, "I wanted to see how you would react. It was exciting watching you relax at my first touches, yet get so flustered when I went further. Seeing you fumble with your wine glass made it all the better. I will leave you alone for dinner, but I am enjoying the evening."
If by enjoying, he meant teasing her and embarrassing her, sure. Kiera continued to scowl at him while she loaded her plate. Dinner was a quiet affair, as she and Maeglin spoke of little things as they ate. The rest of the table was having a good time and when Maeglin grew quiet, she people watched again. At one point, she caught Ecthelion's gaze and sent him a radiate smile. He returned the smile, but then she had to look away lest she be caught staring at him again. When everyone had eaten their fill and drank enough wine, Ecthelion called for the dance to begin.
The tables emptied into the dance hall and she started to stand, but Maeglin grabbed her arm. "Not yet. We go in last with the couple."
They waited patiently for the tables to clear out before everyone at the head table stood to make their way into the hall. The families went first, followed by Tuor and Idril. Then she and Maeglin went, with Ecthelion and Penlod behind them. Maeglin took her arm, but then snaked his hand around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Kiera caught the smirk he threw back at Ecthelion, but then they came to a stop near the doors to the dance hall.
They took places on one side, with the families of the couple on the other. Then they waited for the couple to make their way from the dining hall to the dance hall. Kiera felt very uncomfortable between Maeglin and Ecthelion and she got the impression that Maeglin was doing things to make Ecthelion upset. She wasn't paying attention when Maeglin's hand around her waist started to slip lower until his hand brushed across her ass. Then, he gave her a hard squeeze causing her to yelp in surprise.
Everyone turned in the entrance hall to look at her, but Maeglin had moved his hand back to her waist. The looks didn't last long as the couple was making their way through the hall. Kiera looked up and saw the heated glare Ecthelion was giving Maeglin, while the prince just smirked. When the couple passed them and made their way into the hall, the group closed in behind them. They ended up at the edge of the dance floor and she watched as the couple walked into the center of the room to begin a dance. The music started, and she was absorbed in watching as the couple danced and looked at each other with such love and affection. Kiera cried a little and wiped the tears from her eyes as it was such a beautiful moment.
After a few songs, people joined the couple and Maeglin offered his arm to dance. She accepted, but then she turned back to see Ecthelion, alone at the edge of the floor, watching them with sad eyes. The look he gave her made her choke up, but Maeglin spun her around to start the dance.
Maeglin started a slow dance and said, "you surprised me a bit. I was not expecting you to let me go that far, but I enjoyed it."
"I'm sure," Kiera mumbled. "Embarrassed me mostly. Looks like your game is at an end for the night as I plan to dance with Ecthelion most of the night."
He scoffed, "Who said our game is ending, it is just beginning for me." He leaned down closer and whispered in her ear, "you could join me at my house tonight. It is the perfect time to slip out during a dance and be lost among the crowds. What better way to celebrate a new marriage than by enjoying the night together."
Kiera replied quickly, "not tonight. I want to dance the night away and enjoy myself."
"With Ecthelion, I presume?"
She tensed up a moment but answered him nonetheless. "I hope so, but I will dance with whoever asks."
Maeglin's eyes twinkled as he grinned, "well he is a lucky ellon. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He stopped their dance as the song had come to an end. Then he leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. He whispered, "I will be in my room, imagining you as I pleasure myself. If you change your mind, you know where to find me."
He pulled away after and led her over to the edge of the dance floor. Before leaving, he glanced back at her with a heated look and then left. When he was gone, Kiera looked around the room for Ecthelion, but she saw him on the dance floor with the bride and smiled, knowing he got to dance. Tuor waved at her from across the room and she made her way over to him.