After all of the drama of the previous couple of chapters, I've got a more light-hearted one for you here. Some joking from the twins, and some spice between Candaith and Gwin. Hope you like it!
Chapter 89The next morning, I felt much improved. My spirit was calmer, and it seemed as if the events of last night had 'reset' things. My bond with Candaith was solid once more, and peace settled in my mind.
We were snuggled together on our palette, with the blankets wrapped around us. He was running his fingers through my hair, as was his wont, and I trailed mine up and down his chest.
"What is on your mind?" Candaith murmured.
I tilted my head to look up at him, "How am I going to face everyone after what happened yesterday?" I frowned as I considered how it must have looked to them. "They must think me mad. Or dangerous. Or both."
Candaith kissed my forehead gently and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. "Everyone here is either a family member or close friend; no one will judge you based on what occurred." He gave me a wry smile. "I must say, you looked very fierce when you fought against the spirit on the path yesterday."
I rolled my eyes, "Oh, you mean the spirit no one else could see?"
He chuckled. "You were very brave in the face of such evil."
"I certainly did not feel brave at the time," I replied with a shrug, before looking up at him once more. "Could we change the subject?" I did not want to spend any more time remembering yesterday.
"What would you like to talk about?" Candaith asked.
"How about we discuss what you will bring me for breakfast?" I replied cheekily.
He grinned and said, "I will see what I can find, but no promises it will be a five-course meal." I laughed and appraised his body as he pulled away from me. He was so handsome, and part of me just wanted to pull him back down beside me. However, my stomach growled audibly, and he winked as he finished dressing and stepped outside.
I sighed and cast my eyes around the tent, looking for something to wear. My pack was just out of reach, and I pouted a little with the realization that I would need to come out from under the warm blankets to get it. I had just worked up the courage to do so when Candaith reappeared, with unfortunately only lembas and dried fruit in his hands.
His eyes noted where I had intended to go, and he gave me a sly grin before pulling me into his lap. "I do not think you need clothes to eat, do you?"
I blushed and laughed quietly. "I suppose not. Now hand it over." He placed a piece of lembas in my hand and I nibbled on it, thinking about what the day would bring. I was sure Halbarad let me sleep in a little, despite our need of haste. I knew he and the others were likely concerned for my well-being, and while I appreciated it, I also knew we needed to set my struggles aside for now. There were many miles to travel, and not much time to do it.
"Meleth, you are distracting me," I whispered, as Candaith was lightly kissing my neck and his hands were wandering over my breasts. "How will I eat when you are behaving like a barbarian?" This was the wrong thing to say, or perhaps the right thing, as his smoldering eyes met mine.
"A barbarian, you say?" he growled. "Did you not once tell me Rangers were known as barbarians?"
"Perhaps," I replied breathily, recalling our rather humorous conversation in the Prancing Pony many months ago. "You dunked your entire head into the bowl of water and got most of it on me, and your apology was clearly not meant to be sincere." Our conversation ended as he pulled me into what could be considered a rough kiss; there were no gentle, slow motions here. The lembas tumbled out of my hands onto the ground.
"Is this how barbarians act, meleth?" He said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine. He moved his hands up and down my body, and each touch felt like fire. He nipped my bottom lip softly and pulled it into his mouth before placing me on my back. "Do you know what barbarians like to eat?"
My heart was beating fast, and I wondered what he would do next. "I can't say that I do." Could he tell how aroused I was by my trembling voice?
He raked his darkened eyes over my body before placing open mouth kisses from my chest down to my core. I jolted as he circled my opening, and we locked gazes as he whispered, "I find this to be my favorite." After this, I was lost in a haze of pleasure; he was very talented with his tongue, and his fingers moving inside me curled up just right. My back arched and I bit my lip to keep from crying out as he moved faster. I tried to make it last, but once he hummed against me, the vibration was enough to send me over the edge. I collapsed and tumbled onto my back, the warm blankets softening the ground beneath me as I attempted to catch my breath.
After I had recovered somewhat, he crawled over to me and kissed me slowly. "Are you feeling satisfied?" I whispered, my voice husky.
"Very," he replied. "I will certainly be a returning customer."
I blushed at his words, but decided to play along. "I will make sure to have it ready for you, whenever you desire to…visit." My lips found his once more, but after a time, I realized we needed to get ready for the day.
Reluctantly, I sat up. "We must dress and depart soon, for we have much ground to cover."
He smiled ruefully, "Aye, you are right. If only I could spend all day just like this, with you in my arms, completely naked." He winked and I laughed. "Alas, it is not this day."
With this, we speedily cleaned up a bit, dressed, and packed our belongings, before stepping into the sunlight and dismantling our tent.
Despite Candaith's reassurances, I found I could not meet the eyes of the others. I worried they would find me a less desirable companion to have in the group. I decided to keep my head down, for now.
Alas, it was not to be. Elladan looped his arm through mine and steered me over to his brother, who's eyes were twinkling with mischief. "What are you up to?" I asked suspiciously.
"Whatever do you mean, dear sister?" Elrohir replied innocently. "Us? Up to something? Never!" I rolled my eyes but felt my heart lift at his musical laughter.
I realized I was now next to my horse, and my jaw dropped at what I saw.
Her mane, which usually flowed freely, was braided and full of flowers! Even her tail was not spared. She looked quite annoyed at this predicament, and snorted as the twins approached.
I ran my hands over the elaborate style, wondering how on earth they managed it. "Where did you come across all of these flowers? And greenery?" Glancing about myself, I noted the mostly barren landscape. Our camp was nestled in between some large boulders and a single tree.
"Ah, an Ellon never tells," Elrohir quipped, and both twins grinned cheekily as I huffed. Secretly, I was pleased…although my horse seemed underwhelmed. It was very sweet of them to do something to cheer me up and make me laugh.
"Hmm, perhaps I will need to braid some of those flowers in your hair," I replied with a sly smile. "I am sure they would look just as beautiful." The twins pursed their lips, and were surprised as I hugged them both. "Thank you, it was very sweet," I whispered.
"You are welcome, Gwin," Elladan replied softly, as they pulled away. "Speaking of braids, your hair is a disaster." I couldn't help the blush that crept over my cheeks, and he raised an eyebrow. "May I fix it for you?"
"Of course," I said hastily. "Let us go over here." I turned away from them briefly as we made our way over to a conveniently-placed log, and tried to decrease the redness of my face. Candaith caught my eye and smirked, clearly having overheard our conversation, which made me blush even more.
I practically shoved my brush and some leather ties in Elladan's hands and sat down; thankfully Radanir chose that moment to appear and started chattering on about something inconsequential, which was a pleasant distraction. To be honest, it felt nice as Elladan brushed my hair, and before long it was free of tangles. He braided it efficiently, and I gave him a genuine smile in gratitude, kissing his cheek before running off to finish gathering my things.
My spirits lighter, we all mounted up and continued south. Besides a few little skirmishes with some foolish skeletons, there were no further significant altercations with the enemy. I breathed a sigh of relief as we approached Echad Naeglanc. There was a Dunlending there who looked at us suspiciously as we approached, but he did not address us directly. We greeted Naeglanc, who of course was the main Dunedain in the area, and Prestadir pulled him into an enthusiastic hug. I wondered how they knew each other so well.
"Mae Govannen!" Naeglanc said jovially. "I did not expect you to arrive in such haste; I heard tell of your coming from a messenger from Harndirion." He became a little more serious as he continued, "Your mission is one of great importance. I wish I could join you, but my place is here, for the moment."
"It is indeed. Aragorn would want our people to keep their posts, with the exception of our group, whom he called upon specifically. Although I am sure he would welcome your aid, your work is important," Halbarad said.
Naeglanc smiled. "I agree, mellon nin. Now, will you be spending the night here?"
Halbarad nodded, and although it was still before sunset, I believe we all appreciated the respite. We were near the end of the Bonevales, and I felt I could breathe a little easier.
I was pleased to see the area surrounded by the beautiful trees we had seen earlier, and I nearly skipped over to them in my eagerness to hear their voices. Could they speak to me? Would they?
Attempting to temper my excitement, I placed a hand over what looked like an older tree. From my experience, they tended to speak more readily to strangers, having lived for so long and experienced so much.
Suilad, I began hesitantly. I waited for a little while, but was disappointed to be greeted with silence. I went to turn away but right before I removed my hand, a gravely, old voice responded, Hello, Elichthi.
I could not help but smile. How do you fare? He seemed to be in good health; the branches were full of leaves, and looked strong.
Well enough, he replied quietly. What brings you here, young one?
A mission of great importance. We must pass through these lands to rendezvous with one who needs our aid. I almost said 'our chieftain', but as good of a friend as Aragorn was, he was not truly my leader.
Or was he? Now that I was married to one of the Dunedain, did it make me one of them? The thought gave me mixed emotions. I was an Elleth, who had followed King Thranduil without question, even while I lived elsewhere. Yet, Aragorn was one I would be proud to call my King. It was all very confusing.
Tread carefully, Elichthi; do not expect welcome from the people who live in these lands. I could sense the caution in his voice, and a hint of worry.
I sighed, I assumed as much. We mean to pass through quickly, going south, if we can.
The tree paused in silence for a time, and I waited with a little impatience. I could tell he was in thought. Finally, his voice rumbled, There are people who could use your aid, if you are willing to give it.
I furrowed my brow, Of whom do you speak?
Those who live in the region of Tal Methedras are starving and barricaded in by hosts of the enemy. They will not survive much longer without food. I have spoken with the trees through others, and they are hurting as evil birds create nests in their branches. If a tree could sigh, this was the sound he made. You may not wish to help, as they reside north and east of here, which I understand is not the direction you wish to travel.
I nodded slowly, thinking hard. Something clicked as I recalled the messenger Ergothorn had written of in his letter, the one we had rescued. He had come from Tur Morva in Tal Methedras, as one of the Falcon clan. They decided to turn Saruman away…and were now paying for it with their lives.
It was yet another detour, and I had doubts about whether or not Halbarad would indulge me once more. Things had gone so poorly when we decided to humor the dwarves and take the Forsaken Road; would it be worth it?
Their plight resonated with me. The increase in danger in my homeland wasn't the only reason we were forced to move to the capital…
I had fun writing about the antics of the twins, and how the presence of the trees lightened Gwin's spirits. Thanks for reading, and leave a review if you'd like!