Some light-hearted moments in this chapter to contrast the previous one. Candaith gets a little poetic, and Gwin has a cute encounter with a familiar little girl. Hope you like it!

Chapter 103

My dreams were strange, but indistinct. There were many swirling colors, and flashes of fire mingled in with white light. Just when I thought I would never wake, I felt the fog of sleep lifting. My eyelashes fluttered, before I opened my eyes and squinted. It was dark, and I could hear the even breathing of the fellow Dunedain. However, Elladan and Elrohir were sitting on the outskirts, still as statues and keeping watch. It made me sad to think that we needed to protect ourselves here, from people who were supposed to welcome us. I believed the majority of the townspeople held us in high esteem, and I wanted to help them get back on their feet. Perhaps we would just need to be more on our guard, and less complacent.

I smiled as I noticed Candaith's arm, which was loosely wrapped around my waist. I sensed calm from him, and it was comforting to my spirit to know he was resting without troubled dreams. I closed my eyes again, hoping to sleep a little more due to some lingering grogginess, but it would not come. My mind started racing with thoughts about yesterday. Had Evan already been killed, or was he locked up in the dungeons? Part of me had the strange urge to see him, but I knew it would only hurt me. There would be no reason for him to hold back his hatred of me, and hearing his poisonous words would only bring me pain and heartache. Plus, if he was anywhere near the Emissary, Gwilhum would find great pleasure in my suffering, and I was unwilling to give him that.

I had evaded death once more, but only just. Although I was grateful to be alive, I was frustrated at being thrown into these situations over and over. While it was true that my quests and actions to help others had always held the risk of injury and death, it was not something I relished facing. The amount of evil in Arda was staggering, and fighting against it was perilous. I had been lucky so far, but how long would it be until it ran out?

Holding in a sigh, I looked out towards the lake, which was just beyond our little shelter, and noticed Elrohir looking back at me. His eyes softened, and he made his way over to me quietly. Taking my hand in his, I felt a pleasant flow of warmth move up my arm. It was comforting. "How do you fare, penneth?" he whispered.

I shrugged carefully, noting Candaith did not stir. "I am feeling less tired, but more worried and confused." I paused for a moment to gather my thoughts. "What did Halbarad say?"

It was a while before Elrohir answered me, and his penetrating gaze started to feel uncomfortable. It was like he was trying to read my thoughts, even though I knew he did not have the skill his grandmother Galadriel possessed. Finally, he whispered, "He said it is up to you."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling more than a little surprised. "Up to me? But he is our leader; he should make these decisions, not I."

"He values your input, and took your words to heart about helping the people here," he said softly.

"I see," I replied slowly, but I didn't really. I knew Halbarad wanted to move on, and I was confused as to why he would put so much stock in my wishes. Our mission was critical, and I thought it was the most important thing to him right now. For him to set that aside and take my feelings into account was a welcome surprise. "We will need to speak on it more in the morning."

Elrohir turned to eye the skies. "We are a few hours yet from dawn. Try and rest a little, muinthel nin." He tucked some loose hair behind my ear and gave me a gentle smile. "I will watch over you."

I smiled ruefully, "I can watch over myself too, you know." He went to say something, but I interrupted him, "However, I will not begrudge you the opportunity to do so, muindor. I know you enjoy being a mother hen." Elrohir scowled at me, but there was a twinkle of humor in his eyes. With one last squeeze of his hand, he settled down beside me and started humming a quiet melody. It was not long before I felt drowsy again, and let myself fall into reverie.

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Thankfully, my dreams were pleasantly boring, and I was woken by a trail of hot, featherlight kisses down the side of my neck. Candaith was laying much closer to me, and my back was to his front. My eyes cleared, and I scanned the area around us. Thankfully, no one else was here, and I wondered how late it was. My thoughts were interrupted as he was lightly running his fingers along across my stomach in lazy circles, brushing my breasts occasionally but not settling his warm hands on them. I had to bite back a moan when he nibbled on my left earlobe, soothing it with his tongue. I inadvertently rubbed against him, and he growled against my neck; his stubble tickled pleasantly.

"Candaith," I breathed, "Anyone could walk in, you know."

Ignoring my words, he pulled my blanket up a little more so I was further covered, before finally slipping his hand under my shirt and squeezing my left breast, rolling the nipple gently. I felt a jolt of pleasure and a familiar ache, which only increased as his other hand ghosted lower, his gentle touches driving me crazy. My hips rolled against his hand automatically, and he whispered, "Does that feel good, meleth?"

Unable to speak due to being unsure what sounds would come out of my mouth if I tried, I nodded. I felt him smile against my neck, before he dragged his tongue down to my collar bone, kissing his way across while his fingers continued their maddening ministrations. I could tell how aroused he was by the hardness against my back.

I turned around to face him, our lips only a breath apart as our foreheads touched. "Le melin, Candaith," I whispered, my voice shaking with sudden emotion. His hands came up to cradle my face, and he replied softly, "I love you too, Gwin. Always." I felt the strength of it mingle with mine in my soul, and it never ceased to amaze me how closely bonded we were. Even though we had only been married a short time, I felt like I had loved Candaith forever, as if he was always meant for me, and I for him. He brushed some hair out of my face, "How beautiful you are, meleth nin." His low tone made me shiver. "From the moment I saw you smile, it took my breath away." He leaned in and brushed his lips against mine. "I wanted to do this, back in Ost Guruth as we looked over the Lone Lands together. The stars shone in your eyes, and I was mesmerized by the light as it danced across your skin. It took much effort to prevent myself from taking you into my arms, like we are now." He ran his fingers through my hair, and I hummed at the pleasant feeling. "Your hair is so soft, and glides through my fingers like silk. The first time you returned from washing in the stream near my camp, I had to sit on my hands to stop myself from touching it, as you settled down next to me with it streaming down your back." He took a deep breath, and sighed happily. "Your lavender scent is intoxicating, and brings a smile to my face whenever you are near." His eyes met mine and they were smoldering; it made my breath catch. "And the way you taste…I cannot get enough of you."

Unable to stop myself, my lips crashed against his, and he responded willingly as our tongues entwined. I pulled him flush against me, wishing we could divest of our clothes and be skin on skin. Unfortunately, I knew it would be quite an unwelcome show for anyone to see, if they were to walk in unannounced. He rolled his hips against mine, and I arched my back at the sensation of him moving against me.

Candaith seemed unable to help himself from trying to take my clothes off, but his attempts made me refocus on where we were. Sadly, I slowed down my motions and ended the kiss gently. He sighed, knowing it was probably for the best that we stop. "I promise I will make it up to you, when we have more privacy," I whispered, still sounding husky with desire.

"I will hold you to it," he growled, and I caught a glimpse of the devilish smirk on his face before he gave the pointed tip of my right ear another caress with his tongue. I buried my face in his chest to muffle a moan, and a chuckle rumbled through him. "I suppose we must rise; the hour is late, I think."

I nodded, before reluctantly extricating myself from his warm embrace and rising to my feet. Puttering around a bit, I found some things to wash up with, before making my way to the small communal bath house a few streets down. It was nice to have anywhere besides a cold stream to bathe in, even if it was nothing like the fancier facilities in Lothlorien. I smirked as I recalled how ostentatious the Elves had made the bathing structure. A bit more extravagant than I thought was necessary, but I had to admit how wonderful it felt to relax in the hot water of the giant pools, fancy soaps and oils everywhere, and plenty of good conversation.

I noticed I was coming across more of the rangers than I anticipated while I was on my way, and had a sneaking suspicion that Halbarad wanted them to keep an eye on me, in case of further danger. While I appreciated the concern, it rankled me a bit. However, I kept a pleasant smile in place as I walked, breathing a sigh of relief once I reached my destination.

The water was a little cooler than the almost scalding hot temperature I preferred, but comfortable enough. There were a few other women there, and I could feel their eyes on me, although they tried to hide their curious glances. I knew my pale skin and willowy figure might seem strange to them, and attempted to ignore the prickly discomfort of knowing my scars were on display. I tried not to be ashamed of them, but it was a struggle. They reminded me of my failings, as well as some of the most traumatic moments of my life.

I was surprised when a little girl wandered over to me across the shallow pool, and took my hand. It was none other than Leona, and I crouched down a bit so we were at the same level. "It is good to see you, penneth," I said softly, managing a hopefully passable smile.

"You are sad," she murmured, a frown on her face. Her ability to assess me so quickly was startling, and I wondered how obvious my state of mind was to everyone else. "Mama says it helps to talk about it when I am feeling sad."

Speaking of her mother, she started to rise to come and collect Leona, an apologetic look on her face. I raised a hand, signaling I was fine speaking with her daughter, and she gave me a smile.

Focusing again on the little girl, I said, "I am sad about some things that happened to me in the past, but I will be well." Eventually, I hoped.

"Promise?" she whispered, putting a small hand on my cheek.

I felt a tear roll down my cheek, but my lips quirked up a little. "May I teach you a word of my language, Leona?" Her eyes lit up and she nodded. "The word for 'promise' in Sindarin, which is the language of my people, is gwestol."

"Gwuuestle?" she said, her mouth sounding out the unfamiliar word.

"Yes, that is right!" I replied with a smile. Well almost. "So you would say, "Pedig gwestol?" if you were to ask me to promise you something."

"Pe…hmm, p-pedik gwuuestol," she replied, a look of concentration on her face. I caught her mother's eye and winked. "Did I say it right, Lady Gwin?"

"You did very well," I said, amused by her pronunciation.

"Can you teach me more words?" she asked excitedly.

I held in a smile and instead nodded, "I would like that very much, mellon nin."

She looked perplexed and asked, "Mellon? Isn't that a type of fruit?"

I couldn't help but laugh a little, "Yes, it is a fruit, but in my language, mellon nin means 'my friend', and I think of you as a friend." I tickled her a little. "I hope you feel the same about me?"

She giggled, squirming away from me. "Yes, you are my mellon!" Her laughter lightened my heart.

"Leona, it is time to finish your bath," her mother ordered sternly, but her eyes were full of mirth as they met mine.

The child's face fell, "Mama, do I have to? Lady Gwin and I are teaching each other words." Well, it was more one-sided than that.

"She is trying to take her own bath, and I'm sure she is getting a little cold after all this time," her mother countered. "So say goodbye to Lady Gwin, and let's finish getting you clean."

Leona huffed a disappointed sigh. "Oookay mama." She turned to me and said, "How do you say goodbye in your language?"

"This one is a little tricky, penneth," I warned her gently. "The word for goodbye, or farewell, is 'namárië'." I said slowly, lengthening the syllables to make it easier for her to say, and the repeated it once more.

Screwing her face up in concentration, and looking quite adorable, she attempted it, "Nahmahree." She looked at me anxiously, "Did I say it right? It is a hard word, like you said."

"Nicely done," I said with a smile. "Now off with you. I am certain I will see you soon."

Smiling brightly at me, she waved and bounded over to her mother, who rolled her eyes in exasperation, looking at her fondly. It made my heart lurch as the thought of my own future child doing such a thing hit me like a ton of bricks.

Hopefully I would have the chance to find out someday.

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