Landsbyen -Into the North- An Epic Poem 69

Chroí awoke early the next morning, disoriented and a bit frightened. This was not her bed . It was so big. She was tired and felt drained. Closing her eyes, thoughts of the prior day began to flow back into her mind. She remembered speaking to the King and afterward the circle. Then the sadness hit her. She could feel the Garden Elf's desolation, his emptiness. She remembered reaching out to Gwaldon to help bolster the Garden Elf as his power began to wane. She gave all of her energy to support the elf and when it was done she was spent. Falling into Lumi's arms entered her mind as she fainted, this made her smile. She could see the worry in his face. Opening her eyes again she glanced around her. The room was sparsely decorated with just a few of pieces furniture, an armoire, a dresser and next to the bed an oversized chair with a certain elf that she knew fitfully sleeping in it. She smiled thinking that Lumi had sat up all night with her. This must be Gwaldon and Ceridfen's cottage. She was honored beyond belief as she thought of having awakened in the house of such a prestigious elf and his friend the Elf King. Her eyes were on Lumi. She watched him breath, his lips quivering gently. His chest rising and falling. She had never before felt such an intimate connection with him. She noticed how his hair hung straight to his shoulders like a shining dark waterfall. How the tiniest bit of dark beard pushed passed the peach fuzz lining his chin. The beautiful point of his ear peaking through his hair and the soft turn of his small nose, his dark thick brows and long lashes. She could see the curve of his well muscled shoulders and roundness of his well defined calves and tight fit of his thighs beneath his half length britches. “Uhm,” said Lumi. A blush reddened Chroí's checks. He had caught her looking at him. She also noticed the big smile that crossed his face. “You're awake!” It dawned on Lumi as he jumped from the chair and awkwardly hugged her. He straightened himself almost immediately as he realized what he was doing. “I'm sorry, did I hurt you?” He fumbled with his words, “I was just concerned. Are you hungry? Ceridfen said you would probably need something to help you get your strength back if you woke up. I mean when you woke up. I meant if you woke up during the night. That is, I knew you would be OK. I was just... concerned.” He looked away from her not able to meet her eyes. He felt like such a fool babbling like this. Why did he always do this. He had no problem speaking to her about the weather or magic or meaningless small talk. He could tell her tales for hours and she truly seemed to enjoy listening to his stores. He could be silly and joke with her but when his emotions for her started bubbling up his lips turned to rubber and his tongue felt like it turned into jelly. “Here, I have some broth,” he began again reaching for the mug on the table. “Oh, I'm sorry, it's cold.” There was a moments pause as he stared at the mug, “I'll go get some more. You must be hungry.” She reached her hand out to him as he started to rise from the chair. Touching his hand she moved her legs from the bed and calmed him. She spoke softly and he leaned closer to hear her. “Yes, Lumi, I could eat something, but don't worry about the broth. If you will help me I will accompany you to the Eating Room.” “Are you sure,” he asked? “You seem so weak.” “I am a bit week, but with a strong elf like you to lean on, I will be fine.” Lumi blushed then helped her to her feet. She was a bit wobbly and wrapped her arm around his waist, leaning heavily against him. She looked up at him and whispered, “Thank you sweet Lumi.” Carefully stretching herself onto her toes she gave the elf a long gentle kiss on his cheek. He did not blush this time. He simply squeezed her more tightly against him and they held each other for what seemed like much too long, before making their way down for morning meal.