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Elurín sighed in relief when Imladris appeared in front of him. After months of being on the road fighting Orcs and protecting villages, it was good to return to a comfortable place. Eluréd had returned a few weeks earlier after having been badly wounded. Elurín patted his mare’s neck.
“See that? Soon you’ll get spoiled.” He chuckled when the mare stomped her foot and started trotting down the path. The guards bowed when Elurín rode through the gates, making his way to the stables.
“Treat her well, she has done much work these past few months.”, he told the groom, who bowed. Then, he started to make his way to Elrond’s study, but he didn’t get far as Elurín spotted the Lord of Imladris making his way to the stables from afar.
“Elrond”, he greeted the other with a smile, which was returned. “I am afraid I must once more indulge in your hospitality, if you’ve got the time and space.”
Elrond sighed in fond exasperation. “You know Imladris is always open for you and Eluréd. Come, you must be famished.”
Elurín patted his stomach. “You know me too well. By the way, how is Eluréd doing?”
“He’s fine. I am surprised he managed to ride to Imladris with such a nasty gap on his leg. Fortunately, it wasn’t poisoned or infected, so it will heal quickly. Or it would if Eluréd didn’t – Elurín?” Elrond halted in his tracks when he noticed that his silver-haired brother was no longer next to him, but had stopped a few metres behind him. While the terrace both currently stood on allowed a magnificent view on Imladris glittering in the evening sun, Elurín’s gaze seemed fixed on something else. Elrond made his way over and supressed a smile.
It seemed a guest of his had caught Elurín’s attention.
“That is the Lady Larylieth.”, Elrond quietly explained and Elurín simply answered with a quiet “Larylieth”.
The grandson of Lúthien couldn’t take his eyes off the beauty sitting on a bench enjoying a book. Her golden hair was nigh blinding in the evening sun and freely tumbled down her back. She was a vision in her peach and white coloured robes on her olive skin, though he didn’t recognize the style. He also noticed her long ears, which moved according to her moods as she read. Elurín wished she would look up.
He suddenly startled as he remembered where he was and was met with Elrond’s knowing grin. Grabbing his arm, Elurín dragged the lord into a corner.
“Information, Elrond, I need information.” Elurín didn’t like the smug look on Elrond’s face, but he was desperate.
“Don’t you want to check on Eluréd first? After all, it really was a nasty wound he got.”
Elurín looked at him dumbfounded. He had completely forgotten about his brother. He bowed his head with a sigh and let go of Elrond. “Fine. But afterwards you’ll tell me.”
Elrond smiled and nodded.
~~~
“Elurín, my dear brother, finally decided to join us here?”, Eluréd greeted him from the bed.
“The region should be free from Orcs for now. How are you? Elrond said you don’t behave.”, Elurín stated with a lifted eyebrow and Eluréd groaned.
“Elrond, you tell-tale. I’ve been lying here for weeks now and am still not allowed to walk around. I’m fine.”
Elrond shook his head. “I said no long distances and that you should use crutches. You were wounded in a sensitive area which takes much time to heal and it will do so faster if you move as little as possible.”
“You are merciless. Elurín, can’t you say something to him? Hellooo, Elurín?”, Eluréd whined and turned his attention to his brother, who didn’t react. Elrond sniggered.
“Our dear Elurín spotted someone on the way here.”, he faux-whispered and Eluréd stared in confusion until it clicked.
“Ohhh, is little Elurín attracted to someone? Who is it?”, he teased and Elurín glared at both of them.
“Lady Larylieth.”, Elrond answered and Eluréd grew confused again.
“Who? Ah!”, he snipped his fingers, “Isn’t that the woman with those long ears?”
Elrond nodded and Eluréd laughed. “I didn’t know you like those ears. Elrond said there is a whole country filled with them, but you’d have to travel for a while.”
Elurín threw a pillow in Eluréd’s face. “I see you’re doing just fine. Come Elrond, you promised me information.”
“Yes, go. Forget all about me! I’m just your poor, wounded brother.”, Eluréd gasped dramatically before bursting into laughter. “But tell me when you manage to talk to her!”
~~~
Elurín fell into a chair on Elrond’s private balcony and impatiently waited for Elrond to finish brewing his tea. He poured two cups and occupied the second chair.
“I believe I have teased you long enough. I don’t know that much myself, I must admit. Lady Larylieth certainly has an impressive background. Have you heard of Kazaheril?”
Elurín nodded. “I think so. She was an important figure in Angband, wasn’t she?”
“Correct. Kazaheril is Lady Larylieth’s mother, while her father is King Finrod Felagund of Nargothrond. Lady Galadriel says she has her father’s hair, eyes and temperament. Kazaheril is a Naryii, which explains the rest of her physique, such as the ears.” Elrond threw Elurín an amused look after the last sentence and the silver-haired elf huffed. The Lord of Imladris laughed. “Forgive me, I couldn’t resist. But don’t worry, you aren’t the only elf to find them adorable. Lady Galadriel told me Finrod had gushed about them all the time.”
Elurín crossed his arms and flushed. “You are impossible.”
~~~
The days passed and Elurín spent most of the time looking for Larylieth. But he never talked to her and only admired her from afar. He didn’t know what he would say. Perhaps he could ask what she was doing with the leaves, earth, petals and blossoms she sometimes took from the gardens, but he was afraid he would appear stupid. Elrond had told him the Naryii were scientists and inventors and Elurín wasn’t educated in the complex sciences of higher mathematics, biology or whatever it was they were doing. Thus, he resigned himself to watch her from afar, hoping he didn’t come across as a stalker. The day she had accidentally met his eyes was still engrained in his inner eye and the memory of her sapphire eyes and her lovely smile made his heart swell every time.
Eluréd wasn’t any help either. Whenever he hobbled around with his crutches, he laughed at Elurín’s misery. “I am your brother", he had said, “It is my duty to tease and laugh at you.” Elurín had returned that statement with the threat that he will push him while walking with his crutches. Eluréd simply laughed and both knew that neither statement was meant with bad intentions.
One day, while Elurín was lounging on the railing of one of Imladris’ many terraces and elevated platforms, the question of how to approach Larylieth was taken from him. He was once again entranced by her loveliness and daydreams where he had the courage to approach her when, suddenly, he realized she had disappeared. He scanned the surroundings but didn’t find her. Dejectedly, he leaned back against the pillar.
“You know, you could talk to me instead of staring. I don’t bite.”
Elurín was caught by surprise when a female voice piped up behind him. He lost his balance and accompanied by her gasp, catching the glimpse of golden hair, tumbled from the terrace …
…into the fountain below. Luckily, it wasn’t a long fall and he didn’t hurt himself.
“I am so sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you like that!”, the voice frantically said from above him and when Elurín looked up, he wanted the fountain to swallow him. Larylieth had her hands clasped over her mouth and then ran down the stairs to the fountain Elurín was still lying in.
Eru, what have I done to deserve this?, Elurín thought and let his forehead fall on the edge of the fountain. A few elves helped him out and then Larylieth was in front of him.
“Are you hurt?”, she asked, her eyes quickly roaming him for wounds. Elurín shook his head.
“I’m fine.”, he mumbled, unable to meet her eyes in embarrassment. His face felt hot and must be beet-red. Apparently Larylieth was convinced that he was unharmed, and she grinned in amusement.
“That’s one way to make a first impression. I still feel bad, though. Can I make it up to you –“
Whatever she had been about to say next was not heard when another action, which certainly didn’t make his first impression on her better, took place: Elurín’s brain shut down and he fled the scene.
“ – by making dinner?”, Larylieth finished, the end trailing off as she watched the elf run away. She covered her mouth with her sleeve.
Goodness, can he be any more adorable?
~~~
Elrond looked up from his scroll when he heard sogged boots make their way to him. His eyes widened when a drenched Elurín appeared and face-planted on the sofa.
“Elurín! Whatever happened to you?”
“I’m leaving. I can never return. Not as long as she is here.”, came Elurín’s muffled reply. Elrond sighed.
“What does Larylieth have to do with you being drenched from head to toe?”
“Was sitting on the railing when she suddenly spoke up behind me. I was surprised and fell into the fountain.” Elurín looked up with a red face and Elrond stared at him for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. Elurín groaned and hid his face again.
“But you aren’t hurt?”, Elrond asked after he had calmed down and the silver-haired elf shook his head. “But at least someone finally took the first step.”
Elurín glared at Elrond before his face fell. “I messed up. Ai Elrond, it was so embarrassing! I must seem so incompetent!”
Elrond walked over and patted his shoulder. “You worry too much. Larylieth probably saw it with humour and doesn’t think any less of you.” Elurín simply groaned.
In the evening, someone knocked on Elurín’s door. “My Lord Elurín, the Lady Larylieth gave me this note for you.”. Lindir’s voice sounded through the door and he shrieked when the elf yanked it open and grabbed the paper. “Thank you, Lindir.” The elf nodded and left. Elurín sat on his bed and opened the envelope and took out the note. It was short.
My Lord Elurín,
Since you so hastily departed this afternoon, I was unable to offer you my proper apology. If you do not mind, allow me to make it up to you by preparing dinner. A bird told me you’re free in the afternoon the day after tomorrow. Come to the following address:
Room 34, second floor, West Wing.
I’ll see you around 7 p.m.
Larylieth
~~~
“I can’t believe you told her I was free tonight.”
“Why are you complaining? You’ve got a date with the girl of your dreams and now you can show her the charming elf you really are.”, Elrond said and Elurín shook him by the shoulders.
“I can’t talk to her! And it’s not a date, just an apology.”
Elrond looked at him with a deadpan look. “Of course, my mistake. I always invite people to dinner to apologize. Please relax, it will be fine.”
At 6:55 p.m., Elurín stood in front of her door, heart pounding and palms sweaty. He waited a few agonizing minutes before knocking. It didn’t take long for Larylieth to open the door. A delicious smell wafted outside and Elurín nearly salivated when it hit his nose.
Larylieth beamed. “Welcome. Please, come in, dinner is nearly ready.”
Elurín was tacked aback by the many sketches on the walls, some depicting constellations, on others was stuff he did not recognize. A strange small machine was standing on a table by the window. Intrigued, he walked over to look at it. Next to it was a box with small glass rectangles and two flintstones.
“Please don’t touch the lenses at the top!”
While Elurín’s fingers were far away from said lenses, he pulled his hand away as if he had been burned. He turned to Larylieth, who smiled sheepishly.
“Sorry, but cleaning them is a pain. That’s my microscope. It allows me to see the tiny parts of plant for example, which cannot be seen with the eye.”
Elurín’s eyebrows lifted in disbelief. “Truly?”
“I can show you after dinner, if you like.”
He grinned. “I would like that.”
If Elurín could marry someone solely for the food, he would marry Larylieth this instant. Pleased, she watched him enjoy the dinner and even got a second portion. Conversation was light and, much to Elurín’s relief, he didn’t sound like a fool or stammer around. When they were finished, Larylieth’s ears twitched.
“So, am I forgiven for throwing you into the fountain?”
“You didn’t throw me; I fell on my own. And there never was anything to forgive. I told you that already.”
“Still, I was partially at fault for startling you.”
“You wouldn’t have startled me if I hadn’t been so lost in thought.”
Larylieth rolled her eyes in amusement. “You won’t let me apologize, will you?”
Elurín grinned. “Not this time. How about you show me that ‘microscope’ machine?”
That evening, Elurín was introduced to a world previously hidden to him. Some of the drawings now made sense, as they were images of what he sees magnified by the microscope.
“This is incredible! Where did you get this?”
“When I was in Sheiye studying astronomy and biology it was a vital part of my education. The microscope is a naryiish invention. Though, this is still an early model, which is why lighting the crystal with the flintstones takes time and is tedious work. Perhaps there are newer models on the market already.”, Larylieth replied thoughtfully and something heavy settled in Elurín’s stomach. Did that mean she will leave soon?
He cleared his throat. “That sounds like you’ll leave soon.”
Larylieth averted her eyes. “I do not know yet. I guess it depends.”
On what?, he wished to ask, but Larylieth moved on to a different topic. When Elurín left, it was late and pitch-black outside.
~~~
After that, they met regularly and Elurín was drawn to her intellect and charisma. Larylieth, on the other hand, was also glad that her suspicions concerning his character were confirmed. Though brave and strong, he wasn’t condescending towards those who didn’t fight and he tried understanding her scribbles and ramblings about whatever she had discovered or whatever she knew.
Eluréd found great joy in teasing his brother until he was beet-red, a quality which Larylieth seemed to adore in Elurín, which led to nigh relentless teasing on that topic. But Eluréd was glad his brother had found someone, even if a confession was still missing. Elrond and he had a bet on who will confess first and while Eluréd was confident Larylieth will take the first step, Elrond had more faith in Elurín.
~~~
Larylieth tried to keep up with Elurín, as he led her to some unknown part of Imladris. “Elurín, where in Eru’s sake are you taking me? Must I be worried?”, she asked and when he turned to her, eyes shining with excitement and something else, she nearly stumbled over a root. How he made her heart sing!
“I promise you will like it.”, he answered, “We’re nearly there.”
After a few more minutes of climbing uphill, they arrived at the top of one of the cliffs surrounding Imladris. The setting sun set the tree’s orange and red leaves ablaze and a rainbow sparkled over one of the waterfalls.
“It’s breath-taking.”, Larylieth gasped and Elurín looked at her, heart pounding in his chest.
“Yes, it certainly is the most beautiful sight.”
He inhaled shakily and nervously tugged at the collar of his shirt. Today was the day. Hesitantly, he took her hand in his and she looked at him. Elurín blushed at having her undivided attention on him. Larylieth seemed to have come to a decision.
“Elurín – “
“Larylieth –“
Both flushed in embarrassment and Elurín quickly took the chance to speak once more.
“Please, let me begin, before my courage leaves me once again. I admit that there has been something on my heart for many months. You have set my heart ablaze the moment I first saw you and our interactions have only strengthened it. I must confess that I – that you – “
Elurín wished for the ground to swallow him. That his speech should now fail him was mortifying, yet when he felt Larylieth tighten her grip, he looked up into her glassy eyes.
“Please, continue.”, she breathed and Elurín took new courage.
“You have bewitched me, Larylieth, body and soul and I love…I love…I love you.”
As soon as the words had left his lips, Larylieth jumped into his arms.
“I am afraid I am not as eloquent with my words as you are, dearest Elurín, so allow me to be plain and bold: I love you as well, have done so since our first dinner after the fountain incident.”
Elurín twirled her around, both laughing as their hearts were filled with joy. Long they stood in a tight embrace, glad their eternity would no longer be a lonely one.
~~~
The village wasn’t far and soon, they saw the lights gleaming in the horizon. Larylieth chuckled at the owner of the first inn they barged into.
“We just need a room to change.”, Elurín said and the baffled human managed to get out: “Room 5 in the first floor is free.” Elurín grinned and took the key. “Thanks a lot!” The owner looked at the cleaning lady. “Was that just an elf?”
Larylieth started stripping the moment the door closed.
“What are you doing?”, Elurín squeaked and she looked at him in confusion.
“Changing? What else would I do? Oh.”, she giggled sheepishly, “I’ll move to the bathroom then. I’ll see you downstairs?” Elurín nodded red-faced. He quickly threw on a pair of nice breeches and an emerald green tunic with silver accents. He quickly redid his braids and washed his face. Looking at his reflection, he felt pride well up. He was more handsome than even the beautiful elves, having inherited his grandmother’s beauty.
“I – I am downstairs.”
“Alright, I’m coming in just a moment.”
“Great.”
The owner was staring at Elurín and the elf started to question if it had been a good idea to attend the Autumn Festival held by a human village. He stepped outside and admired the lanterns. Some had obviously been made by children, but they were charming nonetheless. A few girls giggled and blushed when they saw Elurín but didn’t dare approach him. The children were bolder and even pointed at him with their fingers, but their parents quickly reprimanded them. Some seemed confused what an elf was doing here, but fortunately, no one let themselves be distracted from enjoying the festival.
“Elurín? Are you ready?”
He turned to Larylieth and thought his heart might fail him. Blood roared in his ears as his face grew hot.
“You really aren’t good for my heart.”, Elurín rasped. Dressed in lovely brown robes which faded into yellow at the sleeves and around the hems, her hair in a half-do and earrings dangling from her ears, she was a vision. How on Arda had he managed to snatch such a beauty?
Larylieth’s ears lowered as she flushed. “Do you think you’re any better for mine? Just look at you. Take responsibility.”
Elurín laughed breathily and took her hand, pressing a worshipful kiss on it. “Only if you do the same.” Not for the first time did Larylieth suppress the desire to kiss him, but she had agreed to wait, as Elves apparently waited a bit for the first kiss. She took his offered arm and he whispered to her.
“I think we will stick out quite a bit.”
“Let them stare”, she whispered back and giggling, they threw themselves into the festivities.
The night was bathed in orange and yellow light and filled with laughter. With emotions running high, Elurín and Larylieth only had eyes for themselves, much to the disappointment of the young men and women, who wished to dance with the rare creatures as well. The old folk laughed at the grumblings of the young and simply enjoyed the beauty the two strangers graced their village with.
In one of the stalls, Elurín found a beautiful rose-shaped hairclip. “May I try that one on my dearest?”, he asked the woman selling the jewellery.
“Of course, my lord.”, she said and Elurín called for Larylieth, who was still a stall behind and had apparently bought something. Quickly, she went to Elurín. Her eyes widened when she saw the hairclip in his hand and carefully, he put it into her hair.
“Beautiful”, he breathed and looked at the price tag. Grabbing a small coin pouch, he threw a handful of coins on the counter and the two left, leaving a stunned woman behind.
“My lord, that is…way too much…”
As the night slowly grew old, Larylieth and Elurín withdrew from the festivities to a small hill nearby. There, they sat for a while in silence, his arm around her waist and her head on his shoulder.
“I enjoyed tonight. Thank you for bringing me here.”, Larylieth softly said and looked at Elurín, who met her eyes. She cupped his cheek and he leaned into her touch.
“I had a great time as well.”, he whispered, kissing the palm resting on his face. Larylieth suddenly perked up and withdrew her hand, much to Elurín’s disappointment.
“Oh, I nearly forgot.” She reached into the small bag around her hips and brought forth a beautiful brooch. She fastened it on the left side of his torso and looking down, Elurín noticed it to be a Gladiolus. “It symbolizes faithfulness, sincerity and strength, both physical and of character. It suits you.”, Larylieth explained, and she sheepishly met his eyes. Elurín’s bigger hand covered hers, which was still resting on the brooch.
“I will wear it with honour and joy.”, he vowed and let his forehead fall against hers. His heart was pounding in his chest, and both could feel it.
“Mine is beating just as fast.”
“Larylieth”, Elurín whispered longingly, and she tilted her head up until their lips were mere centimetres apart.
“Won’t you finally kiss me, Elurín?”, she breathed and the gap between them closed at last.
Their hearts, which had beaten so erratically before, calmed a notch. Elurín pulled Larylieth closer and tilted his head slightly. Her lips were soft, and he never wanted to be parted from them again. He let out a shuddering breath when her arms wrapped around his neck and her fingers trace the tip of his ear. Larylieth was melting in his arms, sighing softly at the feel of his warm lips on hers. His fingers buried themselves into her hair and only when air seemed close to running out did they part. Shining, half-lidded eyes took the other in. After a few breaths, Elurín stole another kiss from kiss-swollen lips. Tears of joy burned in his eyes, for he knew that he truly had found his one partner for eternity.
“Elurín”, Larylieth rasped after they had parted again, “How dare you withhold this from me? I do hope there is no other custom concerning the withholding of kisses?”
Elurín laughed quietly. “Even if there was, I wouldn’t be able to obey. Your lips have me addicted, my love.”, he murmured, and she smiled.
“I am glad the feeling is reciprocated.”
“Ai, Larylieth”, Elurín sighed love-drunk, “I love you so.”