It has been several months since my untimely arrival to Imladris. The culture of the Elves is something you would not see in any of the cities or villages of Men. Lord Elrond and children, Elladan, Elrohir and his youngest, Arwen would show me the same respect they would show their own kin. Arwen would seem to ask questions often, wanting to learn more on the Dúnedain than she knew already. With no question it would be to learn more of the Man I seen her with, but I remained oblivious and answered what I could.
It is odd to think of a Man and an Elf falling for one and other. But that was not the case when I first saw her... Lirita...
She had long, auburn hair that glistened in the Moonlit Sky. Gleaming blue eyes that shined more than any jewel I had seen. Her fair skin that would feel softer than silk to the touch. She was a true sight to behold that one thought he gazed into a dream. I first saw her in the Library in the Last Homely House. She was researching that of a rare plant that was said to only appear on the night of a full moon. I gazed for a mere moment from the top of the stairwell, before she noticed me...
“Can I help you?” she barked at me. There would seem more fight in one who looked so delicate. For weeks I would make it my purpose to finish my training amongst the Elven Craftsmen to return to the Library to see Lirita. She grew accustom to this, even allowing me to fetch her certain books she would need. Though she did not seem interested in nothing more than her research. The Full Moon would rise shortly after.
Lirita located a location, within the Trollshaws that this plant would grow... near the Troll Caves of Nan Tornaeth. I had bore witness to some that resided there, walk the roads in the dark of night. Huge, Monstrous, Trolls. I pleaded to Lirita to allow me to escort her if she was to travel. She refused, saying that I would only be a burden upon her. She did agree to take an Elven Escort of her own choosing. Memory forgets the name of the pair, but I had noticed them lust over Lirita one night in the Hall of Fire... idiots.
I followed the three to the borders of Imladris, keeping hidden within the shadows. My Mother’s Cloak seemed to be more useful than I would have imagined. I watched a moment as Lirita asked them to go back to the Hall of Fire and await her return.
“Do not speak of this to Lord Elrond or any other. When I return I shall reward each of you with a single kiss.”
They did as asked, walking back towards Imladris like mere children. Lirita stood alone a moment, looking back. She looked directly at me, though she did not notice. A smile crossed her face as she turned and headed out towards Nan Tornaeth... I would follow. I kept a fair distance, keeping to the high ground watching as she spurred her horse onward, riding with great haste. I was only just able to keep up with her. We finally reached Nan Tornaeth, me still undetected.
I watched as she rummaged around the area, hunting for the plant she sought out. I could here footsteps like no other in the distance, getting closer with each step. Thump... Thump... Thump... Lirita was looking at plants at the foot of the Cave before noticing what stood behind her. The Troll that lived in the Cave had returned. I scurried down the hill as the Troll swung a tree branch at Lirita.
She dodged diving deeper into the Cave. Her horse however reared itself up, distracting the Troll. The Troll grabbed the horse and threw it against the hill as hard as it could. The Troll turned back to Lirita but did not expect me to land on its back. I fired to arrows into the back of its neck, before it brushed me off. I stood in front of Lirita, drawing my Sword. The Troll unleashed a vicious roar and before knowing it myself, Lirita grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into the Cave as the Troll swung the tree branch causing a landslide, closing the entrance to the Cave.
“How dare you follow me, Valindal!”
We argued for hours about the situation and how I only did it for her wellbeing. We eventually agreed to disagree and then there was silence. Though I was angry that my effort was not appreciated, I noticed that Lirita was shivering. It was cold and damp within the Cave, so I placed my Mother’s Cloak over her shoulders. I will never forget what happened next. When I placed the Cloak down, I felt Lirita’s hand reach up to hold mine. “Thank You...” she whispered.
We would be trapped within the Cave for two days. Luckily Lirita knew what would and would not be safe to eat. It was vial but quenched our hunger none the less. I would teach her the Art of the Bow, one she always seemed fascinated with. It was in these moments that our feelings grew for one and other. It was midday on the second we had spent in the Cave. Lirita and I where laughing, playing around with my bow when we heard horses. We stopped and just looked at one and other before shouting for help.
We could then hear people clawing and tossing rocks and dirt away from the entrance. Finally a gap was made big enough to pull Lirita out, as I followed. Elladan and Elrohir, along with the two that Lirita said would accompany her had rescued us. I spoke to both Elladan and Elrohir of the situation, but overheard the other conversation between Lirita and the others. For their good deed, they saw fit that they should be rewarded with what was promised. Lirita refused saying “Sorry boys, but I have fallen for another...” Next thing I knew, she pushed passed Elladan and Elrohir and kissed me passionately.
“Not what you expected... Was it?” She smiled, knowing I was shocked at the situation. Both Elladan and Elrohir smiled as the other walked off muttering. Their faces where priceless. We would return to Imladris to be welcomed by Lord Elrond at the Last Homely House. Though angry at Lirita for sneaking beyond the borders alone, he was glad of her safe return.
“Who would have thought, that the Grey Warden’s kindness and duty would surpass that of the Race of Men.”
I was honoured at what Lord Elrond said. It is something I would never forget till this day, to treat all no matter what their Race as equals. I soon returned to my Chambers to rest. That night, there was a celebration within the Hall of Fire for our safe return. I stood alone in the corner and watched as Lirita spoke amongst her kin. Our eyes did make contact as I exited the Hall, and went to fetch some fresh air. She followed... Her hair glistening, her eyes gleaming...
She reminded me that her research was for nothing. That nothing came of the plant she hunted for. Lirita apologized at the way she treated me in the past few months. I stopped her there though. I placed two fingers upon her supple lips and said...
“You may not have found your plant... But I found a Flower, that’s beauty surpasses all.”
As the starlight sparkled, she smiled at my words as we shared a kiss beneath the Moonlit Sky.
