"So, is that for yourself, or should I be worried that soon all of the Arrow will be wearing purple as well?"
"No to your first question, and yes to the second, though that might be difficult to believe. It seems the colours of the Arrow match my tastes. They will be wanting a uniform, I think, and - well, who else is to design it?'
Uilossiel cast an appraising look at the bolt of purple cloth laid out on the merchant's table."At any rate, I should say good afternoon. Tinwen sent me here for some thread and things for her sewing."
"That does not sound like the most interesting of chores," Dolthafaer grinned back, taking in the basket slung over her arm, already half filled with spools of thread and ribbon.
"You are going to cut a fine figure in those uniforms, you and the Arrows, like Duilin's Swallows of old, garbed in purple, blue, black and white."
"Such is the uniform's purpose! The Order of the Arrow was formed in memory of the House of the Swallow, as the Order of the Hammer was formed in memory of the Hammer of Wrath. I would not think a scholar such as yourself would forget," he replied with a laugh.
"Of course not. You must have distracted me for a moment - I have known all the Houses of Gondolin by heart ever since I was a young girl, " she retorted archly.
Dolthafaer broke into a mischievous grin, taking another step forward.
"Is that so? I must be very distracting indeed, then." He fell silent for a moment. " I am happy to see you, Limmairë. I have barely had time to sleep ever since the Council, never mind seek you out."
"I have had my fair share of not sleeping since then," she replied with a wan smile. "My fool of a brother decided to make an appearance yesterday, and then you have been on my mind ever since we last spoke. Will you and the Arrows be leaving on patrol soon?"
"Aye. As soon as I have gathered my company and procured our supplies, we will be heading off to Eregion." He drew himself up a bit straighter, and squared his shoulders.
"In truth, I do not know what to make of these new plans for war in the East," Uilossiel mused. "I am no stranger to war - for I had scarcely seen ten yéni when Imladris was threatened by the rise of Angmar - and yet I wish we would not have to be parted so soon."
"War will be upon us soon, whether we prepare for it or not," he replied gravely." Better to strike first than be unready when the blow falls upon us. Darkness crawls over this land like a shadow. 'Tis only a matter of time before it touches Imladris, and the peace we have known here will reveal itself to be no more than an illusion."
Face softening, he took her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "You will not lose me. This is no hopeless trek into the shadows of Angmar, but a quick mission to Eregion. I shall return before you have time to miss me."
Uilossiel blushed and cast her gaze downwards. "And well I know it. Forgive me, Nuldafairë. I was merely being foolish. You should not concern yourself with the worries of a girl such as I." She sighed.
"As much as I fear the coming war, I will do what I can to remain strong against the Shadow, even as you are doing." The sounds of the marketplace hummed around them, but she stood there as if blind and deaf to all the outside world.
"It is not my desire to force you to live a life or worrying and waiting, Limmairë - but if you will have me, I will do all I can to make it worth all the pain and more when we are together." Dolthafaer smiled earnestly at her.
Momentarily struck dumb, Uilossiel looked around the marketplace, eyes wide. "As much as I appreciate your sentiments, we are in rather a ... public place, do you not think?"
Dolthafaer grinned and swept an arm around her waist, dragging her behind a large supply wagon.
"There. Now what do you have to say?"
Uilossiel furrowed her brow thoughtfully, then looked up at him. "My father was in Imladris while the war with Angmar lasted, and I did not see him for quite a long time, for my mother took me and my sister to the Golden Wood. But my mother was always strong for all of us, when we were separated. If she could watch and wait for his return, so I shall for yours. For you are more than worth all the fear and pain in the world." She shook her head in disgust. "Ugh, that sounded exactly as if I had lifted it from a book. What I mean is, I do not mind the waiting, if only I have you."
Laughing under his breath, Dolthafaer shook his head, but rather than answering, suddenly pulled her close and kissed her. She stiffened for a moment, before taking a step back. Blinking twice, she dazedly muttered,
"Well, that was .... unexpected. I should say more stupid things if it causes you to do that."
Dolthafaer backed off with a bashful grin, blushing faintly, and dragged a hand back through his hair.
"Well, I've read a book or two myself, you know. I believe that was the part where the lord was supposed to kiss the lady."
Uilossiel smiled at him indulgently, then glanced at her basket in alarm. " Ai, it has been nearly an hour and I have forgotten the thread. Tinwen will have my head if it is not hers before nightfall."
After hastily completing their respective purchases, they left the marketplace arm in arm. As it was growing dark, Dolthafaer agreed to walk with Uilossiel to her door. She took her leave of him affectionately, promising to see him before he left on patrol for Eregion. Grinning madly, she pushed open the front door.
"Uilossiel? Why, what ever has taken you so long at the market?" Her mother glanced at the basket of assorted threads and ribbons. "Half of these are the wrong colour, too."
Tancamir bounded into the hall, still dressed in hunting gear. "Ha, I'll wager this had something to do with that ellon who walked you to the door. You look like your mouth will split in two, any moment now."
Uilossiel buried her face in her hands and groaned. She did not look forward to explaining how she had become so distracted - yet it had been worth every moment, she reflected with a grin.
