It was morning, and Elwil was soaking in a big bathtub full of hot water in Delioron’s room. Delioron was lying on his side on the bed, watching her playing with bubbles. She really was quite lovely. It had been so long since he had had a woman in his room like this that he had forgotten how it could be like. He had never been much of a womanizer, not even in his younger years, and for the past few years he had thought he had closed that door behind him too.
But it will not last, he had to remind himself. Nothing in your life ever lasts. In a few days you will slip into the shadows again, back into your empty shadow life, and you will never see her again. It’s much safer that way, for the both of you.
Elwil caught him staring at her and smiled flirtatiously. He didn’t respond to the smile, and Elwil frowned.
”Is there something wrong?”
”Not at all”, Delioron said and forced a smile. ”I was just… lost in thought.”
”Well, come to bath with me then. It’s big enough for two. Perhaps I can make you forget whatever gloomy thoughts have made you look so sad, hmmmm?”
Delioron rolled out of the bed, walked across the floor and dipped himself into the tub with Elwil. The water was very hot, but he didn’t mind. He craved the heat, to melt the frozen core of his heart he had never felt so tangibly before. He leaned in closer to kiss Elwil and smell her raven-black hair. Her hair smelled like flowers.
”Where do you live?” she asked. ”I mean, when you’re in Gondor? You have to go there sometimes, don’t you? Home?”
”I have a little house in the Bay of Belfalas. I inherited it from my great-uncle.”
”The neighborhood must be nice. Can I come visit you there sometimes?”
”I will take you there the next time I go”, Delioron said, sure that he was lying again.
”Will you escort me back home when I’m finished with my work here?”
”Of course. I have not much work to do here and I’m in no hurry to go anywhere. I think I will spend the whole day in this room with you.”
Elwil chuckled. ”That would be lovely, but unfortunately I still have plenty to do, so I can’t afford to spend the whole day with you.”
”Do you have to go right away?”
”No”, said Elwil. ”I think I can spare you the morning.”
Delioron kissed her then. It felt like warm summer sun melting a glacier.
