Land of Loss and Love; Thranduil Love Story (On Hold)

Another Argument

     My eyes snapped open the next morning, the knots in my stomach fading, but I still shivered from the snow. I saw the book on the side of the bed. I desperately wanted to learn more about the Hethurin Atani but there was a sticky layer of sweat on my skin I couldn't ignore.

     The fire was down to glowing embers and I threw in a log heading to the bathroom. After relieving myself I boiled in the steaming tub. No waterfall shower for me. Bubbles popped along my skin, the smell of oranges filling the room. I shaved my legs, being careful with the blade. It was my only razor, I had no idea what I would do when it became unusable.

     I dried myself off, studying my slightly tanned skin and gently dug my hands into my soft body where the bruises used to be. There was only a slight pain on my bottom and the bruise on my arm, but that was all. I could still remember all the pain any movement caused, as if I had rolled down three flights of stairs.

     I hung my hair to dry it. Thranduil was right, I could now see the brown at my roots. An inch? Maybe more? I drained the water, it shined with golden dye as it swirled. Twirling my hair up in the towel I slipped on the silky robe hanging next to the doorway. I had never worn robes before, let alone silk ones, but I was not going to wrestle myself into a corset just yet.

     I gazed back at the book resting on the bed, just waiting for me. My stomach growled, but I pulled the blankets neat again, flopping down on top of them.

      Taeauna and Elyaas would not be happy if I left in search of food and I might end up locked in my room for even longer. The books reliable leather felt good in my hands, and I delved back into the history with excitement.
                                                               **^-^**

      Unfortunately, there was no mention of the Hethurin Atani for the rest of the book. Disappointed, I dropped it to the side and started delving into Morgoth's story. Apparently he had many names, his first being Melkor. The Great Enemy, The Black Foe, The Prime Dark Lord, The Marrer, the First Dark Lord. King of the World, Elder King, Master of the Fates of Arda, couldn't stop a chuckle at that one. Lord of the Dark, The Corrupter, Lord of Angband, etc., etc.

     At the beginning he used his power in the song to create dragons, wargs/werewolves, and trolls. It was later he disfigured some of the elves into orcs, one of the things I remembered from Thranduil.

     Halfway through describing Morgoth's allaiance with Un-gol-ant, some huge spider thing, the door opened and both Taeauna and Elyaas entered.

      Elyaas paused when she saw me. "Aeolus, you're awake?"

      "Yeah..."

      Slices of bread, an empty glass and a canteen of something sat on the tray. The bread was delicious, moist and flavorful. Taeauna filled the glass a white drink pouring out. I studied her, trying not to make it too obvious. I didn't see the coldness from yesterday, and she wasn't stiff. The drink was white as milk but more liquidy and less creamy with a fruity taste of berries. Strange, but good. Taeauna left me to eat, striding over to the wardrobe and pulling the doors open, looking back at me. "And what would you like to wear today?" Her voice was gentle, the hidden smile back on her lips. She seemed altogether like her normal self. Did I just overthink what I saw yesterday?

     But Elyaas stood off to the side, fiddling with the fire. I knew she wasn't upset with me, but she avoided looking at either of us.

      I remembered Taeauna's question and looked over at the line of dresses. What I wouldn't give for a t-shirt and jeans. "Something light."