The standard bearer (Elrond x oc)

12. Choices of the Heart

(Note the text changes length near the end where there's a love scene 😏 I don't know how to fix it)

Blindly, Gildinwen ran through the Men's camp, heedless of direction or

onlookers, until she stumbled to a walk in the lee of a rough fall of black

rock. Her chest heaved, and her face was wet. Angrily, she dashed the tears

away with a shaking hand. Inside she felt as though her heart was crushing

her. A violent storm of emotion raged through her. What just happened? What

would have happened if they hadn't been interrupted? She trembled at the

thought. But wasn't that what you wanted? Yes, gasped a part of her, weak

with desire at the memory. No, cried another part, not like that, not...not

without love. She struggled to make sense of it all. He had given her this

beautiful gift, but had said nothing to her. He was certainly jealous of

her dancing with Falcred, but what did that prove? Don't fool yourself,

Gil, she thought bitterly, what's he going to see in you? A mighty Elf-

Lord, wise among the Firstborn, who has seen the ages come and go? A

passing fancy at best. I don't care, she wailed inwardly, knowing in her

heart that she was powerless before him. That she would trample her pride

underfoot, torment and humiliate herself just for one look, a kiss, any

tiny scrap of affection.

Shivering she looked about her, the night was cold and she had left her

cloak behind. She had no idea where she was. Rubbing her arms, she walked

on, still dazed. A few campfires flickered nearby. Suddenly, she was nearly

bowled over by a small figure, who rushed out of the darkness and grabbed

hold of her legs.

"Gil! Gil!" Confusion soon turned to an amazed smile, when she saw who it

was.

"Dalbur!" Matilda's voice scolding voice approached. "What have I told you

about running off?"

Gildinwen bent down to hug the child. His tight arms about her neck felt so

good.

His mother hurried up, a happy grin of recognition spreading over her face.

"Gil!"

"Hello Matilda," she stood up, unbidden a smile came to her.