The IRE of Winter

[ 18.2 ]

Trivia
Elves love singing! In Rivendell, Bilbo heard the sweet voices of elves singing up in the trees. After the war, Bilbo dropped by Rivendell again and heard them singing still. Figuratively, of course. But it simply means Elves really love to sing. I wonder if Legolas sings too, or Thranduil or Elrond!. 😉

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I was thinking deeply that I didn't notice I was heading to the South gate. Something carried me. What I am doing? I am the least being he would care to see, and here I am, still trying to sneak behind his back to steal a glance. I just need to see him, one last time. Go on, I told myself again, hurt yourself some more!

Hundreds of guards marched in, stomping their greaves and swaying their arms in a dull rythm. They were all dressed in golden armour and cape dyed in red, the color of old rose. I threw myself at one side, making way for them, then I waited until the last one past by me. I hurried down the bridge and to the sloping ramp near the practice ground. Hiding myself behind the stone column, I saw Legolas speaking with five elves, captains of his fleet. I know the looks of those uniforms, black and silver. I couldn't hear what they were talking about (given they were twenty yards away). Among them was Tauriel, standing next to him. This was supposed to be my last stolen glace and it will be a painful one, my heart aches everytime I see them together.

For a moment, I marveled at his face, his silver hair and his focused eyes. Breathing became torture, and my heart sang a doleful song. Of all men I've been with before, why does my heart beat for him alone? Why does this foolish heart never listens? And here I am, still keeping a speck of hope that he would be mine one day.

'Done spying, lass? Ahah! What's the sad face all about, Safirah?' Gimli startled me. He playfully poked my arm as he laughed out loud.

'Gimli!'

'Sure am, there's no other dwarf in this kingdom. Why are you here? Go talk to him.' He gave me a nudge as he sipped his oversized cigar. 'Here, let me go and g...'

'No, Gimli. Please don't. I had nothing to tell him, I just came this way and stopped by to rest my feet.'

He didn't believe what I said, and he looked at me arching up his brow. 'Aye! You cannot lie to a dwarf, child, we have gifted noses that could sniff lies.'

'Is that so?' I teased.

'Don't look at my nose, the size of it does not mean it's extra...special,' he smiled. 'Ugh...this is why I never got married. Well, now, why exactly are you here?'

I couldn't help but to laugh at his joke. 'You might be a dwarf, Gimli, but you have a giant heart. Those ladies were surely blind, or perhaps they have...well...higher standards.' I was about to say taller standards. He chortled at my remarks. 'But, no, I mean it. You are one brave dwarf, they just couldn't see your charm. I must say, it's very well hidden beneath your heavy mustache.'

'Flatter me not, child, tell it to those women back in Iron Hills.'

And we both laughed. For a moment, I forgot the pain I was keeping inside. I bent to level my height with him and squeezed his bold shoulder. 'Thank you, my friend. I truly am glad to have known you.'

'You speak as if you're leaving, Aramis won't be here for another four days. I've heard he offered you a place in his home,' there was hint of mischief on his tone.