Eyes like a hare's

You slipped through the door so quick as if it was going to scream out loud if you opened it to wide and closed it cautious behind you while you let your eyes run over the faces of all the people present at your aunt’s festivity. Servants had lit about hundreds of candles in the splendid halls of her spacious house and they colored the glint and shimmer of laughing eyes and delicate jewelry in a warm golden tone. It was one of many celebrations your aunt was hosting this winter, and one of the more important ones as it was your cousin’s birthday. Not that you hated him, you just did not care at all.

You adjusted your belt and proceeded towards the hall you heard the sound of lutes coming from. Beforehand, when you had helped with sending the invitations, you had learned that Elves too were among your aunts illustrious and certainly wide-spread circle of friends but actually laying eyes on one of them was different, you saw. She looked lean and upright like the arms of a young hazel bush, standing right next to the musician who just finished tuning her instrument and you were glad, so glad, that she had not already begun her song. A small crowd of guests had gathered around the two of them in a loose circle and you found a bit of space to watch from in between all these people.

The musician played a few first chords and the elf’s voice took to the air like you would mount your horse, confident and swift. The music reconciliated you with where you were instantly. Not that you understood any of the elvish words or knew the song, but somehow it made you feel more welcome in these rooms than you had felt before. The singer’s voice tied an invisible band not just between her audience and herself, but also in between them.

When she had finished, the air that filled the high walls felt noticeable warmer. You clapped your hands, everyone did, and the elf bowed and signified the crowd to stop with her hands. She thanked them for their attention with a beautiful smile and promised to sing a few more songs later this evening.

“Her voice is like liquid gold.” The words slipped over your lips before you could stop yourself- you had spoken softly and to yourself. The more you were surprised at the answer of the slim man standing next to you.

“A human would judge like that indeed.”, he said in a manner comparable to yours- softly and into the air in front of you, not as a direct response.

You turned around and stiffed in the movement as who had spoken was no man, but another elf. His silky hair was the same colour as the singers, but his eyes were brighter and he looked even more breathtaking all over, but you caught yourself quickly. His sublime smirk vanished and made space for a sincere smile.
"I must have the honour of speaking to the niece of this charming party's host." The elf made a small movement forwards, apparently meant to be the hint of a bow. "My name is Lindir, of Bruchtal."
You handed him your hand and told him your name. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance.", you added as he lead your hand to his lips and hinted kissing it.

"So am I." Lindir replied, his eyes lingering somewhere distant between your hairline and your eyes. "I beg you to pardon my curiosity, but may I ask for how long you have been living with your aunt's family?"

"I came to this house two years ago to profit from the knowledge her vast library contains and be educated together with my elder cousins.", you explained politely. "May I ask you a question in return, Sir?"

The elf nodded absently and you blurted out "The singer, is she your companion?".

"Cellinel is my sister and more of an aquaintance to your family than I. She met your aunt what feels like only moths ago- long years have passed for your race though." He abandoned whatever he was going to say and looked into your eyes. His words were followed by a moment of silence in which Lindir smiled vaguely and felt your cheeks flushing with redness. It was obvious that he was suggesting that he would not be attending the festivity if it weren't for Cellinel. Suddenly the height difference between him an you was gaping harsher than before.