I seriously should not be allowed to name artwork.
omg uweyvi…
Laindawar’s eyes here are totally saying ‘are u fucking serious right now’ SNRK
(also I want his eyebrows, they are the Eyebrows Of My DreamsTM)
and Muil’s expression is HYSTERICAL… and her earrings are GOALS, I love them so much, and her dress looks amazing! Love the stitching detail, wow! Damnnnnnn! It’s awesome, thank you so much!
I feel like I made her too tiny??? But she’s so fun to draw!
*SCREECHES*
HOLY HECK, SHE IS PERFECTION I LOVE HER!!! AKLSDHGLAJHDFLAJ I LOVE THAT TUNIC, HER BEARD, HER FAB LEGS THOSE BOOTS!! LAKDSJHGLLSAKHD OH JMY GOSHSKSDHG THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!
Laindawar walked in silence. His long, blonde hair swaying with every movement. His pale, blue eyes scanning the horizon for any change or danger.
Yet, he felt conflicted. A week had passed since the night she had kissed him. What bothered him was she acted like nothing had happened. She embodied silence when it came to it. The one moment they had, had alone she did not speak. Instead she had smiled at him and remained silent.
Was she rejecting him? Was he reading too much into this? He was confused and he needed to figure this out.
His icy, blue gaze moved from the horizon to the tall, Hisildic elf. She was walking beside the cart. Her long, dark auburn hair barely moving as she walked. It had been so thick against his thigh. When it grazed his hand it had been so soft…
He looked at Mui, studying her with an appraising eye. She had such a warm-color to her. He could almost feel the radiance coming off of her. She was vibrant and full of laughter. Quick were her smiles and she loved fiercely. That much was evident with how she protected and tended to Meluiwen.
But why was she avoiding him?! A growl escaping him as he tore his gaze away from her. His eyes hard as his thoughts turned from how she was so alive to how she was avoiding him.
“Youve’ been glaring at her again.” Jeri pointed out as they looked up at Laindawar.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.“ Laindawar growled out. His gaze never wavering from the horizon.
“Yes you do.” Jeri retorted. Their own gaze going over to the elf-woman.
She was looking at Laindawar. Her smile soft and almost nervous as her silver eyes studied his profile. Yet, when she noticed Jeri watching her she smiled at him before looking away.
A exasperated sigh escaped Jeri. They were so avoiding each other. What had happened between them? That was something Jeri would like to know. They had come back disheveled and that had lead to much teasing from theirself.
Then Laindawar walked off towards the horizon and Jeri sighed. Really? Was now the time to just walk off?
“What are you doing?” Jeri called out, their voice clearly showing their exasperation.
“Scouting.”
“The markets in the court are amazing.” Kara explained. Her dark eyes gleaming as she looked up at the tall elf-maid. Her hands moving about her passionately as she talked. “And the crystalline lights are absolutely beautiful.”
Muil listened to the dwarrowdam politely. Appreciating her zeal on the matter of her home. Kara was so animated when she spoke of her home that it struck a long-buried chord with her. However, when Kara started to trail off about something Muil found herself watching Laindawar. Her eyes widening as he left the group to go, she assumed, scout ahead. Worry filling her stomach when she looked back down at Kara.
The young dwarrowdam had her eyebrow raised and she was giving Muil a look that made Muil feel rather uneasy. A sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that this young dwarrowdam could see right through her.
It was a very unnerving feeling.
Gulping Muil continued to look down at Kara. Her eyebrows knitting together. “What is wrong Kara?” Muil asked nervously.
Kara just shook her head. Her black hair swaying around her face as she did so. It wasn’t a hard shake. Just a shake like she was clearing her head. Then she looked up at Muil again. Curiosity clearly written in her dark eyes.
“What about your home?” Kara finally asked.
“What is there to say about it?” Muil asked in a gentle yet firm tone. “I have not been there in a very long time.”
Seeing the questioning look in Kara’s eyes she looked away. But then she looked down at her hands. Her eyes tracing the intricate tattoos there.
“It became a place where I no longer felt at home at. I had changed to much and the Tinnutaur had changed as well. We are on divergent paths.”
“How so?” Kara asked. Rather curious as how Muil was able to just leave her home and never look back. That was something she could personally never do.
Smiling nervously she continued to avert her eyes. “Our stances on orcs are quite different. Mine differs greatly from the populace and in the end….it was…”
Muil stopped and continued to look at Kara. Her eyes softening as she bit her full, bottom lip. Then she sighed and looked to Meluiwen’s sleeping form.
Muil finally spoke. Her gaze going back to Kara. “I want to make a world where Meluiwen will not be considered evil because of her race.” Then Muil looked down at her tattoo-covered hands and grimaced. “Because, unlike your kind….elves are corruptible. And in our corruption we became something else, something…that did not belong.”
Then Muil looked down at Kara and smiled brightly. “ Yet, I have much hope for this world. I know that things have been filled with darkness. I have watched the darkness grow…and done all I could to stop it.”
“How old are you?” Kara blurted out.
Laughter escaped Muil at this. Her grey eyes once again growing in happiness. “I don’t know!”
“But, but…”
“Oh little laintari I am an elf keeping track of years is pointless.” Muil said with a rather unladylike shrug.
Kara narrowed her eyes for a second but then shrugged on her own. At least she got a straight answer from Muil.
As they continued to walk a soft silence carried on between them. It was not uncomfortable but instead it was rather comforting and friendly between Kara and Muil. The other members of the companionship were off doing their things. Jeri was still on point for most of the journey, Laindawar was off scouting ahead, and Meluiwen was sleeping.
Then shadows appeared on the horizon. First it was a small speck but as they moved towards it it grew bigger and bigger. Soon the shapes could be made out. One was a person and the other was large, wooly creature with two horns.
Moving quickly, before Kara or Jeri could react, Muil was waving at the silhouettes. A bright, winsome smile on her face.
“Galu Rhovan!” she called as she waved frantically.
“Gi suilon bain!” came an androgynous voice from over the steppe. The person on the horizon arm waving just as wildly in greeting.
Kara looked to Jeri and Jeri looked at Kara confusion clearly written on their faces. Who was this person? Why were they so happy to see each other? Why hadn’t Laindawar seen this person? All of these questions were unanswered.
As Muil brought the cart to a stop she started to laugh. Rhovan was running at her full speed. Their long, braided hair thumping against their back. Once they reached Muil they flung themselves at her. Pulling the taller Muil into a tight hug.
“Gi suilon Muil!” They purred into her ear. A bright giggle escaping the elf that was currently clamped onto Muil. Then she pulled back and grinned at her.
“How have you been gorgeous? Who are these people? Who was that short, surly fellow I snuck around?” Rhovan asked in quick succession.
“ I am fine Rhovan.” Muil answered with a bright smile of her own. “These are my current traveling companions Jeri, and Kara. The short fellow?….That was probably Laindawar.”
“Definitely Laindawar.” Muil suddenly added as she saw the short elf appear on the horizon.
“If possible his face has turned even sourer?” Rhovan purred. Gently running their hand down Muil’s spine. “Is it odd I find it cute?”
“Not at all.” Muil whispered. Leaning in closer to Rhovan with a chuckle. “Drin no ex.”
“Yuvo?” Rhovan asked. Slipping into the predominate language of the steppe known only as Dransta.
“ú-Ete ebbrax.” Muil sighed brushing back some of her hair as she watched
“Jenvaxtig?”
“Fide!” Muil burst out her cheeks flaming as she looked away from the Rhovan. Jeri and Kara just stared at them. They didn’t quite follow what the two elves were saying.
Making his way back to the group Laindawar stopped cold in his tracks. Who was this person Muil was talking too? What the blazes was going on?
Saying nothing he made his way back to the group and stood near Jeri. Giving Jeri a look that clearly read. ‘You will fill me in on this later’.
Sindarin
Galu – blessings
Gi Suilon Bain – Greetings beautiful
Gi Suilon Muil – Greetings Muil.
Dransta (Produced by Vulgar…go check it out!)
Drin no ex – (literally) He to me; (Derived) I agree.
Yuvo – (literally) Family.
u-Ete ebbrax – No; Up breath ; (Derived) No, but I wish.
Jenvaxtig – (literally) Heat
Fide – (Literally) Behave
Dedicated to @determamfidd. If any characterization is wrong please let me know! Goodness knows I STRUGGLED with this piece. So this, as is all my writing, in constant editing.
Flailing joyously over my lil bean Kara bein a curious cute patoot!!!!
I finally got the new scanner/printer/copier. So I decided to scan this piece as I am really happy with the background. I also really like how it turned out overall as Laindawar is so much shorter than Muil.
Muil interacts with Laindawar in these wonderful AU-of-an-AU one-shots by uweyvi!
Muil is @uweyvi‘s character, you see! She isn’t in Sansukh (and I think @fuckthisimgoingtoerebor would slow-roast me if I added yet more characters!!!). In the fic itself, it’s just Kara and Jeri that are accompanying Laindawar on the road to the Orocarni.
(The Three Hunters redux – reimagined as the Three Rebels!)
The first thing that Laindawar noticed when he had first laid eyes on Muil was how her eyes gleamed. A mixture of sadness and mirth. The longer he spent time with her the more this was confirmed.
This Avari had a duality to her, a bitter sadness inside of her and a mirth and happiness that was rare in the eldar he knew. Most were weary from their long lives and all the sorrows they bore.
That was what he noticed when he saw her sitting down in the moor (she was also still troublesome). Her long, brown hair floating out around her on the ground. She had taken the mass down from its usual preparation. She was gazing at the sky; leaning back against her hands as she did so. The only change in her posture was that her ears swiveled towards him as he came from the direction of camp.
Without speaking he sat down beside her. His back towards her as he looked out towards the small pond. In the distance the mountains loomed and a small forest grew behind them. Another small pond was enshrined in the forest. He had found it when he was scouting out the area.
The silence between them was peaceful. Off in the distance the sun was low in the sky casting a beautiful, warm light over the valley. The flowers opened around them greeting the coming of Tilion. Releasing their sweet scent in the valley.
It also meant that Meluiwen was still asleep. Her gentle snores coming from the direction of the cart. A tent thrown over it too shelter the child from the elements.
Near the wagon was Kara who was sharpening her ax. Every once in a while she would glance towards the tent. Laindawar was unsure if it was because the dwarrrowdam did not trust the orc-child. If this was the case she was wary of her. It could also be she was curious about the orc-child. He didn’t see the point in asking anyway. It was not like he had a reason to pry.
A gentle rustling and then warmth pressed against him. His heart sped up as Laindawar could only imagine one thing that would cause such a warmth. She was resting her head against his back.
“What is on your mind Pigenor?” she asked. Sensing that something was off with him. Her eyes darting over the scene in front of them. A smile gracing her features as she espied the nervous way Kara acted. She sensed no malcontent towards her child and figured that Kara was curious and did not want to admit it.
He felt his face heat up. Her hands were moving through his hair. Brushing it out with idle strokes of her hand. Shivers raced up his spine. This was new to him, no one besides his family had dared such a thing before.
He did not answer her. Instead he looked up at the changing sky. Admiring the way the colors changed as the sky waited for the sun to set.
She didn’t feel ruffled by his lack of a response. Instead she was busy with the thoughts of her own mind. She was in a difficult mood again. A longing stirring inside of her. She was so tired of being lonely. Sharing so much time with mortals had changed her. She had attached her heart to so many and when they passed on it tore at her. Unlike many who would have long ago faded or wearied from the grief Muil stood form. Unmovable in her resolve to save the world.
But with this endurance came the desire for something more tangible. Someone who she could share her thoughts and feelings. Someone whom she could share her soul without fear of them slipping through her fingers. For like all the eldar she could die of a broken heart – and that is not how she planned to end her days at all.
Unwilling to stop herself as she mused she brushed his Laindawar’s hair. Trying with her desperate thoughts to content herself with this small intimacy.
Laindawar said nothing. Instead he smirked and continued to watch the sky. He too enjoyed the comfort of her touch. It reminded him of his family and that soothed him. He missed his brothers and his father more than he cared to admit.
Soon though Muil found herself feeling rather puckish. A mischievous light filling her storm-silver eyes. Could she get a rise out of him? Her hands moved from his hair to his ears. Running the tips of her fingers over them as she knelt behind him. Bending down she nipped the tip of one of his ears. Biting it and lavishing the tip with her tongue. A trick she used to do to her sisters to instigate them. A giggle escaping her as she felt him stiffen. Her fondest wish was that it had worked!
Not wanting to stay and see how he would retaliate she stood up and hurried off. She moved with a fleet grace towards the forest. She did not want to act like a child in front of the others. But she needed this release.
Yet, as soon as she moved out of sight and hearing of the rest of the group she felt the air escape her lungs. She squeaked as she was brought to the ground with an audible thud.
Laindawar was on top of her in a heartbeat. Pinning her beneath him he snarled at her. His ears red as he gazed down on her, a fire burning in his blue eyes.
She regretted her decision in this instant. Her eyes widening as fear washed over her. How would this small, but much stronger, elf react?
“Turnabout is fair play.” he reprimanded before he bent down and licked the shell of her ear. A smile of triumph gracing his features as he noticed the glazed over look in Muil’s eyes.
Laindawar could not bring himself to move as he looked down at her. Worry worming its way into him even though his face remained impassive. He was unsure of what to do in this situation. Had he upset her in some way? Did he trigger something? His worry began to blossom like kudzu vines. Sweat starting to bead on his brow.
Pushing herself up against him she touched her ear a nervous half-smile on her lips. A giggle then escaped her. Turnabout was fair play and she was glad she had not upset him. She had a moment when she had remembered being tackled by her sister Gilrin when she did it to her. A sweet memory that brought a wistful smile to her lips.
Reaching up she trailed her fingers over his neck. And then she giggled. “I’m not as sensitive as you are .” she admitted. His ears were red after all and she was very sure hers were not. As she had done this many times with her family she was actually positive hers were not red.
Staring down at her he leaned down and bit her ear this time. Deciding that if she was going to state that he was going to prove her wrong! This elicited a squeal from the much taller elf. Writhing under him she giggled with uncontrollable mirth and bucked hard; breaking away. Laughter blossoming from her as she sprinted off towards the pond.
She slid to a stop and turned around. Colliding with him again with an oomph. Then she rolled them over. Straddling him she continued to giggle. Mirth filling her to the brim.
Running her hands over his armor she started untying it with deft fingers so she could reach his ribs. His laughter soon filled the air and he was a writhing, giggling mess under her. Her eyes glittered with joy at the sound of his laughter. He was so ticklish! This was something she would use in the future…
Her hands stilled as she glanced over towards the pond. A gasp of wonder escaping her. Her hand flying to her lips as she saw a star shoot across the sky.
Laindawar wheezed as he caught his breath. His face was red from the force of his laughter. Reaching up he started to run his hands up her side to try and get her back.
“Laindawar look!” she whispered. Excitement in her voice. He followed her gaze. His blue eyes widening as he saw the stars shoot across the sky.
He laid there watching them for a while before he found that his gaze wandered over to her.
He couldn’t help but smile a softening gracing his features as he saw the excitement in her eyes. She was so vivid and emotional. A bright spot in the world that had for so long been tainted with darkness. She wasn’t afraid to love, and learn, and above all she was true to herself. She was vivacious and full of life and he-
Shaking his head he looked back out at the sky.
“Have you ever seen anything like this before Trethril?” he asked his voice soft. He wanted to change the course of his thoughts and he knew the best way was to engage her in conversation.
“A few times.” she answered. Her voice soft and filled with her wonder. “I was very small when I saw it the first time. My father took me out to show me the stars as they were flung from sky.”
Her voice broke and she looked away from the shower. Looking down at Laindawar she managed to smile. Her eyes filled with tears. “It is one of my favorite memories of my father.”
Laindawar was unsure with how to comfort her. But, he decided, it would be best for her to talk to him about herself. She rarely spoke about herself. Instead she spent her days
Wiggling out from under her he sat up next to her. So now at least he could look her in the eye. “Tell me about your family Baralineth.” he stated. Not giving her an once of room to change the subject.
Blinking she looked over at him. “You are quite the dictator you know that Laindawar?”
Tears filled her eyes as her mind turned towards the bittersweet memories of her family. She had not talked to anyone about her family in many years. She had not even seen them in an age. Where they even alive?
A voice told her she would find out soon. They would have to pass through the Hisildi stronghold of Celeblas in the Tinnutaur.
Yet, sensing he was not meaning to be so demanding she nodded and laid down. Resting her head on the ground next to his legs.
Gazing up at the night sky she felt her eyes turn towards her favorite constellations. The stars were twinkling with their beautiful light above them.
“To begin my father was a great Hisildi. His name was Noruinvion and he was tall and dark. It has been said that I have inherited his smile and eyes.” she admitted with a wistful smile. Images of her father laughing and holding her, her siblings, and her mother filled her head. She swore at times she could smell his warm musk if the night was clear. If their was one person she missed most it was her father, her namesake.
“He met my mother when she was appointed to be the ambassador for the Kalondi. Her name as a maiden of her father’s house was Norgalades. She was fierce and fiery but she was unbreakable in her steadfastness. So much so that my father, even before he wedded her called her Thalawesbes and to this day that is the name she goes by.” Smiling she reached out and took a lock of Laindawar’s hair. Twirling it around her fingers. Soothing herself with it’s texture and the fact she was keeping her hands busy.
Then Muil continued, “They were happy for an age. But, as much as they longed for it a child would not come easily for them. Many times she felt a child take root but…well…some things are not meant to be.“ She looked up at Laindawar, her eyes gleaming. His jaw was set and the muscles there taunt. She fought the urge to run her fingers over them. To urge him to relax. She resisted this though. Instead, she continued her story. “But then, my mother was not feeling well. I have been told that she grew most joyous as she realized that I was strong enough to endure.”
“And beyond.” Laindawar mused as he gazed down at her. Relishing in secret that happy, joyful look in her eyes as she talked of her family.
“And beyond.” She agreed. Her gaze meeting his filling her with warmth. “My little sisters came twenty-five years later. Imagine the surprise when my mother gave birth to twins! She who had endeavored for so hard and so long to bring one child into the world was now blessed with three! When I was older my mother confided in me she knew she carried twins. But, she wanted to suprise my father and she was scared that this pregnancy wouldn’t end well.“
Shaking her head as if to ward of a memory she turned her focus. "My sister’s names are Gilrin and Tinnuien. And oh, they were the pride of my life. I helped bring them into this world.” she admitted with a grimace. “I was twenty-five and my mother and I were walking in the woods and boom. They decided to come early. They have always been impetuous.”
“My little brother was much the same. He was such a shock.” Laindawar admitted.
“You have a sibling?” she asked incredulously. Her voice filled with wonder. "I cannot imagine a world with more people who act like you.”
“I have two. They are named Laerophen and Legolas.”
“Do they act anything like you?” she asked.
“Are you trying to insult me?” he demanded to know. Stiffening as he prepared himself for a verbal bout.
“Never.” she answered, a lazy smile gracing her lips. “I am simply curious to know about your family as well.”
“I will tell you about them later.” he finally acquiesced, relaxing once again.
Nodding Muil started to lazily braid his hair. She scooted up so she could rest her head on his lap.
“Have you any niblings?” she asked. Curiosity about his family filling her. “What of your mother and father since you will not tell me yet of your brothers.“
“I have a brother-in-law if that counts.” Laindawar muttered. “His name is Gimli.”
“That is not an Eldar name is it?” she inquired.
“No. He married a dwarf.” Laindawar stated, his eyes hardening as he gazed down at her. Waiting to see how she would react.
“Amazing.” she whispered in disbelief.
“You are disgusted?” he demanded to know. Worried that she meant something sinister by her comment as her face was unreadable.
“Why would I be? For me race means little. I mean, think about it Pigenor. I am raising an orc..” she answered. Her fingers moving soothingly over his hair. "Meluiwen is the child of my heart. I was there from the beginning with her. Why would your brother marrying a dwarf bother me in the least? Use that mind Pigenor.” she teased.
“You must tell me that tale sometime.” Laindawar stated as he decided to ignore that poke at his pride.
“I will Pigenor. But you must also tell me of your parents sometime. I am insatiable to know more about your people.”
With a slow hand he started to smooth her hair. He nodded once as he brushed her long hair out of her face. “That seems fair.”
“Indeed.” She answered. Then she buried her hands again in his hair. A gentle tug and she pulled him down to her. Her eyes closing as she kissed him. Her lips quivering as the fear of rejection flowed through her. She was joyful at the same time that she had found someone to talk to. This had come to show itself in her desire to kiss him. And being as impetuous as her sisters she had done just that.
Before he could react he heard Meluiwen. She was calling for Muil and, of course Muil was up and walking back towards the camp. Yet she did stop once. Turning to look at him she smiled.
“Come on Pigenor.” she called.
When the elves returned to camp Kara didn’t even have to glance over at Jeri to know they were smiling ear to ear. How by Mahal did they know what was going on between those two?
Reaching into her worn, leather coin purse she withdrew ten gold coins. Walking over to Jeri she slapped the coins down into their outstretched hand.
“Why are there stwicks and leaves in yoo hair Mommee?” Meluiwen asked.
“I fell dear.” Muil answered gently.
“Zhen why is there stwicks and weaves in ‘Aindywar’s hair?”
“He was the cause of the fall so I took him down with me.” she answered with a bright smile.
Laughter caused Muil to look up. Her eyebrow raised as she looked at Jeri who was cackling with laughter.
“What is so funny Master Jeri?” she asked, her eyebrow quirking with confusing. “Did I say something?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Jeri quickly answered. Wiping the tears of mirth from their eyes.
Shrugging Muil carefully picked up Meluiwen and smiled. “You, my dear, need a bath.”
“So you do to Mommee!” she answered. Hugging her mommy tightly. “And so does ‘Aindywar!” she retorted as she pointed at the elf who was staring at Jeri with a gaze that could have killed.
Jeri was still smiling.
“You are going to have to talk to me later about this development ‘Aindywar’” Jeri stated as they caught their breath.
“You can go fuck a cantankerous goat.” Laindawar shot out.
Thankfully at that point Meluiwen was out of earshot. Still, Muil would have to have a serious discussion with them later about what was appropriate to say in front of a child.
Kalondi – Another people of the Avari. They live near Harad and the South. They are deeply in love with the desert and all it’s dangerous beauty. Tinnutaur – The great forest where the Hisildi live. It means Star Forest. It was named thus as it is a jungle. The floor has bio-luminescent plants that make it look like there are stars in it. It is considered quite lovely by many of the Avari. It is the childhood home of Muil and it is massive. Celeblas – The Capital of the Hisildi realm. This was not the original capital as that was laid under siege by Sauron. He gutted the Hisildi by attacking them there and weakened them. Now there are so few of Hisildi left.
Omfg Jeri you troll, don’t be a jealous dumpling, you will get kisses baby
I LOVE LAINDWAR GETTING DEFENSIVE OVER GIMLI, THAT GAVE ME 9000 YEARS OF LIFE AND AN EPIC, EPIC BOUT OF HAPPY CHAIR DANCING
holy shit Muil asking about Laindawar’s family! She’d be so ??? about how different they are – she would probably love spending time with Legolas, Mr Laughs-And-Sings-Constantly himself, heheh (Laerophen would be HIDING FOREVER though bc he is a shy easily-alarmed giraffe with a pompous shell)
My scanner and laptop are both down right now. So I had to take a picture of this with my phone. Once my computer is up I will write the story that goes with this piece.
The sweet smell of water, lotus, and the deep woods surrounded the pool. The stars in the sky were mirrored in the cool depths as was the shining moon. Tall, majestic trees surrounded it and a sheer, rock cliff stood off to one side protecting this pool from prying eyes.
Camp was where Muil had left the sleeping Meluiwen with Kara and Jeri was on guard duty. It was a good distance away but not out of earshot as Muil liked her privacy. Laindawar was somewhere nearby probably. Not that his presence or non-presence concerned Muil. He was probably out scouting the perimeter as he did every time they set up camp.
A soft, sad sigh escaped Muil as she looked out over the picturesque water. Her thoughts drifting always to Laindawar. She and Laindawar always seemed to be rubbing each other the wrong way. That was distressing to her. She wanted to get closer to him. But it was hard for her interact with someone who she didn’t have to parent or at least be a dictator towards till they healed. She had been healing, helping, and dealing with the other races for too long. Avoiding elves had became second nature because it was painful. Painful to remember how little there were left of her people; what the Avari were forced to become by Melkor and his followers.
These thoughts swirled and warred inside her mind as her practiced fingers she let down her thick, mahogany hair. The braids unraveling between her warm, autumn brown fingers. She was not elegant in doing this. She was efficient in her actions.
In a matter of moments her hair cascaded down to the sandy bank of the pool. The beige sand glittering like pale, broken pearls in the moonlight. Her hair cutting a dark path behind her as he moved towards the water’s edge.
Stopping herself she remembered she needed to undress. No need to ruin her favorite traveling clothes. Soon her aladdin salwar was added to the pile of her hair ties. Then her beaded, kurta-like, tunic came next and then her various undergarments. They were all arranged in a neat pile beside of her feet. Finally she took off her various pieces of jewelry and laid them on top of her clothes.
Edging into the water she let out a sigh of relief. It was so nice to feel the coolness of the water against her heated skin. The relief of getting weeks of grime off of her made her shudder with pleasure.
A twig snapped. No sound came from Muil as she looked over her shoulder. Her eyes wide as she scanned the edge of the treeline for a sign of an intruder. Then her eyes fell on him. His crystalline blue eyes were wide – it was clear he had spotted her.
Moving deeper into the water she held her arms across her chest. Modesty sweeping through her at the sight of Laindawar.
“See something you like pigenor?” she called out teasingly. Her voice and sly smile hiding her deep embarrassment at being seen so exposed. Then she turned around and slid further into the water. It’s cool embrace welcoming her.
A sputtering sound came from Laindawar’s direction. His pale blue eyes reflecting the pale moonlight. Turning on his heel he started to stalk off. Then he snorted. “Depends trethril. You blend into the darkness well.”
A peal of laughter escaped Muil. Her silver eyes reflecting the twinkling starlight and her mirth. Her laugh was soft, warm, like a warm day in spring. A hint of cold in it but the promise of something great in the future.
Laindawar’s eyes widened. His face unreadable as he looked straight ahead of him into the treeline. “Are you sure it is safe to bathe in such an exposed area trethril?” he asked her haughtily.
“Positive pigenor.” she answered before dunking her head under the water. Wetting her long tresses before she reemerged. The water dripping from her as she turned to stare at his back. “I can take care of myself after all.”
“And if someone tries to harm you trethril?” he asked, ignoring her statement about taking caring of herself. His hand came to rest on his sword.
Without a word the water rippled around her as she moved silently out of the pool. Pulling her long hair around herself as she moved to her pile of clothes.
Suddenly her wet hands come to caress his neck. A bite of cold steel against his neck before she let it clatter to the ground. Instead she gently ran her fingers over his adam’s apple. gently a subtle threat beneath her water cooled fingers. “Do not doubt me pigenor.”
Her wet body pressed against his clothed one for the briefest of moments. She leaned into him and whispered in his ear. “After all, I’ve had to take care of myself for a long time.” her breath caressing his ear..
As suddenly as she had came to stand behind him she retreated to the water. Her conquest finished and now it was time to finish her bath. A soft smile gracing her features. She had felt him tense when her hands encircled his throat.
“Agreed Baralineth.” he answered stoically
Then he marched off into the forest without looking back.
If he had looked back Laindawar would have seen the crimson blush that covered Muil’s cheeks. Her eyes wide and her mouth slightly agape. Her long hair, darkened by the wetness and the night, dripping it’s over ripeness onto her shoulders.
He had called her by her name.
Not Muil, but her mother-name. A soft, hopeful smile slowly crept onto her features as she brought her hands up to touch her lips. A soft, wistful sigh escaping her as she shook her head. A soft hum soon escaping her as her smile grew and suddenly she started to sing. Hope filling her for the first time in a ages. But the hope of what?
Some time later Muil returned from her bath. Her dusty clothing draped neatly over her one arm and her long hair in a simple four-strand braid to keep it from dragging to much on the ground. She was wearing only her undergarments so she could change clothing when she reached her wagon.
Smiling she saw that Jeri was still on guard-duty, Kara was sleeping and Meluiwen had woken up to face her day. A bright cheerful smile on her face as she trotted over to her “momee”. Her hair in disarray as she had put it up herself so it seemed.
“Momee need to dress.” she stated. Putting her hands on her hips as she stared up at Muil. Her bright blue eyes glowing like a cats.
Chuckling she crouched down and pulled the orc-child into a hug. Kissing her forehead gently. “Mommy will darling. But first…can I fix your hair.”
“No! I dids it meshelf!”
Sighing exasperatedly she couldn’t help but grin. This was going to be a long, long night.
pigenor – Tiny One
trethril – Troubler/Harrasser
Avari – Those elves who refused the summons to Valinor.
OMG AHAHAHAHAHAHA I AM DYING AT THE THOUGHT OF LAINDAWAR BEING ALL ‘OHFUCKSHIT UM OKAY’ IN THIS MOMENT, *sniggers* and the fact that he uses her mother-name and betrays his friendly feelings by accident – lolol omg that is SO him. He holds his positive emotions verrrrrry close, and isn’t always aware of them (see: his conversation with Jeri on the battlements) – and always ends up letting them out in odd ways!
holy heck Muil is so damn cool ❤ love the teasing names, and that they really, really can’t help but be abrasive at each other, even when one of them is naked!!
“No single word in English renders all the shades of toska. At its deepest and most painful, it is a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause. At less morbid levels it is a dull ache of the soul, a longing with nothing to long for, a sick pining, a vague restlessness, mental throes, yearning. In particular cases it may be the desire for somebody of something specific, nostalgia, love-sickness. At the lowest level it grades into ennui, boredom.”
― Vladimir Nabokov
The jostling of the wagon lulled Muil into a drowsy state. She had not slept in sometime. A few days? A few weeks? She did not know. She was still paranoid about the newcomers that she had stumbled onto. Even in the… was it a month, that had past she still did not exactly trust them. But, Meluiwen trusted them short after they spent the night with them and had declared them ‘Fwends’ shortly after once she overheard them talking about their home and getting rid of the darkness. (Muluiwen didn’t go into detail as she ‘pwomised-ed’ and Muil respected that).
Aw Yiss 