 | Soft winds crept at the windows; the morning dew formed upon the blades of grass. The Sun shone o'er the clouds and hills, and illuminated the Homesteads. Within the house, that sits above the lake in the North-Eastern Corner; Haven Way, Andarne stirred from his slumber. The night had been peaceful. As he rolled over, he felt the warm skin of Malliel, his beloved, press against him. Slowly, he held her, and again closed his eyes. For an hour of Men, they rested as such; until the Sun rose full in the sky. "Mellon nín, the dawn has broke; and still we slumber" he whispered, as he rose. Doing so, he leant forward, and kissed his beloved on the forehead. Last night, he would not forget. Last night, he was wedded to Malliel. But things felt unreal. The realm of Lórien, weaver of Dreams and Thoughts, was ever-familiar to Andarne. Then...the waking world took him. Alas, it was but a dream...and he lay alone, in his home. Andarne walked down the stairs, a loose robe, hanging on his broad shoulders. The house was warm from outside. Summer had come, again; and times were well, in Middle-earth. Walking to the kitchen, he slowly brought the lamp to the fireplace, bringing forth the flames. At that moment, when food was placed on the table for preparation, a hearty 'tap' 'tap' resounded from the main hall. Someone was knocking on the door. Bringing his robe tighter, making himself decent to a degree; he went forth, and opened the red door. There stood, sheltered in her travelling cloak, a fair maiden; small compared to Andarne; yet thin, and shining. Malliel smiled, and was invited in. "Last I saw you, my beloved; our roles were surely reversed!" he chuckled, as he brought her through and took her cloak. "Indeed, my love. But I thought it fair, unto myself, to return the favour" she grinned, in reply. Andarne followed her in this regard, and walked back through to the kitchen; to prepare the first meal of the day. Malliel wandered the home; which now seemed rather bare, and colourless. Soon, they would be wed; and take upon themselves a new home. Andarne had prepared, for this, and now had many things away from sight. Yet he kept what was needed, in view. The fair aroma of the food caught Malliel, and dragged her through to the kitchen. There, she leant against the doorway, watching her husband-to-be, preparing. "Always you seek to please me, my beloved. Always, you suceed. You must rest, surely" she said; with her sweet voice. Andarne heard her words, and raised his head. "Rest I shall; when all that I desire to do for you, is done. My love, you are the world to me; under Eru." At this, the Maiden Malliel smiled; she did moreso of this, now she was betrothed. She found happiness, with him; and he with her. Truly, they loved each other to the point of obsession and admiration. "My love" spoke Andarne, firm and loud, "the food is ready." Walking through, he brought two plates of fair meat and vegetable. Again, he went, and brought forth a bowl of fruit, and a loaf of bread; and finally, wine. He was rather overzealous in this regard, but he always desired to please his beloved. Heartily, they ate and spoke of things known to them, alone. And as the food waned; and the day went on; Andarne retired and dressed himself. Mallile wandered the halls, removing the dishes to be cleaned; until her beloved returned, and took her hand. "You do take upon yourself, too much" he said to her, kissing. Malliel giggled, and placed a hand on his cheek, speaking "I do it out of love for you." Midday soon came, and the skies shone blue. The breeze was warm, and smelled of fair herbs. Andarne stood outside, his betrothed in hand, and walked down the path. 'Oft, he would stop, and look into her eyes, telling her of his love for her, and listening her repeat the words truthfully. They wandered the homesteads, hand-in-hand, for several hours of Men, as the Sun shone bright. "Andarne, my love. My feet tire, I must rest" spoke Malliel, softly. Andarne nodded, and brought her to the Pavillion of Performers (which rests next to the Homestead Market). There, Malliel sat down and tended her ache, while Andarne gazed down the hill; at the large house that was 5 Waterbank Road. The home, that was to be his; in several months. He sighed, slowly, and walked to his beloved, sitting by her side. "My love.." he spoke, taking her leg in his hand and nursing it, "..when we are wedded, and start a family of our own. I will always look at our progeny, and see their mother, fair. I will see you in the fairest of things, and in the waters of Lórien, when I wander there.." He stopped for a spell, and caught his breath. "I wish it were so, though, that we could take a flet in the Homeland for our children. I long for your happiness, and the happiness of those to yet come." Malliel smiled, and took him in her arms. "My love; they shall be birthed of Lórien, and we shall raise them here. I want your happiness, and I wish it were so that we could go Home...but our doom, is not there. We are bound to Eriador, for now." Every sweet word, Andarne took to heart, and replaced with a kiss unto Malliel. Nothing spoiled this moment. And nothing spoiled the thoughts that ran through their minds; of the future together. Of their children...of them |
