Quick steps could be heard, as Gilith ascended to the uppermost talan on the eastern side of Caras Galadhon. She was clad in a pale blue velvet cloak, delicately embroidered with silver leaves, and a silver gown, so delicate it would flow around her like leaves in the fresh breeze. Gilith removed the cloak's hood as she entered through an intricate door into her house. It was rare to see her not wearing her uniform and be so finely dressed. She had spent the evening at court where a great feast had been held to celebrate Lord Celeborn's birthday.
Gilith entered her bedroom. In the mirror she noticed blushing cheeks. It was a warm night, she had walked all the way home, this is why her cheeks were on fire. Removing her cloak, she hanged it on one of the branches which was nestled into the window, and unpinned her hair letting it flow freely on her shoulders and back. In the distance she could still hear a harp playing. Gilith rang a small bell and her maid came in with smile and some cold tea. She smiled back at the young helper. Ninue was used to Gilith's silence and did not mind at all.
" Did you had a nice evening my Lady ? " Ninue asked
Gilith nodded and smiled.
" Was the food nice, and the music ? "
She looked at Ninue with a grin, patting gently her belly
" So, did you meet anyone new ? "
Gilith felt her cheek going up on fire again. Ninue noticed and let up a small whistle, smiling widely as she began to undo the fastening of Gilith's dress.
" It seem you had a wonderful night. Your bath is ready my Lady. Can I do anything else for you ? " The young maid asked. Gilith shook her head and smiled at Ninue leaving the room.
Such nonsense! She had been weak and blamed the wine of Lorien for that. It was all in her head, no one really noticed her at the feast, no eyes had met her eyes across the hall, it was all the work of the wine. As she got up her delicate dress slipped down at her feet; still holding her cold tea she entered her bathroom and lowered herself into the tepid fragrant water.
She closed her eyes and relived the evening in her mind : she saw an elf, who from what she understood had only recently joined the Order of Lórien as an Officer. Gilith shook her head again and opened her eyes. The smile gone from her lips. This was absurd and very much unlike her. She had no time for frivolities and feelings. This officer was just an other soldier, and beside, he was not really looking at her, most likely he was just staring at the lady sitting next to her. Yes, this was defiantly the case.
Gilith stood up in the bathtub reaching for her bathrobe. The wine of Lorien was sweet and refreshing, but way too strong for her liking. Determined not to drink too much again, Gilith walked out on her balcony, letting the fresh breeze dance through her hair. The delicate strains of harp music drifted through the forest, its sweet melody gently invited the leaves to dance.
She looked down as muffled voices approached. A group of guests were making their way home after the feast. Up on her balcony she could not see them in the dim light of the lantern, but she could just make up some laughter. That night Gilith found sleep eluded her, for she was troubled more than he cared to admit by thoughts about her life. She made her way up into the comforting bough of her mellorn.
The familiar noises of the night went unnoticed as she allowed her mind to wander back over the pleasantness of the dinner, and that new Officer sitting at the other side of the table, as she recalled his eyes wandering in her direction. A wisp of cloud passed overhead, momentarily blocking the soothing touch of starlight on her face, she was overcome with a sense of dread that darkness would cross her path. The starlight returned, and she shook off her foreboding, liftting a silent song of praise for the beauty of the jewels of the sky.
