Setting
Default Location for A New Life: Middle Earth
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Middle Earth is a part of 
A New Life: Middle Earth.
2 Characters Here
Reinette Elise Oswald [182]
DĂșlinnor [182] "I know not from where you came..but I will help you."
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A few days had passed since DĂșlinnor had proposed to Reinette. The days had passed rather quickly in the Elf's opinion and he suspected that it was because he'd been in such a high spirit since Reinette had agreed to become his wife. Currently, the Mortal was sitting upon the edge of his bed, her gaze focused upon the flask that Ayrin had given her. DĂșlinnor was standing in the room, gently leaning against the door frame, watching her.
When Reinette turned her gaze to him, the Elf simply smiled at her. "Do not fear. I shall not leave the flet until you are awake once again. If I happen to notice anything strange, I shall send for a Healer. I would not allow anything to happen to you." He only hoped that he'd be able to truly do that. However, they had no choice. They had to go through this and DĂșlinnor hoped that the liquid that Ayrin had given Reinette would truly shield her from pain. The Elf watched as Reinette finally opened the flask and then a moment later drinking the liquid that was held within.
He had no idea what to expect though knew that there was likely something to come of drinking the liquid. He noted the fumbling of the glass as Reinette went to place the glass down on the table. "Reinette?" DĂșlinnor asked, concern suddenly moving across his face. Within a moment, Reinette's body seemed to sag and so he moved. DĂșlinnor made his way to the Mortal woman just as she spoke. "I'm going to lay down..." Reinette was then laying down and her eyes sliding closed. The Elf leaned down, regarding her for a long moment.
As far as he could tell, Reinette was sleeping. He only hoped that this was part of the liquid. Reinette's body was then beginning to glow and this struck DĂșlinnor as odd. However, there wasn't anything he could do about it. He could only hope that this was normal.
It had been four days since Reinette had gone to sleep. She had yet to awaken. DĂșlinnor had remained true to his word to her, remaining within the flet. With every day that passed, DĂșlinnor slowly began to worry more and more about the Mortal woman. He didn't like that she'd been asleep for so long. That morning, DĂșlinnor had gotten up as usual. He'd taken his time in getting ready and then had headed into the kitchen to fix something to eat. He was taking his time, being in no hurry when suddenly he heard Reinette hit the ground.
The Elf paused what he was doing, trying to listen to see if she was okay. A moment longer and he'd not heard her anymore. He stopped preparing a meal, moving from the kitchen. He made his way through the home at a fairly quick pace, soon finding himself in his bedroom. His gray eyes fell to the young woman, quite happy to see her awake at last. DĂșlinnor did not wait a moment longer, moving to the bed and taking a seat next to her.
He quickly wrapped his arms about her , happy that she seemed fine. He pulled from her a moment later, smiling at her. "I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you awake. You've been out for four days and I was beginning to worry. How do you feel?" He asked her, his eyes suddenly raking over her, almost as if he was searching for something. Something seemed..different about her and he couldn't place it.
DĂșlinnor remained silent, waiting for Reinette to answer him. Confusion was slowly gracing his features. "You are different though I cannot place it." He suddenly said, leaning in a bit closer to her. He remained that way for a few moments before finally smiling at her once again. "I am just glad that I have you back. I missed you." He placed a kiss upon her cheek before rising from the bed. "Come. You are likely hungry. I was fixing something to eat when I heard you." He offered her a hand, gently pulling her up to him.
He knew something was different about Reinette but he would not worry over it. He suspected that they would find out with time. He led her to the kitchen, walking next to her so as to make sure that she was okay. When they reached the room, he helped her into her chair before moving back to finish fixing plates. When he was done, DĂșlinnor set the table and then joined Reinette. As they ate, he asked her about anything that she'd experienced while she'd been out. He was silent as she spoke, taking in all of her words. When she finished, DĂșlinnor nodded. "Thurilostel will be most pleased that you are awake. She has been rather worried. She came by a few times to check on you."
Reinette had heard him approaching before she'd seen him, and watched as DĂșlinnor took a seat against the bed, immediately enveloping her in his warm embrace. His scent hit her immediately, and she felt her limbs relaxing into him, felt her mind calming from the panic that had been beginning to set in only moments prior.
"I cannot tell you how glad I am to see you awake. You've been out for four days and I was beginning to worry. How do you feel?"
Reinette felt... weird. Different. How was she supposed to explain to him exactly how she felt when she wasn't even sure the root cause of it herself. "I feel... different. I'm not sure. I mean, I know I'm fine, I'm okay. I'm all here. But I just feel... different."
DĂșlinnor was looking at her with a look of slight confusion in his eyes. "You are different though I cannot place it." He was leaning towards her, as if he was studying her. Reinette studied his face as he studied her, hoping to read any emotions on his face as they crossed his features. But she didn't get anything off of him, and instead he smiled at her. "I am just glad that I have you back. I missed you." He was kissing her cheek then, before he rose from the bed sheets beside her.
Even though his words were simple, she felt the warmth spread throughout her heart. And it was oddly much stronger than it usually was - that feeling of happiness - as it seemed to spread almost throughout her body. She was instantly smiling, as he spoke once more. "Come. You are likely hungry. I was fixing something to eat when I heard you."
Reinette took the outstretched hand he offered her, rising from the bed slowly and carefully to regain balance on her feet once more. The weight of her body on her legs didn't seem to affect her as it had when she'd woken only a short few minutes prior. Surprised by her own ability to stand, she followed next to DĂșlinnor, staying close to the warmth that his body offered her. She still required some assistance from the male to balance properly, but as he helped her into her chair at the table, she noticed that even that wouldn't be required of him soon enough.
DĂșlinnor was soon serving her food, taking his own seat to join her in eating. She hadn't realized just how hungry she felt until the delicious meal was placed on the table before her, and she ate gladly and happily.
The male elf across from her was then asking her of anything that she'd experienced while she'd been asleep. Momentarily forgetting her dream of the Lady Galadriel, she spoke. "I honestly didn't realize that I was sleeping. I wouldn't believe that four days has passed if you hadn't told me yourself!" She laughed at her own words, the thought of the dream nagging in the back of her mind. What was she forgetting?
"Thurilostel will be most pleased that you are awake. She has been rather worried. She came by a few times to check on you."
It touched her that her friend had worried about her so. Smiling, she continued to eat, though paused momentarily. Her face could not withhold the slight confusion that graced her features as she remembered the dream she'd had.
"Actually, now that I think about it, something did happen while I was sleeping. I had a dream." She looked like she was pondering something for a moment before she spoke again. "I didn't realize it was a dream at first, because it looked and felt so real." Her eyes snapped up from her plate to meet DĂșlinnor's own. "I was in the Lady Galadriel's gardens, and we spoke. She said some great changes were happening, and that she'd call on me when... when I got used to them? Or something like that. I'm not really sure what she meant... But it was just a dream right? None of it was real... right?"
There was a voice somewhere in her head that told her that wasn't true. That if the Lady Galadriel had shown up to her in her dreams, then it had to have been her. The Elven woman's magic was clearly great - she was the reason the entire wood stayed protected from evil. She could probably do almost anything she wanted, Reinette mused to herself.
So it wouldn't be such a far stretch to imagine that she could show up in someone's dreams, Reinette thought. And she was sure DĂșlinnor would assume the same.
And Reinette couldn't shake the feeling that something definitely was different about her. Or, somethings were different...
She spoke up again after a moment of silence. "Everything seems sort of... clearer, louder... Sharper, even. My senses feel..." Her voice drifted off, her eyes wandering away from DĂșlinnor's form to somewhere across the room before quickly snapping back to the silver eyes of the male in front of her once more. There was an unasked question hanging somewhere between the two, Reinette's unfinished sentence only fueling the question more.
What was happening? What was going on?
What was different about Reinette Oswald?
"She is awake..."
Galadriel sat in her garden, Celeborn nearby to her. He looked up at his wife's words, a small smile tugging at the sides of his mouth at the melodic voice of his beloved.
Galadriel turned to look towards the male Elf beside her, speaking once more to confirm her plans to Celeborn. "I will send for her tomorrow, when she has had the time to adjust." The Lady of Light smiled at her husband, before pondering which of the two - Reinette or DĂșlinnor - would notice the changes in the former-Mortal first. She couldn't help the way her smile pulled up slightly more at the thought.
DĂșlinnor tilted his head slightly as confusion found its way to Reinette's face. "Actually, now that I think about it, something did happen while I was sleeping. I had a dream. I didn't realize it was a dream at first, because it looked and felt so real." Reinette said, her eyes finding his own. "I was in the Lady Galadriel's gardens, and we spoke. She said some great changes were happening, and that she'd call on me when... when I got used to them? Or something like that. I'm not really sure what she meant... But it was just a dream right? None of it was real... right?" DĂșlinnor remained silent as he thought over her words.
His gray eyes remained on her as he was lost in thought. Had Reinette told him it had been any other person save for their Queen, he would have agreed with Reinette. However, as it was Galadriel, DĂșlinnor knew that likely what Reinette had seen had been the Elven woman. "Reinette, you have likely seen the Lady Galadriel. She would not appear to you if she did not deem it fit. She has great power and if anyone could speak with you in a dream, it would be her."
Silence suddenly stretched between them and DĂșlinnor allowed it to last as long as Reinette wished for it. Only a moment later, the woman spoke. "Everything seems sort of... clearer, louder... Sharper, even. My senses feel..." Her words caused DĂșlinnor to gaze at her a bit harder than before. He waited a moment before he suddenly rose from his seat, making his way to the woman. He then, slowly, pulled her up with him so that he could look at her better.
He could see, now, that something was different about her. He could see a light about her that had not been there before. Gently, DĂșlinnor took Reinette's face in his hands, tilting her head up so that he could look at her better. He regarded her face for what seemed like forever. His gray eyes taking in everything about her that he could. At last, DĂșlinnor slid his hands across her skin, moving her hair away from her ears.
His eyes locked onto them, taking in their slightly different shape. They were clearly different from what they'd been four days earlier. The male Elf did not quite understand how that was possible. He had no clue as to what was happening. Just from what Reinette had said, it led the Elf to believe that there had been a bigger change in her than either of them had expected. DĂșlinnor hesitated for a short moment, his gaze finding Reinette's once again.
If what he thought had happened..truly had then he would no longer have a choice to make. He suddenly smiled down at her. "Come. There is something that I wish to show you." He said softly. The Elf allowed his hands to move from her, taking one of her hands within his own. He then led her through the home to his bedroom. Once inside the bedroom, DĂșlinnor led her to the mirror that was in the bathroom. He stood behind her, his frame rather close to her own.
He then pulled her hair back for her to see what he'd noticed. He allowed Reinette to look, silence hanging between them for a few moments before he spoke. "I do not think that you are Mortal any longer." He paused, allowing his words to wash over her. "How this is possible, I do not know. However, I assume that is why Lady Galadriel will be calling upon you."
He went silent again, his gray eyes watching her for her reaction. He had no idea how she would feel to no longer being a Human. However, he hoped that she would be happy at the news. It meant that their lives would be simpler than it would have been otherwise. However, regardless, DĂșlinnor wanted to be with Reinette and he was much more glad now that he'd already asked her to be his wife. He didn't want her thinking that it was because she was no longer a Human.
"Are you..okay?" He asked her suddenly. He suspected that it would be quite a bit for her to take in. He wasn't even sure how he'd handle such a thing. He gently encircled her from behind, holding her close in his embrace. "Reinette, this is most happy news. My family will be happy as well. If you are feeling up to it, perhaps you would like to visit with Thurilostel." He was smiling at her, hoping that she would like to see her friend. "Or we can stay here for the rest of the day if you wish it. I am happy simply being by your side. You have but to ask it..and I will see it done."
Reinette watched DĂșlinnor curiously as he suddenly rose from the table and approached her. He was pulling her up to him, studying her intently, and she couldn't help but nervously swallow. What was he looking for? Clearly, her last words had caused this reaction in him, and it was making her a bit nervous.
His hands soon found her face, and her heart settled its hammering slightly at his intense look. Just feeling his skin against her own caused her to calm, and she had to resist just letting her eyes slide closed and her body to relax into him - she told herself that this was not the time or place for any of that. She watched as he studied her face, but she couldn't help the content sigh that escaped her lips as his hands moved across her skin.
...But he was tucking her hair behind her ear, his eyes locked rather hard onto them as he did so. She couldn't read the look on his face, but clearly he was intrigued and clearly he was trying to figure something out. Finally, he let his eyes find her own golden orbs once more; she could see the slight confusion in the silver that looked back at her. But finally a smile broke out across DĂșlinnor's handsome face, and Reinette couldn't help but smile back.
"Come. There is something that I wish to show you." His voice was soft, but even now it seemed much stronger to Reinette than it would have before she'd woken. She accepted his hand within her own, following her through his home until finally the reached his bedroom. Slightly confused about where they were going - and what he was going to show her there - she followed after quietly. But they didn't stop in his bedroom, instead stopping in the bathroom. Reinette found herself in front of the mirror within, DĂșlinnor behind her.
The first thing that ran through the young blonde's mind was how much she liked the way they looked, together. The second thing was how very different she looked from how she remembered. How long had it been since she'd looked at herself in a mirror, she wondered. But then DĂșlinnor was slowly moving her hair behind her ears--
"I do not think that you are Mortal any longer."
Reinette felt like the world around her went silent as her sight fell upon her ears. She could see in the reflection in the mirror that DĂșlinnor was talking, that his lips were moving, but she didn't hear him. She didn't hear much of anything. All she could do was look at her ears, all of her concentration on the now slightly pointed tips.
DĂșlinnor didn't think that she was Mortal any longer, and looking at herself, she couldn't find a single reason to disagree with that statement. Clearly, her new features were dulled and not nearly as apparent as DĂșlinnor's own... But they were still there.
If she wasn't Mortal anymore, what did that mean for her? She immediately felt insignificantly small then - if she was immortal, like DĂșlinnor, then that meant that she would live forever. That she would literally live forever... She couldn't comprehend that feeling. She knew that it was going to hit her so hard eventually, but for now, it hadn't hit yet. There were so many questions running through her mind, but she tried to calm her mind, tried to tune back into the world, and to find her answers from Lady Galadriel when she would call upon her.
"Are you... okay? Reinette, this is the most happy news. My family will be happy as well. If you are feeling up to it, perhaps you would like to visit with Thurilostel. Or we can stay here for the rest of the day if you wish it. I am happy simply being by your side. You have but to ask it..and I will see it done."
Reinette could hear the worry in his voice at his question, probably because she hadn't said anything. She hoped she hadn't looked too shocked to him, but she didn't know. Turning around in his light embrace and putting the mirror behind her, she smiled up at DĂșlinnor after a moment. "I'm not too sure how I feel, to be honest with you... But I'm just going to take this as it comes... I'm sure the Lady Galadriel will be able to explain it all..."
She didn't really touch on how she felt about the idea of herself no longer being Mortal. She still wasn't sure how she felt about it. She knew that she and DĂșlinnor were now more alike than they'd been before - she was no longer Mortal. She knew the implications that it held, and she was happy for all of it. She didn't want him to think otherwise. But there was something about the idea of no longer being able to die of old age - no longer being the thing that separated humans from Elves - that was unnerving. Reinette's whole life was settled around only having so long... Now she had forever. She felt almost like she wasn't entirely sure what it meant to be her anymore...
Maybe this was that starting over point she'd been looking for.
She knew that she'd have to think on this all a lot longer, but for now, she was just going to concentrate on herself and DĂșlinnor. She was just going to concentrate on them...
She smiled then, continuing to speak. "I'm glad that everyone will be happy about this. And I think that I'd definitely like to visit with Thurilostel, eventually. But maybe for now, I just need some time with you."
She watched the man in front of her for a moment longer, a few thoughts running through her mind. She loved DĂșlinnor with all of her heart, and no matter what, as long as she was with him she was happy. She finally came to the conclusion that it didn't matter, because she had found the love of her life, had found her soul mate in the most unexpected of places. Her life had seriously taken a major turn, and she was just thankful that it was DĂșlinnor who had been her rock. She was just thankful that DĂșlinnor had so willingly given his heart to her.
Raising up on her toes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and placed his lips against his own, immediately getting lost in the feelings she was experiencing. Everything felt so much realer, so much more intense. Reinette wondered if this was how it had felt for him all along.
She finally pulled from him after a long while, studying his features with a smile. "I love you, DĂșlinnor. I've always loved you, and I always will. Whatever happens... well, as long as you're by my side, I think I'll be just fine..." She moved from him slowly, taking a seat upon his bed after she'd exited his bathroom, falling back against the covers with a smile after a moment. Her eyes watched the ceiling, her hand absentmindedly moving up to her ears. They were more sensitive than they'd been before, and she withdrew her hands from them, surprised, before finally reaching her arms up above her head to stretch herself out against the soft sheets below her.
Reinette turned around in his embrace, smiling up at him. "I'm not too sure how I feel, to be honest with you... But I'm just going to take this as it comes... I'm sure the Lady Galadriel will be able to explain it all..." She said and DĂșlinnor smiled down at her. "You've but to wait..you'll be able to speak to her soon enough and I am hopeful that she will give you the answers you seek." He said softly. DĂșlinnor had to believe that the Queen held the answers they needed, otherwise..who else would hold them?
When Reinette finally smiled, DĂșlinnor was most happy for it. He would be lying if he said that he'd not been worrying about her. Worry about how she would handle the realization that she was no longer a Human. "I'm glad that everyone will be happy about this. And I think that I'd definitely like to visit with Thurilostel, eventually. But maybe for now, I just need some time with you." She said and DĂșlinnor was soon replying to her. "If that is what you wish then I am yours." He was happy to see that she was at least wanting to spend some time with him.
Though they'd been back only a short time from their journey to Tolfalas, DĂșlinnor found himself wanting to spend as much time as possible with her. He loved her and looked forward to their future together. Reinette was soon moving up, wrapping her arms about his neck and kissed him. DĂșlinnor's arms remained around her as he returned her kiss. They remained close for what seemed like a long time though the male Elf was more than happy for the contact. He'd missed her terribly when she'd been asleep and he didn't care to let it be known to her.
When they parted, Reinette was smiling up at him. A look of curiosity came across DĂșlinnor's face as he looked down at her. "I love you, DĂșlinnor. I've always loved you, and I always will. Whatever happens... well, as long as you're by my side, I think I'll be just fine..." The male Elf beamed down at her. "And I you. I will love no other for the rest of my days. You are the one my heart sings to. And you've nothing to fear. I shall remain by your side for as long as you wish it of me." He watched as Reinette soon moved from his and took a seat upon his bed.
DĂșlinnor moved, after a moment, to find the woman stretched out upon the bed. He gently smiled down at her as his grey eyes took her in. He soon joined her on the bed, laying next to her and simply watching her. He wondered how different it was for her..to suddenly have the abilities of the Elves. However, he would not ask her. He didn't wish to assault her or to trouble her. He simply wished for her to adjust to the sudden change at her own pace and would not rush it.
He allowed himself to lay near her, suddenly placing a gentle kiss upon Reinette's jaw, lingering for a short moment before sitting up once again. "Perhaps you would like to join me for a walk? I've a surprise for you but I'm afraid that I could not bring it within the city." DĂșlinnor waited long enough for Reinette to answer before he rose from the bed.
The Elf turned, offering her his hand. Once she was up, the male Elf spoke again. "I shall meet you in the sitting room when you are ready." He left her then, making his way through the flet. When she'd been asleep, DĂșlinnor had asked Aglaron to go to the stables for him..to purchase Rochiril for him. He planned on gifting the beautiful horse to the young woman though did not want to give it away. He wanted it to be a surprise and he'd made sure that there had been nothing laying about the home that Reinette could come across when she awoke.
DĂșlinnor headed to the sitting room to wait on Reinette. He was in no hurry and so he simply relaxed while he waited. He was unsure of how long had passed before she joined him again. He smiled at her as he rose and moved to join her. DĂșlinnor leaned down, placing a quick kiss upon her lips before turning and heading to the door. He opened the door for Reinette and then followed her, offering her his arm as he usually did.
They began the walk through the city, DĂșlinnor pointedly not speaking of where they were headed. He spoke with her happily, keeping her close to him as they walked. There was not very many Elves out yet and DĂșlinnor decided that this was a good thing. There was no doubt in his mind that word would spread soon enough though he was glad to keep the news between them for now. Before he knew it, they were at the bridge, crossing. He followed behind her closely, aiding her as she needed it.
They continued along the path to the stable and entered, DĂșlinnor soon smiling at Reinette as they slowly made their way through the barn. It didn't take long before DĂșlinnor brought them to a stop at Rochiril's stall, which had been moved to the stall next to Suldal's. "Reinette, I had thought..that since you are staying in Middle Earth, that perhaps you would benefit from having a horse of your own." He said, beaming down at her. He knew that she'd grown quite fond of Rochiril which was why it had been all too easy for him to choose the mare. He waited, watching Reinette. He hoped that she would be pleased to find it to be her friend. However, he would not know until she opened the upper part of the stall to see the beautiful horse that was held within.
Reinette felt the bed shift slightly as DĂșlinnor took the space next to her. He watched her for a moment, before he left a lingering kiss along her jaw. She felt herself sigh in contentment at the action, her eyes fluttering closed for a little while before snapping open to gaze upon his now upright form as he spoke. "Perhaps you would like to join me for a walk? I've a surprise for you but I'm afraid that I could not bring it within the city."
Reinette laughed slightly, her voice melodic and light as she spoke. "Yes. Of course, I'd love to join you. You cannot tempt me with talk of surprises and expect me to not come along, now can you?" Her eyes were twinkling with mirth as she took hold of his now outstretched hand and let him help her from the bed.
"I shall meet you in the sitting room when you are ready." Reinette watched DĂșlinnor as he left, her happy smile still lingering on her features as she moved from his room to her own old one. She was quick to slip into a warm bath, and scrub off whatever unpleasant things remained on her skin from sleeping for four days. Finally, one she was done with her body and hair, Reinette dried off and made her way to her collection of dresses, finding a silk and lace gown with elbow length butterfly sleeves. After slipping into the dress, Reinette found herself in front of the mirror, clasping the necklace that DĂșlinnor had given to her so long ago around her neck.
But she didn't pull away from the mirror straight away, instead getting lost in the image reflected back at her. There truly was a difference in her appearance, and while it was clearly her own face that was staring back at her, it felt foreign to her all the same. Reinette reached out her hand, letting her fingers brush against the reflection before her. She almost expected the reflection to flinch and move away, as if she was touching the face of another. But the only image reflected back at her was that of her own confused visage. She turned away after a moment, telling herself that one day she would get used to the changes that had occurred, and it would seem to her as if it had always been that way.
Her eyes turned down to the ring that adorned her finger, then. And the bright smile that Reinette was known for once again crawled its way onto her face. Yes, she reminded herself, she was engaged to marry DĂșlinnor. Things were changing, but they were changing for the better.
Reinette was soon joining DĂșlinnor in the sitting room, following him out of the home that they shared and taking his arm as she fell into a comfortable pace beside him. She was immediately accosted by her senses as soon as they made their way out of their home, though. Everything was definitely different to her - the world around her was brighter, the smells around her were fuller, and the sounds about her were definitely louder. But DĂșlinnor did his best to keep her mind concentrated instead on what he was saying, engaging her in the way that she so loved as they talked.
Soon, the two found themselves at the rope bridge. They crossed it - Reinette, without much assistance. She was quite proud of herself in that moment; her balance had greatly approved, and she'd only needed a bit of help from DĂșlinnor towards the end of their crossing. She silently celebrated that little victory, though she did not inform DĂșlinnor of how very proud of herself she was, as she knew that it wasn't entirely her own doing, but rather, it had a lot more to do with the changes that had happened to her instead.
The blonde walked beside DĂșlinnor for a short while longer, the stables finally appearing in front of them as they progressed. Reinette wondered momentarily what the surprise could be, and why it would need to be all the way out near the stables. But her questions were soon answered as they came to rest in front of Rochiril's stall. Her eyes turned to DĂșlinnor's as he spoke, and she could feel the tears beginning to prickle at the sides of her golden orbs.
"Reinette, I had thought... that since you are staying in Middle Earth, that perhaps you would benefit from having a horse of your own." He was smiling at her, in that way that he did when he was presenting her with something. The way that warmed her heart and set her skin aflame all in the same time.
With shaky fingers, she slipped up the latch that separated her eyes from viewing the beautiful creature held within. Almost as soon as she saw Rochiril's nose pushing towards her, eager to smell who had come to visit, she found herself crying and laughing all at the same time. The horse seemed to instantly recognize who it was on the other side of the stall, and was pushing her nose into the palm of Reinette's hand. The young woman immediately pressed her forehead against Rochiril's own as the beautiful mare bowed her head, letting out a puff of air in greeting. Reinette felt herself laugh as she pulled away from the horse that had carried her over countless thousands of miles, that had protected her as DĂșlinnor and Aglaron had done, as well. She could almost feel the happiness as being reunited emanating from the proud creature before her.
But she soon turned to DĂșlinnor, quickly pulling him into an embrace and crashing her lips against his own. She didn't care if there were any stable hands nearby that might see their public embrace - she couldn't care less if she was being indecent or way too 21st century for Middle Earth to handle. She wanted the ellon, whom she loved more than life itself, to know just that - that she thanked him more than words could express for the gift, and that she was beyond elated, beyond happy.
Pulling from DĂșlinnor with a laugh as well, she wiped the lingering tears from her eyes and cheeks, smiling brilliantly at the Elf before her. "Thank you, DĂșlinnor. Thank you... This is an amazing gift, really. I," her eyes turned to Rochiril, who whinnied in agreeance with the previous statement. Reinette laughed slightly, before turning back to DĂșlinnor, and continuing. "I could not think of a better way to wake from four days of sleep."
She regarded him for a moment longer, before speaking. "What made you decide on Rochiril, though?" She was happy for the decision; she didn't want him to get the idea otherwise. She had just wondered where the idea had come from. The horse beside them tossed its head slightly at the sound of its name, its dark eyes watching the two, but settling finally on Reinette with a calm sort of resonance hidden somewhere inside. It was clear that Rochiril was loyal to Reinette, and that the love that she had for the proud and strong mare was easily reflected within the horse.
DĂșlinnor simply continued to smile at Reinette as he waited for her to open up the stall that they stood in front of. He was patient, allowing her the time that she needed. His sharp eyes followed her movements, noting the slight shaking of her hand as she reached up for the latch. The male Elf suddenly realized that he was nervous for her reaction. He had no idea how she would feel about receiving the creature as a gift and yet he hoped that she would be happy. The moment that the upper half of the stall had been opened, Rochiril was moving towards Reinette, happy to see the woman.
The male Elf found himself watching the interaction between Rochiril and Reinette. The woman was laughing and crying though DĂșlinnor could see her happiness. It only served to make him happier though his expression never changed. It seemed like Reinette did not spend very long with the horse before she was turning to him. Suddenly, she pulled him into a hug and was pressing her lips to his own. For a second, he hesitated. He was so ingrained with his peoples' customs that her sudden actions had nearly thrown him off. However, DĂșlinnor could not resist Reinette. His arms encircled her tightly and his lips suddenly moved against hers.
For once, he did not care if anyone saw them as they were likely to. He knew that if they did his father was likely to hear..and that would lead to another argument. Yet, he would gladly face his father's wrath if that meant that Reinette was happy. The kiss almost seemed to last forever to him and honestly it could have truly lasted that long and he would never tire of their closeness. When she did pull from him, DĂșlinnor allowed his grey eyes to open so that he could regarded her. Her laugh only continued to aid in his smile. "Thank you, DĂșlinnor. Thank you... This is an amazing gift, really. I," Reinette paused as Rochiril whinnied in agreeance with the woman. "I could not think of a better way to wake from four days of sleep."
"I am most pleased that you approve of the gift." He said softly. A moment passed before Reinette spoke again. "What made you decide on Rochiril, though?" The male Elf tilted his head to the side as if in thought, his gaze soft though regarding the female closely. He did not answer her right away, instead allowing a easy silence to flow about them. Only after another Elf passed by them did he speak. "I know how fond of each other the two of you are. I simply thought that since Rochiril's previous master fell that perhaps she would appreciate a calmer life. Besides, she will allow no other to ride her. She has eyes only for you. But, if you do not want her..I can find another." His last statement was said with a light laugh. He was joking with her and he knew that she would easily pick up on this.
He waited, allowing her time to speak if she wished it. Slowly, he turned his gaze back to the horse. "Rochiril is from these woods and as such I would trust no other with your safety. Though all of the horses that come from this land are wise and willing to do anything we ask of them, Rochiril is different. She reminds me of Suldal in a way." He suddenly thought back to the proud horse that was in the next stall. "I knew Rochiril's previous owner. She was not nearly as loyal to him as she is to you. The same was with Suldal. The Mortal that owned him could not even ride him."
The Elf was smiling at the memory. "Our Borders are still not safe or I would take you riding this day." He said, easily showing the woman near him that truly, he would have if it had been possible. However, he did not speak further of the troubles that they were still having. He saw no reason to worry her. At least their family was not on active duty for the time being.
He allowed Reinette to spend as much time as she wanted with the horse. Only once he was sure that she was done did he suggest that they return home. Along the way, he spoke with her and even as they passed others the Elf had eyes only for Reinette. He knew that his Mother would want to see them soon and so he'd suggest to her later that they join his family for the evening meal the following day. There was no immediate need and after all, Reinette had wished to spend time with him that day. Before returning to the flet, DĂșlinnor took Reinette about the market, purchasing items that they needed.
Thurilostel had offered to do the shopping but he'd not wanted to bother her. She had enough to worry about without having to worry for him. He'd had plenty to do with until Reinette had woken. Only once they were done did DĂșlinnor suggest returning to the flet. He carried most of the items, making sure that he had the heaviest. Once they arrived, he allowed the woman to get the door as his hands were full. The Elf headed towards the kitchen so that their purchases could be put away. Once they were done with that, he offered to start their meal. They'd spent the entire day simply enjoying each other's company and DĂșlinnor had a strange feeling that it would be some time before they'd have another day like today. However, he did not speak of it to Reinette.
As they finally sat down to eat, the Elf found himself in happy chatter with the woman. It was about halfway through the meal that he felt like he needed to say something to her. "Reinette," His tone suddenly becoming more serious. "I wanted you to know something." He paused, his gaze easily resting upon her. "Do you remember when we argued about moving our relationship forward? I had said that my family would not approve. I was thinking about it while you were asleep and I did not want you not understanding what I meant by that."
Another pause. He was not intending to cause any trouble or to make Reinette upset. He simply couldn't stand the thought of her thinking that his family did not want her to join them. Of course, he'd made sure since then that she felt that she was fully welcomed but it was all too easy for something like that to cause doubts. "I had only meant that they would not approve of my decision. They know me all too well. Though I'd wanted to take the time to think it over, there had only ever been the one choice. I would not be able to live in this world without you by my side. My family is truly happy that you will be joining us." He smiled at her then, hoping that she understood why he was telling her these things.