Fields of gold

How to skin a deer

"Oh my god !", a voice exclaimed when he unloaded the animal on the stone table outside.

Elanor was there, a frown marring her lovely features, watching him warily. Her hand hoovered over his, coaxing him to let go of the kitchen knife he had yet to release. When had the temperature dropped so dramatically ?

"Laurë, are you alright ?", she asked.

He found her eyes, wide and worried, and did not find the strength to lie. The elf shook his head, shivering. Her little hand reached for his and squeezed, offering a lifeline for him to follow.

He allowed her to drag him into the bathroom. To undress him, throwing his soiled clothes aside, and wash his legs soaked in blood. The tunic, she probably kept for modesty purposes. Elanor wrapped his shivering frame in a fluffy, soft plaid. How did she know he hated the cold ? The starch reminder of crossing the Helcaraxë, all those lives lost to icy winds and treacherous crevices ? She plunged his hands in warm water and scrubbed at his nails, chasing off every last inch of blood.

Then, without a word, the young woman led him to the sofa. There, she coaxed him to lay down as she sat beside him. His head settled in her lap; Elanor unbraided his hair softly, removing the beads and tie he'd used to keep it away from his face. Slowly, gently, she dug her fingers in his hair and brushed it over his scalp, diving into his mane in a soothing manner. Then, her voice rose, and he recognised the lullaby she'd sung to him that first day in the hospital.

"Down by the flowery garden my love and I did meet.

I took her in my arms and to her I gave kisses sweet

She bade me take life easy just as the leaves fall from the tree.

But I being young and foolish, with her did not agree."

The elf's mind perked at the words; it was a beautiful, peaceful song that worked its magic through the tensions of his muscles. But to hear, now, the signification of Elanor's words threw him into another world of considerations. Rather than mull over death and loss, the lullaby dragged him out of his despair, to plunge him into the recesses of his heart.

And, as Elanor gently caressed his hair and sung to him, Laurëfindelë found himself entranced by the expression of her inner light. Eyes closed, he soaked up her gentleness, her inner beauty, filling the cracks of his Feä with the balm of her soul. Her elvish side was showing more and more, and even though there was absolutely nothing wrong with her human side, Laurë felt a kinship form when she tapped into this particular heritage.

She was beautiful in every way.

Oblivious that the elf's turmoil had shifted to inner musings, Elanor kept singing. At some point, Féline pushed her way in the room, and settled upon his belly to start a steady round of healing purrs. For a long time, neither of them moved as Elanor's hands caressed the silky waves of his hair, marvelling at their softness. His weight upon her lap felt so right, his warmth draped over both the sofa and her thighs; it was the most they'd ever touched, but it felt like he belonged here. Minutes passed, and his breathing slowly evened, the short heaves of anxiety turning into deep, long draughts.

Had he fallen asleep ? The young woman sighed, marvelling that this proud warrior would allow her such an intimate proximity. But she could feel how badly he needed to be anchored; Laurë had never been shy to express his needs. It truly was a wonder to catch a glimpse of elvish society through him; no misogynistic tendencies, and no need for males to appear strong and emotionless. Was it because eternity taught them life, or simply a natural sociologic pattern ?

Or perhaps, it was simply Laurëfindelë's way to live. Eventually, the elf stirred and Elanor's fingers stilled over his scalp, sliding when he shifted to face her. Féline hopped out of the sofa with an indignant sniff, and scooted away without a look backwards. Amused, Elanor watched the cat snub them before her gaze returned to Laurë. A set of bottomless ocean pools opened to stare at her, and she felt her heart clench at the intensity.