Vocabulary Builder
Topic: Alphabet Games
L. luxuriant (lux-u'ri-ant) a.: exuberant in growth; rank, overabundant

Lindir/Orophin

"That was beautiful."

Lindir looked up from his harp, startled, "Orophin! How did you get here? Who told you where to find my rooms?"

Orophin smiled, "Do you not think that I can find the quarters of the loveliest minstrel in the Last Homely House? I am more than a mere archer; I can track with the best of them."

Lindir narrowed his eyes at the blond, "Erestor told you, didn't he?"

Orophin laughed, "You have found me out but do not be cross with him. I begged and pleaded with him until he told me just to be rid of my presence."

"No one can force Erestor to talk if he does not want to."

Orophin settled on the bench beside the little elf, "If you did not want company perhaps you should have closed your door. Your music must call to any unwary elf walking by like a siren's song."

"Not many people venture to this side of the palace. That is why I chose it for my home."

"Erestor also stays on this side of the house, doesn't he?"

Lindir nodded, "He does."

Orophin fell silent as his eyes were drawn against his will to the riotous mass of white hair falling down Lindir's back and unto the floor. He had not realized he was reaching out until a small hand clamped down on his broad wrist. He looked up into blue/green eyes sheepishly. "I am sorry...it is just..."

"It is just so what?" Lindir asked, curious.

"So luxuriant, so long and beautiful. It attracts the eye and tempts the hand."

Lindir's mouth formed a surprised o and his hand dropped, "You may touch it."

Orophin reached for the nearest curl and twined it about his finger, delighting in the softness. He laughed, pleased, when the curl bounced back into place after he released it. He stood to position himself better to play in Lindir's hair. He lifted it and scrunched it and ran his fingers through it. Quite loosing himself in his play. Lindir sat patiently and endured his stroking and petting like he was a small white kitten.
He was nearly asleep when Orophin spoke.

"Can I braid it?"

Lindir hmmm in agreement and waved his arm in the general direction of his brush and comb. Orophin let his hair fall to go fetch the combing utensils. The large warrior parted out tiny sections making sure to hold the rest of the heavy mass out of the way of the braiding action. Before he was halfway through, Lindir fell asleep resting his slight weight back against Orophin's broad chest. Orophin just continued on carefully making sure Lindir did not tip over. After a long while he gently shook the little elf awake.

"Lindir, Lindir, I am finished. Do you want to look at it?" The sleepy elf nodded and Orophin helped him over to the mirror above his dresser. Lindir blinked at his reflection once, then twice. A tiny hand reached up to touch the numerous braids.

"You have tamed it."

Orophin smiled at the awe in the soft voice, "I am glad you like it," he hesitated, "perhaps I could do it for you every day."

Lindir beamed at him through the mirror, "Perhaps, you could."

Tomorrow the Letter M.