Erolamir and Gwenryn: Chapter 4

Much time had passed since Erolamir and Gwenyn's first meeting; just under two years, in fact. Gwenryn was coming on nicely, she could use a bow efficiently and tracking came naturally to her. Erolamir was impressed at her swift progress. Gwenryn was even finding waking up in the mornings easier. However, her training was not over just yet, there was still many things to learn and brush up on. Gwenryn had managed to soften Erolamir's tough exterior enough to get close to him. More and more each day, he would open up to her. He would speak of his woes, his past and what he hopes for the future. She would listen, then tell him of her thoughts in turn. He remained a tough mentor, but something was different now. To Erolamir, the girl was more than just a pupil, she was his friend. He could not say that about any other students of his. No other wished to know him, but Gwenryn saw through the ruggedness. She saw a different person; a kind, gentle soul, strict yet with good intentions. She saw a lonely young man wishing for companionship. She was happy to oblige, as she also felt lonely and appreciated the company. The young woman could not bring herself to tell Erolamir that she was married. She felt it was not necessary, she did not wish to speak of her husband at such pleasant times spent with her mentor. When out in the wild with Erolamir, all her domestic troubles were left behind. She felt free, she felt vibrant - a whole new woman. She made it a habit to remove her wedding ring before meeting with him, only to put it back on once she returned home. She was not clear herself why she did this, though one thing was certain. Her feelings for Erolamir were growing. She started seeing him more as a friend. She wanted more. Her marriage was dead and loveless, as far as she was concerned. Erolamir treated her with respect and listened to her. He was everything Thedobul was not. In turn, Erolamir's feelings for Gwenryn were also progressing. He did not let on so much, but they were certainly there. He found himself becoming more aware of her, even making minor mistakes due to him paying too much attention to her. She was more than a training hunter to him now, she was a dear friend who he wished to hold on to forever. He could not bear her getting hurt or being in danger. Erolamir became very protective of Gwenryn. When she would go home after their training, she was in his thoughts most of the time. He realised he was falling for her. He did not know where to go from there, until something happened one day that would change matters drastically. The pair were just outside their village Upbourn, in the Harrowdale Valley. Gwenryn was crouched down to the ground. Her eyes keen, studying the tracks before her. Erolamir stood over her, looking up towards the mountains. "These tracks seem to be fresh, those of a bear". Gwenryn placed her hand on one of the paw prints, she narrowed her eyes in thought. "Here at least two hours ago, heading north-east". She looked up at Erolamir, hoping her analysis to be correct. Erolamir stooped down to her level, just beside her. He propped himself up with his left arm. He took a look at the tracks, studying them for a moment before his eyes met Gwenryn's. Gwenryn gazed at him, the closeness of them both was pleasing to her. She could not help but look at him, becoming lost in his beautiful eyes. She wished to reach out to him, to touch him. Erolamir felt as if he was in some sort of trance. He shifted into a kneeling position, then leaned in towards her. Swiftly their lips were pressed together in a kiss. Both of them totally forgot themselves for a few moments, feeling utter bliss. Gwenryn could only think about Erolamir, how much she cared for him... how much she loved him. However, soon enough her husband was in her thoughts. She broke the kiss abruptly, feeling ashamed. Erolamir looked at her quizzically, though not surprised. He felt he had stepped the line, that Gwenryn did not feel the same as he. He pulled back shamefully muttering an apology. "Erolamir you fool!", he chastised himself in his mind. The pair continued on as normal that day, though they both could not really concentrate. All they could think about was each other. Erolamir thought he had dashed all hope of being with Gwenryn, he felt he had gone too fast. Gwenryn whilst not being in love with her husband, still felt she was being dishonourable by kissing another man behind his back. She wanted Erolamir, this kiss only confirmed it. It was he who she wished to be with the rest of her days. However, she was married. She had a life back in Upbourn to live, one that did not involve her new love. The thought of being without Erolamir upset her greatly. Every night he and the kiss they shared, now in her thoughts. She wished there was some way to leave Thedobul and be free from him forever. Erolamir was thinking somewhat the same, he wanted to be with Gwenryn badly. He decided he would see where matters went from then on. If she wished to progress their relationship, then he would follow her lead. The last thing he wanted was to hurt his friend, as he too loved her deeply.