t was cold for the youngling. He wasn't dressed to be outside that late at night. Matter of fact, he wasn't dressed at all. He had to flee his home, having been awakened by men busting down the door to his family's home. He could still hear the men as they shouted at his father.
"Where is the runt, halfling? Bring him forth, for if we have to search, it will not bode well for you!"
My father, brave Elf that he was stood his ground. Our family had been pariahs in our village since he had taken a human woman as his wife. That was just not done. Ever.
But they loved one another, so, they chose to follow their hearts. But, as if being half Elf half Human wasn't bad enough, I was even 'lower' in their eyes in that I chose my mate, but... it was another male.
I feared for my boyfriend. He was a Hobbit, and he was oh so cute! Both of us had entered the 'changes of life' almost on the same day. We became fast friends. It took no more than a week before we realized that our friendship was more than just a simple friendship.
Staying in shadow, he made his way to the opposite end of the village where Nim's home was located. There were no lights in the windows, Zim felt that was something positive. Apparently nobody had shown up there yet.
Zim moved to the back of their home and crawled through the small opening that had been in need of repair to gain entrance to the home. He made his way to the room his boyfriend occupied and entered. He went quickly to Nim's bed and shook him awake.
"Zal, what are you doing here? And why are you naked?"
Out of breath from running all the way, Zal just managed to huff out, "Men... came... to get... me. I am... afraid... they're going to... come for you too!"
Nim hopped out of his bed, identically attired as his boyfriend. Rummaged for clothing for both of them. As they hastily dressed they discussed what they were going to do.
"First thing, we wake up my father. He'll know what we must do."
They burst into Bulwark's (Nim's father) room and both boys started speaking at once.
Unable to divine what was going on through the chatter, Bulwark held up his hands, effectively silencing the two thirteen-year-olds.
"Now, one at a time, explain what's going on."
Over the next several minutes Zal explained. Bulwark's ears started turning red as a sign of his anger. He thought a moment but before he could speak, they all heard a pounding upon the door of their cottage. Time had run out.