Chapter 1: Delightful Deception

Elienne had been told by Arwen that the elves from Lothlórien were among the most beautiful in the whole of Middle-earth. And Elienne had no doubt that the granddaughter of Galadriel and Celeborn was not exaggerating by any stretch of the imagination. While there was a general air of excitement at the arrival of the King and Queen of the Golden Wood to Rivendell, the anticipation had left the youngest of she-elves in this kingdom titillated with fidgety excitement.

"You watch the road as if they will spring up from the very stones," Arwen teased. "It will be another night and half day at least before they arrive… is it the spell of meeting new company that has you so merry?"

Elienne blushed as she smiled. "As anxious as I am to see my father again, I'm afraid."

"Do not rush for it to be done! In a few hundred years you will have met all living elves in Middle-earth and then only children can bring the sweetness of a new face," Arwen said.

"Tell me again of Galadriel…" Elienne said softly, unabashed at her continued pining for the elves of Lórien. "And of Celeborn, her Lord… Tell me of his silver hair and gray eyes…"

Elienne was of light red hair, as her father and found herself to fit in well with Arwen and most of the other dark haired elves of Rivendell. She had seen the light haired Woodland elves, but was anxious to see the extraordinary beauty of the Galadhrim; the most fair elves of Lothlórien.

Arwen smiled brightly. "I will tell you if you come away from the window," she said. "And join me for a stroll by the river."

So it was decided and they went. Arwen spoke about the Galadhrim just as she had when she had first returned from living with her grandmother. Elienne was only a hundred years old at that time and had decided in her youth that she would some day visit the magical wood. But it was another hundred and fifty years later and she was yet to venture out of Rivendell.

For most of her life Elrond had kept her here, while her own father, King Bronian, settled unrest in his kingdom of Darkwood to the East. As sad as she was to think of leaving yet another home, she had so much yet to see. Though she was familiar with the home of the Woodland elves, she had not traveled to Lothlórien or to Mirkwood and knew few of their company. But the dark days were ending and the forces that once brought fear to travelers were being held back from the free peoples.

The council being called in Rivendell by Lord Elrond would be the first gathering of the kings and queens of the Elven territories in almost an age. Despite Arwen’s urging that she should wait, Elienne was certain it was altogether possible she could travel to Lothlórien when their company left Rivendell.

"…I can not even imagine that the Grey Havens or all the cities of the Valar would be as beautiful as what I saw in the Golden Wood," Arwen said, stopping over the bridge.

"I so wish to see Calas Galadhon," Elienne exclaimed, her heart almost breaking at the longing she felt. "Please, if it be within your power, as my dearest friend, help me find a way."

Arwen laughed lightly. "You make it sound as though you would be unwelcome, Elienne," she said sweetly. "I am certain it can be arranged when the time is proper."

*********

Later that Week…

"Elienne! There you are! I thought you off creating mischief…" Arwen said. "I've been searching everywhere for you."

Elienne blinked a couple of times, her eyes sore from staring at the intricate details of her work. "What is it?"

"Are you idle now after all these weeks of anticipation?" Arwen asked. "Come! The Galadhrim arrive just over the hill!"

Elienne gasped and set down her embroidery. "I haven't dressed! I am still in my riding clothes!" she exclaimed.

"That was hours ago we went riding. At dawn! The sun is right above us now," Arwen laughed.

"I had an idea for a way to portray the stars," Elienne said, regarding her work, "And I got caught up… With a shadow around the edges before it lightens to silver completely in the halo. In this way the…"

"It's lovely, " Arwen interrupted, "but you will have another day and then another to complete it." Arwen took her hand and smiled, saying, "When will you learn you have an eternity to do all that you desire?"

Before they left the morning room, Elienne glanced quickly at her reflection and decided she did not look too inappropriate attired in her ruddy brown suede. The two she-elves ran down the steps to the greeting area and stopped on the second level watching the horses and riders enter into the Rivendell gate.

"That's him, isn't it?" Elienne said breathlessly. "That's Celeborn… Lord of…"

"No," Arwen said with a slight edge. "That would be Haldir… he's the Guardian of the Northern Wood… the bothersome one I told you of who would never let me roam as I pleased…"

Elienne's smile broadened. "If he be a poor example of the lovely Galadhrim, their beauty is ever more greater than you could have described …" she said. "I shall go and give him a good greeting."

Before Arwen could reply, Elienne rushed down the stairs and into the small courtyard. There were several elves and she-elves gathering around the Lothlórien visitors so she had to stand a bit away and wait until the rest of the company entered as well. Her eyes quickly flitted over those she could see, but having her mind set on the elf who had led them, she did not take the time to measure who they may be. When his magnificent horse reached her fully, Elienne was about to call out his name to draw his attention to her, for he had been preoccupied himself in presumably a count of fair elf heads to see her standing there; but, alas, it was he who spoke first.

"Is it the fairest of all Elven Princesses who comes to greet us today?" he said. In his eyes was a sparkle that seemed to illuminate his entire countenance. And if it were not for the fact that he was not looking at Elienne, she was sure she would have become a puddle of dew right then and there. "Arwen, you have grown even more gorgeous than I remember… My Lady Galadriel has passed on not just her grace, but her radiance as well to her granddaughter."

Elienne glanced back and saw that Arwen had followed her down the stairs, but was still standing a bit back from the Lórien guests.

"If you are intending to make me blush, you will not be met with success," Arwen said in voice that hinted on challenge. The raven-haired princess looked at Elienne knowingly. Indeed, Arwen had spoken of Haldir from time to time, and never favorably. But it was not Elienne's nature to be so swayed by a poor opinion when she had not yet developed one of her own.

"Haldir, Guardian of Lórien," she said as formally as she could and with a slight bow.

He looked down and jumped from his horse.

"Ah, yes," he said gently. "The hospitality of Rivendell is always a welcomed treat to a travel weary visitor as well as his charge, " He handed her the reigns of his horse and began to walk towards Arwen.

Elienne's mouth dropped open at the shock of being taken for a stable attendant. Haldir's broad frame blocked Arwen's expression from her as they embraced. The thought of having her pity and his was beyond what she could bear. So as was her wont, Elienne chose to turn the tables on the situation. As soon as Arwen moved to speak and clarify his misunderstanding, Elienne spoke up.

"Tis an honor, M'Lord," she said, giving Arwen a wink. "I shall give him the finest of treatments as any horse has been given in these stables."

Arwen tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, knowing that Elienne was up to something. Thankfully she played along and breathed no words of correction.

With a brief acknowledgement, Haldir nodded and said, "Thank you… but nothing out of the ordinary is necessary. Sullendry needs restful solitude more than fussing."

"Understood, M'Lord, whatever M'Lord says," Elienne said with a bit more sarcasm than she would have wanted. He frowned slightly and she smiled wide and cheerfully led the steed away.

It was widely believed among those who did not know them well that elves never lie, nor can they be lied to without detection. And for the all intents and purposes, it was a proper generalization. Their keen vision that went beyond the superiority of sight was not their only advantage in the world. They could also perceive emotions from great distances through the air, from ages gone by in the land and so the sincerity of the peoples about them were hardly difficult to assess with a mere glance. But the strengths that lifted them above the other living beings were not so acute as to prevent manipulation among their own kind. Deceit could indeed be engaged in successfully, though elves having little cause to lie to one another were tempted almost exclusively towards the practice for a game or sport of some sort. Elienne's talent for mischief in this regard was do primarily to an obvious benevolent nature which endeared even the most guarded of elves to be assured, and rightly so, that she could never intend malice. Even those wise in such ways, as Lord Elrond had to their own chagrin fallen prey to her antics on various occasions. To Elienne, deceiving Haldir was merely a casual affair and she gave it not a second thought, even though she had only just met him.

Once in the stable, she found herself addressing the horse.

"What is the matter with your master?" she asked with a grin, "Does he not know royalty when he sees it? If he was as talented an Emissary as his reputation, he should have known by looking in my eyes that I was the daughter of an elf King…" She gently stroked the animal on its nose and said, "You can tell, can you not, Sullendry?" The beast only blinked at her and then looked away. "Oh, pity, you are such a grand equine, I thought you might be one of the older horses from the North I heard tales of."

Kissing its cheek, Elienne then led the huffy steed to a large stall and kept her eye on the other stable attendants for clues as to what should be done with it.

"I can take over, if you like, M'Lady," one of the elves said kindly.

"No," she said with raised brows and a bit of a smirk. "I am not completely incompetent at this task. I only need some direction on where this horse might have solitude," she said.

"Solitude?" Farnel asked. He was a gentle and quiet elf, but very proud in his knowledge of horses. "I can offer the steed his own stall, but that is the best I can offer."

"Oh… very well," she said. "Just a nice quiet corner then."

Farnal led her to a larger stall and Elienne began at once to try to make the place comfortable.

"Farnal," another elf from across the stable called out. Farnal looked at Elienne and she smiled.

"Go ahead, I'm all right now," she said, patting the horse. "I'm sure we'll be fine."

At her touch, she noticed that the woolen blanket he wore was soaked with sweat, and in compassion, decided in that moment to give the horse a full bathing before she left it's side.

"This is a special horse," Farnal said, interrupting her thoughts. "And he is of the breed from the North… but like his master he has a bit of self-importance complexion, so do not expect much." He then put a finger to his lips as if to keep what he said a secret.

"Oh," she said standing back a bit from the horse. After Farnal left, she placed her hands on her hips and said, "This should be interesting."

The horse stared at her and shook its head. The beautiful bridle, which she reasoned was worn only for show on the horses of pretentious elves, clinking somewhat. He then glanced away. Moving towards Sullendry a bit more carefully than she had before, Elienne gently removed the bridal and then hung it in a safe place. She turned around and looked at the large pale horse.

"You are most beautiful," she said. "And I am sorry I did not know how smart you are. But now you know how I must have felt when I was not acknowledged for the princess that I am… not that there's anything wrong with being a stable hand…" The horse only stared at her. "I hope you don't mind but I'm going to take good care of you in spite of what Haldir said." The horse's eyes blinked and it gave a snort. "Oh come now," she said. "You are hot, sweaty and if you'll pardon my saying it, you smell worse than a beast of your nature should be allowed to smell…"

"I doubt you're making points with that horse."

Elienne turned to see whom it was and didn't recognize the fair stranger at first. When their eyes met he gave her only the slightest hint of a smile and bowed gently.

"You're King Thranduil's son… Legolas. Am I right?" she asked with a large smile. "I have seen your likeness painted in the annals."

"The very same. And you are Lady Elienne of Darkwood," he answered. Then his eyes darted around the stable and fell back on her. "But why are you here… attending to a horse? Should you not be in the grand hall with the others?"

"Oh… that…" She picked up a brush and turned stroking Sullendry with it. "There was a bit of a misunderstanding…" She was about to explain when she saw something most disturbing. "This poor creature has a spur in its skin!"

Legolas came around the horse. He looked and just as she was about to pull it out, he gently took her hand.

"No!" he said cautiously. "It should be treated first with ointment to be sure you do not cause more damage."

Elienne stood back slightly and took her hand back. Quietly she said, "You speak to me as though I am a child."

The blond elf turned to her, his eyes as gentle as his voice. "At nearly 220 you are an adult she-elf, but in some things you are still in need of training… there is no need to feel shame for it." He stepped away from the horse and said, "I will gather some herbs, though it is probably uncomfortable, it is not a serious condition."

Elienne watched him go and looked at the horse. It stared at her with wary eyes.

"I've never been responsible for the care of a horse," she said to it. "But if I did, I would never let it get a spur that worked itself into such a painful sore…" The horse seemed to watch her as she walked around the other side, examining it carefully for more damage. "I would have much more pity on the one I'm riding than your master has had on you…" She found another spur and grew more annoyed. "You poor creature!" she said stroking the horse’s mane. She climbed up on a small ladder and began to search through the mane to make sure it was clear. "I am going to give you a warm bath as well as a good meal of carrots…" she whispered in the steed's long ear.

"What secrets are you telling to my horse?" It was a voice from the entrance of the stable.

Elienne looked and nearly fell off the ladder. Haldir walked over with a curious look on his face. "I thought I told you to give Sullendry a good rest, not a good meal? Have you trouble following such simple directions?"

"I would be done by now if you had taken proper care of your charge!" she said, stepping down. "The poor creature is filthy and he has not one, but two spurs."

Haldir looked concerned and moved towards the horse, eyeing the obvious red spot.

"I have never owned a horse because I could not bear to watch it passing when it grew old, but if I did I can not imagine wearing it raw as you have done," she said. After she said it the horse stomped its front hoof very close to where she was standing. Elienne jumped back, moving her feet out of the beast's reach.

"It's all right, Sullendry," Haldir soothed. He then glared at Elienne and said, "I do not own this horse and he is as immortal as you and I."

"But you said, 'my horse'!" she pointed out.

"Yes, he is my horse just as he is my friend, my companion or my protector. And he lends me his service graciously and without complaint… which is more than I can say for all the attendants at Rivendell." He looked down his nose at her and added, "You are relieved, I will see to Sullendry myself."

Elienne was a bit surprised and a touch hurt at his curt response to her. Besides Elrond, only his personal advisor Erestor had ever dared to speak to her harshly, and mostly when she more than deserved it. But then Elienne realized with an inward smile that she still had the Emissary of the Galadhrim believing she was a stable hand.

She stood by as he searched through the bag attached to the woolen blanket for something and pulled out an ointment packet. He rubbed it on the horse and whispered over it, probably using a spell of healing. As he removed the spur, Elienne came up with a plan to take this ruse to an even more mischievous and soulfully delightful level, if only she could get her mind and heart into the part. If what Farnal and Arwen had said about Haldir was right, she would certainly cause quite a stir if she could better the elf whose pride was in having one of the most notorious perceptions for truth seeking. And it would serve him well for treating a Princess with such disdain.

"I'm sorry," she said meekly.

"You're still here?" he asked as he walked to the other side and rubbed ointment on the second spur. "I thought you would have been grateful to be relieved of your duties…"

"M'Lord," she said, bending on her knees before him and looking down. "I have misjudged you and have given you cause to look down upon this great hall in which I am honored to reside. Please," she looked up at his bewildered face, "I beseech you, give me a chance to right this wrong… allow me some other bit of service to you that I may be worthy of your pardon."

"It is most unnecessary," he said. "Stand up…"

"Please," she said taking his oily hand. "I will not rest for centuries knowing I have dishonored the Guardian of Lórien… have mercy on my conscience and bid me do something for you… the most menial of tasks even… I care not what it is."

Haldir looked at his horse and said, "I can see she is most insistent…" Sullendry whinnied a bit and looked at Elienne. Haldir seemed to think a bit on the notion before he lightly pulled his hand out of hers. He inspected the second sore spot and seemed to think it not in need of a spell. Then patting Sullendry, he walked towards the exit of the stable saying casually, "Your wish is granted. You may finish up here and come by my suite just after. I have laundry and boots needing to be cleaned by tonight."

"Yes M'Lord! Thank you M'Lord," she called out after him.

On his way out, he simply waved back at her and his exit was followed quickly by Legolas entrance.

"I had to travel all the way to the kitchen to find the right herb," he said. "Rivendell is indeed a large establishment."

Elienne was beside herself with enjoyment and self-satisfaction. She smiled and said, "You have gone out of your way for no reason, my dear prince." She approached him and gave him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Come, see…. Haldir treated and healed his horse already."

Legolas looked stunned at her reaction and followed her slowly.

"It is taken care of…" she said. "Oh! I must hurry and finish this task…" she gasped, dipping a bucket into a deep barrel of water. "I must make haste, if I am to finish Lord Haldir's laundry and be ready myself in time for the banquet tonight!"

"Laundry?" Legolas asked. "Yet another misunderstanding? How can this be? You should not agree to such things…"

"No," Elienne said raising her brows, "This has passed from a misunderstanding into a delightful deception!"

Legolas looked at her with eyes that were a touch sad in their concern. "Haldir has a great respect for royalty, having served under Lord Celeborn. Great will be his distress when he learns of your true identity. It is not proper for you to do such chores…"

Elienne put down the bucket and took a large, soft brush from a nearby hook and dipped it in. "Why not? What is the difference between myself and any other elf? Does my bloodline require me to refuse duties I wish to assume? Rather I think it my right to do as I will… even if it is the laundry of a March Warden."

Legolas didn't answer at first. He looked to be thinking on his answer sincerely. He helped wash the steed and then out of the silence spoke his words.

"It is a matter of respect, Elienne," he said. "Honor is very important to those who dedicate their lives to service. I know Haldir not well, only of his reputation as an Emissary. If he feels he has dishonored you I believe it may become a dark shadow on his mind."

"But it was I who dishonored him when I spoke harshly to him about Sullendry, you were not here for it. I was very rude to my elder and I wrongfully so. It was there in I found my true sorrow when I asked to repay him in kindness. I desire to win back his favor before he learns who I truly am… I do not want him to honor me only because I am the daughter of a king… but because he truly respects me," she said.

Again, Legolas merely looked at her, taking in what she had said.

"Does that not ring true?" she asked.

"You speak more quickly than one can think on it," he said. "It sounds true when you say it, but it does not feel so true in my heart… yet I have nothing to add to my argument save this… tread carefully, young one. If it is respect you seek, seek it honestly."

"But how much more can he respect me than if I am able to play a trick on him! It has more than likely been a millenium or two since anyone has even tried!"

"It very well may be," Legolas acquiesced.

The horse was done and the conversation was over. Elienne couldn't help but think Legolas was being far too cautious, but it did soften her heart towards this new friend to see he was so concerned for someone he had only just met.

"I must hurry!" she said, running for the door.

She stopped at the exit and turned back to him. "Legolas," she said, catching her breath. "It is true what they say about the Galadhrim… they are the fairest of all…"

"Yes, it is true," he acknowledged.

"And yet… you are from Mirkwood," she said.

He laughed lightly and said, "Yes, I am."

"Well Prince Legolas, you are as fair as any elf I have yet seen. And though my life be short thus far, I do not suspect I might see many more which could compare," Elienne said decisively. "And at the banquet this evening, I will make a purpose to speak to you often."

"And I you," he said with a smile as he watched her go.

********************

When Elienne arrived in the Galadhrim Guesthouse, she noticed there was quite a bit of activity in the main foyer. Slipping in she hoped to blend in their company and go unnoticed as she moved towards the hall. But she was not so lucky.

"Aye, who goes there?" she was asked. A slender elf slowly approached, looking her over. Another came to his side and had a much more pleasant look on his face as he waited for her answer.

"You may call me 'Eli'…" she answered quickly. "I am here to retrieve some laundry and a pair of boots for M'Lord Haldir."

"Our brother is not here for an hour and he already has handmaidens at his beck and call," said the pleasant looking elf.

"Eli, it is?" the first asked. "As in Elienne?"

Elienne froze for a moment, slightly disappointed that her game would be discovered before she carried it through.

"Is that not the name of the daughter of King Bronian of Darkwood?" he pried further.

"It is," she said. "But it is a common name among women as well as she-elves…"

"You are not her then?" the second asked with a small grin.

"Why would the Princess of Darkwood be retrieving laundry for a mere March Warden?" she laughed as she turned and proceeded down the hall.

"Why indeed," she heard one of the elves say.

Her heart was a flutter as she entered the suit and called, "M'Lord?" She didn't see him in the main area, but saw his clothes lying in a pile with a pair of very muddy boots upon them.

"Everything should be right there," his voice called out from the other room. "Be tender with the silk… it was a gift."

"Yes, M'Lord," she said picking up the garments. The outer pieces were crusted over with mud and filth and the boots seemed to be made of a thick hide at first glance, but then Elienne realized that they were water soaked. "You have seen much action on your trip from Lórien," she said, trying not to let the disgust come through in her voice.

"Yes…" he said, his voice sounding distant and quiet.

As she lifted the clothes in her arms and smelled the foul stench, her eyes rolled back and she gagged somewhat. "More than a few rolls in the mud wrestling Orc's, I presume?"

"If the task is too much for your fine sensibilities, you can withdraw your offer at any time," he called out louder this time. His voice had in it a bit of amusement and no shame over the state of his clothing.

"No, M'Lord," she said sweetly, "I am happy to be of service to you… I shall have this back in time for the banquet."

"Very good," he said.

Elienne's curiosity got the better of her and she lay the clothes down and tiptoed close to the doorway of the other room. Peeking around the corner, she saw the large elf lying on his back on a lounge, his bare feet up and his eyes closed. He was dressed in a long silver robe, rather ornate for someone not of royal blood, but somehow beautifully fitting for someone of his countenance. He was even more lovely than she had previously thought when he first arrived on horseback. She took the sight of him in, smiling dreamily to herself when suddenly his eyes flew open and he turned his head towards her.

"What is it?" he asked. "Do you require further instruction?"

"Why are you in here?" she asked. "Why not mingle with the others? Do you so dislike company?"

"Not at all," he said with gentleness, "I very much enjoy a good time of fellowship, however preparing for the journey and then the days between Lórien and Rivendell were not ones of rest for my horse or me. I only hope to catch enough idle time before this evening so that I may be of better company than I would be right now."

As Elienne took a step further into the room, Haldir's eyes fell on her feet, indicating subtly that she was stepping over a boundary. A handmaiden would never be so bold, but this was part of the fun for her and she would not have it stolen.

"You seem good company enough to me," she offered, standing her ground.

"Only because I am using all my restraint to be so," he said wistfully.

"Ah…" she said. She wondered if he would be so honest if he knew who she really was. To admit he was being courteous only because he had to was acceptable to a handmaiden, but not to a princess. She was growing fonder of this game as it continued. "So if I stay… I should see the real side of you? The side you hide from others? The nasty grumpy side?" she teased.

"No, if you stay, you shall see my eyelids, and hear me snore for I plan to attempt to sleep now no matter what it is you decide to do, young she-elf," he said. He turned away from her and closed his eyes again.

She had much to do, but the part of her that wanted to test him and stay won out for quite a while. She stood there still and silent until she could bear it no more and took a small step towards him. He spoke, startling her.

"Do you not have duties to do?" he asked.

"I wanted to hear your snore," she whispered, "but it was so quiet I thought I should come closer."

"If you believed me when I said I snore, you are quite gullible indeed… now… run along… and be back here well before the dinner chime, I prefer my boots to slippers, even for a banquet."

As she backed out of his room she said, "Lord Haldir, I wish you sweet dreams of beautiful Elven Princesses."

He turned back towards her, his eyes popping open at her strangely. She giggled, running out of the room before he could comment. She picked up the large bundle of clothing and boots and headed out of the suite.

******************

Elienne left the building through the garden and up the stairs to a side door rather than push through the elves in the foyer and risk brushing their finery with the filthy clothes she was carrying. As she flew out the door, she heaved a large sigh and ran around to the back steps of the palace so that she could cut through rather than parade through the main courtyard where she might be stopped by a half a dozen questions. Once in the library, she heard voices coming in from the main hall and ran up the spiral staircase, hoping that Elrond would not be in his wing.

But despite her efforts to keep her goings on a secret, she ran directly into the one person who would quite possibly spoil the entire plan by performing one of his famous inquisitions. One thing about being thousands of years old, it gave Lord Elrond the ability to know just what questions to ask to get the very answer she would so skillfully hide from others. There were large curtains in the hall and she thought at once to slide behind them, but she caught his eye and he stopped his slow pace completely and turned towards her.

"Elienne, what are you doing here in my wing… and what is it you are carrying?" he asked. "After all your endless chatter about the Lothlórien over the last century I would think when the Galadhrim court arrived you'd be like a shadow to the Lady of the Golden Wood." His half smile and the gleam in his eyes made it clear he was in a ripe mood to give her a good tease rather than a grumpy correction. This may not be the end of her game after all. For as many times as she had sewn the hems of his robes together or decorated the wreaths of his halls with the beautiful but foul smelling Finderal leaves he had never forbade her from such pranks, only given her lessons on the proper context.

Staring at the clothes she said with a sigh, "These soiled garments belong to Haldir…" She looked up at his amused expression and explained. "He thought me a handmaiden… and so I have offered to clean his clothes and boots …"

"You, do laundry?" Elrond said. "Suppose you break a sweat…" Then in an overemphasized pronunciation he added, "Or per chance, a finger nail?"

Puckering her lips at his jibe, she narrowed her eyes and said, "It should be well worth it to see his expression when he learns the fair Princess of the Dark Wood has touched his undergarments and seen the full extent of foulness an elf can produce. And from what I can smell so far, it is as bad as any mortal could ever hope to create. I think he has not changed this jerkin for a century… maybe two!"

Elrond raised a brow and said, "I see you have wasted no time in welcoming one of my guests in your own manner…"

"But of course… it is only fitting," Elienne said with a smile.

"And when will this delicious moment of yours take place? When you return the clothes?" he asked.

"Oh no!" she said. "Not until I am introduced formally to him… by you of course." She gave him an impish look and said, "If you have the heart to play a small knowing part in this charade."

Elrond gave her one of his famous smirks and said, "You honor me, Princess Elienne. But as host, I dare not so obviously involve myself." He picked up a boot from the bundle and frowned at it. "This is quite corroded…"

"I hope to do my best," she started. "I fear I may have taken on a bit more task than I have skill to complete. The only thing worse than being taken for a handmaiden would be to be unable to complete a handmaidens chores!"

"Indeed," Elrond said. "And we cannot risk you further embarrassed, what fun would there be in that? Though it would serve you right." He paused, as if thinking something over and then gave her look that said he might regret his next suggestion. In a voice of resignation he said, "I may have something that will bring this leather back to its natural state…"

"Yes?" she said hopefully.

He rolled his eyes and motioned to her to follow him and so she did. They walked down through his personal wing back to a large room full of his garments in all stages of repair. She had been in this room many times before, always intrigued by the strange sweet aromas and peculiar bottles of multi-colored liquids that lined the shelves.

"Lay the clothes in the basin of water there by the door, and bring the boots here," he said, taking off his outer robes.

She smiled at him and said, "Then you are going to help me?" Elienne held the boots out with one hand as she pressed the clothes into the warm, floral liquid. She got a little on her hand, it felt thick and soft as oil but ran off her hands as though it were merely water.

"It occurs to me, proving you to be of use to Lórien may be one way to rid Rivendell of you and finally find us some peace," he said, taking a boot from her. "Once Emissary Haldir sees your value, he will petition to bring you with him back to the Golden Wood… as a personal hand maiden."

"You will not allow it!" Elienne implored with a laugh as she followed his lead in cleaning the boot.

"I will insist! " Elrond said.

They smacked the boots on the counter so that the dry mud fell off as easily as powder. She hadn't the time to ask him once again to promote her as a guest to the Golden wood before Arwen interrupted them.

"Father, whatever are you doing in your tailoring room when we have such guests as we have not had for centuries?" she asked. She looked at Elienne and something came over her of understanding. She smiled glancing back and forth at them. "What are you two up to?" she asked.

Behind her entered an elf that Elienne at once recognized from the morning. "You have brought Legolas!" she said, scampering around the table to where he stood.

She took his two hands in hers and looked upon his face as Arwen asked, "You two are acquainted? How can this be?"

"No, I have only just met him, but I already adore him as though he were my kin," she answered.

Legolas eyes, which were at first fixed on her, suddenly shifted self-consciously to Lord Elrond and then down to their clasped hands.

"I have checked on the horse again and his ailment seems to have cleared completely. He also looked rather rested," Legolas said.

"That is good to hear," Elienne said to Legolas, dropping his hands and turning to Arwen.

"Father…" Arwen said sweetly to Elrond. "They are waiting."

"I am afraid my daughter is more than right. I will only be able to give you guidance, here, Lady Elienne… the duty is yours to complete it," he said.

"I cannot do it on my own!" Elienne insisted. "You must help me, Elrond."

The Rivendell Lord hummed slightly as he put on his robes. It was not often that Elienne tried to persuade him after he had proclaimed his will, but while she had restored flowers and garments before, she was not experienced enough with the leather of this type of boot to not fear she might ruin them.

Legolas walked towards the table with the boots and asked, "Perhaps I can be of assistance?" He looked the boots over and Elrond gave Elienne a funny expression as he explained to the Prince the process.

Through the window there was a laughter like Elienne had not heard for many long years. Her eyes darted to Arwen, who smiled and exclaimed, "Children!"

The two of them ran to the window and looked down on the courtyard. What they saw filled them both with such excitement that they joined in the laughter. For below were five children of various ages, one she-elf as young as two, running around and playing. In the midst of them, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel danced and sang with them in their merriment.

"Oh, look!" Elienne said, pointing to an elfling of age five. He was running full force towards Celeborn with two large fists full of leaves. When he reached the powerful King elf, he tossed the leaves up in the air so that they fell down in his hair and all around. The elfling screamed in delight as Celeborn bounded after him, lifted him high and spun him around. Arwen and Elienne laughed out loud until their eyes watered.

Hearing them, Galadriel looked up towards the window and with a brilliant smile that made Elienne feel she could float, she waved to them. The beautiful queen moved through the children, her hands outstretched and they flocked around her, ducking in and out of her long lace sleeves.

Elienne turned to see Elrond and Legolas watching her and Arwen.

"It is such a delight to have children so near…but they grow up so quickly," she bemoaned.

"Need I remind you that some of us stretch our childish ways longer than others?" Elrond said. "For all of your two-hundred and twenty years, you have brought us the reminder of your youth nearly daily"

Elienne was a bit embarrassed at being reminded of her age. She looked at Legolas who seemed to be staring at her in an odd, thoughtful way.

"Legolas himself has said I am merely a child, just this morning," she said, keeping her eyes on him. "But looking at those children, I do not feel it, I feel very old…can you not remember what it felt like when you were my age?" she asked the Prince. "Did you feel so immature as you suppose I am?"

In a distant voice, Legolas said, "I was fighting Sauron in the second age when I was your age… I knew little of games and laughter in those dark times…"

Elienne felt suddenly grim. She had heard the stories from Lord Elrond and mostly had thought of them as merely that, it seemed like so long ago. "Oh…" she said. "I am sorry… I must seem very foolish and silly to you."

"No... Do not apologize for being as you are, it is a gift to enjoy," he said. "And it gives me pleasure to see that at least some are able to live youth longer and in fullness as it should be done."

Arwen came away from the window and said, "Compared to some, we are all still children… for instance, Lady Galadriel who awaits you in the courtyard, Father." She took his hand and lifted it as she began walking backwards with a sideways smile.

Elrond followed his daughter and said to Elienne, "Legolas knows well of these arts and will instruct you."

Elienne looked up at the Mirkwood Prince and said, "I'm sure I will learn quite a bit from his ancient wisdom."

Legolas smiled as Elrond and Arwen left them and said, "And perhaps I will learn to laugh a bit more."

"Oh… that is a requirement if you are to be my companion in mischief," she said. He looked a bit confused, so she began to explain all of what she was planning for Haldir. And though he was not as supportive as Lord Elrond, neither was he discouraging and they worked quite well together on the art of restoring leather to its original supple texture.

*************

It was an hour before the banquet and the red cloak was not yet dry. Legolas had duties to attend to with his father and had left over an hour ago, giving Elienne instructions on drying the clothes evenly so they would not wrinkle even when worn for days. But at this rate, she would not have time to deliver the laundry and get ready unless she left some of it behind.

"No doubt he will be wondering where I am…" she said picking up the perfectly reformed boots and crisp garments. "We will just hope the cloak was not on the list of things to wear this evening…"

Running swiftly, she made it to his room unnoticed by the others dressed and mingling before the banquet.

"M'Lord?" she said, trying to get back into the character of a handmaiden.

"Is it that young elfling, here with my clothes finally?" he quipped. "Come in, come in…"

She entered and saw he was still in the silver robe she had seen him in before. There were three other Lórien elves in the room now, already dressed and having their hair braided by a few Rivendell she-elves. One of which looked at Elienne and almost spoke a question before Elienne shook her head insistently.

Haldir approached her, eyeing the other she-elf suspiciously, but she went back to her work on the blond hair she was braiding.

"I think they are communicating secretly, Haldir," he said. But Haldir ignored the comment and looked her over with concern.

"Where is my cloak?" he demanded.

"Your cloak," she repeated, perturbed at his quick judgment of her. He nodded. "It is still drying…" she answered.

"I need it not for this evening…" he said and then picked up the boots from her hands.

"These are not my boots," Haldir said with disappointment. He looked at Elienne and said, "You've made a mistake and brought me someone else's." He put them down and picked up the clothing from her. "This looks right, but…" he smelled it and then gave her a sly smile. "The river must be enchanted indeed to be bring such freshness."

"M'Lord," she said. "Those are your boots I assure you."

"They are new…" he started. "They are the same Lórien style, but…" Then he picked one up and studied it. "There was a hole from an arrow, here," he said pointing to the calf.

"Repaired," she said with a shrug and a fling of her silky red hair. "As is the sole of the other and the finish has been restored so that if you land in whatever sort of cesspool you found yourself in last time, they should be much more likely to repel the festering stench and keep your toes dry and warm."

There was a giggle from the she-elves as well as a good chuckle from the elves whose hair they were braiding.

"It was a mire actually," Haldir said slowly and dispassionately. "Rúmil, perhaps you should give her your boots as well. As I recall, I was not the only one who fell in."

"Oh yes! Please allow her the service!" the other said. Then to the she-elves he commented, "Every time the temperature rises I have had to endure the memory of Haldir and Rúmil's mishap in that mire."

The one who must have been Rúmil said, "I would not presume to take advantage of so gentile a she-elf as Eli."

Elienne glanced at him, hoping he had not determined who she was, but grateful for his refusal.

"And to set the record straight," Rúmil continued gruffly, "I did not fall in. I jumped in to fetch our noble brother!"

"In any case, you have done well," Haldir said, changing the subject and looking Elienne directly in the eyes.

"Anything to be in your good graces, M'Lord," she said with a slight bow. "It was nothing to me."

He narrowed his eyes at her and said, "If it is truly nothing… then you would not mind repairing Rúmil's boots as well."

"Haldir," Rúmil said in a warning tone.

"She said it was 'nothing'," he repeated, raising his brows in a question to her.

"Yes M'Lord," Elienne said, "That is what I said." She suddenly hoped Rúmil had figured out her identity and would insist on his refusal.

Haldir raised his hand and said, "So unless the lady declines for some of her other many duties, it makes good sense that we should put her amazing talents to work… enjoying the full hospitality of Rivendell."

The last thing she wanted to be doing while the guests were banqueting, singing and telling tales was to be stuck working on more stinking boots. Tomorrow there would be a picnic, and she had not even had a chance to meet Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, or Legolas’ parents. At this rate her game was playing against her. Upset at that prospect, she was about to give up on the prank and explain the entire thing, but the challenging look in Haldir's eyes prompted her otherwise. The airs of this elf being restored to their proper place was too tempting and she decided it may very well be worth the extra work.

"Very well," she said to him. "If it would so please you, M'Lord…"

"It would," he said, folding his arms over his chest.

"I will pick them up tomorrow," she said and bowed. Elienne began towards the door but heard Haldir clear his throat. She was beginning to get nervous about the time remaining for her to get herself dressed but she turned quickly towards him and tried not to show it. "Is there more you need, M'Lord?" she asked melodically.

He gave her a strange look and she returned it.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

Elienne was a bit confused. She couldn't tell him she had to get ready for the formal banquet, for it was only for the royal courts and yet she could not out right lie, not with the present state of her already conflicted emotions. "Does it matter to you M'Lord?" she asked lightly.

He tilted his head and said, "Please, bring my boots with you into the other room…" He turned and disappeared through the doorway.

Under her breath Elienne said, "Certainly, as I can see they are much too heavy for M'Lord."

"My brother turned away the other handmaidens sent to assist us," Orophin commented. "I think he was expecting you would offer him your services, since you have been so helpful to him so far…" The look in his eye and smirk on his mouth made Elienne wonder if her scheme was having some unforeseen side benefits. Until now it hadn't crossed her mind that the handsome Emissary could take notice of her beyond her skills as a servant. Elves of his age saw mostly talents and duty in others save their already established friends and kin. Elienne had enjoyed the flirtation of many elves before, but always there was the knowledge that their interest was superficial and playfulness with her position as princess placing her expectations of a bond mate among the other royal kin.

"Oh," Elienne said breathlessly, "Of course he should want help plating his hair." She scooped up his boots and started for the room.

When she entered Elienne glanced around nervously not seeing Haldir anywhere. Orophin's hint to her was full of unexpected promise, but now she would be even more disappointed if she was not stunning when she finally did meet the Emissary as a Princess. She was beginning to fear that by the time she got back to her room she would barely have time to get dressed properly, let alone put a curl to her hair and a rose to her cheeks.

"M'Lord?" she called.

Haldir appeared from around a dressing barrier fully dressed and adjusting the fit of his garments.

"They are indeed like new," he said sitting down in a chair by a mirror. She approached him, took up a comb and began to quickly, but gently comb the soft blonde strands and smooth out the tiny tangles. "I do not impress easily…" he continued. Touching his jerkin he said, "You’ve made the wool as soft as silk. You are very skilled for one so young."

She didn't answer. If she told him she had help, he would want to know from whom. If Lord Elrond had taught her anything with his interrogations, it was that if you do not want direct questions, do not answer an implied one.

"You have very soft hair," she said, trying to change the subject.

"Which you will find makes it refuse anything but the tightest of braids," he said looking at her in the reflection of the mirror. As she worked on the same braid for the third time she realized he was right. Glancing around she saw a glass of water and dipped the comb in it.

"I was drinking that!" he said.

She ran the wet comb over his hair and said in a voice very much like she remembered her own mothers, "Thirst does not show at a banquet, messy braids do."

"Is that so?" he asked, tipping the glass and looking in it.

Elienne was at the end of the braid and realized she had no wax ready to keep it. "Hold this," she said to him. He lifted his hand slowly and she took it and placed his fingers on the braid, looking around for a candle, any candle. Her eyes fell on one and she quickly took it to a lantern and lit it.

"Your methods are unique, fair handmaiden," he said as she took the braid from him.

She dripped the wax on his hair and secured the braid. "I have no hair wax," she said. "I did not plan on this duty… though I am honored."

He lifted a small round container on the edge of the mirror and held it up. "I would be remiss if I did not have my own," he said.

"Oh," she said. Then she added, "I have only ever braided she-elf hair… and our wax is in much more elegant containers…" She worked on the sides of his hair next, using his hair wax. Then she stepped back and asked, "Satisfactory?"

He turned his head and looked in the mirror. "I have done better myself from time to time… but it will do…" he said. And then in a voice a touch sad he added, "I do not suspect I will capture much attention this evening for it to matter."

Elienne was curious about that comment and his strange despondent tone. "Why is that M'Lord?" she asked sincerely concerned. Then she added, "An elf as handsome and charming as you, surely you are looking forward to meeting the many royal she-elves who may take a fancy to you?"

In a voice bordering on self-pity he answered, "Not me, M'Lady… I should be as lucky as to catch the attention of some young handmaiden as yourself…" He looked at her reflection in the mirror with expectation. Elienne felt both warmed by such a compliment and strangely sympathetic towards him. She wondered how someone as strong and handsome as the Emissary could ever imagine such a thing to be true.

"M'Lord…" she said, "I am at a loss that you would have such a low opinion of yourself… I am quite certain you could have the daughter of a King should you set your mind to it."

"The daughter of a king?" he said, his tone turning arrogant once more. "I would not wish that fate on my worst enemy!"

Elienne stood up straight, trying not to take offense. "Why is that, M'Lord?"

Haldir stood and went after his boots.

"They are a spoiled lot, afraid of work and much too silly for someone in my line of work to bother with," he said, taking a seat on the lounge. He held up the boots towards her as if he wanted her to help him.

"Oh, I see," she said, grabbing the boots with a bit of pull. She squatted down before him and he stretched out his foot.

"Not at all like you," he said sweetly. She slipped his foot into the leather and began to lace them up, feeling both flattered and insulted at the same time. "A she-elf as attentive and kind as you have been to me is a rare find…" Elienne yanked on the new leather lace she had strung earlier in the day. "That's a little tight," he said casually. "I'm not going to be running this evening."

"That you know of," she answered quickly, stuffing his foot into the other boot. For some reason he actually seemed amused. When she finished, she put her hands on her hips and asked, "Is there anything else, M'Lord needs assistance with?"

"I'm sure I can think of something," he said, adjusting the bootstraps a bit. "Perhaps you can tell me what you have done to these to make them so…" He looked at her, his eyes running over her form and he said in a soft voice, "…supple? They are almost as soft as a she-elf's…" he looked in her eyes as he finished, "hand."

Elienne felt a flush come over her and she stood slowly and tried to think of an answer. Nobody had looked at her quite like that before and she wondered why she simultaneously felt both pleasure and fear from it.

"Haldir, you have another guest," someone called from the other room

Sighing, he stood and went to the door. Elienne following behind him and her heart leapt seeing that it was Legolas. Even though she had come this far, she almost wanted him to give her away so that Haldir could be shamed for his treatment of her. But he didn't even look at her, instead he addressed Haldir directly.

"Emissary, your presence is required in the main hall. We would like to discuss some security issues for the guardians on duty this evening and your input was suggested as highly valuable," he said.

Concerned and forgetting herself for a moment, Elienne asked, "Is there any danger?"

Legolas bowed slightly, as though he did not know her and said, "Any time there is a council of elves word of it may spill out among the forces of darkness. But there is no danger so long as we are keen and wary of possible intruders."

Haldir turned to her and put his hand on her shoulder in a way that felt most condescending, "Worry not, young she-elf, you will be well protected… I will make sure of it. Brothers, please, come along with me… we should return the evening to these fine she-elves."

The group was about to leave with Haldir leading them when he said, "I hope to see my cloak this evening, dear handmaiden."

"Of course, M'Lord," Elienne said as he walked out with the others. Behind them, Legolas lingered and turned coming close to her.

"What have you been doing? Arwen is beside herself over your absence…" he said quietly.

"The Guardian of Lórien seems to be a bit more concerned over his appearance than one would expect," she said. "Right now I suspect he will be more lovely than I at the banquet."

Legolas gave her a curious look and said, "Perhaps he may think so... But M'Lady…you must go to her at once or she will be cross with me as well."

She nodded and Legolas jogged after Haldir and his brothers.

Elienne turned to the other handmaidens that were there. They looked at her with curiosity and were just waiting for her to explain what was going on.

"It's a… prank," she said. "One that is costing me greatly and I very much hope is worth the effort."

They smiled and one of them said, "If you're playing it on the older elf, M'Lady, we couldn't be more pleased. He hasn't been here for a day yet and already it's clear he is more difficult then friendly."

"If you want to know about it, I'll tell you while you help me dress," Elienne said. They nodded with giggles and the she-elves all ran for Elrond's palace.

Chapter Two: Gone Awry

When Elienne and the handmaidens arrived in Arwen's wing of the palace, a gorgeously dressed, but very distraught princess met them, immediately swinging their mood from one of bold enthusiasm to meek contrition.

Arwen looked to be almost in tears as she said softly, "Where have you been?"

"Oh, no…" Elienne said. "Please don't…" she pleaded, studying the tears on Arwen's face, her own heart breaking at seeing she had caused her pain. "We still have time…"

"I so wanted us both to welcome the guests as they arrived, but half have already gone into the banquet hall and we are still here… and look at you…" Arwen took her arm and led her to a bath. "It is cold, but you will have to bear it," she said. Then her eyes grew large and she took Elienne’s hands in hers and inspected the dark brown stains of the leather conditioner. "What? What is this?" She looked at Elienne with dismay.

"I'll wear gloves," Elienne said hopeful. She took back her hands and began to get undressed.

"It is not the season," Arwen said with a sigh. She then motioned for the handmaidens to come. "Get the solvent in the closet… you know the one."

The water was cold, but Elienne was so full of remorse she dared not say a word. Arwen lifted her hair to keep it dry and she bathed as quickly as possible.

"I am so truly sorry," Elienne said. "You can go… I will catch up. The others are here to help me."

"No," Arwen said softly. "I want to ensure you are properly dressed and prepared."

Elienne watched Arwen, full of grace, but deeply wounded walk towards the window and gaze out towards where the guests were gathering. Elienne had caused trouble for her friend before but was no less moved each time that she let Arwen down. She stepped out of the bath and toweled off. The maidservants dressed her quickly and she sat with her hands out so they could work on ridding her cuticles of the unnatural dark brown color. Arwen silently began combing her hair.

In a soft voice she finally spoke, "Please promise me you will behave this evening." She then came around to the front of Elienne, placing on her head a bit of beaded work that dangled a small charm in the center of her forehead. She looked at Elienne with her huge blue eyes and requested, "No mischief or teasing… be polite and sweet and charming… I know that you can be."

"I will make you proud, I promise," Elienne said softly. The bustling around her was expertly done and it seemed she had just walked in and was already standing ready and dressed. Elienne looked at the handmaidens who knew her plan to approach Haldir this evening and were probably wondering about the promise she just made to Arwen.

Arwen lifted Elienne's bleached and conditioned hands, tilted her head and gazed again in her face.

"You look lovely… " Arwen said with warmth. Then lifting her brows added, "Now let us make haste!"

*****************

Once they arrived at the banquet hall, there were only a dozen elves gathered and a setting for twenty-five was laid out on the large winding table in the shape of an elegant tree. The seating would be the King and Queen of Lórien at the head of the half circle table with Lord Elrond to the left of Celeborn followed directly on the rounded table by King Thranduil and Legolas on the far end. To the right of Galadriel would sit Arwen, Thranduil's Queen and then, on the other end across from Legolas, Elienne. The table then curved into itself a bit and there would be seated the royal kin and their spouses as well as any high ranking officials that had been invited. Among them, Haldir and his brothers, no doubt.

Elienne was grieved that she had caused Arwen pain, but she was also disappointed that she would not be able to fully enjoy her game with the Guardian of Lórien. She suspected he would notice her, recognize her as the same maiden who had done his laundry and repaired his boots and have a bit of a surprise. But now, for her part, there could be no gloating or laughing, she would simply acknowledge him and bid his forgiveness. It would be far less satisfying than she had imagined.

Arwen whispered to her, "Here is a superb spot to greet those who come in… you remember the seating arrangement?"

"Yes, I remember," Elienne said. Arwen smiled and scanned the room with an air of business to her.

"Thankfully my grandparents have not arrived yet," she said. Then looking at Elienne she added, "When they do, whatever you are doing, make yourself available to me. She has been asking for you all day."

"For me?" Elienne asked with a smile.

Arwen smiled at her then floated away to greet an old acquaintance.

Elienne stood by the door, but her eyes were on the men seated at the end of the table. It was not hard to tell that the one with his back to her was Haldir. She had noticed straight away that he was larger than most elves and she could also see his braid of hair was a bit mussed. She smirked to herself as she watched him and his brothers sitting at the very end of the table. The one called Rúmil looked her way and stopped in mid sentence. Slowly he began speaking again, keeping his eyes on her. Elienne wondered if this would be the moment. But Haldir did not turn around. In fact, he stood, whispered something to his brother and without so much as a glance, moved to the side of the room to speak with a lovely She-elf from Lórien.

With a small pout, Elienne shifted her position and took a look outside to see who the voices she heard belonged to. It turned out to be Erestor, Elrond’s chief advisor and someone she guessed from Mirkwood because his clothing resembled that of Legolas.

"Greetings, M'Lord," she said to Erestor. She always attempted to be polite to Erestor, though she had very little to do with him if she was given a choice. He was more fond of watching and listening than entering into any sort of discussion, and she only really knew him from the tedious writing and transcript lessons he was responsible to ensure she learned.

"Good evening, Lady Elienne," he said. "May I introduce to you, Silinde, of Mirkwood. He has come with King Thranduil and his court."

Silinde did not give her a chance to greet him before he took her hand and planted a small kiss on it. "You are as lovely as I expected," he said, still holding on to her hand.

Elienne couldn't help but blush and said, "I have become acquainted with your sweet Prince and insisted to him the Mirkwood elves are just as fair as those in Lórien. You are no exception, M'Lord. And better mannered, I might add."

Silinde let go her hand and bowed slightly as he took a step back, looking a bit perplexed.

"What is it?" she asked with a nervous laugh. She glanced at Erestor who took the opportunity to give her a good scold.

"Young she-elves should not presume to flatter one elf at the expense of another… it is discourteous and difficult to accept for one as modest as Silinde."

"I meant no offense," she said as sincerely as she could.

Erestor looked down his nose at her and led Silinde away towards the table. They were half way across the room when Elienne realized she was supposed to seat them.

"Oh bother," she said turning abruptly away and into someone who had managed to sneak up on her during her confusion. "Oh!" she said and then smiled. "Legolas! You have startled me again!"

"Perhaps it is becoming my habit," he said wryly. "Are you having more trouble with the Guardian of Lórien?" he asked.

"Trouble is something I'm quite good at creating," she said. She looked over to where Haldir stood, still speaking with the Lórien She-elf.

"Will you be too disappointed if your plans fall through?" he asked, his eyes showing his concern.

"I have already resigned myself to the fact that it will be quite a failed plot," she said. Someone from Rivendell entered, but she let her seat herself and continued to focus on Legolas. "You were very right about Arwen," she said sadly. He nodded as he listened. "She has forgiven me but made me promise not to make mischief. It will take all my energy to do it!"

"However will you manage?" Legolas said with a small smile.

She laughed and said, "I do not know!"

Then something changed in Legolas’ eyes and he looked over her shoulder. His whole face seemed to light up.

"What?" she asked turning; there before her, walking up the path were the Lord of Lothlórien and Lady of Light… not just a euphemism, but in all reality the very truth. During the day she had not noticed that they glowed. But now, after the sun set she saw that the Lady did indeed illuminate all her surrounding. She drew in a breath and backed up into Legolas, who put his hands on her shoulders and the two took a step back to let the King and Queen enter.

From across the room, Elrond and Arwen approached, as did many of the others, including, Haldir.

"Welcome," Arwen said, warmly embracing the beautiful elf queen with no reservations.

"My dearest light," Galadriel said. "All of my court has been saving ourselves for this feast with great anticipation."

"As have we all," Elrond said. A small murmur ran through the gathering as he added, "And I am sure the menu will not disappoint."

"No greater place to dine in all of Middle-earth than at the tables of Rivendell," Celeborn said cheerfully. He took a step in towards the table when Galadriel stopped him.

"Is this the Young Lady about whom I have heard so much rumor?" Galadriel said, looking directly at Elienne.

The Queen's eyes were of the brightest blue and Elienne felt as though her knees would give if it were not for Legolas behind her holding her up. Her eyes fell to the feet of the gorgeous elf and she said, "I am afraid to ask what you have heard."

Galadriel laughed heartily and Elienne looked back at her bright face, remembering Arwen had taught her not to stare away when an elder spoke to her. She forced herself to gaze into the crystal blue eyes of the Queen who had stopped laughing and was now merrily regarding Elienne. As harmless as her intentions it was almost painful to endure her gaze. Then, as if in a dream, she heard the lady speak, but did not see her lips move with the words. "I know what it is you have done… Do not underestimate my Emissary. He is Guardian for good reason."

Elienne blinked and said, "What do you mean?" But Galadriel did not answer, instead let herself be led by Celeborn to the table. Elrond raised a brow at her and then followed them. Arwen reached out and squeezed Elienne's hand.

"Do not worry… she loves you already, I can tell," she said proudly and then followed the crowd moving towards the table.

Elienne looked around and saw that Haldir was standing close by. He was watching the Lord and Lady with a look of adoration and pride. Elienne took a step towards him, leaning a bit into his view to catch his eye. She put on a large smile when he started to turn towards her, but his eyes, the moment they landed on her, fell down to his feet and he bowed low.

"M'Lady," he said.

He had not even looked her straight in the face, but surely he had seen her when Galadriel had drawn attention to her. Unless he was as taken by his Queen as any other elf.

"Good evening," she said, standing before him, hoping he would stand straight and look at her and they could be over with this business. But he did not; he remained bowed until it became impossible to stand there any longer without drawing curious attention.

"We should sit," Legolas said, taking her arm and leading her away. He gave Haldir a strangely unpleasant look and led her to her seat.

"That did not go well at all," she said. "He would not even look at me!" The thought of his opinions on Princesses came to her mind and she grew irritated that he would judge her so quickly without even giving her an opportunity to prove she was not what he suspected.

"Consider it his loss, Lady Elienne," Legolas said in a flat tone.

When they reached her seat she turned to him and said, "Wait, I am supposed to be escorting. I should walk you to your seat."

"All are seated save a few," he said. "It would be quite an awkward trip back for you."

Scanning the scene she realized he was right and said, "You are becoming quite a valiant hero to me, Prince Legolas."

As he quickly walked away he looked at her and placed his hand on his heart in the customary acceptance of the honor. Elienne watched him briefly, and then took her seat next to his mother. She was a stunning She-elf even more so close up with shining almost white hair and gleaming green eyes. When Elienne looked at her, the Mirkwood Queen frowned and began to speak, but her voice was covered by the loud sound of Elrond's call to welcome and begin the meal. While he was speaking, Elienne had a chance to try to catch a glance at Haldir. Unfortunately from where she was sitting she could not see his face at all. He was at the furthest seat from her and try as she might to lean in her seat this way or that; it was simply impossible to see him.

Sitting back in her chair, as the first course of dinner was served, she resigned herself to waiting until the recess before desert. Casually she glanced up and saw Legolas directly across from her. He was speaking with Erestor, but looking in her direction. He raised his brows and she smiled at him, realizing he probably knew she was trying to look at Haldir.

"I see my son has taken a fancy to you," the Lady of Mirkwood said with a voice that bordered on warning. Elienne was so taken aback by her tone, she knew not what to say in response. Fortunately Arwen had over heard and spoke up.

"Who does not take a liking to Elienne? She is the mirth of Rivendell," she said. "Her youth keeps us all young."

"So I have heard," the stolid woman commented as she thrust a fork into a morsel of food. She then carefully placed it in her mouth and began to chew, all the while raising a single brow and fixing her eye on Elienne.

Elienne looked at Arwen with large eyes and pressed her lips together. Arwen leaned back slightly as if she knew what would happen next.

"Elienne, come sit beside me, I wish to speak with you," Galadriel said.

Elienne was stunned at the invitation, but grateful for the chance to slip away and immediately stood up. Arwen stood as well and bringing her own plate, sat down at Elienne’s seat. She pushed Elienne's plate forward to make room for her own and then smiled brightly. But the Lady of Mirkwood looked most annoyed about the entire exchange.

"Have I offended you with my antics?" Elienne asked nervously, taking Arwen's chair.

"You admit guilt quickly," Galadriel said. She gently leaned back in her chair and placing her delicate hands in her lap gazed at Elienne. Elienne was about to say something else, but held her tongue and waited for Galadriel to speak again. "You have had a busy day," the lady finally said.

"Yes," Elienne answered quietly.

"But today's goings on are not the topic I wish to discuss," she said. "You are not in peril with me, young one, I rather enjoy a little mischief if no harm comes of it."

Elienne realized she was almost holding her breath and let out a little laugh.

Quickly, in a low throaty voice Galadriel asked, "Do you know why it is you have not seen your father for almost two centuries?"

"Darkwood is near dangerous territory, the Easterlings are a vicious, barbaric race of mortals who cannot be trusted. My father sent me here for the safety of Lord Elrond’s hold…" she answered dutifully.

"Is your heart settled with that answer?" Galadriel prodded.

A young elf came and was about to place something in front of her, but he looked a bit confused. Arwen spoke up and explained, "We've switched seats, dear Olyen."

Elienne returned her focus to the Lady of Light who was waiting for an answer.

"No, M'Lady," Elienne said. "I miss him and wish he would visit. Lord Elrond seems more of a father to me now." As she spoke, the pain of the memory ached in her and had not seemed to lessen despite having put it out of her mind for so long.

"Your heart will mend when you see him again… if you open it to him in forgiveness," Galadriel said.

She clenched her jaw and looked at the food set before her.

"Is that such a challenge?" Galadriel asked. Elienne realized the elf Queen hadn't eaten anything since she had changed seats with Arwen.

"Are you going to dine too, M'Lady?" she asked.

"I will, after you answer my question," she said, casually leaning back in her chair.

"Yes," Elienne said, ashamed of her answer. "I think it is going to be a challenge to open my heart to my father…"

"It will be a fearful encounter for him as well," Galadriel said softly.

Elienne thought on that a bit and then asked, "Why? What has he to fear?"

"That he has lost your affection… it is the great fear of all parents when the trials of life cause them to do less than they would want to do for their children…" she said. Then she leaned forward, her eyes darting towards the far room. Elienne followed her gaze and realized that at the end of the table directly in front of them sat Haldir. He was not looking in their direction, but seemed delightfully engaged in conversation with none other than that same Lórien She-elf.

But as Galadriel's eyes rested on him, the Guardian of Lórien turned their direction and looked at his Queen.

Elienne presumed Galadriel was speaking with him, as she had done with her earlier. The Lady continued to stare at him, and Elienne was quite surprised when he broke out into a smile and then laughed.

"What did you say to him?" she asked Galadriel in a whisper. It was a most impolite question to ask, but she could not help herself.

Galadriel smiled knowingly and said, "Let us eat now, little elfling, and put our minds on merrier matters. Speak to me of your writing, I have been told you excel in tengwar scripting."

The Lady took a bite and Elienne gladly expressed her passion for creating personal copies of the books in Elrond's library. As the eldest elf in all of Middle-earth, Elienne was a mere infant in comparison to Galadriel and at first she was wary to continue too long. In the Queen's presence she had expected to remain small and insignificant, but rather she felt safe and greatly cared for. Soon, she forgot all about her meal as she continued, and while Galadriel smiled brightly, and encouraged her with questions, Elienne was amazed that she had become quite a fascinating conversationalist.

****************

By the time the recess before desert came, Celeborn had interrupted and taken Elienne's attention with several stories about Lórien that she had never heard from Arwen. His descriptions were even more glorious than Arwen's fine tales and Galadriel seemed to be just as enchanted with her husband as Elienne was, though she no doubt had heard the tales many times.

When Lord Elrond bid everyone to stand and move towards the large blazing fire hearth, Elienne felt completely at peace and full of joy. They would enjoy music and fellowship throughout the evening and before the minstrels began would be the time to politely confront Haldir.

She followed him with her eyes and watched as he moved to a spot near the fire, thankfully this time across the way from that she-elf he seemed so fond of. Elienne drifted through the crowd, paying her respects with gentle smiles and hello's until she reached Haldir, speaking with none other than Rúmil, his brother. She approached slowly and waited to be noticed.

As the two of them continued to speak, Rúmil gave her a brief glance and then looking again, left his eyes on her face for quite a while. Haldir continued to talk the entire time Rúmil was staring at her and then finally, with a sigh, the Guardian turned and took notice of her.

"Good Evening, M'Lady," he said formally with a slight bow. "Is there some way the Wardens of the Golden Wood may be of your service?"

Elienne tilted her head and took a step closer. She continued to stare at him directly in the eye and wondered if he still did not recognize her as being the same maidservant who had washed his laundry and restored his boots.

"By the wood, Haldir," Rúmil said in a bored tone, "You seem to have bewitched the Princess." She looked at the thin elf and his sleepy eyes continued to stare back at her as he took a drink from his glass.

The music of harps tuning joined the murmur of the crowd and she looked over her shoulder to the sound.

"Perhaps she is waiting for me to ask her to dance," Haldir said. "Which is a bit premature as the first dance is generally left to couples who are acquainted." He looked at her again and bowed, saying, "But I am flattered by your notice, none-the-less."

"I believe we have met before," she said slowly.

Haldir looked at his brother who gingerly rolled his eyes and said, "At this point I will excuse myself so that my brother may have the lady to himself." He then turned and left and Haldir crossed his arms and looked down his nose at Elienne.

"Have we?" he asked. "I never forget a face…"

"You know who I am then?" she asked.

"You are Lady Elienne, the Princess of Darkwood," he said stiffly.

"Yes, but," she started. She did not want to blurt it all out and simply just stared at him, dumbfounded that he did not know.

After a few awkward moments, he shook his head and said, "If you can not speak, then I suppose I shall have to be gallant and ask you to dance with me, Princess." He stretched out his hand, hesitated and said, "If you find me worthy, that is."

Suddenly she remembered how insecure he had seemed in his room getting dressed. He was afraid he would not be noticed by any of the she-elves. At first she was offended by his rejection of her simply for being a Princess, but she now suspected it was a cover up, for he seemed quite pleased with her attention now.

"Of course," she said with a smile, placing her hand in his.

As he led her to where the other dancers were waiting for the music to begin, Elienne decided that if he did not recognize her as the maidservant, then she would use this time to be seen as the Princess who took notice of him. Perhaps Arwen's charge to her to not create a scene was going to work to her advantage after all. And to his as well, if she could cure the Emissary of his low self-image and give him a good dose of flirting.

She smiled most broadly at him as he stood across from her waiting for the musicians. She wondered how someone like Haldir could go unnoticed. He was arguably among the most handsome elves in the room. Perhaps it was because he wore natural clothes rather than the finely ornate garments others selected for such occasions. But even so, it did not seem right that he should blend in with the others. Then she remembered the lovely Lórien female. There was one she-elf whose notice he had taken.

"Who is that she-elf you were sitting with at dinner?" she asked as lightly as she could.

"You have not met Murial? She is the court vocalist in Lórien. Soon we will be dancing to lyrics sung by the voice of liquid diamonds…" he mused.

"Doubly blessed!" Elienne said. "She is beautiful and she sings…"

"She does not merely sing," he said taking her hands as the song began. "She brings music to life."

As he led her around the room in step to the song, a sound eerie and translucent began to stream poetry into the air. It was as amazing and beautiful as anything Elienne had ever heard before, but she could not enjoy it. Because as she danced with Haldir she knew the sweet expression on his face was not the enjoyment of her company, but rather the song of Murial. She decided to engage him a bit to see if she could regain his focus.

"You are light on your feet, M'Lord," she said.

"Aye," he said, "It comes from much practice with talented partners." It was very clear his comment was not returning the compliment to her. He continued to dance effortlessly and even succeeded in making her feel a bit self-conscious when he began to improvise on the dance steps in increasingly complicated manner. Elienne was nervous and unsure of herself and stumbled a few times before she finally came to a stand still. He moved a bit more and then realized she had stopped.

"Are we done?" he asked.

"I am," she said with a frown, thinking him not only rude, but also insensitive. He gave her a slight bow and turned to go. "Emissary!" she called, shocked that he would simply leave her in the middle of the dance floor and not at least walk her to the side.

He stopped and turned his head to her and asked, "Yes, M'Lady…"

She walked up to him thinking that perhaps it was his manner with she-elves that put them off. Changing her mind yet again as the game was no longer amusing, she said, "I need to speak with you. Will you go for a short breath outside with me?"

"Far be it from me to turn down the wishes of a Princess, but it is most unusual to leave the banquet early," he said with an air of distaste to his tone.

"We aren't leaving," she said. "I just… need to be able to tell you something without curious ears about."

"You do realize, it is not proper," he said sternly. "And it could be considered unseemly for us to retreat alone and away from company. Especially after a single dance."

"You are overreacting," she said. "There is nothing wrong with two elves talking…"

But he interrupted and said, "Whatever it is you must tell me, you may tell me here, or wait until later. My reputation is my greatest asset and I will not risk it, even to fulfill the fancy of a lovely, young princess."

Despite her training, Elienne looked down at her hands. Nothing about this prank had gone as she had planned. And now, to spite it all, Haldir was growing angry with her. She swallowed and was readying herself to politely blurt it all out and let it settle as it may, when the call came that desert was ready.

"We wait then?" he asked.

"I suppose there is no other choice," she sighed.

"You may approach me with whatever it is you must say either later this evening or perhaps tomorrow," he said politely, but with no hint of personal interest or curiosity. She nodded and headed back for her seat.

Arwen took her chair next to her grandmother and Elienne enjoyed a very pleased look from Legolas’ mother. The rest of the meal she sat in silence as the Lady of Mirkwood and the others nearby spoke of how pleasant it was to travel and find fellowship again among the royal company.

It was almost time for the final course to end when Elienne looked up to see Legolas across from her. His elbows were ungraciously on the table and he was resting his chin on the top of his knuckles, feigning a good scowl for her. She chuckled at the site of it and returned a forced scowl back at him, which made him smile. As soon as they were wished well and excused by Elrond, she saw Legolas stand and point at her. Not knowing what he meant she lightly touched her chest with her fingers and mouthed the word, "Me?"

"Careful, young she-elf," his mother quipped as she stood up beside Elienne. "I am watching you." Her husband came to her side and took her arm and her face changed unnaturally from a frown to a delighted smile. By the time Thranduil led his queen away, Legolas had made it over to Elienne, startling her again.

"You are so quick and quiet," she said breathlessly.

"I suppose I am, but not much more than most elves that choose to be so," he said. "I only choose to be so more often."

"And why is that?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips. "Do you so enjoy frightening me?"

"No," he gently corrected. He grew shy for a moment and then confessed, "If you do not see me coming, you cannot slip away before I arrive."

The two of them began for the door and she asked, "And why would I do that?" Then the thought occurred to her and she added, "…besides to avoid the wrath of your dear mother… she is most curious in her regard for me. She seems to think I have intention to do you harm."

"It is her way," he said unapologetically. They walked out onto the path and down into the courtyard.

"It frightens me to even speak with you," Elienne teased. "For she may conceive of some spell to cast upon me to make me hideous to you."

Legolas simply nodded and offered no comment on it. As they walked it grew quieter in the woods as most of the elves returned indoors. Slowly Elienne realized they were walking in no obvious direction. Where the Emissary had worried to be alone with her, this fine prince seemed quite pleased to do it. And Elienne had no desire to turn in for the evening quite yet either.

"What will she say if she sees us wandering about by lamp light in the woods?" Elienne jested.

This time Legolas laughed lightly and clasped his hands behind his back.

"She may think I am trying to steal your heart and run away with you," she said.

To that he only said, "When you become a mother, I am sure you will understand."

Elienne nodded, realizing her own mother would be arriving in the next day. She had seen her a few times over the last decade, but not nearly often enough. It was odd to her that Legolas was so quiet. She wondered if she was boring him. Then she remembered what Erestor had said about insulting other elves. He was being very gallant to not correct her for being so impolite about his own mother.

"Oh Legolas, I am so sorry…" she said, covering her mouth with her hand and searching his face. "I did not mean to engage you in disparaging comments about your mother…"

He closed his eyes and smiled understandingly. "You have every right to feel uncomfortable," he said. "I do not fault you for that… but I hope it will not affect our friendship. She means harm to you no more than you mean harm to me."

"I shall try to befriend her then," Elienne said, trying to make up for her error. "While she is here I will work to curry her favor."

Legolas looked at her sideways and said, "Do not do so on my account. For the task that would take I fear you would have no time for our new friendship."

Elienne smiled and let it go, satisfied that she had not offended him.

"So how did the grand moment go?" he asked. Then in a strangely distant voice he asked, "Was he as surprised and enchanted as you hoped?"

"Oh!" she said, stopping. She looked behind them into the courtyard but Haldir was not among the few that lingered. She looked at Legolas and bemoaned, "He did not recognize me, Legolas! He looked me direct in the eye and spoke with me at length and did not realize it was I who had done his laundry this morn."

"That is a bit of oddness," Legolas said. He grew contemplative as Elienne continued.

"I was going to tell him but the night grew old and he told me to find him and finish our conversation," she said. "So now, instead of being prepared and eagerly anxious for the moment of triumph, I must wait in agony to find a time to uncover my shame. This prank of mine has simply gone completely backwards."

Legolas shook his head slightly and said, "I do not understand why it is so important to you."

"I suppose it is just my pride," she said. Then something struck her and she said slowly, "I owe him his cloak…" Then speaking faster she explained with delight, "Eli, the handmaiden promised to bring it by this evening… I shall fetch it now and deliver it. That should confuse him enough." She started to run away, but remembered her manners and came back, to offer him a parting word. Pausing in front of him she saw in his eyes was a bit of concern. "Do not worry for me," she said reaching her arms around his neck and embracing him. "I am quite all right," she said. He held her gingerly as she finished, "This will be over soon."

He let her go and said, "Let us hope so."

Chapter 3: The Pendulum Swings

When she got to Elrond's tailor workshop, Elienne saw the red wool cloak hanging just as she had left it. It was the loveliest scarlet color and as she took it down from where it rested and folded it in her arms, she wondered why he had told the handmaiden he expected to see it that evening.

"Perhaps he simply desired to see Eli sooner rather than later," she said, contemplating out loud. He had waited for her to attend to his dressing and though he was quite uninterested and rude to Elienne the princess, she couldn't help but imagine he may be fond of Eli the handmaiden. Biting her bottom lip, Elienne found yet another plan coming to her mind. One that may save her pride in the end and give the poor Guardian of Lórien some pause about his treatment of her at the banquet.

Though it went against all the counseling she had been given by her elders, she took the cloak and ran to dress back into her riding clothes.

***********

Ducking in the back door closest to his suite, Elienne tip toed through the hall and came to the open passageway into Haldir's rooms. She was quite certain Rúmil knew who she was and hoped very strongly that if Haldir was there, he was alone. Slipping in, she heard quiet conversation in the back room, one voice being female. She guessed quite quickly that it was Murial and instantly regretted that she had come in so drab a garment. Then she felt something on her head, and realized she hadn't taken off the diadem she was wearing. She went to a mirror and carefully removed it. Before she had it completely in her pocket, the voices grew louder and she turned to see the beautiful songbird staring at her.

"What scandal is this?" she said, her eyes boring into Elienne. "What did you just put in your pocket, young handmaiden?"

Elienne was petrified at what it must have looked like. She looked over the she-elf's shoulder at Haldir and could not read his expression in the least. Murial walked over to her and held out her hand. "Return it at once or I shall report your theft to Lord Elrond."

"I have snatched nothing," Elienne said, "That is a horrid accusation to make." She dipped her hand in her pocket and pulled out the diadem. "I… was to clean it… and I tried it on… and… you came in just as I…"

"That did not come from my brother's belongings, I can assure you of that!" Haldir said, amused.

Murial roughly stuck her hand in Elienne's pocket and dug around, finding nothing. She took her hand out and said, "You are lying, that much I can tell from your eyes… but at least you have not stolen from the Emissary." She turned to him and said, "Lord Haldir, I can take care of this situation if you would like."

Elienne pleaded with him with her eyes and waited anxiously as he stroked his chin and seemed to be considering his options. "No… I will deal with this myself."

"All right," Murial said, giving Elienne a dirty glare and then moving to leave. She turned to Haldir and said, "I do so appreciate your care for me. My bonded will be very pleased that I have not spent my time here in isolation."

Haldir nodded as she left and Elienne could not help but burst into a huge grin. When he turned to her, she resumed a stolid expression and he took a few steps in her direction studying her intensely. She thought for certain that this would be the moment of glory. But instead he asked, "Do you have my cloak?" She pointed to where she had laid it on a table. He glanced at it and then back at her. "What were you doing?" he asked.

"Just as I said, taking off the diadem," she said, completely amazed that he seemed to still not know her. He stared at the headpiece in her hand and then paused, looking up at her face intently. She thought perhaps at any moment a look of recognition would come over him. But it did not.

"Very well," he said and then smiled. "I am pleased to see you," he said. "I have had a most tedious evening with all sorts of obligations. It is nice to have the company of someone whose expectations I need not worry of fulfilling."

"Oh?" she asked.

"Come, have some wine with me," he said. Elienne was stunned and unsure what to do. She placed the diadem back in her deep pocket and took a seat where he gestured. She watched him as he poured the wine and continued to talk. "There is nothing like a nice warm glass of wine enjoyed with the company of a beautiful she-elf," he said. He set the glass before her and took a seat as he brought the scarlet liquid to his lips. "Drink…" he said.

She touched the glass and said, "So you did not enjoy the banquet?"

"Oh, there were moments of laughter and the food was delectable as always…" he did not finish, but rather became quiet and thoughtful.

"The company," she said, prying into his thoughts. "Were you ignored, as you thought you would be?"

"Strangely no," he said glancing at her. It seemed to Elienne that he was going to open up to her and her conscious warned that this deception was somehow a breach of trust. But her curiosity could not be tamed and she indulged herself. He smiled sadly and said, "You were right about the daughter of a king taking my notice… surprising enough to me, I was even granted the honor of a dance."

"That is something!" Elienne said with a smirk as she took a sip of wine. She set it down and said with eyes narrowed at him, "I am sure she thought you were wonderful and charming, maybe even irresistible." The truth of it was she had found him rude and boorish, but in this moment, she wanted to see what his estimation was.

"Oh, of course," he said so casually that Elienne almost laughed aloud. He looked down and said with a sigh, "Unfortunately notice of me is always short lived with such she-elves from royal descent. They are quick to be enamored with a strong male elf that commands the Guards and the respect of the court of Lórien. But the infatuation dies away as soon as a handsome Prince comes along or someone of their own class." Meeting her gray eyes with his own of blue he added, "It is too much for me to hope for such affections to be sincere or long lasting."

"Perhaps there is something you are not doing correctly which turns them from you," she said carefully.

Haldir rested his cheek in his hand and looked away into the distance. "Impossible," he said decidedly. "I have impeccable manners. But despite my obvious affections for the beautiful Princess, she ended our dance abruptly and turned me away."

Elienne let go of her glass and put her hands in her lap, noticing that they were trembling. "You have feelings for her?" she asked.

"She was stunningly beautiful, and I was quite taken," he said dreamily. "But I think she sensed my unwanted desires and was about to rebuke me, as they all do. Though this one was going to be polite and take me to a quiet place to do it." Haldir sat up and looked into his wineglass. "I could not bear to listen to her unveiling my presumptuousness, so I attempted to thwart her efforts… and she grew angry…" He looked up at her and Elienne wondered if her face showed how extremely dismayed she felt. "I am wrong to go on so pathetically," he said woefully. He put his elbow on the table and leaned his face into his palm again. "Especially since I would much prefer the company of someone like yourself. A fair maiden who will not dream to toss me aside and who would never grow tired of me."

"I… don't know what to say," she started, flushing. She could not go through with this ruse. While she had been warned not to play heart games with the young elves, never could she have imagined the injury she might cause someone such as the Emissary. She would have to end it and yet she did not know how to do it gently. Slowly she stood and said, "I assure you, I am quite flattered by your…"

But before she could end the scene and wish him a good evening, he grabbed her around the waist and playfully drew her to his lap. Surprised, Elienne gasped and her arm wrapped around his neck. She had not been held this way since she was fairly small and it was a very interesting feeling.

"You were saying," he said, clasping his hands around her.

"You are fresh, Lord Haldir," she said with embarrassment.

"And so I can be with a handmaiden, but not with a princess," he said, nuzzling his face behind her ear, his breath warming her neck.

Elienne was completely flustered. Again, this was not how she intended their encounter would go. She pushed slightly on his shoulder, attempting to free herself, but he held her fast.

"Do I worry you, sweet sprite?" he asked. He lifted a hand and moved it under her hair, stroking her skin lightly with his fingertips. "Do you fear me? I am noble, am I not? What harm is there in a bit of play?"

"Only that harm which you would do to my heart," she said. She closed her eyes and shivered as a rush of excitement ran through her from the tender sensations on her nape.

"Sweet handmaiden," he said, squeezing his arm around her waist even more tightly, "so impressed am I with you that I may request of Lord Celeborn that you return with me to Lothlórien." Then he breathed in her ear, "What think you of that?"

Elienne tried to peel his arm from around her as she said in a trembling voice, "With your age, sensibilities and duties, I cannot imagine your intentions are anything but flirtation. You would not bond with a young handmaiden anymore than you believe a princess would bond with you."

"Hmmm… You are wiser than you seem," he said in an interested tone. He loosened his grip slightly so she was able to wriggle out of his hands and stand.

"Did you believe you could seduce me because I am foolish?" she asked, her anger growing with her discomfort.

"No, no, no!" he insisted, gazing at her, "You are merely youthful, not simple. The sweet first fruits of desire are rarely tasted with wise measure. My attempts to seduce you have been greatly restrained, for I thought it would be a simple task. However…" He looked her over as he had done before the banquet, with what she now guessed were 'the eyes of desire'. "If you are so wise to my games, I may be inclined to intensify my approach."

"I think I should go," she whispered as she backed towards the door.

"Do not forget Rúmil's boots," he said, gesturing to the worn pair by the door.

Elienne's eyes grew wide as her pulse quickened. "Lord Haldir," she spat, ready to dump the entire bluff right on his head.

"Oh, wait," he said as if a thought had just come to mind. "My brother has said he absolutely refuses to allow you to work in his service. He was so insistent on it we almost got into a row. I hope you are not offended. I still think your work is the finest I have ever seen, and you, a very gracious handmaiden to be so kind as to offer it."

She started to speak again, but he stood as well and she backed away, anticipating his moves.

"Please do not fear me. I truly mean you no harm," he explained. "I thought we were fond of one another… I was certain you would welcome and be flattered by my approach."

She looked down and said, "Lord Haldir, I have a confession to make."

"Yes," he said. "Please confess! Tell me you do not find me repulsive… that you will allow me to sweep you away with me to my home in the Golden Wood?"

"Your methods are atrocious!" she exclaimed, "I should report you for such deceit just to win a kiss!"

"M'Lady!" he sighed, "You must realize if I set myself to seduce you it is for noble purposes… my intentions are pure… I desire more than a series of playful kisses…"

Elienne stammered. "M'Lord, we've only just met… how can you propose?"

"How can I not?" he asked, stepping forward and looking into her eyes. "You only need to look into the mirror to see why my heart beats for you and my loins yearn…" he cut himself off and laughed in embarrassment. "I forget myself. Such speech is not appropriate until you have also confessed your feelings for me… please go ahead, tell me. I see how you are trembling, I know you feel the same, though you would deny it for proprieties sake… oh, what a catch you are! The service of a handmaiden with the coy manners of a princess! Can I dare also hope for a hungry temptress once you have tasted pleasures banquet?"

She shook her head, overcome and speechless at his words. No elf had ever dared to speak to her in such a manner, but she had never known an elf to desire her before. She looked at his handsome, enamored face and suddenly, all his fresh boldness began to make sense. Perhaps he was the most brilliant of Emissaries, but merely unskilled with how to treat a she-elf? All her going out of her way to please him was probably new to him. If he truly did mean to bond with her, he was not being inappropriate; he was simply unskilled at courtship. Is this what Galadriel had warned her about?

He looked at her and waited with no patience in his expression. He needed to know her answer and he looked so vulnerable and dear that Elienne truly wished she wanted to bond with him. But while she had entertained that possibility earlier, she knew she was not endowed with such feelings. No doubt he would be convinced she was yet another princess toying with his heart. She knew not what damage would be done to him and his tender heart now, and she knew not if it could be repaired after it was done.

"Lord Haldir," she said softly, feeling a sickness in her gut that made speaking all that more difficult but necessary. "I have done you a great wrong… I have… misled you in the worst of ways. It began so simply and has grown ever more complicated and out of control. There is nothing in my life I regret more… Never did I intend my play to go this far," she said.

"I do not understand," he said with such sad eyes that she thought she would break down for the pain she would cause when he did finally comprehend.

"I am not the hand maiden you have been courting with… Would that I were because you have so successfully wooed me with your unabashed pouring out of emotions that I can only hope that I have not destroyed all hope of a proper courtship. I never imagined I would regret my heritage as much as I do at this moment…" she said, trying not to allow herself any tears. "But I must confess to you that I am Elienne, the daughter of the Darkwood King… the very princess you danced with and thought scorned you at the banquet." She resisted the quiver of her chin as she confessed, "You have been the center of a most horribly gone wrong ruse, meant only in fun… but with disastrous results as I doubt even your dear Queen Galadriel could have predicted…. I am so… so… sorry." She searched his face, eagerly hoping he would take the news graciously. She did not think she could bear it if he broke down in front of her.

His expression did change slightly, but not to one of despair or even anger or sadness as she suspected. But rather, his mouth curled slightly into a strange smile.

"Is that so?" he asked with an air of amusement.

Frozen for a moment, Elienne blinked, wondering at his response. And then a flash of insight struck her. In his eyes she saw the same look she had worn on more occasions than she could count. "You…" she gasped in disbelief, "knew? "

His small smirk turned into a grin and he crossed his arms in front of his chest and took a step back from her. "I knew my error the moment I saw you leading Sullendry from the courtyard," he exclaimed proudly. "If I had not been intent on winning back Arwen's favor to me, I never would have been so remiss to make such a mistake!"

He looked at her now with satisfaction, drinking in her response. All at once she felt completely exposed and naked, as though he was not just looking at her, but into her, and in his wise, laughing eyes he was able to see all her youth and immaturity. To think she actually believed she could fool an Emissary by play-acting! Her naivete was as terrifying as his taking advantage of it was infuriating.

"Why did you not say something?" she demanded. "Why play along and allow me to suffer so?"

"Oh sweet princess, need I really answer that question? Were you in my position, you would have savored the twist of irony," he answered. "I think you should salute me as clever and as good an antagonist as ever there were to match your wits."

"You attempted to seduce me! Worse, you made me believe you desired me!"

"I was rather good, wasn't I!" he stated proudly.

He looked so incredibly smug and full of his own glory that Elienne had to restrain herself from giving him a good thwack as she spat, "Incorrigible is what you are!"

Haldir laughed as he said, "You have no moral ground on which to stand for I am no more guilty than you!"

"You treated me as some mortal trollop!" she accused. "Grabbing me and touching me as you did."

"Oh? Who is it who saw fit to lead on a lonely elf, insisting that royal she-elves find him irresistible? This game was led by you, I was merely playing along as you laid out your strategy." Again he looked at her carefully and mocked. "Breathing as heavily as you are, you sound like a stallion after a good run…" Then he tilted his head and said cheekily, "Are you disappointed that I am not really smitten with you? Is that the real trouble here?"

She turned away from him, her face burning with the shame of it. "The only thing mildly disappointing in that matter is that I will not have your petition for my entrance into Lothlórien."

He laughed out loud and said, "I would not wish your mischief in our woods if it were to scare off all the dark spirits lying in the deeps of Moria! You can count me as a strong voice of counsel against such an invitation if ever it were to rise to the realm of possibilities. At least until you grow up and gain some sense to you."

That comment, as light as his voice was when he said it, stung in Elienne more than she could have imagined. It was her one desire to visit the Golden Wood but now with the Emissary's poisoned opinion of her, she doubted it would ever be realized.

Looking down she said hoarsely, "Now that we understand each other clearly, I will take my leave. Good night, Lord Haldir."

"Come now," he said as she reached the door. "You can not truly be angry? It was all in good fun, was it not? You are not going to take this so seriously as to…"

She whipped her head around and interrupted him with a glare. "You are most fortunate you did not kiss me in your game of 'good fun', Emissary. For the boundaries you did cross were enough to bring against you a formal complaint."

Instantly his manner became proper and the merriment left his face. "I understand, M'Lady," he said stiffly. "If I have truly offended you, your anger is just."

She jutted her chin in the air and looked down upon him, feeling a bit of her dignity restored. "Good evening," she said and slowly took her leave.

When she got to the back door and ran out into the night, however, Elienne's heart began to feel the full ache at the insult this night had brought her and she could not stop the tears. Never had she been so humiliated in her life.

She stopped herself from going into the palace and instead ran for a path into the woods just beyond the back wall. Since she had continued the game beyond what she had agreed, Elienne could not face Arwen on the matter. And Lord Elrond would certainly think it served her right. So she found a cozy tree nook and sat down in it and wept softly, allowing herself to feel the full indulgence of her self-pity.

******************

It was only fitting that a good time into her cry, just when she felt she could use some tender consoling that she heard footsteps coming closer. Tipping out a bit to see whom it was Elienne spoke through her tears.

"I should have known," she said. "How long have you been watching me, sweet prince?"

Legolas squatted down beside her and said, "Since you left his suite." He looked at her with such bright searching eyes that she thought she would die from the mortification.

"So long?" she asked breathlessly.

"Far too many tears I have watched you cry," he answered.

"Then why did it take you so long to come to me?" she asked, wiping her wet face with her sleeve.

After a small silence he said softly, "I had to gather my own strength. It would be easier for me that my own heart was to be wounded than to see you so broken."

Hearing the slight tremble in his voice, Elienne believed the sincerity of his words at once.

"I am a rather pathetic soul, no doubt?" she said with a laugh through her tears.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," he said. "I feel no pity for you… only compassion."

As if he had only just thought of it, the fair elf reached into his jerkin and quickly pulled a small silk cloth, and handed it to her.

"You are such a treasure to me, Legolas," she said, looking up at him. He took the cue and sat down beside her, wrapping his hands around his knees.

"Do you know what happened?" she asked.

"I regret to say I can only guess that my prediction was correct," he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked carefully.

"An Emissary such as Haldir could not have been so easily fooled. It was inconceivable," he said. "I should have warned you he knew who you were. If I were a true friend, I would have prevented this turmoil for you. But I confess, I did not know it would disturb you so greatly to have the joke turned around…"

"That is not the half of it," she said. "Were he simply to have played along I could have had a good laugh, but he played me for a fool…"

"I dare not say it with anything but caution," Legolas said. "But is that not what you were trying to play him for?"

"I did not attempt to make him think I would court him!" she explained. Legolas’ eyes grew large and his lips parted slightly as he sat up. "Yes!" she said nodding and grateful that he was indignant over the news. "He took me in his arms and wooed me as I have heard that mortal men do… telling me of his desire and desire for me… he even proposed a bond!" Elienne knew she was exaggerating a bit, but she did not care. What he had done was just as horrible as if he had proposed and not meant it.

Legolas’ expression became distant and he looked away from her. She continued, enjoying his concerned response to her.

"His portrayal of adoration for me was so enthralling I might have said 'yes' were I not afraid he would recoil when he learned of my true identity."

"And this seduction he performed knowing you were a princess," Legolas said icily.

"He said it was 'part of the game'," she said sniffing, though her tears were almost completely dry now. Having Legolas’ empathy was a most pleasurable validation and gave her strength to put the shame of her misfortune behind her. It wasn't she who was foolish, but rather Haldir who had wronged her immeasurably. "And he has made it clear that he will do all he can to prevent me from making a visit to Lothlórien. That is the worst of it… all of my dreaming of the beautiful forest will have been for not."

"I had not realized that was your intended destination," Legolas said.

"It matters little now," she said. "Rivendell shall remain my home, thanks to the Emissary of Lórien."

Legolas straight brows pressed together as he looked on her. "You could come to Mirkwood," he said. "That is, if you would not mind a much darker set of trees. It is still lovely, especially in spring, with the wildflowers growing nearly everywhere."

"I had not thought of that," she said, dabbing her dry eye.

He jumped to his feet and stretched out his hand. "Come, it is late and you should rest after such distress. I will speak to my parents about the possibility of giving you such an option. They should understand a young she-elf's desire to see more Elven kingdoms."

She took his hand and said, "Your thoughtfulness has enabled me to forget my sorrows almost completely!" She smiled and added, "What care I for the thoughts of a mere Guardsman?"

"You should not bring yourself to care at all for thoughts which are wrong and hurtful to you," he said. "Yet, even so I will see to it that Haldir's thoughts are in line in regards to you. Of that you can rest and be glad."

"There you go again," she said, taking his arm as they walked to the palace. "I shall be so in debt to your kindness that repaying it will be nearly an impossible feat."

They stood at the back door and he said, "Repayment is not necessary between companions such as we. For the lightness of heart I feel at returning your smile is of the greatest worth."

Elienne was so caught up in the joy of Legolas kindness and willingness to take Haldir to task for her, that she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. But in the quickness of her movement, he turned slightly and she missed, tenderly pressing her lips against his. After a moment, he drew away, taking a step back from her in surprise. He stared at her and swallowed, looking as stunned as she felt.

Hesitating briefly, he finally whispered, "Good night, Lady Elienne." And took off in a rush before she could speak.

Elienne covered her mouth with her hand, wondering what the Prince could think of her being so forward. This evening she had experienced so many emotions that her head seemed to be spinning. She turned and ran up the steps, wishing she could be there to hear whatever it was Legolas was going to say to Haldir. She could only imagine what the day would present to her tomorrow. She was filled with both dread and anticipation. When she entered the wing of the palace that she and Arwen shared, she could tell Arwen had not come in yet; most likely still in the company of her grandparents. It occurred to her that Arwen was very much supportive of Elienne's desire to visit Lothlórien and this made her smile mischievously. Maybe she was wrong about the Emissary's influence. Between the scorn of Legolas and Arwen's already dislike for him, Haldir was going to find Elienne had gathered some rather strong allies.

"If Haldir thinks his will can outshine the charms of the Evenstar on her own grandparents, he will find himself very much mistaken," she said to herself as she dressed for the night. "I will live in the Golden Wood… and he will be sorry he ever crossed me."

Chapter 4: Confrontation

Haldir watched the young she-elf go and breathed out a huge sigh. He took a seat at the table and picked up his glass of wine, swirling it around a bit. He narrowed his eyes in thought and then took a drink. Perhaps he had gone a bit too far in the merriment of the moment. As he thought on it, he could not suppress the smile that came to his lips. Seeing that little presumptuous princess squirm was the most fun he'd had in decades.

She was taking his twists of fate and playing off them, giving him what she thought he wanted to see. Had she a bit more training in the art of it, he was convinced she could become a valuable asset in the art of negotiations.

Voices in the hall came closer and Haldir looked up to see Rúmil and Orophin enter. They took one look at Elienne's half-empty glass on the table, glanced at each other and guessed immediately.

"So she finally knows the joke was on her?" Rúmil asked, taking a seat across from him. "Thank the everlasting wood!"

Haldir chuckled a bit and looked at his other brother, who glanced around the room. "Nothing seems out of place, I take it the young she-elf's anger did not turn violent as I suspected?"

"Oh no, no…" Haldir said shaking his head. He picked up his glass and smirked at Orophin as he said, "Though I do suspect she very much wanted to strike me." He finished the wine and set the glass down. Leaning back in his chair again he said, "But she resisted and only gave me a good verbal lashing. For as injured as her pride was, I'd say she bore the turned tables very well."

"Now, if only she will leave you alone so that our time here can return to the relaxing holiday it was meant to be," Rúmil said.

Haldir stared at his brother and momentarily got lost in thought. He doubted very much that he had seen the last of Elienne. He smiled as he predicted that she was not quite through with him. Someone with a combination of her determination and wit would have to at least attempt a rematch.

"I do not like that look on his face," Orophin said, taking off his outer robe and hanging it on a wall hook.

"Nor I," Rúmil said. Haldir raised his brows innocently. Rúmil shook his head and stood, walking to the other end of the room, "I tell you now, brother, leave me out of it. I want no part in the teaching of lessons to the daughter of a king."

"You do me wrong by your suspicions!" Haldir said wagging his finger playfully at his brother. "If I choose to engage the princess at all, it will be to put our differences aside. To win her friendship to me," Haldir said. Then in a more thoughtful voice he said, "Though I suspect that would be a daunting task at this turn of event."

"You tricked her once," Orophin said, taking his boots off. "You should not make matters worse by approaching her." He set his boot down, put his hands on his knees and asked, "Suppose she were to think it was a trap? That you were only befriending her so you could ensnare her again?"

"All wooing is a trap, is it not?" Haldir asked. "Yet some traps we walk into willingly." He looked at his brothers. "And not all traps are set with ill intent, are they?" Orophin chuckled while Rúmil shook his head and began to dress for the night.

Haldir strummed his fingers on the table, contemplating how he should proceed. Thoughtfully he said, "I will not try to set a trap for her. She is far too unpredictable to know just what would work, and Orophin you are right, she would be expecting it."

"Then how can you venture into warming her regard for you," Orophin asked. "If she will not fall for your usual set of charms."

"I did not say she would not fall for them," he said in all earnest. "My skill in winning over the most ardent of enemies has earned me the title of Emissary for good reason. She will come around, they all do."

"Simply another enemy on which to easily prey?" Rúmil asked.

"The Lady Elienne is not easy prey, nor do I believe she is yet an enemy. She is more like a wild wise horse than a deer. I shall have to rely on my wit and cunning… to go forward with no plan… make an offer and then respond and react to her," he said. He was about to throw out some suggestions when he picked up the sound of breathing at the door. Someone was listening.

"Who is there?" he asked, standing up. "Come into the light…"

Around the corner stepped the Mirkwood Prince, seething with ire. He gave Haldir a look whose physical counterpart would have pierced the strongest of armor. Haldir took it in stride and remained unaffected, taking a seat and clasping his hands on the knee of his crossed leg.

"I expected you much sooner Prince Legolas," he said.

The comment seemed to have the desired effect, catching the young Prince slightly off guard. He glanced at Haldir's brothers and said, "Please, if you would excuse us, I have personal matters to discuss with the Emissary."

Haldir noted how polite he was and nodded to his brothers, gesturing with his hand to the door. Both of them were in various stages of dress, but seeing the intent on Legolas' face, neither put up any protest. Rather, they collected their slippers and robes and begrudgingly took their leave.

"Please, have a seat," Haldir said, standing and picking up the glass. "Allow me to pour you something." He walked over to a table with various wine bottles.

"I have no desire to share a drink with you," Legolas said. "I have come to clear up any misunderstandings you may have regarding Elienne."

"Oh?" Haldir said spinning around with the wine bottle in his hand. "You have not heard then. All has been settled. I know who she is and she knows that I know… we have cleared the entire matter between us." He was giving Legolas a smile, but knew that there was more to be heard from the elf.

Legolas took a step forward and accused harshly, "You have dishonored her by your actions of immodesty. I have heard from her own lips how you carried on, and in full knowledge of whom it was you placed your eager, already tarnished hands upon."

Haldir's patience stalled in the subtle reference to his past made in the allegation. He gathered himself and set the bottle back down on the table. "I regret that my intentions were seen as less than noble," he began. "But in all honesty, she had nothing to fear from me."

"Less than noble?" Legolas repeated. "There is nothing whatsoever noble in falsely proposing to anyone, let alone a sensitive and fragile young romantic like Elienne! Suppose she had been swept away in the moment? Just how far would you have taken her, Guardian… or should I say 'predator'? As you have just said you see her as something to hunt or trap rather than respect and honor."

Haldir bit down hard to keep from speaking out in kind as he took in Legolas’ brutal suspicions. Such an attack on his character from a prince of elves was an insult difficult to bear and it was all he could do to not defend himself with the fullness of his emotions about it. But if the Prince had come into knowledge of his unfortunate history in courtship, such an outburst would damn him more than defend. For honors sake, Haldir calmed himself and replied, "I believe you have misunderstood what happened between myself and Elienne."

"Do you dare to call her a liar?" Legolas asked. "Is no level too low for you to stoop?"

Through his teeth Haldir let out, "I am not suggesting she lied." He closed his eyes and sighed then looked at Legolas and said, "Only that perhaps because of the shame she felt at having her own game turned upon her, when she told you of it she was more engaged with emotion than reason."

Legolas seemed to be thinking on that and Haldir gave him credit for at least having a touch of openness on this matter. Perhaps he wasn't so smitten with infatuation with the pretty little she-elf as Haldir suspected.

"Please, sit," Haldir said. "I understand you are very affronted by me at this moment. But if you give me the opportunity to disclose to you my part in it, perhaps your opinion will change."

Again, to Legolas’ credit the young prince seemed to calm a bit and he took a seat. But in his eyes he still carried a look of accusation, so Haldir began slowly and carefully.

"You do her an injustice to even imply Elienne would have gone along with such a proposal given under false pretenses," he said. "I assure you, I would not have allowed the events to unfold the way you suggest, but neither would have Elienne!" He chuckled remembering it. "You should have seen her squirming to get away from me. Whatever she may have told you about her falling for any bonding petition, I assure you, she was more frightened than enchanted."

Legolas’ eyes glared at Haldir and he said, "If you mean to persuade me by finding humor in her suffering you are sorely mistaken. I find this sort of game distasteful and bad mannered."

Haldir sighed and leaned back with his arm rested on the back of the chair. "Yes, I suppose you would," he said. "And I am sure Elienne knew that as well when she told you of it… enhancing details to get this response from you… enticing you to be her hero and confront me. It is so typical of females to play males in such a way."

"I came of my own accord," Legolas said quickly. But then he seemed to think on it a bit as if he was not so certain.

"There's no shame in it," Haldir said. "You care for her and your intentions are noble. But let me also say this of Elienne; rest assured she will come out better for this. It is not her nature to be injured by so small a disgrace. Allow her some time and she will surprise you. She will put it behind her and be much wiser in her mischief."

Legolas frowned as if he did not believe it, but was not ready to argue the point. "You speak as though you know her so well," he said.

"I know elves," Haldir said. "And I recognize in Elienne the sort of bold, yet noble character that is hidden by youthful whimsy. Elves such as she need only to learn to focus their energy and creativity so that they may thrive in our community. "

"And you take it upon yourself to teach her?" Legolas asked.

"More like guiding her to her potential. As an elder, it is part of my duty," he explained. "It is part of yours as well, if you would take it."

"I find it hard to believe this flirtatious game was part of your duty," Legolas grumbled.

"Well, from time to time business mixes with pleasure," Haldir said with a gleam in his eye, "And this game was of her own doing, and she knows it."

Legolas sat for a moment and then in resignation to the point, stood and said, "You have given me a good bit to digest, Emissary." Haldir smiled brightly at his success and the prince reacted quickly. "Do not congratulate yourself, for I am not convinced yet." Haldir nodded and looked down with a smirk into his glass. "Good evening," Legolas said.

"It has been my pleasure," Haldir said.

After Legolas left, Haldir retired to his private room and sat on the lounge. Tomorrow there would be a picnic and a hunt and then another banquet. And though he was honored to accompany his Lord and Lady in their family outings, unlike those that found pleasure in leisure, so much of this stay seemed more like duty than a holiday that Rúmil was anxious to enjoy. It was a pity that the game was over for Haldir preferred the entertainment of a bit of non life-threatening drama in his life from time to time. Elienne's prank had been a welcomed distraction from the mundane of social discourse.

Chapter 5: A Token of Truce

"Good morning, Sullendry," Haldir said as he brought a large pack into the stall. "I trust you've been treated well?" he asked, setting it down.

Haldir could tell by the look in the horse's eye that the answer was 'yes'. In fact, there appeared to be a bit of mischief in there as well. He patted the horse's neck and said, "I was hoping you'd join us for a picnic today so I could share with you the burden of carrying the baskets of food and blankets." He scratched under the steed's long chin and asked, "What do you say? No doubt there will be some delicious edibles along the way for you to nibble upon; berries are at the peak of their season… and you could use the exercise in any case!"

Sullendry blinked his eyes and grunted a little in the negative. He was much too smart and knew this was obviously a better deal for Haldir than himself.

"There may even be a few apples in it for you," Haldir said with a chuckle at his horse's playful rejection.

The horse looked away, almost appearing annoyed with him. It had been a long time since Sullendry had refused him any request, but Haldir was beginning to think he might have to employ one of the stable horses for the duty.

"I have never known you to turn down a delicacy," Haldir said, studying the horse's eyes. "That common weakness you and I share is one of the effects that bonds our friendship."

Sullendry stomped a foot and moved his head in a certain direction. Haldir looked to see that there on a shelf just within the horse's reach, was a pile of nibbled upon carrots, lettuce and apples. Haldir walked over to the shelf and noted that the horse had already made good work of a large portion and this was merely the remains.

He turned, leaning his hand on the shelf and said, "Now I know why you are being peevish with me. It was the she-elf, wasn't it? She brought you these carrots and told you what happened between us," Sullendry whinnied and Haldir shook his head slightly. "It would be just like her to make friends with you behind my back," he said.

Haldir moved back to the pack and a thought occurred to him.

"Does it change your mind knowing Elienne will be there?" he asked. Sullendry looked at him and Haldir added, "I will be attempting to make amends. You would be curious to witness my contrition, would you not?

Sullendry backed up slightly and then took a step towards the pack.

"Good," Haldir said, grateful. "Now let me find a nice comfortable way to arrange these burdens so that I do not cause you any more minor injuries. We would not want to give your new friend yet another reason to correct me."

**************

The trek to the picnic spot would not have been so great a feat excepting that his lovely Queen had insisted the elflings come along to liven the mood. And liven the mood they did; to the point of chaos. It was Haldir's natural state of being to look out for the welfare of others and setting aside that wariness was not an option.

The two oldest elflings were behaving and the tiniest ones were being carried by doting she-elves. But just ahead were two of the most active male elflings Haldir had ever seen. They were around the ages of five and six and found Sullendry an irresistible goal.

They would run about squealing and trying to get by his brothers who would politely catch them and prevent it. And though the parents were watching they did little correcting so that the elflings continued to play the game without tire.

Haldir was keenly aware of the steep downgrade to their left as well as the many loose looking rocks among the slanted hillside of trees to their right. Any time one of the young ones would stray too near the edge he could feel his blood fill with anxiety that kept him in a constant state of readiness. It seemed any moment something could go awry.

From the sound of it Rúmil and Orophin were growing weary as well.

"This should be a relaxing morning," Rúmil mumbled, "And yet I feel there would be less tension were I alone and being chased by three hundred Orc."

"Aye," Orophin said, swiping one of the elflings by his middle as he squealed. "You are not alone."

Haldir patted Sullendry who seemed rather calm considering he was the object of the boys' fascination. "We are almost there, my friend, and then you may roam free to your heart's content." Sullendry responded with only a snort of air. Apparently his horse comrade was still in a bit of a mood.

They were traveling down hill now and looking ahead Haldir could see the entire caravan before them. The company was led by Erestor and Silinde who were followed very closely by King Thranduil and Elrond. The Queen of Mirkwood walked hand in hand with her son, and though poor Legolas looked happy enough, it was clear to Haldir by the Prince's mannerisms he was simply appeasing his mother.

While they were preparing to leave, Haldir had casually witnessed the Queen demanding her son to escort her. Haldir was growing more impressed with the Prince’s tolerance. He did pity him that he had not managed to keep the peace and obtain his own desire, which was no doubt to accompany a certain young Darkwood princess to the picnic. But at least he had not succumbed to his disappointment and caused a scene over it.

Next in line were two sets of woodland elves who seemed quite relaxed, holding hands. They were most likely relieved to have their young being watched by others. Galadriel and Celeborn held the hands of the two older children and Arwen was carrying a very beautiful she-elf child with long white wavy hair. As his eyes fell on Elienne, he took notice that she looked rather sour for such a beautiful morning. Behind her walked Murial carrying another small child and then another set of parents. The busy boys and his brothers finished the line with Haldir and Sullendry bringing up the end.

His eyes returned to Elienne again. Even though she was engaged in smiles and conversation with Arwen and Murial, there was the ever so subtle look to her that she was not completely in the moment with them; as though she was thinking on other things. He smiled and thought it was certainly a pity her shining prince was too busy with his sonship responsibilities.

All along the path there had been berries that he had promised Sullendry and from time to time he picked a handful so the steed could eat as they traveled. When he reached down to fetch some more and saw a patch of large white blossoms, a thought came to his mind and he plucked the flower low on the stem. As he did so, he caught his thumb on one of the long thorns jutting out from the base of the plant.

"Rúmil," he called out, drying the blood on his leggings. "Let the older elfling pass."

Rúmil glanced at him and stood back as the elfling ran through. The young one was so amazed at not being stopped that when he reached where Haldir and Sullendry were walking, he almost tripped and bumped into Haldir's knees. Haldir caught the small elfling and set him back on his feet. Behind him, Rúmil approached.

"What is your name?" Haldir asked him.

"Feldor," the boy answered.

"Feldor, will you do a little chore for me?" he asked. The elfling had long straight blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. He didn't answer, just stared at the pale horse. "If you agree I will let you ride him."

Sullendry protested slightly and Haldir 'shushed' him. Haldir squatted down and asked, "Would you like that?" The boy nodded fervently and Haldir handed him the flower. "Then take this and deliver it ahead to the she-elf in the lavender dress."

"Elienne?" the elfling asked looking at the flower.

"Yes, she is the one," Haldir said.

"She will not going to like it," he warned.

"Of course she will," Haldir said, teaseling the blond tresses.

The elfling looked at the flower and then at the horse, raised his brows and ran away quickly. Haldir stood up, ignoring Rúmil’s glare and said to Sullendry, "Now it is time for you to watch the way a charming elf wins over the affections of a she-elf. It is much more complicated than waiting until the proper season and galloping around proudly."

"Though it is not any less self-demeaning," Rúmil snarled. "Do you honestly think she is going to be won over by a simple flower?"

Haldir raised his brows and led Sullendry on as he said, "Under normal circumstances you may have a point. But the young princess has been thwarted by the Queen of Mirkwood from enjoying her prince and with the wee ones about she is suddenly no longer the center of attention. It is not just the gift, my brother, it is when you give it that can make or break a deal."

"You know your work," Rúmil admitted. "But I wonder why you waste your energies and time on this endeavor."

"Because, Rúmil…" Haldir sighed, "it amuses me."

Looking down the hill he saw that the first several in their group had moved out of view behind a bit of rock standing out. Arwen and Murial were already around the bend, but thankfully he could still make out Elienne and the elfling who was just now handing her the flower. She did not smile at all, but instead her frown grew more pronounced. He couldn't make out her words, but he could hear that she did not speak kindly to the child. It made him feel a bit ill in the gut, which was not aided at all when Rúmil harrumphed in satisfaction. The elfling had somehow been right.

Sadly he guessed that maybe the young one had overheard her speaking ill of him to Arwen and Murial as they walked along the trail. It was not at all unlikely that Legolas was not her only counsel. Perhaps what had happened between them was being rumored to all that would listen and offer the sprite their validation. He wondered if Murial would take the situation as opportunity to champion a march warden or befriend a princess. It was always difficult to tell with the minstrel.

"Still amused?" Rúmil asked.

Haldir tried not to be disgruntled over it. He just continued to watch the poor elfling taking her indignant message.

"She is quite rude indeed to pour out her distaste for me on a small child," he said, more than a bit disappointed.

Orophin approached them. He must have grown tired of the game for he was now carrying the other elfling.

"I hope it does not wound you that she has rejected your token," he said, watching the scene with a smirk.

"No," Haldir started. "But my opinion of her is beginning to drop. Perhaps I was wrong about her good nature… she appears to have more nastiness to her then…"

Just as he was saying it, Feldor pointed back towards them and then lifted his hands, as if declaring his innocence. Elienne stood up and looked back towards him. As if it were an involuntary response he lifted a hand and acknowledged her attention with a small wave. Then something most unexpected happened. Like the light of the first star of the evening, he saw the teeth in her bright smile as she beamed at him. She then lifted the flower to her nose and continued to look his direction.

"By the wood," Orophin said. "Would you look at that."

"At least he was wrong about one thing," Rúmil quipped. "She does seem to be quite easy prey."

But Haldir held his breath, watching. Despite the surprising swiftness of her regard, he still did not think her by any means easily won. And he did not dare to presume his offering would be the end of his bid for truce. Elienne turned from them and embraced the child, kissing him on the forehead. She looked up at Haldir and spoke to the elfling and then turned back to the path and walked slowly behind the rock and out of his view.

"Any guess what her message will be?" Orophin asked. "Since you have now impressed us both with your prowess."

"The possibilities are endless," Haldir said. "And I must admit I am quite anxious to find out myself."

The small messenger ran up to them quickly and said to Haldir, "Can I ride the horse now?"

"What did she say?" Haldir laughed. "Your duty is not done until you relay the message!"

"She had no message," Feldor said, eagerly looking at the horse.

"I saw her speaking to you," Haldir said, grabbing the child up in his arms and tickling him. "Tell me or I shall have to use my specially designed interrogation technique used on young elves who do not mind!"

The small elf laughed and wriggled about, crying, "Honest! She had no message."

"Then what did she say to you, surely she was not just moving her lips!" he said, ceasing the tickle torture for a moment. "Tell me everything or I will resume!"

Breathlessly the boy nodded. "Just like I said, she did not like it," he said as Haldir set him down. He looked up at Haldir and explained, "She told me before not to pick flowers until we get to the field because if everyone did the path would be glum. And when she saw the flower she was upset that I had ignored her counsel. So I told her I did not do it. I told her you did it and if she was going to be angry she might as well be angry with the right elf."

"She makes good sense regarding the path… but what did she say then, after she knew it was I who had done the foul deed?" Haldir asked.

Feldor smiled at him, a bit embarrassed.

"Go on," Haldir said, the excitement of his expectation higher than he imagined it should be.

"She said that you were a very naughty elf and she was already quite cross with you," he said.

Haldir hummed a bit in satisfaction. She had smiled, so she must not be too cross with him. He looked at Feldor and smirked, grateful for the little imp.

"I promise, that is all she said," he insisted, "Now, may I ride him?"

Haldir nodded and said, "When we unload his pack, you may have a short ride. Now let us catch up with the others, they have probably already arrived and are looking to set up lunch."

He glanced at his brother's and they both gave him a look of warning.

"So much for my holiday," Rúmil grumbled, walking forward. Haldir watched his brother walk on ahead and Orophin, carrying the other child started walking as well.

"You two worry more than is necessary," Haldir said with a chuckle. But neither answered and when he looked sideways at Sullendry, he noted at least the horse was not going to give him grief on his pursuit of distraction. He stroked the horse and said, "I think my brothers are turning to vinegar instead of wine in their age."

Rúmil turned slowly and glared at him. Haldir gave him a small smile and was met with a frown.

"Why is it that we learn from your mistakes more than you do?" Orophin asked. "Do you not remember…"

"I do not wish to speak of it," Haldir said, suddenly interrupting. His annoyance was obvious and his brothers dropped the matter quickly. They did not speak again on the path and when in the field, moved off with their own tasks to set up the picnic area.

For his part, Haldir worked in silence, speaking to few, only as necessary, avoiding the direct eye contact of anyone who might distract him from his contemplation of his motives and the necessity of his own form of amusement when it came with such risk.

When he was almost done he heard footsteps approaching and did not look to see whom it was, but his guess was confirmed when she spoke.

"I suppose you think this flower is a sufficient reparation?"

Haldir recognized the voice and continued with his chore of unpacking Sullendry as he said, "I hoped it would be a start." He turned with a small pack and was quite pleased to see her expression was as light as the tone of her voice had been. His brothers and Legolas had taken the larger packages and were setting up a small shade tent and some of the she-elves were setting out the food.

He handed Elienne the tiny pack and said, "Now run along and make yourself useful. We have a picnic to set up."

"Perhaps it has slipped your mind, but I am NOT a handmaiden," she said with a laugh.

He smiled broadly as behind her came Galadriel and, having overheard the comment, the Queen took it upon herself to relieve the princess of her tiny burden.

"This is the blanket for the children?" she asked him.

"Yes, it is," he said with a bow.

She then turned to the humbled Elienne and looked at the flower she held. Sweetly she said, "Oh, it is so lovely, you should don it… perhaps in your hair, or on your dress?"

"Yes, M'lady," Elienne said bashfully. She watched the queen go and then looked sideways at Haldir.

He tried very hard not to look too smug and patted the horse while waiting for how she would respond. She looked at the flower as if contemplating what Galadriel had said, but before he could see what she would do with it, the elflings came about and begged him for their prize.

"Perhaps you can wait until after we eat," he said as they squealed and ran around the horse in circles. "We will be here all afternoon…"

"Lamer and Feldor have taken quite fondly to you," she said.

"They have taken quite fondly to Sullendry," he corrected. He watched the boys carefully and tried to steady an increasingly nervous Sullendry.

"Feldor has said you promised him a ride if he gave me this flower. I think it only right you should live up to your part of the agreement as soon as possible," Elienne said. "We would not want the young elflings to think the Emissary of the Galadhrim breaks his promises."

Haldir tensed at the hint of question to his character. But when he looked up at her, her face was cheerful and showed no sign that the comment contained any dark elusions. He placed his hand on the head of one of the elflings as he watched her break the stem of the flower closer to its bloom. Glancing up at him for a moment, she took his gift and placed it in the dipping collar of her dress's neckline. The bright white petals nestled tightly in the small crevice between her fair bosoms. He closed his eyes and sighed in surprised delight at her impish behavior.

To repay him for his trespass's, Elienne had breached upon a new game where she would use her feminine assets to tempt and seduce him. But as with most elves of his age, his defenses on such levels were well guarded. None-the-less, when he opened his eyes she presented him with a most triumphant countenance.

"Does it look lovely on me?" she asked. With a gesture of her two hands she tossed her wavy hair over her shoulders, so that the silvery red locks no longer obscured any of his view. "What do you think?"

Haldir allowed himself a long indulgent look before he turned and picked up Feldor to set him on the horse’s bare back.

"What do I think?" he asked himself in exaggerated thoughtfulness. He leaned down for Lamer who was hopping in excitement. Picking him up, he placed him behind his brother and then turned to Elienne, his hand steadying the squirmy elflings. Looking this time only in her sparkling gray eyes he answered, "I think you should reserve your pixilated wiles for use on Legolas and leave your elders to their peace."

"My pixilated wiles?" she laughed out. "I suppose I should have guessed you would be wise enough to know that I am merely toying with you."

He chose not to answer, but instead clicked to let Sullendry know he was ready move. Haldir held the elflings in place as the horse slowly walked through the tall grass.

"And besides," she said following them, "Legolas and I are merely good friends… there is nothing at all like you are suggesting between us."

He glanced at her in disbelief and kept walking. He was right about her not being through with him yet, and though she openly admitted to only trying to toy with him, it did seem as though she had some genuine flirtation in her voice. He guessed if he kept himself quiet she would continue talking and not grow tired of it.

"By all means, please go pursue this good friendship with the prince and leave me alone," he said as gruffly as he could. He turned from her completely, hoping she would see her new game had failed.

"You do not believe me?" she asked. Then she hurried a bit, getting in front of him and walking backwards. Her red hair blew in the gentle breeze and Haldir could not help but smile at the youthfulness of her way. Most elves knew when to take his cue to leave him be. Others understood by his reputation to keep their distance. But like an elfling, Elienne was not thwarted.

"Besides, if there was anything between myself and Legolas it has been quite well extinguished, and I think it is thanks to you… You spoke to him last night did you not?"

He nodded but offered no other elaboration.

"Well, whatever it is you said has made him keep his distance from me today," she said. The pout she wore looked very practiced and insincere. "I think you have conspired to turn him against me…"

"Oh, no, dear princess," he said looking over her shoulder. He brought Sullendry to a stop and said, "Just the opposite… for look…" He briefly pointed into the distance. "It is no doubt because of your proximity to me that the Prince of Mirkwood approaches now. In all probability he sees fit to do some good rescuing of you." He then added, "Though I doubt he realizes it is I who is in need of the rescuing."

She laughed and turned to see Legolas slowly walking from the circle of picnickers. Her face lit up and she waved, saying, "So I have not lost his favor after all. I feared in your spite for me the damage you did might be irreparable."

"Nay," Haldir said. "I am not so mean-spirited as you suppose. But if what you say is true about your regard for him, I fear you may very well do the prince damage."

"Damage!" she said with a look of defensive confusion towards Haldir. "Despite my poor behavior you unfortunately witnessed last night, I am not mean-spirited either. It would be the farthest thing from my mind to bring Legolas anything but joy."

"You may bring him joy in the moment, perhaps…" he explained, "but what if there is expectation given to that joy that will not come to fruition."

Elienne looked as if something came to her mind and her expression turned to one of concern. She turned towards Legolas and said, "Oh dear Emissary…I fear I know your meaning."

Haldir was immediately impressed that she understood so quickly his subtle clue and that she was easily persuaded to repair her unintended misdeed. When she ran away from him to Legolas, he could not help but smile sadly at the poor soon to be shunned prince. Legolas greeted her and looked over at him with a bit of a warning.

"All right, elflings," Haldir said, "It is time to return to Sullendry his freedom."

The boys slightly protested, but when he set them down they ran off briskly towards where the food had been laid out. He took the blanket off of the horse and said, "Did I satisfy you with my endearing performance?"

Sullendry just stared at him.

"She seems quite taken with me," he implored. The horse grunted and looked away. "You do not attribute that to my charms, do you?" Haldir nodded and said, "I suppose I must admit I was not at my most winning." He sighed and added, "Indeed, Elienne seems to be full of her own set of graces and in very little need of my appeasing talents."

The horse nodded and took a few anxious steps.

"All right," Haldir said, "You may go. I have had enough of your scolding in any case."

As the horse snorted and began to walk away, Haldir asked, "I trust you will return to me when the outing comes to a close?"

The horse whinnied and galloped off into the grassy field. Haldir folded the blanket in his arm and walked over to the place where his brothers sat speaking with Murial, Arwen and the older elflings. As he sat, he looked over at Legolas and Elienne and wondered what their conversation would come to, and if he would be blamed by Legolas for his interference. But before they could slip away, he heard Legolas’ mother call out for them to come sit for the meal. Dutifully they both complied.

Chapter 6: The First Fall

Haldir sat leaning against a tree listening intently to the conversation going on several meters behind him. It was not polite to eavesdrop, but he had promised Celeborn he would keep watch while most of the elves went off on their hunt. It just so happened that from this particular position he could see the entire field as well as the path leading down to the river's edge. Was it his fault that Legolas had led Elienne to the grove of trees just within his hearing?

He watched Arwen, Murial and Galadriel dancing and singing with the she-elflings and smiled at the way that the male elfling, Lamer was running around trying to catch Sullendry. If the horse seemed at all to mind it, he would have interfered but as it was the two of them were getting along well. As he chewed on a blade of grass, Haldir mused that for the first time he was beginning to think Rivendell was just as enchanted as his beloved Golden Wood.

"Why will you not sit by the water?" Legolas asked. "There are no such falls in Mirkwood. I would like to enjoy them closer."

"You may go," Elienne said. "But I prefer to stay here … the moving water makes me light headed…"

"Is this fear I sense from you?" Legolas pried.

There was a slight pause and then Elienne's voice floated to Haldir through the trees in a barely audible whispered, "Look your mother has followed us. We should keep hidden so we may enjoy at least one private conversation."

Haldir smiled as he heard her say it. Perhaps he should stand and make himself known.

"She has Feldor with her…" Legolas said. "My hope is that he will remind her enough of me when I was his age that she will lose her need for her own son’s companionship."

"You honor her greatly with your duty to her," Elienne said. "It is no wonder she adores you so."

"I honor her to the failing of my duties to others," he said. "For I have been neglecting my new friend."

Hearing the courting tone in the young Prince’s voice, Haldir was about to get up and move when Elienne responded.

"Do not worry on it, you have done nothing but serve me, Prince Legolas. All day yesterday, even when I was not present! Tell me, what is it that you said to Lord Haldir? I have thought of little else since you told me you would set him straight."

Haldir settled himself to be comfortable as he listened to the prince.

"I understand that you were injured, but I did not receive warning in my heart that he meant to do you harm," Legolas said. "He is arrogant, of that there is no doubt. But he merely sought to teach you a lesson, not to insult you."

Haldir smiled and nodded; pleased that the prince had been swayed.

"If that is true," Elienne answered. "Than I have been a poor student. I did not take the lesson well and was very harsh with him. He thinks me very childish."

"I am loath to admit it," Legolas said. "But I did not get the sense of that either. He spoke very flattering of you. Though I cannot fault him for that."

Elienne's small giggle made Haldir again feel it was wicked of him to listen to the conversation. He took a good summation of the elves in the vicinity and was just about ready to stand when Elienne spoke again.

"And I cannot say I am surprised he spoke thusly of me. For I believe the Emissary to be developing feelings for me beyond friendship," she said.

Haldir's eyes grew wide and he laughed, "Ha!" Cursing himself inside he instantly hoped he had not been heard because now he most definitely wanted to hear this conversation run to its conclusion. They continued to talk and he was relieved that perhaps since they were closer to the falls their ears were more full of the water's rumbling than were his own.

"What ever would give you that notion?" Legolas asked, a slight sound of panic in his voice. "You do not believe the things he confessed to you under your disguise?"

"This flower was his gift," she said. "Despite my harshness to him, he has sought to offer me a token of his affection. Is that not sweet?"

"And you wear it?" Legolas asked. "Are you encouraging his behavior?" It was clear to Haldir that there was some bit of jealousy in his voice.

"I thought I might, for the sport of it," she said. "But he is too wise. I think he knows full well that I am not much interested in him. Do not worry that he will misunderstand me, he knows I wear this flower because I am only a tease."

"Are you?" Legolas asked.

She was not much interested in him? That was an odd way to put it, Haldir thought. As he listened, he glanced over to where the Mirkwood queen and young Feldor were walking near the water. They were quite cheerfully throwing stones in, but the attention of the Queen seemed fixed upon the grove where Elienne and Legolas sat. On many fronts, the couple was not as hidden as they assumed.

"Of course I am a tease," she said. "All young she-elves are! In fact…I meant to speak with you about last night."

Haldir frowned in curiosity. He thought ill of himself for listening, but could not bring himself to stand and walk out of hearing distance. He convinced himself it was for the sake of his duties that he listened, and watched Feldor run about looking for more stones.

Legolas’ voice was timid and yet thoughtful. "I have wondered a great deal about what you could have meant… but mostly I questioned if my response was… less than what you hoped for."

Haldir looked up to the clouds, imagining what could have been said between them and just how poorly a timid elf such as Legolas would behave under the romantic approach of a she-elf. If the prince ever came into his company, Haldir would have to speak with him at length about it. No elf should be left to fend without counsel in such a circumstance, or he would most likely be doomed to fall under an enchantment.

"Please do not worry yourself over your response, sweet Prince. I truly had no hopes at all," Elienne said gently. "Save to express my gratefulness to you for your understanding of my suffering."

There was silence for a bit and Haldir leaned around the tree to see if they had walked away. And indeed, they were both standing and Elienne was looking towards the river.

"M'Lady, do not let him out on the rock, it is slippery from the mist!" she shouted.

Haldir stood in alert and found himself at three paces and eye to eye with Legolas.

"I will fetch him," the Mirkwood Queen said in an annoyed voice.

"You were listening?" Legolas gasped.

"Careful!" Elienne cried, her voice chilled with fright. "The water appears still, but it runs deep and swift below the surface."

Haldir did not answer Legolas challenge, but began towards the running water. When he reached the other elf a hand grabbed his arm.

"Is it so soon that you and I must have words again?" the Prince demanded.

"We will have our words," Haldir said to the Prince. For one so slight in comparison to Haldir's build, Legolas was perhaps less timid than Haldir had expected, and the grip of his slender fingers was strong indeed. "But now I must see to this urgency…"

As he was speaking, a scream of the most soul piercing terror rang out and Legolas let go and turned as they both ran swiftly towards the river. Haldir saw a lavender flash jump into the water and realized there was no sign of either the Mirkwood Queen or the elfling.

"Elienne!" Legolas shouted after her.

They got to the edge and Haldir saw Elienne was just over a large rock, bobbing up and down and scrambling to hold the elfling above the shimmering surface.

"Take him from me! Take him!" she spat, the water choking her.

He laid down flat on the rock and reached into the water with his arms towards the boy. Out of the corner of his eye, Haldir saw Legolas had grabbed on to a tree and bent it low. He was hanging from it and fishing in after his mother.

The elfling flung his arms about, kicking and crying out, making it all that more difficult to get a hold of him. Once Haldir had a good grip, he began to pull him out of the water and the boy squeezed his arms firm around Haldir's neck.

Legolas had gotten a hold of his mother and was now easily lifting her and her heavy robes out of the river just as the rest of those from the field made their way to the noisy scene.

Below Feldor in the water, Elienne's face was full of terror as she tried to push him the rest of the way up. The elfling, still desperate to get out of the frigid water, kicked hard one last time. In that violent gesture he not only managed to get himself up into Haldir's grasp, but he also delivered Elienne a good blow in the chest which knocked her far from the rock beyond the pooled bank and into the white water.

Her scream rang out again but quickly went silent as she disappeared under the foam.

Haldir scrambled back on the rock and tried to peel the child away from him. Galadriel was there and took the elfling from him. The elfling's mother sobbed and kissed him over and over.

Feldor began to cry loudly saying, "Elienne drowned! She's drowned!!!"

"Peace child," Galadriel soothed, walking him away and looking back over her shoulder at Haldir.

Haldir turned towards the water to see Legolas pulling on his mother to bring her and the many soaking wet layers of her garment to the shore. Even in his struggle he found the energy to shout angrily at Haldir, "She fears the water. She will fight it… do not let it take her!"

Not needing the criticism, Haldir ignored the prince, eagerly searching for any sign of Elienne. She could be caught against a rock, or swimming back towards them below the surface. Then, he saw her hand pop up much further down the stream than he expected and wondered how he could ever reach her. He thought to jump in and swim to her, but Arwen came and held his arm fast. "Do not!" she said, guessing his intention, "There is no need for such risk! Run along the side, I will call the water still and you can pull her from it more easily…"

Haldir nodded and took off running swiftly through the over grown brush along the river's edge. He scanned the water trying to keep his eye on her. She seemed to spend more time under the surface than above. His concern mounted when he realized even when she was above, he could no longer hear her crying out. While he was able to keep her in his sight, he neglected to make sure of where he was going and took a few good blows to the face by branches and even uncharacteristically stumbled once, bringing more distance between them.

Then he noticed that slowly, the water seemed to be affected by Arwen's spell and it grew shallow. Ahead of him Elienne was almost all above the water as she clumsily stroked with her arms and moved towards the edge. It was little relief to him, and he continued to run full speed towards her. As he came closer, he was amazed that someone else had made it there first. The noticeable dark hair and red robe let him know it was Elrond, back early from the hunt. Haldir slowed and reached them just as the Lord of Rivendell had her full in his arms on the muddy bank. She was quaking and he was trying to sooth her.

Elrond said. "You are out now… you are safe."

Slightly out of breath, more from the fear of death than any exertion, Haldir came to a stop a respectable distance away. He fell to his knees, closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. He had only ever lost a few on his watch and not for over a thousand years and never in anything but brutal battle. He cursed himself for his distraction and allowing himself to believe it was safe enough to let down his guard. He opened his eyes and looked at her. She was wide-eyed staring out into nothingness, most probably looking her own existence square in the eye. He wondered at how she had jumped in so swiftly with no thought to herself. His own guilt laid heavy on his shoulders but Elrond looked up at him and speaking no words, gave a silent nod of absolution.

Haldir did not feel he deserved it. He knelt there, watching them when Elienne turned his way.

"Feldor?" she said. "Legolas and the Queen?"

"They are safe," he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Though they fear for your life."

Elrond took the she-elf's face in his hands and said, "You must be brave. Return and show them all is well."

"Should she not be taken back to rest and recover?" Haldir asked, astonished at Elrond's seeming lack of concern. She had almost died and looked as though she was still very shaken.

"Yes, M'Lord," she said to Elrond as dutifully as if he had cast a spell on her and brought her to her senses. "I am fine," she said, trying to stand in her wet gown. Then with a nervous laugh she added, "Though a bit water logged…" She looked very much as though she was embarrassed. "We have quite a hike back, do we not?" She headed for the steep incline and said as if to herself, "Though I did not make it quite as far down on that trip…"

"This was not the first?" Haldir asked, amazed even more so that she had jumped in after the boy, knowing what awaited her.

"This is the forth time," Elrond said, none-to-happy. He whistled for his horse and when it came close enough, he swung up to mount it. He looked at Haldir with raised brows and asked in a patronizing tone, "You will go with her?" Haldir blinked and nodded, standing as he came to his own senses. Elrond continued in a lighter tone, "Our hunt is not yet over. As we speak Celeborn and Thranduil await in a patch of thickets for me to flush out our prey… by now they may well have decided I have abandoned them."

Haldir nodded and said, "Yes, M'Lord…. If I may… how did you know?"

Elrond sighed thoughtfully. "When one relives the sound of such a scream in his nightmares, it is impossible to miss during the day… no matter the distance. That sprite fears but one thing… and you have been most unfortunate to witness why." The Lord of Rivendell clicked again and his horse took off along the water's edge. Haldir noted that it was starting to flow quickly again. He guessed Arwen and the others had somehow heard that all was well.

Up on the ridge, Elienne slipped, but caught herself. Haldir quickly got up behind her in case she managed to fall backward. It would be even more of an embarrassment to him if she survived the river unscathed and then received injury on the trek back to the picnic.

Chapter 7: The River's Edge

They reached the path and Elienne hesitated. "Look who has come to my rescue," she said.

It was Sullendry standing before them, his eyes haunted. Elienne wrapped her arms around the horse's neck and said, "What a good friend…" With her cheek lying on his soft pelt, she turned to Haldir and said, "Whatever happened to your face? You look as though you've made an enemy of a wild cat."

Haldir touched his cheek and felt the wetness of blood. He was still too stunned from the event to be bothered by any pain. Gathering himself together, he spoke to Sullendry. "I believe she has earned a carry back to the picnic?"

"Do you think you could manage it, Emissary?" she asked. "I am a bit heavier with my skirts as wet as they are."

Despite the tension he still felt, Haldir smirked at her cheekiness. She smiled and pretended as though she just understood. "Ah! The horse… you meant for Sullendry to carry me… But I should not want to be rude and ride alone, can he carry us both?"

"Aye," Haldir said, "He has done more than that weight for much distance…. But it is no problem. I can walk."

"I'd feel so awkward and very much like a 'spoiled princess' if I was to ride while you walked. Therefore, if the Emissary of the Galadhrim is going to walk, I shall walk too," she insisted.

Haldir surmised her will was strong, but still did not want to risk her growing faint. It was silliness that he should ride as well, but after all she had been through, he concluded he could at least give in to such a simple request.

"It is up to Sullendry," he said, looking at the horse.

The steed moved his nuzzle towards Elienne and she stroked the top of it. "I supposed that is a 'yes'" she laughed.

Haldir sighed and came close to Elienne. He placed his hands on her hips and at first she looked at him strange.

"He is a tall horse, M'Lady," he explained.

She smiled, and gave a small hop to assist his effort. After she was up, Haldir moved to the front of Sullendry and whispered, "Slowly, my friend."

He glanced up at Elienne and saw she was touching her bosom sadly. "The flower," she said, "I have lost your flower."

Though he disliked seeing her distraught, especially right after so much trauma, Haldir had no intentions of leading her on any further about his so called 'feelings' for her. So rather then take a replacement flower from the path, he simply hopped up behind her and said stiffly, "I am sure you can find another in the field… we would not want to dull the path, now would we?"

"No, of course not," she said with a bit of sarcasm to her tone.

Once upon the horse Haldir realized that without reigns to hold there was very little to do with his hands which felt natural. Therefore he placed them on his thighs and hoped that Sullendry would follow his request to carry them slowly.

"I have a question to ask you, Emissary, and I would like you to be honest and straight in your answer," she said.

"Gladly," he said. "I have nothing to hide… ask." He hoped because of how he refused her another flower that she was seeking to clear up her misunderstandings regarding him.

"Just after our little 'game'… you said something that has been a source of great pain to me… and I do not know if you meant it, or if it was said in the heat of the moment," she said.

Haldir wracked his brain to think if there was anything said after the charade that he did not mean. It was possible, but nothing came to mind. He remained quiet, knowing she would eventually continue. And that she did.

"Of all the things you could say to me, that anyone could say to me, it was this that rang in my ears my entire tumble down the rapids… as I faced death, I could not put it out of my mind…"

"Whatever could be so profound?" he asked, suppressing a chuckle. He was amused at her talent for the melodramatic. Despite his finding humor in it he did feel himself concerned at what he could have said. With young she-elves it was always very possible to say this or that wrong and do great damage without the slightest intention. Though with the passing years they tended to forgive more quickly, she-elves never seemed to let go the notion that elves were thoughtless.

She turned herself, straining her neck to look him in the eye. He leaned back some to assist in her maneuver. "Do you really mean to keep me out of Lothlórien?"

"Oh!" he laughed. "That is what you meant…" He sighed slightly, but her eyes continued to plead with him as she gently rocked back and forth to the rhythm of Sullendry slow gate. "I have very little say in the matter, so do not let my opinion concern you."

"So you did mean it," she said in a huff as she turned around. "I will have you know that I fully intend to live there some day, and I am much affronted that you think I will spoil your grand Golden Wood with my immature behavior. You have only seen one side of me, and from what most people say of it, my good humor is not without value. Perhaps you should learn to lighten up a bit and…"

"Elienne!" he interrupted in a commanding voice.

"…stop taking yourself so seriously," she defiantly finished. He could not see her face, but was certain there was a very refined pout upon her lips.

"Are you finished?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. "For now."

"Lady Elienne, you are taking a mere comment and running in a most peculiar direction with it. I care not one way or the other if you are allowed to live with us in 'Caras Galadhon'. But I will tell you this; if you do come, do not expect that I will be as jolly at having our peace disrupted as I have been here in Rivendell. As March Warden of the Realm of the Lady of Light, Guardian of the Golden Wood of Lothlórien and Emissary of the Galadhrim, it is my responsibility to not just do my duties, but to set a proper example for the behavior of all. I cannot afford to risk showing favoritism or for it to appear I am encouraging you. The play you engage in may be acceptable in small doses, but if nurtured and allowed to flourish would distract from the normal state of affairs."

For a few of the horse's paces she remained quiet and Haldir was torn between his having been too firm and being pleased that maybe he had talked some sense into her.

"That is quite a set of impressive titles you just ran off there, Lord Haldir," she said. Haldir could not tell the tone of her voice.

"I am speaking the truth, no more, no less," he said flatly.

"I believe you," she said. "And what is more, you have unknowingly revealed a truth about yourself."

Haldir strummed his fingers on his thighs and said, "And what would that be, M'Lady?"

"While you were pretending to be a forlorn, unnoticed, self-pitying elf you were also honestly confessing your true feelings! That explains why I believed your charade so thoroughly. And furthermore, I have just now realized that while you may not acknowledge it, you benefit immeasurably from our acquaintance."

She said it as if it were the most evident observation one could make. Yet it was the most preposterous thing Haldir had ever heard and would not let it go unchallenged.

"Besides your own creative fantasy's I can not see how it is possible you came to that conclusion," he said. "I am very confident in myself and despite your baseless accusation was very much playing a part to gain your sympathy… sympathy I do not require."

"You sound affected, Lord Haldir. I did not mean to anger you," she said with satisfaction.

"I am not angry!" he said. Then, hearing the sound of his own voice said, "I am exasperated as any mature elf would be when forced to discuss nonsense."

Elienne swung her head around and glared at him in shock to his inference. He raised his brows as if to punctuate his statement.

"Sullendry," she said turning back around. "Stop at once. I no longer wish to share a ride with this cruel, rude, improper and most ignoble elf."

Haldir laughed and said, "Perhaps you forget who was insulting whom first?"

"I did not insult you," she said. "SULLENDRY!"

The horse continued to move, cued by the slight bump of Haldir's heels against his ribs.

"Oh, what is wrong with this horse," she said. "I thought you were smart…" She then crossed her arms and said, "But perhaps you are, only just as rude as your comrade here."

"I think the horse agrees with me that you owe me an apology," Haldir said with a tease.

"Absurd!" she said, "I will apologize if you can convince me what it is I should apologize for."

"For saying I am a self-pitying elf somehow in need of your flattery and attention."

"I did not say that, you did," she insisted.

"You…" he said rolling his eyes. "You implied," he said.

"No," she said. "You misconstrued my meaning."

"Then by all means, clarify your words," he said, gesturing with his hand.

"I do not want to now," she said. "I am very cross…"

They rode on in silence for a good stretch and Haldir thought to just accept that they would be at odds. But it did not suit him in the least to have this holiday ruined by petty bickering. He reached up behind his long hair and rubbed the back of his neck with his palm, thinking that perhaps he would have to employ one of his more elaborate negotiation methods on Elienne. When he needed to gain the upper hand with an offended steward or herald, he often found that putting himself on the line reversed the direction of a conversation in his favor.

"If you are so sure I am wrong, rather than holding your tongue and allowing the situation to go unresolved, why not speak your peace?" he asked. "If you prove me at fault, I promise you, I will humbly admit it and you will regain your dignity in the matter."

She sat for quite a while, thinking on his offer and he was about to give up on the expectation that she had any elements of reason when she finally spoke.

"I was only trying to point out that while you may have been pretending to be self-depreciating, there were emotions behind your speech which were true," she said.

"Such as?" he asked.

"Such as when you said it was a relief to be with someone whose expectations you did not have to live up to. Just now, in your scolding monologue you admitted it again. While here with me in Rivendell either as a Princess or a handmaiden, you are able to be, in your words, 'jolly' where as in your own home you would have to forego such pleasures. And I think it has everything to do with the company you are keeping in this land."

The she-elf jutted out her jaw and looked to be waiting for his response. Up ahead he could see they were heading down hill and around the bend would be the picnic. He had two choices. If he told her she was right she would take that to mean that his enjoyment of her company was romantic inclination rather than mere fanciful distraction. But if he denied he ever felt the loneliness of his position among his people, he would be lying. He took the only other available option.

"You are right," he said, but quickly added, "You did not insult me at all… I was wrong to accuse you and to be so critical."

"Thank you," she said, completely satisfied. He noted that she did not request confirmation of her supposition and it made him uneasy that she was so confident in it.

"Sullendry," he called. Just by his tone the horse knew to stop. He hopped off the horse and helped her down. "We will walk the rest of the way. Go on, my friend. You have only a short break more and we will be returning."

The horse gazed at the two of them and then trotted away.

Elienne looked at him, no longer smug or angry. Rather her face was sweet and Haldir was amazed at how sincere and open she was. In her eyes was an expectation that he would return the honest spirit and he smiled, wishing he could take her up on the offer. But there was another matter for which he had to use her generous mood. From his experience, in order to thwart any future animosity between them, it was not wise to allow such an opportunity to pass without taking advantage. He predicted that Legolas was going to reveal his eavesdropping indiscretion and Haldir stood a much better chance at keeping the peace to tell her himself when she was in such a gracious mood then wait for the Prince to turn her against him.

"I have to tell you something," he said. She grew even more eager in her countenance. "When we return to the picnic, Legolas is going to be… very angry with me, and rightfully so."

She quickly said, "I have tried to take care of the misunderstanding between he and I, but I am not sure he will like that you and I have become…"

Haldir shook his head and put his finger to her lips until she quieted. Her mouth smiled under his touch and he pulled his hand away slowly, hoping her perceived affection would soften further his admission.

"No," he said tenderly. "The reason he is displeased is because I have insulted you both by listening to what was meant to be a private conversation," he said. "I tell you now both because I want you to know he has every right, as do you, to be put off by my behavior, but also for another reason."

In her eyes was stunted frustration, as though she was visibly attempting to restrain herself from a thousand questions.

"I heard you tell Legolas you believe I have feelings for you," he said.

A strange smile came to her face and she nodded. "Yes, I did tell him that, but not because I really believe it..."

His heart grew grim of her inclination to dishonestly. But then she smiled widely and Haldir felt his pulse begin to race as he said, "You knew I was listening?" A wash of embarrassment flooded over him. "It is another prank at my expense to repay me!"

She laughed out loud and said, "Oh my dear, dear Emissary, no, not at all…I had not the slightest inclination you were eavesdropping!" She continued to laugh, turning away from him and leaving him feeling most awkward. He put his hands on his hips and watched her. If she had not been laughing at his expense, he may have been tempted to join just from the contagion of it. She turned back to him, put a steadying hand on his arm and said, "I wish I would have thought of it … it would have been so deliciously cunning!" She laughed again, this time looking at him with a bit more concern in her eyes. "No… you have been a victim of your own mischief… not mine."

"So you are clear on my intentions then?" he asked in confusion.

She grew even more considerate in her demeanor and notably did not answer his question as she said, "I spoke thusly to Legolas only to discover if your perceptions regarding him were clear. He is far too bashful to come out and tell me of his feelings. And if I asked him, it seemed much too cruel a set up for his precious heart. I reasoned that by exaggerating your true affections for me, I could discover how deep his run. And I think they are deeper than I expected. "

Haldir swallowed in understanding. He admired her prudence and the method of information retrieval, worthy of his own utilization.

"I see," he said.

She sighed and said, "At least there is no harm done. And I am sure you were quite relieved to hear I am not interested in you…and not in the least bit disappointed?" The last phrase sounded like a small tease or a test.

"Of course not," he said nodding. "We… we should return to the picnic."

He started to walk and she followed saying, "Though you set yourself to teach me a lesson or two, I suppose it could be said you have just learned from me about the gamble of eavesdropping."

He glanced at her and smirked a bit. Then when he looked away she added, "It is a relief to me and indeed impresses me much, Lord Haldir…" He looked sideways out his eye at her as she continued. "…that someone of your elder age and grand position would submit himself to the teachings of a young she-elfling."

At that he could not contain himself and laughed lightly saying, "Elienne, you are a most delightful young sprite. And if I willingly submit or not, I believe I am learning something of how to not underestimate you."

They were just at the bend now and the entire company was in view. They had gathered in the shade tent, including the hunters and what looked like their catch of many large fowl. Their mood not in the least bit grim and Haldir could only guess why until he heard in his mind the confirmation. The Lady of the Wood had been keeping a mental watch over him and the young she-elf and had no doubt rested the worried hearts and minds of the picnickers that all was well.

"You have come very close to the waters edge," she spoke in his mind. "Slip just a little and you will be rushed away to where you do not wish to go."

Her tone was a mild tease, but rather than enjoy it as he had at the banquet the previous night, he frowned slightly. Looking at the lovely Elienne he knew his Lady's meaning and he could no longer deny her implications.

"Arwen!" Elienne called out as she ran into the field.

The Rivendell princess turned and did not even smile as she ran to greet her friend. The two embraced tightly, Arwen seeming to only be able to relax once she held Elienne in her arms. They were met quickly by Legolas, the children and the others; including the Queen of Mirkwood whose reproach of Elienne seemed to have waned.

Haldir was grateful to go unnoticed by all but Sullendry as they made their way about the area fetching the beginnings of the pack for the horse and the trip back.

"I thought I was going to teach you something about wooing a she-elf," he said to Sullendry. "But I'm afraid things haven't exactly gone as I planned. This little Princess, if she knows it or not, is successfully playing me well at my own game…" Then he laughed and asked, "Does that ever happen to stallions?"

Sullendry grunted in a sound that was affirmative, but not a very happy affirmative. Haldir chuckled at the steed's honesty.

"Perhaps it is not a species fault then," he said placing the blanket on the horse, "And has all the more to do with gender."

Chapter 8: An Unlikely Alliance

"Emissary, come, join us," the voice of Celeborn called out to him.

It had been a very long day and the last thing Haldir felt like doing was listening to the adventures his Lord had encountered on his hunt. Not that he was opposed to a good tale or two; Celeborn was a master storyteller. It was just that when all Haldir had to boast of was being caught listening in on secret confessions and almost losing a she-elf under his watch, he knew that it would not be a mutual exchange. He simply wanted to put the picnic behind him and retire for the afternoon. But alas, he was as tapered to his duty to his King and Queen, as poor Legolas was his mother.

"Yes, M'Lord," he said coming into the hearth area of the guesthouse. He approached humbly and was very much surprised, and displeased to see Legolas was in company. "Good evening, Prince," he said with a bow to Legolas.

"Good evening," Legolas said, his words dripping with distaste. His blue eyes seemed to be lit both with the flame from the hearth as well as a larger one from within. The prince, who was sitting on the stone hearth, turned and looked into it.

Haldir had fully expected his anger, but had hoped they could resolve it before it arose to the attention of others.

"Please, sit, Emissary," Celeborn said, gesturing for a chair across from himself.

Haldir sat down and crossed his legs, resting his elbow on the chair arm and his chin in his hand. He looked at his Lord expectantly.

Celeborn sighed, folding his fingers together over his gut and surmising Haldir with all the supremacy of an elder. And so he was, but it was rare that he would take on such a role to Haldir and he looked not to be rejoicing in the necessity of it.

The elf King had known Haldir since he was an elfling like the young Feldor he pulled from the river today. Though his Lord had entrusted much responsibility and important charge to Haldir, there were times like this when the Emissary had the feeling that the image of himself as a wee one was quite present in Celeborn's mind.

"I have just had an interesting discourse with the Prince of Mirkwood over the representation of our Kingdom at the pre-council festivities here in Rivendell," he said.

His chin still resting in his hand, Haldir glanced at Legolas and was partly annoyed and partly moved to pity that the poor prince felt he needed Celeborn's input to settle these matters. He looked back at his king and reasoned that it would do him no good to try to explain, as he had no good excuse on which to rely.

"Yes, M'Lord?" he said with the faintest touch of innocence.

Celeborn's eyes narrowed slightly, letting Haldir know he would be greatly displeased to have to make a formal accusation and would much prefer a confession. But the trouble was, Haldir was unsure just which offense Legolas had brought to the king's attention, the eavesdropping, being inappropriate with Elienne the night before or the incompetence which allowed the danger of death to disrupt their picnic; perhaps all three.

Whichever combination of faults the prince had selected to bring forth, there was a slight chance that, because he was on watch, Galadriel may have accounted to Celeborn Haldir's failing to remain emotionally distant from the young she-elf. Normally his queen remained out of such personal affairs, but in matters of state, she had in the past made a few exceptions.

"I can offer no excuses," Haldir resigned finally, sitting up straight and folding his hands in his lap. Legolas turned away from the fire, watching and listening as Haldir continued. "I have been taking myself and my actions far less seriously than I should while on this holiday, allowing the playful, good nature of the young ones around me to distract me from my duties. The good prince here has every right to call me to task… I am most rightly humbled. "

Legolas grew tense and his eyes darted at Celeborn. His king, never taking his piercing eyes off of Haldir said, "Legolas did not come to me… I called him, just as I did you."

Haldir wondered if his miscalculations would be never-ending.

"I apologize for my assumption, Prince Legolas," he offered. It seemed to do little to ease the Prince's indignity.

Celeborn surmised both of them with his eyes and then explained, "I have been watching the two of you and the foxtrot you've been engaged in around the young… may I emphasize, very young, Lady Elienne…"

Haldir kept his eyes on Celeborn but could see in his peripheral vision that Legolas was watching for his response. To the best of his ability he gave none.

"…The only reason I am getting involved is as a favor to the two of you. As your elder, and someone who has had experience… successful experience… in the pursuit of 'desire', I feel it is my responsibility to pass on a bit of useful advice."

Celeborn's tone was just short of amused and Haldir casually lifted his hand and pressed his knuckles to his lips, attempting to cover his smirk. He had thought himself skilled enough to train the Mirkwood prince and now he was going to receive his own lesson. He allowed his eyes to shift to the young Prince and saw Legolas’ hands were gripped to the stone on which he sat and there was a look of trepidation in his expression as he listened to Celeborn.

"First of all," Celeborn said, "The longer you allow her to play you against one another, the easier it is going to be for her to ensnare one of you unaware… Note, I am not saying that becoming bond-ready should be avoided. I have allowed it in my life and it has brought me many rewards…"

The king paused, his eyes shifting between his two students. "But what I am saying, I say with the utmost caution, and I implore you both to take heed as if it were your very souls on the line… Desire should be entertained soberly… with reason guiding your passions. And CERTAINLY not for the purposes of winning a competition of masculinity akin to the mortals of this world!"

Haldir knew he was right and nodded, giving a low agreeing hum.

"Excuse me Lord," Legolas said. "But… " He glanced at Haldir as if he didn't want to be so bold and vulnerable in front of the Emissary. But his earnest desire to understand overcame his wariness and he asked Celeborn. "…are you saying I should ignore my feelings? In all my life I have trusted what my heart tells me and it has served me well. What you say… it goes counter to all I believe in, certainly most regarding the affection two people share for one another."

There was a bit of tension as his last words hung in the air. Celeborn looked sadly at Haldir, knowing what the Emissary knew. He sat up in his chair and leaned towards the prince. "And therein lies your dilemma," he said as kindly as any father would have to his son. He lifted his hand with two fingers stretched up to the heavens and said, "There must be two… For Elienne I fear her heart has not yet decided. And who she will choose is as predictable as a wildfire in a storm on the dry summer plains." He gestured with a wave of his hand to emphasize his explanation. "She shifts this way and that with the wind and the only thing that is certain is that whomever is not careful and finds himself in her way is bound to be burned."

Haldir clenched his jaw, realizing the all too unpleasant truth in that statement. He watched a distant look fall into Legolas’ eyes and the prince stood, taking a few slow paces to the end of the large hearth.

"What does your heart tell you now, Prince Greenleaf?" Celeborn asked in a voice as gentle as a whisper.

Legolas put one hand on the mantle of the hearth and the other he laid on his chest. He stared down at the floor and said, "It tells me you speak the truth… As much as I hope to be the one to bring it, my desire is for her happiness from wherever it may come. I cannot be presumptuous. It pains me to say it, but Elienne may indeed see something in the Emissary that I cannot offer her."

At this, Haldir spoke up quickly. "She need not consider her decision any longer," he said, "I for one have given good thought and reason to the matter and plan to take myself out of the running in this little contest that I was thrown into. Therefore you need not worry that I will distract her from you any longer."

He felt quite proud of his statement, but neither Celeborn nor Legolas were as impressed as they ought to be.

"You would throw away the chance at courtship?" Legolas asked as he walked back. "Is it not the desire of all elves to find a bond mate? And though I wish it were not so, there is obviously a connection between you and Elienne that should at least be further explored…" Haldir rolled his eyes as the Prince spoke. "What you say makes no sense to me," Legolas insisted.

Celeborn was sitting with his fingertips pressed together, tapping the index coupling to his lips.

"M'Lord Celeborn understands," Haldir said.

"Yes…" Celeborn said in a slow thoughtful voice. "More than you realize."

Haldir smiled and shifted in his seat. "M'Lord?" he asked.

Celeborn turned to Legolas and said, "Please, sit."

Legolas took a seat on the hearth again and Celeborn leaned in to the two of them. "Do not make any decisions, save this…"

They both looked at him eagerly, awaiting his final word of advice.

"The two of you should become well acquainted, maybe even develop a friendship," he said. At first they were both suspicious of the suggestion and Legolas was about to protest outright when Celeborn said, "Imagine how it will confuse her!"

Haldir grinned and Legolas paused, thinking it over.

"Now go... Spend some time talking of the things that elves do and put she-elves out of your mind. Allow yourselves some time at the banquet and I am sure you will find you have more in common than the young Darkwood Princess. In the end, it would serve all elves well to know that these matters can be settled in a noble matter."

Haldir studied Legolas’ face as the Prince looked at him warily.

"I think it would be good for her not to have all the arrows in her quiver for a change," Haldir said. "If anything, perhaps it will make her take the entire situation more seriously."

"A good point, Emissary," Celeborn said, staring at Legolas with expectation.

Legolas smiled slightly and keeping his eyes on Haldir said, "I too can forgo our differences…. For Elienne's sake."

They clasped hands and it was decided they would tarry around before the evening meal. But as they left Celeborn with his own thoughts Haldir could not help thinking that the noble desire of this Prince could not be matched by the passing fantasies of a mere guardian. He truly hoped Elienne would see that as well.

Chapter 9: Unexpected Invitation

"I still cannot believe you tried to fool the Emissary!" Murial said as she floated into the castle breakfast room and sat down across from Arwen. Elienne continued to braid the long black tresses of the Evenstar and without even glancing at the beautiful minstrel she answered.

"I seemed to have fooled you in good measure." Elienne had tried to say it in a friendly voice, though she had to admit she was growing tired of the familiar way in which Murial had suddenly begun speaking with her. It was as if suddenly, as soon as she learned they shared an acquaintance with Haldir in common, it meant they were to be intimates as well.

To hide her feelings from Murial, she added lightly, "You wanted to have me turned out for pinching my own diadem, if I recall." Elienne was as happy as any elf would be to meet new souls, but even among those with whom she had lived for a century there was always some boundary between them which was to be crossed only on mutual consent. It had happened that way with Legolas quite quickly, and that was indeed a pleasure. But she felt put off by Murial and expected that it would take more time to warm to one another. Apparently this Lórien she-elf did not feel the same way.

"How very true!" she laughed. "You are as witty as you are clever." She laughed again, beautifully, but most unnaturally. It was a melodic laugh and Elienne guessed Murial had practiced it as much as her fine singing.

Murial sighed, leaning back in her chair and said, "Arwen, I do so miss your company in Caras Galadhon. It is such a pleasure to see you again." She then glanced over to where the Mirkwood Queen and Galadriel were quietly sitting together. "Thank you so much for bringing me M'Lady, this has been a true honor and joy," Murial said.

Galadriel glanced her way and said, "You have been a blessing to us all, Murial. Without your songs our hearts would not be as light… most certainly so for the company of Lórien on the road here and back from the Golden Wood."

Murial wore a dreamy look as she took in the compliment. Elienne had to admit to herself that much of her dislike of Murial had its roots in envy. If Elienne could sing as well as she could find humor in the pursuit of mischief perhaps her talents would be enjoyed and not simply endured.

Suddenly self-conscious, she felt the eyes of the Lothlórien Queen on her, and ceased her selfish thoughts. She focused back on Arwen's long braids again and was pleased at how nicely her work was coming along. Working the green ribbons around a bit, she made certain they would show.

"King Thranduil and I have been the recipients of a most heartfelt petition over the last evening and through the morning. One which has ceased very little to be the main topic of our son's conversations since the banquet last night," Legolas mother said suddenly.

Elienne looked back at Arwen's hair, feeling a quite odd sensation of excitement mixed with dread inside of her. She bit her bottom lip as she worked on the braid and listened to the Queen elaborate.

"And, though he may yet not know, he has been successful in his plea," she said. "His father and I would be delighted to have you return with us to Mirkwood."

Murial gasped and gave a clap of excitement. "What a surprise this is!" she exclaimed. "Legolas has found himself to favor our dear Darkwood Princess. How delightfully precious!"

Arwen reached back and touched Elienne's hand to stop her work. She turned and gave her a look of confusion.

"But I fear the Emissary will be sorely disappointed," Murial added. "He asked for my thoughts on our return from the picnic of how Elienne might fit in at Lórien. I have not said anything until now but I have been aching to mention it." As she went on, Elienne's regard for Murial grew more favorable. In her sing song voice, which seemed much more pleasant now she explained, "I thought for certain he was going to recommend you to Celeborn. He does not admit it much, but I can tell his spirits have lifted since he has found your company." She turned to Galadriel and asked, "Would you not agree, M'Lady? Has not Haldir been more his younger self since Rivendell?"

But Galadriel was staring at Arwen in interest and did not answer her court vocalist.

Arwen's brows were very furled as she questioned, "Elienne, I have been your advocate to my grandparents since you first asked me half a century gone by. I am dismayed… how is it so swiftly your heart has altered its destination?"

"Is that so unclear?" Legolas mother asked. "Legolas and Elienne have been virtually inseparable since we arrived and when not with her he is speaking of her. In the end it was only the river that could pull them from each other…"

Elienne gave the queen a bashful smile, looked down to her friend and said, "We spoke only about the possibility… he graciously offered when I thought the opportunity would not be made to visit the Golden Wood. His thoughts are always to bring me comfort and it is an amazing gift because he does so quite skillfully." She looked at Galadriel and said, "As Arwen has said, I have much desire to visit your lovely city, but I understand the need to limit such requests for accommodations. The wood could not be nearly as beautiful if it were overrun by all who desired to make it their home."

"Our doors are open to you," Galadriel said with kindness, but a touch of distance, "It is only a matter of deciding when is the most suitable time."

"There will be time enough in your life to visit all the Elven kingdoms on Middle-earth," the Mirkwood Queen said. "It is as Galadriel has spoken, merely a matter of where is the appropriate place for you to reside in each phase of life."

Elienne nodded and looked at Arwen who seemed to be reading her as fluently as her grandmother could.

"Tell me of Mirkwood then," Elienne said cheerfully, trying to get the focus off of herself. Arwen turned her head slowly, allowing Elienne to finish her work. As she listened to the description of its dank hollows and formidable vegetation, she could not help but be reminded of her own home to the East. The Mirkwood queen was not as skilled at story telling as some of the other Elven orators, and Elienne found her thoughts drifting to the following day when she would see her parents.

The council proceeding would take place in the afternoon just as soon as her parents arrived. She looked forward to time with them following the council. The thoughts of the reunion made her both nervous and excited and she tried to think of what they would say of the many things she had been learning.

"Elienne?" Arwen said, turning slightly. "You were asked a question."

"Yes?" she asked embarrassed that in her own thoughts, she had missed what was going on around her.

"I asked if Legolas had told you much of his skill with the bow?" the proud mother asked. "He did not go on the hunt, but I assure you, he would have made the catch double fold had he not other interests distracting him."

"He must be too humble to boast of himself," she said, instinctively attempting to keep his mothers approval.

The queen laughed lightly, and continued on, praising her son's accomplishments and character until Elienne was convinced there was no righteous act he could not do and better than any other elf on Middle-earth. In the end, when she had to excuse herself to attend to duties, his mother had actually accounted to her that there was more to her son that only living in Mirkwood would reveal with any adequacy. It was all more than a bit overwhelming and Elienne felt lightheaded trying to take it all in.

**************

There was no seating arrangement this evening and guests were encouraged to sit wherever an empty chair presented itself, or stand at one of the several taller tables along the walls.

Elienne arrived early to see to the floral arrangements and centerpieces at each setting. Despite her well-known prank a few years earlier with the stink-weed, she truly did know how to select the proper ornaments for a good bouquet.

Just as she was putting the final touches to the largest setting, Arwen appeared.

"Elienne," she said. "I sought to speak with you regarding Lórien… I am ashamed to say I did not recognize your friendship with Legolas was as close as it is. If you are not too put off by his mother, I could champion Mirkwood as a suitable third home for you." Then she added with concern. "She does dote with good measure… but it is not Legolas’ fault."

"His mother is not the one I am concerned about, but rather, I am looking forward to a strong confrontation of my new friend," Elienne said. "I am surprised that he was so serious about the matter of my going to live in Mirkwood. But even more so, I feel I must set him straight on his bashfulness! With the many interests and skills he had neglected to even touch upon in any of our lengthy conversations, I wonder if we spoke of nothing other than me. I feel quite shamed over it and have decided it is his fault."

Arwen gave a small giggle and said, "Such are the good manners of a noble elf. I am not surprised in the least."

"Do you know what strikes me as funniest of all?" Elienne asked. Arwen shook her head. Elienne stood, one hand holding the vase and the other firmly on her hip. Incredulously she recounted, "Legolas would not think to speak of himself in hardly any regard, and yet, Haldir, the Emissary, considerably his elder, could not stop listing his many titles to me or arguing his own confidences." She set the vase back on the table and said, "You should have heard all his protesting when he thought I considered him self-pitying."

"Haldir self-pitying?" Arwen asked with disbelieving amusement. "Sadly, only the most daft elf could consider him anything but the very epitome of conceitedness."

"That is a bit harsh," Elienne said with a light chuckle. "He is over-informed of his own charms, but never unbearably so."

"It is inconceivable to me that anyone would take him for insecure," Arwen said bending down slightly to smell the flowers. "In the years I lived in Lórien, I never knew him to once lose his confidence in regards to company. And if any ever did think ill of him, he never tires in trying to win them over... And to his credit most of the time he succeeds." She stood and added, "But not always."

"Such as with you?" Elienne asked.

"I will not speak ill of him more than I have," Arwen said. "But I think you know my regard… my reasons are my own."

Elienne said thoughtfully, "I am confident he is distressed that you do not care for him. He will settle for no less than all of Elven society being certain of his nobility." She raised her brows and concluded, "And therein lies his insecurity."

Arwen looked at her carefully and asked, "How is it we have strayed from speaking of Prince Legolas to such a lengthy discourse on Haldir?"

"You are right!" Elienne said, laughing at herself. "If I had any sense at all, I would put the Emissary out of my mind altogether. "

Arwen smiled and looked brightly at the door and said, "In come the famous brothers of Lórien!"

Elienne turned to see Rúmil and Orophin, carrying on their shoulders a harp of considerable size. They brought it through the large doors under the direction of Elrond and set it down next to the window just across the hall from the hearth.

"You were very good to leave the picnic early to assist in my surprise for this evening," Elrond said to the elves. Then looking at Arwen he said, "With our newly formed instrument, there will be much more dancing, just as you've requested."

Arwen ran to her father and gushed, "You have had it made… and after all your protesting that it was too lavish a request!" She embraced him tightly and then looked lovingly at the large golden gift. "Murial's lovely playing on her own instrument is one of my heart's greatest longing for Lorien. Elienne, you will be enchanted…"

Elienne gave her best smile, despite feeling a bit less than enthusiastic at the pedestal Murial seemed to be on in Arwen's eyes.

Arwen turned to the brothers and said, "Thank you for helping with this, it must have been very far indeed for my father to hide it from me."

Rúmil bowed to Arwen and said, "If it brings her ladyship delight, then we were more than glad to do the duty,"

"I shall save a dance for each of you," she said with a warm smile. The brothers smiled but when she added, "As will Elienne," they glanced at each other in silent communication.

"I may not be as graceful as Arwen," Elienne said in playfully scolding tone, "But you need not be so obvious in your apprehension. Your brother did not lose a foot to my awkward steps, and neither will you… unless I mean for it."

Orophin smiled and bowed to her, saying, "I would be honored for such a dance, as would my brother."

But Rúmil sand no words at all.

"I think more can be read in that troubled glance than a fear of sore toes," Elrond said with good humor.

Before Elienne could question him on it, Murial entered, followed by a string of elves from the council festivities, all mingling and merry.

Murial gasped at the sight of the harp and ran over to it, going on and on about how lovely it was. Elienne wanted to be displeased with her over-zealous response, but could not be critical of her for being so happy. So instead she stayed with her and Arwen and listened to all the different sounds that could be made from such an instrument.

The long encounter seemed to last until the entire room was full and the food was being brought around. And when Murial finally excused herself, explaining how she needed to warm up her voice, Arwen turned to Elienne, most pleased.

"You have shown great tolerance and I could not be more proud than I am right now," she said.

"You know me so well," Elienne whispered. "But I do admit she has rekindled in me a desire to learn the arts of music again… even if it does cause the gulls to fly west, I think I should try airing my voice out…."

Arwen was kind enough not to patronize her with a remark of false flattery, but instead, just laughed warmly. Elienne was about to ask her if she had seen Haldir or Legolas, when she noticed the very two elves for whom she had been anxiously waiting. They were standing at a table near the hearth and the sight of them talking sent a quick shot of excitement through her, replaced at once with insatiable curiosity.

"What strange event is this?" she asked, "I was to expect they would be fighting like Orcs." She then walked directly up to them as Arwen found interest elsewhere, straying into the mixed company as they parted.

Both Legolas and Haldir turned and greeted her with looks of delight and glee respectively.

"Good evening, fair Princess," Haldir said with grand pronunciation. "I see you've washed up clean since last we saw you. A good job of it as well."

She narrowed her eyes at his oafish compliment and said, "And I see you've tended to your facial wounds."

He nodded and glanced at Legolas as he took a sip of his drink. Elienne turned to the prince and was quite pleased when he stepped away from the table and bowed to give her a proper greeting.

"M'Lady," he said, his hand over his heart. "You truly possess the beauty befitting a Queen of stars. Will you please join us?"

The reference to the meaning of her name in Legolas' greeting was not only charming, but doubly satisfying since he had so finely outdone the Emissary. She raised her brows and looked at Haldir who rolled his eyes and looked across the room.

"I would be happy to join you," she said, taking a step up to the table. She put gentle weight her elbows and eyed the two of them as she said, "Though I would not want to interrupt if you were speaking of something you did not mean for me to hear."

"I told you she would assume we were speaking of her," Haldir said to Legolas. Then he looked at Elienne and said, "I think this little she-elf is convinced all of Middle-earth revolves around her comings and goings."

"And if it does not, then it should," Legolas said with exaggerated force.

Elienne smiled broadly at Legolas and he stopped one of the elves in service that evening and asked, "Do you have a honey wine for the Lady… I do believe it is her favorite."

Legolas looked at her for confirmation.

"Yes, it is," she said with an impressed nod. "It seems someone is doing research."

"It seems," Haldir said, taking another drink of his wine as he stared at Legolas.

After the wine was brought and Elienne had tasted it she said, "Do you two mean to tell me you were not speaking of me at all?"

"She persists!" Haldir laughed.

"When one does not give a straight answer," Elienne said, "It often means he is hiding something."

She stared into Haldir's eyes as he smirked at her for a few moments.

"The princess does not believe me, Legolas," he finally said, still looking at Elienne. "She seems to fancy you well enough, perhaps she will take your word for it."

"He does not fabricate," Legolas admitted sheepishly, "In the last moment we were speaking of the mundane. More talk of quivers and bows and the like than beautiful she-elves."

"Oh?" she asked, looking at Legolas. Then as lavishly as she could she said, "The sport of archery is hardly mundane."

Legolas gave her a very pleased smile.

Haldir spoke up quickly, "The Prince has explained to me in detail the sort of bow he would like to have fashioned one day, if a suitable Vardarianna tree can be found and if the skills of our craftsmen are up to the challenge."

"A Vardarianna tree?" she asked him with surprise. "They are far too full of knots. Surely you must be mistaken."

"No, that is the tree and you are right about its consistency!" Haldir said. "You have interest in foliage?"

"Some," she said with a smirk. She looked away from him and back to Legolas. "Why Vardarianna?"

The prince was about to answer when Haldir interrupted.

"It is actually good choice! The wood is soft, yet strong. A bow from such a grain, had it no knots, would provide double, maybe even triple the speed in release."

Elienne was fascinated, but a bit annoyed that Haldir had interrupted. Apparently Legolas was put off as well for he took his turn to change the direction of the conversation.

"Haldir has agreed to my choice of tree, but not without condemning me for faulting my aim on my Mirkwood bow rather than my thin arms and weak eyes."

Elienne folded her arms on the table and gave Legolas a smirk. She admired that he played along with the jest in full stride, and did not take up his own defense in the matter. But she could not let Haldir's words go unchallenged.

"Emissary," she said, still looking at her far too meek friend. "Did you ever hear of the Mirkwood championships?"

Legolas' lips parted slightly as though he was going to say something. But then he pressed them together and stopped himself, looking down in his glass.

"Rumors of them drift into our wood…" Haldir said casually. "The archery of the Wood-elves is legendary… we have thought to send our own archers in to give them some outside competition, " Haldir said. Then his tone had a small teasing bite to it as he added, "But we have not yet been invited."

"Legolas did not participate in the last several," Elienne said. As she looked at Haldir, she laid her hand on Legolas' wrist; it was cool and he had a slight tremble. "Do you know why that is?" she asked the Emissary.

Haldir took in an exasperated breath and said, "No, please, inform me."

"It would not have been fair! It is common knowledge among his company that their Prince's arrows do not miss his mark…" Then, as if it were the Queen of Mirkwood herself telling the tale again, Elienne emphasized, "…ever."

"I see," Haldir said, glancing at Legolas’ quivering fingers under Elienne's touch.

"I can tell you have been listening to my mother's exaggerations," Legolas said quickly. "And there is no need to correct the Emissary. He did not mean it as a serious insult." Legolas pulled his hand away from her and picked up his glass, holding it in both hands. "And besides, there have not been championships since the beginning of this age. My father has done away with such sport." He then looked at Haldir and said, "And as Lord Celeborn has said, competition is not a suitable pastime for elves."

Haldir did not respond to the Prince and the conversation spiraled into a swift turn of silence. Elienne felt perhaps she should speak, but instead took a drink of her wine. Her eyes flitted to one of them and then the other watching the subtle interplay between them as they exchanged glances. Just when she thought she would burst from the tension, Haldir stepped away from the table.

"It looks as though the main course is being served on the buffet," Haldir said finally. "You two stay here until it is comfortable to take a spot in line… as for me, I am not afraid to be the first."

He left before either of them could even bid him farewell. Elienne followed the Emissary with her eyes and felt a strange bit of disappointment when he was away and engaged with others. She disapproved of aspects of his behavior, but her hope was that it would improve, not that he would retreat from her company. Elienne was beginning to understand how the Rivendell Princess could cling to her opinions as she did, but she did not agree that Haldir was as bad as Arwen had described. There was something arrogant to his demeanor but it did not have the flavor of impatience for others as she detected in so many of her elders. He seemed to think himself better, but did not make it a reason to disapprove of others in company.

"In all honesty, we did speak of you some," Legolas said.

"Oh?" she asked, pleasantly startled from her thoughts. She turned back to Legolas, with slightly rising spirits. "What was said?" she asked with a smile.

"You ask so boldly," he said. "Do you not ever fear revealing your heart? You speak your mind as though there is no risk; as if it could cost you nothing."

"That is silly, Prince Legolas. Of course I know there is risk in being so bare with my soul. And there are many things I do not make plain," she said quickly.

"I have interest to understand you," he said, leaning towards her on the table, "Please, if you can bear to risk it with me, tell me something you fear to make plain."

With the look in his eye and the tone of his voice, Elienne felt the line of questioning was meant for her to tell him of emotions she did not have. Emotions she very much pretended to have while Haldir was present. And now Legolas was not able to ask her straight and so he played this game. She did not have the heart to continue to play such games. Already she had done too much, and even after Haldir had warned her. She looked over at the Emissary, who was laughing with his King and Elrond. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves with the food and company.

"Dear Legolas, must we speak of such things now? Rather than disclose our darkest secrets, can we not enjoy our time together speaking of the light and the merry?" she asked with a tremble of nervousness in her voice.

"Of course," he said with an intense look in his eyes. "We will have many years… maybe even centuries in which to learn more of one another in my Kingdom."

She studied his face and was struck with the impression that he was not looking at her, but beyond her, or at least beyond this moment. And he was seeing something that she did not.

Elienne tore away from his eyes and looked back down at her glass. She was about to explain how she had not decided yet about Mirkwood when he continued speaking.

"My father just gave me the news, and I understand you have also been informed… though I wonder at your not mentioning it. Were you being considerate of Haldir and the feelings you suppose he has for you? Because I think you should know he is quite settled with the idea," he chuckled as he added, "he even championed the thought of your pranks in Mirkwood rather than Lothlórien."

Elienne glanced up at the Emissary again, and though she felt faint with sadness, she turned back to the prince and gave him a smile and nodded.

"I… I suppose I was being considerate of the Emissary." She set her glass down and doing what seemed most proper, and would also allow her to hide her face from the gracious prince, she put her arm around his neck and gave him a warm embrace. "Thank you for the suggestions to your parents, it was most kind," she said.

His hand fell to the small of her back, and so when she attempted to draw away Elienne could not pull far enough or turn her face from him with enough haste so as to hide the tear that escaped her eye.

"What…" he said with concern. "What is this?"

"I shall miss Rivendell so… it is all coming to me at once," she said. Then, forcing a laugh she asked, "Is Mirkwood so ready for a she-elf of such emotional constitution?"

"Aye," he said, wiping the tear away gently with the back of his finger. "It yearns for your laughter to bring cheer to its darkness… Perhaps not long after you have been with us we shall rename it Mirthwood."

Elienne again brought forth a laugh, but did not feel it in her heart.

"And we have no raging rivers, so there is one less fear for you!" he said, trying very hard to cheer her up.

She wanted his words to work on her, as they had before. But inside her heart felt as though it had been crushed. "Excuse me," she said. "I have need compose myself anew…"

"Shall I come?" he asked.

"No!" she said raising her hand to his chest. "I shall return shortly, and when the music starts, you and I will have a dance to celebrate." She smiled and blinked back the tears.

He gave an uncertain nod, but let her go. Elienne walked down the back hall past the kitchen and the stoneware closets to where the linens were stored. She entered it, closed the doors and broke down into tears.

Chapter 10: The Heart's Song

"Are you saying that the beds in Rivendell do not meet the standards of the Lórien elves?" Elrond exclaimed, feigning offense. There were several around listening in and his remark drew attention to their table. Haldir suspected a good duel of words would be taking place for the small audience.

Rather than take back his casual comment that he had not slept well, Celeborn mocked the dark haired king's hospitality. "What I am saying is that I may have rested better in the garden rock bed than on the sack of potatoes you have posing as a mattress in the Lorien Guest House."

"Your lady seems well rested and cheerful this evening," Elrond said, raising his glass slightly in her direction. Galadriel looked their way and smiled with a nod at their games and then returned to speaking with Arwen.

Elrond continued, "So either she has taken to lying on the lounge away from your cold feet or I think it more probable that your back side is growing tender and spoiled."

There arose a bit of laughter from the crowd. Haldir could hear even from behind the minstrels that Murial had enjoyed the jest as well.

Celeborn shouted, "Now see here!" He shifted in position, preparing his next assault. "You can not blame my backside for the low feather count in your linen. Perhaps you should cease your everlasting obsession in that library of yours and see to the health of your ponds! If I counted correct there are no more than five swans living there in and twenty geese; not a very good ratio if you ask me."

There were a few chuckles at that, but Elrond was the master at this sort of exchange. His eyes narrowed as he said, "Rather, his Lordship should perhaps leave his cozy loft and that grand down bed in Calas Galadhon more often. Might I suggest a few nights out on the tree branches in your forest for a change? Looking out for Dwarf bandits and Orc raids with your March Warden here would toughen your hide quite well. Tell him you agree Emissary!"

Again there was laughter and Haldir did not dare make a comment on one side of the jest or the other lest he very quickly become the object of the ridicule. Instead, he lifted his glass and took an incredibly loud sip of his wine. "Mmm, good vintage, M'Lord" he said, acting oblivious.

Elrond and Celeborn both laughed at his diplomacy, as did some of the others as they returned to their own conversations. Beside them the minstrels had begun tuning for their performance and thus the one given by the elders was at an end.

During the elf King exchange, Haldir was casually watching Legolas and Elienne. She had glanced his direction a few times and looked none-too happy. Then she had embraced the Prince and exited out the back door of the main hall. He set his glass down on the table next to his plate, trying to read the prince's perplexed expression for any signs as to what had happened.

"You eat so little," Celeborn said gesturing to Haldir's plate.

"Your appetite is legendary," Elrond added, obviously still in a playful mood. "And surely the fresh fowl is suitable to your palette… even if you did not pierce it yourself."

Haldir looked at the portions left on the plate before him and had to admit there was very little he had touched. His Lord brushed a folded cloth over his lips and set it down on his own empty plate, studying Haldir with his gray eyes.

Leaning forward over the small table, Elrond said in a tone swelling with presumption, "Whatever could so distract your stomach from its rightful due?" With a considerable amount of conspicuousness, the Rivendell king turned to look over at Legolas. He then quickly turned back to Haldir raising his dark brows high over his knowing eyes. After a moment, he tilted his head as though indicating he awaited an answer.

Haldir touched his plate with two fingers as he stalled for a moment, unable to find an explanation he wanted to give that had any foundation of truth.

Celeborn then graciously gave him circumvention when he inquired, "I trust you are not carrying the weight of shame from this afternoon's near tragedy?"

Haldir lifted his brows and shook his head in thought. "No… no," he said. "The Mirkwood Princess is quite alive, and my mind is focused back on duty…" He folded his arms over his chest, looking across the room at Legolas. "What is important is that I have learned from the experience."

The two elf Kings glanced at one another and smiled. "But Emissary," Elrond said, "She is still the Princess of Darkwood, is she not?"

Haldir frowned and said curiously, "Yes, of course she is."

"You called her the Mirkwood Princess," Celeborn pointed out sympathetically.

"I did?" Haldir asked, stunned he could make such a title exchange. He sighed and said, "It must be my foresight vision affecting my speech."

"You now see clearer than me?" Elrond asked with a laugh. "Such a result is hidden in layers of possibilities."

Haldir blinked back his irritation and looked away from the facetious elves.

"Ah, I see now," Celeborn said following where Haldir's eyes had fallen on Legolas again. "You are reconsidering your decision regarding Elienne?" he asked. "Leaving her to Legolas is not sitting well with you, is it?"

Haldir glanced quickly at Elrond, a touch of nervousness flooding his heart. But the elf's dark eyes did not look displeased with the notion, but rather seemed to agree with his Lord's question.

"Not at all," Haldir said, "It is not good for Elienne to be drawn away from a proper suitor such as Legolas when he is so ready. However, I am concerned for the poor Prince that he knows not what he is doing."

"I am certain Legolas can handle the situation," Celeborn said, "Never you worry."

Haldir narrowed his eyes at his Lord, thinking Celeborn's face betrayed his true meaning, which was to tempt Haldir into more worry.

"So it is for Elienne's sake you have decided not to play at your full wit?" Elrond asked. Then looking at Celeborn he said, "And here I thought it was for his own. Despite all his protesting, he seems rather taken with my surrogate daughter. More interest in a she-elf I have not seen in his eyes for an age."

Celeborn shook his head and said sardonically, "Not Haldir! Hold your tongue Lord Elrond! The Emissary merely finds himself at odds with throwing a competition." Haldir glared at Celeborn as he went on loudly. "He cares not if he loses the affections of such a troublesome sprite. What irks him is that the skill of his prowess could fall in question. He cannot bear the thought of someone thinking him incapable of winning a challenge."

"I know exactly what you two are trying to do," Haldir growled, "and I will have no part of it. I have not mastered the reverse strategy for my own purposes just to have it used against me."

Elrond smiled at that and said, "Your emissary appears to be far too wise for your logic to be any good on him."

"Yes, he is far too 'wise' for his own good," Celeborn said sarcastically.

Haldir smirked slightly, bringing his glass to his lips and looked back to see Legolas was gone from the table. Quickly he set the glass down and with no care to hide his intentions, he scanned the room for the Prince. He found him speaking in earnest with Arwen and Galadriel. The younger she-elf looked very distressed over what she was being told, but her elder did not even appear to be listening. She had a far away look in her eyes as she did when she was reaching for a mind.

After Legolas’ plea was complete, Arwen left out the same door through which Elienne had exited moments ago. Then the timid Prince, seeing that Galadriel was not present to his attention, left the table and went back to his own, presumably to wait for Elienne.

Haldir strummed his fingers on the table as he considered the scene unraveling before him.

"He is planning something," Celeborn said to Elrond with a gesture towards Haldir.

Caring little that his frustration was being enjoyed so much by his elders, Haldir explained, "It is well known among elves that no matter what she says to the contrary, if a she-elf runs away from you in tears, she means for you to follow and make matters right."

Elrond nodded and said, "And if he does not learn it from his mother, sisters or wife, he will most certainly learn it from his daughters."

"I am quite convinced that Legolas has not yet had this teaching," Haldir said, "And despite my Lord's counsel that the Prince knows what he is doing, I have just decided to use my vast knowledge in this regard for the greater good and give him instruction on it."

"Emissary, wait!" Celeborn laughed, grabbing his arm as he was about to leave. With a smile Celeborn pointed across the hall. "The she-elves return."

Haldir looked and saw Arwen pulling Elienne by a firm grip on her hand towards Rúmil and Orophin. The minstrels had already began playing the introduction notes to the first dance and Murial was calling that all should gather and partner who had the heart to dance.

Elrond smiled and said, "It looks as though your brothers have won the first dance with the loveliest young she-elves in Rivendell."

Celeborn left them at once to snatch up his queen and before Haldir took his leave to speak with Legolas, the Mirkwood Queen already had him out to dance. So he crossed his arms, and leaned on the wall. It was not long before some relation came and led Elrond away, but thankfully Haldir had mastered the body language that warned all he was not approachable at the moment.

As the music began and the dancers floated around the floor, Haldir's eyes fell back on the silvery red hair of the Darkwood princess dancing with Rúmil. His brother was much more gracious to her than he had been the night before. And yet it looked as though she was far from enjoying herself and his brother looked ill-at-ease. Before the dance was over, Rúmil noticed Haldir staring at them and moved towards him.

"At the risk of offending the lady I must remove myself from this dance," Rúmil said. "Will you take my place?

Haldir looked at her gently and could see moisture was still lingering on her lashes. When he put out his hand to her, she placed hers in it. But as soon as Rúmil stepped away, she quickly drew hers back and looked down her nose at him. Haldir's heart seemed to skip a beat, thinking perhaps that he had done something to cause all of this. That is until her lips curled up at the corners.

Over the loud music she demanded, "I will dance with you only if you promise not to show me up again."

Relieved, he gave her a small bow and said, "On my word as the Emissary of the Galadhrim, M'Lady!"

Her face broke into a smile and she laughed. It was an odd sight to see her wet eyes sparkling with tears and laughter. Reaching out she took his hand and pulled him onto the floor.

Before they even took a few steps, the dance was over. Her face fell in disappointment and though the next piece being played was slower and bound to get him in trouble with her, he could not bear the look on her face.

"M'Lady," he said, pausing momentarily in an attempt to find the most gracious way to ask. But before he could compose his request, she interrupted.

"Please do not let me go so soon," she said. "I know I should now give Legolas the dance I promised him, but he will ask me all sorts of deep questions that I am not prepared to answer." Again her eyes contained tiny dewdrops in each corner. "Please lighten my mood by staying by my side a while longer," she asked.

She took his hands and placed one around her waist and held the other. She nodded, pleading for his acceptance. He wondered if she had any idea how impossible it would be for him to refuse her, and hoped not to make it too plain lest she begin using the advantage purposefully instead of in the complete sincerity of this moment.

"If it would serve you, of course, Princess," he said in a formal tone. She stiffened and gave him a dim smile.

As they positioned themselves and began to walk in the steps, her arms held him away tightly and he had the distinct impression she was injured to think he was doing this out of duty. It may have been exactly what he had wanted her to think, but having carried it off so successfully, he now found he could not live with the melancholy results. So to bring her back to the cheer he delighted in, he said in a teasing tone, "Indeed you have not been taught how to dance proper, Elienne. You stand much too far away for this particular score."

He pulled her closer, pressing her torso against his. She startled, giving out a small gasp; her brightened eyes just a short distance from his.

"I think I am unfamiliar with this version of the dance," she whispered. "Which means I may be quite clumsy with it."

"I have watched you with my brother," he said, slowly stepping to the side and bringing her with him. "You are light on your feet when someone isn't knocking you about as I did last evening… can you ever forgive me for being so rude?"

"We might be able to work out an agreement of penance," she said lightly. He then saw her glancing over his shoulder at Galadriel and Celeborn. Looking back into his eyes, she moved her hand up and dipped her fingers beneath his hair, laying them gently on the back of his neck. He looked out of the corner of his eye as if peering behind him and she quickly explained. "I am merely trying to emulate Lady Galadriel, for certainly she knows how to dance proper."

He turned them around and saw that Celeborn and Galadriel were dancing very close indeed and seemed to be having an extremely intimate moment. He deeply admired their bond and watching them often filled his own heart with longing.

"I believe their steps are to the tune of the 'heart's song'," he said dreamily. Glancing back at Elienne he saw softness and warmth reflected in her eyes. "So it is with many of the mated elves," he whispered.

"Have you a mind to marry some day, Emissary?" she asked. The question was perfectly timed, but he was caught off guard by it and not able to give an answer he liked.

"No, I have not had it in my mind… at least not for a long time," he said.

"Why not, do you think yourself too old?" she teased. "I have heard it said that the older the soul the more difficult to tear oneself away from duties and interests."

"It is true!" he said, spinning them around to face the other direction and continue their dance. "I agree. Elves should marry young, while their hearts are still free from burden… and they can keep up with any little elflings who chance to come along."

Elienne nodded in merry agreement, obviously sharing the memory of the elfling trouble earlier in the day. She then looked to be done speaking and drew closer so that they had to slow their steps even more. He was very aware of the others around them and did not enjoy the thought of being watched, especially by the pair of kings who would no doubt feel self-satisfied at this vision. But moments of tenderness such as this were extremely rare in the life of a March Warden. So rather than allow himself the distraction of the regard of the company in the room, Haldir closed his eyes and thought of only the she-elf with whom he danced. He could tassel with the comments and suspicions later, if and when they should come.

He felt Elienne turn her head ever so slightly and a whisper fell from her lips to his ear. "Why did you not marry when you were young?"

Keeping his eyes closed he smiled and whispered back, "A combination of not having the wisdom to chose properly and being drawn towards a duty of service."

He felt her fingers lightly brush the nape of his neck and as they began to move slightly filling him with long forgotten sensations, Haldir drew in a breath, smelling her sweet scent. He let go of her hand and slipped both of his around her waist, lying them close together behind her back. She gracefully took his lead and put her other arm over his shoulder.

"Does knowing who to choose become easier with age?" she asked.

"It should," he said. "One would think after meeting so many souls, the choice would be simple."

Haldir knew this song well and could hear that it would be over soon, as would this blessed closeness and her sweet prying questions. So when Elienne brushed her cheek closer to his, he welcomed it and moved a hand up her back until he reached the dip of the back of her dress. He heard her breathe in his ear as he touched her soft skin.

"I thought age would bring me wisdom in the area of courtship," he said. "But I am finding that the heart has a mind of its own that does not seem to wizen with age."

"How so, M'Lord?" she asked with a notable flirtation in her tone.

"When we are young we rush into mating too quickly because we are eager for intimacy," he said. "But when we are older, we become used to not having it and convince ourselves we can live without."

The soft music of the ballad ended but it was a good few moments into the next faster tempo song before they pulled apart from one another. He gazed at her, wondering what she would say.

Looking him directly in the eyes she said coyly, "Perhaps a day will come when a young sprite can convince you otherwise."

Haldir gave her a half smile, amazed because it was the exact thing he was thinking. He wondered if she could tell how close he was to being convinced.

"I should probably give Legolas the dance I promised him," Elienne said, without looking away from Haldir.

"Your Prince must have something else he could to do, certainly his mother could use more attention," he said with a small smile.

At that, Elienne too smiled and looked around as if she was hoping to find Legolas was busy. She searched slowly at first, and then with a bit of concern. "I do not see him," she said.

Haldir quickly surmised the room and deciding immediately that the Prince was no longer in it made a small leap of reasoning as to why. Elienne simultaneously came to the same conclusion.

"He saw us," she gasped, turning back to Haldir. "Oh, how could I be so cruel to dear Legolas? I must find him, Emissary, you do understand?"

"Aye," he said as gallantly as he could. "Of course…"

She started away and then shuffled back to him and said, "I would like to continue this conversation at a later time." Even in her worry for Legolas, she seemed to soften further and embraced him, whispering, "Thank you for the dance, and for your kindness."

As he watched her go to care for the prince's tender sentimentalities, the seed of his admiration for her seemed to blossom into full. Choosing to perform the noble duty of reparation to the elf she wounded over staying in the presence of her own fancy was clearly the blessed mark of a worthy she-elf. Yet even as he realized the young sprite did indeed desire the company of an elder march warden over the Mirkwood Prince, the familiar dark emotion of jealousy pricked open an aged scar.

***************

Elienne ran outside and down the path away from the banquet hall. She looked through the trees lit with lanterns to see if Legolas was among the elves that walked there. He was not. Her heart broke at what he must be feeling and thinking after seeing her dancing with Haldir.

"Legolas," she called out lightly into the courtyard. She listened for a reply, but heard none.

Her first thoughts were to find his suite and seek him there, but then she had another idea of where he might be and left for the side garden where he had found her the night before.

"Legolas," she spoke again, this time in a softer tone. She came around the tree, but he wasn't there. She frowned and turned, startled to see him standing behind her.

"Are you looking for me?" he asked. She nodded, taking a step towards him.

He walked to the tree behind her and sat down with his arms resting on his knees, much like she had been the night before.

She bent down next to him and he looked up at her. The moonlight glistened on his face and his eyes were sparkling. Elienne did not know what to say and just stared at him in awe. She-elves were known for their tendencies towards emotions, but Elienne had seen the tears of only one other elf before, and the memory of it still brought her agony. She put her hand on his arm and pressed her face into the back of her fingers. A small cry escaped from her throat as she realized she had caused this pain in him.

"M’Lady," he said breathlessly. "You have been troubled of late… and I believe I finally know why."

Elienne did not look at him. She wept quietly against his knee, listening and waiting. After a long while, he cleared his throat and gathered his strength to speak. She wondered if it was as difficult for him to find the right words as it was for her to wait while he struggled.

"I do not want you to come to Mirkwood under duress," he said. "I do not want it so badly that I am not blind to your… lack of enthusiasm."

"My sweet Prince," she said mournfully, raising her head to look at him.

His brow was creased, but there was some hidden strength to his expression as well. And for the first time since they had met, he looked not shy, but heavily guarded. Elienne took his nearest hand in both of hers and held it fast.

"Legolas, should I be able, I would do whatever it is that would please you and take this pain I have caused from you," she cried.

He tilted his head slightly and looked past her almost as if she were but a statue or a portrait of herself. He seemed to be staring at her differently, as if there was something about her that was suddenly unfamiliar.

"I saw you with Haldir," he said in a distant voice. "The way you looked at him, and he you… I do not see that in your face when you look at me… " Then his focus returned and he shifted it from one of her eyes to the other and back. "You do not desire me," he said. He gently stroked her head with his hand, smiled sweetly and said, "Not as I thought you might anyway…"

"I am so sorry," she said, she pressed her lips to the hand she held, kissing his fingers.

"Strangely," he whispered, "I have realized it is not a total loss to me as I thought it might be."

Confused, Elienne asked, "Then you are not grieved as you appear?" She searched his face as she felt her own eyes watering again.

"Understand, I am impressed by your beauty," he said. "And your company has brought me much joy. But I can be quite satisfied in our friendship as it stands. If you desire to come to Mirkwood I will welcome you. If your heart is called elsewhere, I will wish you well. And I mean this with all sincerity."

Elienne was suddenly feeling a sense of relief. But it was dimmed by the thought of the King and Queen of Mirkwood. She looked at him in concern and asked, "What about your mother? She has not just started to tolerate the idea that another she-elf could win your heart, I believe her expectations to be fantastic! I suspect she will be very displeased with us if we disappoint her…"

Legolas got a very serious tone in his voice as he interrupted, "Whatever may be said about me in regards to my mother, I assure you, she has only the most superficial influence over me." Then with even more force in his voice he explained, "There is nothing she can say that would keep me from doing what it is I deem needs to be done. I am her son, not her servant… is that clear?"

Elienne sat back on her heels, feeling humbled; Legolas had never spoken so strongly to her before. She dropped her hands in her lap and said, "Of course it is clear. I only meant to say that if I do not come now, she may decide I am never welcome."

"You will always be welcome in Mirkwood," he said, leaning towards her. "As Prince, I can assure you of that without question."

She blinked and looked up at him, wondering what was wrong with her that she had not fallen for this Greenleaf. There was sadness about it, but something had been lifted between them and it did feel as though their friendship was stronger for it.

"I had not realized how much this misunderstanding between us was a weight on my heart," she said. He stood and gave her his hand, helping to lift her to her feet. "I feel as though I have my friend back."

"I feel the same," he said as they walked together to the path. When they reached it, he offered her his arm. She took it as they walked towards the palace. "I valued your openness to me when we first met," he said, "I would like it if we could always keep our hearts and minds open to one another, as ever difficult it may be."

They reached the palace and she slipped her hand down his arm to hold his hand and said, "That is a challenge I think I am able to meet."

He laughed lightly and whispered, "Then let me test you… will you answer me a question?" She nodded with a small smile. "How feels your heart towards the Emissary of Lórien?" he asked, his eyes flashing.

"You ask me this!" she said with a laugh. "How quickly you seek to take advantage of our new pact!"

"I have good reason to ask, M'Lady," he said. "But I think I already know the answer. I only want to see if you do."

Elienne sighed and said, "I have tried to stop myself from desiring him as much as I have thought I should desire you… And I believe myself to have failed in both regards."

"If you desire his affections and courtship," Legolas said hoarsely. "Whatever you do, do not let it go unsaid before he leaves Rivendell."

Elienne nodded thoughtfully as he turned to go. Then he paused and turning around he said, "Elienne… may I kiss you, not as a suitor, but as a brother? To confirm to you my intentions that our friendship remain close?"

She nodded and gave him a small smile. He stepped forward, giving her a light peck on the cheek. "It is good that we are clear on such things," he said with a laugh as he stepped back.

"Yes," she said, almost moved to tears again at his kindness.

"Good night M'Lady," he said, bowing.

Elienne watched him walk slowly away towards his suite and then turned and climbed the stairs to the palace. Tomorrow her parents would arrive, and then there would be the council. The Mirkwood elves would leave as soon as the council concluded and the Lórien elves were staying until the next day at the same time. Soon all would be here and then gone. As open as her heart was in most regards, Elienne did not cherish speaking plainly when she knew not how her words would be taken or received. But as she dressed for her night's rest, she evaluated Legolas' advice as sound and began to make plans for her pronouncement to the Emissary.

Chapter 11: Breakfast

Haldir awoke to the sound of a horse trotting around outside below his window. He remained still, with his eyes closed and listened until it stopped.

He was not sure if his brothers in the next room had heard the rather loud hooves on stone, but if they did, they were not concerned enough to move into his room and have a look.

"Psst!" a rather feminine voice called out.

A small smile formed on his lips.

"I know you heard me," Elienne said in a soft whisper.

Haldir broke into a grin and sat up, listening. He enjoyed making her wait.

"Come to the window before I have the attention of all the Company of Lórien," she said.

Whatever her game, she had a good point about the others. The ribbing he had received after their dance last night had been mercifully limited to raised brows and smug whispers. But it was early yet and if he allowed her noise to disturb everyone's rest he would no doubt become the subject of kingly criticism as well as banter.

He rose and came to the window, peering down with a suspicious look on his face. And there she was, the princess of Darkwood, sitting astride none other than his long time companion, Sullendry. She looked breathtakingly alluring in a flowing peach gown cut much like the lavender one she had worn the day before, only this fashion was decidedly less modest, especially from his vantage above her. Silk flowers and ribbons were plaited into her wavy, pale red hair and there was a large bundle resting in her lap.

"You certainly are mighty fussed up for the break of dawn," he said, leaning against the frame of the window. "Have you come to kidnap me?"

Her flirtatious smirk broke into a wide grin. "If you refuse to come down on your own, I may have no choice!" she said. Sullendry took a few steps and as she turned the horse back to face Haldir, her hair swirled around, the curls lightly bouncing on her shoulder. She tapped the bundle before her and said, "I have breakfast… Mallow Cakes among other delicacies."

Speaking softly to himself Haldir mumbled, "Someone has been doing her research." He then pointed to the bundle as he called quietly down to her, "Is that a bribe?"

"Emissary," she said in a teaching voice, "When going into negotiations, it is wise to bring a back up incentive in case the first temptation should fail."

"Oh? And what was the first temptation?" he asked leaning on the windows edge and giving her a naughty look over. He watched as a bit of color came to her face and half-bare bosom.

"Stop teasing me and come down," she laughed, "That is if you dare."

Behind him Haldir heard someone had entered his room and was standing at the door.

"Please tell me you are not going," Rúmil stated solemnly.

He glanced back at him and the sour frown on his brother's face slightly cooled the excitement that had been building inside of him. He looked back down at Elienne and saw she was leaning forward and whispering to Sullendry.

"How did you get that horse to agree to this?" he asked.

She gazed up and said, "It was his idea!"

Haldir laughed and turned away from the window. "I think that I am," he admitted dreamily. But his smile dimmed when he read the aversion on his brother's face.

"You know what I think about that?" Rúmil grumped.

"Yes, I think that I do," Haldir said with growing annoyance. He climbed into his tunic and boots and offered with a touch of sarcasm, "But strangely, I do not seem to care much, do I?"

Orophin entered wearing his own shade of gloom and Haldir sighed, looking at them. "I refuse to let the two of you spoil this for me," he said. He grabbed his belt and took a quick look in the mirror as he fastened it. "You are jealous and that is all there is to it… have yourselves a good stiff and proper morning with the company of the council… As for your eldest brother, he has other opportunities."

"The council will not wait for you," Orophin said in a presumptuous tone, "Do not allow her to make you late. It will reflect poorly on us all!"

"It is early morning, we have half a day," Haldir said heading for the door. Then he thought better and with a smirk went back to make a more dramatic exit out the window. "Why ever would I be late?" he asked, looking at his brothers. Their faces betrayed their grave concerns quite clearly. "No," he said. "I know what I'm doing… this is harmless flirtation and shame on the both of you for thinking otherwise!"

But as he dropped on to the stone road and approached the young she-elf he said to himself, "What on Middle-earth am I getting myself into?"

"A little mischief," she answered as he swung up on the horse behind her. Then, barely before he was settled, she clicked and said, "Go Sullendry!"

The horse took off at such speed that his hooves skidded slightly and Haldir had to grab hold of Elienne's waist in a fast reaction.

Once they were out the gate and Sullendry was galloping up the path, he asked, "Why are we in such a hurry?"

"No hurry!" she said over her shoulder, "I just like to ride fast! Is that something you elder elves do not do for pleasure?"

"There is a difference between a good fast run and taking off as if startled into a panic," he said. Then he called out loud enough for Sullendry to hear. "If I was any less ready you two would have left me sitting on the road beneath my window!" As the horse slowed to a good stride Haldir realized how close he was holding on to Elienne and relaxed a bit at the slower gate; yet he kept his hands on her hips as they rode. After a small while he added, "And I am not that old."

Elienne leaned back against him and looked up into his face. "I am sorry, Emissary," she said. "I did not mean to be insensitive. Of course you are not old… An old elf would never make time for a romantic breakfast with a young she-elf."

He looked down at her lying on his chest and gazing up at him with bright eyes that searched his face for a confirmation. She was fair and beautiful as any she-elf, but it was her zeal and boldness that he found so completely titillating. So much so that he decided to not give her affirmation. He could not resist teasing her into more discord to see how she would behave.

He pretended to be completely disinterested and asked, "I trust you found your prince last night?"

"Yes," she said, sitting back up. "And all is clear between us. He was understandably upset, but he was also most gracious and forgiving. Legolas is truly an amazing elf, I am glad to call him a friend…" Then she added, clearly for his benefit, "But that is all he is and that is all he shall remain… a good, close friend."

"I am glad it has worked out so well for the two of you," he said, trying not to laugh at her obviousness. But in his mind he was indeed contented her conversation with Legolas had ended as she described. Much of the night he had wondered what mysteries the morning would bring to light.

"Sullendry," she said, "We will walk now… Thank you for bringing us this far."

Sullendry stopped and Haldir looked around them. It seemed they were in the middle of nowhere in particular. It was a different path than yesterday, but the terrain was similar with a tall hill to one side and a steep incline to the other.

"Is there a problem?" she asked him.

"No," he said, hopping off the horse. "Far be it for the kidnapped to question where he is being taken."

She handed him her light parcel and as he held it in one hand, he gave her his other and she quite easily slid off the horse.

"Usually a lady would ride side saddle in a gown," he commented to her with a wry smile.

She took the package from him and said impetuously, "If you are going to continue to correct me, I shall have our breakfast with Sullendry and you may walk back!"

"You do not like my wit?" he said with feigned injury. "And here I thought you found it charming. How could I have gotten so confused on that matter?"

Elienne narrowed her eyes with a smile and said, "Come, the path we are taking is this way."

************

As she climbed the steep path to the grove she had chosen for them, Haldir followed a bit further away than Elienne would have liked. Once at the top, she turned back and waited for him to catch up. When he arrived, he nodded.

"Lead on," he said.

"Why are you so slow?" she asked.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" he replied.

Elienne felt herself get a bit uneasy over his continual banter and wondered if he was beginning to regret having come along. But when she glanced at him sideways to discern his mood she sensed some bit of amusement. Immediately she stopped walking and turned to him.

"I have just come to the conclusion," she said, putting her hand on her hip, "that you are being difficult on purpose." She tucked the bundle under her other arm and stared at him.

"Very perceptive of you," he said.

Elienne suppressed a smile as she unfolded the bundle and handed him one of the leaf folds in it. "We are here," she said

"Here?" he exclaimed looking around. "This rounded grove of trees blocks everything from view. We can not even see or hear the river from here!"

"It is private," she said spreading the quilted blanket out on the downy grass. There were miniature flowers growing in strange patterns around the trees and as dark as it was, it was also quite beautiful. "It is quiet, secluded and though my best attempts to garden it so that it reminds me of Darkwood fall quite short of the mark, it is still more like my home than any other spot in this land."

She sat on the quilt and he looked down at her strangely, as though he was suddenly remembering something he had to do. "Now that I have seen your work here, I admit to my need to visit your home land."

"Oh M'Lord, this is truly a pathetic attempt, but I do not blame myself, the gardens in our land were not planted by elves, but rather found their home long before we arrived. We only maintain them."

"Really?" he asked, still standing. "Who is responsible then?"

"Theories abound from a Blue Wizard to entwives, but we know not," she said. "Now please, sit!"

Haldir looked around and then peered through the trees and asked, "Is there not a spot where we can at least have the warm sun to chaperone us?"

"Who is the kidnapper here, M'Lord?" she asked, exasperated. She pointed to the blanket and instructed, "Now sit. I for one want at those Mallow Cakes!"

Slowly the Emissary bent to one knee and set the leaf bundle down. He looked at her and then carefully sat down all the way on a distant corner of the blanket. "I suppose you feel safe here, away from the river," he said.

"We are not that far from it," she said, opening a leaf wrap. "It is just past the grove several paces. But these trees are so porous that they muffle the sound."

He looked to be listening for a moment and then nodded. "Yes, I can hear it now," he confirmed.

She handed him a cake and he seemed to relax a bit as he studied it. Looking up at her he asked, "How did you ever find out about my weakness for Mallow Cakes?"

Elienne enjoyed the moment of mystery and tried to look innocent. "Some secrets I can not give away," she said before she took a bite of the sweet bread.

"It was thoughtful," he said taking a bite. He closed his eyes and nodded with an expression that made plain his enjoyment. With his mouth still chewing he mumbled, "Good too… "

She laughed lightly at his further abandonment of proper manners. It was clear to her that he was being natural and not putting on airs for her account, and she relished witnessing that reality of him. As much as she would have liked to continue with mere games and flirtation, she did have much to ask him about his position in Lorien. He seemed more than happy to comply and before long they began some good conversation about the possible topics of the council that afternoon. There were many things going on among the other free peoples of Middle-earth that Haldir was privy to and he was not at all opposed to sharing.

"You have encountered so many cultures and people, Haldir, how do you manage to keep straight in your mind whom to engage and whom to avoid?" she asked.

"Experience," he said, leaning back on his elbows. "And necessity. I cannot risk the safety of my charge and trust is difficult to come by in these days, so I divvy mine out sparingly. For the most part I avoid contact with anyone, unless there is some use to us in the relationship or if their location is close enough to our wood that it would be irritating if they grew hostile."

"Irritating?" Elienne asked. She had been up early with all her preparations and now with the cakes in her she was growing lazy. Comfortably she stretched out on her side and laid her head down on her extended arm, looking up at him. "But mortals are all brutish, weak and arrogant. That would qualify as irritating and hostile in my annals."

"I hear the voice of Elrond in that estimation," Haldir said. He picked up the last of his mallow cakes and stared at it as if he was pondering if he should eat it or not.

"Yes, I suppose that opinion is more his than mine," Elienne said. "We have talked at long length over the tribute to Isildur that stands in our halls. It is a constant reminder to his disappointment." She looked at the cake in his hand and continued, "But Arwen would instruct me otherwise. She believes in mankind and has decided men can have the strongest of hearts and such noble spirits as to rival elves. Once she claimed that when the cause was just, men would boldly go where even Istari fear to tread."

"That is quite a claim!" Haldir said. "I dare not contradict your dear friend, lest I validate her prejudice against me… but between you and me, the truth of it lies somewhere between the extreme opinions of father and daughter… and not one opinion applies to all." He set the mallow cake back down and said, "For instance, there are a few settled areas within a days ride to our wood. So small that none are much concern to us. As is my duty, I have made it a point to watch for changes from time to time, to ensure they remain peaceful. Those that live in the wild we must watch keenly, for they are indeed brutish and rather lawless even among their own boarders. But the others, under the rule of the Rohirrim, have far more potential. Though they are simple they are great horsemen, and I am convinced that under the right set of circumstances they would be quite friendly to elves. I have actually considered recently the possibility of making direct contact again…"

Haldir was so distracted by the tale he was telling, that when he went to pick up his cake again, Elienne was able to quickly turn from her side to her stomach and steal it before he reacted. She picked it up and laughed as she lay down stretched out towards him. With a good sense of accomplishment she propped herself up on her elbows, set her prize down in front of her and kicked her bare feet up in the air. She could not tell the exact expression on his face as he stared down at the cake lying on the blanket before her, but she gathered he was astonished at her swiftness. When he did not blink for a several moments, she began to feel awkward.

"Do you like them?" she asked suddenly.

"What?" he asked breathlessly. He looked up at her and his rosy cheeks darkened considerably.

"The Rohirrim?" she asked.

"Oh," he said, a bit relieved. She laughed slightly at his strange reactions and sensed him pulling his openness away from her. He swallowed and shifted his eyes away from her into the dark trees. "I hardly see how that could matter."

"I can not imagine that in all of your studying of their ways that you never bother to have personal opinions on the mortals," she said. "Maybe even feelings for or about them?" She delicately tapped the cake with her finger and continued, "You may not let your personal opinions come into play when it comes to duty and decision, but it does not mean that you do not have them… And I care to know about them."

Haldir shifted to sitting on his side, leaning on his own elbow. He did not answer for a few moments but lay there squeezing the blanket between his fingers and thumb, looking at it in thought. "I like them well enough," he said. He looked up at her directly and then his eyes drifted slightly lower and lingered momentarily before he quickly looked away again. Elienne glanced down at her almost full exposure and took in a surprised breath, realizing the immodesty of the position in which she was laying. As she sat back up he continued to explain without reaction to her.

"Because mortals age and die so quickly, it is difficult to develop any sort of long-term relation. When I have in the past, they are friendly. But I am loath to trust in something so shallow as friendliness. Relationships and alliances are built on a good knowledge of character, not hospitality. And that can only be learned through the trials of hardships."

"That makes sense," she said. "And I trust you are a good judge of character?"

"The best," he said, raising his brows and looking at her.

"How do you judge me?" she asked, picking up the mallow cake. He looked at it and then back up at her face.

"I think I judge you quite cruel for stealing the last of my breakfast," he said.

Elienne smiled and stared at him playfully. Then, she leaned over towards him and with an outstretched arm she held the cake up before his mouth. As he went to take a bite, she thought to pull it away, but decided against such a teasing game. Instead she allowed him to eat the small cake right from her hand and when he was done, she used her thumb to brush away a crumb from his lip. He smiled at her as he chewed and swallowed.

"Perhaps I was a bit hasty in my summation," he said.

Elienne's heart fluttered as she wondered if she should speak with him now regarding the growing affection in her heart. But just as she was about to, the large elf lying before her cleared his throat and sat up, moving away.

Ignoring the moment that had just passed between them, Haldir sighed ruefully and said, "This grove is lovely, M'Lady, but I should like to see the sun and the famous river again. If your heart is good and kind, I bid my captor to prove it by taking me there."

Pausing before she answered, Elienne sadly decided confession to someone so guarded was not going to be as simple as Legolas had made it sound. But she enjoyed the teasing well enough and intended to be content with such play if it was all Haldir could tolerate.

"After all I went through yesterday, you would think to test me on this?" she asked. "You are a very shrewd Emissary, no doubt!"

"If you should fall in," he said, standing, "I will rescue you. I promise you, I will not let down my guard again." He stretched out his hand to her, "Come, give me an opportunity to prove myself to you."

Elienne was not anxious to go and simply looked up at him as she stalled. "You are disappointed that you were not able to be my savior!" she said in mock praise, "That is very sweet, Haldir."

He put his hands on his hips and his tone suddenly turned serious. "In all honesty, that was the furthest thing from my mind," he said. "Your safety was paramount, it did not matter who did the saving."

"I did not mean for my comment to sound so silly," she said, merrily explaining herself. "It is just that I have tumbled down that troublesome river so many times, I have forgotten the gravity of it."

"You could have been killed," he said with a confused laugh. "Is that not why you fear the river?"

"Oh, no," she said, lying on her back, looking up at his tall figure. "I do not fear death, I do nt even mind being wet. It is tumbling about out of control that brings me terror!"

"So it is being out of control that you dislike?" he asked, shifting his eyes over her. "Imagine that."

"I hate it!" she gasped. She lifted her hand and pointed her finger at him and said, "That is why you infuriated me so when I found you were scamming me instead of the other way around."

"If you could be in control, would you fear the river?" he asked.

"If I did not fear the river, I would be in control!" she exclaimed.

He smiled broadly and said with a touch of excitement, "Let me help you, Elienne."

"Help me?" she asked. "How?"

"Come!" he said squatting down and taking her hand from where it lay on her stomach. "Let us go see that fearsome river…"

"Have yourself a merry time," she said. She pulled her hand away and placed it above her head. "I shall rest here until you have seen enough of it."

"Do you doubt me?" he asked.

"I am not one of your wardens, Haldir," she said impishly.

"No, if you were one of my wardens I would pick you up and toss you into the water kicking and screaming…" he said with a smirk. "But I am asking like a noble elf for your permission and cooperation."

Elienne stared up at his gray blue eyes and noted how powerful he was and yet so gentle with her.

"Trust is the foundation of all solid friendships, sweet princess," he said tenderly. Then he stretched his hand out again towards her, gesturing a beckon with his fingers. She could not resist his urging or the implications she imagined he was making about the friendship they may be founding. Reluctantly she put her hand in his, letting him help her rise to her feet.

"If cannot be in control, I suppose to trust you would not be so bad a thing," she said.

Chapter 12: Temptation

The low hum of the river quickly grew louder in his ears as they left the thick trees. The grove broke into an open space of tall grass and flowers and the mountains could be seen jutting up all around them. Just ahead of them a line of trees followed along the sparkling bank.

As they walked through the tiny grove he smiled at the tight trusting grip Elienne held on his arm. The more time he spent in her company, the more Haldir believed this princess would meet his high expectations of character. He was both delighted and relieved when she accepted the challenge. It was always a good sign to him when someone chose to face a fear rather than stick to emotional persuasions.

Another thing he enjoyed was her boldness to speak her mind, and yet she also had a good sense of discretion; two traits he highly valued and rarely found coupled. Having thought on these things, he wondered if he might be ready to hear all he presumed her young heart wanted to confess to him. This early morning excursion was turning out to be quite a refreshing revelation of the lovely sprite; in more ways than one he mused.

"Why are you smiling so," she asked looking up at him from under her curling locks.

"We are almost there," he answered.

"Are you enjoying my trepidation?" she asked.

"I am. But I am also amused that you were right, the river is closer than I presumed and I am never wrong about such things," he said.

"Yes, I imagine it must be rather tedious to be right all the time," she laughed.

"Indeed," he said looking upon her.

"Is that an invitation to point out your errors to you?" she asked. "To change your mind about certain convictions regarding age and companionship…" Her voice trailed off leaving a heavy weight of implication in the air.

"Perhaps," he whispered with a smile. For several moments he held her gaze while they walked until she looked down and her hair covered her face once more. Haldir took in a deep breath as they began to pass through the trees leading to the bank. He thought for sure she would make her confession, but apparently she was waiting for a more opportune moment. They stopped and he took a good look at the broad low running stream. He estimated it was just above his boot height on the edges and only slightly deeper in the center; and the current was not swift.

"Yes, this will do quite well for what I have planned," he said.

As the grass turned to rocks below their steps, her pace hesitated. He pulled on her hand a bit to continue to the shore, but she would not budge.

"I am close enough," she said, eyeing the water.

He let go and stood with his hands on his hips, staring at her. "I know that you trust me," he said. "Now you need to trust yourself."

"I do," she said playfully. "And I am not even frightened of the water here. I am just not likely to dampen my dress."

"Silk such as that, dries quickly and well," Haldir said, sitting down on a large stone on the shore. He began to remove his boots saying, "But we would not want to ruin your fine work on my foot gear."

"I am not going in!" she said with a laugh, backing up a little and leaning against a tree. She was putting up a fuss, but he could see in her eyes that she wanted him to persuade her; always games it was with this one.

"You know I never did ask you how a princess of your age and experience would find the skill to restore leather but not learn to swim," he said as he set a boot down. "Did you have a tanner do the work for you?"

"Not at all!" she said. "I did it, though I admit assistance from Lord Elrond's talents and Legolas’ experience."

"They were in on it?" he asked. Then he nodded in understanding. "Lord Elrond, the King of Rivendell and Legolas, the Prince of Mirkwood saw to it to have the boots of a March Warden mended … that is one bit of knowledge for the readers of annals to comprehend."

He glanced at Elienne, who had her hands behind her back and was swaying slightly as she watched him remove his other boot. He stood up tall before her and said, "It is time."

Her eyes grew large and he thought for a moment that she was about to spook and run. But she merely braced herself against the tree. He tilted his head and gave her an exaggerated sad look and she relaxed with a laugh and took a shy step out of her shoes. She placed her hand in his and nodded.

"I will wade out first and show you," he said.

"No!" she said, squeezing his fingers. "We go together."

He nodded reassuringly and took both her hands as he walked backwards into the water. She kept her eyes on the water at first, taking bold enough steps. Then she slipped and her grip on his hand dug into his fingers as she froze.

"Look at me," he said. "Keep your eyes on mine, Elienne."

She looked up at him sheepishly and said, "I feel like a manchild, Lord Haldir. Who among our people fears such a natural spring as this? It is foolishness."

"There is a reason for your fear," he said. "You have fallen before and you need to simply realize that is not always what will happen. And there are steps you can take to make sure you will not be hurt or lose yourself if you do fall."

"Such as entering with a strong elf to support me," she commented.

He backed up and pulled her with him so she had to take another step. They moved out further into the stream where it was almost to his waist.

"Lift your feet," he said. "I will hold you. Elf constitution is light enough to lie atop the water as though we were merely leaves floating."

She looked at him annoyed and said, "I know this and was attempting the trick the first two times I floated away from Arwen. We do not have deep rivers in Darkwood and I was surprised when I went under and could not touch… that was the beginning of my fear."

"You can touch here, though," he said. He turned her around to lie on her back as he held her hands out. She slowly lifted her feet off the bed of the river so that they stretched away from him and as he held her, she stiffened and began shaking as though she was a mortal freezing. "My eyes," he said. She looked up at him and nodded a smile. "Good," he said. "Elrond said that yesterday's incident was the forth time you took a spill. You just brought up two other times with Arwen… tell me of the third."

"I would rather not at this moment," she said, looking back down at her toes peeking out of the water. Her dress was completely soaked with the river now and it flowed about her gently in the water.

"I think it would help," he said. "I can not teach you unless you try to learn."

"Very well," she said in a trembling voice, "I am this far into the lesson, I might as well dive in completely." She looked back up at him and said. "I was with Lord Elrond the third time; just the two of us for the day. He was teaching me about various plants and herbs for healing but I was much more interested in gathering flowers and attempting to braid them into his hair." She laughed at the memory and he smiled at the image of Lord Elrond trying for a serious lesson and being distracted by her youthful whims.

"Turn over," he said, squatting down so that the water was about his neck. She clumsily spun around facing him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and he said, "You are doing well… continue your story."

She nodded and said with nervousness still in her voice, "We were walking beside the river and he was speaking to me of the types of plants that grew there. I was holding on to his arm quite tightly, for my fear from the previous two tumbles had grown in my heart. He did not know how much and became annoyed at my not allowing him to walk freely."

She had been bobbing a few inches from his face and to give her more independence, he lifted his hands and allowed her to float further away from him. Her fingers grasped his tightly, but she did not protest.

"At one point when he was pulling out a root among the loose pebbles, he roughly peeled his hand out of mine and I screamed. There was no reason for it and he stood up abruptly and scolded me with only a look." She took a deep breath, as if gathering strength to continue the tale. "I was more frightened that I had angered him than I was of being lost to the river so I took a step back from him onto a slippery rock. My footing was lost and what would have been to any other she-elf a simple embarrassing wet moment, for me became…"

She began to sink a bit and her chin touched the water. "I have you," he said, lifting her back up and then pulling her towards him again. "Continue…"

"I went under the water in my panic. When I came up again, I called for him to save me. I called to him I was drowning," she said. "But Lord Elrond thought I was playing a trick on him and was too peeved to play along. He walked away in disgust that I did not care for his tutelage."

Once more Haldir pushed her a distance from him and now her hand held less tightly as she spoke.

"It was not until I was down the river near the second falls, holding on to a bolder in the center of the stream and screaming like a banshee that he realized I was in earnest," she said. "He jumped in to save me and was almost carried over the falls himself before he returned us both safely to the shore."

Haldir now understood why Elrond had made it to Elienne first the day before. His grip on her fingers was beginning to slip and he pulled her in and took her wrist in one hand and let the other go.

She gasped lightly and then smiled as she looked in his eyes and realized her freedom in the success of her floating. With only one hand, he held her steady as she enjoyed the sensation of gliding along the surface of the water.

"It was made worse by the fact that Arwen was so distressed over the incident that she would not speak to him for days," she said.

"I am going to let go of you," he said. And before he had the words completely out of his mouth she was on him, her wet arms wrapped around his neck and holding tightly. "Elienne," he said amused and yet disappointed. "You were doing so well too!"

She laughed nervously pulling away from him ever so slightly to look him in the face. "Well yes, that is until you said you were going to let go," she explained.

Haldir was still squatting down up to his neck in the slowly flowing water and Elienne was holding tightly on to him, her legs floating about him. Her gown seemed to be pulling them both off balance and he was struggling to keep his bare feet firmly planted in the stones as he held her. He put his arms around her slim form and said, "I must let go to prove to you that you can do this on your own. But I promise, I will be right with you to catch you if you should go under or be carried off."

"What is the point of this exercise again?" she asked slyly. "You said you meant to help me but I think it was merely a ploy to take me into your arms."

"It is you who are clinging to me, is it not?" he said giving her ribs a good tickling so that she giggled and squirmed, but still did not dare to let go. Then in a slightly provocative tone he added, "And if I thought I needed a ploy to hold you, believe me it would not be so contrived as this."

Her eyes brightened and she laughed, saying, "Fair enough!"

Becoming serious again, he said, "First, let me speak to you some of your lesson." He steadied his feet in the stones again before he continued. "Elves will always float above the corporeal things of this world, unless their souls are weighed with fear or sorrow." She nodded. "And often times it takes facing the fear to overcome it," he explained. "Which is what you are doing, most bravely I might add."

She laughed and said, "I have a death grip on you, M'Lord, how can you say such a thing. I am not being brave at all."

But he knew better. He had seen fear in the eyes of elves before and Elienne did truly have a mistrust of the water, but she was not a servant to it. She did want to overcome her affliction and he believed she could quite easily if she simply believed it.

"Let go Elienne," he whispered. "Show me that I am right about you."

She took a breath and taking his hands, she let her feet float behind him as she faced him and floated. Slowly he let her back away until their arms got at full length. He nodded, allowing her to decide to let go or not and as soon as she did, her hands fluttered some and she began to sink.

"Lay still like a leaf," he said standing and walking towards her. She did so for a while, but then turned over on her back, laying her hands out straight. He walked along with her as she floated down the stream and she kept her eyes up on his face.

"I am floating," she said in a bright whisper. "I am mastering the water… it does not have me; I have it."

"Yes," he said and stopped walking. She kept her eyes on him for as long as she could and then as he went out of her vision she seemed to lose her balance and began to splash some.

"Haldir," she cried softly, almost as though she were embarrassed. She began to sink a bit and splashed more.

"Stand up!" he called out as he waded through the water to her.

"Haldir!" she called, this time sounding cross.

"Stand, Elienne," he said, suppressing his amusement.

When she found her footing and stood up tall in the water she took in some breaths and then looked at him with an amiable warning. Realizing she was in water only up to her knees she began to laugh and he kept walking towards her, finding humor in it himself.

She ran her hands through the water and splashed him. He turned away from the spray as he came towards her. "Is this the thanks I get?" he asked.

When he got close enough, she jumped up into his arms and demanded with a huge grin, "Enough of this lesson, take me to the shore. I think I have earned it."

If it were not for the enjoyment of her weight in his arms, Haldir would have made her walk. But as it was, more and more he was finding touching this she-elf to be a comfortable pleasure. So he complied and carried her through the water without complaint.

**************

Once they were on shore he set her down and picked up his boots. Elienne scooped up her own shoes and took his free hand as they made their way barefoot through the field. She was surprised when he stopped and sat down in the middle of it.

"Should we not go back to the grove with the quilt?" she asked.

"The sun can not make it through all those leaves!" Haldir said. "We will dry more quickly out here under the warmth of its direct rays."

Elienne looked around at the grass and flowers and said, "I will go fetch it."

Before she could take two steps, he grabbed her ankle, tripping her. She caught herself on her hands and looked over her shoulder at him, laughing at his mischievous expression. He let go her ankle and she flipped over on her back as he crawled up beside her and leaned over her.

"Are you so spoiled that you require elf made linen rather than the blanket of soft grass in the field?" he asked. "Between all your protesting about getting wet and now this, one would think you were as affected by the elements of nature as a mortal."

"No, I am all she-elf," she said breathlessly. "I assure you."

His face drew close to hers and as he stared into her eyes his breathing became shallow. But then, unexpectedly, he backed away, turning to lie on his side next to her.

She lifted herself up on her elbows and looked at him strangely as he stared at her with a half smile and said nothing. Elienne could not think of a more perfect moment in which to make her revelation, but she still thought to be clever about it, so as not to spook him.

"I have been meaning to tell you something," she said. "Though, you are perceptive so I think you may already know."

He picked a blade out of the long grass and lifted it just below her chin. "If I already know, what can be the harm in telling me," he asked twisting the grass in his fingers so that it fluttered on her neck.

She pushed away the ticking blade with a small laugh. "I also might ask myself if you already know, what would be the point in telling you?" she said.

He looked at the grass in his fingers. "Do you know what gives Elven Spells their magic?"

"I have had my lessons!" she said lightly incredulous. "Lord Elrond has said it is because through our language, elves can make the dreams they believe into reality. The skill comes more from believing strong enough than choosing the right words."

Haldir nodded and still staring at the green blade, said, "So the question to ask yourself is not do I already know or not, but how real do you want it to be?"

Elienne tilted her head and sighed lightly. "Though it does feel like the sweetest of dreams, I have never encountered anything more real than my growing feelings for you," she said. His eyes lifted suddenly to look at her. He gave her a small smile and then looked back down again. She waited a moment and laughed lightly saying, "You keep me in suspense! Are you going to make your feelings for me real too, or do you wish for them to remain merely a dream?"

Haldir set down the grass and gazed at her intently. In a voice that seemed to echo with power and age he said, "They are real."

Elienne felt a rush of excitement at his confession. He lay there staring at her for longer than she could stand. "Since our desire is made real, then why do you not kiss me, M'Lord?" she asked leaning towards him.

He laughed and looked down again at the green blade. He once more lifted it and twiddled it between his fingers.

"I am most serious," she said. Elienne reached her finger out and lifted his chin so he would have to look in her eyes. She dropped her hand and asked, "Is it now you who has a fear? "

"I do not fear giving you a single kiss," he said. "It would be a very delightful thing indeed… I am certain I would enjoy it very much."

She lay there staring at him, waiting to see what he would do. But he remained still until he took the grass, put it between his teeth and looked out over the field.

"You are most infuriating," she said with a pout. "If you do not find water soaked she-elves with matted down wet hair attractive then why did you insist on that curious lesson of yours?"

He glanced at her. "Attraction is not my problem, I assure you," he said. He then looked back away into the distance.

"Then what?" she asked. "What are you waiting for?"

"What am I waiting for?" he repeated thoughtfully. "Perhaps I am waiting for you to grow up an other five hundred years or so."

She looked at him sideways and shook her head saying, "You are mad. I will not change much in that time and if I did you may not like what I change into."

"Perhaps I am mad then," he said. "I am here, alone with you and that is most maddening indeed!"

"You did not have to come," she sighed. "And you do not have to stay. There in the distance is Sullendry. Call to him and he can rescue you at any moment. I am fine to walk back."

For a moment she feared he might do it just to be ornery, but instead, he laid down tucking his hands behind his head, and looked up at the sky.

"It is too peaceful here in Rivendell," he said changing the subject abruptly. "I should be glad that we leave for Lórien tomorrow. There is too much pampered safety of this hold… The only dangers being that river… and the charms of certain young she-elves."

"Ah," she said listening with amusement. "I see now. You do fear me then, that is why you refuse to punctuate our confessions with a kiss."

"Elienne, it is not you I fear," he said with flashing eyes. "What I fear is being swept away by a river of emotions… I fear it as much as you fear the water," he said. He closed his eyes and added with an air of superiority, "That is until I cured you of it, of course."

"A wise old elf once instructed me that we should face our fears," she said slyly, leaning towards him and running her finger along his jaw line. "And perhaps I could help cure you of your fear."

"Hmmm," he said as if considering it. But he made no move, simply laid there still.

Elienne could resist it no more. His teasing and tempting had driven her wild. In a swift single movement, she scaled the elf, sitting atop him in a straddle. She then lay down, her arms on either side of his head, her hair, falling down around him.

"First I kidnapped you and now I have captured you and you are trapped," she said toying with him. She knew if he had the mind to do it, the strong March Warden could throw her quite a distance off. But he did not. Instead he lay there, his eyes gazing up at her and a sweet smile on his face.

"It seems you have," he said, his brows lifting. Then he whispered, "and now, we shall see if you know what to do about it."

Elienne laughed lightly, her face so close to his she wondered if she might steal his breath from him. She had never given a kiss with the intent she felt for Haldir and the thought of possibly doing it wrong made her doubt herself and she bit her lip staring at his mouth. Instead of kissing him as she so wanted, she just lay there atop of him, hoping he would give in. Though he did not move voluntarily, she did feel against her an odd sensation that she soon realized was his arousal. It came as such a surprise to her that she could not help but let out a small giggle. She buried her face in his shoulder to hide from her embarrassment.

"You are amused?" he asked in indignant humor.

She tried not to, but she laughed a bit more robustly this time. She lifted her head and said, "Yes… M'Lord, you amuse me… but apparently not as much as I am amusing you!"

"Sprite!" he called and pushed her over onto her back. He held her down tightly between himself and the ground and she gasped in surprise. He held her arms above her head with one hand and though he had little weight upon her, she could not move beneath his form.

"Is it so funny now, Princess?" he asked with flashing eyes. "Now it is I who have captured you."

"It is no less amusing," she said as proudly as she could. "It is even more so… because you still…" she moved closer to his face and whispered, "have… not…" and then with hushed exuberance uttered, "kissed me!" She let her head fall back onto the grass and gazed up him.

His blue gray eyes sparkled and then growing sincere he whispered, "Do you really want me to kiss you, Elienne?"

She nodded her head and licked her lips. He stared down at her, his mouth opening slightly. He let go of her hands, using both of his arms to balance on his elbows above her. She left her arms above her head where they were and closed her eyes.

Slowly he bent closer to her, his fine hair brushing over her skin. With anticipation growing, and his lips just a fraction away from hers, his mouth took a turn and he only teased his lips lightly against her skin.

Elienne trembled at his touch and could tell that he too had a slight tremor. As he moved his lips over her cheek and breathed gently around her ear it tickled her so that she shuttered in reflex.

"Haldir?" she started with intention to ask him what he was doing. But he was quick and shushed her by moving his lips just above her mouth again. Without touching he traced along the other cheek and then to her neck, refusing to press his lips firmly to her skin. She could feel only his breath crawling along the surface just close enough so she could tell where he was exploring. When he began moving along the low neckline of her gown Elienne took in a breath, unable to fathom the intensity of what she was feeling or why he felt the need to torment her so.

She startled slightly as he lay his soft cheek on the bare skin above her collar. Opening her eyes Elienne saw his face was flushed with enamor. Though she desired him even more ardently now than ever, she was not prepared to see someone with his iron control so erotically captivated. The site of it sent a small chill of fear through her. Was this the look of a bond-ready elf? She adored Haldir but did not expect her small request for a kiss to lead to such soul drenching desire of commitment!

"Elienne," he said, his voice cracking. He looked up into her face and pressed his body against her as he moved his lips back over her mouth. "Elienne," he said again looking into her eyes. She quivered in fear as her name drifted from his mouth into hers. Again he closed his eyes. He whispered so softly and so quickly that she could not comprehend the meaning of his words. They fell from his lips into her open mouth so that she took their very essence into her being.

As she willingly breathed in his sweet voice, her eyes fluttered closed and she felt so relaxed it was as though she was falling. To lie completely still beneath someone she cared for in ways so new to her was an ecstasy she had never known. But as his words drifted to a silent hush, Elienne realized she was not simply relaxed, in fact, she was unable to move.

She had allowed him to enchant her into complete incapacitation, placing her body and soul at the mercy of his will. The only consolation was that as her elder and her friend, she trusted Haldir as much now as she had done in the river. But her terror of being out of control was as suffocating to her as if she had taken cold water into her lungs rather than just his devilish spell.

*********************

"Elienne," Haldir said for the third time and then pulled himself away from her body and lay on his back beside her. His face was burning and his entire body was in the agony of thousands of years of pent up passions. He put his hands over his face and breathed in and out slowly, retaining his control and remembering once more why elves of his age did not allow themselves such indulgences unless their intent was to complete it. After a few moments, he sat up slowly and looked down on Elienne lying there so innocently, and yet so seductive… even in her passive state.

"You are right about one thing, she-elf. I am mad," he said. He looked away across the field where Sullendry was grazing and he stood. The horse looked up and with Haldir's simple nod, the creature came to him.

He stepped away from the enchanted Princess and said to his friend as he approached, "How wonderful it would be to have the cares of a horse. To be able to simply take the mare that offered herself with no thought for the following day or the consequences in the years to come." He looked down at Elienne in her silk peach dress with her hair flowing like a halo around her rosy face. Her hands rested up beside her head, her ruddy lips were slightly parted and her eyelids fluttering.

"The curse of it!" he said, turning from her and leaning on the side of the steed. "A choice that would last an immortal lifetime should not be made in a moment of rapture. My mind must convince my body of this and so find my discipline of reason."

He looked at the horse and said quickly, "And yet it is not just my body that is my enemy! For I know if I allowed myself to do it, I could create a believable rationalization from thin air and find plenty of logical excuses of explanation. I am not so young as to foolishly fall for passion's call, but ah… my mind… my wit… I could easily use it to convince myself this was right!" He stood away from the horse and paced a bit. "And then I would go to work on the elders persuading them that she was ready to bond before any proposal or announcement to company. Elrond is wise and would put up a challenge, but I am sure enough in my abilities to win his blessing in the end." He put his hand on his forehead and said, "But Galadriel… M'Lady would see through it. She would know my heart was this counsel, that it was my desire which led me and not reason." He looked at Elienne again and said, "Is desire such a foolish lead?"

Sullendry neighed lightly and then breathed a few snorts out of his nose.

"Yes!" he proclaimed, turning away again, "It is foolish and foul, and damnably tempting." To the horse he said, "I know if you were me you would not care what was thought about it," he said. "But in my position… I must not just consider my own desires, but consider what would become of me if I return to my post in Lothlórien mated… to Elienne… " He glanced back down at the young she-elf and lost his train of thought.

"Two days!" he exclaimed. "We have known each other for only two days… how can we know what we will feel in two more let alone another two millennia?" he bemoaned.

He knelt down and crawled to her side. Getting on his stomach and propping himself up on his elbows he looked down over her.

"Elienne, if you are not so angry with me for paralyzing you, listen to my heart as I confess," he said. He swallowed, and paused, pressing his lips together and trying to find the right words. "It is only time we need…" He closed his eyes, almost not able to continue for the pain growing in his heart. "If I were a younger elf I would not be making so many considerations… and if there were not so many considerations to be made, I would not hesitate to allow our happiness to consume me. But for your sake, and mine, we must be prudent. As I said, I do not fear you… the potential of our bond gives me the greatest joy I have yet felt… and you have proven to me you are a she-elf of most noble composition, a mate I could find as suitable for me as she is desirable. But I cannot allow passion to decide the timing of my proposal."

Then he thought, perhaps he could kiss her. As she had said it would punctuate the confession. His reason told him that maybe it would not be so rich a temptation to taste her while she was under his spell. He leaned closer and his heart raced with warnings. It would not be fair to her. She would feel it but not be able to respond and possibly be quite angry for his taking advantage. He rose to his knees and did not dare to even touch her.

He did not want to just leave her, but he could not wait, for if she woke and came against him again… the thought of it sent a tremor through him and he stood and walked away.

Then Haldir had a thought. He waded into the taller grass, looking for just the perfect bloom. When he found one that reminded him of the first he had given her, he plucked the stem, being very careful not to injure himself on the spines this time. To make the same mistake twice would have been unacceptable to him.

He intended to leave a single bloom in her hands, but to his surprise, two flowers grew on the stem he had chosen. It was odd for this type of flower, but not completely unheard of. He smiled as an idea struck him. Carefully he broke the smaller blossom off just a bit down the stem from its base and tucked it into his tunic. The larger he snapped off almost completely and came back to Elienne. Kneeling down, he carefully placed the bloom in the low dip of her dress collar as she had worn the one he gave her the day before. His fingers brushed against her breast as he did so and he felt the heat of her body and gasped, pulling away again.

"Sullendry," he said breathless. "Stay with her, she will wake in a short while and I know not what her state of mind will be. I cannot leave her alone and I dare not stay." Sullendry kicked the ground and nodded his head. "Thank you, my friend," he said sincerely.

He looked one last time at Elienne lying there with the blossom softly rising and falling with each breath and he said, "I think it would have been safer to be carried over those falls with the river than to allow myself this indulgence."

He looked around for his barring and then, in an attempt to work off the vexation, he took off in a sprint, intent on running all the way back to Rivendell.

Chapter 13: Hidden Paths

Elienne listened to all that Haldir was telling her, infuriated that he had temporarily stolen her ability to respond to him. Silently she lay there as he poured out his heart to her, her own heart turning from fear and anger to deep admiration and compassion for his suffering. And yet because of his spell, she was unable to offer one word of condolence to relieve his agony.

Arwen had tried to explain to her as best she could about courtship and bonding, but never having gone through it herself, her lessons lacked clarity. Elienne had always suspected desire was a powerful master over the heart, but until now she never realized just how dominating the lure of desire's potential was to the flesh.

She had watched curiously as the bonded elves in Rivendell interacted. At times exchanging strong words, which would eventually end in delicate kisses and the two retreating behind closed doors. Early in her life Elliene's mother taught her of how children are conceived but only in a mechanical manner that at the time seemed rather unsavory. She had since heard a few remarks about the mysterious yet strong urges to reproduce and how it can become all consuming and very pleasurable. But in her naiveté, Elienne had misunderstood that the desire was not only for offspring but very much for the physical intimacy that accompanied it. Never before had she witnessed the expression on an elf's face when he was in the dawning of his passion. Haldir's elation had filled her with awe.

For an instant, when he had hexed her, she thought her innocence would soon be lost, that his mastery over her was to prevent her from struggle. But then, as she listened to him, she was fully confident that his meaning in it was to protect, not to conquer. And as he delicately placed the flower in her collar and pleaded for her understanding, all she wanted to do was wake and speak her devotion and wonderment at his nobility.

Instead, he left her behind in the field with Sullendry. In her mind she cried out silently that he would not go. She understood the danger now and would not tempt him as she had been doing all morning. There was no need for him to run, if only she could speak and if only he would listen.

Then as if it were told to her by her own wishing, she remembered his lesson. And she began repeating the words in her mind over and over again, desperately trying to believe them.

I am awake, I can move, I am free.. she thought. If she could speak them with conviction, she could break the spell. I am awake, I can move… her mind formed the words until her lips at last obeyed and she mouthed silently, "I am free…"

Elienne blinked her eyes open and said in a whisper, "I am free!"

Slowly she sat up and searched the field, only to see Haldir's figure quickly ducking into the shadow of the trees in the distance.

In her disappointment, her hand fell to the blossom between her breasts and she fingered it saying, "Sweet Imp, is it me you do not trust, or yourself?"

She ached to run after him and call to him, but something in her heart counseled her that it was not wise. She would have to trust the Emissary and all his ages of wisdom. Be it for fear or for prudence, Elienne trembled knowing he ran for good reason.

She looked up at the beautiful pale horse nibbling the grass a few paces from her and said, "For now, I will let him think I am still under his spell…"

Standing, she walked to the horse, but was not halfway there when she almost tripped over a set of newly restored boots. Delighted at her find she scooped them up and stepped into her own shoes. "A sorry sight to be seen will be the Emissary of Lórien fleeing back to Rivendell having forgotten his footwear!" she said to Sullendry. "However will he explain himself without his pride having damage done to it?"

Elienne ran back to fetch the quilt and then swiftly returned to Sullendry. "We should give Haldir a chance for a good lead, so I will walk beside you rather than ride you to the village."

As they began the trek down she started to air her thoughts aloud.

"Kind steed," she said, "I believe I am finally beginning to understand what it is about elves that Lord Elrond has been warning me all these many years. I thought surely that he was exaggerating the dangers of flirtatious play…" She thought about all that had happened between them and how she had been behaving and said with a small embarrassed smile, "Poor Haldir…"

Sullendry bobbed his head and gently nuzzled her. She wrapped her hand around the long face of the horse and kissed his pale nose.

************

As Emissary of the Galadhrim, Haldir had studied and mastered most of the languages of Middle-earth. And because he walked among the common folk as much as he met with governors and kings, contained in his mind was knowledge of the foulest of words and curses that mortals and dwarves could spew. But only on rare occasion would his anger be so enflamed that he would come so close as to allow the darkness of bane thoughts to rise to the surface and give his tongue permission to speak them into existence.

As he turned his head and looked back up the mountain at the towering lattices of Rivendell it was all he could do not to bring down those curses upon himself and his own idiocy. In his angst over the decisions swimming in his mind, not only had he forgotten his boots with the fairest maiden in the elven village, he had also forgotten his way back to it. The craving of his urges had subsided, but the dizziness in his mind was ever present, intoxicating his reasoning and producing all sorts of hallucinations of how this flirtation with a joint destiny could become his ruin.

And now, after running half way down the mountain he would have to retrace his steps back and with Godspeed. For the sun was already much further along in the sky than he would have preferred and being late to the Elven Council was not among his acceptable options. Haldir had n' made an error such as this since he was an elfling and it gave him a true indication of just how far off his mark he had been thrown. With boots on he may have been able to make good haste, but his feet were already going to need some attention and he had no time to do it now.

"Is this what you really want you fool?" he asked himself as he turned around and ran back up the path. "A she-elf will distract you so much that you will be unable to perform the most basic of your duties…" There was more he wanted to say on it, but he stopped himself from speaking in mid-thought, ceasing the prophecy of his own doom. Words were powerful and should he believe such things as he had just said they would come to pass, either that or fear of it would drive him completely away from bonding altogether.

Haldir came to a fork in the path. One was the way in which he had come, a smooth dirt path he knew would take him back to where he could find the known trail to Rivendell. The other was an unfamiliar steep incline in much the same direction, but the going would be slower and more traitorous. Haldir hesitated in his decision. He had no doubt he would be at least an hour late if he took the easier path and while the other seemed to promise a more direct route, he was unsure of how difficult it would be on his already ailing feet. Neither option was ideal. Somehow he still wanted to lay blame of all of this on the little sprite who had been throwing herself at him since they met, causing his tidy world to unravel. He closed his eyes to calm himself and stretched out his senses for the proper answer. There was a duel going on in his being between desire and fear and he did not like the outcome of either side taking all. Rather, he must use reason, and not allow risk potential to be his guide. The words he had spoken continued to ring in his ears. Did he really believe following his heart, as was the costume of his people, was foolish? Was he wiser to ignore such calling? Or was it his ability to know when to follow it that set him above others?

"Elienne!" he said as he grabbed a branch and pulled himself up the steep hill. "My heart has decided, be it for good or ill." He was determined to speak the truth of the matter and counter the effects of his accusations against her innocence. "The intensity of this distraction is temporary! I will not lose my whole self as I have lost my way on this path. Lord Celeborn has functioned very well for thousands of years in his coupling. Why should I fair worse?"

He continued up the hill, not thinking of the difficulty, but only focusing on reaching the top of the slope. "Of course he is second to his Queen," he said facetiously as he climbed. The idea of rearranging his life to suit Elienne as Celeborn had done for Galadriel filled him with trepidation. He liked his life exactly as it was, did he not?

When he came over top of the hill there was another path, which felt familiar. He glanced in both directions and then ran down a bit as his senses compelled him. The sun showed through the trees onto the statue of a she-elf holding a basket of flowers upon her head. The familiar figure gave him consolation that he would not be so late as he had thought. Now he had only to hope for grace from the princess that she had not left his boots up in the field for him to fetch himself. Right now he doubted he deserved that grace or much at else from her for how he had behaved, and even less for his own personal accusations of her. If he did receive his due, he reasoned he could borrow something from one of the Rivendell elves until the time he could return up the mountain.

Haldir was not two bare footfalls into the elven village when Celeborn accosted him.

"The Council has already begun to gather, Emissary," his Lord stated with high airs. He was standing, leaning against the gate as if he had been waiting for him. But Haldir could also see a hint of humor in the eyes of his elf king.

"My apologies, M'Lord," he said bowing slightly. "I will be ready… I only need to stop by my suite and…"

"There's no time," Celeborn interrupted. "We must go directly." He stood away from the wall and approached with his hands behind his back. He then looked at Haldir's bare feet and inquired drolly, "Is my Emissary planning an ambassadorship to the Shire?"

Haldir looked down, wiggled his toes and chuckled. "A long story, M'Lord," he said, attempting to make light of it to hide his shame.

"I will venture a guess that a young she-elf has had some hand in it?" Celeborn asked.

"You are our wise king for good reason," Haldir said. He was able to keep his eyes fixed on his Lord's and felt a bit of relief when Celeborn grinned. Then from behind his back the elf king pulled out Haldir's boots and handed them over.

"When sun rose high, she quite fervently bid me meet you here," Celeborn said.

"Precious star!" Haldir exclaimed in relief as he took them. This was a much unexpected but welcomed surprise. One by one he dusted off each sole and carefully slipped the boots over his swollen feet. "I suppose I am now in her debt…" he said cringing a bit as he put his weight down. Haldir looked at his lord and said, "And yours as well, M'Lord. Thank you…"

"Do not thank me," Celeborn said as he began walking through the courtyard, "I would have preferred you to stroll into the council in full mockery as penalty for your tardiness." He then turned as Haldir began to follow and added, "But she was simply too winning to refuse."

"Aye, M'Lord," Haldir said with a sigh as he followed Celeborn up the stairs. "That is the blessing and the curse of her."

"I believe a more tenacious advocate you could not find in all of Lórien," Celeborn said. Then he added slyly, "Did you… make any promises up on that hill?"

Haldir grumbled at being quizzed by his Lord. He had not expected to share the goings on with Elienne in that field, but he was not likely to invent a story either. "We spoke only in acknowledgement, but nothing of intentions," he answered as he followed Celeborn up the stairs.

His King turned on the top step to catch Haldir's expression as he said, "I sincerely regret we have no time now to explore the matter. I would very much like to hear how the innocent, young Elienne managed to seduce my guarded March Warden."

They walked through the library towards the council space and through the doors Haldir could see there were already dozens of elves gathered and seated in the large circle made with multi-layers of chairs. Among those in conversation was an unusually tall, thin elf with pale red hair who was speaking with Lord Elrond. On his head he wore a crown indicating his royalty.

Celeborn had stopped before a rack of cloaks in the library and was looking through them as Haldir spoke. "Bronian, the King of Darkwood," he said pausing with Celeborn. "Upon seeing him again I am reminded of when I met him in Mirkwood just over five hundred years ago... of course then he was merely a March Warden himself."

Celeborn pulled out one of Elrond's spare robes from the rack and fastened it around Haldir's shoulders as he commented, "When his uncle abdicated his throne we were all surprised he did not turn his realm over to his own son. But Bronian has established a reasonably safe realm, even if it has taken a century to accomplish."

Haldir adjusted the fit of Elrond's cloak, pulling it around the folds of his jerkin. It was built for a thinner elf, and felt very snug, but it was more suited for the council than his plain sun dried jerkin. When he unfastened the collar Celeborn had hooked, the small blossom he had tucked there earlier almost fell to the floor.

Haldir thought to remove it, but decided he could not bring himself to do so. They would be forbidden to speak directly during the council and it would be his sign to her that his heart had not been indisposed, but remained conscious of the words they had brought forth to one another.

"He is good natured, if not young," Celeborn added, studying Haldir's attempts to secure the flower. "It is why he reigns with such… creativity…"

"Younger than me," Haldir said thoughtfully. "By at least a thousand years. I wonder what he will think of my notice of his daughter…" He stared at the white bloom, his voice trailing off in his thoughts. Suddenly the conundrum of the situation with Elienne again filled him with doubt. Elves of Haldir's age were not likely to be so quickly taken with young she-elves as he had allowed himself to be in these short two days.

"Your 'notice' of her?" Celeborn laughed. "That is an understatement if ever I heard one. Then, looking at the flower, he commented, "It is very unlike you to wear ornamentation, Haldir. And yet… I seem to remember seeing something very similar in the gown of your petitioner when she came to me."

Haldir looked back at King Bronian and Elrond and said, "It is a token… And I am quickly realizing that discretion is not going to come as easily as I had hoped."

Celeborn nodded and answered, "Some things even the most talented deceiver can not hide from his face."

Haldir closed his eyes and sighed. "Then I shall have to use all the wit at my disposal. For I suspect any conversation with that King is going to require some fancy wording on my part. No doubt he'll want an explanation as to how it is I have acted so frivolously with his daughter's heart."

Rather than add to Haldir's tension by enjoying another jest, Celeborn placed his hands on Haldir's shoulders and said most paternally, "Be at your sincerest, Haldir. In the end it will be worth the indignity… You are older and wiser now. "

Haldir froze. The words cut sharp as the memory of the past flooded into him. He looked at his Lord wondering why now of all times he would open that old wound.

"Shh…" Celeborn said gently. "I only bring it to your attention because you do not realize how much it is hindering you… Perfectionism is your vice that spurs you to excel beyond all other elves. But Haldir…" Celeborn leaned forward and looked him closely in the eyes, "Too often you do not forgive yourself the mistakes of the past…"

The outpouring of such intimate instruction from his Lord moved him deeply. He should have expected nothing less from his King, for though Celeborn had the potential to be as patronizing as any elf, he was truly a romantic at heart. Haldir swallowed and trying to regain some strength. Lightly he said, "Do I now?"

His Lord nodded in added reassurance and then dropped his hands and looked out into the balcony.

They said nothing more about it and walked out into the open air of the council.

Lord Elrond had already taken a seat in a rather ornate throne, his elbow resting on the arm and in his hand a rolled scroll of parchment.

Celeborn crossed the circle to take his seat by his queen and Haldir stopped to look around to see who had arrived. He noticed the Lord of Rivendell glance at him and look away, as though he was looking for someone else to enter. But then, noticing something about Haldir, Elrond quickly took another surprised look. The king surmised Haldir's borrowed attire disapprovingly, but said nothing and returned his attention to the Darkwood Lord. For now it seemed Bronian took no notice of Haldir and continued speaking as though no one of importance had walked in.

Haldir took a seat across from the Lothlórien Court and next to his brothers.

"I see you decided to join us after all," Rúmil stated dryly. "We were about ready to send out a hunting party for fear you had been attacked by a stray Waarg."

Haldir casually crossed his arms and smiled, not even looking at his brother. He looked around the circle and noticed that the Mirkwood Court was seated next to the Lothlórien elves on one side and the Woodland elves on the other. Legolas was seated behind his parents and looked very withdrawn and somewhat uncomfortable.

"Where is your young friend?" Rúmil whispered, "Is she not invited to the council?"

"How should I know?" Haldir answered, trying not to look interested.

Orophin leaned over Rúmil and quietly said to Haldir, "I must say we are glad to see there is still reason to be found in your eyes… and not the tell tale signs of matrimony."

Haldir set his jaw and did not respond as he looked over the rest of the company gathered. He expected his brothers to behave better than to openly pretend they suspected the worst of him. Few knew of the damage that had been done to him centuries ago, no doubt his brothers were more than likely dreading a reoccurrence. But Celeborn was right, he was wiser and intended to be stronger this time. And as Elienne had mastered the river, so too would he master his own afflictions.

********************

Elienne had promised not to be long, but the great king did not wish to be late himself and so her struggle to convince Celeborn to actually wait at the gate for Haldir to return took much longer than she expected. After she dressed, she quickly returned to Arwen's room, though the hour was late, so she wondered if the princess would be there still.

"She is here!" Murial called out as Elienne entered.

Elienne smiled, a bit disappointed at having to share this time with the high voiced she-elf.

"That is what you are wearing for your first Council?" Arwen asked coming out of her closet. The raven haired princess was dressed in a stunning blood red dress.

"There is no time to change," Elienne said with a smile, perfectly satisfied with the response she had gotten.

"I think it looks decent," Murial offered. But her wrinkled brow betrayed her true thoughts.

"It is her first appearance before her father in over a century… he will wonder what Rivendell has done to her to make her dress so ordinary," Arwen said with suspicion.

"I will tell him he should have brought my own mother to dress me," Elienne said, trying to jest through Arwen's discontentment.

"Elienne!" Arwen said with a laugh. "You will do no such thing!" She then directed Elienne towards her closet where the headpieces were stored.

Elienne went through Arwen's many jewels, sincerely wishing her mother was here to lend her something from Darkwood. She had a few tiaras and crowns from her home, but tonight she fancied wearing something new.

"Why is your mother not here?" Murial called into the closet.

"I do not know," Elienne answered. "My father holds the answer to that puzzle." She came out, holding up her selection. "This one?" she asked fitting the green crystal diadem on her forehead.

"No," Arwen said setting her brush down and leaving her mirror again. "At least coordinate that dismal gray with blue stones."

Elienne smiled, watching Arwen carefully select a small crown for her.

"Why did you not ask him?" Murial asked.

"I did not have time," Elienne said, not really wanting to discuss her father.

It was distressing enough to have missed his early arrival and then to face the disappointment of her mother not arriving; to have to explain it all to Murial was growing tiresome.

"Ah yes," Murial said. Then with the edge of delightful gossip she said, "M'Lady told me you requested entrance to King Celeborn's chambers but refused to say why. My guess is it was to bid his assistance with winning Haldir to yourself, am I right?"

Arwen looked at Elienne as though she were perplexed. Elienne did not answer Murial but instead said to Arwen, "That is a lovely piece."

"Why would you need to speak with my grandfather about Haldir?" Arwen asked pulling the crown away from Elienne's outstretched hand.

Elienne looked at Murial who seemed quite confident in her guess. It would have suited Elienne fine to drop the topic, but for the look on the songbird's smug face.

"I require no help winning the affections of the Emissary, he has demonstrated his ardor to me quite well!" she said with pride. "What I had to say to Celeborn had to do with Haldir… but that is all I will say about it."

She motioned for the crown to be put on her head and Arwen pulled it back again.

"Does this ugly gown of yours have anything to do with Haldir's behavior towards you?" Arwen asked with a spooked look on her face. "Has he been improper? Did you have to file a formal complaint?"

"Not at all!" Elienne said shocked at the accusation. "Just the opposite! Haldir was the most noble elf in the face of overwhelming inclination."

Murial let out a singsong laugh. "Which is why she dons such an ugly frock! She means to ease the strength of her temptation on him… Oh what foolish conclusions compassion will cause a smitten elfling to come to!"

Elienne sucked in a breath and turned away from the delighted minstrel. "It is not altogether ugly, it is merely plain," she said. Arwen tilted her head in understanding, having much more grace for her Lórien friend.

"You will not undo your charm on him by making yourself plain," Murial continued. "I have seen that look in Lord Haldir's eyes before. Despite his teasing you and putting you off, his mind is quite set on winning you. It is his way. All you need to do is be available… trust me, I know."

Elienne bristled at Murial's words and frowned as Arwen placed the crown on her head. Elienne took from her pocket a large white blossom and handed it back to Arwen. Without asking a question, the Rivendell princess tucked it through the crown into Elienne's hair.

"Well perhaps she will be lucky and the dress will change his mind," Arwen said.

"You are not altogether opposed to Haldir are you Arwen?" Elienne asked as the princess turned her around to look on her. "I could not bear it if you did not approve."

"What one she-elf sees in an elf is not for another she-elf to judge," Arwen said, glancing at Murial.

"You must tell me your true thoughts on it," Elienne insisted. " I do not always take your advice as well as I ought, but I do highly value knowing your views."

Arwen smiled and said, "She does not look so bad with the jeweled crown on her head."

"Nay!" Murial said, "It allows her natural radiance to shine through! Look how her eyes have light and are reflecting the blue of the stones… they have a hint of blue to them and they always looked so dull gray before."

Elienne tried not to glare at her as Arwen spun her around again, seeking assistance with her own diadem.

"M'Lady, do not attempt to spare my feelings… be most honest," she pleaded. "What do you think of Haldir of Lórien. You have known him much longer than I."

Murial laughed lightly and said, "I think you should tell her! It is nothing by me that she knows. What happened a thousand years ago has no barring on what happens today."

Elienne nervously blinked at Murial and then looked at Arwen again. Arwen took Elienne's hands and sat her down. Suddenly Elienne wondered if she really wanted to know the answer to her query, but could not stop the flow of information now.

"I will speak freely, because it is what you have asked," Arwen said. "And because Murial has allowed it, I will tell you what secrets I know…"

Elienne swallowed, her eyes growing large as she listened.

"The gentile charm he puts on for all of Middle-earth to see is merely show. It is only when he does not need to impress any longer that his true nature dominates and he ceases his act. Rather than ever be sincere and honest, he retreats into silence and remains unapproachable," Arwen said.

"Perhaps he merely needs time to himself," Elienne defended. "Legolas is quiet and you do not fault him for it."

"Legolas is mild tempered and well mannered! I find the Emissary disingenuous, arrogant and when he is in the right sort of mindset, downright rude," Arwen explained. Elienne shook her head in disagreement. Arwen looked at her sadly and tilted her head as she continued, "And my greatest worry for you is that he has played for your heart out of ambition, and not sincerity… as he has done before."

"What do you mean?" Elienne asked. All that she was hearing ran counter to what she had seen of Haldir and it did not seem possible she could be so misled.

"Murial," Arwen said looking at the minstrel, "Are you certain you do not mind her knowing?"

Murial carefully approached and sat down beside Elienne. Her delicate features took on a small embarrassed look to them and she nodded and said, "I am happily mated now, what could it mean to me that she knows?"

Elienne looked back at Arwen with dread.

"There was a time when Haldir and Murial had a secret promise to one other," Arwen said carefully. "To bond."

Elienne felt herself stiffen as her heart began to pound for the irrational jealousy rising in her. She tried hard not to look at Murial for fear she would injure the fair she-elf if her eyes betraying her dark thoughts.

"It was very, very long ago, " Arwen emphasized. "And in the end he did not keep his promise… he told Murial he could not make their intentions public and sought to step out of his secret proposal. He left Lothlórien soon thereafter and did not return for two years."

Elienne trembled as she looked at Murial and asked, "Did he tell you why?"

"He did not have the courage!" Murial said with a forced laugh. "But I showed him," she said proudly. "When he did return, I was bonded to another. Someone who had caught my eye long before Haldir had even broken our promise. I had originally chosen to accept Haldir's proposal over Oronel’s because the Emissary’s kisses were so much more heart felt than my poor beloved… but I was wrong in that matter."

Elienne's stomach sank and she thought she could not bear to hear another word. But Murial mercilessly continued. "It was Oronel who explained to me that Haldir would not have won the Emissary post and it would have gone to another if he bonded and had children," she said. "So I suppose I was simply not in his plans."

"It was a cold hearted and calculating decision," Arwen said sadly. "He should never have proposed if he did not mean to go through with it." She looked at Murial who was visibly holding on tightly to her pride.

"But do not fret," Murial said with condescending compassion, "It is well accepted that older elves do not marry for desire alone as do their younger counterparts… by the time elves are several hundred years old they are more concerned for their positions and titles than their hearts. They only marry when family… or a union will bring to them that which other means cannot." Elienne looked away, desperately wanting this conversation to end. It was almost more than she could bear to hear such possibilities being laid before her. But still Murial continued, "Haldir's fear that he would not have his title drove him away from me. But a title could be the very thing that draws him to you! I doubt he will treat a princess as he did a mere minstrel. So you have no worries."

Elienne was aghast. She looked at Arwen and said breathlessly, "Do you believe that? Do you really think he is courting me for the sake of position? What could I give him? I am a princess, not a Queen!"

Sadly Arwen looked down and said, "I was not going to speak of it…" She looked back up at Elienne and said, "Haldir holds a very high position among the Galadhrim. Among the guardians, there is none other more celebrated."

"Yes, I know this," Elienne interrupted, searching for it's meaning. "What more could he hope for than that?"

Arwen glanced at Murial and back at Elienne. "Your father is… how do I say this delicately, in need of the guidance of an elder such as Haldir. This morning he has made it clear that he grows weary of the trouble brought to him by the Easterlings. And my grandfather mentioned many letters of advice between them. It is not a leap of logic to assume, if he marries you, Haldir is very high in the running to rule Darkwood," she said. Elienne shook her head and Arwen added with sincere regret, "elves of his age do not fall so quickly for desire, Elienne… it is well known."

Elienne stood and said, her voice breaking, "You are wrong." She moved away from the other two she-elves and exited out of Arwen's chambers.

"Elienne," Arwen called out after her, following her. Elienne did not even look at her as she moved down the wing she shared with Arwen into Elrond's long hall.

"You asked me to be honest with my thoughts," Arwen said to her as Elienne descended the spiral staircase to the library. "I do not know if it is true..." Arwen continued as she followed her down.

Elienne stopped and waited at the entrance to the library. When Arwen caught up to her, Elienne whispered strongly, "You are wrong. You did not see his face… He does desire me… I know it… I believe it and I do not care what happened with Murial a thousand years ago… I will not believe he is being false with me! "

Tears were forming in Arwen's eyes and she embraced Elienne and held her saying, "If you believe in him this much, then you see what I cannot…" Elienne held on to her, gathering her strength and her resolve. She would not believe that Haldir had fabricated his feelings for her or that his struggling with them was a creative act for her benefit.

Then Arwen gently pulled herself away, touched Elienne's cheek and said, "You must believe your heart over mine." She then looked over Elienne's shoulder and said, "Your father awaits… we must compose ourselves…" She smiled through her wet eyes and brushed Elienne's away with her finger, saying, "…this is supposed to be a joyous occasion…"

Elienne took in a breath and nodded. "Thank you for being so patient with me," she said.

"And you me," Arwen said with a sad smile.

The two of them then quietly headed into the council.

Chapter 14: Falling

After a short while, the voices of Arwen and Elienne could be heard in the library. Haldir could not make out words but the distress in their whispers set the hair on his neck up on end. Something in his gut told him he was most likely the subject matter to some unpleasantness. Frankly he was surprised Elienne had given him the time of day, with Arwen as her confidant. It was a testament to her independence that she could overlook such strong disapproval. However he now wondered if he had proven Arwen's ill temper towards him correct, and now would fall out of favor with Elienne.

The two she-elves glided in and the Darkwood King stood, holding out his arms. The sleeves of his vibrant green robe were so long that they fell almost to the floor as he reached for his daughter. It struck him that Elienne's attire paled considerably in comparison to her own fathers.

Elienne went to Bronian, gave him a small, cool embrace and said immediately after withdrawing, "No one will tell me why my mother is not with you!"

"It is good to see you, my daughter," he said stiffly. "Your mother has not come for good reason." He then immediately took his seat.

Elienne stood and stared at him as though she was frozen in thought. The king smiled apologetically and motioned for a small chair just behind him. There were many other conversations going on, but Haldir noted that this small display of discord was being noticed by more than himself and his brothers.

"Why not?" she asked as she moved towards the chair. "The response you sent last year said you both were coming… we have received nothing to the contrary…"

Bronian interrupted her with a pat on her arm and a condescending nod, answering, "You will have your answers all in good time, my elfling."

Elienne leaned back in her seat, clearly unhappy with the answer. Arwen had taken a seat with the Darkwood elves rather than her own court, presumably to explain to her protégé the proceedings since this was Elienne's first official elf Council. He watched her taking in Arwen's instructions. She did not look at him and he wondered if it meant returning his boots was mere courtesy. Perhaps she did harbor a bit of resentment for his behavior.

As a few more elves strolled quickly in, Elrond stood and said, "It looks as though all have arrived so I will begin the formal introductions and then we will tend to the matters at hand. We will proceed to the events forthcoming and if something has arisen which was not submitted formally but is of import to those gathered, there will be a time to bring it to notice at the conclusion of the ceremony."

All nodded or agreed with an "aye" and then Lord Elrond gestured to his left.

"King Bronian has just arrived with his company of four Darkwood elves. They have traveled here from the east and will regretfully be with us only for the duration of the council and then will return immediately to their domain."

Elienne’s father stood before the company with his hands clasped before him in his sleeves. He did not even acknowledging the devastation of his own daughter sitting behind him. It was immediately clear to Haldir that Elienne had obviously no idea she would receive so little time with her father.

The Woodland King stood and said, "On behalf of my realm we would like to say it is a sincere pleasure to finally greet Lord Bronian as King. Being as far from our borders as Darkwood resides, it is only at such councils as this that we are bestowed with the honor…"

As the accolades continued, giving Bronian his due of compliments and greetings from all the courts gathered, Elienne finally glanced in Haldir's direction. There was clear pain in her eyes and even as Arwen took her hand, she did not look at all consoled.

"Behind Lord Bronian sits his daughter, the lovely Lady Elienne of Darkwood," Elrond said, gesturing for her to stand.

She sat there staring at Haldir, not moving at the king's words. Deciding she did not need his sympathy as much as his strength, rather than show his heart was aching for her, Haldir lifted his chin in expectation. Elienne seemed to understand his cue and took in a deep breath. Swallowing whatever emotions she was feeling, she looked up to the council with a pleasant enough smile and Elrond sighed in relief as she stood.

Celeborn was the first to stand and give his greetings, unabashedly gushing over how delightful he had found Elienne and encouraging all those who had not had the opportunity to make her acquaintance to do so. As Haldir listened to his Lord go on about her and then the Mirkwood King and then Legolas, he could not help but think of all he could say if he thought it proper. But the others had covered everything he might mention in company and all he could think to speak of was the sweet scent of her hair and the softness of her skin. Haldir shifted in his seat and chastised himself for letting his mind wander back to that field. He was decidedly glad he had not kissed her or concentrating on the council would have been made all that more impossible.

After Elienne accepted the compliments and gave her most gracious and eloquently spoken acceptance, she sat and was taken by Arwen in a congratulatory embrace. Haldir could not help but smile, as Elienne seemed to have been well charmed by the reception the Elven courts had extended to her. As it was meant to do, it had helped her put aside her troubles and set her mind on the things that were to happen here. He looked away, glad to know she would be enjoying her first council of elves after all.

After his own introduction and welcoming remarks, Haldir sat down and saw Elienne was smiling at him from across the circle. She looked down her nose at his chest and Haldir realized she had noticed the flower. He touched the bloom, leaning down to smell it. When he looked back, she turned her head away from him, ever so naturally and looked down the row at King Thranduil who was being introduced. As she did so, her hand lifted and she casually brushed back her hair, so as to gesture to the blossom now secured in the back of her low hanging crown. Despite himself, he let out a small chuckle at her impishness and soon had to look away in order to be less conspicuous in his pleasure.

They were more than halfway through the introductions and Rúmil sat down beside him after having given a fairly clever speech about the discerning qualities of the Mirkwood Queen. It was a testimony to his brother's odd chivalry that Rúmil seemed be able to predict those that might receive the least accommodation and focus his attention on accurate, yet flattering testimony. To give a quality speech on any of the others in company would be difficult for what would be left out, but on such occasions as this, his sour and usually unnoticed upon brother displayed his superior wit in a subtle and most useful manner.

"Well done," Haldir whispered, proudly. "Your resources must have been stretched."

"I look forward to being outdone," Rúmil said, closing his eyes and then looking sideways at him.

Suddenly Haldir realized that he had not taken his turn to greet anyone. As Emissary he was usually very vocal at such formalities and it would be thought odd if he did not take his turn at least once. With that in mind, when a certain uneasy Mirkwood Prince was introduced, Haldir thought it the perfect opportunity to both say his due and make peace with Legolas; a goal Elienne would certainly deem noble.

"I have had the chance to spend half a day with this fine Prince," he said as he stood. "And I must not allow the opportunity to pass to speak in the company of the Elders of his good nature and gentle heart." He glanced at Galadriel, who gave him a pleased nod of affirmation. "Legolas Greenleaf, you will be welcomed in our wood at any time that you desire accommodations. And should it be in my power, you will have the very bow you have so eloquently described as your heart’s desire." With a bit of a smirk he added, "Of course it could not possibly hope to improve your already exquisitely perfected aim, but it will be a trophy of which you are more than worthy."

It became plain to Haldir that Legolas’ discomfort at being the center of attention had lessened with this first welcome. But the personal conflict within him came through boldly in his acceptance of Haldir's offer.

"Emissary of the Galadhrim," he said, his eyes piercing at Haldir. "Should I ever have need or desire to enter the Golden Wood of Lórien, I will make certain to seek out the Lady's March Warden." His tone then took on a touch of sarcasm as he continued, "It brings me comfort that he has made known his debt to me before all his fellows, and his desire for reparation. If a bow can be fashioned as I have so described for him, I doubt very much anyone but the selfless Haldir of Lórien could have the heart to commission it to be made for another, and not for himself. I accept your gift… and I will be coming for it."

There were a few amiable murmurs at the mysterious interaction, but it was not so odd that anyone dwelled on their words for long. Before Haldir had taken his seat, Erestor of Rivendell stood to offer his remarks to Legolas. The Mirkwood Prince’s meaning was all too clear to Haldir. He had taken offense, most probably because he assumed Haldir meant the bow to be compensation for Legolas' broken heart. That was not at all how Haldir had intended his gift and he glanced back at Elienne only to see that she was frowning as well.

All at once he realized that in his distraction and desire to please Elienne, his intended gallant demonstration had not taken into account the mindset of the young prince.

"That was smooth," Rúmil commented.

"It is a bother," Haldir said, crossing his arms. Then he sighed and added, "It can be repaired."

"I am sure you think it can," Rúmil answered.

Haldir then noticed Galadriel looking in his direction. He met the eyes of his queen and he could not read the exact meaning of her knowing expression, but his cheeks grew very warm in any case.

*************

Haldir's strange token to Legolas, and the Prince's discourteous reception of it brought to Elienne's mind Murial's explanation of his attentions to her. The assertion that bonding to elder elves was more about complicated political positions than emotional inclination had seemed foolish, until she had heard the two of them carrying on so in front of the council. Perhaps her young feelings were just a silly game to someone of his age and experience. She looked at Haldir, expecting to see the proud Emissary and champion of some courting game played at her expense. But instead she caught the eye of an elf with clear worry on his face and a small bloom peeking out of his jerkin. She smirked at him and his entire figure relaxed. Immediately her faith in him and his affections flowed back over her.

The hours of the council seemed to float by all through the day and late into the night. Elienne followed the topics with interest and often concern. There was light-hearted banter dancing around what seemed to be very important issues. Many times she would catch Haldir glancing at her and she would give a smile or raise a brow, pleased when he would wink or make some other gesture of acknowledgement.

The last to speak about his kingdom was her father and he had gone in great detail describing the problems with the Easterlings as well as his various attempts to thwart their destruction of the borders of Darkwood. She was amazed at how tenacious the humans had become in their attempts to overthrow the Elven kingdom in their midst.

"…but Darkwood is still home of the elves!" he said, ending his speech. He paused and added, "For the most part … " He sat down and added, "And so it will be for another age…" Then he crossed his arms and mumbled, "…If my luck prevails."

There was a bit of laughter and Elienne could not help but admit her father had good timing to his bright wit.

"I think it is time to face it, Lord Bronian," Elrond said in response. "Your reign in Middle-earth seems to be waning! You are right in saying you do not need all of the Darkwood Lands. In fact, why not give the mortals the entire kingdom and have your peace over the sea to the west?"

"They must be given what they need to build their homes!" her father interrupted. "But they cannot ever have the protected woodlands. For even if we were not there it is so hidden that a mortal could not find it!"

"But how many of your own forces have given their lives enforcing each new boundary so that it is kept? Will there be any Darkwood elves left by the end of your rule?" Celeborn chimed in. "Certainly you do not mean to spare all Darkwood elves the long journey back to the Valar by sending them to their early graves? Will there be room in the halls of Mandos for any others save your kin?"

Elrond gave a chuckle as Elienne's father turned in his seat to address Celeborn. His hand was on his knee as he feigned insult. "I have lost fewer of my wardens in battles with Easterlings than you have during negotiations with Dwarves!"

A low moan was let out from the company. Particularly offended were the three Lórien brothers who sat across the circle from her father. Haldir looked about ready to jump out of his seat and Celeborn noticed and nodded for him to speak. Elienne watched intently, wondering what he could offer to the contest.

"If you would like to compare the count of the names of elves lost, it can be arranged," he said in almost a shout. But after a small drop of silence, he held up a single hand, showing three strong fingers and then added condescendingly, "That is if you are still keeping count after having run out of fingers and toes."

A burst of laughter broke out in the company. Elienne smiled at the jest at her father's expense. Though she was unsure of the mockery that was being made of the deaths of elves.

When the laughter died down Elrond nodded his acknowledging of Haldir's remark and held up his scroll of parchment. "The numbers are right here, if you would like me to give an account…"

"I was wrong to bring up numbers," her father said turning to Elrond. "I will admit that, but my point is still valid! The dangers in Darkwood are no more than anywhere else in Middle-earth."

"If that is true," rang out the voice of Legolas, "Why does the Lady Elienne, your own daughter, remain in Rivendell?" Then in a quieter voice he added, "If it is so safe in Darkwood…"

Elienne's eyes grew wide at hearing her name. Her father turned in his seat towards the Mirkwood prince. Arwen had explained to her before they came that unless given direct permission, nobody but the kings and queens would speak for their court out of turn. King Thranduil looked a bit taken aback by his son’s words, but Legolas did not seem to be bothered by the disturbance he had made.

"My daughter," her father said with unease, "is welcome to return whenever she likes… of course." He turned back around and as though the question had never come up, he continued to address Elrond. "Certainly we have lost more than our share of the forest to these mortals, but there is far less fertile ground out East. The mortals there grow vastly in numbers and are desperate. We cannot simply kill them off to keep their population in check. We must continue to negotiate, as tiresome as that is…"

"I agree with Elrond and Celeborn. The men must be taught to live within their means," King Thranduil stated. "Else they think all elves are weak."

"Their claim on the land is legitimate," an ethereal voice called out. "We are mere visitors here…"

The company grew quiet and Elrond looked to Galadriel. Her eyes were staring at him and Elienne could tell from her short time with the Queen that she was speaking into Elrond’s mind. He nodded to her and she sat up to speak.

"Lord Bronian speaks truth," she said, looking at him. Elienne watched as her father sat back in his throne to listen, relieved at the validation of his argument. Arwen took a hold of Elienne's arm as if she both wanted Elienne to listen but was also anticipating what would be said.

Then Galadriel stood before her throne, and as if there were a shaft of moonlight pouring down on her from above, her face lit as she spoke. "There is a growing sadness over our people as our lives extend past those of the mortals we live among. Some believe we have found peace within our borders. But our spirits remain dim."

She took a step into the center of the circle and folded her hands together under her lacy sleeves. "Few of us remember a time when we could affect the comings and goings of men. They trusted us and we them. And we were able to teach them many things." She glanced at Elrond. "Our alliances were strong."

Galadriel turned from Elrond and her voice suddenly became thick and low as she said, "But when a mortal man dies too often he takes with him everything he has gained, failing to pass it down to his sons." She looked at King Thranduil and said, "We have grown tired of fighting the same battles…" she looked at Celeborn and said tenderly, "and we are weary…"

Looking back at Elienne's father she said, "When you became King of Darkwood you breathed new life into that Realm. Your company grew and your land flourished." There was something in Galadriel’s eyes as she looked at Elienne's father that seemed to be a question. Her father's head shook and Galadriel briefly glanced at her. Elienne put her hand on Arwen's and held it as Galadriel turned away and back to the other elves.

"It is not enough for elves to live well among themselves when all the world falls around them. It is not in our nature to live happily if we know others are suffering. Knowing this then, the question becomes: if it is peace we truly seek, can it be found here in Rivendell? Or in the Woodland? In Mirkwood, Lothlórien, Darkwood? Or are our havens from the suffering of the world becoming breeding grounds of our own sorrow?" She then looked at Haldir and added, "Our guardians may be skilled at protecting our borders." And finally her eyes fell on Elienne's father again and in warning she said, "But sometimes when we retreat to seclusion of our homes we risk the greatest danger. The fading of the last of our joy."

Instead of returning to her seat, Galadriel walked out to the steps leading away from the council and into the garden. Before she descended she added, "We can hide from the world around us, but while we live in it, we can not escape the weight of its carnality on our souls."

Galadriel had waited until the end to speak any words and those she chose had shaken everyone to the core. As they watched the light of her fading into the trees, Elienne continued to hold tightly to Arwen's hand. She then looked across the circle at Haldir. His eyes were haunted as he stared in thought at the ground before him.

When Elrond finally stood to call a formal end to the council, it seemed as though something else should be said, but no one had the mind or words to say it. Along with everyone else, Elienne stood, watching as other courts came to speak with her father before his departure. The Mirkwood elves would be leaving soon as well and so ended the grand meeting of the elves.

"It has been so long, little elfling," one of the Darkwood elves said brightly. "Come inside by the fire, for the dark words of the Lady of Light look to have made you cold! Let us speak of your time here so we may completely know you again."

Elienne smiled at the friendly elf, wishing she could recall his name. It had been so long. She looked back over her shoulder as she left the council balcony room and saw her father was well engaged with others. She noticed as she was led into the library that one among those that awaited his attention was Haldir.

************************

As Haldir stood waiting to speak to Bronian, Arwen came up beside him.

"What do you mean to do?" she asked.

He glanced at her and said, "Speak with the king, as is courteous. I may not have another opportunity for a good several centuries."

"About what?" Arwen asked, pretending to do so innocently.

"You have taken your role as Elienne’s surrogate very seriously," he said to the Princess. He tried very hard not to be patronizing as she always accused. "You have done well. She is a she-elf of most noble character and poised manners."

As usual, Arwen did not seem to be won over by his flattery. "You seem to have taken to her quite well. I hope you will not break her heart as is one of your many talents."

He sighed and said, "I have no intention of breaking anyone's heart. Do you still distrust me so?"

Arwen did not answer, simply strolled away. As she approached her father and they began speaking, the look on Elrond's face darkened. Haldir thought the Rivendell King would come to have words with him, but instead he held his ground.

"Why is it everyone else's business what I do," Haldir mumbled. It was difficult enough to have questions and doubts in his own mind without having to bear the scrutiny and opinions of others. Normally he was able to tune out objections to his views when it became a distraction to his determination. Haldir's confidence in his judgments was as solid as the roots of an ancient tree were in its foundation. But his biggest failure; that first miserable experience with courtship, had made bonding the one area in which he had not secured much respect for himself. Even as he stood waiting to speak to Elienne's father, he felt as awkward and eager as a wee elfling awaiting his first lessons at archery.

Celeborn touched his elbow. "As much as I can see you could use a steady confidant, I must go to my distressed lady," he whispered in concern, "I trust you will survive without my guidance?"

Haldir smiled, thankful that there was one at least who believed in him. "Thank you, my liege. You can."

Celeborn looked out over the balcony into the garden and said, "The rewards of bonding far outweigh the challenges, my friend." In a sad voice he said, "Even when the pain I see in her heart is almost unbearable to me, there is some bit of sweetness in being the one to bring her comfort." Celeborn gently slapped Haldir on the shoulder and then quickly departed.

Haldir watched his king descend the stairs, amazed at Celeborn's devotion to his Galadriel. He crossed his arms over his chest to cover his insecurity. Haldir wondered if his own heart possessed such potential, or if that deep of affection was beyond his capacity. Certainly Elienne had convinced him beyond all doubt that she was a pure and divine creature who deserved such a bond mate. But as he anxiously watched King Bronian continuing in conversation with the Mirkwood Court, Haldir could not in earnest convince himself that he could give to her what she deserved; and if he could not convince himself, how would he be able to convince her father? His eyes wondered from the tall king and fell on someone waiting his own turn to speak.

"Legolas," Haldir called to him incredulously. "It seems we are both waiting for our turn with Lord Bronian."

"Good evening, Emissary," Legolas said cordially enough. Haldir's brother's moved among the crowd towards Haldir and flanked his side.

"How quickly it has become a good fellowship here," Haldir said looking at the three of them.

"We would not want to miss anything momentous that might be said to the Darkwood King," Orophin said suggestively. Then he turned to Legolas and said, "I am amazed at our brother's self-deception. He actually conceives that he can create a bow carved out of a Vardarianna tree. I believe there is nothing he does not think is within his abilities."

Haldir closed his eyes at that irony, but gave a proud nod to Legolas to indicate his assurance on the bow.

"Indeed it will be a challenge, but raising such a specimen is not beyond my abilities," he said. "I know some secrets to growing trees that can persuade foliage to grow as I desire. It is only a matter of time to accomplish a Vardarianna tree, strong and flexible without knots and suitable for a bow."

"It is quite a promise you have made," Legolas said. "And I must confess, though I should like very much to see you fail at something, completing my bow would not be first choice. My reasons are selfish, of course."

"I said I would see to it and it will be done," Haldir said. As he said it, he glanced to see the tall Darkwood King was still very much involved with King Thranduil. He looked down on the prince and added softly, "And so you are clear on the matter, this is not a gesture of condolence because I won our non-wager. It is in sincere admiration for your gracious generosity in the losing of it."

Legolas eyes flashed at him. "Is that so?" he asked. Haldir placed his hand on his heart while the prince clasped his own hands behind his back. Speaking as proudly as he could, Legolas said, "I wonder just how many years I should give you to perform this task… or should it be centuries?"

"It does take a century to grow a sapling large enough for such a bow," Haldir said, his eyes flashing at the doubtful prince. "If a Vardarianna tree is to be nurtured for a bow such as you need, I shall have to start from seed."

Legolas face lit up brightly as if he finally realized Haldir did mean to do it.

"I have underestimated you," Legolas said breathlessly. "You are much more benevolent than I presumed." With a small smirk he added, "Perhaps I should not fault Elienne so much for choosing you over me."

At Legolas' words Haldir felt peace settle between them at last. He smiled gently and said, "Legolas, I know the sacrifice you have made. You are generous enough for the three of us. I wonder if you had been a bit bolder, if her hearts fire would have blown in another direction."

A brief look of hurt appeared on the Prince’s face and Haldir thought that maybe his attempt at kindness had ricocheted again.

"At one time I thought the same," Legolas said, staring down. Then he seemed to get a bit of humor in his face and looked up at Haldir as if he wanted to say something, but instead held his tongue.

"What is it, Prince?" Orophin asked as he set about to tease Haldir. "Do not hold back on the Emissary's account!"

"I believe I have found a bit of selfish pleasure in this matter," he said, "But it is not mine to speak. I will not dare to spoil your gratification."

"Have your fun, Legolas!" Orophin insisted. "You have earned it. I regret very much that nothing could take the smug, ludicrous smile off of my brother's face."

Haldir shrugged as if he did not mind.

"Perhaps he should heed his heart's warning," Rúmil said carefully.

"No," Haldir said jovially, "It is the least I can do to be the brunt of a jest that favors Legolas."

The Mirkwood Prince jutted his jaw out slightly, nodding as he considered his words.

With a groan he added, "I can see this is going to be a good blow just from the satisfaction you are already taking in it."

Orophin laughed and crossed his arms in anticipation.

"Besides the bow, I suppose there is one other thing in which I can take solace," Legolas said. His eyes considered Rúmil and Orophin before returning to Haldir. Softly, as though he did not want any around to hear, he taunted, "I can relish in the knowledge that at least once in my life I have had the delight of being kissed… on the lips… by such a delicate and beautiful princess. It may not be the gift of bonding she may one day bestow upon you, but I shall treasure the passionate moment fondly in my memory none the less."

The sounds of the voices around him became muffled in Haldir's ears as though he was suddenly standing in the middle of the raging falls. He had overheard that something had passed between them, but never had he imagined that she was anything but the epitome of innocence in her affections. A kiss… Haldir stiffened, trying to hide the tremors of devastation that flowed through him at Legolas’ words. On the lips… He had not even dared to share the intimacy of such a token to her perfect fingers, though her designs on him had been very bold and maddening.

The Prince laughed lightly and said to Orophin and Rúmil, "The truth of it is, I sincerely believe that had I the fortitude to kiss her back as I so wanted, things may indeed have ended differently. But she surprised me with it, and alas, I timidly took my leave. Clearly Lord Haldir did not lack such ambition and thus she chose him."

The crowd around them blurred as images of Elienne's lips on Legolas flashed into Haldir's mind's eye. He glared blankly at the prince and clenched his jaw in self-control.

Legolas brow furled that his joke was not being enjoyed. "I presume that your kisses were much more mutual, M'Lord," Legolas offered cautiously.

"Keep your presumptions to yourself," Haldir charged through his clenched teeth.

"That little tart has been playing her games more fiendishly than even I suspected," Rúmil hissed.

Haldir's eyes poised on the elder of his brothers and Rúmil grew silent.

"I have exaggerated for jest only, but in honesty, it was no matter, Haldir," Legolas said shakily. "I promise you, it was a token of friendship only. She said as much herself to me." With nervous laughter he added, "I told you only at your request, Emissary… I did not mean to call to question her honor…"

As Haldir passed Legolas with a few heavy steps out onto the balcony, Legolas shrank from him as if in protection of himself. Obviously the Prince did not realize that even at such an offense as this, Haldir found striking another elf to be below him. And besides, it was not against Legolas that his wrath was being turned.

"I have misspoken here, Haldir. You must not take what I have said in such earnest," Legolas said, following him.

Haldir could hear the words of the Prince, but their meaning was lost on him. His heart was racing over the feasibility that twice in his life, spanning the time of a millennium, he had made the same error in judgment over the character of a she-elf. Was he so fooled by a beautiful face and a lilting laugh that even in his old age he could not distinguish between one who could be trusted and one who considered him to be played like a harp?

Then, at what could not have been the worst timing, someone else addressed him.

"So this is Haldir?" King Bronian said walking out to them. "Lord Elrond has just insisted that I am in great need of making your acquaintance… but he will not tell me why. I say, have we not met already?"

Haldir felt shooting spikes of pain in his face from the tension of hiding the grieved expression of his temperament. He did not answer the king, but looked up dumbly, wondering at his arrogance in trusting his heart in the matters of desire. His lack of judgement was astounding, not even a master empath would consider diving into a bond after only two days of courtship. Only sentimental wee elves fell under such afflictions.

"He is in a daze because of his nerves," Legolas spoke up, gallantly trying to cover for Haldir's silence. "But do not be put off by it, M'Lord. He will come to in a moment… allow me to have a word with him."

Legolas put his hand on Haldir and in a reaction over which he had little control, Haldir yanked his arm away from him.

"I have no time for such nonsense, speak up Emissary," Bronian said sounding slightly amused.

Haldir blinked his eyes and looked at the king. They were eye to eye, but the King was considerably thinner and his tall crown gave him added height. "I am pleased to meet you again," he said.

"Yes, yes you too," Bronian said impatiently. He glanced at Legolas and rolled his eyes presumptuously. Then as if he was being generous he tried to direct the conversation. "You stole my time with Elienne this morning and I shall not forgive you for that, Haldir… unless you give me good reason."

It was as transparent a lead as Haldir had ever heard. There were many elves around, some snickering as they listened in. All probably imagining that Haldir was humbled by nerves rather than mortified at his own stupidity. He wanted to tell her father just exactly what he thought of the false princess, but anything he would say here in the council area would be of grave and a supreme insult. No matter what she had done, it was not appropriate to air it here. He had hidden Murial's disgrace and he would hide Elienne's as well.

"Is there some reason you can give me why she choose your company over mine?" Bronian asked. The willowy elf folded his hands before him and looked at Haldir, his red plaited hair dangling over his shoulders.

"We were having breakfast," Haldir said with a frown, saying nothing more. His pierced heart was stealing his attention and leaving his mind at an unusual loss for words. To his left he heard Lord Elrond hum in amused disapproval. King Bronian glanced at the Rivendell Lord and then turned back to Haldir, his eyes full of a strange light.

"This is never easy, Emissary," King Bronian said. "And so I will relieve you of the pain which my beloved's father made me endure. I know of you and am pleased to accept your intentions towards Elienne." He looked around at the amazed company and asked, "Now… how is that for creative ruling? Am I living up to my reputation?"

Haldir blinked, his lips parting slightly in shock.

"He is so relieved he can not say it," the Darkwood king said to the crowd. "Tell me, Haldir, now that the pressure is gone, will you not at least take me aside, thank me and give me your good and proper appeal for my blessing of your bond with my daughter? As any father, I should like to hear the touting of fond regard for my fair offspring."

Haldir shook his head in disbelief at the ease in which the king had handed Elienne over to him. No challenges, no demands for his references of what made him worthy. Not even the father of a maidservant would be so acquiescing. A polite way to refuse this without dragging Elienne and the prince into disrespect was eluding him. It would seem to all that Bronian was desperate to unload her… Unthinkable behavior for a father in elven society. She would be humiliated if he refused.

"Can you not think of one thing to say?" Bronian laughed.

"Perhaps I will think of something to say before you leave," Haldir said quietly as the one thing he could do came to his mind: evasion. "In this moment, I believe you should be talking with Elienne… she is most beside herself to see you."

Bronian looked over his shoulder at his daughter who was watching the balcony intently.

"Right you are!" he said thoughtfully. "I have been neglecting my little elfling…"

"Then go to her, good king," Haldir said gesturing to where Elienne was standing. And in as good humor as he could feign he added, "Do not let any more of your time with her be stolen by me!"

Bronian turned back to Haldir and said, "You must truly adore her to think of her needs so compassionately." He nodded at the company and took his leave inside.

Haldir watched him go and the crowd that had gathered around them began to congratulate him. The Woodland elf Queen embraced him and her husband gave him a kiss on the cheek. Haldir put on a false smile, and worked in his mind how to undo what was happening to him. With Murial a formal pronouncement was never made and his withdrawal of proposal was done quietly, if not with out scandal. But she was not even the court minstrel at the time and her sorrow drew little notice. Elienne was a princess, and this news would travel quickly. Nothing would come to mind that would both preserve his integrity at canceling a public proposal that would not also cast shame on Elienne if her indiscretion with Legolas came to light as the cause. Once again in his life, a she-elf was making him choose between his honor and her reputation; and it gored him.

Legolas’ mother and father simply nodded at him, but the others in their company had much to say about how their estimation of him had improved. He thought them fools, and yet himself the biggest fool of them all.

When Arwen came forward she hesitantly took his hand. The Rivendell Princess glared at him cautiously and said, "Be kind to her, Haldir. Perhaps with Elienne you can make up for your damage to Murial."

His stomach felt as though it was being gutted all over again. He nodded at her and watched her go. The other elves around him mercifully left to go inside and gather around Elienne, no doubt to offer her praise and blessing. But his brothers remained by his side. A distraught Legolas stood at a distance watching Elienne in dismay.

"For as bright as the Evenstar shines she is rather dull to still not realize it was Murial who did the damage to you and not the other way," Rúmil said. "And now Elienne… It is always the same with females."

Haldir walked to the edge of the balcony to try to clear his head. It was true. Arwen and most others besides his close confidants still believed his lie that it was his amiable choice to leave the beautiful songbird. But the truth of it was he would have wed her if he had believed her heart was true. He had made his proposal to her in a moment of passion they had surprisingly shared in their youth. But before he could decline additional duties requested of him by Celeborn, he caught her giving light kisses to a Warden under his charge. In his devastation he had set in his mind that never again would he allow his passions to determine his company; and yet that is exactly what he had done with Elienne.

"Courtship is only a game to she-elves like Murial and Elienne," Rúmil said as he followed Haldir.

"Aye, but Elienne's game was much more clever," Haldir hissed. "She did not just tempt me with passions, she deceived my heart. I actually believed in her character and her sincerity."

"Haldir," Legolas said approaching. Haldir turned away from the concerned elf. The Prince turned to his brothers and ordered, "Leave us." The two elves begrudgingly stepped away.

Haldir looked out over the dark valley and in the distance among the hanging lanterns he thought he could see Celeborn and Galadriel strolling in the moonlight. It weighed heavily on him to see them. He wondered what Celeborn would say to this news. Perhaps he would simply laugh. He could imagine his King admonishing that there is nothing to be done but follow along and accept his folly.

"Elienne desires you alone, you must know that," Legolas pleaded at his side in a whisper. "She told me she feels not for me but friendship alone! You were listening in the field that day, did you not hear her tell me there was no intention in her towards me? I implore you to come to your senses."

"She claims she did not know I was listening," he said in an angry hushed tone, "But I am convinced now that she did know I was listening… and planned very carefully what she meant me to hear." He looked at Legolas and harshly made the puzzle come together for the poor naïve prince. "And when she kissed you, no doubt she meant you to believe the kiss was more… until she was done using you to ensnare me."

He paused for effect and Legolas slowly took in the accusation with distaste.

"But why would she risk such a game?" Legolas said. "It makes no sense to me."

"For sport perhaps," Haldir said, raising his brows. "Celeborn himself counseled us of her way of pitting us against one another." He looked through the doors at the joyous company gathered in the library around Elienne and felt all the more disgusted with her. Then he glanced back at Legolas' disbelieving face and felt genuine pity for him.

"The first taste of a female is sweet, until your heart is shattered," Haldir said. "But do not feel poorly about yourself Prince. I was expecting this and she still fooled me." Haldir glared inside again and said, "But she will not win…"

"What do you mean to do?" Legolas asked. "Will you confront her?" He looked around at the joyous celebration inside and asked, "How can you do so gracefully among such merriment?"

"No. I will not call off her victorious bonding plans. I will do something far worse… I shall concede to take her as my bride," Haldir snarled.

"You cannot bond yourself to her if you do not desire her…" Legolas gasped.

"Desire her?" Haldir said. "I never knew her well enough to desire her. Perhaps in some moment of lust I believed it possible her flesh would satisfy. But now I know her nature and I am finally in my right mind! And she is repulsive to me!"

Legolas was about to protest and Haldir realized he was being too harsh. Changing his expression, he set about to use his wit to convince the tender prince this was for her own good. He gave him a good smile and explained, "She is a simple she-elf who has won a conquest. If I bond myself to her, I will give her more than she needs. If it were my honest affections she sought, she would not have used trickery."

Unfortunately the Prince did not seem to buy into Haldir's new paradigm.

"Even if you are right and all this was conniving, how can you be so sure this is what she wants?"

Haldir impatiently tried again to dissuade Legolas from interfering. "She chose me. So I am obviously what she wants. I am giving her what she wants. She will have an Emissary for her husband, and I will have myself a Princess for a wife. It is a solid arrangement." He looked into the library again and said, "…and even a poorly matched coupling is not without some pleasures."

"Do not do this," Legolas warned, fear more than threat in his voice. He was obviously unable to lose his romantic notions that elves must bond for desire alone.

"Or what?" Haldir snapped, losing his constraint. "Do you intend to be her champion once more and rescue her from me? Please, be my guest and attempt it; save me the trouble of keeping her in line for the rest of my everlasting life." He stepped forward and got in the prince's face as he continued, "But before you do, consider what she will think. Could you persuade her to believe you over me? She is completely convinced my heart is hers and would think you merely embittered."

"But it will not be a sincere bond," Legolas said weakly. "Will it bind your hearts?"

"Sincerity is not what false she-elves deserves," Haldir spat. "And it will take, be assured."

"You are mad," Legolas gasped, backing away.

"So I've been told," he said looking away from the Prince.

"What is going on?" the Mirkwood queen asked merrily as she came out and stood beside Legolas. "You two are not still fighting are you? My elfling, I have told you the little princess is not worthy of you… No offense Emissary"

"This is not a good time," Legolas spoke sternly. "I will be in with you in a moment."

His mother's eyes grew large, but she did not argue. Instead she looked Haldir over and sneered. With a condescending laugh she said, "What a pity that the gloating groom has not a proper badge to display." She paused and then turned as she left calling out, "His corsage has wilted."

Haldir looked down and indeed the Mirkwood queen spoke the truth. The white petals of the bloom had fallen limp and were edged in brown. He turned towards the garden steps, took the bloom out of his jerkin and glared at it. Clenching his jaw, he gave it a good hard toss over the balcony.

"You will speak with her before you bond," Legolas directed. "Make it clear to her you see your marriage as merely an arrangement."

"Go with your mother, young Prince," Haldir snarled. "I am through listening to your pathetic idealism."

Legolas stood for a moment and then backed away slowly, finally leaving Haldir alone with his thoughts.

*********************

Elienne was standing in the library at the large hearth with some of the company from Darkwood when she was swarmed, with kisses and fawning over her with expressions of joy. She was overwhelmed and confused and nobody would explain to her the meaning of it.

Then she heard the voice of her father call her name, "Elienne."

Slowly she turned to him and he took her in his arms.

"You have chosen a very shy fellow," he said. "But you have chosen well. Lord Haldir will make you a fine husband."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, looking around bewildered at the company who all seemed to be in the know.

Without acknowledging her question, he spoke to the rest that were there. "Although, I almost had to tie you to his horse and send him off!"

Elienne laughed lightly at the comment and felt light-headed realizing what he was saying. "I knew he cared for me, but are you saying he has proposed a bond?" she asked, completely taken off guard.

"I thought after the Mirkwood Prince's suggestion in council I might persuade you to finally come home," her father spoke over her. "But I suppose this is a better situation. Lothlórien has always been your dream. One would think that dreaming of that wood is all that you do!"

"I am not so sure, M'Lord. Elienne has been telling us of the many activities that have engaged her here in Rivendell," her father's main advisor explained. "Did you know she excels in embroidery? She has made you a cloak that we must not forget to bring back with us!"

"Really?" her father asked. His advisor began to go on retelling in great detail what she had said, only with embellishments and exaggerations that made her blush.

As he spoke, Elienne looked up to the balcony and saw Legolas and Haldir were speaking. She wanted to go to him and ask how he had thought to speak to her father about a bond before he had asked her. Though it did not surprise her he could so easily guess what her answer would be, it still did not seem like him at all. His brothers were just inside the door and it looked as though they were listening to the heated discussion on the balcony. The look on Legolas face gave her cause for concern that he was not pleased and it saddened her that he would not be happy for them. She decided to leave it to Haldir to smooth it over, as was his aptitude. But before long, Legolas, came to her, still very displeased.

"We are leaving soon," he said as he embraced her. Then in her ear he said, "Before you bond yourself to him, be sure that he desires you, Elienne. The Emissary is not always as he appears…"

"Legolas," she said sweetly, pulling away. "I know his heart as well as I know my own. Your misgivings are misplaced."

The Mirkwood Prince nodded sadly at her response, but he did not look convinced. Whispering intently he said, "This is not jealousy speaking. Believe me when I say to you, this is as a brother would warn his sister..."

Before she could inquire further, his mother came and pulled him towards another gathering where his father looked to be waiting for him. Elienne glanced out towards Haldir and his brothers and took a step in their direction, but her father stopped her.

"I have been putting off my news to you for far too long now," he said. He nodded at his advisor and the elf encouraged the others to disperse as Elienne and her father withdrew to a corner for privacy.

"I am greatly disappointed that mother is not here, but I am sure there is a suitable reason," she said as sweetly as she could.

"Your mother," he said slowly. "She wanted to come, but was unable. It would not have been safe…"

"You spoke of the dangerous Easterners at the council," Elienne said with a nod.

In his eyes she saw something of the adoration for her she remembered from long ago. "She is with child," he said with a huge grin. "You will soon have a younger sister."

Elienne's mouth dropped and she held her stomach in the awe of it.

"Yes, my daughter," her father said joyously. "I am sorry you only now find out, but I could not allow the news to be delivered by carrier bird, or even by messenger. I wanted to tell you myself… In fact, nobody here knows yet! I was going to announce it at the council, but how could I tell you in such a way as that?"

Elienne blinked back the tears. "I finally understand why you have been so secretive," she said. "I am beside myself…Another child being brought into our family! And right before I am to be wed and would need to learn of such things. The timing could not have been better!"

"So you will come to Darkwood then?" her father asked in relief. "I had not the courage to ask you."

"How could Haldir deny me!" she said almost in a squeal. "I do not know how soon he will want his own elflings, but he will want me to be knowledgeable of their care no doubt!"

"You seem more pleased than I was, my elfling," he said laughing at her.

Elienne gathered herself and wiped her tears. "Does Lord Elrond know?" she asked.

"No! As I said, I have kept it to myself," her father said with a gleam in his eye. "Well, except Galadriel, of course. One cannot hope to keep much at all from her prying eyes. But she is discrete with her knowledge and does not tell secrets." He then turned slightly to look at the room full of the elvish courts of Middle-earth and said, "Would you like to be the one to announce Darkwood’s new arrival?"

All at once a new flood of affection for her father came over Elienne and she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tightly.

"Now this is the Elienne I remember," he said, patting her on her back. "I thought perhaps the March Warden had stolen all of the affection in your heart and left none for me. Now, we must speak of how you should announce it. Do you have any thoughts on it?"

***********************

When Legolas left the balcony, Rúmil and Orophin came out to Haldir. He glanced at his brothers, hating that they were right.

"What has the prince to say for himself?" Rúmil inquired.

"There is nothing for him to be ashamed of," Haldir said. "He did no wrong, save to be a natural elf."

Orophin shook his head sadly. "I too was mistaken, Haldir. I thought her simple, not malicious."

"There is still something of it I do not understand," Haldir said, crossing one arm over his chest and stroking his chin with his hand. He watched Elienne and her father speaking. "Prince Legolas was so ready to take her, why choose me?" he asked aloud. "What could I offer that that he could not…"

"She did express an interest in Lothlórien," Orophin said in disgust. "Perhaps it was more a matter of where to live and not with whom."

"As feasible as it is that a silly she-elf would have that sort of reasoning, something else more sinister has come to my mind…" he said. Thinking allowed he went on, "It has only just occurred to me, but during much of our time together this morning my dear intended bid me talk of my duties. Then I thought her merely proving herself worthy of my intellect but her grasp of politics was rather impressively sophisticated." He paused thinking of the depths of her probing.

"What dark suspicions could you be creating?" Orophin asked, "That she intends to have a say in the matters of your charge?"

"No, worse… Do you not think Bronian gave her to me rather quickly?"

"He forced her on you!" Rúmil said. He glared darkly in at the seemingly foolish King. "It was disgraceful."

Haldir put his hands on his brother's shoulders and drew them to him. He then spoke softly in caution. "Do you recall the Darkwood King's state of affairs? Tell me, after listening to all that was said in the council today… if ever a kingdom was in need of an Emissary with my knowledge and abilities to persuade, which one would it be?"

Orophin's eyes widened and he said, "She must have learned of your talents before you arrived."

"Indeed. It was she who approached me the moment I arrived," he said. "Her intentions were set from the beginning to test my worth."

Rúmil's eyes darted into the library again. "She simply cannot be that cunning," he said.

Haldir stood up away from them and said, "I did not think it possible either. But it is the only explanation that makes any sense. Elienne entertained the two most eligible suitors in a position to help her father, and being superior in so many regards, I was unfortunate enough to be selected as Darkwood's next successor."

"They can not have you!" Orophin exclaimed, "M'Lady would never let you go… you are her prized Guardian!"

Haldir's eyes narrowed as he thought on it. "She will not order me to stay in Lothlórien when my bond mates kingdom requires my service."

"You do not mean to go through with this bonding," Rúmil said incredulously. "After all she has done to you. Reject her and move on. Let her receive the doom of her own making."

"My shame would be greater, and what's more, it would be admitting I was outwitted," he said, "I will not let her destroy what I have spent a thousand years attempting to restore. I am wise to her now and she will not get the bond she expects."

He watched the squealing she-elf with her father, both looking as though they were rejoicing in the success of their plan. Even the tensions between them must have been false.

"This is madness," Rúmil said softly. "You will destroy yourself if you bond, she will simply continue to manipulate you."

"Never!" he snarled. "I will not live out the rest of my days harnessed by this vixen." He calmed himself considerably and added, "She will not have the doting dog she expects… I will break her. And she will regret having ever laid eyes upon the Emissary of the Galadhrim."

Then the royalty from Darkwood looked his way and he dutifully plastered a fake smile on his face and stepped into the library to approach them.

Chapter 15: Paradoxical Passions

Elienne and her father began to call for the other elves to gather around from the various corners of the room where light food had been laid out for them. As she scurried about, she saw that Haldir was finally coming in from the balcony and she went to him at once.

"Haldir," she said throwing her arms about his neck. Strangely he did not feel as accepting as she expected, and merely patted her back.

"It looks as though my bride's father has made his daughter giddy with delight," he said rather loudly to the company as he pulled her away from him. "I think she will squeeze the life out of me if I let her."

She thought it odd, but smiled until her eyes dropped to his jerkin and saw his flower was not there. While the others spoke, she looked on the floor around them and then past him onto the balcony.

"Indeed!" her father exclaimed. "We will delight to make you all giddy when we have the courts gathered again. For I have decided to let some good news from Darkwood be told by it's prodigal princess…" He turned to look up at Elrond who was surveying the room from the loft above. "Have Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel returned yet?" he inquired.

Elrond walked down the stairs and said, "No, they have retired to the hearth in the Lórien Guest House… Perhaps since our Mirkwood and Woodland company will be departing shortly, rather than require that the burdened queen return all the way back to the library, we should meet them there?"

King Thranduil came forward and said, "A good plan it is. For indeed wee too will sadly need to be saying our good-byes and gathering our things to us shortly."

While her father took care of the plans, Elienne had left the company and was searching around everywhere she had seen Haldir standing since the council.

"Elienne," Arwen said coming to her side. "What has you so frantic all of a sudden?"

She glanced at the princess and then came up to Haldir and asked, "What has become of your flower?"

Without even looking directly at her for more than a split second he said, "Oh, it became frail and I tossed it away…"

"I was going to preserve it as a memento to our union!" she said. "Where did you toss it?"

"It is dead, Elienne," he laughed, looking about at the others who watched them curiously. "We can get you another… it makes no sense to preserve something that has already withered, does it?"

"And yet your new bride wishes it to be done," Elrond said incredulously.

Elienne took one of Haldir's hands in both of hers and said, "Is it so much to ask, Haldir? Indulge me… where did you toss it? It will not be much of a matter to find it."

He lifted his other hand to his brow and rubbed his temple. "It is over the balcony in the garden…"

Elienne's father slapped him on the shoulder and said, "Good! You take my daughter to find it and meet the rest of us in the Guest House. If ever I heard of one, this is a simple enough challenge for you to complete to win the hand of your beloved until I can come up with a proper demand."

Elienne smiled at her father and her heart felt suddenly light. She looked at Haldir and he dutifully nodded at the expectant gathering.

"I suppose it is decided," he said, taking her hand. "Let us go, my precious." As he impatiently pulled her along to the garden steps, she looked behind them and smiled at the others who were laughing and enjoying the bit of discord.

Once they were down the steps Haldir let go of her hand. He proceeded to take a lantern hanging from a tree and without saying a word he moved over the garden, searching. She thought it strange that he was so quiet and decided that maybe she should have said something to him about his proposal before now. Perhaps he felt it was going unappreciated in light of the new secret to be told.

"So I am to be bonded with the most noble elf in all of Middle-earth, I think I have never been happier," she gushed. He did not answer, but rather grumbled something as he moved along. She walked behind him wondering why he did not respond. "I was a little surprised that you asked my father before speaking with me about it," she said. He still did not answer, but began to kick up piles of leaves, presumably to search through them for the flower. "Mind you, I accept whole-heartedly," she said following him, "I am…merely surprised."

"Life is full of surprises," he mumbled. He stopped and looked back over the area they had searched, "'Tis such a small thing this flower, why is it so important to you?"

"It is not what it is but what it represents," she said. He shook his head and went back over the area he had covered.

"And I am only surprised," she continued, "Because I did not realize you were ready to bond with me… you seemed ready enough in the field that is to be sure. But then when you charmed me and spoke all your words of doubt and concern… it just did not seem like you at all to decide so quickly."

He stood still again, obviously frustrated with the search and said, "People are not always what they seem, Elienne."

Glad that he was finally conversing she said quickly, "Legolas warned me the same thing about you just a few moments ago. What do you think he meant by it?"

He glared at her briefly and then quickly turned away. Then he looked to be taking a new strategy in searching as he was glancing up at the balcony above and then following his eyes down to where they were standing as if he was imagining where the flower might have fallen. Once he did, he headed for a small birdbath fountain in the far corner of the garden.

"Everyone does what is required in order to get what he or she wants," he said condescendingly. "As Emissary of the Galadhrim, it just so happens to be a mandate of my position to master the skill of deception, and to expect it from others."

"Well you need not be false with me. You have already captured my heart quite well," Elienne said. She came to his side by the small bath and added, "In fact, I prefer a foul mood such as this one you are in to that false smile as you gave to the company in the library."

Haldir did not respond to her as he held the lantern over the water and looked around the edges. The light reflected a fairly nasty scowl on his face as he scanned the inside of the shallow bowl. He reminded her of Elrond in a temper and she smirked slightly that her heart had chosen someone more like her surrogate father than her real one. As she peered into the bowl she saw there at the bottom of the tiny pool lie a small white bud.

"You have found it!" she exclaimed, dipping her fingers into the water and lifting it. She held it up and said, "It is not far gone at all! I can restore this easily…" She looked up at him and said, "I will not need Elrond's help as I did with your boots either." She then turned to him completely and scolded, "That reminds me, you never did thank me for the service of returning your footwear to you and saving you shame!" Haldir was staring at the flower in her hand and still said nothing. Elienne continued, "Perhaps it was that kind favor I gave you which turned your heart towards me and spawned your proposal?"

Haldir looked up at her with a strange sadness and said, "Perhaps it was…"

She smiled that he was softening and added, "Though, I should have sent Legolas rather than Celeborn. Your king put up quite a fight and I was nearly late for the council! I am sure the Prince would do anything I should bid him." Laughing she said, "even if it was a kindness to his rival."

The softness left his eyes and Haldir snapped, "We must go, they are waiting."

He abruptly turned from her and Elienne followed just behind him, terribly insecure as to why he was behaving so oddly. "Why are you cross?" she asked. "Have I done something to displease you?"

He continued walking as he said, "I am… I… I have a lot on my mind is all…"

"Such as?" she asked catching up with him. She held his flower with both hands and walked beside him.

"What your news with your father could be for one," he said, glancing at her slightly. Rather than return up the stairs and through the palace, he was leading them in a different direction around the path towards the main courtyard.

"I wish I could lift your spirits by telling you my news," she said. "But my father wants it to be a surprise for all to hear at once…"

"And a promise to a father is more binding than the trust of a husband?" he asked with a distant voice. "Is this how our bond will be?"

Elienne had not thought about it like that and it made her very upset to think she was hurting Haldir by keeping this good news from him. "It is not right for me to burden you with mistrust when the news is so joyous," she said. "So I will tell you."

"It is not necessary," he said as they walked through the court. "You will tell all in a moment."

"No!" she said. She grabbed his hand so that he would stop walking. He turned to her, but again he did not look her in the eyes.

"I want to tell you to show you my heart is yours now… we will be bonded and I will trust you above all others… so here is the news," she said. She could not help but get excited all over again by what she imagined his reaction would be. But Haldir seemed to be bracing himself as though he expected something tragic. "My mother is with child and will be giving birth within the month!"

He finally looked at her and for an instant on his face she detected both surprised and delight. But then his brow furled and he said, "He is only now telling you? That is quite odd, Elienne. You should have been told directly after the conception."

"My father is quite odd," she said. "Which you will find out soon. It is amazing timing, is it not?" She put her arms around his shoulders and said in a provocative voice as she could, "Just when we shall need knowledge of how to take care of wee elflings, we have the opportunity to learn from my own mother with my own younger sibling."

"Why would we need to know?" he interrupted taking her hands from around his neck. With a sly smile he began walking towards the Lórien guesthouse.

"Because… naturally I thought that someday we… do you not have interest in elflings of your own?" she asked, most stunned.

He turned and walked backwards as she followed him. "At my age? Surely not! I shall find keeping up with you burdensome enough without smaller versions of you running about causing all matters of chaos!"

"I did not realize…" she said as they came to the Lórien door.

"I have many duties which are very important to me, Elienne. A child would distract me beyond all good measure," he said. He took her hand in a gesture of manners rather than affection and added, "It is a pity you did not know of this before now. I hope you will not be too disappointed."

He did not wait for her to respond before he led her into the foyer of the guesthouse. A deep sadness came over Elienne as the hope for elflings of her own diminished. And also, if his duties were so important to him, that meant they would not be returning to Darkwood to see her mother and the baby.

They walked in together and he announced, "We have found it!" A great cheer went up and he looked at Elienne and said, "I have won my challenge, now she is mine… if she still wants me."

She put on a smile to her best ability and realized this new knowledge of her future with Haldir had somehow stolen some of the joy from the moment.

"Of course," she said. But he looked away from her after she said it and Elienne's heart warned her that something beyond her secret was very wrong. Across the room she saw Legolas was speaking with Galadriel by the hearth, but that his eyes were on her.

"Come my dear," her father said. "Let us share the news! The Mirkwood court is anxious to leave before daybreak and we have kept them long enough!"

***********

Lying to Elienne about his desire for his own offspring had been as easy for Haldir as he could expect. However, he did not find much satisfaction in the disappointment it brought her. Somehow in the heat of his scheming for revenge, he had forgotten how tender she was. Even with as livid as he still was with her for her deception and falseness, he did not enjoy causing suffering. It was one of the aspects of his character that made him suited for his post. Were he able to take joy in the suffering of those who went down under his sword, he would not be able to stand being in his own flesh.

How could he have imagined that a tainted bonding would be within his capacity? In regard to Elienne, Haldir seemed to be swayed by passions of both desire and loathing and neither gave him good counsel.

It was a golden thing, mercy, and in this demonstration of what damage he could do to her and with so little ease, Haldir made an alternative plan as to how he should proceed, it was only a matter to make it happen.

"And now give us the news!" Lord Elrond said. "We have been holding our breath until your return."

With forced courage Elienne stood before everyone and those gathered became quiet and attentive.

"My father has informed me that my mother was not able to attend the council today because she is attending to herself… and the elfling soon to be born to her!" she said.

There were a few gasps of joy and a cheer of merriment quickly rose from the gathering. Rightly Elienne and Bronian were swept up into a second round of congratulations. It was indeed a big evening for them both and Elienne seemed to be bearing the attention with grace as though it was completely natural to have the adoration of Kings and Queens. However, the slight crease between her brows allowed Haldir to see his words in the court were still affecting her.

Haldir's brothers had come to his sides with curious expectation. Often he would change his strategy in the middle of an operation when he detected his first plan was not working or when those he was dealing with were of a different nature than he suspected. He hoped his brothers would see it that way and not presume his resolve was weakened.

"Are you still determined to disingenuously bond with her?" Orophin asked.

Rúmil bore a look of disapproval as well and said, "Even I could not be so cruel, Haldir. We have discussed the matter and implore you to reconsider. You will do as much damage to yourself as to her."

"You two seemed quite content to cheer me on before," he said. He crossed his arms as King Thranduil looked in his direction and held up some glasses to offer a drink. Haldir smiled dutifully and nodded.

"Only because we were in the moment and knew you to be wiser and more gentile than your anger revealed," Rúmil said. "Just as we supposed Legolas to be wiser than he has presented."

"My brothers give good counsel and have learned well under my instruction," he said. Haldir kept the smile on his face as the drinks were handed to him and the server moved on to others. But while he held the glass up to his lips he snarled, "I have discovered a plan out of this bonding, which will sustain my honor."

Both of his brothers looked at each other relieved and Orophin asked, "It must be masterful indeed if you are so confident. For an elf to publicly announce and then rescind his intentions lowers his esteem considerably in the hearts of she-elves. I have not personally seen it attempted but once and the poor soul left for the West a decade later for the painful shunning he endured."

"Indeed," Rúmil added with soft intensity, " Though I find the notion more trouble than value, any resistance of mine to this pursuit of bonding has been tempered by my understanding of your undying desire for your own family. Tell us how you will save yourself from reputational doom!"

Haldir lowered the glass slowly from his lips and said, unable to prevent his voice from cracking, "I said sustain my honor, not my eligibility." Looking into the sad eyes of the elder of his brother's, Haldir gravely admitted his failure. "I have resigned myself that after this misstep, my desirability in the eyes of elves can never be salvaged; for any potential mates, and especially for their fathers." As Rúmil's expression darkened further in compassion, Haldir refused to be moved to self-pity and forced a smile. "No, my kinsmen, I shall remain as most of our kind have freely chosen, doomed to live in eternal bachelorhood."

"Not all of us have chosen it," Orophin chimed in with considerable angst. Haldir glanced at the youngest of the three and saw his devastation was evident. "It is quite aggravating indeed to know not only has she ruined your future, but if you cannot recover unscathed, any hopes lingering in my mind for my own bonding will be completely extinguished!"

In his own struggling, Haldir was at a loss to comfort such despair, but Rúmil looked at Orophin and said, "It is to our credit that we are a dying race. Consider yourself spared the agony of the decision to bring more souls into the world only so that they may join your suffering. I live grateful for the freedom that lies in never having that dreadful choice of bonding laid before me."

Orophin looked at Haldir for a less bleak outlook, but all he could do is nod. Perhaps Rúmil had a point and all of this mishap was for his own good. Perhaps he should be thanking the Valar for making him blind to what should have been obvious.

"What is it you will do," Rúmil asked cautiously.

Staring at Elienne in her phony good cheer he said, "All is lost for my charm to win me fortune, so I instead will endeavor to treat her completely abhorrently before our bonding. She is clever enough to predict that living with me will be so entirely miserable that despite any gain to her father's kingdom, she will not dare to risk it. In the end, it will be the princess who will reject the March Warden."

"But would not her pride prevent it?" Orophin asked. "She may worry that such a rejection would reflect poorly on her."

Haldir shook his head and explained, "A she-elf endures little scorn for changing her mind in such matters."

"Worse than that," Rúmil warned, "A great scene could be made to force you to apologize and behave as you should. Not only would honor be lost, but respect. And reparation may be unattainable. I highly recommend against mistreatment. Be honest with her, Haldir. Tell her your response to her misdeed. It is better to be dishonored for what you have justly done than what you do out of your misguided passion."

Haldir contemplated the wisdom for a moment and said quickly, "Know you so much about the wounds of the heart that you dare to counsel me? In my position of power and respect, it serves me better to be seen as a scoundrel than a fool for desire. I am already doomed to lose all hope of the soft affections you know I crave. But if I pursue this course, I will at the very least maintain the respect of my following." Rúmil looked unconvinced and with a sigh Haldir added, "Trust me, in the end she will come to her senses and seek the tender passivity of the good Mirkwood Prince over my brutish ways." Looking at Orophin he smiled and said, "And in his bold rescue of the princess from me, Legolas will unwittingly inherit the scourge of Darkwood as well."

He walked away, leaving his brothers to bask in his brilliance.

"May I congratulate you?" he said to King Bronian. He held his arms out and took a very strong hold of the tall Lord.

"You are a powerful man, Emissary," Bronian said with relief as he was let go. Haldir smirked, glad for the success of his simple dominance play. The King took his daughter’s hand and looked at her as he said, "Now, can the two of you tell me when we can expect a playmate for your new sibling?" The King looked up at Haldir knowingly taking the upper position again. "There is no need to put it off, believe me… I wish we had made this choice long before now."

Before he could speak, Elienne broke in.

"Haldir and I have no plans to have our own elflings," she said, her voice shaking slightly. She looked at him and said, "My husband has an important position in Lothlórien that is already his heart's delight. And now with me to take care of… how could he imagine himself adding even more duties!" She looked up at her father and added, "He is the most amazing elf, but he is only one elf."

Looking at his intended, Haldir nodding and said, "She is right indeed, for the rumor I have heard of it, I shall have my hands full keeping my new wife out of mischief." She looked displeased and seeing her effected, Haldir thoughtlessly added with a laugh, "And there is no need to add to those suffering in the world by bringing into it another wee elfling."

The quiet after he said it struck Haldir in his well-trained gut, for the inappropriateness of his comment in light of the news just announced. Such an error, disrupting the joy of celebration was ghastly to be made by an experienced emissary. He laughed lightly to disperse the reaction, but again, before he could give a voice to speak, the discomfort was broken by Elienne's forced laughter.

"Oh come now, my beloved, the constant care and tending to an infant is not such suffering as I described." She looked at the others and said, "You would think a march warden who battles waargs for recreation would not be so frightened of a tiny creature…"

The others laughed at that and Haldir directed his comment to Bronian, "So long as you keep them in Darkwood until they are grown, I can be quite happy for your majesty to produce as many beautiful daughters as is pleasing to you, perhaps one for each of my brothers?"

"I say," Bronian answered, visibly nervous. "I have not yet even met my new daughter and the emissary is trying to steal her away from me for his kin! Is not one princess removed from Darkwood to Lorien enough?" In all honesty, the king did look rather fitfully frightened.

"Father, be settled!" Elienne said, looking at Orophin and Rúmil. "By the looks on the faces of his brothers you may be convinced that my intended has more sport to his jesting than hint of a true conspiracy."

Both Orophin and Rúmil were gloomily hiding in shadow without so much as a glint of interest to them. Upon the revelation of their disposition, Bronian broke into a boisterous laughter that brought all those around him into a chorus of amusement, deflecting the attention from Haldir and his disruptive remarks.

As much as he believed he could have saved himself, he had to admit that Elienne had performed marvelously. This and the situation with his boots both proved her to be gracious and talented indeed. Especially considering she should be conflicted with him over the elfling issue.

While he was impressed by her graceful wit, he was also irritated that she might be capable of escaping the trap he was setting. Rather than interact with her more, he took a stance of quiet observance and only spoke to those that approached, making sure to not to even look at her more than necessary.

But as time crept by, there was mixed interest in conversation with the two of them. Other elves were beginning to speak with one another and say their final good byes. From his experience it seemed to Haldir that all were paying attention to any word or action between them, but attempting to not be too rude with a direct stare. He wondered if he might be too obvious, and put his arm around her to lesson the talk and rumor that might come of it. He wanted to be seen as not gallant enough for a princess, but preferred not to be contrived as a monster.

"Why would the elf with the most to pass on to the next generation decide not to have children?" Erestor asked sarcastically as he approached with Silinde. "I always thought it was an interest of yours to leave your mark on the world by bringing up heirs to your great talents."

"What good is it to be the greatest and then be bested by your own son?" Silinde commented.

"Indeed!" Haldir laughed.

"I am also surprised at your quick proposal," Erestor continued. He glanced at Elienne and gave a crooked smile. "I know this young one well but could not have guessed her attributes would fall among your weaknesses."

Elienne clearly did not think much of the elf and Haldir felt her squeezing his arm.

"My weaknesses?" Haldir laughed. "It is a strength to see what you want and claim it as quickly as possible. Especially when the time to do it is so short." Elienne looked up at him strangely as he said, "When dueling with a Prince, one must move quickly."

"Still, it seems a bit premature, to make all the proper considerations, even for one who has matched my strategies and calculation on many occasions."

"Perhaps you are simply not keen enough to understand the reasons behind my calculations," Haldir said with a wink.

With a sinister smirk, Erestor raised his glass and said, "Again, I am outdone." He looked at Elienne and said, "Your reasons are beyond me."

Elienne cringed, taking the remark personally. Had Haldir any grace to spare in his plan, he would have defended her on the spot. Even if the counselor was justly referring to impurities of which Haldir was yet to learn, there was no reason for such an insult in company, plain or implied. As Erestor turned away with satisfaction, Haldir breathed out a slow laugh, disliking himself for allowing it to pass without even a jest to turn it on the dark elf. But he had higher goals at stake and protecting Elienne from his own eternal wrath was much more important than putting Elrond's embittered counselor in his place for a stray comment.

"I too was surprised," Silinde said with concern void of the merriment of the others. "But I wish you well, my friend." He bowed to Elienne and said, "And you too, M'Lady. May happiness never elude you."

Elienne smiled sweetly and looked up at Haldir with a ray of hope in her eyes. He looked quickly away and said to the two counselors, "I surprised you both? It is a good day for me then, to have outwitted two of the finest elven minds in all of middle-earth."

"I was am surprised at all that Haldir has decided against starting a family!" Murial called out cheerfully. The minstrel stepped through and said with amusement, "Our lady's guardian is generous in all accounts except when it comes to attention." She looked at Erestor, bringing him back into direct company and said, "You are very right and wise, the Emissary must always be the most glorious, the highest regarded and the most adored elf in all of Lórien. I have little doubt he would become mad with jealousy of his own little ones if they were to steal Elienne's affections from him." She looked at Elienne and said, "Be careful who you become close to or he will grow very foul tempered indeed!"

When she turned to him, Murial's eyes contained none of the pain of their past but her seemingly playful words cut through Haldir like a hot sword. While he had indeed given her grief about her flirtatious ways during their long engagement, Haldir was almost certain Murial never learned that it was jealousy that had finally turned him from her. She was simpler than she was unkind and he merely swallowed and did not come to his own defense in the matter but simply smiled to acknowledge the she-elf.

However, beside him, Elienne addressed the minstrel with a rebuke.

"The affections of a bond mate are justly coveted!" she started in a harsh tone that stole any gaiety from the faces around them. Haldir tensed as she continued, "And is not jealousy how we know the depths of our desire? So to hold such constitution against my beloved as a fault is to devalue his nature."

He glared at her in dark wonder. "It was a jest, Elienne," he said as if correcting a pupil. "There is no need to grow angry." When she saw he did not respond with favor, her eyes grew haunted and it silenced her. With all the tension, Silinde and Erestor quickly excused themselves. But in her simplicity, Murial remained.

Speaking freely she announced, "She is angry with me, Haldir because she knows." With a pout she whined, "I cannot believe you would plan to make a bond without telling your intended of your past with me!"

She had an extremely good point but as much as he wanted to believe her concern was for Elienne, Haldir knew her well enough to know Murial was still looking for indication that she had an important place in his life.

"This is not the place or time," he said through his smile.

"And it is not your concern," Elienne added sternly. "It would please me if you would show us courtesy and not interfere. I do not need your supposed superior understanding of Haldir's nature to guide me in our bond." She looked at Haldir and said, "I will trust my husband to tell me what it is he thinks I need to know."

With a bit of delight, Haldir realized that not only was there warning in Elienne's eyes but her own measure of jealousy was clearly present.

His smile grew sincere as he raised his chin and said to Murial, "Elienne is right, you have almost a thousand years advantage on her and it is entirely unfair for you to compete for my attention or affections." Beside him Elienne seemed to shrink and he continued, watching Murial's hesitant satisfaction. "Promise me you will resist the temptation to sing again in my hearing… at least until my bride and I have been joined! You know your voice is my one vice I could never resist and I would be so embarrassed to have myself distracted from this little one."

Elienne froze next to him and he laughed lightly as if it was merely a joke. Murial looked at Haldir and he could see she perceived his falseness but was not wise enough to know what to say about it.

Nodding, with a guarded smile she said, "I will do as Elienne asked and leave you two be." She stepped close and kissed his cheek and when she went to do the same with Elienne, she did not reciprocate in the slightest. As soon as Murial stepped away, Elienne pulled out of his arm and silently went to her father.

"Success," he whispered to himself. Then sadly he added, "how easily I have championed my cause."

After he mingled for a bit, acting as if he was the proud new owner of a finely crafted sword, Elienne's father approached and Haldir thought this would be his moment of freedom.

"I must ask you," the king said softly. "For Elienne refuses to give me an answer. Will we have you with us in Darkwood to see to the birthing of Elienne's sister?" His dark green eyes were pleading desperately as he added, "Even as Emissary you must not be too busy to not have the time to see your bride home for at least a single year? Or perhaps a season?"

Wanting out of the bonding was one matter, but to be rude and disrespectful to a king among formal company was not an option. "What says my bride?" Haldir asked with a smile. The King shook his head and gestured to her.

"Elienne," he called to her. "Your husband has graciously left the decision to you!"

A rush of ice went down his back and Haldir stared at Elienne for fear of what she might conspire.

She glanced at him, pain still in her eyes, and said, "I think I am quickly learning that there are many things joined elves should speak of alone before they discuss them in mixed company."

"What a wise daughter I have raised," Bronian said. Haldir saw Elienne's discomfort was steadily growing as was his pity for her. "Hear my petition and see if this would sway you in my favor, despite your dislike for the little ones," Bronian started. He placed a hand on Haldir's shoulder in a manner that felt rather condescending. "Though you are to be my future son, I am not above attempting to glean much from your services should you decide to come with us to Darkwood." He looked at Celeborn who was standing with Legolas and Arwen next to the hearth. "That is if he is to be released from his current duty."

Celeborn did not speak. He stood there, one foot on the ground, the other against the wall behind him, arms crossed and looking thoughtful. Haldir could not imagine what his Lord was thinking, and wondered why he did not speak.

Though there was the hum of discussion all about, a low powerful voice floated through the room. "Haldir's life is his own," Galadriel said quietly from a seat before them. She did not turn to look at them, but continued to sit, staring into the fire in the hearth.

Bronian smiled brightly and said, "Well then… a perfect example of why Elven society is so splendid. Our subjects are able to live as they choose and serve whom they will. The Easterlings are forced to fight or die by the hands of their own captains! And they wonder why there is so much dissention!"

As King Bronian continued to speak of what Haldir suspected was the primary goal in Elienne's plot to seduce him, he watched her for any indication that he was right.

She was clearly still wounded by his comments to Murial, more so than she should be if the bond she wanted was for insincere purposes. He had insulted her, to be certain, but she looked not just wilted, she looked crushed and now he was the one surprised.

He reasoned that if she were marrying him to bring her kingdom out of despair, her countenance might brighten if he accepted the offer. It was the only way to know for certain, so he spoke and stared at Elienne as he said it, hoping to read her well.

"If it pleases my lady," he said loud enough for all to hear. She looked up at him cautiously as he announced. "I would gladly come and rule in any fashion you design for me."

Elienne's face paled and she stepped forward to him and said quietly, "Please, let us discuss this alone before you make any promises you do not mean."

In that response, Haldir became certain he was wrong about her choosing him for her father's sake. Her affection games were a silly sprites fickle heart, not for political gain. Now he had only to convince her she had chosen wrong by growing more foul in her site.

"What is there to discuss?" he asked for all to hear. "How can I withhold my services from my father in law in his time of dire need?" He turned to Bronian and said, "In fact, sir, I might add that you may find me indispensable and quite fancy turning your entire rule over to me!"

As he expected, there was much laughter over his jest from most of the company.

By the fire, Celeborn called out. "Be careful Bronian, he will have you eating out of his hand if you do not keep your guard up! My Lady is wise enough to see past his endeavors, but I have fallen more than once for his flattery. First when he conned me into making him March Warden and then again for the title of Emissary."

"How ever did you think I won the courtship of this fair maiden?" he asked, replacing his arm around her and drawing her closer to his side. "I had to trick my own bond mate into desiring me!" Elienne was rigid in his arm and when she looked over at Arwen and Legolas, Haldir noticed that Arwen was looking at her with empathy. He did not even bother looking at the Prince; he could well guess Legolas' regard.

"As grateful as we are to extend our stay with this delightful gathering of elves," King Thranduil announced, "It is time for me and my court to be going."

"And we too must depart," the Woodland King said. "But we are glad to have stayed long enough to share in this delightful news!"

Galadriel stood and looked at Haldir. He thought for sure that she would speak some word of wisdom or correction into his mind. In fact if he were honest with himself, he was longing for her to do so. Even though he had clear direction and was convinced of his abilities, a small inkling in him warned that despite his confidence, he was in a mire way over his head. A hint from her knowledge would be nice as to what he should do about it, but his lady offered him nothing. She did not even warn or correct him about his behavior. She looked right past him and gave her good-byes to those leaving. A harsh public rebuke would have been less cold than putting him so far below her notice and it gave him fearful warning that despite centuries of her guidance, in his hour of greatest need, he was left on his own.

Legolas had seen to it to warn Elienne before, Haldir carefully noticed that when he left to return to Mirkwood, the Prince had not even bid her a personal good bye. She had waved to him as he and his court exited, but remained still and immobile by her groom's side throughout the farewells.

After the two courts had left, Celeborn said to those that remained, "M'Lady and I would like to insist that the Lórien elves be put up in another guest house this evening. And that we leave this house immediately."

"Is it your bed again that is the problem?" Elrond asked to the response of chuckling. "I could personally go pluck some fresh down for you, if you'd like!"

"While I am looking forward to sampling another one of your delightfully lumpy bed squares, the truth is…" he looked on Haldir with a gleam in his eye. "I merely wish to give my Emissary and his new bride their privacy."

Haldir's heart started to race. "Oh, my Lord, that is not necessary. The day has been long there is no need to rush to accomplish this… We should speak over breakfast about when the ceremony shall be, and where…"

"Nonsense!" Bronian called out. "I have decided based on this news of my daughter's wedding, my company will be leaving in the morning. I will send word by pigeon of our delay so my own Queen will not fret. Considering this news, she will understand and be cross with me if I do not wait for confirmation." He then came up to Haldir as he was taking his exit and said, "I look forward to waking up to see the glimmer of bonded bliss in my daughter’s eyes. And I hope that you will be convinced then to return with us."

Elrond cleared his throat and said, "I do suppose I can put up with the inconvenience, but only if it is Lady Elienne's desire as well."

Haldir wanted to heap his thanks on Elrond for that and said with boldness, but good nature, "It is a good consideration Lord Elrond! For I am not so clear that she has even accepted this bonding yet. She may still have questions and doubts!"

There was great anticipation in the room as all eyes turned to Elienne. Inside him, Haldir pleaded that she would have some sense to her and end this now or at least postpone the expectations of it. But she looked at him, pain clear in her eyes and did not heed prudence.

"I should very much like to be alone with the Emissary," she said in a small voice.

Haldir closed his eyes and sighed. Bronian gave him one last hug and Galadriel glided out. His brothers scowled at him with a look that told of many warnings they dared not speak. And then Elrond and Celeborn stopped to speak with him. Elienne turned to quickly follow after Arwen and Murial as they were leaving.

"She has a great capacity for grace and affection," Elrond said. "Do not squander it."

Celeborn took a stance as though he had taken the insult personally and before Haldir could come to his own defense his Lord said, "If you believe he would do such a thing, you obviously do not know this elf as well as I."

Elrond lifted his brow and said, "Perhaps not." And strolled out of the room, giving Elienne a small kiss on the cheek as he passed her.

Haldir clenched his jaw and tried to smile at Celeborn. His Lord’s eyes bore into him as if he was trying something of his Queen's skill. "I know you are in pain for some mysterious reason, but I have been told not to interfere…I do not want to regret taking that advice," he said and then with warning added, "Be certain you know what you are doing, my friend." It looked like there was much more his king wanted to say, but stopped himself.

Nervously Haldir replied, "I never completely know what I am doing, M'Lord, but what I do turns out for the better more often than not… that is the real reason I am your Emissary, would you not agree?

Celeborn gave him a patronizing pat on the shoulder and smiled. "Until morning then…" he said. But then, smiling mischievously his lord whispered, "I know you have been anticipating the pleasure of bonding for as long as desire first crept into your blood. And as you stand here worried for whatever your reasons, I cannot help but think, are about to embark on that journey that will make it all seem so trivial. What you have been missing for thousands of years, Haldir, is greater than your wildest fantasies could imagine!"

As the king took his leave Haldir grimaced at the dreams that were being stolen from him. Before Murial he had much attention from many she-elves interested in families, but after rumors of his broken secret promise had surfaced, all but a few had kept their distance. Despite Murial's continued friendship with him, even Arwen, full of the grace of their people had little room for such offenses. Once Elienne was done with his reputation, Haldir imagined he was not likely to be entertaining anything but cold cordial interactions with the fairer gender; if even that.

When all were gone, the room seemed to darken at the exit of so many elves and he felt himself fall into shadow. Elienne was standing at the door speaking with Arwen and Murial and Haldir walked away from them to the lounge next to the fire. Someone must have just thrown a few logs on, for it was going quite well. He listened and wondered what she would say once they were alone.

He would allow her to do the talking and he would listen to all of it. He owed her that. He was satisfied that her reason for choosing him was not her father's doing. At least she was not fiendish and manipulative for political motivation. And she was most definitely not still pining after Legolas or else she would not have let him go as easily as she did.

Leaning back into the deep seat, Haldir stared into the flames. Briefly he entertained the possibility that Elienne's desire for him was genuine and that he might forgive her and attempt to make work the only hope for a home he might have. But as he heard the sing song voice of the minstrel behind him, the image of Elienne's lips on Legolas' flashed into his mind and mixed with the memory of what he had seen with Murial and Oronel. The grief and anger drowned out any of the sweet contemplation. Both she-elves had betrayed the purity of courtship by blatantly entertaining two options. Bonding was forever, monogamous and the most beautiful and pure alliance any elf could ever make; their very souls being joined together, inseparable. To go into it scheming for oneself as if looking for the best deal rather than the sanctity of the union brought a disgusting stench of greed into what was supposed to be a garden of romance. He could never trust her and all solid relationships must be founded on trust.

Even if in the end Elienne chose Haldir because she had decided she desired him more, the duel for his affections had left him drained, with no desire of his own to give to her. And no matter her fault, Elienne did not deserve to be bonded to someone who hated her. Now the trouble was to convince her to break this engagement.

He sighed at this evening's task, weary for it to be done. For an Emissary such as he had become, turning the emotions of others to his whim was simply a matter of strategy and timing, but not always without its cost. He may have to wound her more to win, but better that then to lose and destroy her completely.

***************

"You should not go through with this," Arwen said. "I feel it in my heart, something is not right. Something which goes far beyond any pursuit of a kingship by your groom."

Murial was not so sure. "Haldir is moody. He is not always pleasant, but he is pleasant enough. I would not worry about his reasons for marrying you, so long as he is willing. Elves learn to live together well, it is our nature. So in the end it does not really matter why you bond."

The simplicity of the minstrel's counsel did not settle well with her, but Elienne too thought that if she bonded with Haldir now, eventually things would resolve. Yet, she agreed with Arwen that there was something horribly wrong with the way Haldir was behaving. She turned to the princess and said, "I feel something amiss as well, but I will not make up my mind what to do until I discover what it is."

"If he will tell you," Murial said. "He is most secretive. It can be infuriating!"

Feeling her last bit of patience leaving her, she snapped at Murial. "I can not imagine that he would bond himself to someone he does not trust. So eventually he will tell me, or he will not go through with it."

Murial looked offended and Elienne wanted so much to be even more hurtful. But she had been taught otherwise. "I am only saying that even if he does not trust me, I trust him… he will not purposefully hurt me."

"He hurt Murial," Arwen said softly. "He misled her… and broke his promise to her."

"He had his secret reasons for it," Murial explained. "Which I never did discover. He can be so cold and quiet." The three of them watched Haldir sitting by the hearth in silence. Murial squeezed Elienne's hand and said, "But you are wiser than I, and much more persuasive. I lost Haldir, just as you seem to be doing and I let him go because I did not know what else to do." Elienne saw the pain in Murial's eyes and believed her sincerity. Then with a small look of humor she smiled and said, "And please do not worry about what he said about my voice. It is his way to hurt others in moments of his own pain. He enjoys my songs to be certain, but you will learn, he prefers his own to any other and at times was quite envious that mine was requested more often."

"Thank you," Elienne said with a light chuckle, able to picture it well.

The minstrel glided away, leaving them and in a voice full of tremors Arwen said, "I wish this night was more pleasant for you than it is… I feel he is stealing your joy somehow."

Elienne nodded in agreement.

"Arwen… Please take these," she said, pulling Haldir’s small flower out of her pocket. She then lifted her own flower out of her hair and took the crown off. "If anyone is my trusted confidant, it is you… and you believe in the beauty of bonding more than anyone I know. Hold on to these for me… You shall be their keeper."

Arwen nodded, slipping the crown over her arm and cradling the flowers carefully. Slowly she turned and walked down the path away from the Lórien Guesthouse. Elienne watched her from the doorway as she was left alone with Haldir.

Holding on to the frame, she looked back over her shoulder. There was part of her that wanted to simply let go of him; to let him float away from her to his own destiny. But the memory of their breakfast together flashed into her mind. He had been so real and natural then and they were truly happy. She wondered if it was just when he was around so many others that he felt he could not be himself.

She strolled over to where he was and stood against the stone wall next to the hearth. He did not look at her, just laid back into the deep lounge, his hands folded across his stomach. He stared into the flames with his eyelids half closed.

"You look so sad lying there," she said. He glanced at her briefly, his expression remaining stone and then looked back into the embers. After a small moment of silence, she pushed herself away from the wall and went to stand beside him. Though she hovered over him, he did not look up at her. Elienne concluded that there must be something beyond the presence of others that was the matter. She climbed into the large seat, tucking her feet and the skirt of her dress under her. Folding her hands in her lap, she looked at them and sighed.

"You seemed rather inclined to help my father with our kingdom," she said. "That was very noble of you."

He glanced briefly at her and asked, "Was it?" He then looked away again.

"Did you know that my father will put you in line for his kingdom?" she asked, "I mean did you know that before you considered me as a bond mate?"

"Perhaps," he said, narrowing his eyes at the fire. "And what if that were my reason for marrying you? Do you like the idea of me as your king as well as husband? Power seems to suit me well."

"If you were to want your own reign some day, I would support the endeavor," she said.

"It certainly is good to know I would have your permission," he said sardonically.

Elienne did not like his tone, and thought to say something about it, but instead decided a more gracious route.

"I had not thought of it until now, but I do think you would make a fine king! You have learned so much from the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. And you have your own unique talents to bring to it as well…"

He interrupted her admonishments with a loud grumble in his throat.

"What?" she asked confused. "You thought I would not be supportive, I am trying to be!"

"I would not want to be king of Darkwood were it the last thing I do here on Middle-earth. The very idea of living there among the Easterlings… it is…" he hesitated in his word choice. "It is not something I relish."

Elienne found Haldir not just moody but down right disagreeable. Pleasing him was growing tiresome, but if she was to know his true discord, she was going to have to try harder to eliminate the possibilities.

"Then we should live in Lothlórien," she said. He did not answer, just looked down at his feet and put his boots up on the edge of a large stone jutting out of the hearth. Legolas’ words that she should be sure he desired her echoed in her head. Elienne bit her bottom lip in thought and then said. "If you do not want children and you are not interested in my father's kingdom, why would you want to bond yourself to me?"

Haldir's eyes grew wider as he looked over his boots at the fire. "In all honesty," he said, putting his hands behind his head. "Now that you put it that way… I do not really know."

Elienne gasped in amusement at his comment and he actually smirked a bit. She waited for a moment and he did not offer more of an answer. Clearly he was not in a place for conversation. Elienne sat up and turned to face him, balancing one arm over his lap. Still he would not look her in the eyes and she thought of Erestor and cherished the wisdom she used to spurn for the distaste of his cold delivery. Haldir did have a weakness, and she had discovered it.

"Haldir," she whispered. "There are benefits to bonding besides a family or status… for instance…" she moved closer to him and said, "… pleasure."

At last he looked at her. His lips parted slightly and there was a genuine look of fear in his eyes as she placed her mouth on his. He did not relax and receive her at first, and she could feel the tension in his lips as she pressed into him. It did not stop her though. She moved her mouth over his slowly at first and then came to an almost complete stop as she gently ran the tip of her tongue along each of his lips. Her tender massaging brought his mouth to respond and he returned her kiss with the passion reminiscent of their earlier encounter. As their kissing grew more demonstrative, and their breathing heavier, Elienne wanted to feel so much closer to him. But as she attempted to climb upon him, he grabbed her by the arms and held her away from him, exhaling deeply.

"What is it?" she asked, panting slightly.

He studied her face carefully and said, "That… was unexpected."

Elienne smiled coyly and said, "If you wanted to be the first to give a kiss, you should have done it in the field, Haldir."

Haldir swallowed and looked away, gently holding her from him as he stood. He took a couple steps and put his hands on the tall mantel above his head, looking into the fire.

"I thought if I waited for you I would wait for an eternity!" she said. "Some elves just need a bit more of a hint than others… But you responded so I know you enjoyed it! "

Haldir spun around and glared at her. It was a frightening look and not without some passionate worth to it. "If you are so ready to lie with me, let us get this bonding over with then," he said. He lifted his hand and directed to the hallway leading to his personal suite.

Elienne stood slowly and began walking, unsure of his strange shifts of mood. Whatever it was, she trusted in who he was as an elf. He would not hurt her; it was not in him to do that. But he was not ready to reveal his secrets to her either. So for now she would follow along until she could discover the true meaning behind his odd behavior.

********************

Haldir had let that kiss go much further than he should have. It had started as such a mild bit of affection that seemed safe enough to allow, as it was likely to be the last of it's kind for his enjoyment. However, his small indulgence had unwittingly ignited his ravenous cravings of the pleasures it foretold. Despite his determination, he had actually entertained the thought that bonding with Elienne might just rid him of this doubt.

But when she said 'at least HE had responded', the image of Legolas receiving a token such as that flashed into his mind. The allure in that kiss was well-practiced skill, not a demonstration of her affections. Her heart was set to seduce him and he was outraged that in such an intimate moment she would compare him to the meek Mirkwood Prince. Using the words, 'getting it over with' seemed the best way to hurt her and give her reason to stop pursuing him, but she was dutifully walking before him into his suite and putting up with his treatment of her.

It was infuriating how she thwarted his simple plan. No princess would humble herself in this way to such a brute. Whether they were or not, all she-elves desired to be treated like royalty and catered to as though they were the Valar's gift to Middle-earth. And indeed they were! Haldir had seen dwarves face the threat of death in exchange for a chance at a single glance at a lady of the Galadhrim, and when the need for war arose, many mortal men had fallen with a stopped heart upon gazing at Galadriel in her fierce glory. Elienne was not just a princess but a young idealistic and spirited one at that.

She had submitted to laundry cleaning for sport, and Haldir reasoned that either she was submitting to this treatment as part of her plot to lure him in to a bond he did not want, or she was simply completely out of her mind.

Whatever it was, he needed time to think this through, to be alone and get a good grip of what to do about it.

"Undress. I will call you when I am ready," he said, going into his room and leaving her in the larger suite area.

He sat down and grabbed a boot. As he pulled them out of their leather encasements, his feet reminded him quite adamantly at what they had been hinting of all evening; that they were in dire need of tending. In his time spent as an Emissary discussing matters with men Haldir had per chanced to see the feet of mortals. They were often callused and thick and men could go barefoot for small distances quite easily without sustaining injury. But while elves healed more quickly by nature, their skin did not roughen to prevent minor injuries in the first place. Which was why a pair of good boots was crucial to an elf on any journey, long or short. He looked at them and shook his head at himself over all that he had gone through for this sprite. There had been pleasure undeniable, but the pain it had brought to his heart, his head and his feet was ever more intense.

The memory of her lips on his flashed into his mind and he briefly reconsidered that perhaps it was at least an even trade so far. He took down a bottle of healing ointment off of the table and inwardly cursed his double-mindedness.

"What happened!" Elienne asked in deep sympathy as she peeked around the corner. She had taken off her outer gray cloak and was wearing a much more flattering blue silk slip. He rolled his eyes at her; he should have guessed she would not listen. She came to him and kneeled down, looking at his red swollen feet. "It is no wonder you are in such a foul mood!" she said. She looked up at him and reached her hand out for the ointment he held.

"I would like to take care of this myself," he said sternly. "It is not a sight for your eyes…"

"I have seen and healed much worse, Haldir," she scolded. "Lord Elrond says I have a proficiency for it… now hand over that oil, or I shall kiss you again and make you despise me all the more."

Haldir clenched his jaw and gave her the ointment. She formed half a smile as she took it, keeping her eyes on him so that he felt as though she was an elder chastising him. He looked away, distracted by her wiles. Responding to her kiss as he had was throwing off his whole game. He had to come up with a new strategy and quickly.

"This is unnecessary," he said as she took one of his feet in her lap and began working the ointment into his skin.

"Shh!" she said. "I need to focus…" She glanced up at him and he tried to give her a very displeased look, but instead of trepidation, she seemed to think he wanted explanation. "I would like to try your lesson on my healing techniques."

"What lesson?" he asked, not sure how this would fit in with floating.

"Believing I can heal has not come easily for me," she said. She ran her slender fingertips between his toes and though he knew there was no need for healing there, he did not protest. He did, however, grow suspicious that her tactics were less about healing and more about soothing him.

"My feet will heal fine," he said reaching for the ointment. But she pulled it away from him and she leaned down, whispering something.

He watched her there, in her nearly transparent gown, taking such care with each small cut on his injured soft soles. She put his foot down and picked up the other. This time she whispered first and then began with the ointment.

"Will you look at them in the morning and see which technique performed best?" he asked. She glanced at him as though he were bothering her and then returned to her work. "I have never been a case study before," he said. She did not respond.

Haldir leaned back on the bed, supporting himself with his elbows and closed his eyes. Already his feet were aching less and the sensations of the massage told of trained skill. There were many elves that had learned to give such rewards to one another, and though he enjoyed the talent, Haldir had only allowed it on a few occasions, mostly because he did not like the break down of protocol that it required. He was the March Warden and he reasoned to let himself be close to another in any fashion might make his authority less potent.

Elienne had set both of his feet down, but was now working on his ankles. He did not need healing there either, but she had moved up and was tenderly digging her fingers into his calves before he thought to open his eyes and say something about it.

"I think I am well-healed," he said unenthusiastically. "You may stop."

She rose to her knees and continuing to work behind the under part of his thighs and though his mind ordered commands, his voice would not obey and give her protest. She separated his legs slightly and leaned closer to him.

"I think I know what is wrong with you," she said in a hushed voice, all the while her fingers continued to sooth his muscles and release other relaxing feelings through him.

"Oh?" he managed. He must stop the progression of her massage! Already he was finding himself in a much more serious dilemma than double-mindedness.

"You are nervous!" she said as if in epiphany. "This is the first new activity you have tried in maybe even a thousand years!" Her fingers were now very high up under his thighs and she held his legs in place on either side of her torso as she massaged. "You are used to completing all your tasks with mastery. You have not had to start as a novice on anything in ages." He furled his brow as his desire for the growing stimulation stood at odds with her strange proclamation. She spoke sweetly, albeit condescendingly, "It is normal to feel scared, Haldir. I am nervous too… But we have each other and together we can figure out how to bond…"

"I cannot believe it!" he said, with an indignant laugh. "Are you patronizing me?"

"I am not!" she said in concern. She moved closer and as she leaned her body maddeningly tight against him, her slip, already a low dipped piece of silk, was pulled tightly against her chest, revealing in detail the perfect forms beneath it. "I am trying to help you. As you did me in the water! I can lead you and guide you in this if you will only stop resisting."

"Oh for the love of the wood!" he said falling back on the bed, in sincere effervescence. "I know not whether to laugh or to be mortally insulted!"

Elienne stopped rubbing his legs and sat back on her heels.

"Perhaps you are not nervous," she said a bit perturbed. "But bonding is new to you, this much I know. And from your behavior thus far, my assuming you may question what to do is not that far off in reasoning."

He sat up and leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. With his face close to hers he chastised, "I am perfectly confident I can accomplish a bond with my mate…It is not a complicated matter." She scooted back away from him on the floor as he continued. "Any observant elf has witnessed stallions and dogs copulating with their mares and bitches…" Her frown turned into a surprised look of horror at his words. Satisfied at her reaction, he provided her with his most smug expression.

Her mouth agape, she looked away for a moment and then, back at him, frowning even more. He leaned away from her, resting on an elbow and casually said, "It is simply a matter of removing my arrow from its quiver and placing it within your bow… I have spectacular aim at a thousand paces, I am quite certain I can manage to hit my target at point blank range."

That had done it.

Elienne was up off of the floor in an instant, absolutely incensed. And as well he thought she should be, his being so crude with her.

"Is this how they teach you to arouse she-elves in Lórien?" she snapped, pulling the skirt of her slip around her as she backed away from him. "One would think you were purposefully attempting to repulse me."

Haldir tried very hard to keep from smiling at her response and wondered why seeing her angry was so delightful to him. He remained completely relaxed leaning back on the bed while she stared at him, beside herself with fury.

"Actually, this is how we elder March Wardens 'do it' in Lórien," he said. "At least, it is how I have thought it should be done… a simple matter of mechanics… nothing complicated or intense." He slowly stood and took a step towards her. She looked up at him in angry wonder as he hissed, "Just plain sex…" Crossing his arms he said proudly, "Bonding is nothing more to me than having a convenient she-elf always available to meet the physical desires of elf flesh. I have been chaste for far too long, my sweet elfling and I am more than ready to have my fair share of pleasure." Leaning toward her slightly he said with a gesture of explanation. "That is why I am bonding with you. So… you have your answer. Any courtship you have witnessed up unto this point is simply garnish to my main meal. And if that does not settle with your fine sensibilities, perhaps you should reconsider bonding with the Emissary of the Galadhrim!"

Elienne had backed herself away from him and was standing against the doorframe trembling in either fear or anger, he could not tell which and it mattered little.

"That is not at all how I imagined bonding would be," she said in an embittered hush. "I will leave you to your thoughts as you have requested… But you should know that I will not come to you when you call."

"If that is the way you want it, it suits me fine. You may go right now to Lord Bronian and tell him that you have refused me. At daybreak we can officially cancel this foolish engagement and be done with it," he said. Haldir crossed his arms with a sigh of relief and accomplishment. "There will be disappointment, but I am certain in the end all will understand a she-elf's whims change like wildfire."

"I am not refusing you," she said glaring at him. "But I will not have my bonding completed with a noble elf, who, for reasons I cannot begin to fathom, has decided not to behave as himself."

"I told you," he repeated, this time sounding less sincere than he hoped. "This is how I am…"

"Haldir," she said, her eyes lighting with tears. "I respect you too much to let you get away with this behavior. If you want to call off this bonding, you had better tell me a sound and valid explanation for it. Something that I can comprehend and that has to do with good reason." Then her voice grew louder as she declared: "For I will not let you bring yourself to ruin because your fear of honest intimacy has driven you to act like an insolent elfling!"

Elienne turned from him and walked out into the other room. Stunned for a moment Haldir just stood there. Then he followed her and saw she had put her velvet gown back on and was pulling up her boots.

"Where are you going?" he asked. She glared at him as she stood and fastened the clasps of her gown. Continuing he gestured casually and said, "In case I come up with a reason you might consider good, I may want to find you to tell it to you."

Twice in as many days he thought for sure Elinne was going to haul off and give him a good blow to the chin. But she let her gentile ways restrain her and instead she just shouted on her way out. "I do not know… perhaps I should go for a swim to cool myself off!"

Haldir stood there after she had left and put one hand on his hip and the other over his mouth. His eyes stared widely at the door as he said to himself, "I swear on the mirror of my Lady, negotiating with drunken Dwarves is less complicated than this."

Chapter 16:The Last Fall

By the light of a lantern, Elienne and Sullendry strolled slowly up the path out of the city. She had promised the stallion a report on what happened between herself and his companion and it just so happened that she considered a horse to be the best company she might find at this hour. As she had needed, the gentle creature had listened politely and quietly, offering small grunts of displeasure at the right moments of her recounting and affectionate nuzzles when she came to a part of it that was too difficult to speak.

"If I can find any comfort in this, Sullendry," she cried softly, "It is that I know in my heart I have done nothing wrong! I have been compliant and noble and downright… sensual, if I may use that word in your company." She pouted as she kicked a stone in the path. "But he has rejected it all." She held out the lantern she was carrying and watched as the stone skipped into the brush on the side of the path. Something white flashed into view and she stopped the horse with a gentle touch of her hand to his neck.

"What is that?" she said going over to where the stone had disappeared. "It is one of those cursed flowers, the very type that he has been giving me since the beginning of our short, disastrous courtship!" she snapped. Reaching down she plucked it up and threw it on the path. And with a growl of anger she stomped on it. Holding the lantern up she looked around for others and proceeded to pull them from their homes, throwing them in the middle of the path. "Haldir, you have ruined all the joy I found in this bloom," she cried as she yanked on several blossoms at the same time. In her haste, she caught her hand on a thorn at the base of the flower and cried out at the sting.

The tiny bit of pain only spurned her onward in her madness. After destroying the bush she ran forward, looking for another that grew by the path. Sullendry whinnied behind her as he followed her tirade.

"I care not!" she cried in answer to the horse's concern. "I will pick every one of this type of flower along the path and even in the field. By the time the sun crests above the cliffs there will be only pink roses and yellow daisies in our land." She set the lantern down and worked instead by the light of the full moon.

As she cried, a need in her grew to call out and she wanted to scream, but did not want to alarm all of Rivendell. As the need grew stronger, words of a poetic nature came to her head and with it a familiar tune that she was loath to repeat for decades now. After having overheard the mocking of her voice by some of the other more talented elves, Elienne had long since given up such musical endeavors. But right now, as she felt the intensity of her frustration to get the emotions out of her, she did not care how it might sound.

"For our wedding day he gave me a flower," she sang, "But his own corsage lasted only an hour…"

Her voice grew louder as the release of the song began to lift in her. "My wine is sweet but my Lord's has soured, Lord Haldir my intended!"

Sullendry did not seem to mind her singing one bit and she thought him even more a true friend. She sang the verse over again, enjoying the way it felt coming out of her, but not so much how it rang in her own ears. For despite the horse's tolerance, she could hear her pitch was off and her voice wavered in its incompetence. But with his accepting company, she put any self-consciousness aside and sang it a third time, much louder.

By the time Elienne had gotten to the field, she realized she had forgotten her lantern on the path. Fortunately the moon was bright enough to light up the treeless bit of space and the delicate white victims of her scourge brightly reflected its rays, beckoning their own destruction. As she ran to the first spot of flowers she called out a second verse that came to her mind.

That verse she didn’t like so much and sang it only twice, returning to the first with a volume that caused an echo to be heard in the valley. Sullendry began gently grazing around her as if there was nothing odd at all in what she was doing. She looked at the damage she had accomplished and her heart began to ache, as did some spots on her hands where thorns had done damage.

As her thoughts fell onto what had transpired with Haldir, the dead flowers laying about her seemed so much less of a loss. Despite how horrid he had been to her, as Elienne sang about his wine being sour again, she couldn't help but desire that which he could be, indeed, what he was beneath his callous exterior. Yet though his potential for charm and sweetness was beyond measure, Haldir had chosen, on his wedding night not to live up to it. But rather to assume the manners of a crude and disgusting Orc, and right at the worst possible moment. If she was so unsatisfactory to him, he should simply tell her why!

Musing on his words brought to her mind the most delightful verse yet and she sang it as loud as she could.

She laughed as she tried to sing it again. And with the improvement of her mood, rather than pluck any more flowers, Elienne began to gather the ones that were scattered around and pulled up her skirt to hold them.

Deciding her voice might be improving with all the confident volume she was putting behind it, Elienne brought the song up a key so she might bellow it even louder into the recesses of the Rivendell valley. It was very probable that there were many in the city that could hear her less than melodious tones, but she had no pity. In fact, Elienne even hoped they would hear! As she sang her third verse again she found comfort in knowing that Haldir alone would understand the true meaning of her 'praises'.

She expected that if anything her voice would tell him where she was, if he even wanted to know. Now he would have no excuse as to why he did find her and apologize profusely for his behavior. Even with the humor that the song gave her, she felt a bit of sadness in thinking he had not yet come.

As she started her song over again from the beginning, Elienne noted that she had plucked so many flowers that her hands were becoming quite sticky from the fluid in the stems. She held them up and frowned as she saw she was wrong in here estimation of the source; her hands were actually running red with her own blood. The pain in her heart was masking the pricks to her flesh. A small spot of fear came to her mind as Elienne thought to wash them in the close by river. She sadly remembered that she could overcome such things, as Haldir had taught her. A tear fell down her cheek at the realization that in her attempt to sooth him, Elienne had instead insulted and thus failed in her attempt to free him of his fear. The significance of it brought such heaviness to her heart that she did not want to sing the mocking verses again.

Over her shoulder she looked to see Sullendry was in the far off corner of the field and she smiled, wondering if he had eventually grown as tired of her voice as did her elven company. She sang the first verse about the flowers, but her heart was not satisfied with it. Then, as she approached the river another verse came to her mind.

In the distance she heard Sullendry whinny loudly. She looked up suddenly, dropping the corners of her gown and spilling flowers on the ground about her as she startled. There, standing in the middle of the field, a dark, cloaked figure was moving slowly towards her. A small smile crept on her lips and instead of running to him, she bent down to wash her hands, singing all the louder her final verse.

She looked over her shoulder to see the silhouette was coming closer. Elienne started the verse over and sang it out loud.

******************

After she left his room, Haldir moved to the table and leaned on it as he took a seat, staring at the doorway. She still intended to bond with him? All her accusations of him being mad were nonsense compared to her insanity. Why would she want to bond herself to someone who treated her so wretchedly?

He frowned, trying to understand. Leaning his forehead into his hands he mumbled over what had just happened and reasoned that the only explanation was that she must know his plan and was so impetuous she was going to turn his game against him by not refusing him. To his chagrin, Haldir had to admit his brother was wiser in his predictions. Just as Rúmil had said, eventually Haldir would be required to apologize and after she made him beg for forgiveness perhaps in front of everyone, she would then spurn him.

But by the wood, Haldir was not going to give in that easily. He stood and went to his bed, deciding he would at least rest in his solitude. It was a long journey back to Lothlórien tomorrow and in order to show his company that their March Warden was not damaged by the rejection of a young bride, he would want to ride out ahead being in full alert as was his duty.

As he lay down and put his feet up, he tried to imagine what the approaching day might look like. Would he be shamefully called out before his Lord and Lady? Or would she rather return with him, spitefully determined to make her home in Lorien? All would know just by looking in their eyes that they had not done it. What would her explanation be, or would she require him to provide one?

The thoughts of what he had said to her replayed in his mind and Haldir's cheeks flushed thinking of how the words were so crass. He crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. The arrow analogy was rather clever though. He smiled remembering the horrified look on her face. Something about her righteous anger with him endeared her to him and he sincerely wished after all this was over that Elienne could at least endure him as a friend; although he doubted it very much.

After a while, he heard something in the hall and was both pleased and a touch excited to think that she had returned. As he had done when she had come to his window, he continued to lie in bed, waiting for her to approach him. She was always surprising him and he could not wait to see what she would say now. He had full in his mind to offer a trite apology but to insist to her that he was not at all the romantic type and she should accustom herself to it.

"The light sleepers of Rivendell have issued a complaint," the voice of Elrond called from the doorway. Haldir shot up from the lounge and looked at the angry king with surprise. "The groom of the banshee who wails on the hill has been requested to relieve us all and fetch his bride at his earliest convenience."

"M'Lord!" he said, sitting on the edge of the lounge.

"Have you not noticed you have been abandoned?" Elrond asked condescendingly.

"I noticed well, M'Lord," Haldir said with a sigh. "She made quite a production of it as she stormed away."

"How quickly an elf forgets the lesson of chasing after weeping she-elves when it is he who must do the chasing," he said.

Haldir was just about to offer a weak excuse when from the window he heard a strange sound floating through the early morning air. He cocked his head to it and Elrond walked right over to the sill, motioning for Haldir to come.

"She cannot sing, and she knows it. Yet she blesses us all with her bellowing… at this hour… when she should be by your side!" Elrond said. "If you will not go to her and correct whatever malady you have caused, I shall have to turn you out of our fair city for your part in this disturbing of the peace."

Haldir was at the window, leaning out, trying to hear the words of the song. He recognized the tune as something popular among the younger elves learning the art of vocals, but the words were most definitely her own.

In this public declaration of the animosity between them, Elienne had succeeded in embarrassing him beyond even Rúmil's sinister warning. He would have preferred walking into the Elven council without his boots, leggings or any sort of jerkin to the scandal this promised to produce. "I will go to her," he said reluctantly.

"Ah," Elrond said, "That is a new verse…"

Haldir listened carefully as she sang the praises of his archery skills. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips together, a wave of mortification flowing over him. She may not have the talent for pleasing the ear, but her lyric weaving was most clever and apropos.

"His aim is so good that he earns much applause… Well that one seems to be a bit more flattering," Elrond said. "I would go to her while she is softening towards you, Emissary."

"I do not dare to presume," Haldir whispered.

Looking at his attire Elrond commented. "Might I have my robe back at some time before your departure?"

Haldir saw that he was still wearing the Kings cloak about his shoulders. As he peeled it off, Elrond asked, "Dare I inquire what it is you did?"

Haldir laughed and said, "My foolishness was so profound that I am not inclined to live it down for another millennia… so I will leave it to the lady to spill the word if she sees fit. I would not steal her joy in that…"

"You pretend to be generous, but you and I both know she would not bring against you any complaints," Elrond said, taking his cloak and folding it over his arm. "It is not her way to involve others. No… Elienne prefers to proceed on own vendettas." He then turned towards the window again and said, "She sings of the river… and her voice grows melancholy."

Haldir went to retrieve his boots and sat on the bed, inspecting his feet. They were already well mended and in wonderment about it, he inspected the soles carefully.

With concern, Elrond repeated her words, "The river is swift and it's waters run deep, like the promise a she-elf will keep. My desire has taught me to float like a leaf and yet his sweet flower…" he turned to Haldir and said, "…is drowning."

Haldir quickly put a boot on.

"The words of this verse bring me great distress, Emissary!" Elrond declared. "What does she mean that you taught her to float like a leaf? Is this poetic license or has there been another incident?"

Haldir pulled on the second boot and explained "I took her in the river for an exercise…a lesson, if you will." Offering a weak smile as he stood and added, "You should be relieved to know, Elienne's fear of the water seems to have diminished… with a bit of instruction."

"She allowed you to take her in the water?" Elrond exclaimed in bewilderment. He took a step forward towards Haldir and looked to be so baffled that words tumbled unpronounced in his open mouth as he tried to follow the question up with another. Finally he managed, "You must have enamored her indeed! She trusts me above all others but could not be swayed."

A small swelling of satisfaction came into his chest, but rather than gloat now and bring himself to a higher position for his inevitable fall, Haldir redirected the reasons reassuringly, "It was a shallow measure of river… and I thought it my duty to at least try."

"You are not the March Warden of Rivendell, you are a guest here and it is not within your jurisdiction to be dolling out lessons under pretense…."

"Even as her husband you say this to me?" Haldir laughed, realizing it could be held against him later.

"You were not even promised at the time! She was still under my protection," Elrond said, "Would you have led Arwen into Moria without my permission? Or my sons to battle without consultation?"

"It was a swimming lesson, my Lord," Haldir said, uncertain how much this argument had to do with actual concern for Elienne's safety. "She was quite protected with me…"

"Was she?" Elrond asked, his true meaning becoming clear, "Then how do you explain the pain in her voice?" Shaking the king spat, "A noble elf does not lead a fair heart into such desperate anxiety. And you have done more, by abandoning her to her boisterous ranting. Whatever you have done, I will not be settled until you…" Elrond's irate voice trailed off as he startled and looked to the window. "She has stopped her song."

Haldir's chastised heart fluttered for a second and then they heard it; the sound that would stop time; a scream that echoed throughout the valley and drew all the color from Elrond's face.

Not waiting for a word to be spoken, Haldir jumped straight out the window and ran to fetch Sullendry. Behind him on his way to the stable, he heard Elrond's command.

"Prove your worth Haldir! If you can…"

It was quite a emotionally soulful cry and Haldir understood the meaning behind it. Elrond had not sprung to action himself. Despite his protests, he was turning Elienne's care over to him, and from the display Haldir had just witnessed, it was not done lightly.

He rushed in, determined for his own sake to succeed, and found, to his dismay and horror, his faithful horse was not in his stall.

In full voice, Dwarf curses escaped his lips as he took another horse and rode out of the stable. Behind him Haldir heard the sound of the wardens of Rivendell gaining their horses to join him. The feeling he had of losing Elienne to the river the day before paled in comparison to the thoughts now swimming in his mind.

Had his lesson been a failure, or was her state of consciousness such that she was unable to follow it? He was about to ride directly to the water when down the path Sullendry came galloping.

"Where is she?" he cried. The sentient beast slowed and then ran a circle around him and the other horse, heading back up the path.

Trusting the horse more than his own fears, Haldir followed the stallion as it quickly took a strong lead on the lesser horse he was riding.

As they turned a corner in the hill, there far ahead he caught glimpse of a light burning on the side of the path. As Haldir came closer he saw on the ground around it what at first looked to him like pieces of torn parchment. But then it became clear that the white bits scattered about were flower petals, ground into the dirt with intention.

As he approached the Rivendell lantern a few words from Elienne's song came to his mind: 'My joy is gone like the flowers along the pathway which once was splendid.'

She had been so adamant about protecting the lovely flowers on the path so as to become angry over a single one being plucked. He looked down upon the violent destruction of the delicate bloom that had become a symbol of their courtship and his spirit darkened that his gentle sprite was so anguished by his cruelty.

"Elienne," he whispered helplessly as he passed the light. "What have I done to your fragile heart?"

How great the desire must be which when scorned brought such pain as this?

The song rang in his mind, ' The river is swift and its water is deep, like the promise a young she-elf will keep' It was her deep affections for him that had kept her so true to her promise all through his malicious manipulations. He was a fool to cast away such a treasure as this! In all his life Haldir had seen precious little evidence that hearts could be so committed without a consummated bond. That was why Elienne could not be persuaded, she was already bound to him not by physical demonstration, but by choice.

If the annals, which spoke of such unions, were to be trusted, such bonds could not be broken save through a sincere and thorough renouncement… or death.

"YAH!" he yelled at the slow equine, kicking his heels into the horse's ribs.

The thought of her in the water flashed before him, as did her words repeat in his ears. 'My desire has taught me to float like a leaf and yet his sweet flower is drowning.'

"You are stronger than this…" he moaned through clenched teeth. "You would not cast your life away…" He refused to believe she would throw herself into the mercy of the river. It was incomprehensible to him that his treatment of her, as dastardly as it was, would bring her to such despair. Yet in him there was a small clump of dreaded doubt that was stuck painfully in his throat.

When the large pale stallion he was following reached the field, his gallop turned to a trot until he stopped altogether. Haldir rode up to his friend and asked desperately, "Did she go in the river, Sullendry?"

The horse looked over at the river with a nod and Haldir was about to drive his charge in that direction when the Rivendell wardens caught up behind him.

"Emissary," one called. Haldir thought it odd that the warden had his bow drawn and was jumping from his horse, reaching for an arrow. As he landed on the ground, he fitted the arrow and said, "A scout has just returned news that a stray horse has been spotted at the ravine by the last falls. Someone unidentified has managed to enter our borders…" then he said solemnly, "I fear the lady is not alone here on the mountain."

Haldir prodded his horse forward and rode to the river, while the wardens behind him on foot followed with their bows drawn and ready. As he approached he saw piled on the bank, dozens of white flowers, some even floating in the slow spinning pool by the bank. He jumped from the horse and squatted down, feeling the very wet ground. Among the glowing white pedals glimmered droplets of bright elven blood.

Looking around in horror he said, "She has come out of the water." He then saw at the base of a wet rock, the gray velvet gown she had put on just before leaving him. It too was covered with streaks of blood. His voice cracked as he asked, "But what beast was waiting for her?"

"We are scouring the woods," the warden said. "We will find her…"

On rare occasion, temerarious Orcs would gain entrance into Lothlórien, some even reaching the first talons of their watch before they were struck down. A young she-elf without training or weapon would be no match for that strength and power. Haldir picked up a flower and as he hurled it into the falls he shouted another curse. The elves around him knew not what he said, but the very act of speaking his resolve so forcefully had taken them aback.

Carefully, he looked around the ground for any wet footprints and within a single moment he reasoned the direction they had gone was down along side the river, back to the city. It was strange indeed, for an Orc, or even a mortal in lust would have taken her deeper into the forest, not towards elves. And he finally thought to call to his horse.

"Sullendry!" he yelled as he ran out into the field. The horse met him half way and he grilled, "Friend or foe… the stranger who was here… was he friend or foe?"

In a movement that brought a wash of relief over him, the horse relaxed it's head and bobbed gently. "The stranger is not hostile!" Haldir called out to the wardens. Most listened to him and lowered their weapons in response, while a few hesitated, still peering into the woods around them. "They have gone back to Rivendell," he said. "Send some to check back there, I will ride with others to the ravine," he ordered as he attempted to climb upon Sullendry. The horse, however, did not cooperate and moved away as Haldir began to lift himself up. "My friend, time is precious to me, why do you refuse?" he asked. The horse stepped forward and submitted, but Haldir was well aware of the dark glare in Sullendry's eyes.

*******************

Elienne was not half way through the verse when she noted that the cloak on the figure that was approaching was not scarlet as she expected. She stopped singing immediately and called out, "Who is it?" Taking a step back she slipped a bit, but just as she regained her balance, the figure jumped quickly into a run toward her.

She suddenly felt the threat of impending danger and screamed in fright, purposefully jumping into the water to get away. The icy cold water enveloped her and Elienne closed her mouth before she gulped any of it. The lesson required that she rid her heart of the heavy fear of water, with her greater fear of being attacked, she had little time to feel fright of drowning. So though she felt the river trying to swallow her, Elienne gently floated to the top, peering at the edge of the bank, readying herself to go under and float away at a moments notice. Within a second of reaching the surface, she heard a familiar voice.

"Take my hand, Elienne!"

The stranger stood with his narrow fingers stretched out at the end of his long arm, and seeing her hesitation, he removed his hood and revealed the mystery. Swimming against the strong pull of deep current, Elienne came towards the edge and put her hand out to the Mirkwood Prince. He quickly took her wrist and easily lifted her. When he had her beside him, he embraced her tightly, as if his own fear were greater than hers had been. Then, without any words he led her away from the edge and sat her down upon a rock, trembling as he knelt beside her. She too was shaking a bit, not sure if she was more surprised at her success in the river, or that Legolas was still in Rivendell.

He looked upon her stained garment and took Elienne's wounded hands.

"What is this?" he asked, examining them closely.

"Thorns," she said. "It is superficial only."

He then seemed to come into a memory and gently taking her head in his hands, he turned her face so that the moonlight was in her eyes. He looked steadily and deeply into her, and she wondered if he would cast his own spell.

"You have not bonded," he said in relief. Letting her go, he covered his mouth with his hands in thought.

"No," Elienne said, her voice breaking. "Haldir… he is…" She shifted uncomfortably in her gown, its wetness weighing her shoulders down and sticking to her mercilessly. "Rather undesirable to me at the moment."

"Let us go," he said.

They stood and the soaked heaviness prohibited Elienne from much movement.

"Let us fetch Sullendry, I cannot walk all the way back in this condition."

Legolas looked into the field and said, "The horse ran off when you screamed," he said. His eyes fell back on her and he started to take of his cloak. "Here, you may cover yourself with this."

Elienne nodded and unfastened the gray gown. He looked away as she peeled the wet garment from her skin and let it fall in a clump around her ankles. Without gazing upon her in the slip, Legolas wrapped his cloak around her shoulders. After she was covered, they began walking along the riverbank, and she continued.

"Something is wrong and Haldir will not tell me what it is… I have tried to persuade him, but he is acting as though he hates me, as if he would want me to hate him as well! And he has nearly succeeded."

"Elienne," Legolas interrupted. "I have wronged you."

"What?" she asked with a laugh. She took his arm as they proceeded. " It was a good scare, no doubt, but the distress of a little water cannot compare to what else I have endured this evening. And to that, you have come out of nowhere to continue to be my champion! It may very well signal to me my heart has been in error when choosing its desire."

Legolas paused in his steps. She did as well and looking in his glowing eyes, Elienne saw the flash of hope. "What do you mean?" he asked breathlessly.

"What does my heart know?" she said, quivering. "It blindly chooses the one that despises me when I see with my own eyes that it is you who waits patiently to come to me when I am in need." She looked down at their held hands. "Why do my eyes see what my heart cannot?"

"I have always been taught to trust my heart," Legolas said. "And it has never led me astray."

"Then perhaps I should trust your heart as well," Elienne said, looking at him. "If mine betrays me why should I heed it's call?"

A fierce pain pounded in her chest as Elienne stood there in Legolas' cloak awaiting his answer. His lips parted and she thought he would speak of his desire, for his eyes were still very bright. She wanted to retract her words, and declare her desire for Haldir despite his wrongs, but in her insecurity and immaturity, she also longed to hear that someone found her desirable.

Legolas hands were burning hot in hers and the longer he looked at her with desire, the more wretched and filthy she felt for leading him to any hope. He leaned toward her, and she was about to stop him, when all at once he looked away from her in conflict.

"No," he said, shaking his head as he stared at the ground. "My eyes see your beauty and deceive me to take what I desire." He closed his eyes and said, "But my heart bids me to do what is honest and I must first speak of my error or I could never be at peace." He looked back up at her and his eyes dimmed. "Lady Galadriel warned me to chose my path carefully; but I doubted her. I denied that any choice was mine to make… and so I suppressed my hearts call and I left." His brow creased as he said, "The further I traveled, the heavier my heart weighed my steps." As if she should know his meaning he explained, "I could not leave Rivendell with the others of my kin and court. I could not approach you, I knew not what to say, I kept hidden… I have never felt so anxious, Elienne, I thought I would succumb to mortality for the sheer pain of it." His face took on a glow as he said, "But then I heard your song… and I knew I had been given another chance to make things right." He smiled sadly. "And I must follow my heart…"

"Legolas, speak clearly!" she said exasperated.

"I misspoke in the gravest of fashions…" he confessed, "It was I who unwittingly turned the Emissary against you when I told him of your kiss to me…"

"What of it?" Elienne asked. "It was a kiss of friendship, I explained that to you!"

"Out of a selfish desire to restore my pride," Legolas whispered, "I dared to infer to Haldir that it might have been more…"

Elienne grabbed his arms and gasped, "How could you do such a thing?"

He closed his eyes again, accepting her wrath and said, "It was meant for humor only." He opened his eyes and said, "But his jealousy was unprecedented in my witness. I had no knowledge such fierce reaction was possible among elves of his age and grace. I would never have played my jest upon him had I suspect he was so prone to dramatic response."

"Murial was Haldir's first intended," she said to his confused nodding. "Legolas," she cooed, "I believe he broke their secret promise because she was untrue… and you made him believe I am as well?" she cooed. His eyes darted open at her in realization. As he studied her earnest, his expression grew more tortured. "Legolas, you must undo this! It is no wonder he hates me so…"

"I have tried, M'lady" he said hopelessly. "After my lie, he would hear truth no more, he is set to believe it despite all my correcting."

"It is no wonder he conspires for me to reject his proposal!"

"And there is something else which is the worst of the news, M'Lady" Legolas said, his eyes dimming further. "He did not propose… it was brought upon him by your father’s misguided presumptions. Haldir was not given time to refuse or correct the situation before all the courts of elves had been told."

Elienne wilted with the full knowledge of what had happened. "He has been entrapped to wed a she-elf he thought was false. I must go to him… I must release him…"

She turned and ran down through the woods next to the water. Behind her Legolas followed. She ran as quickly as she ever had. When she reached the steep path that led up to the main road, she found climbing it she was hindered by Legolas’ large cloak about her, so she shed the wool to move more quickly.

She was at the first path and about ready to trek up the second steep incline she heard the hooves of the Rivendell Warden horses riding towards her.

A large elf rode up to her and said in alarm, "Elienne! Why are you wearing so little and running in such haste? There is an intruder about, has he come upon you?" She recognized it was one of Arwen's brothers, who much preferred guarding the borders of their home than entertaining guests. His eyes then fell upon Legolas who was chasing her up the hill. "What is this?" he demanded indignantly. "A lingering Mirkwood elf! I saw your company leave our lands!"

"I am sorry for breaching your guard," he said. "I had good reason to want secrecy, I assure you."

"M'Lord!" Elienne said, taking his attention as she began to tremble. "Please, take me to the guest house reserved for the Galadhrim, I must see Haldir at once! It is ever most urgent!"

A look of amused compassion came upon him. "That would be Haldir, your intended?" he asked with a smile. "From the song?"

Realizing she could not answer 'yes' to that question, for she was about to release him from his promise, Elienne broke into tears, unable to explain herself.

In alarm the dark haired elf reached down for her and easily lifted Elienne and placed her before him on the horse. As he carried her back to the city, she looked behind to see Legolas had joined a rider on another horse and was returning with them.

***************

When Haldir reached the gate he was about to ride down the path further, just in case he was wrong and whomever it was had taken her back to his horse. But someone inside called out to him.

"Where are you going, she has been brought back!"

Sullendry turned without instruction and Haldir called out as they approached, "Is she hurt?"

"There were no injuries apparent to my eye, but my ears ring in sympathy," the elf replied. Then he added snidely, "It is a pity your courting skills are not worth the applause of your archery."

Haldir gritted his teeth as he rode past the impetuous centurion and entered the gates. Later he might call upon the elf to explain his allowing Elienne to leave the city at such an hour. What good was having a post if precautions were thrown to the wind?

He jumped off Sullendry and said, "Thank you, my friend, I trust you know the path to your stall?"

With a grateful pat, he took two steps away from the stallion, only to be startled by an angry whinny. He turned and seeing grave warning in the horse's eye, Haldir reasoned why Sullendry was behaving so disgruntled. With the knowledge that Elienne was safe so he took a respectful moment to address his old companion. Whispering he asked, "She told you what happened?"

The horse nodded his head and stomped his foot. Haldir sighed, truly ashamed. How many times had this creature seen him at his noblest and now it had come to witness the hour of his greatest disgrace. To speak to an enemy with crude jest was the despicable behavior of dwarves, and yet for the sake of his own pride, Haldir had dared to engage his darkest skill to disgust a fair maiden of his own race, and on her bond night!

"You believe she is more worthy tyan I," Haldir asked his horse. "And that I would be daft to let her go?" The tall stallion raised his head, looking down up on him and Haldir chuckled at first. But then he grew serious, and stern.

"You have heard me say this a hundred times," he swore. "And I mean it no less now… I will repair this alienation." In his emotion, he felt his chin quiver as he added, "In all my career, this alliance has become the most important reparation I have required myself to make. And I swear on my reputation as the Emissary, I will have success."

Sullendry looked satisfied and breathed out a snort. Haldir turned from the horse, blinking his eyes and setting his mind to his task. He followed where he was being directed by what looked like a caravan of interested elves standing in the twilight of pre-dawn. He ran up the stairs of the palace and upon rushing into the grand hall he noted that a new fire had been started; strange for this hour of the morning.

Standing beside it was a small company of elves and the answer to the riddle of who had gained entrance to the elven haven; Legolas Greenleaf.

For an instant, Haldir was actually relieved to see that the intruder had been his nemesis. But then he perceived that Elienne, was buried in a dark blanket under his arms. Haldir's shoulders fell and he lost all forward momentum. Standing just inside the doorway he looked to see the prince had claimed his prize, and justly so.

Legolas whispered something to the form he held and Elienne turned a bright eye out of the shadow toward him.

"How were you hurt?" he asked hoarsely. "I saw so much blood…"

She turned fully toward him and in the crevice of the blanket he could see she was wearing only the light slip that she had on before. Scanning her now he saw not a drop of scarlet on her at all. His eyes steadied upon the delicate and anguished features of her face.

"Our flowers have thorns," she said holding up her perfect hands, "But the river has washed me clean and Lord Elrond has already seen to my healing."

The Rivendell King motioned for those that were there to exit the main palace foyer and they did so without resistance. As Legolas stepped away, Haldir watched Elienne meet the Princes eyes and nod. He sorely wondered what pact had they managed that he would now have to unseal.

As Legolas passed him, he bowed slightly and Haldir managed a small, "Thank you."

The Prince looked startled by the words and touched his hand to his heart. "Until we meet again," Legolas he simply.

Haldir frowned and watched him leave after the others. Once they had all gone, he sheepishly turned his big eyes towards his bride, hoping to gain her sympathy. But his pained expression was no match for her tears.

Elienne took a step towards him and said bravely, "I release you from your promise." She quivered as she said it and he reached out to her, but she shook her head and raised her hand in protest. "I know now that you did not want this bonding. Legolas has told me what you believe regarding the kiss that I gave him." He swallowed wondering how the Prince would imagine that would win her and before he could reason more she began to weep. "I thought you beastly, but you have been trying to protect me from the shame of rejection. I cannot put you through more torment than you have already endured, so I will resist my hearts urging and I will not beg you to forgive me… I allow you your freedom. You may blame the disintegration of the engagement on my youthful whims…"

Haldir heard her words, and the pain she had at speaking them kindled his dying ember of hope into a flame. She still had desire for him! It was as obvious and as beautiful to him as the light of the stars; he had not lost her heart. He shook his head emphatically, refusing her offer. If she were so willing to give him what she thought he wanted even at her own cost, fighting for her would easily win her back.

"Do not be hasty, M'Lady!" he said taking a few steps towards her. "I am not the only one who has been injured, I have done your gentle heart great harm. Therefore let the decision be made not for my sake, but for yours. If you are of mind to still accept me through all my failings, let me not stand in the way to prevent it! I would have you gladly, if it would bring you joy."

"Only for my sake?" she asked in a small, confused voice. "I would have you as my own until we leave this world and our time in Valinor is at an end! If that is all that mattered to me…"

"Very well!" he said solidly. He crossed his arms and pronounced, "Then it is decided. We will keep the promise we have made."

"No!" she said. He smirked at her in disbelief. "You are not listening to me. I will not bond with you unless you desire me completely and without hesitation," she explained, coming to him. She stood before him staring up into his eyes and added, "You have lost your trust in me… that must be restored before our promise can be."

"What happened between you and Legolas before we were promised, matters not," he said, the words tightening in his throat. "If I am your choice, I have decided not to be concerned about what happened before…"

"But I am concerned…" she pleaded. "I want no lingering doubts in your mind about me. And so long as you believe that token of platonic affection was more than it was, you will never fully give your heart to me," she said, placing her hand gently on his crossed arms. "I speak the truth to you, but you will find no comfort in it until you believe it!"

Haldir felt his face clenching and he started to look away.

"Keep your eyes on mine," she said. Lifting her hand, she held his chin with her finger and thumb. Though it felt like torture to him, he obeyed, looking into Elienne's hurting gray eyes.

With a voice that would melt the snow off of the Misty Mountains she said, "Even in the moment of my greatest doubt, my heart never considered Legolas for more than an attentive friend. And my mind has been engaged with you since we first met… " She hesitated, her lips quivering. "I have been yours since I first realized you knew I was Lady Elienne and not the maidservant…"

She was rather dramatic in her strange, unnecessary demands, but that last statement filled him with intrigue. "Why in that moment?" he whispered. "You seemed most vexed, if memory serves."

"Because I knew then that you saw into me," she said. "And it angered me at first, to be so revealed. But the next day, when you gave me a flower as a token of truce, relief flooded through me. I was fully won to you for your gallantry and sweet endurance of my troublesome nature. I purposed to see you too. And not as you present yourself to the world, but as you truly are. And as you slowly revealed tiny glimpses, my favor has only grown for you so that I am drawn to you as surely and swiftly as a river will run down the mountain."

He looked away briefly with a smirk, but her finger on his chin directed his eyes again and he grinned at her persistence.

"You have a talent for seeing the truth, can you not see it here?" she asked.

"I do not believe my talent is as great as it is esteemed," he said. "In regard to courtship at least."

"Fear always clouds vision, Haldir. You know this," she said.

He took in a big breath and looked up at the lattices in the ceiling. Letting the air out slowly he returned his eyes to hers.

"Now it is I who am feeling exposed," he said. He closed his eyes and nodded, the pain of the past pricking his heart again. He gasped for a breath and without notice his heart spoke audibly so that he could not stop the confession as it fell from his lips. "Even now I fear that Legolas is waiting in the shadows below… waiting for me to fail… and for you to come to him… and to be his."

"Haldir!" she laughed. "My feelings for you eclipse any I could have for Legolas," she said. "He has been the moonlight in my darkness, I will admit, but you are the very sun of midday… In Legolas' friendship I find strength, but it cannot compare to the warmth and power of your passion." Her words bore into his heart and he opened his eyes. "The Prince has already left," she continued. He understands, my heart would not choose him even if you reject me." Haldir looked at her in surprise and she nodded. "I need you to believe me. If you sincerely desire me, believe me first."

Softly he said, "I think I understand."

"You understand, but do you believe?" she mercilessly probed. Lowering her hand from his chin she inquired, "Your mind accepts my words, but does your heart accept their sincerity?" A moment of silence lingered as Haldir squeezed his lids tightly, wrestling with how to respond. Was it really that simple? He wondered.

Drawing all the strength he had, Haldir opened his eyes and looked into hers. They seemed to be begging him to answer. Never had he met someone so completely transparent with her intentions. Elienne was right… The she-elf that stood before him now was honest and true, and what she professed was real. He had no reason he could fathom to doubt her, yet the reality of it struggled to form on his lips. He swallowed hard and the great Emissary of the Galadhrim, stuttered in his speech.

"Y-yes," he said. And as the word was spoken, his heart floated and he sighed, "I believe you…"

Elienne's face softened and she smiled in relief. Before he calculated another thought, he drew her close and kissed his bride, wrapping his arms around her and holding her as tightly as he thought she could take. It was not so much a kiss of passion as they had shared before, but one of desperation; he had ached in his heart to experience this trust much more than any other desire could tempt him. When he put her chin on his shoulder and squeezed him in return, he could feel her joyous silent weeping and he put his hand on her soft hair, kissing her cheek.

"You are my soul's desire Elienne," he whispered. The words seemed infinitely inadequate to describe what was in his heart. Her cries became audible as she gave a small laugh among them. Apparently his words were enough for her. He lifted her up in his embrace and hummed his delight before he said it again. "My soul desire!"

Laughing, she looked down on him as he held her. he fire glistened on her silvery red hair and he carried her over before the hearth. He set her down and was about to kiss her again when she stopped him.

"What is it?" he asked, anxious for anything she might say. He felt like the floodgates of his heart had finally been opened and it was now finally safe to allow it to flow to its full power.

"I…" she started. "I too desire a bond," she said. But her tone was not as promising as he would have hoped. He sat down on the large lounge, as did she and in her eyes he saw affection, but also apprehension. "You do still have it in your mind to bond with me?" she asked.

His eyes opened wide and he laughed lightly, "In this moment my entire being wants nothing else but bond with you!"

Slowly her hands took his and her face betrayed her heart.

"But what does that mean to you, to be bonded," she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Suddenly he recalled the wretched things he had said to her before. She had been so generous in her forgiveness that he had taken for granted the great hurt he had caused her. He squeezed her hands and nodded. "I cannot assume that all is forgiven can I?"

"I forgive," she said gently, "I know now why you were hurting… and that you merely wanted to alienate me…"

"Did I do it beyond repair?" he asked sincerely wondering just how much she was still retaining that injury.

She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes at him, holding her stare at him for the suspense. He creased his brow feigning serious concern.

"You came close," she scolded. "If it were not for Sullendry silently championing your true nature I may have decided you were not at all worthy of my compassion." She then softened and said, "But as it is, I am still in need of reassurance there was no truth in it!"

Thinking on his words and how crude he had been, Haldir tilted his head back and said, "By the blazing fire of Mt. Doom I was horrendous…" He looked at her again and got down on his knees in front of her, squeezing her hands. "I swear to you, Elienne, on all that I am. Those were not my true thoughts on bonding… I wanted you to hold me in such bitter contempt that I called upon the most scornful utterances in Middle-earth to do it…"

"I think you succeeded!" she said with an indignant laugh.

He looked at her face with worry that his apology had not gone deep enough. He lifted her hands and closed his eyes, pressing his lips against her fingers.

"Would that I could tell you the true meaning you hold to me," he said. The emotions of it washed over him again and he felt a small shudder flow through him.

"You seemed able to find the words of insult quickly enough," she said. He opened his eyes to see she had one brow raised in expectation. "Is it not your duty as Emissary to construct the perfect poetic phrases to pave a way to reconciliation?"

He smiled and nodded at her challenge. "Aye," he said. "And I shall spend the rest of our lives together composing the descriptions of my bouquet of affections."

She thought on that as if in evaluation. "Not bad," she said nodding. "But I think you can do much better than that." Elienne relaxed a bit back into the chair, making herself comfortable. "You are a master wordsmith after all."

He laughed and said, "Me a master wordsmith? My lady, dare I say your talents therein are not incomplete. I heard the clever wedding song you composed for us…" He tilted his head down towards her and said, "As did all of Rivendell." The light caught in her eyes as she blushed at the memory of it and covered her face with her hands.

"Oh I have made a complete mockery of myself, surely!" He chuckled, trying to take her hands away but they held fast to her cheeks as she shook her head. "How shall I ever face company again?"

"Look at the fortune of it, my beloved," he soothed jovially. She peeked through her fingers at him and he said, "None are the wiser of the true meaning of your words…" he hesitated and lifted his brow saying, "… and the certain skills I possess."

She dropped her hand and said, "You are horrible, Haldir of Lórien!"

Relieved she was putting the awkwardness of their situation behind her, he smiled and asked, "So what is this that you would like to hear from me? Shall I consider myself having been given another challenge to win you? This time not to find a tossed flower, but rather to the words to secure the bride I almost tossed away?"

She leaned forward until her face was a mere breath from his. "If you are even going to propose properly…" she added.

"If I am going to?" he asked, perplexed. Suddenly he was reminded beyond her obvious qualities of beauty why he found this she-elf so intoxicating. She not only looked perfectly delicious to him but she also enticed his mind and challenged his wit. And all naturally as if it were nothing for her to tease the Guardian of the Golden Wood.

She nodded. "I have been told my father tricked you into asking for me!"

"Ah… yes. I have never been so quickly ambushed before… and for my own good, I think now!" he said. He followed up his jesting comment with a wooing lament. "However, though it make me into a notorious buffoon and strip me of all of what little pride I have managed to retain, I shall willingly and gladly walk into this snare again. For within it lies the sweetest treasure in the entire world…" He looked in her fluttering eyes and surmised she did not want him to stop speaking.

Moving from his knee to sit beside her, he leaned towards her, and cupped her face in his hand. "If you would have me, I would take any challenge lain before me for your hand. For until there was you, I never before imagined I could have a need this great, or a desire so consuming… Surely I could live without taking another breath longer than I could survive if your affection is not bound secure to me… beyond the measure of time."

"That was," she started breathlessly. "well done…" He did not let her finish, but kissed her deeply and with all the power of the rushing water from the highest falls in Rivendell.

Chapter 17: Searching for Solidarity

The first light of the sun was peering into the arched windows of the Palace Entrance Foyer just as the embers in the hearth were cooling. But the couple who lay before it's stone fortress were still in the thralls of their own heat and passion. They had taken sweet time, enjoying and exploring each other, wanting each moment to last as long as possible and treasuring every sensation with finely crafted words of expressed affection. As elated and connected as Elienne felt to Haldir, lying beneath his warm body and gentle caresses, she still did not feel close enough to him.

"Are you ready?" he asked in a light whisper. As he looked upon her, his eyes were ablaze with internal light, as she had never seen before.

"I am," she answered in her own hushed, desperate tone.

Haldir ran his warm hands up her thighs using light pressure to lift the soft silk material along her skin. He raised his body just high enough off of hers so she could slip her hands between them and begin to untie the fastening strings of his leggings, slowly pulling on the laces. He released a heavy breath and lowered only his face to press his moist lips on hers. As he playfully teased his tongue into her mouth, he stroked her bare thighs and moved the dress up higher, tracing the curves of her hips with his thumbs. Elienne drew out the last bit of lace and peeled open the two folds of suede preparing to explore what was hidden there.

Then, suddenly, Haldir stopped kissing her and his head popped up as he turned and looked around.

"Someone is coming!" he whispered in alarm. He looked down at her with divine disappointment in his dimming eyes. "M'lady, I fear we have lingered to long among the prelude pleasures. Rivendell awakes!"

Elienne could now also hear the voices coming up the stairs to the palace. She put on a good pout as she let out a whimper. She pulled the thin material down over her legs and watched as Haldir kneeled before her, desperately trying to restring the laces he needed to hold up his leggings securely. It hadn't occurred to her a moment ago that pulling them completely from their tiny eyelets would pose such a problem. She could not help but giggle as she picked up his several jerkin pieces and lay them in a bundle in her lap. She rested her arm on the chair, looking at his physique as she waited for him to complete his task. As any elf, his entire body was muscularly defined, yet Haldir was broader and much stockier than most of their kind. He glanced up at her, and then returned to his work, smirking and shaking his head.

To their fortune, the chair concealed them while Erestor and another palace service elf walked through the foyer into the library. Yet no sooner had those two departed than voices from the above loft began to echo in the room. Elienne got on her knees in front of Haldir and halted his shaking hands.

"Allow me," she said.

Bending closer, she stuck the tip of the lace in her mouth to moisten it and then placed her fingers under the fold of the legging and carefully threaded it through. She did the same on the other side and then tugged lightly on the string, pulling the gap closed. She continued to lace the next layer just as three Lórien elves began to walk down the stairs. Haldir was kneeling with his back to them, his hands on his hips watching her. She looked up over his shoulder and saw the elves were pretending very hard that they did not see the two of them. But before they had completely descended Orophin was unable to help himself and glanced over to catch Elienne's eye.

She smiled broadly and hesitated in her work long enough to give him a wave. He smiled, a bit embarrassed, nodded and returned to speaking with the others.

"These leggings do not fit you very well," she said, pulling on the strings in the third set of eyelets. The two folds gaped open slightly between them.

"Normally they do," he said, looking towards the ceiling with a touch of red in his cheeks. Realizing what he meant, Elienne pressed her lips together to suppress her laugh and continued to thread the string. Haldir turned and looked over his shoulder and said, "Oh woodland fire! Lord Celeborn approaches!" And just after he said it, Elienne too heard the voices of the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood coming through the library. "Get up," he said, grabbing the strings tightly with one hand and gently nudging her with the other. She swept up her shoes and his jerkin and noticed that even in his haste he was not leaving his boots behind. With one hand grasping his leggings' strings and the other carrying his boots, he rushed them out of the foyer as quickly as if there were waargs about. Once they were out the door, he looked both ways and chose the path around the balcony that lined the palace until they rounded a corner and came to a stop on the other side.

"What is wrong?" she laughed as he leaned against the wall.

"I am not likely to want to face Lord Celeborn at the moment… not in this state and not with his sense of humor!" he said. Then he smiled at her and kissed her again.

With his jerkin and her shoes dangling from her fingers, Elienne reached around his bare shoulders, returning his embrace. For all she cared, the entire world could watch them bond.

"Where can we go?" he asked as he took a breath. "Where can I be alone with my bride?"

"My suite," she said. Pulling on his bare arm as she retreated, she led him towards the back of the palace. He raised one side of his mouth as he let himself be dragged along. As they jogged together, his leggings crept lower and when they got to the balcony corner, he pulled them back up into place. She looked around the corner and saw there were no breakfast diners at the back tables. Quickly, she moved to a shoulder high window and threw his jerkin and her shoes into it. She put her hands on the sill and felt a firm hold on her backside as he lifted her up and pushed her in.

"Fresh!" she said with a laugh as she sailed over the sill. After she landed she swung immediately around and motioned for him to come, as though he would need her help.

He looked over the ledge, handed her his boots and teased, "You did not seem to mind me touching you there earlier."

Elienne giggled and grabbed his hands, pulling him towards her. He permitted himself to be brought quite awkwardly into the room so that he landed on top of her on the carpeted floor.

"Hmmm, look what I found," he called out in a delighted voice as he landed on her with his face in her bosom.

"Shhh!" she said. "Elrond's study is just across the hall from this room!"

After a few moments she realized he was not getting up and she propped up on her elbows, enjoying the sensation as he gently nestled into her. His roaming hands pressed on the sides of her breasts burying his entire face betwixt them.

"Be sure to inform me whenever it is convenient for us to proceed to my suite, " she said casually as if he was having no effect on her. The truth was quite the opposite. Had she no fear that they would once more be interrupted she would have suggested they complete the bonding summarily. In response to her hint, he spoke something too muffled for her to hear and then became more demonstrative in his affections, moving up her neck with his kisses.

"We can not consummate in this room!" she scolded.

"Why ever not?" he asked looking up at her mischievously. "We are alone! That is what matters."

Thoughtfully she added, "I suppose it would be rather apropos…"

"Why," he asked between kisses, "is that…"

"Look around," she said with raised brows.

As he lifted himself from her and gazed at his surroundings, he took in the view of open bookshelves, lined with layers of loose parchment. Haldir sucked in a breath of warning and his eyes grew large. "The holy archives of Elrond!" he said in a tone that betrayed his own reverence for the literature contained in that sacred vault.

In mocking imitation of his pronouncement, she answered, "Oh, no it is much worse than that…This is the holy book binding chamber!"

Haldir's expression humored at her play on words and she thought he would straighten up and they would be on their way. But before she was even to a sitting position, he was up and about as a wee elfling having been set free on a mulberry bush. Taking less care for his leggings than he should, they began to hang low on his hips as he walked around, peering at the ancient texts. Without touching the large table or its contents, Haldir cocked his head, attempting to read the title of a binding that was in mid-process.

"Oh," he sighed with excitement and read the words in Sindarin, "The Annals of Glorfindel and the Legend of… Hmmm…. What is that word? A Balrog?"

"Elrond has not been able to convince Glorfindel to translate it," she said, remaining rested on the floor. "The entire piece is a poor translation of an old scroll. There are many words with no equivalent in Sindarin or Quenya. It was written in Valinor and brought back as a gift to Rivendell, but it seems our resurrected friend has better pursuits for his time than dictating translation."

"I suppose I can somewhat understand that, thought I doubt Elrond is pleased," he said. Elienne shook her head with wide eyes, remembering the arguments.

Moving to the other side of the table, and absentmindedly tugging up his leggings, Haldir gently lifted the sheer cloth that covered the open pages and began reading in Sindarin once more. "There on the day of the seventh sunset, when the white wood…" he looked up at her and asked, "The white wood? I have never heard of the white wood! Where is there such a place?"

"Until Glorfindel reveals that, Elrond has entitled it a legend and refuses to teach it," she said.

"You seem to know it well," he started.

"I took dictation while it was being translated," she said, rolling her eyes at him and finally standing.

"Really?" he asked looking closer. "Your penmanship is exquisite!"

"Not that copy," she laughed heartily. Haldir beamed at her as he nodded.

"Haldir, I enjoy the annals more than most elves," she said coming up behind him as he continued to read, "but at this moment I do not find them nearly as alluring as usual." She wrapped her arms around him as she pressed herself against his warm backside. He continued reading, not easily distracted even by her roaming fingers. She was amused by his interest in the text and thought to explain to him how she had been forced to scribe dozens of others in her lessons.

She could probably tell it to him as well as he could read it, though she never thought to think it would be of interest to anyone. Elrond assured her that as she aged she would find wisdom contained in the parables as well as their worth for amusement.

"…when the white wood was in bloom with the red fire dragons which rested in the tallest of their lofts came an elf, Cerillidir who would join the battle if were it not for the warning in Glorfindel's heart which spoke to him of a doom that had befallen Cerillidir and which continued to haunt his steps from the first age until this day."

Elienne laid her cheek against his bare back and ran her hands along his velvet leggings. She slipped her fingers between his thighs and Haldir sighed. "What do I care about that which Glorfindel himself will not speak? Perhaps it is only a legend…"

"Indeed, we have no confirmation of its validity," a voice fell in their ears. "Save that the scroll was written by on of the Valar."

"Which one?" he asked, excitedly.

"Unknown," she said slowly opening her eyes.

Elienne startled with a small scream and stepped away from Haldir as if she had been committing a crime. Erestor lifted his brows at them, crossing his arm. Haldir stood up straight, replacing the shear cover back on the text. As his torso went upright, his leggings stretched even lower so that from behind Elienne could see a small crevice peeking at her from just below his narrow waist. She pursed her lips together and tried to put on a serious look.

"I do not mean to interfere," Erestor said with a slight bow and a quick glance over the two of them. "But I have certain duties which I desire to perform this morning. One of which requires a text which is kept in this room."

"We were just leaving," Elienne said, picking up her shoes and Haldir's jerkin and boots.

Without even a touch of embarrassment to be detected, Haldir casually adjusted his leggings back over his hips and said, "I must say I envy the work you do here, Erestor. As any elf, I have often had a hunger for knowledge but have not had so much at my disposal as you have here." He gestured around with his free hand as Erestor glided by and came to Elienne's side. She backed away from the bookcase and Erestor bent down to look through a pile of small reference books on the shelf behind her. She walked towards the door, taking Haldir's hand as he inquired, "Perhaps I might be so bold as to ask to borrow some texts from Lord Elrond for keeping in Lórien until I next return? I would guard them with my life, you could be sure."

Erestor stood quickly upright. His fist tightly grasped around a small, brown leather backed book as he said, "Lord Elrond does not lend books from his library. It is a waste of breath to ask." Cocking his head he said, "You have not spent one moment in this library, Lord Haldir, since you arrived." Narrowing his eyes at Elienne he added, "Certainly other interests must have been a higher priority to you."

Elienne was growing anxious with this interaction and glanced out the doorway to see if there was a clear path to the spiral steps leading to the suites above.

"Indeed, but all the same, I am greatly disappointed," Haldir said sadly. "I understand his caution. Such treasures should not be loaned lightly."

Erestor offered no apologies, but did wait until they exited the room before following them. Elienne pulled Haldir toward the steps and sighed heavily.

"We are sorry to bother you, Lord Erestor, I know you are a busy elf," she said.

He did not even bother to speak to her, but instead entered Elrond's study, giving them both a cold stare as he did.

When they got to the staircase she said sardonically, "I thought for a moment there you were going to sit down and have tea with him!"

Chasing her up the stairway he said, "If you think it would convince him to give me a book, I might just do that!"

Elienne spun around when they got to the top and flung her arms around him, kissing him and saying, "NO! You are mine now!"

*****************

When they had reached the top of the steps, Haldir did not think the décor looked very feminine, so he was not shocked when Elienne said, "Now, we need to make it past Lord Elrond's chambers and into Arwen's wing!"

"Oh, is that all?" he whispered, looking down the hall. "It will not be unlike when Rúmil and I attempted to slip through the halls of Moria."

"Certainly you exaggerate!" Elienne whispered. "I have heard Dwarves are so noisy they drown out all other sounds by their breathing alone!"

"Ah, yes," Haldir said, "You have heard correctly, but there are more dangers in the Halls of Moria than Dwarves. However that story is for another time…"

"I've never heard any first hand tales of Moria," she said excitedly. "I know next to nothing of it… I am quite anxious to hear all your exploits!'

"Not as anxious as I am to tell you!" he said honestly. "And to hear you tell me of what you have read while here! But… not now!" He put his finger to his lips to silence her as they tiptoed down the hall.

Though he was still in a very amiable mood, the run in with Erestor had left Haldir a touch cooled. As he followed his lovely bride through the tall passage, lined with velvet red curtains he began to realize he was not very fond of the way in which Elrond's chief advisor had looked at her. It was not a feeling of jealously; it was clear to him Erestor's mood was not at all amorous, but rather he looked gravely disapproving of his bride.

She turned and gave him a nod, directing with her head and mouthed the words, 'Elrond's sleeping chambers.' She then tipped only her eye around the corner and as quick as a flash, flew past the open doorway. Once they were on the other side she whispered, "He was not even in there! Though he may be in his sitting room in the last doorway. Sometimes he takes his breakfast there."

"Just a moment," Haldir said. He fumbled, stringing the last few eyelets of his leggings, determined not to be caught with them around his ankles. As he worked he asked, "Is there a reason for Erestor's constant foul temperament?"

"It is part of his job, I suppose," Elienne said wistfully. "That and he does not like young elves very much." She then leaned against the wall and watched him. "I suppose you shall inherit his sentiments towards me," she said. "Though I must admit you did put up a good effort of charm… too bad I have ruined his regard for you."

"What did you do to him?" he asked glancing up at her as he tied the strings.

"Twenty too many pranks at his expense, most likely," she said with a smirk. "All but one of which he was asking for, I assure you."

That answer brought images of Erestor's indignant face to his mind and he had to chuckle. "Elves are good tempered by nature, but not all elves have equal good humor," he said. "And some endure injuries which when gone unhealed steal from them any joy."

With a doubtful look she said, "With all the healing at his disposal, why would an elf as wise as Erestor not take advantage of it?"

Haldir studied her and was struck at once by her youth. He put his hand on the wall next to her shoulder and said, "You may find my humor to have its limits if you persist in an overabundance of chaos under my watch."

"Is that a warning…" she asked, looking up at him, "or a challenge?"

The idea of Elienne in Lórien suddenly flooded him with a twinge of fear and excitement. To have her mirth in the Golden Wood, sharing with her the delights of his duties past and present, watching her taken in by its beauty and observing the cheer she would no doubt give to his company; it was going to be as fresh as spring. But he was also convinced Celeborn was right. Her youth made her as unpredictable as a wildfire and the thought of having to be cross with her gave him pause.

"I am teasing!" she said, probably sensing his apprehension. "I will be good and clear whatever trouble I plan to cause through the March Warden first…" She started to walk down the hall and added, "mostly…"

"I would not dare to hinder a master," he said, following her. "Unless she deserved correction, of course." She raised her hand for silence as her pace slowed. He could hear raised voices and recognized them immediately. It seemed the Lord of Darkwood was having a fairly heated discussion with Rivendell's King. His first inclination was to allow them their privacy, but Elienne was already acting on her curiosity. She slipped into the doorway two entrances from the end and as he followed he quickly could see she knew the place to listen. She was standing next to a window whose echo was just right to pick up the conversation in the other room.

He tilted his head and was about to suggest they be polite when she whispered, "You have no room to talk about eavesdropping! Besides they're talking about me!"

And indeed they were, arguing quite intensely about her as well.

"I can not thank you enough for you generosity, Lord Elrond, but more years as her guardian does not make you more her father! It is not for you to decide upon this…" King Bronian said before he was interrupted.

"I am not suggesting that a decision be made for her, I am suggesting she and her husband be given a choice! Withholding your sentiments from them will suit you now, but it cannot be undone," Elrond said. Haldir frowned at the discussion and at their listening to it. There was something quite different about accidentally listening in on a pleasant personal conversation and purposefully listening to the private conversation of kings. He took her by the arm and she wrangled away from him, giving him a look that had he been her March Warden and not her husband, would have been cause for correction. But as it were, by his promise to her, he would except her as equal and he dared not step up to give her orders she was not obliged to take.

"You will not dare speak of this, not even to Lord Celeborn," Bronian said. "For he will certainly inform his guardian of my condition, and my son-in-law is the noble sort of elf that is so tiresome in the predictability of his virtue. " His voice grew softer as he said, "No, thought it make a mortal heart of me, I will not compete with Haldir for her affections. Elienne should return home with me to Darkwood only if the desire comes from her own initiation. I will not have that Emissary blaming me that it was my design to bring him. She should be influenced only by her own heart, not mine."

"If she holds any affection for you at all, I fail to see the difference!" Elrond said.

Now Haldir's curiosity was piqued as well. He had guessed her father to be a rather simple man, he seemed unable to read the most obvious temperaments of others, even his own daughter's. But after hearing of these 'designs' of his, Haldir fully assessed it was himself who may have misread. And what's more, misjudged the depth of his high character. It made sense to him now why Elienne was of such a complex nature. And this new found respect for her father gave him cause to raise his concerns with his bride again.

In a barely audible whisper, Haldir said, "Elienne, if you hear something which was not intended for your ears, you may find yourself with a regret you cannot repair."

She nodded sadly, obviously in dissatisfied agreement. Slowly they walked back towards the hall, and he doubted it possible they were going to cross the open doorway of Elrond's sitting room without being noticed. Before they reached the door, they heard the kingly voices were now in the hall. Both he and Elienne froze instinctively.

"In respect to you, and your obvious care for her, I will take solitude and think on your council," her father said. "I simply cannot stand to cause her more pain than she has already endured. My decision in this must be sound."

"At the risk of betraying her confidence," Elrond answered gravely, "I will say, if she does not come it is not out of affection for you and her mother, but rather, out of doubting yours for her. The years stretch out much longer for the young than they do for their elders. Though she does not show it, I fear Elienne's pain for your acceptance is far greater than yours for her."

"I find that hard to imagine," Bronian said as they filed down the hall away from them.

Elienne ran to the door, unable to help from wanting to hear more. At hearing the words spoken by the Lord who obviously knew a great deal more about his bride than he did, Haldir chose not to object to her continuing to listen.

"I do not know what would be worse for her, my old friend," Elrond's voice trailed off as they descended the stairs. "To come to Darkwood only for pity's sake or to never know how devastatingly you and her mother miss her."

She stood inside the doorway and looked down, her narrow shoulders falling slightly.

After the hall fell silent Haldir felt free to speak at normal volume.

"What think you on this news?" he asked.

She looked up at him perplexed. "I wonder at its validity," she said.

"How could he not miss you?" Haldir asked. "A father and daughter bond is one of the great wonders of elven affections!" He was surprised to see the pain revealed in her eyes as he spoke the words he deemed would comfort.

"Our Lady Galadriel, she spoke to me of forgiveness," Elienne said. "I do not know if I have it within me to forgive! So much time has been lost over the years."

"Has it?" he asked quietly. "Or has it merely been hidden?"

"I do not know," she said in a small voice.

"Would you like to speak with him?" he asked. "You could take leave of me and…"

Elienne raised her arms and shook her head. He obediently walked into them, wrapping his hands around her waist.

"No. I want to take my husband to my bed chambers and bond myself to him in sweet physical intimacy," she said. "That is all I want to do…"

His heart warmed at the words and he drew in a breath of her. But in her voice he could hear the faintest hint of uncertainty. Despite this knowledge, now was not the moment to force her into a discussion with her father. They would have to speak on this, perhaps even before their bond was sealed, but first they needed to find privacy. Carefully Haldir swung his arm around her legs and lifted her. She gasped lightly in surprise, but smiled brightly.

"How very chivalrous of you!" she said as he began walking through the now empty hall.

"I have my moments," he said. "Now, tell me, where to?"

"We need to cross this loft, which will leave us briefly exposed on the balcony in the library and the stairs leading down to the foyer. However, once we cross to the other side, we will be hidden in Arwen's wing. Leaving us only my own dear mother hen to foil!" she said.

"Ah!" he said. "The epic challenge of our quest!"

Quickly, he tiptoed across the loft, the two of them going unseen by the elves in the library. When they reached the other side, he set Elienne down and she grabbed his hand and pulled him as she ran. Once at the end of the hall she let go of his hand and rushed into a doorway. He slowly followed, only to collide into her before one footfall in the door. She roughly pushed him back out and he was about to protest when he heard a sweet airy, yet terrifyingly familiar voice.

 "Who is there?" Murial asked, sounding as though she was drawing closer.

Haldir felt his face pale as Elienne continued to scramble, handing him his boots and jerkin and pushing him into a small closet. He watched the door shut and leaned his head back before it clipped him in the nose. He closed his eyes and sighed, thinking on the silliness of the situation. The Emissary of the Galadhrim, stuck in a she-elf's linen closet wearing only leggings. This was truly a tale for the annals.

"It is only me," Elienne said He could see her shadow through the slits in the door.

"Why are you here and not with your gallant groom?" Murial asked curiously. She sounded extremely delighted and giddy and it made Haldir smile. She had been hard on his heart in the past, but never intentionally cruel. It was clear to him from his first mention to her of Elienne that Murial was supportive and genuinely encouraging of this bonding.

"This has been my suite for a century and a half!" Elienne said, not answering the question and sounding fairly impatient. "Am I not permitted to come and go as I please? I might ask you why you are here!"

Murial laughed and said, "We Lórien elves were all disposed of our rooms in the guest house, if you will remember!"

"Oh, yes," Elienne said. He could hear her fingers tapping on the closet door.

"Arwen was kind enough to allow me to stay in the other guest room…" Murial said. "Though I must say, your room is much lovelier." She took a step towards the closet. "Might I excuse myself to retrieve a towel?"

Haldir recognized that tone. The cheeky sprite knew he was in here and was baiting Elienne.

"Oh! I will get you one. I will bring it in for you, just give me a moment," Elienne said.

"I do not want to be any trouble," Murial said in a melodious tone. "Far be it from me to allow the Princess of Darkwood to wait on me on her wedding…" Then there was a gasp and a whisper that he could clearly hear. "You have not yet bonded! I only now see it in your eyes, Elienne! What are you waiting for? We Lórien elves have been told we will leave before mid day! Whatever it is he did or said to you last night that made you sing so mournfully and angrily, you must forgive him! He desires you, you know… it is clear to us all…"

"Shhht!" Elienne said. "Yes, he has won my forgiveness… but… we need to be alone… so… if you could perhaps… go have breakfast?"

"Of course!" Murial said quickly. "I will fetch my things and dress in the other suite. And I will bring Arwen with me, she will not protest. I am sure for she has grown fonder of Haldir thanks to my constant recommendations! As for you two…" And then there was a whisper that he could not hear and did not want to imagine what was said.

He was leaning his hand on the wall of the closet as she opened the door.

"My hoping for secrecy is not time well spent," he said.

"We may now be grateful for our privacy at least," Elienne said, turning and walking into her room. He followed immediately and was at once struck by the femininity of the place. The bed was small, but with large white folds of sheer silk swung from posts around its head and foot. The soft carpets were the palest green shredded suede and the same color was hinted to in the gold trim of the tapestries and banners strung about the walls. The rest of the furniture was also light and airy in design and all made from the whitest of beach wood.

Elienne sat down on a chair by the window and slouched a bit, looking up at him. It pained him to see her saddened and even more so because there was so much to accomplish before they would leave. Her mood gave him cause to think the aftermath of their bonding would not be as plain or obvious as he had hoped. Leaving so quickly among many conflicting emotions made him worry upon the wisdom of it. Haldir took a few steps into the room and she watched him as he sat upon the foot of her bed. He set his boots on the floor and laid his jerkin on top of them. He and Elienne had come very far in the last two days in knowledge of each other and in life altering decisions. It did not take much effort to conclude what was weighing her heart.

"You wish to go with your father?" he managed. He did not even attempt to hide upon his face the burden it must have betrayed. There was no sense to it, she would know him as well as he did her. He continued, "You long for your Darkwood home, and your mother… to see the new wee elfling she is bringing… to reacquaint yourself with your kin… reconcile with your father."

"I long also for my husband," Elienne chirped. Then she looked at her hands and said, "Or to make you my husband, as it were…"

"Elienne," he said. "We have not bonded in the flesh, but believe me when I say to you, I have bonded my heart to you already. You are my wife, though not in deed, it is none the less true to me."

Her face grew bemused and with toying tone she said, "Do you mean you no longer desire to bond naturally?"

He opened his mouth to respond in kind to her to her tease, until he thought better of it. This was not a time to jest, no matter how much she was drawing it from him.

"I do," he said calmly. "But not at your expense…"

She caught his meaning and a tiny quiver fell on her lips. "I will not let him ruin my wedding night…" she said. Then, looking around she amended, "morning…" She sat up in the chair and said, "My father abandoned me to Rivendell when I was barely an adult she-elf! He has no right to try to interfere in my life now!"

"And indeed, he agrees, for he is not interfering!" Haldir said. "He wished to keep this heartache from you. If you will recall we only know his true feelings because we were trespassing."

"Why would he not tell me he desires me so? Does he seek to let me suffer thinking he cares so little?" she demanded.

At times such as this, the best course of action was to remain silent and hope the irate party would come to the obvious conclusion revealed among the words still hanging in the air.

She searched his face with her eyes and he only shook his head slightly, watching the reason take hold of her madness and cast it aside.

"He does desire me…" she said. "After all these years of doubt."

"It is not easy to be a parent," Haldir said gently. "Decisions are difficult even as a March Warden. But to make choices for the life of a tiny elfling…"

"Is that the true reason you do not desire your own?" she asked.

The question flew at him as swiftly and dangerously as an arrow hitting his heart and he ran his hands over his head in distress. "Oh Elienne! Do you still believe that fabrication?"

"It is not true!" she said, joyful ire coming into her face. "It was another ploy to avert my affections?" He nodded, a touch fearful of the light in her eyes. She stood and came at him in a fit of mock rage. "Haldir you incorrigible, dastardly scoundrel!"

Haldir laughed as he let her assail him backward onto the bed. She was a lightweight to be sure, but still plenty strong and it pleased him to humor her in her attack, though he needn't pretend too extraordinarily.

"How long did you mean to keep me suffering over that bit of treachery?" she said into his face as she held him down and lightly thrust her small fingers into his ribs. He squirmed at the tickling but did nothing to stop her.

"I swear the ruse was not continued intentionally," he pleaded, still half-heartedly defending himself. The feeling of her moving on him was pleasurable enough that he did not mind in the least.

"I should give you a good thwacking on the back side for such villainy!" she said, coming to rest upon him finally.

"Hmm," he said lifting his brows as the power of his desire for her grew. She must have intuited the notion for she took quick advantage, slowly and delicately rocking her hips against him in a maddening manner. His face lit on fire and his lips parted to draw in a breath. He tilted his head back into the pillow, closing his eyes. He had thought to postpone their bonding until they could make clear, mindful decisions, but as Elienne's mouth found a tender spot below his chin and her legs spread around him. Suddenly it seemed so unimportant to decide what would happen after.

Again, he lifted the sheer dress over her, only this time proceeded to completely remove it, drinking in the full site of her as she sat atop him.

"You are like a sculpture…" he said in disbelief. "Not of porcelain, for you are not so fragile… But you cannot be marble for it is a cold and heavy stone, which I dare not compare your warm inviting beauty to." He looked into her glittering gray eyes and continued, " My bride surely surpasses any beauty my eyes have ever seen." And as though there were some magical force at work, when he touched her bare form all the world was gone and he cared only to know completely this delicate flower.

He continued his breathless exploration of her softness until lovely, ethereal sighs escaped her lips and she looked to be in her own mystic state. Once more Elienne began to untie his leggings, more quickly as she must have gained skill from her prior experience. She peeled down the brown suede from around him, moving out of his reach momentarily as she removed his clothing restraints completely. Then, when she blinked and looked up upon him he saw a veil of fright fall over her features. She stared at what she had uncovered, and trembled at the sight. For all his thousands of years of speaking comfort to those who feared him, Haldir could not think of one word to sooth his bride; nothing that seemed eloquent or adequate in any case.

"It is not as big as it looks," he whispered. Her eyes lifted to his and her face lit up as scarlet as his battle cloak. She pressed her lips together and nervously climbed back atop him. The feeling of her as she lay down upon him was a mixture of ecstasy and torture. He ached to proceed, but his bride did not move, rather lay frozen atop him. With shallow breaths he concentrated his control and wrapped his arms around her. Thoughts of their innocence in this matter floated into his mind; how beautiful it was, and how sacred. He must keep it that way and not forget the purity of bonding, despite the urgency he felt to complete it.

"I am not afraid of you," she lied sweetly. He kissed the pale red hair on her head and decided if he put his mind to it, he could just hold her for as long as she wanted.

Then he felt her tense and her breathing changed.

"What is it?" he asked.

"What will happen if we bond and then do not remain together?" she asked.

"If we bond… and immediately separate?" he whispered. His mind was slightly dizzy, but he attempted a clear honest answer. "I do not know what sorrow we will feel… it… is not done. Not so soon, certainly. Infrequently after a great many years have passed some bonded take leave for short times… or as with Elrond's bonded, to return to over the sea to the West. But even then, there is great damage done to the soul to not have one's bond mate near to share life's trials and joys."

He thought ruefully along the direction her question was leading. And his suspicions were confirmed when Elienne began weeping in his arms. It was almost more than he could bear to see her, alas, to feel her so distraught. Mercifully, the anguish worked to tame his passions for the moment so that he found the strength to comfort her needs. He held her tightly as she worked to compose herself so she could speak.

"Elrond…" she said. She spoke his name with such familiarity. "…he weeps still. I have often heard him," she said. "When first I heard, in my foolishness I thought it was somehow my fault. I had taken out my anger at my own father on the closest authority figure. I was wretched to Elrond at first, and even more so when I thought he hated me for it. But then Arwen told me why her mother was not in Rivendell."

Elienne paused and Haldir found himself interested in her version of the well-known tragedy. "What did she tell you?" he asked.

"She said Celebrian had been attacked at Redhorn Pass on her way to Lothlórien to visit her parents. I was mesmerized and horrified by the tale, even with Arwen's insistence of leaving out details for her own heart's sake. Yet once after considerable pleading I was able to persuade a fuller story from Lord Elrond himself. He told me everything in dreadful accuracy so as to give me nightmares for months. Worse than all the torture of the Orcs to her was when he told of how he had healed her body from the poison, only to lose her into sorrow. Eventually I understood that she had not just gone away to the gray havens, but was never to return to Middle-earth again. I felt so ashamed of my self-centeredness I never brought it up again."

Haldir stroked her red hair, as she said in a cracking voice, "Until now I do not think I even began to understand the magnitude of his longing for her. I adore him so, Haldir, I cannot imagine the weight of so much grief…"

Haldir was moved to remember his own Lord's anguish and in an attempt to keep her from despairing for Elrond, he spoke his own tale.

"Several hundred years ago, Lord Celeborn and I took leave of Lothlórien on a journey to Mirkwood. It was when I first met your father…" She lifted her head to gaze down on him and nodded for him to continue. He chose a lighter tone to tell his story, for though he sympathized with his Lord's suffering, it was a rather bemusing memory. "At first, he behaved as though he were relieved of some duty. He was pleased to not heed consciousness to his wife for days on end. But within not a month’s time, his warm gestures and graciousness became casual, cool mannerisms. And soon, less subtle were his mood swings until in just over a year he was quite fright with anxiety at almost every small annoyance. I believed him fully unelven by the end; his temperament could be compared to that of a mad mortal man!"

"Surely you are exaggerating again," she chided.

"In all honestly… somewhat yes," Haldir sighed. "In mixed company and around others he was quite cordial and collected. But in me he confides… and I alone know the pain he suffered being separated from his Galadriel. And we were only gone five years!"

Elienne frowned sweetly and said, "He must adore her so."

"And great is her desire for him as well," he said. "Maybe even greater! Celeborn is one reason why she still resides in Lórien, though her heart calls her back across the sea."

"Galadriel wants to leave Middle-earth?" Elienne asked in disbelief.

"It is what she wants most of all," he said thoughtfully, "save to be with Celeborn. She is by far the eldest of all elves in Middle-earth, it is an unusual blessing to have her among us."

"Why does he not leave with her?" Elienne asked.

"He is much, much younger, Elienne!" Haldir said. "His heart resides here. I believe Celeborn still has quests to fulfill before he returns to the Valar. His Lady would not steal from him those days."

After he spoke, the words echoed in the silent morning air. Had he not just spoken the obvious answer to their paradox? Elienne's face grimaced, as she must have grasped it as well.

"But they had been bonded for so long already," she cried. "Perhaps because our bond will be new it will not be so… painful… if we part..."

"I think you know quite the opposite would be true," Haldir interrupted. He was not able to bear the false hope of her words. He pulled her close again, staving off his tears. For though he could see she did not judge Elrond, he knew his own display would make her pain richer.

"I will come to you… if you would go be with your family in Darkwood. It will only take me a year to accomplish it. I can take leave of my office and delegate my duties… And we can bond when I arrive," he said.

"I cannot ask you to leave your posts in Lothlórien anymore than Galadriel could steal Celeborn from Middle-earth! It is your joy and you would be false to tell me otherwise!" she insisted. Haldir thought to tell her that his sacrifice would be worth their bonding, but he did not know that she would believe him, or that he could believe it in the end. How many times had Celeborn offered to give up his life here, only to be chased back to his true desires, which his lady knew only too well?

"Lórien has served me well," he offered, still attempting to override his own rationalization, "But perhaps I could find new interests in Darkwood…" Elienne shook her head, silencing him before he finished.

"I will come to you," she said. "My desire has long been Lothlórien! I will stay only briefly in Darkwood, only until after the elfling is born…"

"And then the choice will be even more difficult to make," he cautioned, "When you have the wee one's eyes upon you. I cannot see my tender Elienne leaving a little elfling, maybe not until he or she is as old as you!"

She lifted herself slightly above him, and with moisture still in her eyes she smiled and said, "It would now serve you for me to learn to raise your children."

The sight of her glowing countenance as well as the soft curves of what was pressed against his chest brought back into full flame the warring desires of his heart and body. As he continued to gaze upon her his resolve was dimming.

"I am sure you have come to the same conclusion I have drawn," he managed. "Elves must follow the quests of their hearts, despite any other present desires they may feel."

"Yes, I can only see one choice," she said softly. "We must keep our promise for another day."

He nodded. It was all he could do, for speech was becoming a luxury in his resolve. Then in her naiveté to his dire situation, she shifted her position downward so that he had to turn on his side and pull away from her suddenly, just to be certain for his control. "Elienne," he said. "Please, be careful."

"What is it?" she asked. She looked down at him in worry. "Did I injure you?" She looked back in his face and said, "Sweet Haldir, you look to be in pain!"

He closed his eyes, for the sight of her did indeed hurt. "M'Lady," he said between breaths, "I am…"

"I am sorry," she said softly. And then in a gesture he could only imagine was meant in affectionate concern, she gently ran her finger along his desire and said, "I did not know you would be so sensitive here."

Haldir called out and flipped away from her quickly, grasping the pillow in a futile struggle to prevent what was already happening. Like shooting an arrow into an abyss the release was empty and meaningless to him. As much as he would have liked to prove his strength in the matter, he was honestly relieved that the pain of being near her would lessen now. Perhaps he could finally return to a more sane temperament.

"What did I do?" she asked, sounding frightened.

Several moments passed before he calmed enough to ask her, "Elienne, did your lessons ever include anything on the anatomy of elves?"

"Are you angry with me?" she asked in a quivering voice.

"No!" he said, turning back to her worried face. "No…no… innocent angel, I am not angry…"

"Then why did you…" she started. Then her face grew aware as though she was placing some bits of a puzzle together. Apparently her lessons were not as incomplete as he thought. Soberly she looked in his face and he sighed as he relaxed his head back into the pillow. "It is decided then," she said.

He opened his arms to her and she sadly came and lay within them. "I have not the heart to speak of it any longer," he said. "Let me just hold you now and in peace enjoy what little time we have left together."

***************

By the time the sound of the tolling Rivendell bells filled the air, Elienne realized it must have been over an hour that they were lying there, talking and drifting in and out of sleep.

"How will we do it?" she asked. "How will we say good bye without dying?"

She heard his breathing grow louder and she lifted her head off of him to look him in the eyes.

With a pained look on his face he said, "I am only consoled by knowing that if we were bound, my heart would have completely shatter rather than just be broken as it is now."

Elienne did not want to see Haldir cry, she felt she would surely burst if he did so. She remembered all to well the despair that filled her to hear Elrond, and the agony to see Legolas so close to tears. She sat up in the bed and decided at once to be strong and not provide a catalyst to his breaking down.

"Do you understand the bells?" she asked. "They have their own language."

"I can only presume they are summoning a gathering of some sort…" he started. His eyes grew in size as the realization struck him. He jumped out of bed and ran to the window, looking down into the valley below. Elienne smiled at seeing his backside, for from this angle he looked as young as a wee elf, only much taller.

"I know for whom they call," she said. "And he had better not forget to put on his leggings, jerkin and boots before he answers to them!"

He turned at the window, unabashedly immodest and smiled brightly at her. Elienne flushed, running for her closet to replace her own clothes. Immediately she recognized that most of her favorite gowns were gone. She quickly put on the very same riding dress she had worn when they first met and considered it would have to do for now. After announcing their decision, she would select something of a more regal riding attire for the trip to Darkwood.

"Arwen has been busy," she said as she came out fully dressed. "I am sure she has all my belongings piled high on one of Rivendell's traveling horses, ready for the trip to Lothlórien. I fear we will surprise many and disappoint more."

He was only half-dressed and still working at adjusting his jerkin. He gazed up at her sadly as he continued.

"I will come to you, and soon," she said quickly. "I have always known somehow that I would live in Lórien. I know not when, but we will complete this bonding."

"No you will not," he said. He paused his fastening and looked up at her. "One day I will ride to fetch you. And I shall live for that day," he said. In his voice she heard again the sweet cracking of emotion. But he swallowed and added softly, "You will bring your father great joy today."

She nodded, feeling little consolation in that. It was the right decision and Elienne knew she would not be complete if she did not take the path to Darkwood. She watched as Haldir finished fastening his jerkin. He looked so melancholy and worked so slowly she thought with a smile that he must be drawing this time out on purpose.

"I will write you," she said. "Ironically, it is the one skill in which Erestor had much confidence in me. He often scolded me for not applying myself more." Finished with his task, he looked up at her sadly. "And I hope you will write back to me?" she asked.

He stretched his hand out to her as he approached. "Whenever I have a quill and parchment, any words I scribe will be sent to you," he said. "I may even attempt poetry, if the mood is settled in me."

"Oh!" she said as something suddenly occurred to her. "I have a wedding gift for you," she gasped. The bells grew louder and more impatient, but she would not put aside her thought to appease them.

"A wedding gift?" he called after her. "Perhaps it should wait…"

"No," she said, leaving him at the door. She ducked into her small study and sighed in relief to see that when packing for her, Arwen must have decided such belongings were not priority and could be sent by courier. Collecting her transcripts, scrolls and bound booklets, Elienne placed the lot of them in a large velvet map of Rivendell she had embroidered. It was a piece she had designed and completed a long time ago and not her best work, but suitable to protect the precious parchment. She folded it over, securing it with a bind of ribbon and placed the entire package in a thick wool satchel. Taking a needle, ready with thread, she quickly ran it through and sewed the satchel shut.

"Elienne," Haldir called to her, "if we do not heed the bells, some unhappy elf, most likely one of three kings, will surely come to summon us personally… a good omen that will not be if…"

His speaking stopped when she came back in with the mysterious package.

"Make haste!" she said, taking his hand. He nodded, looking curiously at the large gray bundle as they left.

***************

"Ah! The blissful couple reports!" Celeborn called out from a top his horse.

Around him were all the other Lórien elves, mounted on their own bearers and pale, glorious Sullendry with his saddle and bundles fastened appropriately. Beside him was a tan mare from Rivendell, also readied for a journey. "Your good and faithful brothers have packed your belongings for you Haldir. And Elienne, Lord Elrond has promised to forward anything that we can not provide for you if it is not already among what Arwen has gathered. But I am venturing a guess that you have found all you could ever want in my Emissary?"

It was clear that Celeborn and most others in company were quite excited and delighted that the couple had come late, taking it as a good sign of their affections for one another. There were knowing looks exchanged and many whispers and smiles.

Elienne looked around the courtyard for her father as Haldir approached his Lord. His address was purposefully informal, indicating to his friend that matters were serious and intimate of nature.

"Celeborn," he said softly so as to not be heard by others. "There has been a change of plans." Haldir looked up at Galadriel, whose eyes were tenderly fastened on Elienne.

"Lord Elrond, where's my father?" she asked. Arwen came to her side and took her hand.

"He has just left, only moments ago," the Rivendell Princess said, looking at her father. "When you did not come at the first sounding of the bells… he did not wait any longer. He worries for your mother so…"

"No," Elienne said, shaking her head in distress. Haldir's heart raced at this turn of event. Would his dear Elienne have no relief? Elienne went to Elrond and pleaded, "Why did you let him leave without saying goodbye?"

Celeborn jumped from his horse and took Haldir on both sides of his face, tearing his attention from Elienne. Staring him in the eyes, his Lord complained, "On my honor you have not sealed yourselves…"

"She is of the mind to return to her home," Haldir explained, gently removing his Lord's hands. He had already lost so much of his dignity to this quest of bonding, he did not know if it was repairable. One more paternal display in front of the others was not going to assist him in reclaiming it. Celeborn turned to his lady, looking on her as if he had been betrayed.

With odd aloofness, Elrond answered, "King Bronian was beside himself in joy to see his daughter wedded so well and to someone who adores her so intently. No matter your reasons, he will not be pleased that you chose to forgo such a finely suited bonding."

"He will understand my reasons if I am given a chance to speak with him on it," Elienne said to Elrond. Haldir watched her studying his face and could see there was something of an understanding passing between his bride and the Rivendell King.

Celeborn turned from Galadriel and said to Elienne. "I think all the world heard the raucous discord that befell Rivendell last night, but surely with the morning came your forgiveness?" his Lord spoke as if his own heart had been shorn. Elienne turned to him, gazing at him uneasily as he continued. "Dear elfling, tell me so that I may understand, what has become of your desire for my Emissary?"

"It remains truer then ever I knew it could," she said for all to hear.

Haldir confirmed her words, loud and clear. "We have not rejected one another. We have only postponed our bonding until we both fulfill the other duties and quests of our hearts. I assure you, this decision did not come upon us easily or without much suffering!"

But their words did not ease the displeasure among the other Lórien elves and the few Rivendell company that had gathered. In particular, delicate Murial was stifling her sorrow while his own brothers looked on him with confusion.

From her horse, Lady Galadriel spoke to all there. "The gift of man is to die attempting to fulfill all his life quests and live to his potentials. As elves we are granted the opportunity to live on beyond the point of fulfillment. Even to an age where the only joy we may find is in the flourishing of others. Yet in our envy of man, let us not forget the gift of immortality the Valar have granted elves. There is time enough for Elienne and Haldir. Do not judge them for your disappointment. Their hearts are heavy enough with their own sorrow."

Haldir had been resting his eyes on his bride and as Galadriel spoke, she turned to look back at him. Rather than feel the grief of their parting he was filled with joy at knowing that some day they would be together again. For thousands of years he was alone in the world, never finding someone to complete him. Now, he would be leaving her, and though it sliced him to do so, it suited him to now know she did exist. Elienne was in the world and she was waiting for him, and he for her. They stood there staring at each other from several paces away, and yet he felt as though she was as near to him as in his arms just an hour before.

**************

Elienne had long ago given up trying to understand her own immortality, and all her conversations with elders regarding it had seemed to focus so much on the contrast of what mortality had to offer. Galadriel's words rang a comprehension in her that she welcomed. When they met again, they would be stronger and wiser, and perhaps not so quick to injure one another as they had these last few days. Whatever the number of years could be that they would spend apart, as immortals there would always be more time together once they did bond.

Arwen squeezed Elienne's hand and then broke the silence that had fallen over the company at her grandmother's words. "Whatever measure of grace you have been gifted or learned, certainly it will guide you in this task."

In the Evenstar's eyes, Elienne saw true compassion and not a hint of the apprehension she once demonstrated regarding Haldir.

"And so you finally approve?" Elienne asked her quietly. Arwen gave a small smile and then looked at Haldir. He was speaking with Celeborn, and when she looked at him, he glanced her way in mid sentence and smiled as he finished his thought.

"You have improved him already," Arwen answered. "In his humbling to win you, already he is become more tolerable, and I shall be pleased to see what may occur when you are joined."

Elienne could not smile back at him, but instead gripped her gift to him tightly.

"What is that?" Arwen asked.

Elienne smiled at her friend, and kissed her cheek. Walking to Haldir and Celeborn, she said, "My Lord… my liege!" He looked a bit surprised at the extra title she used to address him. She held out the bundle she carried and said, "If I may ask of you a favor on this day, I will gladly repay your kindness when I am in your service as a Lady of Lórien."

"Speak your request," he answered most kingly.

"Please, M'Lord, keep safely this wedding gift I have prepared for Haldir. When your court has safely arrived in Calas Galadhon, I bid you only then allow him open it, for its contents are precious."

"Yes," Celeborn said, gladly taking the bundle and looking at Haldir, "And we know how he tends to leave important things behind from time to time."

Haldir seemed to stiffen, but offered a small smile. He looked on her sadly and said, "Lord Elrond, will you see to it that Elienne is brought to Darkwood? It is my one concern."

Elrond looked around and said curtly, "I see no need for me to take this burden upon myself."

Elienne held her breath, trusting him, but fearfully.

Then her surrogate father explained as if it were the only solution, "Take your bride, Haldir and ride swiftly with her to the east. For the heavy heart of the Lord of Darkwood weighs his steps, and you will catch him, I am sure."

"As good a plan as any," Celeborn said, climbing upon his own horse. "You will meet us soon there after, Haldir? And not be tempted to linger on the journey, I trust?"

"Yes, M'Lord!" Haldir said, obviously grateful for the allowance.

He leapt up on Sullendry as Elrond moved to help Elienne to her mount.

As he lifted her, more out of tender courtesy than necessity, Elienne bent towards him and kissed his cheek near his ear, whispering, "I will miss your affection."

No doubt he was surprised by it and so much so that he almost dropped her. He composed himself quickly and placed her upon the tan mare.

His hand lingered on her leg briefly and with a furled brow he said, "Elienne, I am most disappointed in you, my little pixie."

Sadly she wondered if she had crossed a line of intimacy with him. She could not help her true feelings from showing, so she decided not to let it bother her.

"How so, My Lord?" she asked lifting her chin.

"Were you not ever going to tell me the Emissary taught you to swim? I am quite envious that he succeeded where I failed time and again."

She smiled broadly, her heart relieved. "It is true, Haldir taught me to float!" she announced happily. Then she bent down, her hand on his shoulder and said softly in his ear, "But it is you, my sweet Elrond, who taught me not to drown."

As she sat back up in her seat, she saw a subtle flicker of emotion in the king’s eyes as he backed away from her. He nodded silently in response and Elienne was unsure if it was for lack of words, or strength to speak them.

"I shall never forget the hospitality of you and your court," she said to cover for him. She looked at Arwen and acknowledged her as well. "I will miss you both dreadfully…" She could say no more and Haldir reached across the expanse between them, and Sullendry took a step toward her so that Haldir touched her hand.

He then addressed Celeborn, "My Lord I will meet you before you reach the Redhorn Pass." He looked then at her and Elienne nodded to him that she was ready.

They both clicked for their horses to go and they galloped out of Rivendell, Sullendry and Haldir leading the way.

Chapter 18: Departure

"There he is!" Elienne called out, though she was sure that Haldir had seen her father already. Elrond was right, her father was traveling very slowly and as they approached, he looked sad, even when he saw who it was coming.

"My little elfling, what are you doing here?" Bronian asked, turning his horse toward them.

Elienne jumped off the tan mare and ran to meet her father. He dismounted as well and stood before her with open arms. Sullendry was not as out of breath and tired from the long sprint as her horse, but Haldir dismounted as well and took them both to the nearby river.

"I am coming with you to Darkwood," she said. Her voice trembled as she explained how she and Haldir had decided it was simply not possible for them to join without one of them having to give up too much. Though he put up a bit of an argument, her father conceded in the end and approached Haldir.

"Emissary," he said. "I… I do not know what to say except that I have fallen into one of my famous misguided rulings. Creativity serves me well, but often it has unforeseen calamities which darken our woods further." Haldir looked to be about to speak, but the assertive king put up a hand and continued. "Looking back now on the night before, I can see that proposal to my daughter was not on your mind. You are a noble elf of great grace not to have shamed me in front of all the courts. I am truly speechless at your honor."

"It is I who should be thanking you, My Lord," Haldir said. He looked at Elienne and she thought she might break down at any moment. "For I have found the rarest of all flowers, and had it not been for you I might let her go and never known our sweet destiny."

Elienne's lungs felt like they were being squeezed. When she looked at Haldir it seemed as though she was looking at a part of herself had been taken out and stood there, embodied in another.

"She says you plan to keep your promise," Bronian said. "It will further honor me, if it is true." he gestured towards Elienne and added, "for besides those with whom I have already been graced, I can think of few others I would rather call family than Haldir of Lórien."

"Did she also tell you that when we bond, we plan to reside in Lórien?" Haldir asked with raised brows.

"Ah, yes, she did mention that. You'll find, my son, that indulging my hopes is another one of my foul faults," Bronian said with a laugh. "At the moment I have no challenge to give you, I am not like other fathers who refuse to let their daughters go. I know there are many elves better suited to protecting her than I… and that is paramount." Then he turned to Elienne, but she kept her eyes on Haldir, who also looked at her. "I will . . . leave you two to say goodbye. I understand it may be difficult, but I hope you will make it quick . . . Your mother is waiting."

Elienne just nodded as her father moved away. When he was at a distance, she began to tremble and spoke.

"I do not want to do this," she said.

Haldir frowned and looked down. "If you say the word, I will come with you."

"You cannot," she whispered.

"I know," Haldir said. "And it is like a blade in my heart to think I could so easily be disloyal to my Lord…" He looked back up at her and finished, "should you merely ask it of me."

"I could never ask it," she said. "Though this parting tears me, you would not be the elf I respect and admire if you followed me under such circumstances."

He nodded and said, "And your ability to set aside your own desires for the greater good…to be with your family and mother… and sister." He sucked in a brave breath and said, "A fine folly is our fate! To be together is what we want, but to do so would run counter to the part of the other which draws us there! "

Elienne smiled sadly at his point and walked into his arms. Feeling him embrace her, she pressed into him and said, "I will remember this moment and keep it with me for when I am lonely. I pray that the Valar will see fit to give us such comforts while we are apart and that the time will pass swiftly."

"It will not be that long," he said. "I can see it. I could not before, but I can now. I see us together in the near future."

She looked in his eyes and asked, "You never told me you were a seer!"

"I am not a very talented one, but I see enough to be useful to my position. I can sense when evil is near and some things of import which…" Haldir stopped himself and said, "I will write to you about it. I will send you word on all . . . now, your father grows impatient and I must ride to my Lord and Lady."

"I will race to send you a letter first," she said with a smirk.

"Oh?" he asked. "I do not think that can be done. I am sure I will be more swift."

She brightened at the promise.

"And now," he said with a sigh, "I have a wedding gift for you."

"You do?" she asked, surprised.

"I did not know what to give, I had so little time to prepare and choose something… and I do not know what it is you gave me, so I have no idea if my small gift is of equal value . . ."

"I want it!" she said excitedly. "I do not care what it is, so long as it is from you I shall treasure it."

"It is not yours to keep," he said. "For it is not truly mine, but I release it, as my gift."

Elienne was puzzled and then as he stepped back she saw what he had done with her packs and she began weeping. Instead of saying any more words, Haldir kissed her face so that he did not miss a single place and ended on her mouth, holding her tightly enough so that she could barely breathe from the strength of it.

******************

As Haldir rode up to the road the Lórien court should have been traveling on, he began to wonder if he had taken too long with Elienne. But he soon heard a familiar lilting voice carrying through the air and he breathed a heavy sigh and jumped to the ground.

It would be daylight for another several hours and they would be safely on the other side of the pass, hidden in the forest before nightfall.

Lifting his twin packs off of the horse’s back, and removing his scarlet cape and the water satchel, Haldir moved to the front of the tan horse.

"I trust you know the way back to Rivendell, little lady?" he asked the mare. The horse did not look at him as his trusted friend did, but he could tell it was trained enough and would be safely home before dark. "Then you are free to go," he said, securing the bridle for the run. "Thank you for carrying me this far. And give my best to Elrond."

As the horse turned and ran down the road, Haldir saw his brothers riding out from the Court towards him. Murial’s song stopped as the court seemed to be discussing their Emissary.

"What is this?" Rúmil said, looking down on Haldir as he stopped before him. "The March Warden is on foot?"

Orophin also looked stunned and called down to him, "Where is Sullendry?"

Haldir fastened his cloak and as he threw his packs over his shoulders he said, "He wanted to stay with Elienne. Who am I to argue with a sentient Equine?"

"First abandoned by your bride on your wedding night and then your horse before a long journey?" Rúmil stated with a smirk.

"You two have been paired for almost an age! Another so loyal and in tune with you I think you will never find!" Orophin exclaimed. "I cannot believe you would give him away."

"Sullendry was never really my horse," Haldir replied as Celeborn and the rest of the court reached them. "He was too intelligent to give me ownership over him."

"And yet intelligent enough to know who had the greater need for him," Galadriel said.

"Put your packs on your brothers’ horses," Celeborn said. "And take my horse. I will ride with My Lady."

"Forgive me, my Lord," Haldir said as Rúmil and Orophin each took a pack. "But until there is need of it, I would prefer to walk." His throat felt dry as he said it and yet he had no desire to drink.

After a moment of silence, Celeborn nodded and Haldir took the lead before the entire company. Once he had led them through the Redhorn Pass and closing in on the forest ahead, Murial began to sing songs again and the spirits of the company seemed light. They were within a day’s travel of the Golden Wood and the rejoicing had already begun.

But for the first time in his very long life, Haldir had something less than happiness. He was not saddened, and was glad to be almost home, but he felt as if there was something more than his bride and his horse that he had left behind. He felt as though his satisfaction for the beauty around him was empty. He longed rather than see for his own pleasure, that he could share it with Elienne.

"May I join you, Haldir?" Galadriel asked. She was already climbing off her horse and coming to his side.

He smiled at her, grateful for her offer of friendship. It was not uncommon for her to speak his name rather than title, nor was it strange for her to take leave of her place to mingle with others in her court. But each time she took the time to do it, he genuinely appreciated the realness of her.

"Of course, My Lady," he said. She walked beside him in somber beauty, making his own steps seem heavy and cumbersome.

"You will see your horse again," she said after a few paces. She shifted her eyes to him and the side of her perfect mouth lifted slightly.

"I do not think it needs to be said, but my horse is not what I would ask you about, if you were to tell me what answers you see."

She looked at the ground before them as they led the company. "I have the same answers as you, Haldir," she said. "Only there is one thing that is still a mystery to me . . ."

"What bit of knowledge would dare withhold itself from My Lady's mind?" he asked lightly.

She laughed at his compliment, as was her wont, and said, "The mystery surrounds your knowledge of Lord Celeborn's courtship with his Lady."

"I know very little, save what I read in my early years. I remember that it was long after you met," he said. His heart fluttered thinking that Galadriel was going to confide in him. She rarely shared anything personal, and rather left such tales to be told by her Lord.

"That much is true," she said. "And you do know he gave me my epessë, Altáriel."

"Yes. I even know your mother named you Nerwen and your father called you Artanis," he said proudly.

Again, she smiled in response to his adoration of her. "Celeborn and I were not married until the First Age . . . and yet I was known as Galadriel, the Sindarin translation well before that…"

Haldir thought about this knowledge and nodded at how it did seem to ring true with what he had heard, but did not quite understand what she meant.

"I knew," she said. "Just as you know. But I would not bond while there was so much turmoil and strife about us to be fended."

"My Lady," Celeborn called. "Murial has asked to sing a song she's just written for Haldir. Should I tell her to bide her time a bit?"

Galadriel smiled at him and said, "No, my bonded. Tell her to sing."

Haldir understood what she was saying now; she could empathize with him precisely because she had made a similar decision with Celeborn. She took his hand as they strolled and he looked at her, his heart mending a bit just from seeing the compassion in her eyes.

Behind them the voice of Murial began to sing what at first sounded to be a poetic song celebrating their return to Lórien. But as it continued, chuckles and laughter were heard among the company and Haldir was left being the center of the jest once more.

*********************
The Golden Wood of Lórien ceases now her grieving
The Golden Wood of Lórien her court she's soon receiving
Lord Celeborn looks to his bed
His Lady's mused on minds she's read
Haldir returns on foot instead
His heart and horse he's leaving…

*******************

He glanced at his Lady and said, "Tell me what you see, if you will. Shall your Emissary ever regain the respect of the Galadhrim, or will my reputation as a fool for courtship be spread so far that my dignity will never be restored?"

Galadriel squeezed his hand and instead of laughing as he expected, she said earnestly, "The fools are those who choose pride over humility, Haldir."

He pressed his lips together and nodded, staring at the road ahead.

"Let me ask you this, he who doubts his queen's wisdom," she said sardonically. Haldir looked at her almost apologetically until he saw she the amusement still clear in her eyes. "Does your Lord’s affection for his Lady cause you to feel admiration or scorn?"

A smile came across Haldir's face. "He endears himself to me with it."

"So it will be for you," she said. "Your esteem in the eyes of your wardens will rise, even as it has with my granddaughter." And as she let go his hand and turned back to her horse she added, "And I need not even use my heightened senses to detect it. It is as sure as the sun will rise."

****

As soon as they arrived in Lórien and the court was settled, Haldir set out to approach Celeborn in his private chambers. He climbed the tall stairs, knowing his Lord would be waiting for him and that his presence would have been sensed by the time that he had made it up to the high talon.

The door was open as if in expectation and he entered to see Celeborn sitting, reading an annual in his large throne like study chair. The lamps around him lit in a low slightly flickering glow and to his side on a carved table sat a gray woolen satchel, still sewn shut.

"I believe you have something for me, M'Lord," he stated strongly.

"Ah, yes," Celeborn said, still reading. "Please, have a seat."

Haldir sat in one of the lesser chairs and leaned forward on his knees, wondering what he would have to go through to win his prize.

"Tell me," Celeborn said, scrolling the parchment together on his lap. "If I hold your package for ransom, will you pay me with the privilege of seeing you open it?"

Haldir hesitated, looking at the plain gray satchel. He had no idea what Elienne could have put in there, and he did not put it past her that it might be something a touch embarrassing.

"Oh, come now, Emissary," Celeborn said, placing his hand on the large bundle. "I think it is the least you owe me for this match."

A laugh that started in the tightness in his chest escaped from Haldir. "You imply this bonding was arranged by you!"

"No," Celeborn said. "But I do imply I want to see you open it . . . in the worst way. " He narrowed his eyes at Haldir and added, "It brings me so much joy to see you so smitten. I have wanted it for you for so long."

Haldir's lips parted and he released a sigh. "I can not promise that I will be strong."

"Just open it!" Celeborn said, lifting the package and handing it to Haldir.

Haldir removed a knife from within his boot and cut the sewn thread. He glanced up at Celeborn before he slipped his hand into it and pulled out another package.

"Embroidery!" Celeborn called out. "How did she know you needed something to brighten up that dank spot you call home! And look at the greens and blues . . . such bright threads."

Shaking his head, Haldir ignored the comment and untied the ribbon that held the wrapping together. Haldir's tastes were very simple, and he was known for having no tapestries or banners hanging in his talons. He wondered if Elienne's research on him had included such knowledge and if this was his bride's intentional attempt at improving more upon him. He always imagined himself protesting at such efforts, but somehow he welcomed this gift and made a plan to hang it as soon as he returned. Opening the soft embroidery, he gasped in a mixture of fear and excitement at what it contained.

"What did you do?" he asked Elienne, as though she was not hundreds of leagues away. His eyes surveyed the stack of leather bound books and rolled parchment on his lap as if it was a gift forbidden by the Valar.

Celeborn clicked his tongue in disappointment. "It looks as though she has pillaged Elrond's Library. That does not bode well for the young princess. He adores her much, but this is crossing a decidedly deadly line."

Haldir lifted one of the books and interrupted his Lord. "This is new," he said with raised brows. "At least by twenty-five years. Look at the fresh binding!"

"A new book," Celeborn said with gusto. "Even more scandalous! We shall have Elrond here in full battle armor by the end of the week!"

Unwilling to believe it possible that Elienne could have had access to such treasures, let alone kept them in her own suite, Haldir read the binding. "Of Quarter Moons and starsets." He looked up and asked Celeborn, "What in the great wood is this?"

"In all my ages of life, I have never heard of such a… unless…" Celeborn answered with a grin. "Read it."

Cracking it open, Haldir leafed to the front page and began to read. "Poetry!" he exclaimed as he quickly read through the first and second pages. Quite quickly he realized it was amateur work, but none the less creative and interesting observations on the movements of the orbs in the sky. "This is Elienne," he said as he read. "I wonder that she did not sign it."

"They ca not all be Elienne," Celeborn said, reaching for a book. "Unless she chooses to capture any stray thought which enters her mind."

Haldir moved back a little, not letting his Lord within reach. He picked up another and read the binding. "This one I know. It is a history of the journey to Middle-earth."

Celeborn sat back in his chair with his fingers laced together over his chest. "That one I have read and I do believe may be in it!" he said cheerfully. Then with a slight frown he added, "though I am not sure how many lines remain in the smaller versions. For some reason the scribes were not convinced the details I gave were wholly necessary."

Haldir hummed as he read it. "This is a bit odd. It is in two different pens... she has notes! She's made comments about the story all throughout! These are her lessons . . . she has bound them as though they were books." He picked up and read each of the bindings on the books. "By the wood, my Lord, these are the first books of our history. She has transcribed them! I have not read these in . . . ages . . ."

"A pity she has not given you anything new to read," Celeborn said. "Save that sad bit of poetry."

Haldir looked at him with surprise and then saw the gaiety flashing in his Lord’s eyes. "I was very disappointed at the abbreviated time of my learning."

"That is right, you grew up when it was necessary to spend more study at your bow and with your sword than reading books. Your youth passed and time and again you willingly passed on opportunity to study with our texts," Celeborn said. "Now look at all you now own and with the thoughts of your Lady alongside. I wonder that she did not keep them for herself. I suppose she'll have more time to ride her new horse."

Haldir nodded absent-mindedly and continued to read the history as though it were her journal. Unable to help himself, he flipped through the book to discover if it contained the renaming of Galadriel, and if there were any mention of the lcourtship of his Lord and Lady. When he finally found mention and began reading, it all sounded very familiar to him. But as he read, now knowing the Lord and Lady so much better than he had as a student, it all seemed that much more interesting. Elienne had noted in the subtext that she thought it was romantic, but a little presumptuous since she was so many years his elder.

"My Lord," Haldir said. "When you . . . came upon the name Galadriel . . . how did . . . what possessed you to . . ."

Celeborn glanced up over his own reading material and stared at him. Haldir stopped his stammering and wondered if he should have asked.

"I take it such knowledge as you seek is not contained in the annals," Celeborn said, raising his brows.

"No," Haldir answered. Then with a smirk he said, "Perhaps it was among the edited details." He waited to see if he would get an answer and finally, his Lord's lips twitched.

"If you can believe it, in all my dictations and stories to company, I never have relayed that piece of our history," he said. "Some things are private and not for the scrutiny of others."

"I understand," Haldir said nodding. He knew very well how cherished and sacred his time with Elienne was to him. "I would not invade," he added.

After a few moments of silence he gazed up to see his Lord was still staring at him, fingers on his chin as though in consideration. Haldir could not help but smile that Celeborn was so tempted to share even his deepest secrets with his Emissary.

"It simply just came out of my mouth," he said with a sigh, "right after I kissed her."

Haldir was simply bursting to know and stared at his Lord, mouth agape.

"I have not told anyone this before," Celeborn said. "It is not to be shared…"

Haldir nodded. Celeborn relaxed and a distant look came over his eyes as he went over the fond memory.

"She has grown more beautiful with the years, but she was no less glorious then, and my eye and heart were young and idealistic. To me she embodied perfection." Celeborn smirked and pointed his scroll at Haldir. "And if you can remember what it was like to be a young elf inclined to passions and then combine that with what you feel when you meet someone who's qualities leave you mystified and void of interest in anything save knowledge of her." He sighed and said, "I was wretchedly affected in that I had both… and for such an elder as my Lady!" He set down the scroll in his lap and looked up thoughtfully. "I did not hold back. I confessed my infatuation and bid her to give me a kiss. Before she could find kind words to refuse, I had stolen it."

Haldir's heart leapt, feeling for his Lord the fear of that moment ages ago as though it were himself who had committed the crime.

Celeborn laughed, and looked at Haldir's horrified expression.

"I was lucky to still remain an elf after that! She was powerful even then and justified to take such measure as she saw fit," he said.

Haldir nodded in complete understanding and then a bit of confusion came to his mind. He looked in the book to confirm his memory and then said, "Yet, she took the name Galadriel."

"Aye!" Celeborn said. He closed his eyes and said, "I thought I would die from the power of her lips on mine. I called her Altáriel, a maiden crowned with a radiant garland. It was even before she had a crown. But in that sweet embrace, I had a vision and saw it on her as though she were as she is now. I knew she would be a queen one day."

"Did she say anything to you?" Haldir asked, hungry for more of the tale.

"She called me a silly romantic elfling and took her leave of me," he laughed. "She forbade me to touch her again and warned me to keep my distance, lest I not be able to control myself properly. Rather than file a formal complaint or take out her own judgement, she allowed my travesty to be my punishment…"

"That was generous of her," Haldir said.

"No it was not!" Celeborn corrected in earnest. "I would have rather been banished from all elven company than to suffer her silent endurance. It would be less painful to cut my heart out of my very own chest. It was the worst night of my entire life. For the only desire of my life, the most beautiful she-elf in all of existence, thought me a fool. I was completely and utterly devastated."

Haldir was beginning to realize the dramatic emphasis of this tale and sat back to enjoy his Lord's display. Celeborn had not ever been able to tell this before and indeed was making up for it in all his talent of story telling.

He then leaned forward towards Haldir and said, "But she was not unaware of my suffering, and she was not without compassion. For the very next day she announced to all that she was no more to be called any name save Galadriel! And what is more, she openly and gladly explained that it was I who had given the name!"

"That is a bit of confused signal!"

"She is Galadriel," Celeborn said, "But she is a she-elf none the less… At first I thought it was more torture for me to bear for my crime, but then," He leaned back in his chair and picked up his parchment from his lap again and said, "a thought occurred to me that perhaps all was not lost." Celeborn went back to reading, indicating he had finished.

Haldir grinned, delighted in the tale and for the privilege of having it told to him. But then his Lord looked up and gazed at the books on Haldir's lap. "You are not going to read them all tonight, are you? And certainly not here?"

Taking the hint, he packed the books back up into the embroidery and put them into the satchel.

"Good night, My Lord," he said as he was leaving.

"Good night, Haldir." Celeborn said. "Oh, and I should tell you, I have a messenger going out to Darkwood tomorrow, just delivering pigeons and gifts. He may have room for a bit more, if you have anything to be sent . . . "

"Thank you!" Haldir said, feeling almost moved to embrace his Lord, but instead just bowed low. "No doubt, I will have something by morning."

*************

Three days after she left Haldir at the river’s side, Elienne and her father's court arrived into Darkwood. Her mother, in full bloom and looking ready to topple over greeted them. Their words were few before she had to retire and take her rest. Elienne knew the next day would be full of talking and remembering, and was grateful for the time to herself after the long journey.

For the last week Sullendry was allowed to roam free in the Darkwood forest and become accustomed to his new home in his own way. There were four other sentient horses here, more than in any other Elven Kingdom, and the steed looked to be very pleased that he had come.

Elienne had finally finished going through the bundles that Arwen had packed for her, and after all was put away, she could not think of one thing that Arwen hadn't managed to fit into the small packs. So when she found a strange box marked with tiny Quenya script among her things she wondered if Arwen had seen fit to give her a gift. She set it aside to wait until a proper time of longing for her friend to open it.

And on her eighth day in Darkwood, as she composed her third letter to Haldir, she thought to finally open the box. All she could do was miss her beloved, but she thought that perhaps something from her friend would cheer her up. So she sat on her bed and opened the box before she even bothered to try to read it. Inside the wooden case was lined with red velvet and it contained two blossoms; one larger than the other, both of them, dry, brown and looking brittle.

Elienne brought the back of her hand up to her mouth, remembering her charge to Arwen to keep these tokens safe for her. It had been over a week since these flowers were plucked from their nurturing stems and Elienne feared they were beyond even her touch. She reached into the box, stroking a petal lightly. To her relief, the moisture still remained within most of the flower. If it was not completely dried, it could be restored. Immediately she rose from her bed and clamped the box shut.

Running out into the open, she looked around for someone who would know where the tonics she would need might be kept. She did nt know if it was possible, but something told her she had to try. Once she got her bearings and found that they did not have all that she would need in their storage—Rivendell seemed to be much well stocked than her own home—she decided to try to work with what she had when she heard a trumpet sound.

Elienne ignored it, opting to work on the flowers instead. But soon, one of the she-elves assigned as her maiden came to her.

"A messenger has arrived from Lórien! He carries with him more carrier pigeons than I have ever seen! And he has a long parchment scroll for you, from the Emissary of the Galadrim! M'Lady, that is your betrothed, is it not?"

"The very same!" Elienne said in astonishment. "I… I cannot leave in the middle of this process!" she said, cradling the flower in her hand. "I must make sure it is soaked through. Can you bring the message here?"

"I have!" the other she-elf said, pulling it from her skirts. It was all Elienne could do not to squeal.

"Read it!" she cried.

The she-elf broke the seal and came over beside Elienne and unrolled it and began to read.
"My beautiful bride, I have just opened our wedding gift and have been torturing myself to decide if I should read it or write to you. For your words in these books are like a window to your thoughts, and you speak so forthrightly it is as though you are right beside me telling me what is so! I can see now why Erestor was displeased so at your study habits. Though I find it refreshing, for a tutor it could give nothing but exasperation to see a pupil so involved in her lessons as to question everything the way you do."

Elienne laughed at his words and said, "He finds it refreshing because he is not the one teaching me. That is what he means."

"I am sure it is so, M'Lady," the she-elf continued. "Shall I keep reading?"

"No, please place it on the shelf by the door. I will read it in private," she said. "I have enough of a taste of his words to hold me for now."

As Elienne wrapped the delicate flowers in the ointment that would keep them, she thought on his comments and his kept promise to write to her first. She could not imagine how he had gotten a messenger to deliver the letter here so soon. And the pigeons would allow plenty of small notes to be sent to Haldir when a Darkwood messenger could not be spared. It was almost a week’s journey by running horse between their two kingdoms and to send someone too often would be indulgent, even for a princess. Though she hungered to read his words in the letter, she took her time with the flowers. If she skimped on the process, they would not endure. It was enough to know the letter lay there waiting for her, and how much more she would enjoy it, having the anticipation building in her for the hours it would take to finish her work.

***************

It was two long months before the first pigeon arrived from Darkwood. Wanting to make the freshness of her words last, so far Haldir had read through only two of her books and was even rereading them before he started a new one. But when Rúmil ran up to his talon to deliver the bit of parchment that the bird had carried, it was all Haldir could do from sailing out his window to meet him half way. Having read so much of her enchanting personality in her general comments along the pages, he was eager for anything from her specifically addressed to him. Something to remind him of how much this incredible she-elf desired him.

Both his brothers had softened to the idea of this romance and he actually thought he could see a bit of tempered excitement in Rúmil's face as he handed over the message.

"Thank you," he said, holding his hand out. He walked back inside as he opened it, noting that Rúmil lingered outside his doorway. He was too captured by curiosity to offer him any courtesy and invite him in. Haldir read the large script, recognizing immediately it was Elienne's penmanship. "To Lórien court: 'Darimaetha' a she-elf born to Darkwood Court. Parents well, sister doting." He stood there staring at the short script and wondered at its brevity. Certainly there was room enough on the parchment for a few more words. Perhaps her duties had kept her from it, or she did not trust her words would be kept in confidence, but read to all of Lórien Court. Sighing sadly he told himself there would be other letters eventually.

"Do you want the other one too?" Rúmil called into his suite.

A wash of renewed energy flooded over him as Haldir spun around and glared at his mischievous brother. Rúmil held up the rolled bit and said, "The poor pigeon had a bit tied to each leg… I supposed I should have given you this one first … seeing as it has your name scrawled on it and a small wax seal."

"You would do well not to tease me," Haldir warned as he took three heavy steps back to his door. "Remember who holds the warden schedule; retaliation is not below me."

Rúmil smirked and narrowed his eyes, twisting the parchment between his fingers.

Haldir handed back the first message and said, "This one should be delivered to our Lord and Lady; it is for all of Lórien." He took the other small scroll out of Rúmil's grip and pushing his impish brother out of the entrance, Haldir sealed himself in behind his door. Having sweet privacy, he took a seat at his study and made himself comfortable. Rolling the tiny parchment open, he saw the lettering was so small it was almost illegible. Though it was mid-day, he lit his lamp and held the parchment up to the light as he read.

"Haldir, I use all my hope to return to you the happiness your words brought to me. As you read this tiny offering, five larger scrolls of letters return with the Lórien messenger to find their way into your gentle hands. They contain my affection for my heart's desire as well as many mundane happenings. Darimaetha is beautiful beyond measure. Sullendry earnestly courts my mother's mare. I have no space left! Yours ~Elienne"

Haldir reread the message and was no less touched the twentieth time he strained over its tiny words. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to it before he tucked the tiny scroll into his jerkin and took his leave of his talon. Had it not been his watch tonight, he would have read it a dozen more times, but he had his duty to see to, and he could read it again later at his leisure. Her short message had brought him more happiness than he thought mere words scratched on parchment could bring. And the thought of his horse finding a mate was also a bit of unexpected joy. It was about time, he mused.

The End (to be continued)