The woods of Lórien were haunting at this hour. Heavy fog coated the forest floor coaxing ghoulish shadows from the murk.
Things had been stirring in Middle Earth. Whether malevolent or benign, that was still to be determined. Though the nature of the stirrings was no reason to not be on high alert.
"Did you hear of the company that landed in Rivendell?" one guard whispered to his partner.
"Dwarves was it not?" the partner chuckled. "What is Lord Elrond thinking letting dwarven filth taint his halls?"
"They sought refuge on the way to Erebor."
"Erebor? Do they not know what slumbers beneath the mountain? 'Tis foolhardy!" scoffed the elf.
"Indeed. How thick can they be? They will undoubtedly be charred to bits."
"Thirteen less dwarves," the guard snorted.
"Gentlemen," a sharp authoritative voice cut short their revelry.
The guards snapped immediately to attention. "Captain," they greeted in unison, startled at the sudden appearance of their superior.
"What has so captured your attention that you have left your flanks unattended?"
The guards looked between each other, knowing full well they had landed themselves in hot water.
"Dwarves in Rivendell, Captain," one of the guards piped up after seconds under the Captain's intense stare.
The other guard stifled a laugh.
With an arched pale brow, the Captain rounded on the elf. "And how is this cause for mockery?"
Silence fell between the guards.
"Would you not fight for your home if it was overtaken?"
"'Tis a fool's errand," the snickering elf countered.
The Captain eyed the insubordinate elf. "The validity of their quest is no concern of yours. You know not of the stubbornness of dwarves. Once they set their minds to a task, nothing can sway them. Now, if you are finished belittling, back to your charge." With a curt nod, the Captain turned on heel and strode back towards the hall, dark grey cloak billowing in wake.
"I don't know how I feel about this new Captain," the guard whispered to his partner.
He nodded in agreement. "As unrelenting as Haldir. Though I'm unsure if he knows of her Dwarvish sympathies."
"I do not think he does. Otherwise she would not have been promoted."
"I would argue it is because he fancies her."
"Haldir? Surely you jest!" the guard guffawed quietly. "The Captain is neither feminine nor tall enough to be considered a fair elven maid. She is entirely too reckless. What elfmaid in their right mind would willingly join the Galadhrim?"
The elf snorted. "Maybe she is half dwarf. That would explain her lack of height."
"Indeed," he paused. "I don't care for her as Captain."
"Be cautious, mellon," his partner warned. "Haldir would have your head at such talk."
Heeding his partner's warning, he turned back to the woods resuming his charge, speaking no further of the ill he harbored for his new Captain.
"Aidyn," listen to me. You need to be more serious about this. You need your men to respect you."
"I am being serious, Haldir. I do not see what fear and intimidation can to do garner my men's respect," Aidyn lifted her chin defiantly to the Commander. "I desire loyalty, not fear."
"Loyalty will come," he sighed, "though you must show that you can take charge."
Her lips twitched. "It does not sit right with me, instilling fear to receive respect."
Haldir shook his head. "You are not a normal elf," the commander commented softly to himself.
"Why? Because I am not stoic? Loving only of regiment and rules? Or perhaps because I am not a man like you, Haldir?" Aidyn tested her hands on her hips, stopping abruptly. Her green eyes shot a fiery glare in his direction.
She could take the snide remarks about her gender from the men, but from Haldir? He should be far above doubting her.
Haldir swallowed, knowing he had crossed a line with the young Captain. "It is clear you are no man," he began.
"A fact I am proud of," she interrupted, jabbing him in the chest with a slender finger. "There is great honor in being the only woman in the Galadhrim, not to forget also the Captain."
Haldir fought back a grin. His Captain was a spitfire. What little she lacked in elven height, she more than made up for in spirit. As spirited as she was tenacious, she had joined the ranks when Haldir was just a marchwarden. He was immediately impressed with her prowess as a swordsman and even more so as an archer. Unparalleled, she excelled to lead the archers. He had seen her time and time again hit impossible marks, even by elven standards. Haldir had taken notice of the young elf for her skill, but found her loyalty and ferocity in battle unmatched.
With his aid, she progressed quickly in skill and rank, becoming first marchwarden and now Captain. She was a forced reckoned with. Haldir saw no other more fit to be his second in command.
Still, she stood glaring at him.
"I know you are more than capable than the majority of the lads on the battlefield."
That seemed to pacify her slightly.
"What I do not understand us why you do not use your prowess in your command. If the lads saw your skill, they would fall in line."
Aidyn shrugged her shoulders, "the younger ones are a nonissue. The men I have trained know what I am capable of and look up to me because of it. It is the older elves with which I am struggling."
"Firm hand, Aidyn. They will come around. Would you like me to have a word with them?"
She waved her hand dismissively. "I fear that would only make matters worse. I will handle it."
"There is the tenacity," Haldir said, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth. He would make a great leader out of her yet. "What of the new recruits? How is the training coming along?" Haldir changed the subject and resuming walking down the hall.
"Very well. We have several keen shots in this group. I have been running both sword and bow training every day. I would imagine they would be ready to see battle in a few short weeks."
Haldir raised his eyebrows with surprise. "That soon?"
"Yes," Aidyn said with a satisfied tone.
"I suppose I should not be surprised given who is training them."
Aidyn smirked. "Possibly," she sighed stretching her arms behind her.
Haldir studied her as her muscles flexed. She was strong, lean muscles lined her arms, shoulders, and long slender legs. Her armor made her seem far bulkier than she was in actuality. Hiding her lithe frame was a ploy to make her seem more intimidating in addition to the safety it provided.
Did she ever need to look intimidating; her fair skin and light hair were trademarks of the elven maids of old. Her brilliant green eyes and high cheekbones were so alluring that when not in armor, one would never know what ferocity slumbered below her alabaster skin.
"At what are you staring?" Aidyn cracked a wry grin.
"You are right. You are far too short to be intimidating," Haldir jibed jokingly.
Aidyn countered with a swift punch in the arm. "A joke? What happened to stoicism?" she raised a brow at him.
"I do not like your cheek," he said lowly. In all actuality, he found it irresistible. Most elfmaids were so concerned with beauty and grace, frippery and finery, the proper things in life. Aidyn cared not for any of that. She had a dry wit and favored repartee. The gift of quick thinking that one had. And her cheek. Elves were not known to have a sense of humor; however Aidyn's was so strong. She had a way of lifting the veil of seriousness off any situation. Like now.
She was entirely lighthearted, so different that any elf Haldir had encountered. He could not show her any favoritism. "Are you finished with your rounds?" he spat, feigning frustration.
"Aye!" she answered, snapping to sarcastic attention. "Rounds are finished, sir."
Again with the cheek. It took every ounce of his control not to laugh. "Very good. Please work on your command authority. You are dismissed, go take rest."
With a mock salute, she turned and exited the hall.
Haldir shook his head as he watched her retreating form. She was a handful.
Aidyn made her way to her quarters. She pushed open the doors to her room and sighed. Finally, a moment to herself.
It had been a long several weeks. With her promotion came more drills and more training. More routine, structure, and drudgery. She had grown restless.
Prior to her captainship, she had more time to herself, which she gladly spent in the wood. Nothing calmed her more than venturing in the heavily wooded forest of Lóthlorien. It brought her much peace; she needed it.
Sighing again, she shed her armor. She never cared much for the weight of it, but the protection it merited she welcomed. Her armor had saved her hide a time or two. Removing her outer robes, she massages her sore muscles as she strode over to her washbasin. Splashing cool water over her face and neck, she closed her eyes as the feeling of water trickling over her skin relaxed her. Loosening her plaits, her platinum hair fell about her shoulders. She ran her hands through her hair and looked at her bed.
It had been three days since she actually had slept. A fact made obvious by the wrinkle free cover on her bed; evidence of her restlessness. A breeze lolled through the open window, capturing her attention. Something pulled her more than sleep.
She kicked off her boots and nimbly leapt to the windowsill. Many a time she had done this; she jumped from her window into the nearby tree. With eleven dexterity, she climbed to the top of the tree and settled on the highest perch. She rested her back on the tree trunk and extended her legs.
Being an elf of Lórien, Aidyn felt the most at home in the trees. This particular tree was her favorite. A branch near the top was perfectly formed for resting. Many restless days and nights Aidyn spent in this spot looking over the whole of Lórien.
It was spring now. Temperate winds rustled the leaves in the lush greens of the wood. Fragrant blossoms wafted their perfumes on the wind. Aidyn smiled contentedly as she gazed at the stars overhead.
A strange longing overcame her as her gaze fell upon the neighboring mountains. The crags were highlighted by the light of the full vernal moon. It had been long since she had traversed the mountain passes. She desired adventure; it was always on her mind as of late.
It had only been a few months since she was made captain. The meetings, the strategy study, the constant dawn to dusk schedule was wearing on her spirit. Her head fell into her hands, her delicate fingers weaving into her hair. She was torn between her duty and desire. It was only a matter of time 'til she would have to choose.
The gentle winds picked up again. The melodic ambiance of the breeze in the trees lulled Aidyn's eyes closed. Succumbing to her fatigue, she settled into a light sleep.
A knock resounded from her quarters rousing her. She groaned as her peaceful bliss was interrupted.
"Aidyn?" a voice called from inside her room.
She recognized the voice instantly. Begrudgingly, she adeptly scaled back down the tree and swung into her window.
"Is it not a bit uncouth to enter a lady's room without permission?" she bemoaned with a sardonic tone, her hair freely tendrilling about her frame as she looked at Haldir expectantly.
He smiled softly at the Captain. She looked far more rested than she had earlier that evening. Her chest rose and fell with controlled breaths, her wild beauty effervescent. Haldir could not help but stare; his heart accelerated the pang he felt in his chest.
To say he favored his young Captain was a grave understatement. It was once in a lifetime to find an elfmaid with such skill with blade and bow paired with ethereal beauty.
"Let me guess," she sighed, "Celeborn has called a meeting?"
"Right as usual."
"One would think he would call for us at a decent hour of the day and not in the middle of the night," she harrumphed, sitting on the edge of her bed, stooping to pull on her boots.
"So one would think," Haldir commented, holding out her cloak.
She took it and wrapped it around her shoulders as she followed Haldir. Aidyn fell in step with Haldir's stiff pace as they ascended the steps to Celeborn's throne room.
"Lord Celeborn," Haldir greeted with a bow, Aidyn copying his motions.
Celeborn, draped in silver finery, sat upon his throne and eyed the pair with interest. "Commander, Captain," he nodded to each of them. "I apologize for the inconvenient hour, though the matter of which we must speak is urgent." He motioned them forward. "As I am sure you have heard, an odd company has arrived in Rivendell."
Aidyn nodded in consent.
"They were attacked by an orc pack on their way into Rivendell."
"Orcs in the plains? That cannot be," Haldir mused with a furrowed brow. "They have not strayed that far east in decades."
"As it is a call for such alarm, Commander." Celeborn stood and paced before his throne. "The orc filth must be eradicated before their tyranny can sully other lands. Captain," he addressed Aidyn.
"Yes, my lord," she responded straightening her stance.
"You are to take your men and hunt down what is left of the pack," Celeborn doled out the tasks.
Haldir's eyes widened in fear. He could not fathom sending a green captain on such a dangerous errand. She may be capable of handling such a task, but he could not bear to put her in such peril.
"My lord," Haldir began.
Aidyn spied him with suspicion.
"Let me go. I would feel more comfortable having Aidyn here."
What was Haldir doing? Hours before he was singing praises of her ability. Now he was requesting she stay behind?
"Aidyn is more than capable for this mission," Celeborn assured the worried Commander.
"No disrespect, my lord, but this task you have given her is hazardous. I would feel more secure if-"
"My decision is final," Celeborn cut him off. "You are dismissed, Commander."
Haldir bowed hastily. Before he left the platform, he whispered to Aidyn, "I shall meet you in the barracks."
"Captain," Celeborn beckoned her to him.
She strode forward, watching Haldir disappear from her sight. Turning to Celeborn, she stood at attention.
"At ease," Celeborn waved, sitting down once again. "I have heard nothing but high praise for you and your new position, Aidyn."
"Thank you, my lord," she breathed, inclining her head and relaxing her stance.
"Come now, Aidyn. There is no need to stand on such formality," Celeborn smiled at her.
Aidyn returned his grin, "I suppose not."
"My ward of the past centuries need not call me 'my lord'." He eyed her carefully. "I am trusting you with this charge. It will be dangerous, of that I am certain. Are you sure you are up to the task?"
"Of course. I am more than able."
A smirked toyed at Celeborn's lips as he marveled at the young elf's fearlessness. "I knew as soon as Haldir told me of his desire to make you Captain you would be the most fitting."
"Thank you, I value your trust in my abilities."
"I respect you, Aidyn. Your bravery is unmatched. When you were young, I remember you were always the highest in the trees, never once blanching at the height. I would regale you with tales of the first wars and you ask when you could have adventures of your own. For as long as I have known you, I knew you were destined for greatness. This is just the beginning; there is much ahead of you."
Aidyn's brow furrowed as she looked at her former guardian. She knew that look all too well; there was something he was not saying. "What do you mean?" she pressed.
"As you were once my charge, I see you as a daughter of mine," Celeborn began.
Celeborn was the closest thing she had to a father. Her father had been close with Celeborn and had fought side by side with him at the Battle of Dagorlad near the end of the Second Age. Unfortunately, her father was struck down and perished from his injuries. Aidyn's mother soon followed, succumbing to a broken heart. Being only a young elfling, Celeborn took her in to honor his fallen friend.
Her mother's death was a testament to her love for her mate. One day, if she ever decided to marry, Aidyn prayed she would have a bond like her parents.
"There has been an offer for your hand," Celeborn finished," and I have taken the liberty of accepting it."
Aidyn's heart fell to her feet. Marriage? Now? As far as she was concerned, she had no intentions of marrying. She was promised only to herself. There was no chance of her being tied down. Ever. "You what?"
"I have accepted a marriage offer. It should come as no surprise to you. You have had many suitors vying for your hand."
"I have no desire to wed, let alone marry a stranger," Aidyn stated flatly. She had no mind to marry a pick of Celeborn's. If she was forced to marry whoever was chosen, what would become of her if she fell in love when she was bonded to another? Disaster would fall. The elven heart only loves once and fades when separated from that love. This could not happen.
Celeborn let out a laugh. "It is no stranger to whom you have been promised. Haldir is an honorable man, one of the finest for which you could hope. He will see to it that all your needs are met."
Aidyn's mouth ran dry and her ears rang, muddling whatever it was that Celeborn was continuing to say. All she would hear was the blood rushing and her heart pounding.
Haldir? It could not be! He was her Commander, not her lover. "No, it cannot be!" Aidyn recoiled.
"He is well matched for you," Celeborn assured her. "It was very fitting he made you his Captain. A fine betrothal gift if I have ever seen one."
She stilled. "My- my promotion was a gift?" she faltered. This was not making sense.
"Partially. You are fit for the position, but many knew of his intent to pursue your hand. It only made sense to make you second in command."
Aidyn could not move. She was only promoted in rank because Haldir wanted to wife her. Dumbfounded, her blood seethed. She had worked 'til her hands bled to improve her skill. Countless hours were spent reviewing battle plans. All this time she spent working to better herself was all for naught. "I do not consent to this," Aidyn growled setting her jaw.
Celeborn looked at her intently. The anger raging in her was easily visible. "My dear, you need someone to care for you."
"I am not helpless. I can take care of myself!" Aidyn snapped. "I have handled myself on my own for the past several centuries. I have no need for a husband."
"Things have already been set in motion."
"Then stop them! I have no desire to marry. Especially Haldir," she approached the throne. "Please. Do not make decisions on what you think is best for me. I am no longer a child and this is not what I want for my life!"
"It has been decided, Aidyn," he told her talking her hand. "The hour grows late. Go prepare your men. We will speak more on this matter when you return."
Aidyn had no more words to say. Rage was befuddling her mind. She wrenched her hand away from Celeborn's and immediately stormed out of the room.
"Please me careful, henig," he called after her.
Her mind swam as she thundered to the barracks, fury surging with every step. It all made sense now. Haldir had wanted her to be gruff and aggressive to cover the fact that he promoted her solely on the grounds he wanted her as a mate. Involuntarily, her fists clenched. It was madness. The unadulterated insanity of it all was outrageous. Red clouded her vision.
"I was just coming to find you," the worst possible voice grabbed her attention.
"You," she sneered, grabbing Haldir by his breastplate. She slammed him up against the wall and held him there. "At what are you playing?"
He stared at her wide-eyed. "Aidyn," he breathed shakily, failing to loose her vice like grip. She knew, that much was clear. "I can explain," he began.
"I cannot believe you."
"Everything I did was out of care for you," he tried reasoning with her.
"Out of care?" she scoffed angrily. "You have a horrid way of showing it!" she spat, pounding her fists against his chest as she let go of him before huffing off.
"Aidyn please," he hastened, attempting to catch her hands.
"Get your hands off of me!" she recoiled, slapping away his advances.
"Please listen to me," he begged.
"I do not want to hear anything you have to say."
Haldir looked upon her downcast. Never had he seen her full of such rage. He felt a pang of guilt knowing his actions had brought this upon her. He cared deeply for her and could not stand the sight of her this upset.
"Goheno nin, Aidyn."
She froze. "Sorry. You are sorry. That is all you have to say?" Her mouth opened to continue, but she threw her hands up in defeat, turned on heel and fled for the barracks.
"Please, Aidyn," he implored, gently catching her upper arm.
"Nin gwerianneg!" She immediately broke free of his grip and continued walking, Haldir was quick to follow. "My regiment, mount up! We ride in minutes," she barked to her already preparing men. She stalked past all of them to the Captain's quarters to prepare.
Throwing open her armoire, she suited herself with her battle armor. As she pulled out her sword to lash it to her waist, Haldir stilled her hands.
"I never wanted to betray your trust. Aidyn, I implore you, let me speak."
She turned an icy glare on him.
"I care for you. Deeper than what is known. I understand your anger as this has come to light very wrong. I assure you my intentions are true."
She seemed slightly pacified for the moment. Hesitantly, he reached to brush his knuckles across her fair cheek. "Upon your return, please let me show you."
Her green gaze steeled again. "You have made a laughing stock of me! Your pursuit to make me your wife has thrown my lead into further question. Do not think I cannot hear what the men say behind my back."
"Aidyn, I-"
She turned her cheek, causing his hand to drop. "No!" she cut him off sternly. She slid her dagger into her boot and paused, returning to her full height. "Did it ever cross your mind that I may not want to marry?"
Haldir retreated a few paces. "It had not," he murmured.
"Clearly," she huffed, lashing her sword to her waist. She strapped her bow and quiver to her back and tucked two short swords alongside her quiver. "Company, move out!" Aidyn commanded, following her men to the door.
One of her command stood at the ready and handed her the reins to her horse. In one swift movement, she mounted and shot a fiery glance at Haldir over her shoulder before urging her company onward.
Haldir watched his beloved ride off into the night to certain battle. He prayed the Valar would allow her to return to him.