Elanor's Revenge – a writing exercise

Takes place looooooong after ER

By Julie

Haldir stood beneath the tree, frowning as he gazed up into the lofty branches. "How long do you plan to stay up there? Are you not a little old to behave this way?"

"I am still in shock," was the subdued reply.

With a short sigh, Haldir leaped onto the lowest branch, climbing easily until he joined his younger son upon the high branch of the great oak tree near their home in Valinor. "Your mother tried to tell you," he said carefully. "She saw this coming. You failed to heed her words."

"But I have loved Caliel for so long, Ada!" Halion sounded distraught. "My brother never cared for her; he was always teasing her and tormenting her. I thought she despised him! Many times I have seen her throw things at him and call him names!"

"My son," Haldir said patiently, "that is one of the ways the feminine sex shows their interest in us males. At times, that is."

"Did Naneth throw things at you?" Halion gaped at him. "When she first knew you, I mean." Haldir noticed the qualification, which omitted last week's hurling of an orange at his head by his adoring, feisty little wife.

Haldir fondly cast his mind back to the brief period of time when his beloved Elanor had been his ward. "Oh, I am sure she did," he said. "I am sure I could call a few examples to mind . . . if I thought you were truly interested," he added dryly.

Absorbed in his own tragic situation, Halion did not ask. Instead, he tore a nearby leaf from a branch and shredded it. "She told me she is going to bind with him, and expected me to be excited and happy. She thinks I am her good, dear friend, Ada, when in truth I will never love anyone else. I will be alone forever."

"Nonsense," Haldir said bracingly. "There are plenty of other ellith. Caliel has sisters."

Halion wrinkled his elegant nose. "Not to my taste."

"Then someone else." Before Haldir could suggest the obvious elleth, he heard a familiar voice accompanied by light steps through the long grass.

"Haldir, where are you? Did you find Halion yet?"

"I am up here, Elanor." Turning, Haldir spoke a few words into his son's ear, then swiftly descended to the ground. Alone.

Elanor looked him over in astonishment. "What were you doing up there? Lurien and Tarwë are here! They wish to discuss—"

"I know what they wish to discuss," Haldir cut in, albeit gently. "And we will offer them our hospitality and acceptance of our son's betrothal to their daughter, but Halion will not be joining us."

She glanced upward and then looked back at Haldir. "Oh dear," she whispered. "I was afraid of this. He is wounded."

"Yes, meleth. Our son needs a little time."

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