The Marchwarden's Sister
Chapter 1
Talar sat by a window in her flet in Caras Galadhon. She was barely able to sit still as she looked out to the field in the search for her brothers. Her brothers Haldir, head Marchwarden of Lothlorien, Rumil and Orophin were on a short leave from duty and were coming back just in time for the festivity. Her heart started to beat faster when she thought of the upcoming festival. A time when all the young elves of Lorien gathered, sang and danced, a time when young love went into full bloom. No young, handsome elf had caught her attention yet, but she was sure this year was her chance.
After all she was young for an elf; she had just turned 100 and was in the first part of her life. She broke out of her reverie as a small movement caught her eye. Talar looked closer at the moving shapes. Yes! It was her brothers. Haldir in the front of the company followed by Rumil and Orophin. She could not contain her excitement any longer. Talar ran out of the room and down the steps as fast as she fast as she could. Running full speed she ran straight into Haldir's arms as he had seen her running towards them.
Haldir smiled as he tried to release his sister's grip but it only became tighter. Haldir continued to hug his sister, and hold her tight. He loved his sister more dearly than anything. Being he and his brothers only sister, they watched over her like a precious jewel. Haldir loved Talar and Haldir was Talar's favorite brother. After many kisses and a few more hugs Talar finally started to hug Rumil and Orophin. She was overjoyed at seeing them, since she had not seen them in many months. The festivity being so close had her giddy, but her brothers being here to celebrate it with her had her feeling ecstatic.
Looking around they noticed the rest of the company had already moved in, not wanting to disturb the family moment. After asking how her brothers had fared and they had seen how she had been, Haldir took Talar by the hand and told Rumil and Orophin; "Come I must see Lord Celeborn and give him the report." They nodded and started walking.
On the way there Haldir started to let his mind wander. He didn't want to over react or worry but two weeks before, he was sure as he had been keeping watch at night, that he had seen three Nazgul trying to enter the woods. He had felt the presence of evil in his heart. He had taken a bow and arrow and fired warning shots, they had run off but the presence lingered for a while.
Haldir finally noticed that Talar was giving him a concerned look. He turned and looked at her and smiled. Whatever may have happened, there was no need to worry her. As Haldir, Talar, Rumil and Orophin entered Caras Galadhon they noticed the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn standing a ways off talking together with a look of concern on their faces. Haldir went up to them and bowed. His sister and brothers did the same. Lady Galadriel turned and smiled "Mae Govannen Haldir." "My Lady," Haldir answered. Rumil and Orophin stepped forward.
They bowed again and Orophin said, "My Lord and Lady with your consent we should like to take your leave to rest and get some proper food." Lord Celeborn nodded and waved them off and Lady Galadriel gave her consent as well. Talar went up to Haldir and took hold of his hand again. Lady Galadriel smiled to herself. Haldir could be very solemn and sometimes distant from others but his sister could bring out the love and warmth in him with just a smile.
"Your sister grows more beautiful each day Haldir," Lady Galadriel remarked. "How did she behave my Lady?" "Didn't break too many young hearts did she?" Haldir playfully asked and gave Talar a nudge. Lady Galadriel laughed and replied "No, she was perfectly charming as every young elf maid ought to be." Talar looked at the ground rather embarrassed. Her natural friendliness and happiness towards everyone was commonly mistaken for flirting. Many a young elf had fallen in love with her beauty and personality, and many a time she had, had to have disappointed them by telling them; no she was not in love with them, she was just being friendly.
She blushed at the memory of one particularly handsome elf in Haldir's company that she had unknowingly charmed and made him fall head over heels for her. Still to this day it made her feel warm and hot all over when Celin was mentioned. Talar looked up to see Haldir slightly laughing at how red his sister was and Lady Galadriel was trying not to laugh, even Lord Celeborn was smiling at the young elf maid's red blush. Thankfully Haldir turned to Lord Celeborn and said, "My Lord, if now is a good time I have the report." Lord Celeborn nodded and started walking up the stairs.