Title: March Warden's Mouse
Author: Fianna
Rating: R
Pairings: Haldir/ OC Het Romance
Summary: Haldir has to protect the daughter of the Green-Elves, how far
will he
decide to take his interest in the maiden. Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings and all its characters are owned by Tolkien's estate. The story itself is owned by the author. No copyright infringement intended.
March Warden's Mouse
Prologue: Shadows
The land of the seven rivers was green and verdant, rolling hills, sandwiched between the rugged peaks of the Blue Mountains, and the River Gelion. Rugged land, once part of the great elven nation of Belriand, now forgotten, and perhaps lost to the memory of men.
It had been the home of the green-elves since the first days of Arda, but now only pockets of the Laiquendi remained, hidden deep in the hills of the land. The land humans had once called Ossiriand, now it too was just a memory. The elves had concealed themselves for years, the knowledge of them fading as the land became wild and untamed as did the elves themselves.
Their demeanor was grim, and haughty, their presence known to only a few who dared to brave the rugged landscape. Even isolated as they were, the Laiquendi had not forgotten Morgoth or the evil that called itself Sauron. His minions never found their way from the lands of the green- elves alive.
In winter snows covered the landscape, its frigid temperatures and harsh winds burying the verdant greenness under layers of ice and snow. It did not deter the green-elves, their ruggedness adapting to the conditions. Centuries passed as they drew deeper into their lands, ignoring the world that passed them by.
But they could not ignore it any longer. Too soon for them the darkness of Sauron began to creep into their lands, darkening the verdant hills with its shadow. The Laiquendi fought the evil, but its strength grew as time passed. And they were forced to confront the darkness that threatened their very existence.
**
Chapter 1: Audacity
Tathar Namolanya rubbed his forehead in frustration when the loud screeching of his first born daughter's anger echoed off the stone walls of his chamber, her fury at her sister once more making itself evident to all who resided in the castle of the Lord of the Laiquendi. How long had they endured that one's temper, he sighed, too long. Perhaps a marriage outside of his lands, he thought hopefully, but sighed knowing it was a slim hope that any might choose her.
He rose when the elven woman swept into the room, her white hair a shocking contrast to the darker tones of her skin. Her deep brown eyes were dark with fury as she pulled back the long sleeves of her gown, the heavy white linen hanging to the floor as she pushed the fabric up to her elbow.
"Do you see what she has done!" she growled, looking at the dark scratch that ran along her arm, welling slightly with blood. She looked at the fabric of her sleeve, checking to see if it had been bloodied. She smeared the blood from her arm and turned to glare at her younger sister when she entered the room.
Tathar groaned inwardly, wondering why the Valar despised him so to set him with two such different daughters. He rose, gripping his daughters wrist, laying his fingers on the long scratch.
"It is only a minor scratch, Aranel. You grow impatient as the winter snows outside. Long do we wait for spring and your temper does not improve our plight. Shall I send you to sit the borders with your cousins? I fear they would not relish your presence either."
Aranel sniffed at her father's rebuke, glaring at the younger sister who cowered near the door.
Tári Namolanya had been cursed with a mother whose sense of humor was well renown, and unthinking when she named her daughter as she had. Aranel had grown to enjoy calling her sister by the common tongue version of her name, enjoying the fact that it seemed to suit the tiny elven girl. Mouse, that's what they called her and she hated it with more passion than anything she had ever felt.
"I am sorry, Aranel, for I did not mean to scratch you so." Tári frowned when her sister sighed, releasing the quickly spent anger.
"I know you did not, I am too quick to anger these days. I am sorry, Father." Aranel said, running a slim hand through her long hair.
Tathar shook his head, but turned when the door to the chamber burst open and two of his border sentinels strode quickly into the room. Their cloaks were sodden from the heavy rain and they both wore looks that were grim and desolate.
"We have had to retreat, My Lord." Keliar, Lord Tathar's commander of his guard snarled, his anger flushing his tan skin red, his brown eyes flashing in fury. He pushed back the heavy cloak, gripping his sword and he leaned toward Tathar.
"This is the second time this month the dark ones have gained purchase in our lands, My Lord. I dare not lose anymore to defend what we cannot hope to keep, their numbers grow stronger everyday." Keliar sighed in frustration, shaking the long white hair that hung to his hips. His eyes narrowed as Tathar turned from him, the Lord folding his hands behind his back to pace in front of them.
"I fear that the time has come to join the rest of the world." Tathar murmured, his brow creasing when he frowned, his thoughts dark with concern. He sighed, and turned back to Keliar. "Gather your sentinels, Keliar, we have a journey to make. Bring all of the border guards with in the castle to protect it as we journey far from here and may not return for some time. I must speak with one who will know what the world faces all too clearly."
* * *
Haldir sat along the border watching the flow of the river in the distance, the wind rustling the leaves of the branch beside him softly, their golden color glittering in the late afternoon sun. Rúmil was sitting below him, leaning against a branch, his thoughts distant, but his gaze was intent on the border of the trees.
Haldir crouched, listening as the silent steps of one of his messengers came to him, and he dropped quickly out of the trees to meet him.
"A large party of elves approach." His messenger reported rapidly, his expression slightly bemused. He continued. "They have perhaps twenty, but they are none that I have seen, their hair is whiter than the Lady's and skin is dark like the Dunedain." The elf shook his head, he was young compared to Haldir and Haldir smiled.
"We are approached by the Laiquendi then, the green-elves of Ossiriand." Haldir turned, a silent signal sent to Rumil who dropped quickly from above. He sent his brother quickly back to Caras Galadhon to bring the news to The Lady of The Wood.
The young elf stared at Haldir in surprise when the March Warden turned back to him. "The green-elves? I thought they no longer existed."
Haldir smiled again in amusement. "As rumors of our demise run rampant, so do rumor of theirs. There are not many left, but a few. It means dire news if they have broken their isolation to traverse the world once more. I was only a youngling when I saw their Lord Tathar Namolanya the one time we traveled into their lands." He gathered his bow, and the two hurried along the border, running on silent feet to intercept the elves that now crossed into the Golden Wood of Lothlórien.
Aranel leaned back against the saddle of her white horse, projecting her thoughts, closing her eyes in concentration. Her attempts to reach one whose own thoughts could traverse the wind had so far been futile, whether by her choice or by Aranel's own lack she did not know, but suddenly she felt a brush of her mind and she sat up.
'I am here' she heard the voice drawl slowly in her mind, and Aranel smiled in relief.
'I am Aranel,' she thought, and explained their journey in thoughts that were quickly read and returned.
'Where are you now?' the thought was sent, a slight urgency brushing her mind along with the question.
'We are within your borders.' Aranel sent back, and she heard a soft laugh flutter through her head.
'Be prepared, my wardens shall be upon you soon, do not fear them, they will know who you are, but you will be detained.' The voice laughed again and then she was gone.
Aranel shook her head, her long white hair fluttering against the darker ivory of her cloak and she leaned closer to her father who rode along side her.
"I have made contact with the Lady." She told him and he nodded. "She says we will be stopped soon, but I see no one."
Tathar glanced at his daughter in amusement, her nose had risen slightly while she looked around her disdainfully. "We've been tracked since before we set foot into this forest, Aranel. They will show themselves when they are ready."
Aranel stared at her father in disbelief, hearing Tári behind them snort at her reaction. Tári was much more attuned to such things and the thought that her sister had been aware of the elves around them before she was, irritated her all the more. "Why do they not show themselves, what are they part tree?" she grumbled staring at the large trees they passed through slowly.
Tathar laughed softly, his gaze rising to the canopy above them. "Nay, Aranel, but you forget your training. These are grey elves, sylvan- and these particular elves are wood elves, they live in the trees." He leaned over to her, grinning. "They are more at home above us in the trees than on the ground, you look in the wrong places my dear daughter."
Aranel gasped, having forgotten the lore she had been taught by her mother long ago. She lifted her head to stare into the dark leafy canopy above them but could not detect any movement.
Her father's sudden halt brought her gaze back down to the ground and she stared in surprise. Before them stood at least ten elves, dressed in grey tunics that blended into the trees behind them. Long bows that stretched the full length of each elf were nocked and drawn, but aimed at the ground. Standing in front a lone elf stood, his long silvery blond hair glittering in the rays of the sun that had found its way through the canopy, illuminating him. His expression was aloof, if not unfriendly and he stood casually, with no weapon drawn, waiting.
"You can go no further." He said as he bowed deeply before Tathar, his gaze meeting that of the Lord.
Tathar began to speak but Aranel interrupted him. "I have already spoke with your lady, she knows we come, so you must let us pass." She said, looking down her nose at the elf, her brows rising in her attempt to look queenly and regal.
Tári gasped in disbelief at her sister's outburst cringing at the look that the elf in front of them now possessed. Her foolish sister had just insulted the one elf who could refuse them entry into the wood, could she not see who he was?
Haldir frowned, fighting to control the irritation her words had caused. His brows rose slightly as he stared up at the young elf maiden, his eyes glittering icily in the dim light and he turned to face her.
"I have not spoken to the Lady of the Wood, and until I do, you can go no further." He stated, his expression becoming such that Tathar dismounted quickly, seeing that his daughter once again had let her temper override her common sense.
"I am Tathar Namolanya," he said walking around the head of his horse. The creaking of wood and leather as the elves in front of him adjusted their stances slightly made him turn to his own commander. Keliar rose in his stirrups clutching his sword but Tathar shook his head slightly and turned back to the elf who stood before him, the elf's face expressionless now, but the grey eyes respectful if not direct. The elf bowed low before him again.
"I am Haldir, March Warden of the Golden Wood and its protector. I welcome you to Lórien, but insist I must detain you, My Lord for the moment." Haldir glanced briefly at the elf maiden when she paled at his words.
Tathar smiled. "Ah, Haldir, I met you once when you were very young, I remember you. Your stare was so direct I knew at once you would go far. I see I was not wrong in my assumptions. How fair your parents? I enjoyed your father's visit to our lands long ago. You have brothers as well do you not?"
Haldir smiled slightly, "My father passed into the Halls of Mandos soon after our trip to Ossiriand, and my mother has gone to Valinor these many years. My brothers and I remain here as guardians to the Lady of Light and Lord Celeborn." Haldir reached out, shaking the hand the elven lord had extended.
"Ah sad news, but it is as I expected. We shall await your command, March Warden." Tathar agreed and he turned with a scowl toward his daughter.
"We can offer you rest and perhaps some refreshments, but I do not know if you will care for our accommodations. I fear we do not stay long on the ground, for even in the wood it is not safe, but stay hidden high in the forest canopy." Haldir waved above him and the two elven maidens stared up into the canopy.
"My wardens will take your horses and your guardians. They will be treated well, and should not fear for your safety, as it is my honor to guard you while you reside in our wood." Haldir bowed again, his hand over his heart and Tathar nodded with a grin.
"I accept your offer, Haldir. I am sure you will find a way to accommodate my daughters."
Haldir straightened and turned back to his elves. The bows were withdrawn rapidly and they separated, several disappearing into the forest once more.
Aranel bit her lip when the elves around them disappeared, and she watched the March Warden as he spoke to another elf who had just approached him. The two stood almost the same height and had the same color of hair, but the March Warden shoulders were broader, his presence overpowering that of the other elf. They turned toward her and she gasped seeing the same nose, and line of jaw. One of his brothers she assumed and waited for them to approach her. Decorum said they should assist her down from her mount and she smiled when they both walked toward her.
Haldir glanced at the young elf maiden when she smiled, and fought back his grin when he strode past her to approach the young maid behind her. The haughty elf maiden's frown while Orophin reached up to help her down made him want to laugh, and he looked up to find a pair of twinkling brown eyes laughing into his own.
"May I assist you, my lady." Haldir murmured as he reached up to grasp the small elf above him. She grinned, her eyes meeting his and he knew she laughed at his snub of her sister.
"I would be honored, March Warden." The elf maiden whispered, glancing at the sister who now was stalking off toward the elven lord, no doubt to complain. "I am Tári." She said, cringing slightly waiting for his laugh. But he did not, and she looked down into the grey eyes below her as he waited for her to lean into him, seeing his brows rise slightly.
"Ah, such a name, it suits you, tiny maid. I shall have to put you into my pocket for safe keeping." He laughed quietly, pulling her gently off her horse to set her on her feet.
Tári stared at the elf who now towered over her, her head just coming to the top of his shoulder. For the first time in her life she did not despise her name, and she smiled as he motioned for her to follow him. The Laiquendi followed Haldir, Keliar making their party four, and were led further into the forest, following no path that Tári could see.
Haldir turned finally and as he did a thin grey rope ladder dropped down behind him. Haldir grinned and he looked at the two elf maidens. "I fear you might find climbing the ladder difficult, and I hope you are not offended when we lift you into the canopy. You will find it less cumbersome, I think." His eyebrows rose when Aranel sniffed, staring up into the tree's branches. Orophin gripped her waist, and she gasped when he lifted her, not seeing the elf who leaned down to reach for her. The elf gripped Aranel tightly, arms under her knees and back, to lift her to another who waited higher yet. Her angry muttering could be heard as the elves passed her up into the tree and Haldir smiled in amusement.
"Your turn, My Lady." He said, gripping her waist to lift her into the waiting arms of another elf. She stared around in curiosity, her father and Keliar climbing the ladder with ease and they found themselves set on a high platform built into the branches of the large tree. Blankets were brought for them to sit on, and wine. Haldir rose into the tree and stepped onto the platform gracefully. Tathar turned to him, introducing Keliar and their conversation became muted while they spoke.
Tári stared at the elves, her gaze drifting between Haldir and Keliar. She had always thought Keliar was handsome, his long white hair hung to his hips, and his brown eyes often flashed with amusement, although sometimes at her expense. He treated her like a younger sister and she had often thought she wanted more from him. But this new elf intrigued her. She shook her head, looking at her sister who stared at him as well.
She could never hope to compete with Aranel for an elf's favor. Her sister's long hair hung like a silken blanket to her waist and large chocolate eyes often glittered with sultry emotions Tári could never bear to convey. Her sister was free with her words, whether good or bad, and she was often surrounded by more than one admirer.
She did not realize that in comparison, she exuded the petite grace her father had seen in her mother. Her small size brought out the protectiveness in many, Haldir included, unaware that the small sprite could well take care of herself. Tári grinned to herself. Would he be surprised to know her skill with her knives, and her tiny bow? Would he be impressed? Or laugh thinking her a child yet. She realized she wanted him to be impressed.
Keliar lowered himself gracefully to sit alongside the two elf maids, his eyes glancing at the Lórien guards who stood along the edge of the flet, turned away facing into the trees.
"These elves are well trained." He murmured to Tári and she followed his glance. "They appear at ease, yet their eyes glitter with wariness. I do not think much gets past these guardians, Tári. I myself feel extremely intimidated by the one called Haldir." Keliar shook his head in disbelief.
Tári leaned forward. "You? Keliar, you are our guardian, I can not believe you do not feel competent to stand along side him, he is only your counterpart in this land."
Keliar stared at her, laughing low in his throat. "I wish I were, Mouse. But you face the elven's world premier warriors here. There is no better. I fear my knees trembled when his gaze was directed at me, I only hope he did not notice. I do not think I could bear the shame." He frowned taking a sip of wine he did not seem to taste. He glanced at the far side of the flet where Haldir and Tathar continued to speak softly.
Tári put a hand on Keliar's arm. "Keliar, you are a fierce warrior, and have fought many battles for us. I have never felt concern over your skills. Do not let him take that from you." She smiled when Keliar's face creased with a grin.
"Nay, you are right, Mouse. I am being overly concerned. Perhaps the strangeness of it all has unbalanced me for the moment. I would like to see these elves in action at some point, I may learn something from them I am sure." He laughed quietly, glancing over to where Aranel sat ignoring them, her gaze locked onto Haldir. He pulled a soft blanket from the pile and wrapped it around Tári's shoulders.
"I see he snubbed Aranel well, her own fault that. But he seemed quite taken with you, Mouse." Keliar whispered, and grinned.
Tári pushed him away, smiling. "Nay, he was only being courteous as he should, and as Aranel should have."
Aranel turned to them, lifting her chin in disdain, but Tári spoke quietly, although fiercely.
"You do not think before you speak and it almost cost us our entry here. I can not believe you spoke to him as you did."
Aranel blinked, unable to argue and bowed her head. "You are right, Tári. I only knew I had spoken in my mind with the Lady. I had thought she would have made contact with him."
Tári frowned. "We all do not have your ability, as you know, Aranel. But you spoke before Father, what must the March Warden think of us?"
Keliar laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "You see much more than most, Tári. I think you were aware of the guardians of Lórien before I was, I watched you stiffen. How did you know?"
Tári frowned. "I didn't for sure, Keliar. Just a feeling that came over me, a shadow here, there- a shadow that was there then wasn't." she leaned closer to Keliar. "I too would like to see them fight, Keliar, but I still think you would stand just as high among them."
decide to take his interest in the maiden. Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings and all its characters are owned by Tolkien's estate. The story itself is owned by the author. No copyright infringement intended.
March Warden's Mouse
Prologue: Shadows
The land of the seven rivers was green and verdant, rolling hills, sandwiched between the rugged peaks of the Blue Mountains, and the River Gelion. Rugged land, once part of the great elven nation of Belriand, now forgotten, and perhaps lost to the memory of men.
It had been the home of the green-elves since the first days of Arda, but now only pockets of the Laiquendi remained, hidden deep in the hills of the land. The land humans had once called Ossiriand, now it too was just a memory. The elves had concealed themselves for years, the knowledge of them fading as the land became wild and untamed as did the elves themselves.
Their demeanor was grim, and haughty, their presence known to only a few who dared to brave the rugged landscape. Even isolated as they were, the Laiquendi had not forgotten Morgoth or the evil that called itself Sauron. His minions never found their way from the lands of the green- elves alive.
In winter snows covered the landscape, its frigid temperatures and harsh winds burying the verdant greenness under layers of ice and snow. It did not deter the green-elves, their ruggedness adapting to the conditions. Centuries passed as they drew deeper into their lands, ignoring the world that passed them by.
But they could not ignore it any longer. Too soon for them the darkness of Sauron began to creep into their lands, darkening the verdant hills with its shadow. The Laiquendi fought the evil, but its strength grew as time passed. And they were forced to confront the darkness that threatened their very existence.
**
Chapter 1: Audacity
Tathar Namolanya rubbed his forehead in frustration when the loud screeching of his first born daughter's anger echoed off the stone walls of his chamber, her fury at her sister once more making itself evident to all who resided in the castle of the Lord of the Laiquendi. How long had they endured that one's temper, he sighed, too long. Perhaps a marriage outside of his lands, he thought hopefully, but sighed knowing it was a slim hope that any might choose her.
He rose when the elven woman swept into the room, her white hair a shocking contrast to the darker tones of her skin. Her deep brown eyes were dark with fury as she pulled back the long sleeves of her gown, the heavy white linen hanging to the floor as she pushed the fabric up to her elbow.
"Do you see what she has done!" she growled, looking at the dark scratch that ran along her arm, welling slightly with blood. She looked at the fabric of her sleeve, checking to see if it had been bloodied. She smeared the blood from her arm and turned to glare at her younger sister when she entered the room.
Tathar groaned inwardly, wondering why the Valar despised him so to set him with two such different daughters. He rose, gripping his daughters wrist, laying his fingers on the long scratch.
"It is only a minor scratch, Aranel. You grow impatient as the winter snows outside. Long do we wait for spring and your temper does not improve our plight. Shall I send you to sit the borders with your cousins? I fear they would not relish your presence either."
Aranel sniffed at her father's rebuke, glaring at the younger sister who cowered near the door.
Tári Namolanya had been cursed with a mother whose sense of humor was well renown, and unthinking when she named her daughter as she had. Aranel had grown to enjoy calling her sister by the common tongue version of her name, enjoying the fact that it seemed to suit the tiny elven girl. Mouse, that's what they called her and she hated it with more passion than anything she had ever felt.
"I am sorry, Aranel, for I did not mean to scratch you so." Tári frowned when her sister sighed, releasing the quickly spent anger.
"I know you did not, I am too quick to anger these days. I am sorry, Father." Aranel said, running a slim hand through her long hair.
Tathar shook his head, but turned when the door to the chamber burst open and two of his border sentinels strode quickly into the room. Their cloaks were sodden from the heavy rain and they both wore looks that were grim and desolate.
"We have had to retreat, My Lord." Keliar, Lord Tathar's commander of his guard snarled, his anger flushing his tan skin red, his brown eyes flashing in fury. He pushed back the heavy cloak, gripping his sword and he leaned toward Tathar.
"This is the second time this month the dark ones have gained purchase in our lands, My Lord. I dare not lose anymore to defend what we cannot hope to keep, their numbers grow stronger everyday." Keliar sighed in frustration, shaking the long white hair that hung to his hips. His eyes narrowed as Tathar turned from him, the Lord folding his hands behind his back to pace in front of them.
"I fear that the time has come to join the rest of the world." Tathar murmured, his brow creasing when he frowned, his thoughts dark with concern. He sighed, and turned back to Keliar. "Gather your sentinels, Keliar, we have a journey to make. Bring all of the border guards with in the castle to protect it as we journey far from here and may not return for some time. I must speak with one who will know what the world faces all too clearly."
* * *
Haldir sat along the border watching the flow of the river in the distance, the wind rustling the leaves of the branch beside him softly, their golden color glittering in the late afternoon sun. Rúmil was sitting below him, leaning against a branch, his thoughts distant, but his gaze was intent on the border of the trees.
Haldir crouched, listening as the silent steps of one of his messengers came to him, and he dropped quickly out of the trees to meet him.
"A large party of elves approach." His messenger reported rapidly, his expression slightly bemused. He continued. "They have perhaps twenty, but they are none that I have seen, their hair is whiter than the Lady's and skin is dark like the Dunedain." The elf shook his head, he was young compared to Haldir and Haldir smiled.
"We are approached by the Laiquendi then, the green-elves of Ossiriand." Haldir turned, a silent signal sent to Rumil who dropped quickly from above. He sent his brother quickly back to Caras Galadhon to bring the news to The Lady of The Wood.
The young elf stared at Haldir in surprise when the March Warden turned back to him. "The green-elves? I thought they no longer existed."
Haldir smiled again in amusement. "As rumors of our demise run rampant, so do rumor of theirs. There are not many left, but a few. It means dire news if they have broken their isolation to traverse the world once more. I was only a youngling when I saw their Lord Tathar Namolanya the one time we traveled into their lands." He gathered his bow, and the two hurried along the border, running on silent feet to intercept the elves that now crossed into the Golden Wood of Lothlórien.
Aranel leaned back against the saddle of her white horse, projecting her thoughts, closing her eyes in concentration. Her attempts to reach one whose own thoughts could traverse the wind had so far been futile, whether by her choice or by Aranel's own lack she did not know, but suddenly she felt a brush of her mind and she sat up.
'I am here' she heard the voice drawl slowly in her mind, and Aranel smiled in relief.
'I am Aranel,' she thought, and explained their journey in thoughts that were quickly read and returned.
'Where are you now?' the thought was sent, a slight urgency brushing her mind along with the question.
'We are within your borders.' Aranel sent back, and she heard a soft laugh flutter through her head.
'Be prepared, my wardens shall be upon you soon, do not fear them, they will know who you are, but you will be detained.' The voice laughed again and then she was gone.
Aranel shook her head, her long white hair fluttering against the darker ivory of her cloak and she leaned closer to her father who rode along side her.
"I have made contact with the Lady." She told him and he nodded. "She says we will be stopped soon, but I see no one."
Tathar glanced at his daughter in amusement, her nose had risen slightly while she looked around her disdainfully. "We've been tracked since before we set foot into this forest, Aranel. They will show themselves when they are ready."
Aranel stared at her father in disbelief, hearing Tári behind them snort at her reaction. Tári was much more attuned to such things and the thought that her sister had been aware of the elves around them before she was, irritated her all the more. "Why do they not show themselves, what are they part tree?" she grumbled staring at the large trees they passed through slowly.
Tathar laughed softly, his gaze rising to the canopy above them. "Nay, Aranel, but you forget your training. These are grey elves, sylvan- and these particular elves are wood elves, they live in the trees." He leaned over to her, grinning. "They are more at home above us in the trees than on the ground, you look in the wrong places my dear daughter."
Aranel gasped, having forgotten the lore she had been taught by her mother long ago. She lifted her head to stare into the dark leafy canopy above them but could not detect any movement.
Her father's sudden halt brought her gaze back down to the ground and she stared in surprise. Before them stood at least ten elves, dressed in grey tunics that blended into the trees behind them. Long bows that stretched the full length of each elf were nocked and drawn, but aimed at the ground. Standing in front a lone elf stood, his long silvery blond hair glittering in the rays of the sun that had found its way through the canopy, illuminating him. His expression was aloof, if not unfriendly and he stood casually, with no weapon drawn, waiting.
"You can go no further." He said as he bowed deeply before Tathar, his gaze meeting that of the Lord.
Tathar began to speak but Aranel interrupted him. "I have already spoke with your lady, she knows we come, so you must let us pass." She said, looking down her nose at the elf, her brows rising in her attempt to look queenly and regal.
Tári gasped in disbelief at her sister's outburst cringing at the look that the elf in front of them now possessed. Her foolish sister had just insulted the one elf who could refuse them entry into the wood, could she not see who he was?
Haldir frowned, fighting to control the irritation her words had caused. His brows rose slightly as he stared up at the young elf maiden, his eyes glittering icily in the dim light and he turned to face her.
"I have not spoken to the Lady of the Wood, and until I do, you can go no further." He stated, his expression becoming such that Tathar dismounted quickly, seeing that his daughter once again had let her temper override her common sense.
"I am Tathar Namolanya," he said walking around the head of his horse. The creaking of wood and leather as the elves in front of him adjusted their stances slightly made him turn to his own commander. Keliar rose in his stirrups clutching his sword but Tathar shook his head slightly and turned back to the elf who stood before him, the elf's face expressionless now, but the grey eyes respectful if not direct. The elf bowed low before him again.
"I am Haldir, March Warden of the Golden Wood and its protector. I welcome you to Lórien, but insist I must detain you, My Lord for the moment." Haldir glanced briefly at the elf maiden when she paled at his words.
Tathar smiled. "Ah, Haldir, I met you once when you were very young, I remember you. Your stare was so direct I knew at once you would go far. I see I was not wrong in my assumptions. How fair your parents? I enjoyed your father's visit to our lands long ago. You have brothers as well do you not?"
Haldir smiled slightly, "My father passed into the Halls of Mandos soon after our trip to Ossiriand, and my mother has gone to Valinor these many years. My brothers and I remain here as guardians to the Lady of Light and Lord Celeborn." Haldir reached out, shaking the hand the elven lord had extended.
"Ah sad news, but it is as I expected. We shall await your command, March Warden." Tathar agreed and he turned with a scowl toward his daughter.
"We can offer you rest and perhaps some refreshments, but I do not know if you will care for our accommodations. I fear we do not stay long on the ground, for even in the wood it is not safe, but stay hidden high in the forest canopy." Haldir waved above him and the two elven maidens stared up into the canopy.
"My wardens will take your horses and your guardians. They will be treated well, and should not fear for your safety, as it is my honor to guard you while you reside in our wood." Haldir bowed again, his hand over his heart and Tathar nodded with a grin.
"I accept your offer, Haldir. I am sure you will find a way to accommodate my daughters."
Haldir straightened and turned back to his elves. The bows were withdrawn rapidly and they separated, several disappearing into the forest once more.
Aranel bit her lip when the elves around them disappeared, and she watched the March Warden as he spoke to another elf who had just approached him. The two stood almost the same height and had the same color of hair, but the March Warden shoulders were broader, his presence overpowering that of the other elf. They turned toward her and she gasped seeing the same nose, and line of jaw. One of his brothers she assumed and waited for them to approach her. Decorum said they should assist her down from her mount and she smiled when they both walked toward her.
Haldir glanced at the young elf maiden when she smiled, and fought back his grin when he strode past her to approach the young maid behind her. The haughty elf maiden's frown while Orophin reached up to help her down made him want to laugh, and he looked up to find a pair of twinkling brown eyes laughing into his own.
"May I assist you, my lady." Haldir murmured as he reached up to grasp the small elf above him. She grinned, her eyes meeting his and he knew she laughed at his snub of her sister.
"I would be honored, March Warden." The elf maiden whispered, glancing at the sister who now was stalking off toward the elven lord, no doubt to complain. "I am Tári." She said, cringing slightly waiting for his laugh. But he did not, and she looked down into the grey eyes below her as he waited for her to lean into him, seeing his brows rise slightly.
"Ah, such a name, it suits you, tiny maid. I shall have to put you into my pocket for safe keeping." He laughed quietly, pulling her gently off her horse to set her on her feet.
Tári stared at the elf who now towered over her, her head just coming to the top of his shoulder. For the first time in her life she did not despise her name, and she smiled as he motioned for her to follow him. The Laiquendi followed Haldir, Keliar making their party four, and were led further into the forest, following no path that Tári could see.
Haldir turned finally and as he did a thin grey rope ladder dropped down behind him. Haldir grinned and he looked at the two elf maidens. "I fear you might find climbing the ladder difficult, and I hope you are not offended when we lift you into the canopy. You will find it less cumbersome, I think." His eyebrows rose when Aranel sniffed, staring up into the tree's branches. Orophin gripped her waist, and she gasped when he lifted her, not seeing the elf who leaned down to reach for her. The elf gripped Aranel tightly, arms under her knees and back, to lift her to another who waited higher yet. Her angry muttering could be heard as the elves passed her up into the tree and Haldir smiled in amusement.
"Your turn, My Lady." He said, gripping her waist to lift her into the waiting arms of another elf. She stared around in curiosity, her father and Keliar climbing the ladder with ease and they found themselves set on a high platform built into the branches of the large tree. Blankets were brought for them to sit on, and wine. Haldir rose into the tree and stepped onto the platform gracefully. Tathar turned to him, introducing Keliar and their conversation became muted while they spoke.
Tári stared at the elves, her gaze drifting between Haldir and Keliar. She had always thought Keliar was handsome, his long white hair hung to his hips, and his brown eyes often flashed with amusement, although sometimes at her expense. He treated her like a younger sister and she had often thought she wanted more from him. But this new elf intrigued her. She shook her head, looking at her sister who stared at him as well.
She could never hope to compete with Aranel for an elf's favor. Her sister's long hair hung like a silken blanket to her waist and large chocolate eyes often glittered with sultry emotions Tári could never bear to convey. Her sister was free with her words, whether good or bad, and she was often surrounded by more than one admirer.
She did not realize that in comparison, she exuded the petite grace her father had seen in her mother. Her small size brought out the protectiveness in many, Haldir included, unaware that the small sprite could well take care of herself. Tári grinned to herself. Would he be surprised to know her skill with her knives, and her tiny bow? Would he be impressed? Or laugh thinking her a child yet. She realized she wanted him to be impressed.
Keliar lowered himself gracefully to sit alongside the two elf maids, his eyes glancing at the Lórien guards who stood along the edge of the flet, turned away facing into the trees.
"These elves are well trained." He murmured to Tári and she followed his glance. "They appear at ease, yet their eyes glitter with wariness. I do not think much gets past these guardians, Tári. I myself feel extremely intimidated by the one called Haldir." Keliar shook his head in disbelief.
Tári leaned forward. "You? Keliar, you are our guardian, I can not believe you do not feel competent to stand along side him, he is only your counterpart in this land."
Keliar stared at her, laughing low in his throat. "I wish I were, Mouse. But you face the elven's world premier warriors here. There is no better. I fear my knees trembled when his gaze was directed at me, I only hope he did not notice. I do not think I could bear the shame." He frowned taking a sip of wine he did not seem to taste. He glanced at the far side of the flet where Haldir and Tathar continued to speak softly.
Tári put a hand on Keliar's arm. "Keliar, you are a fierce warrior, and have fought many battles for us. I have never felt concern over your skills. Do not let him take that from you." She smiled when Keliar's face creased with a grin.
"Nay, you are right, Mouse. I am being overly concerned. Perhaps the strangeness of it all has unbalanced me for the moment. I would like to see these elves in action at some point, I may learn something from them I am sure." He laughed quietly, glancing over to where Aranel sat ignoring them, her gaze locked onto Haldir. He pulled a soft blanket from the pile and wrapped it around Tári's shoulders.
"I see he snubbed Aranel well, her own fault that. But he seemed quite taken with you, Mouse." Keliar whispered, and grinned.
Tári pushed him away, smiling. "Nay, he was only being courteous as he should, and as Aranel should have."
Aranel turned to them, lifting her chin in disdain, but Tári spoke quietly, although fiercely.
"You do not think before you speak and it almost cost us our entry here. I can not believe you spoke to him as you did."
Aranel blinked, unable to argue and bowed her head. "You are right, Tári. I only knew I had spoken in my mind with the Lady. I had thought she would have made contact with him."
Tári frowned. "We all do not have your ability, as you know, Aranel. But you spoke before Father, what must the March Warden think of us?"
Keliar laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "You see much more than most, Tári. I think you were aware of the guardians of Lórien before I was, I watched you stiffen. How did you know?"
Tári frowned. "I didn't for sure, Keliar. Just a feeling that came over me, a shadow here, there- a shadow that was there then wasn't." she leaned closer to Keliar. "I too would like to see them fight, Keliar, but I still think you would stand just as high among them."
