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Chapter 3

Elebereth slowly opened her eyes, her eyes lids fluttering as she tried to focus them. She was aware that she was lying in a very large bed. She just didn't remember how she got there.

"You are awake! Oh Ella, I was so afraid for you!" Nessa said smiling through her tear streaked face.

"Where am I? What happened?" Elebereth asked weakly.

Nessa pressed a cool cup of water to Ella's lips. "We are in the Golden City. You were brought here after you were injured. Do you not remember what you did? You saved the Lady Galadriel."

Elebereth could not believe it. "I saved the Lady? Me?"

Nessa nodded, smiling brightly. "You stood in front of her when the Orc was bearing down on her. You moved in front of her just as it swung its blade. You were stabbed instead of the Lady."

Elebereth pushed herself up, wincing from the pain in her side and abdomen.

"Be careful Ella, you lost a lot of blood. We were afraid that you were going…." Nessa looked away as her eyes filled with tears again. "Oh Ella, I thought you were going to die! The Lady and her healers were with you for three days before the fever broke. They say the blade was poisoned."

Elebereth pushed the covers away from her and swung her legs over the side of the bed, wincing from the jolt of pain that racked her body. Her tiny feet dangled over the floor. She put her hand to her head waiting for the dizziness and nausea to pass. She stood, steadying herself on Nessa.

"What is the city like Nessa? Is it magnificent?" Her voice was weak, but she longed to see this fabled city.

Nessa helped Elebereth take a step towards the window. "Oh it is! It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I can't wait until you are better and we can explore it."

"That won't be for sometime Nessa. Ella's injuries were grave." Haldir said.

The Princess and Nessa turned to see the March Warden standing beside the door with his arms folded across his chest.

"Oh! We did not hear you come in." Nessa blushed.

Haldir smiled and approached them. "Obviously, little maid."

Elebereth became all too aware that the March Warden's gaze swept over her body, which was scantily covered by a thin, pale gown. His cold blue eyes met her angry blue eyes. A grin broke over Haldir's face. "What are you doing out of bed Ella?"

"I want to see the city." She turned back to the window. "You should knock before entering an elleth's room." She snapped.

He chuckled softly, "Mayhaps I should but you will have to forgive me. I am not in the habit of knocking before entering my own talan."

If it was possible for Elebereth to become paler, this did it. She glared at Nessa who swallowed and shrugged nervously.

"Why am I at your talan?" She demanded, causing her blood to rush. She put her hand to her head grabbing Nessa for support.

Haldir was at her side in an instant, scooping her into his arms.

Elebereth scowled. "Put me down you bully!"

"I intend too, but on the bed where you belong until you regain your strength." He laid her gently on the bed.

She narrowed her eyes and folded her arms across her chest as she pouted furiously. "I repeat, why am I in your talan Haldir?"

He shrugged. "Because I wanted you here. I told the healers to put you here and that I would see to your comforts and care."

She glared ahead at the wall in front of her. Haldir looked at Nessa and motioned for her to leave. Nessa looked torn, but the look Haldir gave her made her scoot out the door as quickly as she could. He smiled as he watched her go before turning his gaze back to Elebereth.

"That was very brave what you did Ella. Your father and brother will be very proud when they hear of your bravery."

Her face fell. Her eyes darted around the room as she tugged at her fingers.

"Ella, tithen aras?" He reached out and took her hand in his.

She looked at him, tears filling her eyes. "I've never seen a battle before. I was so frightened. I thought we were all going to die." Her voice was husky as she spoke.

"You should be proud Ella. You saved our Lady's life."

She didn't look at him. Her bottom lip trembled. She was struggling not cry. He moved to sit beside her on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. She turned into him, allowing him to comfort her. He stroked her hair, waiting for the dam to break and it did. She began to cry hard. Her body trembled against him.

"Shh, Hun nin, you are safe now. Do not cry." He held her until her tears subsided, his tunic soaked through to his chest. He pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and handed it to her.

She wiped her face and her nose. "Thank you." She told him in a stuffy voice as her nose and eyes were swollen and red from her tears.

Haldir felt this an appropriate time to remind her of the kiss he promised her, when there was a knock at the door. Before he could respond, the door was shoved open and in strolled his youngest brother.

"My sweet maid, I am overjoyed to see you awake and well! I have brought you gifts to raise your spirits." Rumil smirked at the scowl and smoldering eyes his brother was gifting him with.

Rumil gave her a deep bow and pulled a huge bouquet of flowers from behind his back. Elebereth's hands went to her face as she gasped.

"Oh Rumil! Violets! My favorite! Thank you so much, they are lovely." She took the flowers from Rumil, clutching them gently to her and inhaling their sweet scent.

Haldir was furious with his brother and stood to face him. Rumil grinned widely and winked at him, brushing past him to sit beside Elebereth on the bed. "Ah, but there is more sweet maid." He said as he presented her with a beautifully wrapped box. She looked at him in question as she took it.

"What is this Rumil?"

"Why, it is chocolate My Lady. Have you never heard of this delicacy?"

"I have heard of it. I tasted some a long time ago when Arwen's husband brought her some for a gift. She told me it was the way of his people to woo their women with flowers and treats such as these." She looked into his face and smiled warmly, "Thank you so much Rumil!"

She leaned into him and kissed his cheek. Rumil caught the flash of hurt that crossed Haldir's face. Rumil stood then and bowed again to Elebereth.

"I will leave you to rest now. You must regain your strength, for it will be time for the Harvest festival soon, and our Lady gives the most magnificent feast!" Rumil motioned for Haldir to follow him out onto the terrace.

"I am sorry if I have upset you brother."

Haldir's eyes narrowed, "You did it on purpose! Is there more to this attention you shower her with? What of Linwe?"

"I only meant to brighten Ella's heart for I knew you would not think of something as simple as bringing the maid flowers! There is no more to my purpose. I adore Ella, but she is not mine. Linwe is mine and Ella is yours. I would not cross that line even if I were not soon to be bound to Linwe. I do not seek to best you brother. I try to make you think."

Haldir sighed deeply and leaned against the rail. "You are right Rumil. I did not even think to bring her flowers." Haldir looked intently at Rumil, "This is so new to me brother. I am absolutely at a loss when dealing with Ella I don't know what to say to her that will not anger her or frighten her. I do not know any of these sweet words you speak to her. I do not know what will make her happy!"

Rumil gave his brother a sympathetic smile, "It is not difficult to look to your heart Haldir. She looks inside her heart every day. She is young and she is a romantic." Rumil stepped closer to his brother, trying to emphasis what he said to him.

"She is still young enough to where romance and fairy tale is all that she looks for in the elf she will marry. She has had servants all of her life tending to her needs. She has never had to learn to sew or cook or clean. To her, being married will be as it is in the fairy tales her nanny elleth read to her. She will be swept of her feet! You Haldir do not fit the part of the Prince. She will learn to be a wife in time, but you must allow her the initial fantasy."

Haldir rolled his eyes. Rumil chuckled, "Haldir, brother, I know that seems utterly ridiculous to you. Sometimes I find it ridiculous myself, but Linwe is also a romantic at heart. You would be surprised at the fulfillment and joy you will get doing things that make Ella happy and make her feel desired."
Rumil's eyes narrowed and he lowered his voice, "I wonder brother, if the wooing of this maiden is more of a competition for you? Do you truly desire to marry this elleth?"

Rumil was surprised at the expression that fell over Haldir's face. He had never seen such warmth in Haldir's eyes and such a yearning. "I will admit Rumil that the thought of wooing and taming this elleth's temper was most enticing to me, but now it has become much more than that. When I first laid eyes on her, descending down the stairs with her brother…something stirred in me that I have never felt before. I never thought I would feel it, especially from a silly young elleth, but I…" His voice wavered as he closed the space between himself and Rumil.

He grasped Rumil's arm in a strong grip, "I cannot be without her. She has consumed my thoughts, my dreams, and my very essence. I am afraid Rumil. This frightens me. I feel…I feel like my very life is in this girl's hands. If she were to refuse me…" His voice cracked with emotion.

Rumil grabbed Haldir's shoulders, "You should feel such joy over this! Now you know what it is I see when I look at Linwe. She steals my very breath. I have never felt such vulnerability in my life. You feel this way too. That is what frightens you brother. You are in love! No longer is the life you lead enough for you. Change comes and it is terrifying you. But you cannot fight this. You must allow this to happen and you must make it happen for Ella."

It had been a week since Elebereth had awakened from her injuries. She sat staring out the window longing to see more of the city other than the only view she had been allowed to see since arriving.

Nessa was busying herself with both Haldir's and Elebereth's laundry. As Nessa opened to door to leave, the princess called to her.

"Can I come with you Nessa?"

Nessa blinked in surprise. "I am only going to do the wash."

"Can I not come with you? I think I shall scream if I cannot leave this talan, even for a little while."

"But what of Haldir? He says you are to stay inside until the healers say you are strong again!"

"Is Haldir my King? Nay he is not. I have done nothing but eat, sleep, and lounge around this talan suffocating! I need some air or I shall go insane! Besides…" She said standing and walking toward Nessa. "Haldir is not here is he? He will be gone all day drilling his wardens. I will be back long before he returns!"

Elebereth took one of the baskets of clothes from Nessa and followed her to the washing waters. She was unaware of the strange looks she was getting from the Lorien elves as she passed them tugging laundry in her arms. Nessa was well aware of the looks however and kept her face toward the ground blushing. The elves of Lorien found it most odd that the Princess of Mirkwood would be toting laundry with her handmaiden.

As the two elleths came closer to their destination, they crossed paths with the Lord and Lady of the wood, taking a stroll through their city.

"Elebereth, I was not aware that my healers had released you." Galadriel towered over the small Princess, a stern look on her face. Ella did not see the amusement in her eyes.

"I…they…" Elebereth drew a deep breath. "I have not been released yet. Please do not send me back to the talan. I am so tired of being trapped in there. I have been here a week and have only now been outside! I am much stronger, I promise! Don't be angry with me!"

Galadriel laughed softly, "Nay little one, I am not angry with you. Although, it was not right of you to leave without informing my healers beforehand. I understand you wish to see a new city. But you must not over exert yourself. What is this bundle you carry?"

Elebereth smiled weakly, "Laundry."

Celeborn chuckled now, "Laundry! The Lady of Mirkwood is now doing her own laundry? I must say your father would find this most amusing!"

Elebereth frowned, "I'm not a helpless ninny without skill My Lord! I wanted to help Nessa. I have allowed her to do enough for me. I think it is time I help her."

"Oh but Ella! I have never been resentful…"

The Princess silenced her friend with her hand. "I know you have not. I wish to help you now and I will do this! You will speak no more of it!"

Nessa bowed her head to Elebereth. Galadriel took the hand of each elleth and squeezed gently, "Well I think it is wonderful! And no Ella, we know you are not a helpless ninny. I do not think my husband meant that."

Elebereth blushed, "I am sorry for my tone my Lord."

Celeborn smiled down at her, "No offense was taken my dear. But you must admit it is most amusing to see a Princess in her regal attire carrying a laundry basket through my city."

Elebereth smiled and blushed. Galadriel released their hands, "Run along then. We will keep you no longer from your chores."

It was nearly nightfall when Haldir returned from the practice fields. He knew Elebereth was tired of being cooped up and he thought he might take her for a short stroll to the Lady's gardens.

When he entered his talan, he could feel it was empty. The place seemed cold and distant. He realized then how much it meant to him to come home and have her waiting there for him. His brow creased. Where was she? How long had she been gone? Why did she insist on being obstinate?

He turned and stormed from the talan in search of her. His mood was dark and it became even darker when he heard the voice come toward him from behind the mellyrn tree.

"Good evening March Warden." The sultry voice of the she-elf caused his blood to run cold. He turned to face her, his face a mask of anger. "Why Haldir, love, this is not happiness to see me is it?"

The tall she-elf now stood before him, her body nearly touching his. Only Haldir's eyes glared down at her as she was almost his exact height. A smirk played across her face.

"I am not your love!" He snapped, moving passed her to walk on.

"Ah yes! The little Mirkwood Princess now has your heart. How charming." Her voice was laced with false sincerity.

"What do you want Finduilas? Just save me the trouble and tell me now, because I have no time for your foolishness!"

She chuckled softly and stepped to him again. She traced his cheek with her finger. He caught her wrist in an iron grip. He knew he was hurting her, but she made no show of it on her face. She only smiled wickedly at him.

"And what makes you think I want anything except to inquire on your well being?" She asked quirking her brow.

His grip tightened even more and this time she winced with pain. He returned her evil grin and shoved her away in disgust.

"I know you well enough to know my welfare is the last thing you came to inquire upon!"

"You are right Haldir. That is not the only reason. I came to meet your soon to be bride. Many elleths have wondered about this one who could tame our March Wardens heart. I am most interested to meet this maid and offer her my…friendship." Her eyes were dark and dangerous.

Haldir had her shoulders in a painful grip in an instant, "You stay away from Elebereth! If I see you near her, if you even speak to her, nay if you even speak of her, you will wish you had already passed through the hall of mandos!"

He shoved her roughly and strode away from her. Her eyes narrowed, "Oh you will be sorry for your words my love! Most sorry! As will your new elleth!" She hissed under her breath and stormed away.

It did not take Haldir long to find Elebereth and Nessa as many Lorien elves were still speaking about the Princess doing the chores of her handmaidens. Haldir's anger was now directed toward Finduilas not Ella. A new feeling came over him as he closed in on the two elleths, a feeling a fear for Ella. He found them both in one of the nearby lagoons within the city grounds.

Both elleths were soaked to the skin, giggling, and slapping water at one another. Elebereth's beautiful blue gown was ruined. It was covered with mud, soap, and water. Haldir allowed himself a few moments of amusement watching the two of them and several other elleths who were the Lady's handmaidens playing in the water. It had been too long since he had enjoyed himself in such a way. The burdens of his office weighed heavy on him at all times.

He stepped from behind the brush and cleared his throat, causing an up roar of squeals and giggles of embarrassment from the elleths. Many of them scurried from the water all too aware of how their clothing clung to their wet bodies. The elleths that left the water jerked their laundry baskets up, bowed to him, and ran away laughing.

Elebereth and Nessa stopped splashing and looked to the lagoon bank. Haldir stood with his arms across his chest with a very stern look upon his face. Elebereth matched his gaze as she waddled over the water to stand in front of him.

"I see you found me." She said coolly.

"I did indeed Ella." He could not help the grin that crossed his face. She struggled to remain composed, but started to laugh in response.

He shook his head. "Ella your dress is ruined! What would your father think?"

She laughed which caused a rush of warmth to rush straight to his groin. She climbed from the water to stand in front of him. She seemed unaware of how the dress clung to ever curve of her body. Her breasts swelled at the top of the gown and her nipples stood erect from the cool water and night air.

"My father is used to such. He would simply have me another dress made." She said as she noticed that he was no longer looking at her face. She looked down at her body and saw what had his attention. She wrapped her arms around herself and glared at him.

His eyes returned to her eyes as his lip quirked upward. "Would you care for my cloak, My Lady?" He removed it and held it out to her. She jerked it from his hands and turned to wrap it around her. She stomped away from him when she heard him laugh softly. Nessa bit her lip to keep from laughing as she climbed from the water.

"We should get back Ella." Nessa said picking up one of the baskets. Elebereth bent down and picked up the second.

"I will accompany you both back if you do not mind." Haldir said watching Elebereth stomp away from him.

Nessa smiled widely at the Warden. "Of course not Haldir."

Dum dum dum...those familiar with my writing will know that I can never just write a romance or comedy or anything for that matter wihtout adding some danger and drama...so who is Finduilas?

If you enjoyed, show me some love! Appreciate you all for reading my silly girly story, lol!