Title: 'First Impressions'
Author: Anarane Narmolanya
Type: FCS
Genre: Romance, Adventure, some angst
Characters: Haldir/ OFC, Galadriel, Celeborn, OC's
Rating: Eventually NC-17
Disclaimer: I hereby quote that I Anarane Narmolanya receive no profit for publishing LOTR Fan fiction. I do not own the characters except for Brynwyn, but I don't make a profit.
Summary: Brynwyn, daughter of the chief advisor of Mirkwood, is sent to Treetown (a human town) from Lothlorien on the matter of gaining diplomatic experience. As such, Haldir is appointed as her guardian. But before the journey has even begun, they fall into each other's bad graces. Will they survive the trip and each other? Or succumb to hatred and disdain. Please heed the M warning.
~~~ Chapter 7 ~~~
Dinner
The hours passed quickly and the elves had been able to find little rest. Haldir rose with a sigh and took the time to bathe and relax, struggling to push the stunning elleth out of his mind. Voluptuous curves, sweet smiles, scowls and beautiful features flashed before his eyes.
With a deep sigh the Marchwarden lifted to his knees and pulled the chain to release cold water. He closed his eyes and shivered as the icy water doused his arousal. "That elleth is going to kill me." Suddenly a bell chimed in the distance. He lifted his head and looked towards the ceiling. With a frustrated sigh, Haldir pulled himself out of the tub and dressed in his formal robes.
Preparing himself for an evening of sexual frustration and the company of pompous humans, he made his way into the hall and knocked on Brynwyn's door.
Haldir's breath caught as Brynwyn stepped from her rooms. Dressed in a pale green grown, a light elven band upon her brow and her blazing red hair, trailing loose down her back... she looked ethereal. His heart skipped and butterflies danced in his stomach. Brynwyn shifted in discomfort and adjusted her gown.
"What? Is it not formal enough?" she asked uneasily. Snapping himself from his admiring gaze, Haldir cleared his throat and straightened.
"Nay, it is... perfect."
Flashing him a blinding smile, Brynwyn placed her hand upon his muscular arm and allowed him to guide her through the halls after the servant.
Brynwyn smiled politely at staring humans, as more and more appeared to gaze in awe. Those entering the dining hall before them turned to watch the two elves and some turned to begin gossiping amongst themselves. Brynwyn looked up at Haldir whose face was stern and cold, his ice cold eyes radiating power and strength whilst Brynwyn expelled warmth and vulnerability.
They entered the great hall and Brynwyn had to admire its craftsmanship. Although it was dark of colour, the many lanterns and windows reflected light off of polished marble pillars and floors. Long dining tables ran the length of the hall and, like elven halls; the head table was situated atop a dais, the king, his men and family already sat within.
The servant boy led them to the head table and bowed at his lord before being dismissed. King Carin rose to his feet, a gracious smile upon his face. "Welcome my friends. Come; let me introduce you to my family." They were introduced to a ginger haired, blue eyed, roundish woman, with freckles on her face.
"Well met Queen Tiwen," Brynwyn said politely whilst Haldir bowed his head.
"Well met," she replied politely before returning to her chair, at her husband's right.
"These are my children, Inwen and Taeth." Twins, a boy and a girl, fortunately graced with their mother's features, stepped forwards and smiled shyly. The boy, Inwen, bowed low whilst little Taeth curtsied.
"Mae govannen," they chirped.
Brynwyn smiled gently at the younglings. "Mae govannen, little ones," she crooned. She barely refrained from rolling her eyes as Haldir grunted a simple greeting before looking at the king. The prince and princess returned to their chairs and excitedly whispered amongst themselves.
"And this is my steward and right hand man, Lord Hildan." Brynwyn's smile faded as a tall, dark human stepped forwards. His clothing bore similarity to Lord Erestor's, black and unbending. His hair and eyes were dark brown, his facial hair kept short. There was no doubt of the masculinity and power of this man. Haldir clasped arms with the steward and immediately felt something was wrong. Remaining impassive, he bowed his head to the human. "Hildan this is Lord Haldir, Marchwarden and Commander of Lothlorien's forces."
"Well met Marchwarden," he grunted, looking the warden over with disinterest.
"Steward," he replied just as disinterestedly.
Hildan turned to Brynwyn and his demeanour changed as he looked over the beautiful elleth. A smile, that turned Haldir's stomach, graced his features.
"This is Lady Brynwyn of Mirkwood; she is here to discuss a trade of iron," Carin explained, a kind smile upon his face.
Hildan held out his hand and bowed. Brynwyn glanced sharply at Haldir before placing her hand within the human's. Against protocol, Hildan pressed his lips to her fingers and smiled up at her. "My Lady Brynwyn, I am humbled in your presence."
Brynwyn pulled her hand away abruptly, refraining from cringing in disgust. "I am most pleased to make your acquaintance, my Lord," she replied, her skin crawling as his gaze raked over her form.
"Please. Sit." Bram offered.
Haldir pulled out Brynwyn's chair before seating himself beside her, very aware of Hildan's presence.
Bram clapped his hands twice and servants bustled into the hall, bearing trays and flagons. "So, what news is there from Lothlorien, my Lord?" a councillor asked.
"Our borders are secure as always, Master Carin, my wardens work hard to keep the enemy at bay."
"Hear! Hear!" Carin raised his goblet and the other men did so.
"It seems no lands are safe these days, warriors are few and Sauron continues to breed his minions and leash them upon the innocent!" another Lord huffed and the men mumbled in agreement.
"You come with an offer of an iron trade, no?" Hildan asked and Haldir immediately raised his head and looked sharply at the human, but his gaze settled on Brynwyn, his hunger bare and open.
With dignity, Brynwyn raised her chin and looked at him squarely. "Yes my Lord."
"For what in exchange?"
"That will be negotiated in chambers, Hildan," Carin grunted in between bites; the elves barely refrained from cringing.
"Of course, my Lord, but I do wonder why elves, who have no needs, require a supply of iron from us lowly towns people."
All attention turned to the couple and Brynwyn straightened.
"Men are not the only race dying and suffering beneath the shadow, my Lord." Haldir lowered his gaze briefly as she spoke. "Once long ago, men and elves fought and died together. A secure trade represents our allegiance to the men of Treetown."
Haldir looked at the beautiful elleth with pride. There was no doubt about it; he was in love with the multitalented elleth. The men raised their goblets once more, but Hildan glared at the woman before returning his attention to his meal. Haldir's eyes sought emerald green and he inclined his head to the beautiful elleth, his hand upon his heart. Brynwyn started at the offer of respect before she smiled and briefly squeezed his hand beneath the table. A spark, now greater than ever, jumped between them and their eyes met.
Brynwyn gave Haldir a shy smile before returning to her meal. Haldir watched her for a moment; she would never know just how much he enjoyed watching her.
Evening meal continued uneventfully and topics remained safe and inquisitive. Yet Haldir could not shake a sense of foreboding whenever he heard Hildan's voice. There was most certainly something off with this human, despite his openly rude perusal of his companion.
"Haldir," Brynwyn whispered. Startled out of his musings, Haldir looked at Brynwyn who glanced at the king. He looked towards the top of the table to find the other humans observing him quizzically. Remaining impassive, he straightened in his chair.
"Lord Haldir?"
Brynwyn lowered her hand beneath the table and brushed her finger over his hand, moving it from side to side. Ignoring the spark that ignited at her touch, he focused on her actions. "No thank you, my Lord," he stated.
Bram observed him for a moment. "Ah yes, you are most likely weary from your travel. You may retire if you both wish."
Haldir inwardly sighed and rose to his feet. As he did so his eyes caught Hildan's and the steward scowled aggressively; the marchwarden turned to Brynwyn and helped her rise before holding out his arm. He cast a smug glance at the human as she held onto his arm. The proud elves gracefully bid farewell to the officials before taking their leave.
Once outside of the hall Brynwyn sighed. "Ai, I must admit that was the most uncomfortable formal dinner amongst humans I have ever experienced." A light smile crossed her face and Haldir looked her over before returning his gaze to the dark corridor.
"Hmm, you did well tonight. I have experienced awkward, but never uncomfortable. It is that steward," he stated thoughtfully.
"Aye, there is something dark and sinister about him. I fear something, Haldir." She confessed, blushing in the darkness as they reached their rooms.
"One moment," he rudely interrupted before entering her rooms, scouring them in detail.
Brynwyn sighed and finally rolled her eyes. "Impossible." She whispered.
"What was that?" he asked, stepping out of the chamber.
"I said I fear something."
Haldir observed her in the moonlight. Ai, she was beautiful. "What is it?"
Brynwyn lowered her head. "Hildan... the way he looked at me, I fear-" A finger beneath her chin cut her off and she looked up into glistening, silver-blue eyes.
"Do you think I would ever let another hurt you?" he whispered, drowning in her innocent green eyes. Brynwyn's breath caught and her pulse quickened, unable to resist, she shifted closer and her small hand involuntarily rose to rest above his heart. Haldir's thumb brushed over her jaw and his head lowered a fraction.
A group of youths passing through a connecting hall startled him out of his trance and he pulled away from her. "It is my duty to protect you, my Lady." He stepped back and held open her door.
Brynwyn sighed and rested her hand upon her bosom to calm her raging nerves. How could he be so controlled? With a defeated sigh, Brynwyn stepped over the threshold of her chambers and looked back at the Marchwarden. "Goodnight, Haldir."
Haldir bowed his head. "Goodnight." Brynwyn closed the door silently and Haldir reached up to brush his hand over his heart, still feeling the warmth of her touch. "Guren nin."
TBC
Translation:
Mae govannen: Well met
Guren nin: My heart
Name: Meaning: Pronunciation
Brynwyn: -: (Brin-win)
Thirin: -: (Thir-een)
Filith: -: (Fil- eeth)
