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 9 ~~~
The Tavern
~~~ Hours later ~~~
Brynwyn stifled a giggle as another human passed in front of Haldir, causing him and Thirin to jerk to a halt. The warden's fists clenched and he took a deep breath to calm his temper whilst Thirin snorted and shook his mane. Filith moved against the stallion's side and rubbed her head against his neck. Surprising herself, Brynwyn found herself by the warrior's side, her hand upon his arm, allowing the tingling sensation to warm her.
Haldir looked at her sharply and Brynwyn smiled gently. "Come my guardian." She walked forwards and Haldir docilely fell into step beside her, welcoming her gentle touch. "You should know that men will do your bidding with a lady on your arm." As if to prove her point, men went out of their way to move aside for them. Haldir grumbled beneath his breath as they continued along the path. "There is a tavern ahead," she stated softly.
"So?"
Brynwyn sighed. "I am thirsty and what better way is there to get to know our neighbours?" she chirped.
"Through long distance messages," the marchwarden grumbled dryly.
Brynwyn rolled her eyes and pulled the reluctant warden towards the bustling tavern. They left their faithful steeds near a water trough and entered the bustling inn. The elves immediately winced.
"Men." Haldir grumbled as they walked towards the counter. "They irritate every sense," Brynwyn for once found she could not argue. "They are unshaven, hairy and round, they are loud and obnoxious, they smell, they even feel disgusting."
Brynwyn's eyebrow lifted in amusement. "And would you care to share how you know their texture?"
Haldir glanced down at the elleth, who leant casually against the counter, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I will remind you who is the elder here elfling. Cease the attitude," he grumbled.
Brynwyn chuckled as she leant her elbows upon the worktop. "Very well, if you will not share such dirty secrets I will find out from Orophin or Rumil." Haldir glared at her. "Oh do not be so serious, Marchwarden, I only tease, I think a healthy dose of your own medicine every so often will decrease your ego and oversized head."
"The size of my ego and head are perfectly in proportion."
"Hmm," she grumbled thoughtfully. "So what about taste?"
"Hmm?" The Marchwarden asked, a strange expression upon his face.
"You said they offend all senses, but you did not justify taste?"
Haldir relaxed. "Ah. Well, the smell is so foul that you can taste them. Do you not think?"
"I suppose that is true."
"How can I help you, sir?" The owner asked, wiping the inside of a mug with a dirty cloth. He, like most men, was round and unkempt. His red facial hair was in disarray and projected four inches from his scarlet face, before meeting either side of his head, the centre remaining bald. He wore a simple shirt and filthy jerkin. His shoulders were awkwardly slumped and his round stomach bulged beneath his dingy apron.
"Two meads." Haldir ordered.
The innkeeper's beady eyes regarded them for a moment, remaining upon the beautiful female until Haldir cleared his throat.
"Righty ho, sir, two meads." He turned away from them to do as bid.
"You see? Preposterous."
The owner quickly prepared their drinks before walking over with two large mugs of brown liquid, covered in a white froth. "Anything else for you, sir, a shared room perhaps, for the couple?"
Brynwyn saw the warden's lips twitch before he opened his mouth. "No!" she exclaimed. "No thank you, sir, two meads is all." Her voice softened and Haldir paid the man, his hood hiding his grin as they walked towards an empty corner, sitting opposite each other.
Always the guardian and aware, Haldir sat facing the room, his alert eyes missing nothing whilst Brynwyn returned the curious gaze of two dwarves sat at the next table. The dwarves and the men around them observed the strange travellers suspiciously.
"One would think they were used to elves by now," she grumbled.
Haldir snorted. "You give men much credit where there is none, little elleth."
Brynwyn frowned. "I am not little!"
The warrior smirked mischievously over the rim of his mug and lowered his eyes to her chest before meeting her narrowed, emerald gaze. "Hmm, of course you are not, but surely you know that men are quite a handful. You should recognise the characteristics." He lowered his mug, his eyes glittering with amusement and Brynwyn scowled, exasperated at the double innuendo, then smirked in reply.
"Of course," she replied casually. "I suppose you wouldn't though. Being small... minded as you are." The meaning was not lost and Brynwyn took great delight in watching the warden's smile fade before he changed the subject.
"It seems all races are beginning to mingle, do you think there is a reason for it?"
Elated she had won this battle Brynwyn allowed herself a small mental victory dance before looking at the dwarves who were whispering amongst themselves, their eyes continuously glancing at the elves. "Nay, men and dwarves are very similar by nature. They both share a distrust and dislike of elves, the unity between them is unsurprising. I give each race a chance, but I cannot deny that the dwarves are stubborn and selfish. There is little chance that an alliance will exist between them," she grumbled.
Haldir grinned. "Why Brynwyn, I do believe you are seeing sense." Haldir raised his mug and Brynwyn rolled her eyes, relaxing as they lapsed into a comfortable silence.
"I wonder if Hildan will protest the agreement," Brynwyn speculated aloud. Receiving no reply, she looked at the warden opposite her, but found him looking behind her whilst sipping his mead. "Haldir I am speaking to you,"
Still receiving no response, Brynwyn followed his gaze to where a group of men, dressed in black, sat huddled in the corner of the inn whispering amongst themselves and throwing looks at the elves. Brynwyn caught the eyes of one human and was surprised at the disdain and hostility directed at her. The human turned back to his companions and the whispering began once more.
The beautiful she-elf returned her gaze to her guardian and they exchanged a meaningful glance.
"Come, this place is making me claustrophobic and I can no longer withstand that horrid smell."
Unable to protest and feeling very uncomfortable, Brynwyn rose to her feet and together they made their way towards their horses, who greeted them enthusiastically.
"Come, mellon nin, no more listening to irritating women. Let us go."
Filith and Brynwyn scoffed at the insult, yet the males arrogantly raised their heads and made their way towards the centre of the market.
~~~ Some time later ~~~
"Wait here." Brynwyn started at Haldir's brusque command.
"Wait! Haldir!" Brynwyn called as the Marchwarden walked away. Sighing heavily, Brynwyn turned back to the horses and scratched Thirin behind his ear. "How do you put up with him, Thirin? I have great respect for you, mellon nin." In answer, the huge stallion snorted and ruffled his mane.
Haldir returned a few moments later, holding a small package. "What is it?" she asked and the warden raised an elegant brow at her forwardness. Without an answer they returned back to the palace.
"Shall we visit with the king?" Haldir asked as a stable boy rushed forward to relieve them of their horses.
"Aye, he did say he would have an answer for us. Although I am greatly offended that we have not been included in the discussions," Brynwyn stated with a frown.
"Hmm, something tells me Hildan has a hand in that."
"What is he up to? Whenever I look at him I feel a sense of foreboding. Do you not feel it?" Brynwyn asked as they made their way towards the King's office.
"I do," he replied vaguely as he knocked upon the door. "The hospitality here is abysmal."
Brynwyn backhanded his abdomen. "Hush, Marchwarden."
"Enter!"
The elves entered the King's study and Carin rose to his feet looking rather flustered and overworked. They bowed to one another before Carin waved towards the two chairs in front of his desk. "I trust you are here to discuss the trade agreement." Two heads nodded. "Ah, then I am sorry to inform you that my council has not yet reached a decision. Times have been hard for us at the moment and trading is the least of our problems, as we have little to offer. However I have men scouring through the mines as we speak, hopefully it will be a success. I will have a short discussion with my councillors during a meeting in one hour."
"We were wondering, of course, why we were not included in the discussions. It is *our* trade after all." Haldir grunted, direct and abrupt as always.
Carin winced. "Ah, forgive me... I did not explain. It is policy that only certain members enter the council chamber." The elves blinked. "But of course that will not be an issue again my Lord, I can promise you that both yourself and the Lady Brynwyn can join us tomorrow where the issue shall be dealt with and both parties will leave feeling satisfied." The elves exchanged a swift glance. "But of course you will join us for evening meal, will you not? We can discuss this issue further afterwards if you wish. My men and I adjourn to my private chambers after dinner, and I would like to invite you."
Haldir bowed his head. "Thank you, my Lord, your invitation is greatly accepted."
"Perfect!" the king exclaimed.
"Sire." The two elves bowed to the king, before leaving the study and making their way towards their chambers.
"It is obvious that it is Hildan who has whispered in the king's ear. That man is a snake," Brynwyn scoffed.
Haldir raised his eyebrow. "You think it is he?"
"I do. We will not be taken for fools Haldir. I will not withstand it!"
Haldir gladly watched her bosom as it rose and fell rapidly with her frustration. Brynwyn caught his gaze and pulled away from him. "Oh is there nothing else you think of?" she exclaimed, seeking to rile him, but to her surprise the Marchwarden chuckled.
"Not really no, you are irresistible when you are angry. Except when you are angry at me, of course." To her surprise he wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked towards their chambers.
"You are preposterous," she grumbled. "We have been here, but one day and a half and already you are acting like a human."
Haldir threw back his head and laughed and Brynwyn stared at him in awe. Ai he was beautiful when he laughed.
"You know, Brynwyn, I believe I am liking you more and more." They finally reached their rooms and Haldir faced the flustered elleth. "Who knows, we may even be good friends?" he asked softly.
Brynwyn scoffed. "In your dreams Marchwarden."
Haldir grinned. "Always."
She frowned in confusion. Why was he acting so strangely?
"Go," he ordered softly. "Change. I wish to leer at you in a different gown."
"Until then, Marchwarden," Brynwyn bowed mockingly and smiled as Haldir returned the gesture.
"Until then, my great Lady."
With a soft chuckle Brynwyn entered her rooms to prepare for evening meal and Haldir smiled after her, feeling content as he practically skipped into his own chambers.
Tbc
Translation:
Mellon nin: My Friend
