A word from the author :

First of which, I am terribly sorry for my absence. I know many of you have been waiting for an update. I'm glad to have found the time to finally finish this chapter. I hopefully will have a new chapter up soon. I hope you guys are still following this story :) Please do leave a review. A review costs nothing but if much treasured by us authors :)

Chapter 9

What the Eyes Saw

The sound of birds chirping and the bees buzzing accompanied Haldir's morning. It was his last day at the border and he was to return home in an hour. These few days were a blissful agony for him. Finally his heart had realized how much it really loves Lothestel. Every waking moment, his thoughts were occupied with her smiles and her beautiful face. He missed her, truly. Never had he counted every second until the time to return arrived. It was a fruitful week. There were no alarming attacks and Lorien was safe, for another week at least.

Haldir rode his steed in a leisurely pace. He wanted to experience the woods thoroughly. He was in a jubilant disposition; nothing could ruin his contentment. The woods of Lorien were almost golden but it was not yet winter. The golden rays of the sun fell on his face and the warmth seeped through his skin and into his heart. For the first time in many years, Haldir, the Marchwarden of Lorien was truly, unimaginably happy.

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Lothestel was awoken by the sounds of the wind rustling through the leaves of the great Mellyrn trees. Today was the day for her to finally see her wedding attire. She was beside herself with joy but today was also the day her betrothed would be returning from the borders. Lothestel sat up and looked around her majestic chamber. The sun's golden rays were shining in from the windows and the air was fragrant with the smell of Nephredils. She felt at peace with herself after so many long hurtful days of turmoil. She threw the coverlet aside and stood next to the wide window beside her bed. Lorien was beautiful in the morning sun. Flowers bloomed and the leaves of the Mellyrn seemed to gleam. Or perhaps it was because she was happy, things seemed wonderful to her.

As small knock on her door diverted her attention, "Come in..."

To her wonderful surprise, a familiar face came to full view when the door was ajar, "Good morrow my dear. You look radiant today!"

"Mother! You have arrived! It is so wondrous to see you!" Lothestel ran towards her mother, Queen Thelenineth. She embraced her tightly. She had truly missed her, "I have missed you so very much. Are you alone? Is father with you?"

Thelenineth half smiled and laughed. Her daughter's energy was infectious, "Steady there my dear. Let me catch my breath. I am after all, a few thousand years old."

Lothestel laughed, "Oh, mother! Come, let us sit."

Thelenineth followed her daughter to the sitting area, "How have you been my dear? These few weeks seemed like years to me without you and Legolas by my side."

"It has been the same for me, mother. I know I can be headstrong at home, but here, I truly realized how my heart will always be with you and father back in Mirkwood. Tell me mother, how is everything and everyone?" Lothestel leaned forward enraptured by the presence of her mother.

Thelenineth laughed, "Everything and everyone? My! That is far too much knowledge for me to reveal in such a short period of time. Let me look at you. You seemed happy my child."

A smile formed on Lothestel's lips, "I am mother, very much so. I have never been happier in my life. After Gollon's death, I thought I would never be happy again. But the Valars are merciful."

Thelenineth nodded, "I know the extent of your feelings my dear. I am grateful for this day. A marriage was the last I was expecting for our family. But I have to say, I was a bit surprised when it was made known that it was to be your marriage. Never would I dream you and Haldir together. The way you two have bickered and scratched at each other all these years; I thought you two hated each other. What changed your mind?"

Lothestel smiled, "He is an honourable ellon mother. I have misjudged him severely. But as to why I changed my mind, let that be the secret of my heart..."

"My little sister is all grown up..."

The two females turned around as Legolas walked in. Thelenineth stood and approached her son, "My son! It has been so long." She embraced him and planted a kiss on his forehead.

"I have missed you mother and father. I now, truly appreciate your duties as parents," said Legolas with mischief in his eyes.

Thelenineth raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Is that so? To whom should I extend my deepest gratitude for such display of love?"

Legolas approached his sister, "To Lothestel. By the gods, I thought I would not survive the week keeping my eyes on her!"

Lothestel shrieked and chased his brother around the room, "You nasty elf! I am a nuisance? Am I? What a thing to say to your own blood!"

Thelenineth laughed and watched as the apples of her eyes continued to run around in circles, laughing and shrieking. In her heart she prayed to the Valars to keep this family safe from harm and to bestow upon them happiness forever.

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Thranduil walked alongside Celeborn and his wife, Galadriel. It was good to see the rulers of the Golden Woods again, Thranduil thought and now, his own daughter was to marry one of their finest elves, Haldir. Thranduil was joyful. After the death of his eldest son, a marriage was what they needed to lift the spirits of the elves in Mirkwood, "I cannot demonstrate the happiness my family and myself have felt these few weeks. A great deal of hope is attached to this impending marriage. The alliance between our two realms would be strengthened. But as a father, my joy is in seeing my daughter marry such an admirable elf."

Celeborn nodded, "I know how you feel my dear friend. It was how I and Galadriel felt when Celebrian married Elrond. It is a sense of security to know someone honourable taking care of your child."

"Let us retire to the garden. We have much to confer of the wedding ceremony. We also have to discuss about the future dwelling for the newlyweds," Galadriel directed both of the elven lords towards the garden.

Thranduil sat across from Galadriel while Celeborn sat next to his wife, "What do you mean by their future dwelling? My daughter is a princess; surely she will be needed in court."

"That is true, Thranduil but Haldir is our Marchwarden. He is needed here for the safety of our people. You have Legolas to watch over Mirkwood. We have no other son," Celeborn expressed his concerns.

Thranduil was taken aback, "Nonsense! You have Haldir's brothers to keep the land safe. Mirkwood is still under attack by Orcs and goblins. I need all the help I can find since Gollon is no longer here..."

Galadriel raised her hand, "Please, my lords. Let us no bicker about this. My dear husband, we have discussed this yesterday. I know you want Haldir here to foresee the defences and so does Thranduil. I propose this. Since we have some of our wardens training Mirkwood's wardens, why not let Haldir manage them for half a year? He shall return to Lorien with the guards. Since this alliance will continue on, I see it fair, that we have Haldir and Lothestel for six months and you, Thranduil, the other six months."

The king of Mirkwood pondered this for a moment. After losing his first born, the thought of being apart from the apple of his eyes was painful but he saw the wisdom in Galadriel's proposal. With Haldir dividing his time between two lands, he could himself foresee the training of the wardens. As for Lothestel, she could learn a thing or two from the Lord and Lady of Lorien. Thranduil leaned back into his chair and nodded, "Very well Galadriel. I find you words to be full of wisdom."

Galadriel smiled. Thranduil was known to be a hard elf to please but when it comes to the matters of his youngest, Galadriel found he has a soft spot, "Well then! Let us begin the planning for the ceremony. Now, where is your wife Thranduil?"

"She went to see our daughter. Travelling here took a toll on her since she has not yet fully recovered. If it is suitable, we should continue with the discussion and let her rest," Thranduil explained.

Galadriel nodded, "Very well then. Let the planning begin!"

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Lothestel looked at herself in the mirror. She could not believe her eyes. Was it really her in the reflection of the glass hanging on the seamstress' wall? She looked different, glowing even. Nyonna beamed at the sight of her best friend in her ceremonial gown, "Oh! Lothestel! You look divine! The colour of the dress brings out the colour of your eyes!"

Lothestel was still awed by the sight of her person in the mirror, "I look so different. Do I not, Nyonna?"

Nyonna laughed, "You look the same my dear, only prettier and much more in love. Haldir would not be able to take his eyes away from you! I am sure of it!"

The gown was breath taking. It was the softest shade of lavender Lothestel has ever seen. The bodice was cut low and it hugged her breasts well without being overtly sensual; perfect for a bride on her wedding day. It hugged her perfectly down to her hips where it then flared into a beautiful cascading white tier of silk. The sleeves were fitted and it showed off her toned arm perfectly. There were beautiful rosettes around the neckline adorned with pearls and diamonds. She stood motionless and stared at herself for another moment.

The sound of Nyonna laughing ended her reverie, "Come on. We do not have all day to stare at your reflection in the mirror. We still need to see the florist to talk about the flowers for your hair."

Lothestel nodded and soon the two elleth were well on their way to finish their errands.

It was almost dark when Lothestel finally walked back to her quarters. She placed all her purchases on her bed and walked towards the window. She could see the light in her mother's room. There seemed to be another person with her and it dawned on her; it must be her father! Lothestel ran towards her mother's room and there she saw her father sitting by the fire place, "Father! I have missed you so!"

Thranduil stood up and embraced his daughter, "It has been a long time my child. I have missed you. Let me look at you properly. My...my... What a beautiful lady you have become!"

Lothestel blushed, "Oh, father. Stop teasing me. I am very much the same elleth."

Thranduil laughed, "No, you are not. Being in love suits you my darling daughter. Come, sit. I have much to tell you of the plans for your wedding ceremony. I would have wished to talk to both you and Haldir but I was informed that he is still on his way back. No matter. I trust you will convey my message to him when he returns?"

Lothestel mocked a surprised expression, "What? What makes you think I would pay him a visit today? It is getting dark, you know..."

Thranduil folded his arms across his chest but the look on his face was of mirth, "An elleth in love would go through walls to meet the love of her life and you are no different, my daughter. As it so happens, that is what your mother used to do all the time."

Thelenineth laughed, "Do not be telling her false stories my dear husband. Remember, I was not the rowdy one when we were younger."

"Oh, father!" Lothestel stood from her chair and gave her father a fleeting embrace, "Yes, I will convey the message father."

Thranduil held his daughter's hand and kissed it, "Come, we have much to discuss."

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Haldir reached his talan well after darkness had fallen across the land. He was exhausted but was very happy to be home. He placed his arrows on the table and made his way to his sleeping chamber. He took of his stained robes and wrapped a simple towel around his waist. He was eager for a dip in the pool for he hoped to be clean enough to meet Lothestel. During the brief meeting upon arriving in Lorien, Orophin told him of King Thranduil's arrival. He must be looking his best to meet his future in laws.

Haldir walked towards the pond near his talan. He made the pool with his brothers a few years back to provide them with an efficient way to wash. It was here where he could rest and talk to his brothers when all three of them were back in Caras Galadhon. But now, since both Orophin and Rumil had decided to move to their own talan, the pool was only used once in a while when Haldir needed a quiet place to bathe and think at the same time.

The moonlight shimmered across the pool. Water lilies were beginning to grow but for an almost neglected pool, it was still beautiful. The stones were covered with moss here and there. The water lilies added softness to the surrounding. Haldir dropped the towel and dipped his toes into the pool. The water was cool against his skin and not a moment too soon, Haldir submerged himself in its depths. He swam around the pool for a moment before resting his body near one of the stone bench in the pool. He closed his eyes and listened to the night creatures.

The rustling of trees and shrubs caught his attention and his eyes focused on the path leading towards the pool. Almost immediately he saw a figure of an elleth walking towards him. He could see that it was not Lothestel but Elwen. Haldir reached for his towel and wrapped it around his body, sensing the elleth coming closer. As he turned around, Elwen was standing before him, "Elwen! What brings you here?"

Elwen smiled; a smile that Haldir could only describe as questionable. Elwen walked closer to the Marchwarden, "I came to see you, Haldir." As she said that, Elwen trailed a finger across Haldir's broad chest.

Haldir stepped back, caution building inside him. If anyone were to see this encounter, many questions and accusations would arise, "What is it that you want Elwen? You cannot meet me like this. I am betrothed and you are with someone."

Elwen walked closer, letting her robe slid down her body. She was wearing a sheer gown and Haldir could make out the shape of her heaving bosom as she walked closer. Elwen smiled again, "Oh, Haldir. You know where my heart truly lies. It was been yours for a long time and no one could replace you."

"No, Elwen. I am devoted to Lothestel. I cannot betray her trust. I admit my intentions towards you in the beginning were honourable but now with this arrangement, I shall marry the Princess of Mirkwood," Haldir confessed to the elleth standing before him.

"Surely you do not mean that. You do not love her! You love me, Haldir! Me! You must know that I love you more than anything Haldir. That night when you came to my talan, I wanted so badly to tell you that I love you; to beg you not to marry this princess. Please Haldir!" Elwen swung her body forward and kissed Haldir hard on his mouth.

Haldir staggered backwards a little and the kiss caught him by surprise. He pried her hand from his neck and pushed Elwen away, "What part of the conversation did you..."

Haldir never managed to finish the sentence because standing near the path was Lothestel, with grief and betrayal etched on her face. She stood there, frozen; and tears were beginning to fall from her eyes. Haldir walked towards her and he was grateful Lothestel did not run or flinch from him, "Lothestel..."

The princess raised her hand and stopped Haldir, "There is nothing you can say that can remedy this. What is there to think when I see my betrothed standing in nothing but a towel with an elleth wearing such a gown where I can see the juncture between her legs? If you can find an answer to my question then I ask you this, what am I to think when I see my betrothed kissing another elleth only days before our wedding? No, Haldir. There is nothing you can say that will remedy this."

Tears were beginning to fall from her eyes earnestly. Haldir could feel the pain in his heart growing with each tear that fell, "No, it is nothing like that. I do not feel for Elwen. I love..."

"There is nothing you can say, that will remedy this... Sadly, I cannot back out from this marriage. I am the princess of Mirkwood and to tell my parents of this betrayal will only lead to your pain and death, Haldir. Three days from now, we shall be married. We will fulfil our duties as lord and lady but do not for a second Haldir, think I will forgive you for your betrayal..." Lothestel turned around and walked away.

But before she reached the end of the path, she turned around and looked at Haldir, "My father wishes to see you on the morrow. We shall not meet again until the day of the ceremony. Good night."

Haldir ran towards his betrothed, "Wait! Lothestel, please listen to me!" He managed to grab hold of her wrist and held her there, "I love you! Not her! Believe me!"

Lothestel wrenched her hand free, "NO! I trusted you! I was beginning to love you and now here I am, in this predicament where I see my future husband with another elleth, with her tongue down his throat! Tell me, if it was me you saw tonight half naked with another ellon, what would you do? You would not hesitate to kill me! So do not tell me you love me, because clearly you are lying!"

Lothestel ran as fast as she could towards her quarters. Tears were streaming down her eyes and the pain in her heart was unbearable. Once again the Valars sought to test her with Haldir's infidelity. Soon she would bind herself to an ellon who does not love her. Was it her fate to face all eternity alone and unloved?