D/C: I do not own nor profit from JRR Tolkiens works or characters.
A/N: Well, we are getting closer! Thank you to MrsJohnReese, AlishaCorral123 and TheParanoidGraverobber for your reviews. I always love to read them (and hopefully I respond to them all!) I always love the R/R's, and I hope you enjoy this chapter! A lot of this was already written, but much was added and edited, so hopefully it doesn't come out TOO terrible. :).
"Brother?" Haldir stirred to his brothers' voice. "Haldir, did you…?" Haldir wearily wiped his eyes, and looked around him. His brother, Rumil, was crouching behind Berri, who was tucked on her side neatly pressed against Haldir, watching her with great intensity.
"What? No, we did not, and I would thank you not to stare also." Haldir blinked rapidly as pulled his cape up around Berri's shoulders before she stirred. He simply looked down and kissed her forehead, running his fingers through her hair. For a moment he forgot his brother was even there, falling back into a moment where it was just himself and Berri.
"Give me some time, Rumil, I will join you in a bit." He didn't even look up at his brother, but just gently pet her until she opened her eyes. "Mm, good morning, did you sleep well?" She groaned, looking up at him and stretching deeply. He bit his lip as her nipple peeked out from beneath the cloth.
"In fact, I did." He leaned down and kissed her gently. "But we cannot tarry here." With great reluctance, he groped around for her forgotten clothes, handing them to her so she may dress. Rumil was likely still nearby in the woods, possibly watching the two of them. Unfortunately, he was the less mature brother, and would likely comment on her body for years, or at least until Haldir took her hand.
After a quick splash in the face to wake her up, she turned to Haldir. ""Haldir, are there inns or accommodations in the city?" She had been wondering where she would stay in Lorien. Surely she could not impose upon Haldir, but she didn't know if she felt like camping for however long it would take Gandalf to arrive.
"We often have talans for travelers and honored guests in the city. I will even escort you there myself. I'm sure the Lord and Lady would like to behold you." He smiled. "They will have someone take you to your living quarters. It is likely you may get a homelier talan than many guests, as Mithrandir often takes his time in these matters."
After gathering their things, and giving Sadiki some apples, Haldir helped Berri into the saddle, and climbed up behind her. Together, they rode slowly as Haldir held the reigns, telling her about his home and of the people again. She was most taken by the golden leaves that appeared overhead the further into the forest they got. She listened as she took in her surroundings, enjoying the sound of his voice. Indeed it had a glow about it. She leaned back into his armored chest, and watched the trees pass them by.
"How long do you plan on staying?" Haldir finally asked her, steeling himself for her answer.
"I do not yet know. I suppose until I find what I am looking for at least." She sighed. "I must say… I…" she was cut off by Haldir pointing to the large gates of the city.
He dismounted and held the reigns beside Sadiki, guiding them into the city. As they crossed through, Berri looked around at a vast city built up in the trees. Trees that were much larger than any she had encountered at home, so big around, she could build a home within the trunk. A golden hue wrapped the city in comforting warmth, and a sweet song clung in the air. "Haldir, this is amazing." She murmured.
"This is my home. It would seem the Lord and Lady has come to meet us." She looked and saw a very elegant elf, with long wavy golden hair standing with another elf, which in contrast, had brunette locks. These were not the only elves who had stopped to watch her. From a distance, another pair of eyes watched her arrival into the city.
"We have been waiting a long time for you, Beriadanwen." Galadriel smiled, startling Berri with her words, and the gentleness of her voice. "Haldir, we will take her from here, you may return to the borders to finish your tasks. Do not worry, she will be safe here." The woman smiled kindly to him. Haldir bowed to her, and turned to Berri giving her a slight, knowing smile before leaving. To part from her now was hard. He had spent so long waiting to see her again, holding out hope she was still out there somewhere. Now here she was, and yet he was to leave her again. He took a deep breath and departed, relying on the hope of seeing her upon his return to get him through this next absence.
Berri was led up the stairs around the main tree. The stairs were canopied by a sheer draping that hung almost like spider webs. They came to a large platform landing, where a blue light radiated. "We have long expected your arrival, Beriadanwen." The woman said again. "I am Galadriel, Lady of the Light, and this is my husband, Celeborn, Lord of Lothlorien." They stood side by side before her, as she bowed deeply.
"I am deeply humbled to stand before you, my Lord, and my Lady." She spoke.
"We know what you have been seeking. Mithrandir was correct to send you here." Celeborn stated. Berri finally found the strength to stand upright, cradling her helm in one arm, and the other on the hilt of her blade. "We will provide you with accommodations; Haldir will be back from his patrols within the week. We have assigned Feredir to show you around for now. Feredir will show you to your talan, for surely you must be weary from your travels. Go now and rest. We will discuss more later." Celeborn spoke with a slight grin. Berri bowed once more, and took her leave to follow the young elf to her new temporary residence.
It was a little different than Rivendell. The talan was breezier, and was not as rustic as the other ones. There was a moderate living area with a chaise, and a chair, with a medium sized desk, a tall full bookcase and a few lanterns. She looked into the bedroom where she saw a large bed. It was not too high off of the ground, and wide with what looked to be very plush blankets. The headboard was an intricate carving of an elleth who she did not recognize. On the wall was a long dresser a shelf and in the corner by the bed, was another chair. In another room was a large basin of water with a few shelves of oils and lathers, types she recognized from Rivendell, others were new to her.
"I hope these are acceptable for you." Galadriel smiled as the girl turned quickly, watching her nearly jump out of her skin.
"Yes, my Lady, this talan is plenty for my needs. I thank you for your kindness." She was startled by the sudden presence of the elf, not hearing anybody approach.
"I see your heart aches, young one. This does not have to be so. Haldir will understand." Galadriel smiled kindly to Berri as she stepped closer. Berri first thought to deny her feelings, but if Galadriel already knew, then it was no point in hiding anything. Had she known Feredir was still listening on the outside of the Talan, perhaps she would have opted to speak another time on the matter.
"It does ache, and I fear I have a choice to make. I just fear the end. Galadriel, I am mortal. Haldir is not. If anything were to happen, I would be saddened to think he would carry on for so long after my death. I find solace in my death, should he precede me, however, I do not follow to Mandos. I think that's what you call it, at least that's how I understand it from what Haldir has told me. At home, it is different." Berri twisted a bit of hair that was not pulled back.
Galadriel turned to her. "You are not home now, Beriadanwen, you are here, and not everything is destined to end the way you imagine they will." With nothing else said, she left Berri to unpack her belongings.
Berri did just that. She began to put her things away into their places, when she came across her fathers boxes, she felt a pang of guilt. A side of her wanted to see their contents finally, but the other side told her it wasn't right, still feeling a sting of shame for their last encounter. She slid them in her top drawer and unpacked her other clothes. She mostly had leggings and tunics, aside from a pair of boots, and undergarments and nightgowns. Even then, she mostly slept in her tunic. As for her armor, she chose to retire it for the time being.
After the evening meal, Berri was led back to her talan where a warm bath and a comfortable bed were waiting for her. But even after the bath, and after she was curled into bed, something was missing. She didn't have the familiar body of Haldir pressed against her. Berri sighed. The previous night had been intense for her. While she and Haldir had laid together in Rivendell, never had they been bare, just inches from penetration. But Berri couldn't deny that feeling his length against her stirred feelings inside of her. The cravings she had been suppressing were surfacing with might. Even as she lay in bed, she could feel the heat in her core rising, her nether-lips slick as she shifted. She gripped her pillow tightly, as she squeezed her thighs together, wishing in that moment that Haldir was there to help her relieve the feelings her body was experiencing. She knew what she needed to do when Haldir came back to her. With her body aching, she fell into an uneasy sleep, no matter how comfortable her bed was.
Her first few days were filled with settling into Caras Galadhon. Feredir walked with Berri everyday to show her about the city, though Haldir had told her so much already. He showed her where to take her clothing to be cleaned, the customs for their evening meals, and different evening activities such as the dancing and singing they would partake in. Feredir was tall, with light brown hair, and always wore his bow slung over his shoulder. He usually wore a deep tan tunic with light brown leggings, and brown hunting boots. Berri herself wore a green tunic with brown leggings and brown boots to move easily through the woods when they would leave the city.
"So how did you meet Haldir?" Feredir asked her on the third day as they sat near a creek eating lunch. He hadn't mentioned Haldir much in their few days together, catching her off guard. Feredir had been waiting to see if she would bring him up herself, but when she did not, his curiosity won out.
"Well, we met in Rivendell, and trained one another." She nodded, thinking back to the first few days of their meeting. There was something in Feredir's tone that made Berri shift.
"So, what are you now?" He popped a grape into his mouth, emitting a little crunch as his teeth came together.
"What do you mean?" Berri asked as she shifted again, but this time uncomfortably, sipping her wine. It felt less like innocent questions, and more like an interrogation by the way he asked the questions.
"Well, are you friends or do you intend to bond with one another?" He let out a little smirk, watching how uneasy Berri was becoming.
"Well, uh, I guess we are just friends." She shrugged, a blush coming across her cheeks. But Feredir knew better. The moment he had spoken his name, her pupils dilated a little bit, her lips plumping. Minute changes that he picked up on. It didn't hurt that he had already heard of Berri from Rumil back when Haldir first returned from Rivendell. He and Rumil had laughed heartily over a ewer of wine about how Haldir had finally found interest in a woman, a human one no less. Had Feredir known just what Berri looked like, he may not have laughed so heartily. The moment he saw her led through the gates atop her noble steed, he was struck. It was no wonder why Haldir was drawn to her, and speaking with her over the last few days only solidified his understanding.
Now, Feredir was far younger than Haldir, more lithe and spry. Unfortunately, patience was not in his nature. He was an elf that demanded instant gratification, not long term satisfaction. It was this quality that Haldir had seen in him, and it was the same quality that told him to tell Feredir that he would not be taken on as a soldier. His deep desire to protect the borders had been dashed the day he went to train with the other prospects. Haldir walked up and down the row of aspirants, scrutinizing each of them. Feredir was undoubtedly the best one out there on the field, but he was passed over. No doubt, Feredir was enraged after the passion he had displayed on the field. He had challenged Haldir then and there to a fight for his rank, because he knew he was the better fighter, and would be the better leader. Haldir embarrassed him that day, when he pinned him to the ground, his blade to Feredir's neck. Haldir proved to himself he made a good choice in refusing Feredir, for he made many grave mistakes while blinded by anger and determination, which led to his ultimate failure.
Feredir grew warm with anger as he remembered that day. No, Haldir did not deserve a young woman such as Berri. Besides, he was old, and far too seasoned to bond with anybody now. But with Haldir's attention on the borders, it gave him a chance to get to know Berri without the disruptive thoughts of the Marchwarden.
"Perhaps you should come with me to the archery grounds tomorrow. I can help you with your bow." He took her hand into his, running his thumb over her soft palms and fingertips. "No callouses. Perhaps you have become soft in the art." He chuckled.
"I can assure you I am not too soft with the bow." Berri smiled, taking her hand back. She could feel his heat as he touched her, his hands slightly trembling. "But I suppose there would be no harm in going to the archery pitch tomorrow. Who knows, I may even teach you something." She teased, laughing. Her delight was cut short by the dark glower that shrouded Feredirs face.
"I am sure there is very little you'd ever be able to teach me in the art of archery." He growled, his hand balling up into a fist.
"I meant no offence, it was only a joke." Berri leaned away from him, unsure of his temperament. "I think I should be going back now…" Berri stood up quickly, heading towards the city gates. Feredir's sudden change bothered her. She did not know anybody there, and suddenly felt very isolated and alone with his irritable elf.
Feredir caught up with ease, linking his elbow with hers as her arm swung. "I apologize. I just, sometimes I forget you are human, and do not know our ways. I pride myself on my skill is all. Come, I will take you back."
Berri pulled away from him, not caring for the nearness of this elf, her personal space feeling violated.
"Why do you pull away from me?" Feredir stopped, taking a firm grip on her upper arm. Berri had to pause, taming her own flaring temper.
"I am not comfortable Feredir, and your grip is hurting me." She gritted. "Let me go before you regret it." Her voice lowered to a rumble, her eyes locked onto his. "I have been patient with you, now let me go." Feredir was testing her patience now, as he adjusted his fingers. He brought his other hand up to the side of her face, tucking a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. She felt his fingers trail down her neck, to her collarbone with no intention of stopping. With his hands occupied she took the opportunity to give him an upward heel to the nose.
"AHH! By the Valar! What the…?!" Feredir stumbled back, holding his nose, blood already dripping down the sides of his hands and wrists.
"I told you to let me go!" Berri snapped before running towards the gates of the city. She had spent enough time entertaining Feredir, and wanted to feel the comfort of her own room away from him. To be honest, he was scaring her. She shuddered at the thought of Feredir touching her, or what he may have done had she not possibly broken his nose. His temper was rising, she could tell, but she knew not what beast she was dealing with.
The gates provided sanctuary for her as she burst through, headed towards her talan. She was so focused on her destination, she hadn't even noticed the elf that was crossing her path until it was too late. With a heavy crash, they collided, breaking Berri from her tunnel vision.
"Oh my goodness, I'm sorry! Are you okay?" She spoke with a shaky voice, hoping she didn't do any damage.
"I must be better than you." The elf rolled over with a grunt.
"Haldir, I thought you were still out on the borders!" She exclaimed, scrambling to her feet to help him up. "What are you doing back so soon?"
"I've been given a brief reprieve. I have a few days here, but I'll be back at the borders soon enough, possibly for a longer stint." He took her hand, standing before her with a smirk, reaching up to pick a leaf out of her hair. "What has you in such a hurry anyways?" He noticed her flushed cheeks.
As she opened her mouth, she saw Feredir over Haldir's shoulder entering the city holding his nose, anger strewn across his features. His eyes were almost black as he sneered at a passing elf. "I'd rather not say here." She turned away quickly, continuing her rush back to her talan. Without needing to be told, Haldir followed her. Something was going on, and he wouldn't feel right unless he knew. He just barely caught her entering her talan as the tips of her hair wisped through the door. A lucky move, as he would not have otherwise known where to find her. She didn't wait for him to knock, urging him to hurry inside to which he obliged. He watched her pace back and forth in her common area, her hands shaking.
"What has happened to get you so upset?" Haldir stepped closer to her, grabbing her by the shoulders, gently rubbing them in hopes to calm her.
"That… That Feredir that's been showing me around is what has me so upset!" She muffled her yell, using her hands to emphasize her anger. Haldir nodded with sudden understanding. "I just, I did not appreciate his advances. At least they felt like advances. And I certainly didn't like him grabbing me the way he did!" She pulled away from Haldir to continue pacing. "He-, something is off about-"
"How did he grab you?" Haldir inquired, cutting her off. He knew enough about Feredir to know he would not trust him with any sort of woman around. He, just like his own brother, was not very mature for an elf. He was also quick to anger, and overly aggressive. Berri lifted her sleeve to show the reddened marks where Feredir had grabbed her.
"It's nothing big, he just got too hands on." She gritted. "I um, had to retaliate, unfortunately. I feel bad about it, but I couldn't handle it anymore." She finally stopped pacing, rubbing her arms as the adrenaline wore off. She let out a frustrated puff of air.
"What did you do?" Haldir cocked a brow, greatly interested,
"I may have broken his nose." She gave him a nervous pout, afraid that perhaps she had crossed a line she shouldn't have. Her mind flicked to the idea of rotting in a prison not even Haldir could save her from for her crime. Haldir threw his head back with a laugh. "So you aren't upset with me then?" She raised a brow.
"I am only upset I wasn't there to see that. Feredir and I have never seen eye to eye. However, to see him put in his place would have been a golden moment for me." Haldir chuckled, pulling Berri in for a hug. "But enough about him, I am just happy to be back here with you for a few days." He rested his cheek on top of her head as her arms wrapped around his waist.
"Which reminds me, I thought you were going to be gone for a while; so why the change?" She leaned back to look at him.
"I am not entirely sure. Perhaps the Lord and Lady will have some need of me while I am here. But I will be back on the borders for a week or more soon I'm sure." He rested a hand on her cheek, smiling softly to feel how smooth her skin was under his hand.
"Will you spend this time with me as much as you can then?" She tempted, hoping to have some of his time. Haldir chuckled with a shake of his head.
"I will certainly make time for you." He leaned down, kissing her with the comfort that only he could bring. "I need to spend time with you. One night doesn't cut it for me." He grinned into her lips. His hands ran up her waist, gently kneading at her skin with desire. He took a deep breath as her soft moan broke the silence.
"Haldir, will you come and stay with me tonight?" She gently stroked his neck. "Please?" Her moaning plea sealed it for him.
"I will return after the evening meal. This I promise." He groaned as a shiver ran down his spine. "But for now, just stay in here and relax. Feredir may need some time to cool off." He laughed. With that he took his leave, happy to be back if only for a few days.
His own talan was not far from hers, and there he returned for a bath and a change of clothing as was habit for the elf when he came back from patrols. He was concerned by the story he had heard from his almost lover. Feredir had grabbed her violently, just a reminder of his temperament. That he could not be trusted to hold his composure when things did not go his way, nor could he be trusted to be any sort of protector, when he had violent tendencies towards those he would be sworn to protect and the allies of their city. If any had noticed that Haldir's cheeks were burning with anger, nobody mentioned it as he passed them by. Indeed, any rough hand laid upon her angered him.
"Brother! I hear your beauty has come at last!" Orophin ran to catch up to him, leaving his wife's side. He had returned to the city the day Berri arrived. "Carry on my love; I will be with you soon!" He called back to her. She nodded with a smile and went on towards their talan. Haldir stopped to wait for Orophin.
"Aye, she has finally made it back here." Haldir gave a small smile as Orophin stopped before him.
"Well, Rumil has gotten to see her, so when is it my turn then?" He patted the oldest brother on the shoulder. "I've heard tell from some others that she is a bit of a firecracker." He chuckled.
"Oh? And pray tell who would be saying such things?" Haldir cocked a brow, turning back towards his home.
"Well, for starters, some at the dining hall had spoken of it. It would seem they got the story from Feredir's own lips." He gave his brother a knowing look even though Haldir did not respond.
"Yes, well sometimes we bring our fortunes upon ourselves, do we not?" Haldir gritted. "But nevertheless, I will escort Beriadanwen to breakfast tomorrow morning, where I will formally introduce her."
"As your mate?" Orophin teased, though there was a kernel of truth in there.
"As an ally to Lorien, and a personal friend to me." Haldir snapped. He took a deep breath, pulling his brother into his talan, closing the door quickly. "Look, Orophin. What Beriadanwen and I are is a private matter between me and her. I wish not to disclose to the realm our relation." He hissed at him. Orophin nodded in understanding.
"Brother, I would not disclose it to anybody without your consent. But I must ask you, as your brother, what your intention with her is." Orophin lowered his voice, looking into his brothers eyes.
"Honestly, I do not yet know." Haldir shook his head. "But we will speak of this another time. For now, my bath awaits me, and your wife awaits you." He looked back with a smile, hoping not to have to answer any more questions. But what was to come, would complicate any answer he had at the moment.