The Time Dragon
Aisling hummed to herself as she relaxed in the tub a few days later, a soft smile coming over her face as the candles filling the room cast a warm glow. She stretched out slightly, happy that Haldir had gotten a rather large tub so that she wasn't cramped up.
And speaking of the devil.
"Do you intend to spend the entire night in here?" Haldir asked as he leaned against the doorway, his grey eyes fixed on her as the corners of his mouth tugged up slightly and his silver blonde hair hung loose around his shoulders.
"Maybe," she replied playfully, leaning on the edge of the tub and resting her chin on her arms. An impish smile came across her lips. "Why? You want to join me?"
"I do believe that you are the fiend, Aisling. Not I," he replied with a chuckle, though Aisling sat up with a satisfied smile as he stepped into the room, pulling his tunic off and dropping it onto the floor.
He then quickly pulled off the rest of his clothes, and climbed into the tub, causing a fair amount of the water to splash out in the process as he situated himself behind her. But finally Aisling was reclining against his chest as Haldir wrapped his arms around her.
"I've been thinking," Aisling said, turning to glance at him over her shoulder. He raised his eyebrows in question. "I think it's time."
"Time for what?" he asked, a momentary confusion coming over his expression.
"I think we need to start rejoining the world," Aisling said with a dramatic sigh. Haldir rolled his eyes and pulled her closer.
"It has been but a week," he murmured in her ear before starting to softly kiss her neck.
"Yea, but people are going to start to think we've died in here," she said with a content sigh.
"I highly doubt that, Aisling. They all know that we are newly wed," he replied. "Do you tire of me already?"
"Uh, nope. Far from it," Aisling said with a soft snort. "But we do need to moderate, I think. Just because we're married doesn't mean we should forget that we do have other friends."
"You have grown tired of me," Haldir said, straightening up and frowning slightly.
"Dear god, Hal. No," Aisling said with a laugh. "I'm pretty sure I could never get tired of you, though you do on occasion tire me out. But we should start being a bit more social, don't you think?"
Haldir sighed as he leaned back, pulling Aisling with him. He began to stroke her arms under the warm water.
"We have plenty of time to be social," he murmured, back to nuzzling her neck. "I wish to be greedy and keep you to myself for just a bit longer."
Aisling chuckled as she glanced at him.
"And you called me the fiend," she replied dryly.
"We shall not have another time like this, Aisling," Haldir said. "Soon enough we shall return to our normal lives and I will be taken from you for weeks at a time."
"Oh my god, you drama queen, I just want to go check in with Daella tomorrow and maybe have her and your brothers over for dinner. You'll still have me to yourself for a vast majority of the day," she retorted with a laugh. "Surely you can live with that."
Haldir was silent a few moments, though his ministrations continued. He now ran his fingers lightly up and down her arms, then across her abdomen. Aisling was starting to twitch slightly, fighting off the urge to jerk with every pass he made over her stomach.
"I suppose I could comply," he finally said. "I do need to share a few words with Orophin for his stunt the other day."
Aisling rolled her eyes, though she was still laughing.
"Do not beat the shit out of him, Hal," she ordered. It was Haldir's turn to roll his eyes.
"And what should I get in return for not... 'beating the shit out of him' as you so aptly put it," he said, which had Aisling rolling in laughter. Every so often he would adopt a few of her sayings and it would never stop being funny.
To hear something like that coming from the normally restrained and serious elf was just too much.
"You mock me," Haldir said dryly.
"I... do not..." Aisling wheezed as she continued to laugh. She then shrieked as Haldir's soft strokes turned into tickling and water began to splash violently out of the tub as Aisling twisted around, trying to get away from him.
But she was, after all, in a tub. With no escape.
"Okay! Okay! You win!" Aisling shouted.
Haldir stopped, smirking down Aisling as she attempted to catch her breath. She couldn't help but smile as she reached up and tucked his long hair behind one ear, her fingertips running lightly over the pointed edge. He shuddered at the touch, his eyes darkening.
In one swift movement, Haldir was standing with Aisling in his arms, water dripping everywhere as he stepped out of the tub and continued towards their bedroom, leaving a trail of water puddles behind them.
"Tomorrow we shall be social. But tonight, you are all mine..."
OOOO
"I do hope there is no trouble in paradise," Daella said as she walked at Aisling's side the next day, her arm looped through hers.
"No, no trouble. Just thought it would be good to get some fresh air. And well, remember that we do have friends and lives outside of each other," Aisling said with a chuckle as they made their way through Galadriel's garden at a leisurely pace.
"Pray tell, just where is your husband?" Daella asked. Aisling couldn't help but smile.
God, she loved hearing that. Or saying it. My husband.
"He's off with your boyfriend, I believe," Aisling replied, smirking at the seamstress.
"Please," Daella said, rolling her eyes, though her cheeks turned slightly pink. "You may try, but I do not foresee that particular vernacular catching in Lorien."
"Okay... your... suitor?" Aisling then said. "Soon-to-be betrothed? Woo-er? Future husband?"
"By the Valar, I should send you to your husband to be punished for your impertinent tongue," Daella jested. Aisling just shrugged.
"Try it. Pretty sure all that would do is just encourage me to act out more," she replied, waggling her eyebrows. While Daella still did not always understand everything Aisling said, she was well versed in knowing when the mortal woman was making a naughty joke.
"You, Aisling, are incorrigible," Daella said, laughing at her.
"No, I'm just married to a really amazing elf... in sooo many ways," Aisling replied. "But seriously... how are things with Rumil?"
"He has escorted me for walks around the city," Daella said. "Brought me flowers the other day again. Oh, and I dined with him and Orophin just the other night." She then stopped and turned to Aisling. "Tell me Orophin did not seriously intrude on you the day after the wedding."
Aisling rolled her eyes and continued on walking, pulling Daella with her.
"Let's just say we now always lock the front door," she replied. "But back to you. You are leaving something out, aren't you." Daella blushed. "Aha! I knew it!"
"I do not know of what you speak," Daella said, her tone a bit haughty. But they both knew it was a lost cause. Aisling just grinned at her like the cat that caught the canary. "Very well... we have... confessed our feelings for one another."
"And... what did you say?" Aisling asked. Daella huffed and shot her a scowl, though it was tempered by a wide grin.
"We confessed that there is no other. He said that he loved me and I returned it... in so many words," she said. Aisling squealed loudly, causing a few others that were also walking around the gardens to stop and look in their direction. Daella glanced around in shock, then swatted Aisling playfully on the arm. "Temper yourself."
"Sorry, I'm just so happy for you!" Aisling gushed. Daella chuckled as they began walking again. "So, when you gettin' married?"
"We have not yet spoken of that," Daella said, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "Though I should hope that we do not wait too long for our betrothal ceremony."
Aisling stopped and hugged Daella, still a bit overcome and mushy with all the love in the air (wow, getting married had really changed her). But Daella had become something of a best friend in the last several months and Aisling was truly happy for her and Rumil. They had been pining for each other for far too long, in Aisling's opinion.
Not to mention, she would get to plan another wedding. Doing the Halloween feast and then helping put together her own had shown Aisling that she really did love putting on events. And that thankfully she had found a place for it here in Lorien. Yes, she was having to adapt, but it was a welcomed challenge, much like sewing and making clothes by hand had been.
"Looks like I'm not the only one getting happily ever after," Aisling said with a happy sigh as they began walking again.
"You and your fairy tales," Daella replied, rolling her eyes slightly though she was still grinning. "But let us not speak of my glad tidings further. Just when shall we expect the pitter patter of tiny feet? I should very much like to be a godmother sooner rather than later."
Aisling snorted, though her cheeks began to color just a bit. Though really she should have expected it. This was Daella, after all. She was bound to bring up kids at some point. And it's not like it wasn't obvious just why Aisling and Haldir had barely left their home since the wedding.
"Oh, I don't know..."
"I should think not long," Daella replied, giving the human woman a sly look "Seeing that this is the first I have caught sight of you since the night you were wed over a week ago."
"Honestly, we haven't really talked about it a whole lot," Aisling said airily. Which was true.
Though she couldn't help but glance down at her flat belly. Aisling hadn't really given it much thought since the fleeting moment at the wedding when she thought she wouldn't mind having children with Hal. She then came to a stop, realizing she very well could get pregnant rather easily. It wasn't as though she had been able to bring her birth control pills with her when she arrived in Middle Earth and had been off of them for long enough before the wedding. Granted she wasn't sure how it was with elves in that regard. Did it take long to get pregnant since she was human? Or did Haldir have some sort of super elf sperm?
Holy shit, what if she was pregnant right now?
Aisling's eyes widened slightly, but she then found herself smiling slightly as her hand rested on her stomach. Much like their wedding night, she found she wouldn't mind it at all if she was (though she didn't want to think too hard about childbirth just yet... it terrified her in her own world and Aisling was pretty sure she was going to have nightmares about it here without the aid of epidurals). Children would definitely make life a bit more complicated, but that was fine.
It would be complicated, but fuller, she decided.
"Why Aisling, I believe you are glowing," Daella said, pulling her out of her thoughts. Aisling glanced at her and then continued walking, though she was smiling.
"We don't know anything," she replied. "We've only been married a week."
"We do not know yet," Daella pushed.
"You're going to keep us talking about babies, aren't you?" Aisling asked with a sigh.
"I think Aelrindel is a beautiful name..."
OOOO
"Look, Rumil! It 'tis true! Our elder brother is indeed alive," Orophin called out as Haldir approached him and Rumil on the training grounds. Haldir narrowed his eyes slightly, already sensing that they were garnering more attention than he cared to receive. "Tell us, brother, how is wedded bliss? Unless there is something the matter and that is the reason you are seeking us rather than drowning in Aisling's beautiful b-"
"Do not. Finish that," Haldir said, cutting him off as he frowned at Orophin.
The elf only chuckled as he dropped into a bow.
"It is as you wish," he replied cheekily.
"What does bring you here this day? I would have assumed you would be-" Rumil stopped speaking a moment as Haldir looked in his direction, an eyebrow raised. "Preoccupied."
"Aisling wished to visit with Daella, so I felt I should get some air," he said. "Make sure that the Galadhrim are not falling apart without my guidance."
"Must you always think so little of us?" Orophin whined. He then stopped, taking in the small smile on his brother's face. His eyes widened. "Dear me, is Haldir making a jest?"
"I believe so," Rumil said, now smiling. Orophin looked around the field frantically and then looked straight up at the sky.
"I should think the world is ending," he said. Haldir only shook his head and chuckled, unable to hide his amusement at his brother's antics. "Look, he smiles and laughs at me yet again."
"Being married bodes well for you," Rumil said, an amused look on his face.
"And soon enough it shall bode well for you," Orophin declared, slapping Rumil on the back and sending him stumbling forward. Haldir's eyebrows rose slightly in surprise as he glanced towards Orophin and then settled his grey eyes on his youngest brother.
Rather than fumble with his words or attempt to change the subject, Rumil only beamed in happiness.
"I have confessed my affections to Daella," he proclaimed. "We have yet to discuss our betrothal, but I do not wish to wait much longer."
"See what you miss when you are wrapped up in the arms of your wife?" Orophin asked. Haldir shot him a look, but then smiled at Rumil.
"I am happy for you, brother. I do wish all the best for you and Daella," he said. "And I am most certain Aisling will be pleased with this news."
"I must thank her next I see her. For it was with her intervention that I was able to build up the courage to speak my true mind to Daella," Rumil said. "Daella has said it is much the same with her."
Haldir did balk slightly at that. He had encouraged Aisling not to intervene and allow Fate to run its course, but it seemed perhaps he had been misguided in this.
"You shall have your chance this night. Aisling wishes that you both join us for dinner at our home," Haldir said. Both Orophin and Rumil seemed pleased with the invitation.
"We shall be there," Rumil said, speaking for the both of them.
"Now, brother, let us see just how your battle skills fare," Orophin said, already pulling out his sword from his sheath and swinging it around easily.
"It has been just a week. Surely you do not think me rusty already," Haldir replied with a smirk.
"You are a married elf, barely a week wed. I am predicting your response time has been affected in some way," Orophin replied.
Haldir chuckled as he unsheathed his sword and continued towards his younger brother, eager to show that he was still the more superior fighter. One did not become marchwarden without proven skill, after all.
OOOO
Haldir grimaced slightly as he quickly made his way up the stairs to meet with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, his body aching more than he would care to admit. He had been returning to his home after a rather rousing sparring session with Orophin (in which he was loathed to admit, but Orophin had very nearly bested him), when one of their advisors had approached him, saying they required his presence this instant. He hoped that the elven rulers only wished to inquire after him and Aisling so that he could hurry home to Aisling's healing hands before the others arrived for dinner that night.
"My lord, my lady," he said as he bowed before them and slowly rose.
"I do apologize for interrupting your time with your new wife," Lady Galadriel said, her expression betraying nothing of which she would speak on. "But we felt it was too great of importance to wait until you returned to your duties to speak with you."
"I do hope that you will keep this in your confidence for the time being," Celeborn added. "We do not wish to raise too much concern until more is known."
Haldir did not react outwardly, though he felt a sinking feeling enter his stomach. In his happiness, he had forgotten of the troubles that threatened to plague Arda. It seemed they had finally arrived. Though he would not allow it to show, part of him feared that his days with Aisling would be far less than he had hoped.
"The one ring has been found by a hobbit of the Shire," Lady Galadriel said, a grave note entering her voice. "A council has met in Imladris and a fellowship will be formed to destroy the ring."
Haldir stood silently. Normally, he would not despair at such news and volunteer to join such a journey before it was asked of him. But now he truly wished and prayed to the Valar that Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were not about to charge him with representing Lorien on this fellowship.
He did not wish to leave Aisling and knew there was no way she would be able to join him as it would be a far more dangerous journey than the one that brought them here. Aisling was no warrior.
But Haldir was the marchwarden of Lorien. So he swallowed his fear and did not shy away from meeting the gazes of his sovereigns.
"What is it that you would wish for me to do?" he asked formally.
"For now, keep a keen eye on our borders. Increase the patrols. It is yet unknown how or when the enemy might move against us," Lord Celeborn said.
"The fellowship has yet to form and the future has yet to reveal itself. We must be cautious and alert," Lady Galadriel added. "I only sent for you because I wished for you to be informed and prepared when you return to your duties."
Haldir bowed to them, relief coursing through his veins. He did not have to leave Aisling. At least not just yet. He prayed that this coming darkness would stay beyond the borders of Lorien so that he would never have to leave her. But a small part of his mind worried about the future regardless. For if this fellowship was not successful, it very well could mean the end of everything in Arda.
"I will do my best to keep our borders safe," he said.
"Very well. You may take your leave. Do give Aisling our love," Lady Galadriel said.
Haldir nodded and then turned, quickly leaving the throne room, though he slowed as he descended the stairs to the forest floor. His mind returned to the news he had just received. The ring of power had been found. Thankfully it was not in the hands of the enemy, but Sauron would no doubt be searching for it, putting whoever should bear it in grave peril.
For a moment, Haldir was glad that it was not him who should take on this task, but then shame pulsed through him over such a thought. As a warrior, he should be willing to face any danger to protect those he loved. But in doing that, he would be taken away from Aisling.
One week. They had been wed only one week and this news should come. It was possibly the beginning of the end, if things should go wrong. True, he and the rest of the elves could sail for Valinor where they would be safe. But Aisling was mortal. She could not go. Haldir knew in that circumstance, he would rather stay and die with Aisling than to abandon her and live forever.
Or perhaps this worry was all for naught. There was still hope that the fellowship would be successful. That these troubles would not darken their borders.
Haldir stopped abruptly, not realizing that he had already reached his home, so lost in his musings and worries. He heard laughter from within and stepped over, peering through one of the front windows.
Orophin and Rumil were seated at the table, laughing loudly as Daella glared at Orophin. His hand was to his cheek, signifying that he had likely said something that had earned him a well-deserved slap from the seamstress.
Then Aisling walked into the room from the kitchen, a pitcher of wine in her hands and a grin on her face. Haldir could not breathe for a moment as he drank in the sight of her. The way her eyes crinkled slightly when she smiled. How despite her best efforts, her hair never seemed to stay in the fastenings that she used to hold it back. Tendrils were always pulling free around her face. Her blue eyes that were twinkling in happiness.
His eyes traveled down her body before coming to a rest at her midsection. They had yet to create new life. Would they get such a chance?
Haldir looked away, frowning as he gave himself a mental shake. Danger was not yet breathing down their necks. There was no telling how long it would take for anything to reach them, if it ever did. They were perfectly safe within Lorien and would live a long (well, relatively) happy life together with hopefully children someday. There was no need to be melodramatic just yet.
He then walked to the door, pushing it open as a smile came over his face. Aisling had just put the pitcher down and then turned, grinning at him. Without a word, she quickly walked over and threw her arms around his neck, planting a firm kiss upon his lips.
"You're late," she said, though she was still smiling.
"My most humblest of apologies, my lady," he replied. Aisling rolled her eyes and let go of him, turning back to the others.
"Oh, it's fine. You get to do the dishes as penance," she said lightly as she walked towards the kitchen.
"Haldir washes dishes?" Orophin called out. "Never have I seen the day..."
"I do a great many things that you have not seen," Haldir retorted, shooting a smirk at Orophin as he caught up to Aisling, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her back to him.
"What? Hal!" she whined slightly. "I need to finish dinner."
He kissed her cheek and then nuzzled her neck a moment before pushing her forward into the kitchen.
"I shall assist," he said.
"Behave, you two" Orophin called out.
Haldir glanced down at Aisling, the two meeting eyes a moment before they spoke as one.
"Shut up, Orophin!"
OOOO
UPDATE - 1/22/2020: Hi! So I'm realizing that I didn't do such a hot job on editing these last few chapters (well, some of them) before posting them, so I'm currently going through and giving them all a really good read-over and editing. Which means I'll be reposting them. So far, I've completely this chapter, but I will post a little update note, so you'll know if it's been reposted or not.
Thanks!
Rubberduckiez
OOOO
So, I'm nearly finished with Chapter 30, which means only one more chapter left to write! Or well, perhaps. I'm currently debating on whether I should add another chapter after Chapter 30. For… reasons… that I can talk about more after I post the next chapter. I am trying to ease into the drama, but I feel like another chapter would just be filler and I want to get the story really going in the run-up to the end. A lot of questions are answered in what is currently Chapter 32, and I don't want to put that off too much. But then I went and made Chapter 29 more dramatic than I had initially planned… eh, whatever. As I said. Once we get to Chapter 32, I'm posting everything in one go so you can get through it without anxiety attacks or anything. Ah, but that means I need to get to work on the addition to the last chapter that I had in mind and the possible bonus chapter for AO3 after Chapter 31 (which I'm still not sure I want/should write…)
Oddity Empress – Oh, that would… Maybe I could do a companion short or something? Not sure if I could fit it into this story as we're getting close to the end… But such a good idea!
Pat (Guest) – I know, but did we expect anything less from Orophin? Haha, Aisling most certainly has created a monster… and well, Haldir has done his part as well. And we'll see about the bonus chapter. I need to write the chapter just before it first and figure out what the feeling is like…
Ponytail Goddess – Yes, oh Orophin… As you can see, Aisling is most definitely happy with it. And yea, a choice is coming… But all I'm going to say….
Thanks everyone for reading and following! Whew, this story has turned out to be much more of a journey than I thought it would be…
