Before becoming a father, the marchwarden never thought anything would become more important to him than his duty to the realm. That changed instantly when his daughter Ellie arrived in his life. Haldir loved watching her sleep, not only because the silence was a welcome respite, but because it allowed him a moment to marvel at the tiny life he had helped create. Ellie had become the center of his world. Haldir was acutely aware of the power of his love towards his child, he'd do anything for her, it was a natural instinct.

The marchwarden was still the most formidable soldier in the Galadhrim, but outside of his uniform, he was now a devoted father. There had been no hesitation in immersing himself in parenting. The first few months were a blur of midnight feedings, diaper changes, and crying. Haldir had enjoyed every moment of it. He was also grateful for all the people in his life who had stepped in to help. His sisters in law had been indispensable for giving him advice.

Presently, Haldir was heating up some milk. It was early morning, he knew Ellie would awaken soon. As he carefully poured the steaming milk into the bottle to cool, he braced himself for what was to come later in the day. He'd be handing Ellie back to Lauren and Michael. The child had stayed with him for the last week, and it was time for her to return to Earth. The arrangement had been working well. Ellie was spending the majority of her time on Earth, interspersed with visits with Haldir. It was easy when she was still a baby, but as Ellie was now becoming a toddler and more aware of being shuttled between two homes, she was beginning to express her displeasure at the situation.

"Ada?" his daughter called from behind him. She was standing in front of the door to her bedroom, still in her pyjamas, holding her bear.

"Ellie, you're up early" Haldir smiled.

"I'm hungry" the child huffed.

Haldir cocked an eyebrow. Ellie had inherited her mother's temperament. "I've put out some pastries and your milk is cooling."

Ellie smiled and hopped onto a chair at the kitchen table. She was soon taking a bite out of a bun. Haldir regarded his daughter carefully, she seemed contented with the breakfast offerings. He had gone to great lengths to ensure she would be happy when she was with him. He had asked Lauren for Ellie's favorite meals, so he could learn to cook them before each visit. So far, the child hadn't asked any questions about why she had to split her time between two worlds. At the beginning of every visit, she was usually shy towards him. He gave her space to warm up to him, which she always did. He worried greatly each time she visited that their relationship may not have survived the interluding time, so far, it had.

The afternoon rolled around too quickly for Haldir's liking. Before he wanted to, he found himself bringing Ellie to the portal. He was holding her backpack, while she dawdled behind him.

"Ellie, we're going to be late" Haldir gently chided.

"NO!" Ellie stomped her foot in the ground. This caught her father by surprise.

"What's the matter? Don't you want to go home?" he asked.

"Why don't you come with me?" the child demanded.

"I can't Ellie. This is my world" Haldir explained patiently.

"But I want you to come with me!" Ellie insisted. "I want to show you my room, and my toys."

Haldir's anguished that he could not give her what she wanted. "Ellie, I wish I could, but I just can't"

The child was getting increasingly upset. "Why! Mommy and Daddy can come here. Why can't you go over there? It's not fair I don't see you as much" she blubbered as tears poured down her face. It hurt Haldir more than she could ever imagine.
"Ellie, I love you, with my whole heart-"

"Then come home with me!" the child cried, not giving Haldir an opportunity to explain. Seeing that her father was not going to change his response, she cried even harder. Haldir moved to hug her, but she pushed him away. Seeing Lauren and Michael's arrival, the child ran towards them.

"Mommy!"

The child's hysterical state caught Lauren by surprise. She wordlessly received the crying child into her arms and held her close for a few moments, rubbing her back in an effort to calm her down.

When Ellie's cries became quiet sobs, Lauren gently handed the child over to Michael. Haldir jealously regarded Michael, who was now planting soft kisses on Ellie's cheeks.

"What's all that about?" Lauren asked as she walked towards Haldir.

"She wanted me to go with her" Haldir replied simply, his eyes still on Ellie. The girl's arms were now wrapped around michaels neck and she was quietly cuddling with her Daddy.

"She doesn't understand that's not possible" Lauren stated matter of factly.

"Nay, it is not. How are you Luthien?" Haldir asked. He truly hoped Lauren was happy and well. He would never stop loving her, all he wanted was her happiness.

"Looking at pre-schools, we've decided on a private school. She's becoming more and more aware that her life is a bit different than those around her. She's been good about keeping Middle Earth a secret so far." Lauren turned towards Haldir when he failed to respond. Tracing his gaze, she saw he was looking at Michael who was now tickling Ellie. The child was laughing, having forgotten her recent upset.

"You'll always be her Ada" Lauren murmured, touching his arm. The attraction had never faded, despite everything that had happened. The touch brought out feelings in both of them. Lauren quickly withdrew her hand, knowing they were playing a dangerous game. Michael soon walked towards them, Ellie still in his arms.

"Say goodbye to your Ada, Ellie" Michael prodded.
The child responded by turning away and burying her face in Michael's chest.

Haldir sighed.

"Perhaps we should let her spend more time here" Michael suggested, surprised by Ellie's reaction. "Don't worry, she will miss you by tomorrow" he added.

Haldir looked worriedly at his child. He would always be there for her, whether she wanted him or not. He only wished she know how much she meant to him.

This is a transitional chapter. I'll be exploring Haldir's relationship with Ellie in the upcoming chapters. There may also be hope yet for lauren and haldir!

until next time, Ladyville