Aerendyll leaned over a basin of water, dunking a cloth into it before bringing it up to scrub her face. While she would have preferred to continue on and reach the city of Caras Galadhon as soon as possible, she knew it would be foolish. From what she could recall from her previous journey here, it would be well into the night when they arrived and it would not do to meet with the lord and lady in the middle of the night covered in orc blood.

But the flets of Lorien were far more comfortable than the ground and far safer, though she worried slightly over whose flet she had been given and where they might rest this night. She had insisted that she would be fine sharing with Tauriel or another elleth on the Lorien guard, but her words had fallen on deaf ears as the marchwarden led her here and insisted this would be where she rested.

Looking around, she took in the modest surroundings, though noted it appeared larger than the others and better furnished. The last time they came through, she had been given one that was little more than a cot with a water basin. This one was very nearly a small apartment in the branches.

The sleeping section where she now stood was separated from a small sitting area with a table and chairs by a hanging partition. The quarters contained a small wardrobe, chest and a large comfortable pallet on the floor. The view from here looked out through the great trees towards the plain beyond. The other side looked deeper into the Golden Wood. The roof was covered with white cloth that could be lowered on the sides to provide some privacy from the other platforms nearby.

"My lady?" a voice called from the other side of the curtain. Aerendyll quickly put the cloth down and walked through, seeing Haldir standing there, a plate with some bread, cheese and fruit in his hands. "I thought perhaps you might be hungry from your journey."

"Thank you, Sir Marchwarden," Aerendyll said politely as she inclined her head towards him, her stomach rumbling slightly as she took in the food.

She had not expected that the marchwarden would provide her with a meal. Truthfully, Aerendyll had been making ready to join her own guard for the evening meal, not wishing to dine on her own. She rarely - if ever - did so in Mirkwood. Even if there was no feast, she would always dine with Legolas or Thranduil or both. Occasionally Tauriel would join.

The marchwarden sat the plate down and offered another bow before turning to leave, causing disappointment to fill her. Aerendyll glanced towards the plate and then back at Haldir, who was about to start climbing down the ladder to the ground.

"Do you not care to join me?" Aerendyll asked, stopping him. He looked over at her with raised eyebrows. "You have given me far too much and truly, I cannot stand taking a meal on my own. Food is best shared with conversation, don't you think?"

Haldir glanced around, almost as though he feared someone was listening in on them, which was a bit ridiculous in Aerendyll's opinion. There was nothing improper about the situation. He then finally turned and inclined his head toward her.

"Very well. I thank you for your kindness, my lady," he said before moving to the table.

Aerendyll quickly walked over to take her own chair, but the marchwarden had reached it first, pulling it out for her. Once they were both settled, Aerendyll reached for a piece of bread and began to slowly pull it apart and eat it. She looked up as she chewed, studying Haldir. While she was familiar with the marchwarden, she had not spoken with him much as her visits to Lorien were usually short and mostly spent in diplomatic discussions. The marchwarden always escorted her party into the city, but typically did not speak to her, choosing instead to speak with Legolas. More often than not, she assumed he returned to the borders just after leading her to the home where Galadriel and Celeborn dwelled.

While she had never paid him much mind before, Aerendyll suddenly found herself intrigued. And slightly ashamed that she had never thought to become familiar with him before now. He must think her haughty. She would need to rectify this during her time in Lorien. Especially if they were to be spending time together in her training.

He was dressed similar to the others on the guard - dark breeches and boots, a grey tunic that seemed to wrap around his body with a grey cloak. Though he carried himself in such a way that there was no doubt he was in charge, it was a muted display. Not a hair was out of place, though like most ellon, the sides were pulled back in braids while the rest flowed down his back. His face was striking though she could see crinkles around his eyes, telling her that he tended to smile and laugh often. Aerendyll wondered when, for she had only ever seen a serious expression on his face. But his eyes were what caught her attention. They were a stunning shade of grey - nearly silver - that seemed all-seeing yet warm and friendly at the same time.

Haldir only met her gaze for a moment, something shifting in the depths of his eyes, before he looked down, reaching for a piece of cheese.

"Thank you for providing me with these lodgings. They are fine, though I assure you I would have been comfortable sharing with my captain of the guard," she said, looking down at the food. "I feel terrible for whoever I have taken a bed from."

"Think nothing of it, my lady. It was the best accommodation we could offer that would be fitting for one of your station," Haldir replied. "We are quite used to adapting on the guard."

Aerendyll looked up at him, her eyes wide as she realized that she was likely sleeping in his quarters. But finding it might be impolite to mention this, she instead returned her eyes to the food.

"How fares Lorien?" she asked, deciding the state of the kingdom was a much safer topic. "It has been a rather long time since I last visited."

"It fares well. Our borders are well guarded and the people live within peacefully," Haldir replied. "The Lord and Lady look forward to your arrival."

Aerendyll hummed her acknowledgement as she looked out at the forest around them. It was not as though she did not care for the rulers of Lorien - she enjoyed their company though Galadriel could be frustratingly cryptic and always made Aerendyll feel as though she was peering deep into her soul. Still, she would rather spend a year with Galadriel and Celeborn than Lord Elrond.

But for the moment, her thoughts were turning yet again to the reason why she was so suddenly and unexpectedly sent away.

"Forgive me if I am overstepping my boundaries, but is there something that ails you, my lady?" Haldir asked softly.

Aerendyll turned quickly to look at him, her eyes wide as she straightened her back. His expression was sincere and for a moment, Aerendyll was tempted to loosen her tongue and lay bare her worries. But then she remembered herself. She barely knew the marchwarden and it was no business of his. In all likelihood, he would find her woes trivial.

All warriors were elves of action, were they not? He would not understand this and likely tell her she was being silly. Now that she truly thought of it, she was being rather silly.

Here she was a grown elf and she had spent the last two weeks whining and moaning about being sent away as though she were merely 100 again. Perhaps Tauriel was right in that she should see this for the opportunity that it was. A chance to learn from the rulers of Lorien and get away from things she knew and found comfortable.

"I am fine, I assure you. Only tired from the journey," Aerendyll said, offering a polite smile. "And I suppose our… tussle there at the end."

"I see you found the water I sent up, though-"

Aerendyll looked back towards him as the marchwarden rose and walked back to the sleeping quarters and then returned with the cloth. He stepped up to her side, looking down at her.

"If you would allow?" he said. Aerendyll blinked a few times and then nodded, curious as to what the marchwarden was doing.

He reached out and gently grabbed a portion of her hair, his knuckles lightly brushing her cheek by accident, sending a rush of something through her, though Aerendyll knew not what it was. She froze, unable to look at him so she turned her eyes to watch as he took the cloth and ran it through her hair, clearing it of flecks of orc blood that she had missed without the aid of a mirror.

He quickly finished and walked the cloth back to the sleeping quarters before returning to the table.

"I did not think you would have cared to sleep with the blood of those vile creatures in your hair," he said in explanation, his voice steady.

"Yes, of course, thank you," Aerendyll replied, feeling rather flustered by the act that felt kind, yet intimate.

She too returned her attention to eating, managing to carry a polite, yet distant conversation with the marchwarden, the both of them falling into their established roles of guest and escort. Once the meal was finished, Haldir excused himself to check on his warriors and wished Aerendyll a good night. Once alone, she retired to the sleeping quarters where she changed into a night dress and then climbed into the pallet and settled in.

As she closed her eyes, there was a fleeting image of the marchwarden lying next to her, his face peaceful in sleep as his silky hair covered the pillow. Immediately, Aerendyll's eyes flew open in shock that she would imagine such a scene. Even though she was currently lying in his bed.

Grumbling to herself, she rolled over and settled again, this time willing herself to sleep.

The next morning, Aerendyll had managed to shake off whatever slight discomfort she felt the night before and quickly ate and dressed in a set of clean traveling clothes before descending to the forest floor. The rest of her party was ready to ride out, with one guard leading her horse over to her. Glancing around, Aerendyll noticed Haldir and another Lorien guard walking towards them with their own horses, appearing well rested.

"Good morning, my lady. I trust that you slept well," Haldir said.

"Yes, quite. Again, I thank you for the accommodations," she replied.

"If you are ready, we shall ride out for Caras Galadhon," he then said. Aerendyll nodded then quickly mounted her horse, waiting for the others.

They then set off, falling into a line behind Haldir and the other guard. Aerendyll glanced over at Tauriel next to her, amused by the normally serious elleth's veiled wonder at the forest around them. The differences between Lorien and Mirkwood were nearly night and day. There was a lightness to Lorien with the happy sounds of forest creatures around them. The trees shone with an ethereal light that seemed to flow through the roots, up into the bark, branches and leaves. But despite its beauty, Aerendyll found herself longing for the woody tones and heavy scent of Mirkwood.

Now well within Lorien's borders, there was no need to be constantly on guard. Aerendyll found her thoughts wandering back to the skirmish yesterday and how easily it could have gone wrong. While she trusted the strength of Tauriel and the Mirkwood guards, if the Lorien guards had not shown up when they did, it very well could have been a massacre. While she had played glib afterwards, she now fully realized just how much danger she had been in.

"I am sorry, Tauriel," she said, looking at the captain. "I should have heeded your words yesterday. I acted rashly," Tauriel smiled briefly.

"Do not dwell, Lady Aerendyll. The danger has passed and I understand why you stayed. Though I will admit that you are not nearly as bad as you think you are. You held your own," the captain said. "Perhaps your lessons with the marchwarden will be more fruitful and you will be greatly improved upon your return."

"We shall see," Aerendyll breathed as her eyes found the elf in question not far in front of them.

He had been kind the night before, and something in her found him interesting. There was something tender about the way he had cleaned the blood from her hair. Perhaps her time in Lorien would not be so dire as she had thought.

The remaining hours of the journey passed pleasantly. Soon enough their party was passing through the outer perimeter of the city. Once again, Tauriel's eyes were drawn up, taking in the many stairs and bridges connecting the homes and structures built within the branches of the large mallorn trees. They made their way up the path through the massive trunks towards the center of the city where Galadriel and Celeborn lived. As it was afternoon, many an elf were out and about tending to their business at the various shops and such throughout the tree branches and on the forest floor.

It was so very different and despite enjoying Tauriel's reaction and the beauty of the place herself, she couldn't help as her thoughts yet again returned to why she was truly here as they rode.

"My word… is that a home?" Tauriel asked, her eyes falling on the magnificent structure at the heart of Caras Galadhon that was far bigger and grander than any other.

Aerendyll took a deep breath and sighed heavily.

"Yes. And for the next year at least, it is to be my home."

While Aerendyll was happy to be clean of orc blood, she still yearned for a bath, though that would have to wait. As soon as they arrived, they dismounted and Haldir led her to meet with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, while the other Lorien guard saw to her own. They would not get much rest before they were to set out the next morning.

Despite her rough appearance, Aerendyll sank into a graceful bow before the two elves, her hand over her heart.

"Welcome, Lady Aerendyll," Lord Celeborn said, his voice soft and soothing. "We are overjoyed to see you have arrived safely."

"It was not without trial," Aerendyll said as she looked up at them, straightening her back. "We ran into a band of orcs just outside your borders. Thankfully your marchwarden and guard were quick to come to our aid. Haldir personally came to my rescue."

Galadriel's eyes flicked over to the marchwarden, who stood still near the door.

"We are very lucky to have him in charge of our soldiers. It was no doubt his great skill that brought him to your side," she said before looking back at Aerendyll. "It brings us much joy to host you here. I hope that with time you will see Caras Galadhon as home."

Aerendyll kept her expression smooth, though managed a small smile.

"I as well. I am looking forward to the wealth of information that I can glean while I am here," she said. "I do so admire you and Lord Celeborn."

A small, knowing smile graced the Lady of the Wood's face as she studied the younger elf.

"Yes, I feel there are a great many things for you to discover in Lorien," she replied.

Aerendyll was instantly curious as to what she could be speaking of but did not dwell. She assumed that this would be yet the first in a long line of ambiguous sayings.

"You must be tired. We shall not keep you longer so that you can rest before the feast tonight in your honor," Lord Celeborn said. "Haldir will show you out."

Aerendyll bowed to the two once more.

"Thank you."

She then turned and followed Haldir out of the room, breathing a soft sigh of relief. Haldir glanced at her.

"Are you weary?" he asked. She glanced at him and smiled slightly.

"More so my mind than my body," she replied honestly. "But it is nothing to fret about. I shall be well."

They came to a stop as a servant walked up and bowed to them.

"This way, Lady Aerendyll," she said softly. Aerendyll turned to Haldir.

"Thank you for your aid," she said, inclining her head towards him.

"It was a pleasure, Lady Aerendyll."

He then turned and strode off, leaving Aerendyll on her own with the servant. Best to get this feast over with.

Thankfully, Aerendyll was allowed more than enough time to rest before she began her preparations for the feast in honor of her arrival that night. After she rose from a nap and as she was acquainting herself with her new set of rooms in Galadriel and Celeborn's home - as well as the fact she was now far up in the trees, which had a bit of a dizzying effect - an army of servants arrived, with some setting about to unpacking and organizing her many trucks while another, smaller group led her over to another small room where a privy and shallow pool was located, so that she could bathe.

Despite the fact that Aerendyll was long used to having servants, the surplus in her rooms in that moment made her a bit self-conscious and part of her wished they would all leave her alone for a few more moments of peace. But that was not meant to be as they washed her hair, scrubbed her down, and then sat her in a chair to dry while they prepared a gown.

She was then pulled, yanked, prodded until finally Aerendyll was standing before a large looking glass, staring at herself in a gown she had very nearly forgotten that she owned of rich, forest green with gold embroidery across the neckline. Her pale shoulders were exposed as the long, draping sleeves were sheer. Her golden hair flowed down her back in loose waves with a small circlet that the King had gifted her on her 50th begetting day sat upon her head.

The elleth in the mirror stared at her with cool indifference. But Aerendyll felt ready to finish the night's festivities so she could retire.

"My lady, it is time," a servant said. Aerendyll looked to the elf and nodded, already moving to follow her.

Through the winding, large halls they walked until Aerendyll could hear the sound of voices and music. The servant stopped and motioned Aerendyll through a large archway. Taking a deep breath, Aerendyll stepped in and came to a stop, finding a group of around 30 elves standing on a large balcony, though it was not nearly as large as the throne room at the top of the tree. They stood around two long tables, upon which already sat settings.

"Our guest of honor has arrived."

Aerendyll looked around, finally locating Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn standing near the farthest table. Smiling politely, Aerendyll glided over to the couple and then fell into a deep bow before them.

"You are too kind. There was no need to provide such a grand occasion for my arrival," Aerendyll said to the two leaders.

"Come, you must be hungry," Lord Celeborn said, motioning towards the table.

Aerendyll walked over to the chair he indicated and stopped suddenly as Haldir stepped up and pulled it out for her. Nodding her thanks, Aerendyll then sat down and glanced over at Lady Galadriel, who was seated next to her. Haldir sat at her other side as servants began bringing out plates of food and placing them in front of the guests while others filled wine goblets.

"I have received the Prince's letter," Haldir said, glancing over at her. "He wishes that I continue in your warfare training."

"I do not understand why he bothers. All these centuries and I am still no good," she replied with a smile.

"You exhibited skill in the skirmish. I do not think all is lost," he replied smoothly.

"You are far too kind, Sir Marchwarden."

"On the contrary. Haldir is an excellent judge of skill and modest to a fault. If he says you have some skill, it must be so," Lord Celeborn said.

Aerendyll looked over at him and then back at Haldir, the urge to blush unexpectedly coming over her.

"Forgive me. My prior tutor was not so forthcoming with his praise," she said. "Though despite his faults, I find I shall miss his teachings."

"The Prince's accomplishments are quite renowned. I would assume he must be a great teacher as well," Haldir replied.

Aerendyll smoothly reached for her goblet, though swallowed down the sadness that the mention of Legolas provoked, though usually it was irritation that his teaching provoked.

"He is a great teacher in some ways," she said diplomatically before taking a sip. "Though I am eager for the challenge of a new instructor."

She chanced a glance at him, finding the marchwarden rather focused on the plate before him, though there was a tinge of sheepishness in his eyes.

"I only hope that I can meet your expectations, my lady. When would you like to begin?" Haldir then asked.

"I suppose the sooner, the better. Then you shall see that I truly am a hopeless cause and I will not waste much of your time. I am sure there are other, more pressing matters you must attend to than train a poor student as myself," she quipped, smiling slightly.

"Then perhaps in two days' time," Haldir suggested.

Something fluttered in Aerendyll's chest at that, but rather than acknowledge it, she only nodded.

"We shall begin then."

Haldir walked slowly as he returned to his talan that night, gazing through the branches at the stars. He remembered Lady Aerendyll from her previous trips to Lorien, though he mostly watched from afar. As an emissary for the King of Mirkwood, her reasons for being here often kept her with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn and their advisors.

He found it fascinating to watch her, and yet curious as to what more was beyond her words and calm exterior. For he knew there was something beneath her tranquil surface and honeyed words. He swore he had seen a fire in her crystal blue eyes the few times he was near enough to look upon them. It appeared with Prince of Mirkwood as well, when the two thought others were not watching. Yes, she retained her way with words, though it was through quick wit and humor.

Haldir found himself somehow drawn to her, and now he was to train her at the request of the Prince.

However, he could not allow himself to forget who Aerendyll was - the ward of King Thranduil. Brought up to someday run his kingdom, perhaps. And there was no denying her closeness with the Prince. She would return to the Halls of Mirkwood someday, likely to his side. While he, Haldir, would remain here, the marchwarden of Lorien. A lowly Silvan in the eyes of Thranduil, who would likely look down upon even a simple companionship between the two.

Such thoughts were foolish, he knew this. But somehow, a small bubble of hope had formed inside. King Thranduil was not here. Perhaps he could risk the chance to get to know Lady Aerendyll a bit more.

And it would seem that there's already a spark of something between our two. But of course, I'm not going to make things that easy. Just finished Chapter 7 and got two more days of vacation left, so hopefully I can keep posting once a day this weekend.

And in case there are any questions about timing, this is actually set during the events of the Hobbit movies, which will become clearer in later chapters.

Ten Duel Commandments - Haha, yes, they have. ^_^

Thanks everyone for reading, following and commenting!