All the rest of the day, Aerendyll found her thoughts drifting. While she had begrudgingly admitted to herself that the meetings she had been attending with the advisors of Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were rather interesting and she had been closely invested in them, for some reason that day she was distracted with thoughts of her first training session with Haldir.

It was strange, she found. And disconcerting. It was rare indeed that anything of this nature would catch her attention and she was yet sure just why it was so present in her mind. Perhaps it was her loneliness. Though she was constantly surrounded by others day in and day out, Aerendyll still felt rather on her own and without much connection with the others.

Save for the small connection she had felt with the marchwarden. He was easy to converse with, she found. There was kindness in his eyes, and the interaction she had witnessed with his brothers only furthered her curiosity. And well, if she were truly to spend an entire year or possibly more in Lorien, perhaps spending time with the brothers would be a fair break in the monotony of court.

Yes, this is what had her eager to begin her lessons that morning, Aerendyll had decided. She rose early and rushed through her morning meal before dressing. She had even spent extra time preparing her weapons before leaving her dwelling and making her way through Caras Galadhon towards the training field. It was also a welcomed break from her constant thoughts on why Thranduil had sent her away. She was no closer to determining the answer to that, no matter how much she thought upon it.

The city was rather quiet this early, but as she neared the field, she could hear sounds of life. It seemed the marchwarden kept to a strict schedule with the training of his guard, much like Tauriel and Legolas.

As she entered the grounds and paused, searching out the marchwarden, she wondered yet again how her lessons would go. At this moment in time, she still was unsure of Haldir's full character.

"My lady!"

Aerendyll turned, seeing Haldir striding towards her, his gait quick, but sure. There was a foreign fluttering in her stomach, though she quickly assumed it must be her nerves.

"Sir Marchwarden," she said, bowing her head towards him. "Good morning to you."

"I trust that you slept well," the marchwarden replied, bowing in return.

"Yes, most well," she said in return. "Shall we begin?"

"Of course. If you would follow me, my lady," Haldir offered.

Aerendyll began following him across the field, taking in the large number of elves already present. Some were in the midst of drills, while others lined up at targets. Still others worked through a sort of course that wove through the tall trees. It was vastly different from the grounds of Mirkwood.

"I felt it best that I begin with observing for now. While I have seen some of your skills, I should like to see more so as to ascertain more clearly your level and where we should go from here. Let us start with the bow," Haldir said, coming to a stop some yards away from a target.

"Very well," she said as studied the object, for a moment worried.

There were a large amount of other elves about, which made her uneasy. She was used to training around the Mirkwood guard, but it was altogether a new experience to be doing so in front of warriors that she did not know.

"I assure you, there is nothing to fear, my lady," Haldir said encouragingly. "Just do your best."

More nervous energy coursed through her as she felt his eyes upon her, but she nodded and held her head high and back straight as she readied her bow and then pulled out an arrow from her quiver.

"Just like home," she murmured to herself as she sighted the target.

She inhaled slowly and as she exhaled, let loose the arrow, watching as it flew through the air and lodged itself deep in the center of the target. She breathed a sigh of relief as a smile came over her face. Usually she did not do so well on her first shot.

"Very good. Now, let us try a bit further…"

The morning continued on as Haldir put Aerendyll through a variety of tasks. She fared well in bow until it came to hitting a moving target in which she failed miserably. Even so, Haldir was kind with his suggestions for improvement. She then thought for a moment that he was to put her through the course, which she was yet unsure she could handle. Thankfully, he had instead said he wished to see her spar.

Yet another bout of nerves had coursed through her when she thought perhaps he meant to spar with her. Haldir was noticeably taller, broader and much stronger. But instead, he had called over another member of his guard named Alfur that was closer to her stature, saying he could better observe this way.

Now she stood waiting for Alfur to strike, remembering Legolas' words to be patient and not move too hastily. Her eyes scanned over his body, attempting to judge from where he would attack first.

Straightening her back, she gripped the hilt of her sword, still waiting. She took in a deep breath, but before she could exhale, the elf had moved. He lunged towards her with such speed that she nearly did not raise her sword fast enough to block it. Aerendyll then twirled around, putting space between them so that she could assess her options further. But yet, once again, Alfur lunged towards her.

"Very good. Now parry," Haldir called out.

The sound of his voice was a bit jarring, but Aerendyll did as he asked, the swords flying through the air and clanging together.

As they continued and Haldir continued to shout out orders and suggestions, Aerendyll found it slightly disorienting, but she quickly adjusted, finding him rather easy to follow. However, just as she had begun to gain a bit of confidence, the other elf struck out again, nearly knocking her over. Before she could fall, however, Haldir was at her side, catching before she could tumble over. Her eyes widened for a moment at the close contact. She took a few quick breaths, her eyes looking up into his as for a moment, she forgot everything around them. All she could focus on was his gaze upon her.

But then just as quickly, he stepped back, letting her go and breaking eye contact.

"My apologies, are you quite well, my lady?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied quickly as she looked around, feeling her cheeks flush.

"Your form is good. Strong base. But you would fight better by utilizing your size," he assessed. Aerendyll looked over at him.

"My size?" she asked, somewhat confused.

"Yes. Orcs will often be larger than yourself and rely on brute strength. But they are cumbersome and can be uncoordinated. You must use speed and your small stature to avoid their attacks and keep ahead of them," he explained.

Aerendyll nodded as she took up the starting position Legolas had shown her, preparing for another attack. But rather than Alfur, Haldir dismissed him and moved to stand across from her, unsheathing his sword. Aerendyll did her best not to react.

"I shall demonstrate their fighting style and walk you through a few maneuvers," Haldir said. "While the Prince has instructed you well, I believe he started out too difficult."

Aerendyll frowned slightly at his words. While she knew she was not a skilled fighter, she had not thought herself so bad.

"I mean no offense," Haldir said quickly, his face stricken.

"Oh, no… I mean… I trust your assessment," she replied, schooling her expression. It was unlike her to allow her emotions to be known like that around anyone but the prince.

"You are most able, I assure you," he continued.

"Please, it is quite all right. We may continue," Aerendyll said, offering a small smile.

Haldir nodded, seeming to have relaxed. He then took a deep breath and launched into a slow demonstration of how most orcs attacked, slowly walking her through the maneuvers. While she knew some of it, it was still beneficial to review. And for some reason, she found that she retained the information much better than she had with her lessons with Legolas. Haldir then had her practice several of the movements over and over again, until he deemed them satisfactory.

Almost without realizing, time had passed and soon enough Haldir had declared their first lesson finished. Aerendyll looked at him in astonishment.

"Was the lesson not to your liking?" he asked, suddenly appearing rather concerned.

"Oh, it was very satisfactory. I just did not realize it would be so quick," she replied, sheathing her sword.

"It has been a fair bit longer than you think," Haldir replied with a small smile. "Dare say, it is time for luncheon."

Aerendyll looked up to the sky, noting the sun was indeed a bit lower. Lower than she expected.

"Oh," she said, looking back down at him. "I must admit it was far less tedious than I assumed it would be. Usually my training with Legolas is rather such a task."

"What's this? Our brother has made something less tedious? How rare an occasion, indeed."

Aerendyll turned suddenly, seeing Orophin and Rumil walking towards them. She had been so caught in her lesson that she had not noticed their arrival at the training field, though a smile quickly spread across her face. She had hoped to see them again.

"My lady," Orophin said, bowing to her, with Rumil following suit.

"It is a pleasure to see you again," Aerendyll said.

"It is always a pleasure to be in your presence," Orophin replied, shooting her a wink.

Heat filled Aerendyll's cheeks at the audacious action. Never before had an ellon been so bold with her, though she was no stranger to jesting with Legolas.

"Shouldn't you be training the new members of the guard," Haldir said sternly.

"We were just about to begin when we thought we would give our greetings to Lady Aerendyll first," Rumil said, a warm smile on his face. "I trust he has not been too difficult."

"He has been a fair teacher," Aerendyll assessed. "I feel I shall enjoy our lessons."

She chanced a glance at him, noting that Haldir appeared to stand a bit taller. She spoke the truth. Working with him so far was rather quite different than working with the Prince. Perhaps she would be able to progress in her training under his tutelage. Though part of her could not quite believe that she had, indeed, enjoyed their session.

"Should you require more training-"

"Our lessons are finished for the day. I must escort the lady back. She is far too busy this day," Haldir interjected quickly before Orophin could say more.

"Yes, of course. We shall not detain you any longer," Rumil said with a smile. The two brothers bowed and then turned, walking away.

"My apologies, yet again, for my brothers," Haldir said.

"I assure you, it is quite fine," Aerendyll said, offering a smile. "Shall we?"

Haldir gave her a nod and they too turned and started towards Lady Galadriel's home. At first, neither spoke, though Aerendyll glanced at him frequently. It was rare that she found herself at a lack of words. Perhaps it was the rigorous training.

"I do not mind them. Your brothers," she finally said, drawing Haldir's attention. There was a flash of a smile across his face before the stern look returned.

"I fear one day they will take things too far. They are strong fighters and integral members of the guard. Yet, they often speak out of turn," he stated.

"I find it refreshing," Aerendyll replied.

She could feel his gaze upon her yet again, though this time she met it fully, a small smile on her face. He seemed perturbed by her statement.

"Truly. Sometimes one needs lightness and it would seem they do have plenty of that," she continued as she looked back towards the trail.

"Who provides your lightness, my lady?" Haldir then asked.

Aerendyll stopped in surprise, turning towards him. For his part, Haldir appeared just as surprised by his question.

"My apologies. I did not intend to speak out of turn-"

"Sir Marchwarden, you apologize far too much. I was only… taken slightly aback. I suppose I should say Legolas. Though we, at times, bicker much like you and your brothers, he is a great friend and confidante," she said smoothly.

"You must miss him tremendously," Haldir said, his expression softening, though there was a hint of sadness there that Aerendyll could not understand.

"Yes, but I will see him once my assignment here is complete, so all is well," she said with a smile.

"Of course. Though…" Haldir stopped, his brow furrowed as though he was deep in thought. His grey eyes then met hers and for a moment, Aerendyll felt as though she had lost her breath yet again. Perhaps her training was more strenuous than she had thought. "If there is anything that I can do to make your time here less difficult, please do not hesitate to ask it of me, my lady."

The foreign fluttering had returned in full force, though this time she had no reasoning for it. But she could not allow herself to show that anything was amiss, so she smiled and nodded.

"Thank you, I greatly appreciate your kindness," she said. "And… perhaps your companionship."

Haldir's eyebrows rose and for a moment, it appeared as though she had rendered him speechless. In all honesty, Aerendyll was surprised with herself. Just as quickly, a smile appeared.

"I should like that, my lady," he replied.

He then motioned forward and the two continued on, the conversation somehow continuing as well. Though Aerendyll could not help but think there was something strange in the air of Lorien.

When Aerendyll arrived back at her rooms, she quickly took off her weapons and then walked out onto the terrace that looked over the city of Caras Galadhon. Taking a deep breath of the fresh air, she leaned against the railing and studied the ground below. She could clearly see the back of Haldir's form, likely making his way back to the training grounds to chide his troublesome brothers. A soft smile came over her face at the thought and Aerendyll wished that she could witness it.

By the Valar she missed Legolas. She pondered upon what he would say to her description of Haldir's lessons. Likely that he was being too soft with her, but she supposed time would only tell how true that would be. Though she felt she made great progress, it was but one lesson.

She then pondered on what his thoughts would be about the marchwarden, himself. Though they had interacted on their previous journey to Lorien, they had not spoken of him. Would he find him agreeable as she did? Would he be happy with their burgeoning friendship? He likely would, she felt, but then her thoughts turned to the King. What would he say of such things? Aerendyll frowned slightly. King Thranduil had long made clear his thoughts on who made for appropriate companions and she was not so sure he would be pleased with this. But then again, Thranduil was not here, was he? And he had sent her away, after all.

"My lady."

Aerendyll turned abruptly at the voice to see a young elleth about her age walking into her rooms with a tray in hand. It was a servant she had not seen before.

"I have brought you lunch- oh. I see you have just returned from training. Would you like me to help you clean up?" the elleth asked, quickly setting the tray down on a table and moving towards her.

Aerendyll looked down at her dusty tunic and breeches that she always wore for her training sessions and back up at the servant. How long had she been on the terrace lost in her musings?

"I… do not wish to be a bother. I can take care of it myself," she replied with a smile.

"It is of no matter to me. I should like to be of help," the servant said eagerly, a bright smile on her face.

There was something warm and inviting about her countenance, and Aerendyll found herself nodding.

"Very well, then," she said.

The elleth bobbed up and down and then turned, striding over to the bathing chamber as Aerendyll followed. The young servant was busy pulling out various oils and essences while Aerendyll disrobed, then stepped into the pool which was always warm and always clean. The water soothed the aches that were beginning to be more apparent. She quickly undid the long braid she had put her hair in for training.

"I trust your training went well," the servant said as she kneeled at the edge of the pool and reached for a cup to begin wetting down Aerendyll's long hair.

"Yes, it was quite fine," Aerendyll said, surprised at the servant's candor. The others usually set about their work in silence, only speaking to ask which dress she would like to wear that day.

Yet again, something Aerendyll found refreshing. Or perhaps it was the lack of interaction with others around her age.

"To be training with the marchwarden… he is a most able warrior. And most agreeable to look upon," the servant continued cheerfully.

"He is a strong fighter," Aerendyll said, though her cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment to his appearance. The servant giggled in response.

"My lady, you may be honest with me, if you wish. I will not tell a soul," the servant said. "Many an elleth in Lorien have long sought his favor, so you would not be the first."

Aerendyll's mouth dropped open, though she quickly snapped it shut as the elleth began to rub a cleansing oil into her locks.

"What many would give to have him look at them favorably," the servant continued with a sigh.

"He is a most patient instructor," Aerendyll replied, unsure of just how freely she wished to speak with the elleth.

While part of her wished to trust her - the Valor only knew how badly she wished for someone of the fairer sex to converse with and she could not imagine speaking to Lady Galadriel of this - she was not sure just how prudent that would be.

"Yes, there is that too. Patient. Kind. Honorable. Though, I must say, I have always been partial to his younger brother, Rumil. Such a sensitive heart and playful spirit," the servant said as her delicate, yet strong fingers worked through Aerendyll's locks.

"Rumil? He does seem… very different from his brother," Aerendyll commented. "He and Orophin both."

"So you have met them? What luck for you. They are truly enjoyable company," the servant tittered on. "Though such a shame they have both married. Sad days for many an elleth, truly."

Aerendyll's eyes widened at the news, for she had not sensed that either would have done so. Not with Orophin's flirting at least. And how strange that they should find their life partners while Haldir had not. Or perhaps not, now that she truly thought about it. During their time together so far and what she had heard of him, Aerendyll had sensed that perhaps they were kindred spirits in a way.

"Oh dear me. Mother used to always tell me I spoke too much. I am sorry, my lady," the servant said suddenly.

Aerendyll turned slightly, looking over her shoulder and seeing a worried look upon the servant's face.

"Oh, no. Not at all. I am sorry. Just… It is not often that servants so willingly speak to me," Aerendyll confessed with a sheepish smile. "In fact… I think I rather enjoy it."

The elleth's face broke out into a relieved grin.

"What is your name?" Aerendyll then asked.

"Daella, my lady," she replied.

Aerendyll smiled warmly at her. While Thranduil would likely frown upon this as well, in that moment, she decided it was time she began to truly treat this as an opportunity for new experiences. One of which being the making of new friends. So long as she attended meetings and learned from Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, what did it matter if she befriended her servant? Or the marchwarden, now that she thought of it.

"It is very nice to meet you, Daella. And please, call me Aerendyll," she said. Daella's eyes widened as her cheeks colored slightly, but she nodded.

"If that is what you wish," she said.

"I should wish that very much," Aerendyll said. She then turned around as Daella began to rinse out her hair. "So, you were once sweet on Rumil?"

"Oh dear me, I should not have mentioned that, but yes, I once was. When I was younger, I made such a fool of myself in front of him," Daella said with a chuckle. "Thank the Valar I have learned the errors of my ways. For if I had allowed such unrequited feelings to continued, I would have missed the affections my own beloved - Braern."

"Oh… you have bonded?" Aerendyll asked, a strange feeling stirring inside her. It was something similar to jealousy, though it was odd she would suddenly feel such a thing.

"Not yet, no. But soon. We are but a few months from our wedding ceremony," Daella responded. "He is a fine ellon. Second in command to Haldir among his wardens."

"How did you meet?" Aerendyll then asked, finding herself quite curious.

"Oh, we have known each other my whole life. He is rather good friends with my older brother. For the longest time, he thought me a silly elleth always underfoot while I saw him as pompous. But… a few years ago something between us changed…" Daella began. "Suddenly, he no longer seemed so haughty. And I no longer seemed so silly to him."

The servant chuckled as she reached for a sponge and began to wash Aerendyll's back. As she continued speaking, Aerendyll found it fascinating to hear how Braern had wooed Daella. She had long known Legolas, but never would have thought something such as this could happen to them.

"And what of you, my lady? Er, I mean, Aerendyll. Do you have a beloved waiting for you in Mirkwood?" Daella then asked, drawing her from her thoughts.

"Oh, no," Aerendyll admitted. "I fear I am far too busy for such things. I suppose many assume that someday I will marry the Prince, but really… that is quite preposterous."

"Oh… I see," Daella said, a hint of something in her voice. Aerendyll turned to look at her, but the servant was already standing and had her back to her as she grabbed a drying cloth. "Well then, I suppose we should get you dressed and fed before this afternoon's meetings."

"Yes… of course…"

Figured Aerendyll needed a girlfriend (or well, more girlfriends – she's going to meet Orophin and Rumil's wives coming up soon). And well, yes, I am reusing names from "Bright Light in the Darkness" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" for those who read those stories. Obviously not going to be the same people, but really, it's hard coming up with elven names.

And setting the stage for so much to come…

Ten Duel Commandments – I know, right? Looks like feelings are quite catching in Lorien…

Thanks for reading, following and commenting!