Aerendyll walked gracefully at Lord Celeborn's side as Haldir led them down the line of troops standing still and at attention. While she was listening intently, her thoughts continued to wander back to the day before when she spent lunch and then a good portion of the afternoon with Haldir.

He had made good on his word and they ended up on the field for another training session since they could not do so this morning. Even though it had not truly been long she had been working with him, she felt stronger and more confident. Perhaps upon her return to Mirkwood, she could finally best Legolas at something.

But more than that, she felt a certain warmth towards Haldir. Especially after yesterday, she thought of him as a true friend.

"And all soldiers are at the ready all of the time?" she asked, finally speaking.

Haldir looked at her a moment before returning his gaze forward and nodding.

"Yes, though we try to allow some time for rest. We operate on a rotational basis - each guard taking about four weeks on the borders at a time before they are replaced. Though while they are in the city, they continue training and maintain their readiness should they need to fight at any time," he replied.

"And how many are in the guard fully?" she then asked. She sensed both Celeborn and Haldir looking at her, though she kept her eyes trained on the soldiers.

"Our numbers currently stand at 1,000, my lady," Haldir answered. "We send out patrols to cover all borders surrounding our lands, numbering about 300 to 400 on guard at all times."

"I see," she murmured.

"And I assume you have witnessed some of their training for yourself," Celeborn said.

"Yes, it seems rather comprehensive," Aerendyll replied.

"Only the strongest and most honorable are allowed among our forces. Haldir has developed quite a regimen for determining who will join and how to further train them," Celeborn continued.

"He seems a most able captain of your forces," Aerendyll said calmly, finally looking over to the two men as they came to a stop.

Haldir appeared rather unaffected though there was something in the way his eyes shifted, looking anywhere but at Aerendyll while Celeborn smiled serenely.

"He is, indeed," Celeborn said, looking from Haldir back to Aerendyll. "I trust you have been informed of the feast we are having this evening?"

"Yes, I was informed this morning," she confirmed.

"Wonderful. I trust that our Marchwarden will be able to escort you," Celeborn then said.

Aerendyll's eyes widened a moment before she smoothed out her expression. For his part, Haldir looked equally as surprised but Celebron was clearly waiting on his answer.

"It would be an honor," Haldir finally said, his eyes meeting Aerendyll's. "If the lady wishes it."

"Yes, of course," she replied immediately.

"Splendid. Now, I would like to show Lady Aerendyll just a bit more of what our warriors are capable of…"

"You look beautiful, Aerendyll," Daella said as she stepped back, leaving Aerendyll to stare at herself in the mirror.

She was adorn in a dress of deep green, made from soft fabric that flowed around her body, though left a portion of her back exposed. Her hair was pulled back at the sides, a circlet on her head that glittered in the candlelight. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, though she was unsure if it was because Haldir would arrive soon or if it was the activities of the day. She had been rather busy.

"I believe the Marchwarden will find you most beautiful as well," Daella continued.

"Hush, Daella," Aerendyll chided, though she could not help but smile at the thought.

Granted, she was still a bit unsure just why she cared for his opinion on that matter so much.

She smoothed down the front of her dress and stepped away from the mirror, moving towards a goblet of wine on the table. She took a sip, feeling she needed something to fortify her. The fluttering in her stomach had been coming and going all day.

"But you are sweet on him, aren't you?" Daella asked, stepping close to her.

"I enjoy spending time with him, yes. But he is instructing me in the art of warfare," Aerendyll said calmly, keeping her expression smooth.

"I see," Daella replied, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Daella-"

Before she could continue, there was a knock at the door that grasped both of their attention. Aerendyll calmly put her goblet down as Daella raced over. She took a deep breath and turned, seeing Daella leading Haldir in. He was dressed in a tunic of a silver with grey breeches, his hair pulled back in the usual braids. But as soon as he saw Aerendyll, he came to a stop, his eyes widening slightly. He then bowed.

"You look lovely, my lady," he said.

"Thank you. You look rather… dashing yourself," Aerendyll replied, then fought from blushing.

Just why had she said that? Though it was true. He looked most handsome right now. And it was only polite to return the compliment, was it not?

Haldir then rose, holding his arm out.

"Shall we?"

It was difficult for Haldir to keep his eyes from her. He had long thought Lady Aerendyll rather comely, but tonight she was even more so, wearing a dress of deep green that sat smoothly against her pale skin. There was a flush to her cheeks that he had only seen during their training sessions, but it too was lovely.

The entire walk to the terrace where the feast was to take place, he fought to keep his eyes forward, making light conversation about the rest of her day after their tour. Her tone was soothing and he felt as though he could sit and listen to her speak for hours. He now understood more just how it was she often got her way in negotiations.

Upon arriving, he then led her over to be seated next to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, among their trusted advisors. Cohnal was there, sending a cool look their way as they arrived. Much to his surprise, his brothers were also seated at the same table with their wives. From the grin upon Orophin's face, he would need to pray to all the Valar that they would get through this unscathed.

"You have met my brothers, but allow me to introduce their wives. This is Melaine, who is married to Orophin, and Sheelin, who is married to Rumil," Haldir said as they stopped at the table.

The entire table had stood upon their arrival, dropping into bows before Aerendyll.

"It is lovely to meet you," she said softly, returning the bow. Her eyes then drifted over to Sheelin's growing belly. "I feel congratulations are in order."

"Thank you, my lady. It is our second," Sheelin said, a soft smile upon her face as her hands caressed her stomach.

"Two? You have been blessed," Aerendyll replied.

"I feel there shall be more, if I know Rumil," Orophin said, a smirk on his face.

"Orophin!" Melaine hissed, but then rolled her eyes as all present chuckled, long used to his antics, though a flush came over Aerendyll's cheeks.

Haldir pursed his lips, though refrained from rebuking him, knowing full well Melaine was more than capable of doing so. The Lord and Lady, for their part, appeared amused. Instead, he moved over and pulled out Aerendyll's chair and the others moved to be seated. As soon as he was seated next to her, servants began bringing in food and wine.

"I do hope you are enjoying Lorien," Sheelin said, her eyes settling on Aerendyll.

"I am," the Mirkwood elf said in response as she reached for her goblet of wine. "I have found it most educational."

"I fear we have been monopolizing all her time with the council and her studies, though," Lady Galadriel said.

"Oh, I rather enjoy it," Aerendyll said quickly. "As I said, I have been learning so much."

"But surely you must enjoy something other than diplomacy and studying the history of Lorien with dusty historians," Orophin interjected. His eyes met Haldir's and he gave his younger brother a short shake of the head in warning.

"Oh, well… I suppose I do enjoy going for rides," Aerendyll said. "It is what I often do in Mirkwood when I am not advising the King or training with the Prince. And I have yet to take out my steed since arriving."

"Perhaps Haldir would like to take you out. Our forests are rather beautiful outside the city gates," Orophin continued. "That is if you are not already tired of his existence."

"Oh, I would never," Aerendyll said just as quickly as before, but then another blush painted her cheeks as she glanced at him. "I would greatly enjoy that, but only if I am not taking you from more important tasks."

"I would be honored," Haldir said, smiling at her before shooting his brother a dark look. Orophin only winked in response.

By Erdu, this was surely to be a long evening.

The conversation continued, thankfully without much teasing from Orophin. The two elleths were rather fascinated with hearing about Mirkwood, peppering Aerendyll with questions that she answered politely. Yet again, Haldir got caught up in watching her as she interacted with them. The more time he spent with her, the easier it was to see when her mask was in place. It seemed as though she rarely took it off, though there were times when they were together that he saw it slip. She was truly a ward of Thranduil.

This evening, however, her smile appeared more genuine much like it had during their time yesterday, usually whenever Melaine or Sheelin got onto their husbands, or Rumil or Orophin teased each other or their beloveds. A soft light shined from her eyes, as though she were witnessing something she found precious.

His eyes then drifted down the table, finding Cohnal also watching her closely. He could not help but frown, not caring for it. While there was nothing overt or threatening about him, Haldir had never seen him to take interest in anything other than advising Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. In the council meetings Haldir had taken part in, Cohnal nearly always kept to himself, though spoke when necessary. Now, he seemed almost determined to push Aerendyll, though Haldir knew not why. He vowed to keep an eye on him.

After most of the food was finished, Haldir noticed others beginning to stand and dance. He glanced down at Aerendyll, wishing to ask her to join him, but he worried he would only encourage his brothers further in their jests. However it would appear the damage was already done as now both Melaine and Sheelin were gazing upon them with knowing smiles upon their faces.

"Just how is your training going with Haldir?" Sheelin asked, her gaze drifting back to Aerendyll.

"It is most enlightening," Aerendyll said, glancing at him as she reached for her goblet.

"I do not know how you can stand it. Orophin has attempted to teach me, but I am most hopeless," Melaine said, looking lovingly at her husband.

"It is not so bad," Aerendyll said. "I admit that I am likely the worst of his students though. But the Marchwarden is an able and kind teacher."

"Kind teacher? I would have never thought I would hear such things about my brother," Orophin said, grinning at Haldir. Aerendyll turned to look at him in surprise while Haldir only narrowed a scowl at Orophin. "With us, he is ever the taskmaster."

"Some require a stronger hand," Haldir said dryly as Melaine, Sheelin and Rumil chuckled. "Lady Aerendyll does not. She is most attentive."

"Most attentive, I see," Orophin murmured. Aerendyll's cheeks flushed yet again as she buried her face in her goblet.

"My lady, would you care to join me for a dance?" Haldir asked, feeling it was time to make a hasty exit from this conversation.

"Of course," she replied quickly as he stood and offered his hand.

He then led her over to the other dancers and the two faced each other before falling into step with the others.

"Thank you for that," she said, glancing up at him as they moved.

"I felt you were as much in need of an escape as I was," Haldir said, looking down at her. A soft smile appeared and for a moment, he thought she had completely removed her mask and his heart soared. "As I said, my brothers often push matters too far. Most of the time Melaine and Sheelin keep them in step, but for some reason this night, they are eager to join."

"It would seem they have truly found their matches," she replied easily, her eyes drifting over towards the table as she turned. "And it would appear they are keen on watching us."

Haldir sighed and looked over, seeing that his brothers and wives, even Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, were currently watching them closely. Unfortunately, so was Cohnal.

"I would pay them no mind," Haldir said in what he hoped was a comforting tone, his hand now raised as Aerendyll followed, the two moving in a slow circle around each other. "And they mean well, I suppose. It is just not often we have guests of your caliber for this long."

"Are you sure that is why? Mere curiosity in a Woodland elf?" Aerendyll asked, now peering up at him as she stepped into his arms.

In that moment, Haldir was suddenly very aware of just how close they were and how she felt in his arms - small and delicate, yet not fragile. And he swore he felt a shutter run through her body, though it very could have been his imagination.

Her eyes glittered like sapphires as her hair shined like spun gold. Her pink lips were turned up slightly as a mischievous spark was lit within her eyes. He gulped, stalling until his wits could return to him, lest he embarrass himself before her. Thankfully his body did not betray him as he continued to easily lead her through the steps of the dance.

"I sense you have some theories of your own," he said smoothly. Her smile only grew as she glanced over at the others.

"I believe the curiosity is not me, well, rather not just me. Tell me, Sir Marchwarden, does your family make a habit of attempting to push you towards every available maiden?" she said coolly, turning to look at him again.

He sucked in a quick breath as he looked over at the table again, this time grumbling under his breath at his brothers for being so transparent.

"Yes, that would be one of their greatest pastimes, I fear," he replied, looking down at her. "No matter how much I tell them that my focus is on my duty to protect these lands."

"Ah, so no time for frivolities for the Marchwarden," Aerendyll said, though for a moment, Haldir thought he sensed a hit of disappointment in her eyes. It was gone so quickly, he was unsure if it was actually there to begin with.

"I assume you are no different," he ventured. "You spend your days with the king and his advisors. Listening to the complaints of his people, solving problems, negotiating with nearby lands and rulers. I believe dedication to duty is something of which you know well."

Aerendyll's eyebrows rose for a moment then a soft chuckle left her lips as she shook her head.

"Already it seems you do know me well, Sir Marchwarden," she replied. "Perhaps it is your keen warrior's eye."

"Is it not what friends do, my lady?" he responded. Yet again, there was a flicker of something in her eyes, followed by yet another soft smile.

"Yes, I suppose that you are correct," she said.

But before he could say more, the dance picked up, proving it difficult to continue their conversation. As the music changed, Haldir was disappointed to find one of Celeborn's advisors had stepped up, asking to step in. Aerendyll obliged and Haldir bowed before stepping aside. Rather than return to the table, he walked over to the edge of the terrace, picking up a goblet of wine on the way.

His keen hearing informed him that he was not alone, but his exasperation kept him from turning, assuming that it would be one of his brothers. For his sanity, he hoped it was Rumil rather than Orophin.

"She is rather lovely," Cohnal said, now appearing at Haldir's side out of the corner of his eye. "You make a striking pair."

Haldir froze slightly, not expecting the advisor to seek him out. Haldir turned towards him, then glanced over at Aerendyll, who was still dancing.

"I am merely keeping her company. She is in a strange land and in need of friendship," he replied. "And most eager to know more of the fighting arts."

"Such an unusual pastime for one of her station, don't you think?" Cohnal asked, now turned to watch the dancers. "Though I suppose Lady Aerendyll is most unusual, herself."

"The Prince was teaching her in Mirkwood. I find nothing unusual with wishing to learn to protect oneself," Haldir said.

Cohnal turned until he was facing Haldir, his eyes narrowed slightly as he studied him. He did not speak for a time, but suddenly the edges of his mouth turned up slightly.

"'Tis a brave move, I suppose. And Lady Aerendyll has shown she is truly brave," he said. He glanced over at the dancers one more time before turning his attention fully back to Haldir. "Though you would do well to remember your place, Sir Marchwarden. King Thranduil has made clear his thoughts on who he wishes for Lady Aerendyll to consort with."

Haldir frowned, finding he did not like the tone the advisor was using with him. He was of equal standing with him before Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. And King Thranduil and his leanings were far from Lorien at this moment.

"He may be in Mirkwood, but trust that he is well informed of what happens here," Cohnal then said. "You would be wise to remember such things."

He then turned and strode off, leaving Haldir with a sinking feeling in his stomach. His eyes easily found Aerendyll among the dancers. Once again, her polite facade was perfectly in place as she moved across the floor. For a moment, she looked over and their eyes met, but she then quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing.

"And why, pray tell, are you here sulking instead of dancing with the fair lady?" Rumil asked as he walked up, a smirk on his face. Haldir looked to him, still frowning.

"I am doing nothing of the sort," he said quickly. Rumil sighed and looked over to Aerendyll then back to his brother.

"I believe it is a good thing - you spending time with Lady Aerendyll. You have never shown an interest in an elleth before. And she is lovely - rather learned, though I sense a bit of a mischievous streak in there somewhere," he said. "Beautiful. Charming-"

"And the ward of King Thranduil, likely set to rule at his son's side someday," Haldir stated dryly, cutting his brother off.

Rumil stared up at him, his eyes wide.

"My apologies, I did not know they were intended," he said. Haldir sighed and rubbed his temple.

"They are not, as far as I am aware. From our conversations, they are close friends, nothing more. But it has long been known that the King wishes for them to be together," Haldir said, an unfamiliar ache entering his chest. "Beyond that, his thoughts on who would make a suitable partner for the ward he views as a daughter are also well known and I doubt one such as myself would meet his demands."

Haldir looked back to the dancefloor, seeing Aerendyll now dancing with Orophin, a bright smile on her face as her skirts floated around her. He should be worried about whatever nonsense his brother was currently filling her head with, but could not muster the irritation. He was too consumed with his conversation with Cohnal.

King Thranduil would never allow such a union. And eventually she would return to Mirkwood. And now Haldir knew the king was keeping a watchful eye on her. If this - whatever exactly it was between them - were to continue, Thranduil would surely find out. Haldir must create space between himself and Aerendyll, even though part of him felt it was the last thing he wished to do.

"You do not know this, Haldir. If the Valar meant for your union to be, even King Thranduil would have to allow it," his brother said gently. "He understands these things - he was once married, himself." Haldir glanced at Rumil.

"Ah, but we must not forget the lady's mind on this matter," Haldir quipped. "And her mind is on one thing - to help rule Mirkwood ably and wisely."

He looked back over, seeing her flushed cheeks and wide eyes. Orophin must have said something inappropriate yet again. But rather than move to her rescue, Haldir took a large drink from his goblet and turned back to face out over the city.

"I see there is nothing I can do to convince you otherwise. I shall leave you with your thoughts then," Rumil said softly before turning and walking away.

"You are looking for him again."

Aerendyll jumped slightly as she turned to look at Melaine and Sheelin seated across from her. She had finally begged out of dancing, unsure if she could remain standing through one more round. But when she had returned to the table, most of the others had wandered off to converse. The food was long finished and the wine was most certainly flowing as voices hummed around her.

"I was merely curious as to where the others had gone off too," she said smoothly, reaching for her wine.

"I see," Melaine said, a small smile on her face.

"You make a striking pair - you and Haldir," Sheelin said suddenly, causing Aerendyll to sputter slightly on her wine as she felt heat fill her cheeks.

It seemed both most certainly were perfect matches for Orophin and Rumil. Their smiles only seemed to grow at her reaction. Perhaps she should not have partaken in so much wine.

"We are merely friends," Aerendyll replied, setting her goblet down and smoothing out her skirts so that she need not look at them. "Besides, I am only here a short while before I must return to Mirkwood. I am most needed there."

She finally looked up at the two, finding matching looks of sympathy on their faces. That she did not understand. There was no need to feel pity for her. She was quite happy with her life in the Greenwood.

"I am advisor to the King," Aerendyll continued.

"Your dedication to duty is admirable," Melaine said with a sigh.

"Reminds me of someone else we know well," Sheelin said knowingly, giving Melaine a pointed look. Melaine only shook her head.

"Thank you. It is a noble purpose, I think. One that is well suited for me," Aerendyll said.

"I have heard the others speak of you. You have made quite the impression on all who have had the pleasure of meeting you, my lady," Melaine said. She glanced at Sheelin. "I wish that we had more minds like yours here in Lorien."

"And you have only arrived. There is still much time left for you here. I do hope that you are not so eager to leave us just as we are getting to know you," Sheelin added. Aerendyll's eyes widened slightly. "You must come for tea soon. Melaine and I are sorely in need of fresh blood to converse with."

"Yes, please say that you will," Melaine said.

"I… yes, of course. Surely I can spare some time for pleasantries," Aerendyll said, slightly overwhelmed by the turn of events.

And while she felt the two were likely inviting her over to press their case on Haldir, Aerendyll found she did truly wish to spend more time getting to know the two elleths.

Soon, a third elleth sat with them and the three struck up a conversation that Aerendyll pretended to follow, but found herself looking around the terrace. On the far side, she found Haldir standing alone, his strong back facing the rest of the feast. She frowned slightly, worried that he was upset. He had been happy and pleasant for most of the feast, save when one or both of his brothers annoyed him. But after their dance, he had gone off on his own. What could have come over him?

Her heart reached out to him, wishing there was some way she could ease his pain. The thought startled her. She turned back to the table, staring down at her hands. She could not allow her thoughts to veer towards that direction. For she knew they could have nothing more than companionship. Just as surely she knew that she was feeling the stirrings of something inside her.

No, she could not allow that. She would not allow it.

Straightening her back, Aerendyll placed a smile upon her face and looked at the other elleth, eagerly joining their conversation and putting to rest all thoughts of the marchwarden.

Apologies yet again. I had hoped to update sooner, but with the Olympics kicked off, I'm putting in a ton of OT at the moment, which is eating into my writing time. And well, I'm pretty exhausted when I do finally make it home.

But as you can see, whatever happily ever after may be trying to happen with our two lovebirds, Cohnal's ready to step in and throw a wrench in those plans…

AB0918 - Thank you so much! I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying the story!

Gandalf007 - You're welcome and thank you for reading and commenting!

Ten Duel Commandments - I know, right? Good ol' Celeborn in there trying to make things happen, haha!

everything-is-black-and-white - Thanks so much! Hope you enjoyed this one!

Thanks everyone for reading, following and commenting!