Chapter 27
The night is late, but I am not tired. For several hours Aragorn and his councillors have spoken with Haldir and me, endless discussions on how exactly we should accomplish this mission, what leaders it is best we contact in the Harad, and many other details. To me, the most important thing is that once outside the borders of Gondor, Haldir and I shall completely alone, and without assistance of any kind should we encounter difficulties.
I steal a look at the handsome elf seated next to me. His attention is focused entirely upon Aragorn, with the ability to totally fix upon something to the exclusion of everything else that only an elf has. Even though I have known Haldir for many years, and although he has declared he loves me, I still wonder why he volunteered to accompany me. Oh, I know Aragorn suggested this, but why did Haldir agree? Is it because he thinks he can protect me? I shall have to ask him, tonight too, as I don't want him to come with me just because he thinks he should.
Finally, the council session is over. We are to leave in the evening, two days from now. Until then, except for Haldir's guard shift tonight, we are freed from all duties to prepare our weapons, provisions etc, for our journey.
Haldir leaves immediately for his guard duty, with only time to give me a quick smile as he leaves. Actually, I don't envy him the next four hours, as he will have to explain to his brothers where he is going with me, and why. It won't be easy, as the three are very close indeed, and Haldir will have difficulty explaining to Rumil and Orophin why they can't come too.
I have decided to stay up and read instead of going to bed, which would be pointless in any case, I know I am far too worried over the mission to sleep, and I have the feeling that Haldir will somehow spirit himself through my window or door by morning. It wouldn't be the first time he has appeared out of nowhere and taken me for a walk by starlight, when I was in Lorien, or we were both in Rivendell, he often did this, and I must say that a walk in the Golden Woods at night is indeed a magical experience.
I change into a shirt, and breeches, and my old hunting tunic, so I will be wearing suitable clothes for a midnight excursion through Gondor. In fact, I wouldn't put it past Haldir to bring his brothers with him tonight, as he has sometimes done.
My maid has heard me, and come in from the adjoining room, to see if I want anything. 'No, I don't need anything, Veronica, you can go, and I'll see you in the morning.'
She leaves, relieved to go, since she developed her silly fear of me she has been like a shadow sliding around my rooms, and it irritates me quite a lot. However, I have decided to let it go until the mission, when I shall have to tackle her over her fear of elves.
Mother's diary beckons to me again, but before I open it, there is a knock at the door. I open it, and find Lord Celeborn there, the last person I would expect on my doorstep!
Short chapter, I know, not really saying much you readers don't already know, but I am stuck, and want to think about why Celeborn would appear on Elandra's doorstep. More coming soon.
The night is late, but I am not tired. For several hours Aragorn and his councillors have spoken with Haldir and me, endless discussions on how exactly we should accomplish this mission, what leaders it is best we contact in the Harad, and many other details. To me, the most important thing is that once outside the borders of Gondor, Haldir and I shall completely alone, and without assistance of any kind should we encounter difficulties.
I steal a look at the handsome elf seated next to me. His attention is focused entirely upon Aragorn, with the ability to totally fix upon something to the exclusion of everything else that only an elf has. Even though I have known Haldir for many years, and although he has declared he loves me, I still wonder why he volunteered to accompany me. Oh, I know Aragorn suggested this, but why did Haldir agree? Is it because he thinks he can protect me? I shall have to ask him, tonight too, as I don't want him to come with me just because he thinks he should.
Finally, the council session is over. We are to leave in the evening, two days from now. Until then, except for Haldir's guard shift tonight, we are freed from all duties to prepare our weapons, provisions etc, for our journey.
Haldir leaves immediately for his guard duty, with only time to give me a quick smile as he leaves. Actually, I don't envy him the next four hours, as he will have to explain to his brothers where he is going with me, and why. It won't be easy, as the three are very close indeed, and Haldir will have difficulty explaining to Rumil and Orophin why they can't come too.
I have decided to stay up and read instead of going to bed, which would be pointless in any case, I know I am far too worried over the mission to sleep, and I have the feeling that Haldir will somehow spirit himself through my window or door by morning. It wouldn't be the first time he has appeared out of nowhere and taken me for a walk by starlight, when I was in Lorien, or we were both in Rivendell, he often did this, and I must say that a walk in the Golden Woods at night is indeed a magical experience.
I change into a shirt, and breeches, and my old hunting tunic, so I will be wearing suitable clothes for a midnight excursion through Gondor. In fact, I wouldn't put it past Haldir to bring his brothers with him tonight, as he has sometimes done.
My maid has heard me, and come in from the adjoining room, to see if I want anything. 'No, I don't need anything, Veronica, you can go, and I'll see you in the morning.'
She leaves, relieved to go, since she developed her silly fear of me she has been like a shadow sliding around my rooms, and it irritates me quite a lot. However, I have decided to let it go until the mission, when I shall have to tackle her over her fear of elves.
Mother's diary beckons to me again, but before I open it, there is a knock at the door. I open it, and find Lord Celeborn there, the last person I would expect on my doorstep!
Short chapter, I know, not really saying much you readers don't already know, but I am stuck, and want to think about why Celeborn would appear on Elandra's doorstep. More coming soon.