Part 5: Confrontation

Things to do:

-Meet up with Galadriel and Celeborn (remember not to mention shiny armour)

-Brush down red procession robes for meeting.

-Re-do my hair braids. Use Glindir's comb.

-Steal more Lembas or any form of foodstuffs can find.

-Try to get close to Arwen. This is absolutely necessary if want to talk to Marien and tell her how I feel.

-Stay away from Nariel.

-Practise holding banner upright.

That's going to be hard.

The banner of Earendil is a hefty thing. The wooden pole that holds it up is about twice my height and has the thickness of a broomstick handle. Near the top is a standard beam, and from it, falls an enormous tapestry bearing the symbol of Elrond and his family in general. I think it's supposed to be some sort of a tree, but the shoddy handiwork and the fact that its over decorated with gems and gold means you cant see it very well.

I thought that maybe I could strap it to my back, therefore leaving hands free when I hold it. Unfortunately, all I can use for support straps are spare robes and sheets.

*

Been trying to stay away from Arwen's private procession because Nariel is there, and she's probably told everyone how she caught me spying and peeking at her sister, but then realised that I can't talk to Marien then and explain what happened.

I tried to talk to Arwen today. She was trying to be nice to me as she always is after she hit me. I ignored her overwhelming smiles and tried to talk to her about my only interest - Marien. She seemed quite dismissive.

"So, Arwen, what do you think of the daughters of Erestor?"

"She's alright. I like Nariel."

"What about Marien?"

"Oh, her? Um.dunno. Personally, I find her a bit annoying. Nariel said that you were spying on her last night or something."

"I WAS NOT!"

"Yeah, whatever. Haldir, do you want my advice? I know your ways with women are...less than successful."

"I, ah..You think so?"

"Haldir, you can do so much better though."

"What?"

"There are so many wonderful single people out there, one of them could be for you. When I met Estel, I just knew he was the one, and he wasn't even an Elf. Now I'm going to be married to him. Are we not going to the wedding right now? Is this not also your dream? "

"Why are you saying this?"

She stopped and looked at me sincerely.

"Haldir. You won't get her. She won't love you back"

"Why do you say that? I haven't even talked to her yet."

"Yes." she ran her fingers through her hair, "that's also another problem, but the thing is you really have NO CHANCE WITH HER."

I shrugged, but inside I was hurt. I wanted to know why she was so sure of this.

"I will once I talk to her."

"No you won't."

"Will."

"Won't"

"Will."

"Fine, be like that. DON'T LISTEN TO ME. Pompous git. I'll get Elladan and Elrohir to beat you up."

"They don't need to, and they're not here, are they? They're in GONDOR"

"Well you ARE arrogant aren't you." She sniffed, " You always think you're right. You think can do anything just because you survived some war wounds and suddenly you're a ladies man!"

"I don't think like that!"

"Well, you act like it!"

I called her some rude words, which resulted in her fist getting lodged in my other eye. That's the least of my worries, because now she won't talk to me and I have no way of getting messages to Marien.

I only have myself to blame. I don't learn from mistakes.

*

When Glindir saw that I now had TWO black eyes, one from Nariel and one from Arwen, he could not stop laughing; he kept chuckling at me, which got really annoying.

But he did stop laughing when I placed MY fist forcefully into HIS face.

It's the first time I've hit him, and it probably won't be the last, but the point is that he won't talk to me now either. My list of allies grows short.

I don't mind, but it's kinda lonely with only dr. Elanesse to talk to, and sometimes I fear for his mental stability.

*

Talked some to the other banner-bearer that marches on the other side of the procession. He commented on my facial injuries, but I explained that I'd got on the wrong side of Arwen, and he understood well enough. He's a nice guy, but I don't think he likes me judging by the way he runs away with his flag every time I go near.

* Many Days Later: HAVE MET UP WITH GALADRIEL AND CELEBORN.

While we were journeying southwards along the Hithaeglir, we met up with the Lothlorien Company who crossed the mountains just yesterday.

It was a formal meeting, and while Elrond and Galadriel were talking, Celeborn did now look pleased. I guess the jealousy thing never left him.

Now the rest of the journey is planned. We go through the Gap of Rohan and head east for Minas Tirith.

But first, we make a camp, and have a formal dinner with the Lothlorien Company. Since I was from Lothlorien myself, I'm invited to the occasion.

Well this will be interesting.