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Chapter 4-Water Magic, and First Kiss
"Watch this." Kira said with a smile. She bent over the water and scooped some up in her hand as Haldir leaned against a tree and relaxed. Kira whispered something and the water formed a globe, which was currently floating in her hand. Haldir walked to her and bent, peered at it.
"That is incredible," He murmured momentarily forgetting he was faintly annoyed with her.
"Are the Lady and Lord your parents?" She asked, stroking the water ball with a gentle finger all while watching the golden haired March Warden. Haldir shook his head, keeping his face emotionless.
"Nay, my parents passed on a long time ago. I have not seen them since." His voice was saddened, but he quickly put back his emotionless face. Kira giggled, and reached her hand over and grasped his, intertwining her fingers in with his. "I fail to see what is so amusing." He said coldly, glancing down at her small hand, which held his. The elf resisted the urge to pull away, and simply stood there, unsure on what to do.
"Imagine your parents, what they looked like, all of the details that you remember of them." She said. Haldir gave her an odd look, but did as she asked. She brought their inter-joined hands up over the glistening water ball and began to talk in soft musical tones. Haldir closed his eyes, just enjoying her voice, when she let her hand slip from his, and whispered. "Look."
Haldir opened his eyes. The globe had expanded, being almost 10 times larger than its original size. He looked at it, and then at Kira. "What?" He started and she pressed a finger to his lips.
"Just wait for a moment." She bade. He looked at the globe again, and he drew in a sharp breath.
Inside, reflected by the water, were his parents. His mother was walking hand in hand with his father, a broad smile on her face. "The Halls Of Mandos." Whispered Haldir. As if they heard his voice, they turned and saw that there was a shining white light hovering near them.
"You can hear them, but I fear they can only see you." Kira said.
"Haldir!" Gasped his mother, shaking in the shock of seeing her oldest son. "How is this possible?" His father placed his hands on her slim shoulders and smiled at his son.
"Haldir, you should know how proud we are of you and your brothers, and we love you very much." His voice was just as Haldir remembered it. Haldir nodded. Tears began to fill his eyes, but he stubbornly kept them from falling and ruining the cold act that he always used to keep his feelings hidden. "I know that you have been working hard and we are always watching." He hugged the woman from behind, trying to comfort her.
" Le' Melon." Whispered his mother. His father echoed her. Slowly the ball closed and Kira smiled.
"Kira…" he started out. Kira looked up at him and a waited for him to speak. "Thank you." He said finally.
Kira frowned as dizziness took over her, and she swayed. "Oh, no. Maybe I should not have done that," she whispered. Her body began to sag, and the elf quickly slipped an arm around her waist to prevent her from falling. He wrapped his other arm around her and brought her to his chest. Her forehead rested on it, while she caught her breath. "I am sorry, I have only done this once before, and I never carried it out that long. Just give me a moment, and I will be fine."
"Kira, you have nothing to apologize for. That is the greatest thing someone has ever done for me." His voice was low as he held her up. "Are you all right?" She placed her hands on his chest and tried to regain her balance.
"Yes, I think I am now." She tried to stand on her own and wavered again. "Oh no." She sighed for a second time. "Just give me a few more minutes, I will be fine. I am sorry if I am taking away from something you wanted to do." She looked up in to his eyes.
"Nay, Kira. There was nothing I had to do today. I have watch early the next morning only." He assured the faerie. Kira nodded and made her way over to a large tree. Relaxing against it, she slowly slid to sit on the cool grass. "I do have a question." When she nodded, he continued. "I know that faeries have magical powers- glamour, and what you have just shown me, but what else are you able to do?" He sat down in front of her.
"Well, as you have already seen, I am able to manipulate water." She brushed her hair back from her face and considered her abilities for a moment. "I am also able to communicate with trees, and summon plant life, but only when I am at full strength. I cannot glamour other creatures, but I can glamour myself, and shape glamour at my will."
"What do you mean?" He asked. Kira studied the elf for a moment, and then turned her attention to one of her hands. She held it out and closed her eyes. A second later a ring appeared on her ring finger. It had an emerald on it, in the shape of a leaf; with small diamonds outlining it a bright gold band finished the effect. She slid it off her finger and held it out for him to touch. She dropped it in the palm of his hand, and he studied it. "How are you able to do that?"
"It is glamour, strong but just an illusion. It looks, feels, and most likely tastes like real gold. I can destroy it as easily as I made it." She waved her hand and it disappeared. Haldir nodded to show he understood. "Do you want to leave? I can to walk now." Kira stood up and shook her head getting the hair from her eyes.
"If you want, Kira." He offered her his arm and led her back, in a considerably better mood, from seeing his parents, to having an intelligent conversation. He smirked inwardly; he was not able to have many of those with people, they were few and far between.
~ ~ ~
For the next two weeks, the two of them were often seen together. If Haldir was not showing her around the forest, they were simply lost deep in a conversation. Tinevual expressed her disbelief at Haldir actually wishing to spend such long amounts of time with anyone, but Kira just left it alone. It was true, he was arrogant, but she was able to ignore it.
The faerie was not surprised when the Lady announced that it was time to begin her training.
***
Haldir led her down a wooded path, carrying a sword on his belt with a bow and quiver on his back. Kira followed, silent. He led her to a secluded area, and turned to her. "Have you had training in either the sword or the bow?" he inquired, breaking the silence as he set down his weapons.
"Yes, I had been trained by my father, in both, but only the bare essentials." She frowned slightly as she spoke. "Less in the area of archery. If the hunters attacked my family, then I would be able to defend myself. A lot of good it did." She said bitterly. Haldir placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently.
"Lets try the sword first. Here." He tossed the sword and she caught it carefully. "If you are not able to hold it with one hand, then use two. This may be bigger than most of the swords that you have handled, but it will make you stronger."
Kira shot him a dirty look. "I assure you, my lord, I am able to handle a sword with one hand." She retorted tartly. Haldir flashed her one of the quicksilver smiles that made her grin despite herself. She began one of the few drills that her father had taught her before he had died. She finished quickly and smiled at him. "See?"
"Your stance is off." He pointed out. Kira looked down and swore under her breath. She handed him the sword and he cocked his head. "What are you doing?" He asked when she held out her hand while closing her eyes.
"Making a sword of my own." She uttered absentmindedly. A second later, a sword with fine tempered steel and a griffin for a pommel, appeared in her hand. She swung it experimentally and then took a stance, making sure that it was correct. She glanced at him and quietly murmured. "It was the sword that my father gave me when I turned fifteen. It is back home, but this is what it looks like."
Haldir felt pity for the woman before him, and he understood slightly what she was going through. "I am sorry that fate was so unfair and you lost your parents so young an age."
She stared at him for a moment and then said fiercely. "I do not want your pity." She turned away from him and slashed out at invisible beings. The elf watched as she swiped out, her sword singing through the air. Tears ran unbidden from her eyes, and her moves became more fierce, and desperate. Her breathing was ragged, but still she swung her sword. Haldir dodged the sword, and came up behind her, grasping her shoulders. He was mildly surprised; when he felt them shaking with suppressed anger, and sadness.
Haldir drew in a deep breath and turned her around.
"Lets train, all right?" he asked softly. She swiped angrily at the tears in her eyes and nodded. For the next few hours, he went through the basics, drilling her on what she thought she had already known, but needed practice on. The sun beat down on the two of them, sweat soaking their clothes. Kira was slightly tired, but knew the practice was for a reason. To stop what happened last time from happening again.
*1 Week later*
"You are late." Teased Haldir. He held his bow in his hand and his quiver was strapped on his back. The air was fresh and cool, a gentle breeze pulling on his golden hair.
"I am not! I am right on time!" Retorted Kira, her eyes dancing playfully. They were standing outside, the sun shining down, and making the trees seem all the more beautiful.
He rolled his eyes, knowing by the look in her eyes, that he would not win an argument. "As you wish to believe."
She laughed and then asked. "What are we doing today?"
"A bit of archery first and then I want to show you something." Haldir flashed her a quick smile and then began to walk. "Is my little brother, Rumil, still trying to woo you?" his voice was amused. They both knew how he kept trying to court her, often showing up at frustrating times, and presenting her with flowers.
"You know the answer to that." Kira pointed out, dryly. "This morning he came and brought another bunch of flowers. It is sweet, but I am not interested. Which I have told him so many times, I have lost count."
Haldir rolled his eyes. "That is my brother. He is not able to recognize what is in front of him, even when people try to show him. Do you wish me to speak to him?" He asked somewhat uncertainly.
"No thank you, I can handle it." Kira realized that she had fallen behind and trotted to keep up. "Your legs are too long." She pointed out, sticking her tongue out at him.
"Nay, mine are not the problem. Yours are simply too short." He smirked back at her. She huffed and gently hit his arm. "Ow! What did I do to deserve that?"
"You know exactly what." She said. "How much farther?" she rolled up the sleeves of her shirt, it was getting slightly humid out. Haldir shifted his bow to his other hand and ducked to avoid a tree branch.
"Not too much farther." He led her to a grove, shaded from the sunlight where he turned to face her. "This is where I come to practice sometimes, when I want to be alone. Really, Orophin is the one who showed it to me, but we both use it."
Kira stared at the huge trees. "You would think after being in Lothlorien so long, I would be used to the giant trees, but I am not." Haldir chuckled and she walked over. "I have only used the bow once."
Kira created a bow in her hand and then a quiver full of arrows, which she set on the grass beside her. She took her stance, trying to remember what her father had taught her before he had died. Haldir came up behind her and nudged her legs apart with his own feet. "Keep balanced, you do not know what may happen in battle."
For about an hour he showed her the basics of archery; how to string the bow, how to take care of it, how to shoot. She let the bow and arrows that she had created disappear, then she flopped back on the ground. "You are evil, my friend." She said in a dry voice while wiping strands damp with sweat, from her face. "I am going to report that the Marchwarden is abusing the guest." She placed a hand on her forehead and fluttered her eyes dramatically. "Oh, woe is me!"
Haldir set down his bow and reached down for her hand. She took it and gave him a puzzled look. "I still want to show you something." He pointed out. She let him lead her, on a path that followed the river. Soon they reached a waterfall, a small one but quite beautiful. "All of the elves know of this place, and yet few come here." Haldir said. He knelt down and carefully made his way along the wall of the waterfall. The spraying water soaked them as Kira followed carefully behind.
"We are getting all wet!" She called over the sound of water. When Haldir turned and grinned back at her, she stuck out her tongue at him, squinting to see. Ahead of her, Haldir ducked under the waterfall. "Haldir?" Kira saw where he must have ducked under the falls, and followed.
Her eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness, and then she continued on. "I can barely see my hand- oof!" she ran in Haldir, and stumbled back. "Could you have warned me or something?" she said slightly annoyed. Haldir wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Kira was stunned to find that she was pressed against the tall Elf. She could feel his breath against her cheek.
"Are you all right?" He whispered, his lips not a hair's breadth from her ear. Kira could not respond. Her breathing had quickened in response to his nearness. "Kira?" He asked pulling away.
The faerie could not see in the darkness, but she felt him. He tipped her face up and murmured, "Kira?" His voice was warm, but a certain smugness in his words.
"I… I am fine." She whispered, licking her lips and trying to get her throat to work. He laughed softly and bent down, his lips brushing against her cheek. Slowly he made his way to her lips, brushing against them like he did her cheek. "Haldir…?" She tried to get his attention.
He did not respond, but pressed his lips to hers, kissing her gently. His tongue darted out and traced around her lips teasingly, as if asking permission to enter. She parted her lips and he slid his tongue in to her mouth. Kira hesitatingly wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers coming to tangle in his hair. One of his arms wrapped around her waist, the other hand caressing her face, and running through her hair. Suddenly he wrenched away, and they both gasped for air. Breathing hard, Haldir rested his forehead on her own, his eyes boring in to her own.
"No…" Kira whispered, running her fingers through his hair, pulling him back to her lips. She moaned quietly after a moment, and Haldir held her even closer, his hand moving from her waist to stroke the small of her back. But after a few moments, Haldir jerked away.
"M-my lady. I apologize, I do not know what came over me." His voice was rough. He backed away, and Kira leaned against the wall, catching her breath.
"Haldir…" she started, reaching out for him.
"My lady, I am sorry," he repeated firmly, as he backed away. He turned around and began to walk out of the cave.
'I don't believe him!' Kira thought angrily. 'He kisses me, and then decides to walk away like nothing has happened.' She was angry, and confused. Another thought struck her. 'Was it something I did?'
Now, I need advise. *Eep* my wonderful beta thinks that I am moving their relationship too fast, but I am unsure. (This is not questioning her judgment, just seeing what all you guys think.) I think that it fits there, but then I may be wrong. Like I said, I don't have much experience in the whole kissing area, and I am not a "cuddly by nature" kind of person. There is going to be some plot developments, which will make the relationship, not seem so rushed (I hope) so write me and tell me what you think. I really need help! *No, not mentally*
Clion1987- Thank you so much for your review, and you will know soon why the hunters want Kira!! Keep reviewing!! :D
Dunthonwen- Thanks for the review; I am glad you are enjoying this!
Nightcrawlers girlio- Glad that you like this, and you think this is so original! I can't believe so many people like this!
FictionFan- why the hunters want Kira will be explained later! And a beta reader is someone who proofreads your story, and checks it for mistakes.
Lady of Legolas- Yep, all sorts of stuff going on, but I am going as fast as I can! Thanks for reviewing!
Elisabeth- I know what you mean, and please tell me if you think the romance is moving to quickly! I am not to well experienced in the area of romance, so I could use some advise! Thanks for the support!
Aragorn's girl, and Winter- Great! I am glad you like this!
Saera- The chapter is here!! J
Aslin- Eep! The whole Loki thing, Erm… I really could not think of any other names… *Blushes* and I am sorry that some things are confusing! Um, on the mocking thing, *shrugs* I really don't have an answer to that…
On the whole getting to middle earth, Loki is able to do this because…. I can't tell you!!!!! It will be explained later!! And Galadriel can't sense him with her mirror, because he has a different type of magic and she is not able to sense it. Again- sorry some of it was hard to understand!!! *tear*