In the Eye of the Beholder

Chapter 2 – In Hiding

Skaian walked about the forest. She looked confused…and not at all concerned about hunting. Actually, there's still food enough for Haldir and herself, stored in the cave.

So there's nothing to worry about, she thought. A few moments more, and I'll go back into the cave.

Hunting is not the reason she left the cave. She needed to get away from the March Warden.

The Guardian of the Golden Wood had been so insistent in knowing who she was. She didn't dare the risk to let him see her face. But, she thought, someday it will be unavoidable.

She pondered on how to get about his convalescence and care for him without the Guardian catching a glimpse of her. She sighed and looked up to the sky and noticed Ithil claiming her glory in the skies and over the land. She wished for the gift of Ithil's beauty. If she had such beauty, then maybe she wouldn't be so aloof with the March warden…

Haldir was sulking in the cave, his pride wounded. How could such a female be strong enough to size him up - Haldir, the Protector of the Golden Wood? Plus, he had been thinking about her last words before she left for hunting. Skaian, an orc? Yes, orc, no female elf has that strength. Except maybe for Galadriel with the powers of Nenya. Maybe half-orc and…half-what? Yes, probably half of something. A pure orc would never be as gentle as she is. Most of all, he wondered how his perfect elven vision failed him when he tried to see Skaian's face.

When he heard her footsteps growing clearer as she got nearer to the cave, Haldir put those ponderings aside as he thought about what they would have for supper. He indeed was much starved. When he finally felt her presence in the dank abode, he said "Good evening, my lady. I suppose you've done well with your hunting? Caught any deer or some other?"

"No, I haven't. I fear my hunting skills aren't as good enough as I thought," liar, she said to herself. You know you did not hunt.

"Anyway there's still some food that could keep us tonight. I'm going outside to build a fire and heat it. Stay here and rest." Skaian continued.

"Can't I go outside, too? I might have the honor of seeing your face once the fire blazes bright. I'm going outside with you and you can't stop me. You're not my keeper." Haldir retorted.

"Just as I thought. It is inevitable," Skaian muttered to herself. What can I do to keep him at bay?

"Well, March Warden, I think I shall take on to lighting a few more candles here to make you comfortable. I was foolish enough not to light some when I left. Maybe a little brightness in here will make you forget about going outside. Besides, you need rest. The cold air outside will do you no good."

Haldir found her presence comforting. He marveled how such being could evoke such feeling to him. He found it foolish, thinking he felt like an elf who had just gotten past coming of age and experienced his first blind date.

When Skaian had finally finished the business of lighting the dwelling, Haldir finally realized why he could not get a glimpse of her – she was veiled – but he could make out her eyes. Her eyes were so rare – like a cat's. He finally got to look her in the eye, and when Skaian stared back at him, he felt a shiver run down his spine.

She has beautiful eyes. A gift of such beauty to an orc lady? Haldir thought.

"My lady Skaian, someday I do wish to see more of you than just your precious eyes." Haldir declared. He was sincere with those words. "And maybe…I would have such honor of seeing you when I accompany you outside," he said mischievously.

"Someday you will realize…and you will regret having wanted to see me." Skaian insisted. "Please, stay behind."

"You couldn't keep me here." Haldir defied her.

"Well…" Skaian said stepping closer to Haldir and giving him a punch on the face that rendered him unconscious. She then
dragged his heavy frame back to the bed.

"I'm sorry for having to do this again, March Warden, but you left me no choice."

Once outside, she went on to build fire. Carefully, she heated some food enough to feed four people. She has quite a healthy appetite. She expected the March Warden could be quite a good feeder, too.

Skaian moved closer to the fire. The cold air was getting to her. She wished she had just let Haldir go with her. Then maybe she won't be sulking this way. Maybe he wouldn't be much trouble… A stray idea crossed her mind, and she scolded herself for having thought of that.

She looked at the searing fire as she waited for the food to warm up. The fire she had made was so intense that she was lost in her thoughts…

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Notes

Ithil – moon

Nenya – Galadriel's ring of power