~*~
To you wonderful people who are enjoying this story, I thank you for reading and reviewing. Please check out the other story that I am posting right now, Amarië and Haldir: Paths of Destiny. If you liked this one, I think you will like that one also.
~*~
Chapter 4: Summoned
I stayed on in the city, for I had nowhere else to go, nothing to cling to but memories and the strange phrases that would enter my head at unexpected moments. Sometimes I truly thought they were from him, at other times I was certain they owed their creation to wishful thinking and vivid imagination. Yet often I wondered. Just lately I was finding that the word 'soon' often slithered through my mind.
If it had a meaning, what was it? Soon what?
The winter snows had come and gone, and the plain below the white city grew green and lush once more. The warm spring breeze held the banners high, the tower shining in the morning light.
Aragorn came to me one morning as I sat upon the wall staring out on the fields, memories of the elves' colorful tents vivid in my thoughts. The King came and stood beside me, leaning his elbows on the wall, gazing where I gazed, perhaps even sharing the same recollections. A favor, he said. One that only I could provide. Would I come to the tower? He had something to show me. I should come today.
Of course I could not refuse the King.
I arrived and found them waiting, Arwen and the King. Aragorn rose, greeting me with a courteous smile as I bowed before them. In his hand he held a letter, delivered the day before by a group of traveling elves. It was unopened, but he had also received one, he said, and he knew what mine contained. Both were from Galadriel.
I looked down at the letter, my trembling causing it to shake. I stared at the elegant inscription of my name, but told him I dared not open it. I think he knew why and for whom I grieved, for his look was compassionate as he took it from me and broke open the seal. He read it to himself, then gently handed it back to me.
I took it and turned away, afraid to let them see my face while I read. When done, I knew my face was white as I sank slowly to the floor, my knees unable to support me as I took in the implications of what she asked. Aragorn knelt next to me while, over and over, I shook my head, blinded by my tears. She needed me, he said. She knew what I could do. Could I refuse a request from the Queen of the Lothlórien elves?
But in the end it was Arwen whose words aided me in my hour of need. She took her husband's place at my side, her hand gentle on my arm. "The love between a mortal and an elf can be the sweetest love of all," she whispered. "Such love is a gift from the Valar. Trust my grandmother, Keara. She is older and wiser than you can imagine. She knows what it is she asks. She does not wish to inflict pain on either you or him."
I did not ask her how she knew, but only bowed my head in silent acquiescence. And so it was that I traveled long days and nights accompanied by a contingent of Aragorn's guard along the Great River to the north. The stars shone brightly on the night I first set eyes on Lothlórien.
We encamped a short way from the wood that night, but I could not sleep for thoughts of him. I wondered how I would be greeted. Would he be there or would he send others? Had he thought of me during these past months? And if so, would he tell me so? Surrounded by Aragorn's guard, I felt as though I sat alone at the campfire, staring at the stars as the hours passed with painful slowness.
In the morning, we entered the Golden Wood. I clutched my cloak about me and gazed upward in amazement at the massive trees surrounding us. The light was dimmer in the forest, and the rustling of the leaves and the moan of the wind made me slightly uneasy as we slowly picked our way in what seemed to be the right direction.
My guards were uneasy as well, even knowing they were expected. One took firm hold of my upper arm, gripping it securely as we went deeper into the wood. How far must we go, I asked, but he only shook his head. He did not know.
Feeling tense, I gazed about me, wondering where they were, when my foot suddenly caught upon a root and I stumbled. The guards' attention was drawn to me for only a split second, but it was enough. When I looked up, the elves were there.
The guard at my elbow muttered an oath and pulled me sharply back. I had not heard or felt them, but they had most likely been watching us for some time. Five of them stood silently before us, their arrows nocked but pointed at the ground. I did not recognize any of them, but now that they had shown themselves I found that I was not afraid. I think my guard felt otherwise, for his grip tightened on my arm as Haldir dropped lightly to the ground from somewhere high above.
My eyes were wide and my breathing erratic as the one who haunted my dreams came forward. He stared at the guard surrounding me with an air of haughty amusement and told them almost with disdain that they could go no further. His tone hinted at dire consequences should they challenge him, and I gasped when the guard holding my arm thrust me forward with abruptness. I nearly fell, but Haldir caught me and dragged me close.
"That is no way to treat a woman," he said contemptuously. His eyes fixed coldly on Aragorn's guard as he drew me almost possessively against his side. He was just as arrogant and overbearing as I remembered him, and for some reason I wanted to laugh.
I could feel his tension as he held me, his voice clipped as he ordered the guards to leave the woods without delay. I heard several elves snicker as the men turned, nearly running in their haste to leave the Lórien woods behind. One of them left behind the small pack that carried my belongings, including my treasured red dress, and an elf went and picked it up. Then the elves backed away, their soft laughter fading as they gave me a moment alone with Haldir. My mouth went dry as I turned to face him.
His mouth curved in a small half smile, his gray eyes roving over my face in intimate appraisal. "Welcome to Lothlórien, Keara. It has been a long journey for you." He studied me a moment longer. "I am glad you are here," he added, and I saw something in his eyes that stirred my hopes that he had missed me.
I gripped the edges of my cloak and managed a small smile, but could make no reply, for my voice had suddenly deserted me. Fortunately, he did not seem to expect one, for he lifted his gaze from mine and gripped my arm as the guard had done, but with a great deal more gentleness.
He led me deeper into the wood, his guard filing silently behind us. I did not speak, not knowing what to say to him, and the wood seemed silent as well. Eventually he asked me of my journey and I answered him, but by then my mind was drifting as I began to tire. Many nights had I lain sleepless, knowing we traveled nearer to the one I thought never to see again. How would I react? What would he say? Such questions had filled my thoughts throughout the journey.
In due course he stopped, somehow sensing my exhaustion, and led me to a small glade where the sun filtered through the high canopy above. He bade me sit and rest, and I sank gratefully to the soft, tufted grass and leaned wearily against a tree. Another elf approached and handed me a cup of water, and I smiled my thanks. He returned my smile, his blue eyes crinkling, and it crossed my mind that when it came to physical appearance, all these elves surpassed most of the men I had known. Perhaps it was well they did not often travel the world, for I was sure the trail of broken hearts behind them would be long.
I watched Haldir as he strode further down the path, realizing with a start that he stood talking to his brother. Rúmil looked weary, and I could see his cloak and tunic were stained with blood. Haldir reached out to touch his brother's shoulder where a stain was bright, but Rúmil pushed him away and continued to speak, gestures with his elegant hands punctuating his words. Behind him, another group of elves waited, their demeanor grim.
My weariness must have been far greater than I realized, for I did not feel it when he lifted me. When I awoke, I was being carried, cradled in his arms, his male scent filling my head, my cheek pressed to the soft wool of his gray tunic. It felt like something out of a dream, a sweet moment of absolute bliss, and for a few seconds I allowed myself to enjoy it. Then I spoke his name and he glanced at me, but did not release me as I expected.
"I am awake," I pointed out, a warm flush creeping up my neck.
He smiled slightly. "So I see."
"That means you can put me down," I said, wriggling a little. I was amazed by how smoothly he was able to carry me despite his swift pace.
"Indeed I could," he agreed, "if I wished it. But I do not. I have waited long months to hold you in my arms. I admit this is not quite what I had in mind, but it will do for the moment."
I blinked, unable to believe my ears. Many things had I imagined him saying to me, but not this. "You are being overbearing," I told him sternly. "I command you to put me down."
He chuckled. "You are under my authority now, Keara. I am March Warden here and can do as I want. Besides, I am enjoying this."
Flabbergasted, I gaped at him, unable to believe he would admit it. "Just because I am weaker than you does not give you the right to control my actions."
He gave a soft snort and held me tighter, and I debated whether I should risk my dignity in a struggle I was sure to lose. "Haldir," I said finally, "I do not think you are being sensible. There is no reason to carry me. I am quite able to walk."
"There is reason enough if it gives me pleasure. It gives you pleasure too," he added slyly. "And I am actually demonstrating a great deal of restraint." As if to highlight this, the hand nearest to my hips gave me a light squeeze on my bottom.
Behind us, I could hear several chuckles, and I realized with embarrassment that his elves understood at least the essence of our conversation. I squeezed my eyes shut as my face grew hot, and I heard Haldir laugh softly under his breath. He gripped me a little more snugly as he climbed a small hill, the effort he expended to carry me seeming so small that it was insignificant.
I must actually have drifted off to sleep again, and I wondered later if he had known the extent of my exhaustion. When next I opened my eyes, we had nearly reached his city, so he set me on my feet and told me to look. He watched my face as I stared in awe at the city of Caras Galadhon, constructed in the very heights of massive golden-leafed trees called mellyrns. With pride, he explained that his people, the Silvan elves of the land of Lórien, were called the Galadhrim, meaning 'tree people', and that the Lord and Lady had ruled here for more than a thousand years.
He led me down into the valley, and it was nightfall when we reached the city gates. I could not stop looking around me, and I think this amused him for he often glanced at me. The mists were rising and the night was cool, and I shivered as I followed him along the pathways through the trees. Above me, around the great bases of the trees, filigree walkways spiraled upward, the branches of the trees intertwining among the walkways and platforms to become lost in blue-tinted shadows.
He led me up one of the stairways, and with fascination I studied the ornate artistry that had created a living city amid these mighty branches. Above, I could see a large building woven among the branches, its walls a lattice of lacy woven creations that spilled a soft warm light which seemed to beckon me closer.
At last we reached the top, and paused before a low rise that led into a warm light streaming from above. I somehow knew I stood where few humans dared to stand, and nervously clutched the cloak that was fast becoming my anchor. In wonder, I watched the two golden apparitions glide gracefully toward me down the steps. The brightness of their glow blurred their forms, and I blinked as they drew near and materialized into the familiar, elegant creatures I had met amid the tents below the white city.
Filled with the wisdom and knowledge of the ages, the Queen's blue eyes gripped me, held me in thrall. Unlike before, I felt the brush of her mind against mine as she tried to read me, but whether she succeeded or not, I do not know. Both she and Celeborn then welcomed me to their land, and I bowed, still amazed that I was here at all.
She asked only of my travels, her gaze moving to Haldir as if to gather information, but what she learned from him I could not tell. She would speak to me again, but for now I must go with Haldir. He would show me where I would stay, and I must rest before we spoke again. I hesitated, needing to know why she had sent for me, but Haldir's firm grip upon my elbow drew me away and down the stair.
My thoughts grew chaotic as he directed my steps. What did she want of me? Who was I to heal? My concern and curiosity were great enough that I asked Haldir if he knew. To my surprise, he frowned and refused to answer, stating only that I would be told soon enough. His playfulness was gone, replaced by a brooding quality that reminded me of the way he had been before his healing. It troubled me, this change in him, and I briefly considered teasing him in an attempt to break through whatever barrier he'd put up.
He led me to a small room set among the branches of a tree. It seemed a part of the tree, its walls interwoven with the smaller branches, its floor covered in soft rugs. The bed in the corner sat next to a window hung with sheer curtains ruffled by the breeze. My pack had been delivered, left on a wooden chair near a small table.
He had already turned to go when I found the courage to speak. "Haldir, what is wrong?"
He turned back to look at me, his dark brows lifted. "Why do you ask?"
"Your manner seems changed," I stammered, flustered by the eyes that now drilled into me. Had I mistaken his interest in me? Was his mind already on other matters? If so, he would think my question brazen and foolish.
He approached me, his gaze subtly altered. "Do I detect a personal interest? Are you no longer denying your feelings for me?"
I opened and shut my mouth, confounded by his directness. "It is not a question of denying them," I said after a few moments. "It is a question of . . . practicality."
He looked amused. "You found it practical to stay in the white city all these months? You found it practical to deny that which you knew to be your true desire?" He stood looking down at me, so near that I could feel his breath, the heat from his body.
Discomposed, I lowered my gaze. "I know you think me weak . . ."
"Weak?" He took both my hands in his, and a curious note entered his voice. "Keara, you are not weak. No one knows better than I what you have had the courage to do. It is hard enough to bear one's own pain, but to willingly take on another's pain is not an act of weakness. You stand among the strongest and bravest I have known. I admire you greatly."
They were words I had longed to hear and had not known it. To my profound embarrassment, my eyes filled with tears, and as if he read my mind, he slid his arms around me to offer comfort. As I sobbed against his chest, he removed my cloak and cast it aside, murmuring soft Elvish words that held no meaning to me, yet seemed to soothe me all the same. We stayed this way until I calmed.
"We will speak more later," he said. "Right now you are weary and must rest." It was his authoritative voice, but this time I did not tell him he was being overbearing, for I felt his lips brush my hair before he drew away. He left me, and before I even turned around, a female elf had taken his place.
She had brought me food, and I thanked her with a smile as well as words. She answered in the common tongue, her soft voice a quiet music that caressed my ears. Clothes and any other items I might deem necessary had been brought, and I need only ask if I had need of something more. I told her I needed nothing, but her reply was firm. I must accept what was given to me. I was surprised by her insistence, and wondered whether Aragorn had spoken to Galadriel of my reluctance to accept gifts.
When she had gone, I removed my gray traveling gown and washed away the grime of travel using the basin of water on the nightstand. Feeling better, I ate the food she had left and climbed into a bed that enveloped me with its softness, the blankets warming the chill from my body. I sank quickly into a sleep that could well have been aided by a touch of elven magic.
* * *
I woke before the sunrise, and felt a pang of dismay that I would be unable to see it. Still, I rose, knowing I could sleep no more, and dressed in a gown I found lying across the foot the bed. Where it had come from, I knew not, but I dared not refuse to wear it. It slid over me in a soft, silken whisper, its color a shade of blue that reminded me of Galadriel's eyes.
A soft knock on the door startled me, for the morning was still a hour away. I opened the door to find Haldir leaning casually against the doorframe. My heart fluttered madly at the appreciative way his eyes slid over me, the way his eyes glinted as they slowly returned to settle on my face. I knew not how, but I felt as though I was feeling his emotion, and that it matched my own.
He thought I might like to see the sunrise, and I wondered how he knew. I stared at him, wanting so much to go with him, yet fearing the power that he held over my emotions. I finally agreed, seeing his smile widen at the length of time for me to answer. He took my hand, drawing me along a stair that led us steadily higher through the trees. He did not speak, but held my hand lightly in his, and I was more conscious of the warmth of his touch than I was of the twinkling lights around us.
Then we reached the top of the stair and I gasped, whirling around, staring at the incredible view before me. We stood at the very crown of the city, for this platform, which the elves called a flet, allowed us to view the glory of the golden wood for a great distance in every direction. Above, the stars twinkled in the purple of the night sky, the first hints of dawn just beginning to brush the far horizon.
Instinctively I knew he came here often, and I saw him smile at my delight. I leaned on the rail of the platform, shivering as the cool breeze lifted my hair to flutter and catch among my eyelashes. He moved behind me and wrapped his cloak around us both, his body pressed intimately to mine. Though my heart thundered, I made no objection, for in some way it seemed right and perfect that we should stand like this to view this particular sunrise on this particular day.
Of all the mornings I had seen, I knew that this one would forever be seared into my memory. Together, we watched the first golden rays brush the treetops, gilding them in gold and green. Then the sky began to lighten with the gradual appearance of pink and gold as the purple faded into blue. The mists rising from the depths of the forest refracted the light so that it burst into a rainbow of colors that brought a sudden tear to my eye. Without thinking, I turned to him, unable to speak for the emotion in my throat. His thumb brushed away the tear, then continued down my cheek to stroke across my lips. Our gazes locked, the sunrise forgotten, and then his mouth came close to mine.
And that was when he kissed me, our first kiss and a gentle one, the joining of our mouths becoming the sweetest experience of my life thus far. His lips were warm and eager, yet in some inexplicable way I knew that he was using great restraint. Below the surface, I could feel his simmering tension, an unleashed passion far greater than I had ever experienced. All I needed was the courage to accept it. And I knew also that he was purposely letting me feel it, giving me a taste of what could be if I was willing to allow it. He was giving me the choice, even daring me. But I was not yet ready, nor that brave.
An hour later, I was summoned by Galadriel.
To you wonderful people who are enjoying this story, I thank you for reading and reviewing. Please check out the other story that I am posting right now, Amarië and Haldir: Paths of Destiny. If you liked this one, I think you will like that one also.
~*~
Chapter 4: Summoned
I stayed on in the city, for I had nowhere else to go, nothing to cling to but memories and the strange phrases that would enter my head at unexpected moments. Sometimes I truly thought they were from him, at other times I was certain they owed their creation to wishful thinking and vivid imagination. Yet often I wondered. Just lately I was finding that the word 'soon' often slithered through my mind.
If it had a meaning, what was it? Soon what?
The winter snows had come and gone, and the plain below the white city grew green and lush once more. The warm spring breeze held the banners high, the tower shining in the morning light.
Aragorn came to me one morning as I sat upon the wall staring out on the fields, memories of the elves' colorful tents vivid in my thoughts. The King came and stood beside me, leaning his elbows on the wall, gazing where I gazed, perhaps even sharing the same recollections. A favor, he said. One that only I could provide. Would I come to the tower? He had something to show me. I should come today.
Of course I could not refuse the King.
I arrived and found them waiting, Arwen and the King. Aragorn rose, greeting me with a courteous smile as I bowed before them. In his hand he held a letter, delivered the day before by a group of traveling elves. It was unopened, but he had also received one, he said, and he knew what mine contained. Both were from Galadriel.
I looked down at the letter, my trembling causing it to shake. I stared at the elegant inscription of my name, but told him I dared not open it. I think he knew why and for whom I grieved, for his look was compassionate as he took it from me and broke open the seal. He read it to himself, then gently handed it back to me.
I took it and turned away, afraid to let them see my face while I read. When done, I knew my face was white as I sank slowly to the floor, my knees unable to support me as I took in the implications of what she asked. Aragorn knelt next to me while, over and over, I shook my head, blinded by my tears. She needed me, he said. She knew what I could do. Could I refuse a request from the Queen of the Lothlórien elves?
But in the end it was Arwen whose words aided me in my hour of need. She took her husband's place at my side, her hand gentle on my arm. "The love between a mortal and an elf can be the sweetest love of all," she whispered. "Such love is a gift from the Valar. Trust my grandmother, Keara. She is older and wiser than you can imagine. She knows what it is she asks. She does not wish to inflict pain on either you or him."
I did not ask her how she knew, but only bowed my head in silent acquiescence. And so it was that I traveled long days and nights accompanied by a contingent of Aragorn's guard along the Great River to the north. The stars shone brightly on the night I first set eyes on Lothlórien.
We encamped a short way from the wood that night, but I could not sleep for thoughts of him. I wondered how I would be greeted. Would he be there or would he send others? Had he thought of me during these past months? And if so, would he tell me so? Surrounded by Aragorn's guard, I felt as though I sat alone at the campfire, staring at the stars as the hours passed with painful slowness.
In the morning, we entered the Golden Wood. I clutched my cloak about me and gazed upward in amazement at the massive trees surrounding us. The light was dimmer in the forest, and the rustling of the leaves and the moan of the wind made me slightly uneasy as we slowly picked our way in what seemed to be the right direction.
My guards were uneasy as well, even knowing they were expected. One took firm hold of my upper arm, gripping it securely as we went deeper into the wood. How far must we go, I asked, but he only shook his head. He did not know.
Feeling tense, I gazed about me, wondering where they were, when my foot suddenly caught upon a root and I stumbled. The guards' attention was drawn to me for only a split second, but it was enough. When I looked up, the elves were there.
The guard at my elbow muttered an oath and pulled me sharply back. I had not heard or felt them, but they had most likely been watching us for some time. Five of them stood silently before us, their arrows nocked but pointed at the ground. I did not recognize any of them, but now that they had shown themselves I found that I was not afraid. I think my guard felt otherwise, for his grip tightened on my arm as Haldir dropped lightly to the ground from somewhere high above.
My eyes were wide and my breathing erratic as the one who haunted my dreams came forward. He stared at the guard surrounding me with an air of haughty amusement and told them almost with disdain that they could go no further. His tone hinted at dire consequences should they challenge him, and I gasped when the guard holding my arm thrust me forward with abruptness. I nearly fell, but Haldir caught me and dragged me close.
"That is no way to treat a woman," he said contemptuously. His eyes fixed coldly on Aragorn's guard as he drew me almost possessively against his side. He was just as arrogant and overbearing as I remembered him, and for some reason I wanted to laugh.
I could feel his tension as he held me, his voice clipped as he ordered the guards to leave the woods without delay. I heard several elves snicker as the men turned, nearly running in their haste to leave the Lórien woods behind. One of them left behind the small pack that carried my belongings, including my treasured red dress, and an elf went and picked it up. Then the elves backed away, their soft laughter fading as they gave me a moment alone with Haldir. My mouth went dry as I turned to face him.
His mouth curved in a small half smile, his gray eyes roving over my face in intimate appraisal. "Welcome to Lothlórien, Keara. It has been a long journey for you." He studied me a moment longer. "I am glad you are here," he added, and I saw something in his eyes that stirred my hopes that he had missed me.
I gripped the edges of my cloak and managed a small smile, but could make no reply, for my voice had suddenly deserted me. Fortunately, he did not seem to expect one, for he lifted his gaze from mine and gripped my arm as the guard had done, but with a great deal more gentleness.
He led me deeper into the wood, his guard filing silently behind us. I did not speak, not knowing what to say to him, and the wood seemed silent as well. Eventually he asked me of my journey and I answered him, but by then my mind was drifting as I began to tire. Many nights had I lain sleepless, knowing we traveled nearer to the one I thought never to see again. How would I react? What would he say? Such questions had filled my thoughts throughout the journey.
In due course he stopped, somehow sensing my exhaustion, and led me to a small glade where the sun filtered through the high canopy above. He bade me sit and rest, and I sank gratefully to the soft, tufted grass and leaned wearily against a tree. Another elf approached and handed me a cup of water, and I smiled my thanks. He returned my smile, his blue eyes crinkling, and it crossed my mind that when it came to physical appearance, all these elves surpassed most of the men I had known. Perhaps it was well they did not often travel the world, for I was sure the trail of broken hearts behind them would be long.
I watched Haldir as he strode further down the path, realizing with a start that he stood talking to his brother. Rúmil looked weary, and I could see his cloak and tunic were stained with blood. Haldir reached out to touch his brother's shoulder where a stain was bright, but Rúmil pushed him away and continued to speak, gestures with his elegant hands punctuating his words. Behind him, another group of elves waited, their demeanor grim.
My weariness must have been far greater than I realized, for I did not feel it when he lifted me. When I awoke, I was being carried, cradled in his arms, his male scent filling my head, my cheek pressed to the soft wool of his gray tunic. It felt like something out of a dream, a sweet moment of absolute bliss, and for a few seconds I allowed myself to enjoy it. Then I spoke his name and he glanced at me, but did not release me as I expected.
"I am awake," I pointed out, a warm flush creeping up my neck.
He smiled slightly. "So I see."
"That means you can put me down," I said, wriggling a little. I was amazed by how smoothly he was able to carry me despite his swift pace.
"Indeed I could," he agreed, "if I wished it. But I do not. I have waited long months to hold you in my arms. I admit this is not quite what I had in mind, but it will do for the moment."
I blinked, unable to believe my ears. Many things had I imagined him saying to me, but not this. "You are being overbearing," I told him sternly. "I command you to put me down."
He chuckled. "You are under my authority now, Keara. I am March Warden here and can do as I want. Besides, I am enjoying this."
Flabbergasted, I gaped at him, unable to believe he would admit it. "Just because I am weaker than you does not give you the right to control my actions."
He gave a soft snort and held me tighter, and I debated whether I should risk my dignity in a struggle I was sure to lose. "Haldir," I said finally, "I do not think you are being sensible. There is no reason to carry me. I am quite able to walk."
"There is reason enough if it gives me pleasure. It gives you pleasure too," he added slyly. "And I am actually demonstrating a great deal of restraint." As if to highlight this, the hand nearest to my hips gave me a light squeeze on my bottom.
Behind us, I could hear several chuckles, and I realized with embarrassment that his elves understood at least the essence of our conversation. I squeezed my eyes shut as my face grew hot, and I heard Haldir laugh softly under his breath. He gripped me a little more snugly as he climbed a small hill, the effort he expended to carry me seeming so small that it was insignificant.
I must actually have drifted off to sleep again, and I wondered later if he had known the extent of my exhaustion. When next I opened my eyes, we had nearly reached his city, so he set me on my feet and told me to look. He watched my face as I stared in awe at the city of Caras Galadhon, constructed in the very heights of massive golden-leafed trees called mellyrns. With pride, he explained that his people, the Silvan elves of the land of Lórien, were called the Galadhrim, meaning 'tree people', and that the Lord and Lady had ruled here for more than a thousand years.
He led me down into the valley, and it was nightfall when we reached the city gates. I could not stop looking around me, and I think this amused him for he often glanced at me. The mists were rising and the night was cool, and I shivered as I followed him along the pathways through the trees. Above me, around the great bases of the trees, filigree walkways spiraled upward, the branches of the trees intertwining among the walkways and platforms to become lost in blue-tinted shadows.
He led me up one of the stairways, and with fascination I studied the ornate artistry that had created a living city amid these mighty branches. Above, I could see a large building woven among the branches, its walls a lattice of lacy woven creations that spilled a soft warm light which seemed to beckon me closer.
At last we reached the top, and paused before a low rise that led into a warm light streaming from above. I somehow knew I stood where few humans dared to stand, and nervously clutched the cloak that was fast becoming my anchor. In wonder, I watched the two golden apparitions glide gracefully toward me down the steps. The brightness of their glow blurred their forms, and I blinked as they drew near and materialized into the familiar, elegant creatures I had met amid the tents below the white city.
Filled with the wisdom and knowledge of the ages, the Queen's blue eyes gripped me, held me in thrall. Unlike before, I felt the brush of her mind against mine as she tried to read me, but whether she succeeded or not, I do not know. Both she and Celeborn then welcomed me to their land, and I bowed, still amazed that I was here at all.
She asked only of my travels, her gaze moving to Haldir as if to gather information, but what she learned from him I could not tell. She would speak to me again, but for now I must go with Haldir. He would show me where I would stay, and I must rest before we spoke again. I hesitated, needing to know why she had sent for me, but Haldir's firm grip upon my elbow drew me away and down the stair.
My thoughts grew chaotic as he directed my steps. What did she want of me? Who was I to heal? My concern and curiosity were great enough that I asked Haldir if he knew. To my surprise, he frowned and refused to answer, stating only that I would be told soon enough. His playfulness was gone, replaced by a brooding quality that reminded me of the way he had been before his healing. It troubled me, this change in him, and I briefly considered teasing him in an attempt to break through whatever barrier he'd put up.
He led me to a small room set among the branches of a tree. It seemed a part of the tree, its walls interwoven with the smaller branches, its floor covered in soft rugs. The bed in the corner sat next to a window hung with sheer curtains ruffled by the breeze. My pack had been delivered, left on a wooden chair near a small table.
He had already turned to go when I found the courage to speak. "Haldir, what is wrong?"
He turned back to look at me, his dark brows lifted. "Why do you ask?"
"Your manner seems changed," I stammered, flustered by the eyes that now drilled into me. Had I mistaken his interest in me? Was his mind already on other matters? If so, he would think my question brazen and foolish.
He approached me, his gaze subtly altered. "Do I detect a personal interest? Are you no longer denying your feelings for me?"
I opened and shut my mouth, confounded by his directness. "It is not a question of denying them," I said after a few moments. "It is a question of . . . practicality."
He looked amused. "You found it practical to stay in the white city all these months? You found it practical to deny that which you knew to be your true desire?" He stood looking down at me, so near that I could feel his breath, the heat from his body.
Discomposed, I lowered my gaze. "I know you think me weak . . ."
"Weak?" He took both my hands in his, and a curious note entered his voice. "Keara, you are not weak. No one knows better than I what you have had the courage to do. It is hard enough to bear one's own pain, but to willingly take on another's pain is not an act of weakness. You stand among the strongest and bravest I have known. I admire you greatly."
They were words I had longed to hear and had not known it. To my profound embarrassment, my eyes filled with tears, and as if he read my mind, he slid his arms around me to offer comfort. As I sobbed against his chest, he removed my cloak and cast it aside, murmuring soft Elvish words that held no meaning to me, yet seemed to soothe me all the same. We stayed this way until I calmed.
"We will speak more later," he said. "Right now you are weary and must rest." It was his authoritative voice, but this time I did not tell him he was being overbearing, for I felt his lips brush my hair before he drew away. He left me, and before I even turned around, a female elf had taken his place.
She had brought me food, and I thanked her with a smile as well as words. She answered in the common tongue, her soft voice a quiet music that caressed my ears. Clothes and any other items I might deem necessary had been brought, and I need only ask if I had need of something more. I told her I needed nothing, but her reply was firm. I must accept what was given to me. I was surprised by her insistence, and wondered whether Aragorn had spoken to Galadriel of my reluctance to accept gifts.
When she had gone, I removed my gray traveling gown and washed away the grime of travel using the basin of water on the nightstand. Feeling better, I ate the food she had left and climbed into a bed that enveloped me with its softness, the blankets warming the chill from my body. I sank quickly into a sleep that could well have been aided by a touch of elven magic.
* * *
I woke before the sunrise, and felt a pang of dismay that I would be unable to see it. Still, I rose, knowing I could sleep no more, and dressed in a gown I found lying across the foot the bed. Where it had come from, I knew not, but I dared not refuse to wear it. It slid over me in a soft, silken whisper, its color a shade of blue that reminded me of Galadriel's eyes.
A soft knock on the door startled me, for the morning was still a hour away. I opened the door to find Haldir leaning casually against the doorframe. My heart fluttered madly at the appreciative way his eyes slid over me, the way his eyes glinted as they slowly returned to settle on my face. I knew not how, but I felt as though I was feeling his emotion, and that it matched my own.
He thought I might like to see the sunrise, and I wondered how he knew. I stared at him, wanting so much to go with him, yet fearing the power that he held over my emotions. I finally agreed, seeing his smile widen at the length of time for me to answer. He took my hand, drawing me along a stair that led us steadily higher through the trees. He did not speak, but held my hand lightly in his, and I was more conscious of the warmth of his touch than I was of the twinkling lights around us.
Then we reached the top of the stair and I gasped, whirling around, staring at the incredible view before me. We stood at the very crown of the city, for this platform, which the elves called a flet, allowed us to view the glory of the golden wood for a great distance in every direction. Above, the stars twinkled in the purple of the night sky, the first hints of dawn just beginning to brush the far horizon.
Instinctively I knew he came here often, and I saw him smile at my delight. I leaned on the rail of the platform, shivering as the cool breeze lifted my hair to flutter and catch among my eyelashes. He moved behind me and wrapped his cloak around us both, his body pressed intimately to mine. Though my heart thundered, I made no objection, for in some way it seemed right and perfect that we should stand like this to view this particular sunrise on this particular day.
Of all the mornings I had seen, I knew that this one would forever be seared into my memory. Together, we watched the first golden rays brush the treetops, gilding them in gold and green. Then the sky began to lighten with the gradual appearance of pink and gold as the purple faded into blue. The mists rising from the depths of the forest refracted the light so that it burst into a rainbow of colors that brought a sudden tear to my eye. Without thinking, I turned to him, unable to speak for the emotion in my throat. His thumb brushed away the tear, then continued down my cheek to stroke across my lips. Our gazes locked, the sunrise forgotten, and then his mouth came close to mine.
And that was when he kissed me, our first kiss and a gentle one, the joining of our mouths becoming the sweetest experience of my life thus far. His lips were warm and eager, yet in some inexplicable way I knew that he was using great restraint. Below the surface, I could feel his simmering tension, an unleashed passion far greater than I had ever experienced. All I needed was the courage to accept it. And I knew also that he was purposely letting me feel it, giving me a taste of what could be if I was willing to allow it. He was giving me the choice, even daring me. But I was not yet ready, nor that brave.
An hour later, I was summoned by Galadriel.