Chapter Three: Introductions
Aranel followed behind her father, stepping onto the large platform to which they had risen. She had stared in awe, the descriptions her mother had told her of the city of the Galadhrim paling in comparison to what she actually saw. How could she have imagined anything like this. Their world was rugged, and harsh, their homes sturdy but heavy and cumbersome next to the delicate structures that surrounded her now.
Built into the massive trees around her, soaring high into the trees, the city of Caras Galadhon spread among the branches like a living entity. It's walkways and bridges spanning the spaces where no branches reached, yet entwining among the real branches as if growing from the trees themselves.
It was late, and the shadows grew deeper. They stood on the leaf shaped platform, the tall torchiers emanating a pleasant smell, a heavy perfume that tickled the senses as one would remember the scent of a favorite flower, waiting for the arrival of the Lady of Light. Aranel glanced at Haldir when he turned to face them, and swallowed when his gaze settled on her briefly. Did he think she would speak so foolishly again? She had been mortified when she realized what she had done, and with her father's rebuke as well, planned fully on being silent. She turned when Tári gasped quietly and looked up to see the Lady descending slowly the short stair that led from the platform.
She glided serenely down the steps, her hand held lightly by a male elf that matched the Lady's regal stature, his deep blue eyes studying the visitors intensely. His features were refined, high cheekbones, wide lips that were at the moment curved slightly in an amused smile. He reminded her of Haldir, in that his expression conveyed no reflection of his inner thoughts.
The Lady drew her attention as Aranel felt her laugh, her mind sensing the amusement of the Lady of Light. The Lady welcomed her, even as she began to speak to the others. "Welcome, Tathar Namolanya, it has been far too long since the Laiquendi stepped foot here in Lothlórien. " She reached out to grip the Lord's hand as he bowed briefly, kissing the tips of Galadriel's fingers.
Tathar smiled, his gaze moving to Lord Celeborn whose chin had risen slightly. "Lord Celeborn, it's been a long time since we spoke, though perhaps it best that we forget words that were spoken in haste." He bowed low before Celeborn.
Celeborn gazed at the Laiquendi lord for a moment until a slow smile creased the elegant features. "Words that were spoken in haste, Tathar, have long been forgotten. I hope that it is not why you have remained hidden in your lands for so long." His eyes twinkled in sudden humor and the Laiquendi Lord laughed.
"No, Celeborn, it is not. Perhaps we have too long lingered in our own world. I will try not to offend you in regards to your lady this journey." Tathar grinned and Celeborn's brows furrowed for a moment, while Galadriel laughed quietly.
"Tathar, your presence here is always an eventful one. And I see you have finally brought forth the treasures you spoke of so highly your last journey here." Galadriel gazed down at the two elf maidens who bowed quickly, studying them. "Aranel I have spoken to, her abilities to speak in her mind are strong, Tathar." Her gaze as she looked at the Lord said more than what she spoke aloud.
Tathar sighed, and turned to his youngest. "My daughter Tári, My Lady." He moved slightly and Galadriel stepped down to cross to the young maid. She smiled slowly, her gaze taking in the slight elf, who stared at her hesitantly. Galadriel smiled, gripping her chin to stare briefly into the maid's eyes.
Tári swallowed slightly staring into eyes that glittered more intensely than the stars on a summer's night. Multiple reflections glittered in the sapphire eyes that gazed at her, and it seemed like a lifetime in the few moments that Galadriel looked into Tári's mind.
Galadriel smiled amused. "You are unafraid, your spirit reminds me much of your father, and much of your mother. Our loss was great the day she passed into the Halls of Mandos. The shadow may have won that day, but a strong reminder of her presence stands before me now." Galadriel turned to Tathar. "Has she the skills of her mother as well, Tathar? Or did you deny her that right, due to your loss."
Tathar's expression had grown distant for a moment, but he smiled grudgingly. "Nay, I deny this one nothing, Galadriel. She follows her mother's path and is exceptional as she was with her knives."
Tári sighed inwardly, and nearly jumped as she felt the lady's amusement flash through her mind. They would speak later of her mother, if she would like. Tári bowed her head, glancing out of the corner of her eye to Haldir. He had stood aside, seemingly unnoticed by the Lady but Tári knew that this was not so. She glanced at him and frowned. He was staring at her, his expression bemused. What was he thinking, she wondered.
* * *
Haldir watched the Laiquendi leave, they would be taken to their rooms and turned to Galadriel.
"The shadows of Sauron grow strong to drive the green-elves from out of their isolation. We have gathered ourselves deeper into our lands but they have drifted within their worlds farther even than we." Haldir said quietly.
Galadriel sighed softly. "Yes, you are correct. Tathar has many concerns, most pressing is the survival of his daughters. You know he is clairvoyant, he can see the future as I can with my mirror?"
Haldir nodded, turning to Celeborn. "It sounds as if you both had words the last time he was here, should I be concerned, My Lord."
Celeborn smiled slowly, a twinkle of amusement glittering briefly in his sapphire blue eyes. "Words spoken in haste, not important, they have been forgotten." He glanced briefly at Galadriel. " I am more concerned about what he has seen in the future."
Haldir frowned. "You feel he may know something of what lies ahead."
Celeborn turned away to stare down the long expanse below him. "Tathar does nothing without full consideration of his actions. I do not feel that he would have journeyed here himself if he were only concerned for his lands. Nay, more reasons lie beneath his visit to us. Galadriel will have to root them out, but for now we must treat them as the honored visitors they are."
Haldir nodded and bowed, leaving them to stare at one another, their eyes alive with the thoughts that passed between them.
* * *
Tári leaned against the large tree root with a long suffering sigh. Two days of absolute boredom. Two days! She had been driven to distraction with my lady this and my lady that. All she wanted was a chance to explore, to run along the delicate walkways free from the eyes that seemed to watch her from all directions. She slid down to sit awkwardly on the ground, plucking at the blades of grass beneath her.
'That is not a very graceful way for a lady to sit, Mouse." Keliar grinned, walking around from the far side of the tree.
Tári glared up at him, pulling more hapless stems of grass out of the ground in her frustration. Keliar laughed, and crouched down to grip her shoulder.
"You will upset the Lady of Light if you persist in this mood." He smiled softly at her look of dismay. She glanced around her, hoping none of the elves who had served them hovered nearby.
"I know you are not happy being treated like the princess they think you to be." He grinned, pulling her to her feet. "So I have come to rescue you. Come, I thought you might like to look around."
Tári grinned. "I should have known you would see my despair, Keliar. You are lucky to be free with your time, and do not have to play the politics that I must."
Keliar laughed. "Nay, Mouse, I have my own politics to play, but they are subtle ones. Come." He tucked her arm in his, and began to walk through the lower glades of the city.
Tári smiled, gazing at the intricate structures, the flowers of the glades below the trees, the immense roots of the huge trees that towered over them. She gripped Keliar's arm while he pointed out various areas of the city he knew she would find interesting. They walked slowly, the shadows growing ever darker while they explored below the city. He finally drew her to a large courtyard, it lay surrounded by a fence woven of thin branches, which were partially obscured by the twining garlands of wisteria that draped it's heavy, waxy blooms over the edge of the fence. Inside she could hear the sound of laughter, male laughter, and the crisp sound of metal upon metal.
A slow grin slid over Tári's face, and Keliar laughed softly. "Aye, it's the training grounds, Tári, and I am not sure if Haldir will approve of your visit here, but we shall ask him if you are not afraid."
Tári's grin faltered slightly, but she pushed away the fleeting flash of doubt. "Nay, I am not afraid, I would like to see them very much."
Keliar grinned. "Wait here for a moment, I will see if I can find him." He left her and she leaned against the fence. She straightened when she heard voices approaching, and she could hear Keliar's low voice and Haldir's soft laughter. They stepped through the gate.
Tári folded her arms, the doubt assailing her once again as Haldir tilted his head slightly, bowing his head in greeting.
"Mae Govannen, Tári Namolanya." He said formally. "I have been told you would like to see our training grounds, it is not something that most elven maids desire to see."
Tári grinned, thinking otherwise, but did not relay her inner thoughts. "Aye, Haldir, if you permit it. I would very much like to see how the Galadhrim train, Keliar speaks highly of your skills, and training."
Haldir smiled, his eyes twinkling and she wondered suddenly if he had read her inner thoughts. He nodded, and gripped her arm gently, leading her into the enclosure of the training grounds. She looked around, seeing the softly lit area as one who had trained in a similar fashion. She turned to Haldir when he spoke softly.
"I hear from Keliar you are not what you seem, that perhaps I have misjudged you?" he laughed softly, seeing Tári's quick glance at Keliar.
"And what do you mean by that?"
Haldir grinned, "only that you hide the fact that you are quite proficient with your own weapons. I have heard tales of your mother's skill with her knives."
Tári frowned, "I can use them, but do not boast of my ability as Keliar would have you believe." She gazed around the courtyard, her sight taking in the elves who lingered in small groups. An elf broke away from one of the groups and he walked toward them.
Haldir smiled when the elf greeted them and turned to Tári. "My brother, Rúmil."
Rúmil bowed low before Tári, but not before she caught the twinkling blue eyes that quickly swept over her.
"It is my honor to meet you, My Lady. It is not often we have elven maids here in our court. We have few female wardens."
Tári stared at Haldir. "You have female wardens?"
Haldir's brow rose slightly. "If they wish to be, we allow it. As long as their skills meet the standards, we deny none that feel the call to protect our lands."
Keliar groaned softly. "Thank you, March Warden. Tathar will have my head when Tári goes to him with a request to become a sentinel of our land."
Haldir and Rúmil both grinned and Tári blushed as their gazes turned to her.
"So you cannot deny that you train as well." Haldir folded his arms, his brows rising higher yet. Tári sighed.
"I have trained with Keliar." She said simply and Keliar rolled his eyes.
"I have seen no other among our people who can match her skills with her knives. She is small so we have constructed a small bow which she has learned to use with great skill. Your bows are long, and you cannot fight with them in close quarters. She can, and has. Do not be fooled by her modesty, she fights on our borders when she can. Her father and I have discussed it quite often, but as yet he has not been able to break his fear for her safety."
Tári stared at Keliar in surprise. "My father knows I have been with you? You did not tell me this."
Keliar grinned. "I am not such a fool, Tári, that I would allow you with me without your father's knowledge, but his fears are great."
"It is not an easy thing for a father to let go of his fears." Haldir agreed. He turned as another elf touched his shoulder. This one had been in the forest when they arrived and Tári was sure he was Haldir's brother as well.
"I was remiss earlier, My lady. My second brother, Orophin." Haldir stepped back slightly and Orophin nodded. His eyes were also blue, but brooding, dark. His long blond hair matched Haldir's and they both had similar mannerisms, and she laughed when they both looked at her with matching expressions.
"You may not look a lot alike, but with you three together, your relationship is unmistakable." Tári grinned as the three looked at each other.
Orophin grinned back. "Aye, we are as one sometimes. You do not resemble your sister at all."
Tári frowned when Keliar laughed. "No more different souls will you find than those of the two Namolanya sisters." He grinned, hugging Tári and she pushed him away.
"My sister and I have different interests." She gazed past the three elves in front of her, suddenly disconcerted as they stared at her. Three gazes appraised her, and she wondered suddenly what they thought. Did they see her as a lesser interest than her sister. Did they laugh? She flinched when Haldir reached out, pulling her arm through his.
"Come, I would like to see this small bow of yours. Perhaps you will teach us something new. Our bows can shoot far and swiftly, but as Keliar has said, they are not good in tight quarters. We must resort to hand to hand combat then. Perhaps a smaller bow would be useful, I will have to consider this."
Keliar grinned and waved to an elf who stood along side the courtyard. Tári frowned realizing it was one of their own elves and that he carried her bow. She glared at Keliar.
"You planned this all along, Keliar."
His grin grew wider and he took the bow from the elf. "Aye, I did. But Haldir was interested in your bow, who else should show him how effective it is, but you."
She handed the bow to Haldir who studied it for a moment, balancing it on his fingers.
"It is very light, but yet I can see it's strength. Small but deadly." His gaze brushed hers for a moment. He handed it back and waved to a target that was being set up nearby. "I know it does not shoot far, but would like to see the speed. Would you accommodate me?"
Tári gripped the bow, trying to ignore the fluttering of her stomach. Those grey eyes seemed to drill into her, she was going to have to learn to control her nerves. She frowned and stepped in front of the target. Haldir handed her an arrow, and she nocked it, staring down at the ground, focusing her thoughts on the bow, and the arrow.
Fly swiftly, arrow, straight and true. She thought, and pulled the bow up, sighting down the long arrow, past her fingers, to the target that stood a fair distance away. She released the arrow, and it was a blur that only elven eyes could follow and thudded solidly into the center of the target.
Haldir brows rose slightly as he studied the bow again. He handed her another arrow. Once more? Tári nodded and once again nocked the arrow, focusing on the bow in her hand, closing her mind to the fluttering of her nerves, the presence of the male elves around her, everything but the bow in her hand. Her head tilted to the side for a moment as she locked onto her target, and she pulled the small bow back, its white wood creaking slightly, and released the second arrow.
Orophin turned to her when the arrow landed next to the first, both within the small center of the target. "I am impressed, young maiden. The bow shoots fast. I think we will have to study this, perhaps our smaller wardens may find it useful."
Tári handed the bow back to the waiting elf, blushing slightly. "Thank you Orophin, it is Keliar's design, so you must speak with him."
Haldir smiled. "Your skill is quite evident, Tári. You have trained well, your father should have no doubts."
"My father sees my skill, Haldir. But it is the unexpected that worries him more. I can fight well, as did my mother, but we lost her just the same." Tári shook her head, remembering the devastation that her mother's death has wrought on her father. "It took him many years to accept her loss, perhaps only because we needed him."
Haldir nodded. "I am sorry for your loss as well. Keliar should take you back. Galadriel has announced some festivities in your honor, you should rest."
Tári sighed, rolling her eyes. "I am not so weak, Haldir that I should have to rest all the day, just to attend a late night dance. I fear I will scream if anyone suggests I need another nap." She stalked off, ignoring Keliar's grin, and the Lorien brother's laughter.
* * *
The tiny lights twinkled in the dark shadows, the faint glow glistening, and she could hear the soft music that quietly drifted up to her. Aranel turned away from the balcony, seeing Tári coming toward her up the stairs.
"Where have you been? They are planning a dinner in our honor, and you are not even ready?"
Tári sighed, moving over to wash her hands in the small basin near the bed. "I could not sit another moment longer, Aranel. I went for a walk."
"A walk?" Aranel hissed. "A walk? You have been gone for hours. Where did you go? Back home?"
Tári glared at her sister. "No, and control your temper, Aranel, we are not at home."
Aranel straightened, her chin rising angrily. "I am not angry."
Tári sighed. " I will be ready shortly, do not wait for me."
Aranel shook her head, moving over to pull the braids from Tári's hair. "I cannot leave without you, father would be furious. Here, let me help you fix your hair." She unbraided the long white hair and pushed Tári to the bed.
"So where did you go then." She asked, smoothing out the fine tendrils.
"I walked for awhile with Keliar. He took me to their training area."
Aranel paused, "Training area? You would want to go there. Did you see, um.. anything interesting?"
Tári laughed. "If you mean any bare-chested elves, no, Aranel. They were all fully clothed. I spoke with Haldir and his brothers and was there only a few minutes."
Aranel sighed, "Ah yes, Haldir. Hmmmm. That one is interesting. And he has more than one brother? I suppose the one in the forest was one, they look similar. And the other?"
"The one you met in the forest is Orophin, and the other I think is younger, Rúmil. All have similar mannerisms, but look different. Rúmil is leaner, Orophin somewhere in between." Tári winced as Aranel pulled the hair back into its braid tightly, her mind not on her work.
"Yes, Orophin." She laughed quietly. "He has strong hands." Aranel smiled, glancing at Tári. "How about Haldir? He seemed to like you, Mouse."
Tári frowned, moving off the bed to sort through her clothes that were lying on the bed. "He is only courteous, Aranel." She pulled a long dress from the pile, and her voice was muffled as she pulled her old tunic over her head. "I do not think he likes me any more than you."
Aranel pulled on the tunic, tossing it onto the bed. She picked up Tári's dress, studying the blue color. "I think he does not like me at all, Mouse." She slid the dress over Tári's head.
"Nay, Aranel. You spoke too soon, but you will win him over, like you always do." Tári said, her head slipping through the dress as it settled around her with a soft wisp of shimmering silk. Aranel smoothed the white hair, a startling contrast to the deep blue of the dress.
"I don't think he will be easy to win over, Mouse. He looks at me with eyes that make me tremble. I can not imagine what he is like in battle, I think I would run screaming from that gaze."
Tári laughed. "If only all our enemies were defeated so easily, Aranel. But I feel his gaze as well, he is ever so direct, it makes my knees tremble. I have not met anyone who intimidates so well with only a look. His brothers are not so frightening, you would like Rumil, he seems much more cheerful." She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her gaze drawn to her sister behind her.
"I am always in your shadow, Aranel. You are so much prettier than I."
Aranel frowned, meeting Tári's gaze in the mirror. "Nay, Tári. You are not, you have your own qualities that draw many, Keliar included. Do you not see how they hover around you, to protect you?" She grimaced. "Though you need no protection, do not be blind, little sister, it is I who am shadowed by you this journey. I see them admiring you from afar."
Tári turned and hugged Aranel. "We are both being silly, come let us go, Father will be wondering where we are."
* *
"The music grew louder, and the shadows less as the Laiquendi were drawn to a clearing in the glade below the city. Tents festooned the area along the rim of the clearing, flags and banners fluttering in the soft breeze that wafted through the trees. Long tables were set up and were filled with a myriad of elves, dressed in glittering silks and linens.
Tathar drew Aranel along with him, Keliar following with Tári as they were led into the clearing. They greeted Galadriel and Celeborn, and sat at the table near them. Aranel leaned near Tári.
"I do not see Haldir or his brothers, do they not attend?" she whispered.
Tári shrugged her shoulders, but noted the seats across from them remained empty.
"My march warden and his brothers have been delayed. They will arrive soon." Galadriel spoke softly from where she sat near Tathar. Aranel flushed, her gaze meeting the Lady's briefly.
"I hope your stay has been comfortable so far?" Lord Celeborn asked, leaning forward to lean his chin on his entwined fingers. His eyes caught Tári's.
"It has been exceptional, My Lord." She said but frowned when he grinned.
"I fear we have not given you much to do, how was your visit to the training grounds?"
Tári blanched, how did he know of her visit? "It was very interesting, Lord Celeborn, although I did not see much." She folded her hands in her lap. Lord Celeborn smiled softly.
"I am sure Haldir would not mind if you attended training tomorrow. You are welcome to watch."
"Watch what? My Lord?" Haldir asked, walking from behind a large tree. He moved gracefully toward the seats across from Tári and she stared at the elf in surprise. He had changed and wore a copper colored tunic, embellished in darker bronze embroidery over his chest. His pale silver- blond hair hung over his shoulder as he pulled out the bench to sit across from her, his eyes glittering softly in the dim light.
"Ah, the training tomorrow, Haldir. We have honored guests who are interested in your methods." Celeborn leaned back, picking up a goblet full of wine. He sipped it slowly, and Haldir turned back to Tári.
"I see, yes. I am aware of the Laiquendi's interest. I cannot allow you only to watch, if you attend then you must participate." Haldir gazed at Tári over the rim of the goblet as he sipped his own wine, daring her to refuse.
"I would be honored, March Warden. But I fear I have not brought anything to wear. I am sorry, but perhaps another time." Tári frowned, pulling her gaze from the grey eyes that glittered still in her mind.
Aranel grinned. "I am sure they can find you something to wear, Mouse." She smiled when Tári flinched at the use of her nickname.
Haldir tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Aranel in disapproval. Aranel frowned and sat back. He smiled softly. "I am sure we can find something."
Tári looked back at Aranel, seeing her frown, and turned to Haldir. His expression was bland, but his eyes glittered in ill humor.
"I will be expecting you then, My Lady. I will have something sent to you to wear." He smiled as his brothers swept up to the table. Both wore different tunics and they sat, grinning after greeting both Lord and Lady.
Aranel appraised the three who sat across from her. With the three elven brothers side by side she could see the similarities, as well as the differences. Haldir sat in between both of his brothers. His silver-blond hair hung over his broad shoulders, his expression carefully controlled. He leaned back away from the table, sipping his wine. She noted that Haldir's eyes were a silver grey, whereas his brothers both had blue. Orophin was tall, well muscled. His hair was the same sheen as Haldir's, but his expression was amused. He and Rúmil both leaned forward.
Tári grinned. "Rúmil, you have not yet met my sister Aranel."
Rúmil grinned, standing to bow before Aranel, gripping her fingers tightly as he kissed them. "A pleasure, My Lady, to meet the one who had the audacity to challenge the March Warden of Lothlórien. Few have done so and lived, your courage astounds me."
Aranel blushed, but she smiled at Rúmil. He was lean, tall and slim, his long fingers gripped hers with a strength that made her fingers tingle. His blue eyes twinkled with ill suppressed humor and she knew he teased with his comments.
"I was thoughtless in my words, and I apologize to you, Haldir." She met Haldir's gaze and he nodded slightly. Aranel looked back to Rúmil who smiled wickedly.
"I fear Haldir was greatly annoyed. He is not as bad as he seems." Rumil laughed at the glare from Haldir.
Aranel giggled softly, watching the expressions that passed between the two brothers. She turned to Orophin, who had sat back sipping his wine. His eyes were darker blue, and gazed at her in a manner that sent her blood tingling. He leaned forward, setting the goblet on the table.
"I am Orophin," he said as he smiled. "Perhaps you will save a dance for me later?"
Aranel smiled softly. "I would be honored."
Tári sat back, sighing at the exchange between the two. Again Aranel had mesmerized the elves around her. She turned when Keliar touched her arm. He smiled only and glanced over to Haldir. Tári followed his gaze and flushed when she realized Haldir's gaze was not on Aranel, but on her. His eyes met hers, and he leaned forward, hiding his expression. But Tári had seen the gleam of interest. She shivered slightly, wondering suddenly what it would be like to kiss the March Warden of Lothlorien
Aranel followed behind her father, stepping onto the large platform to which they had risen. She had stared in awe, the descriptions her mother had told her of the city of the Galadhrim paling in comparison to what she actually saw. How could she have imagined anything like this. Their world was rugged, and harsh, their homes sturdy but heavy and cumbersome next to the delicate structures that surrounded her now.
Built into the massive trees around her, soaring high into the trees, the city of Caras Galadhon spread among the branches like a living entity. It's walkways and bridges spanning the spaces where no branches reached, yet entwining among the real branches as if growing from the trees themselves.
It was late, and the shadows grew deeper. They stood on the leaf shaped platform, the tall torchiers emanating a pleasant smell, a heavy perfume that tickled the senses as one would remember the scent of a favorite flower, waiting for the arrival of the Lady of Light. Aranel glanced at Haldir when he turned to face them, and swallowed when his gaze settled on her briefly. Did he think she would speak so foolishly again? She had been mortified when she realized what she had done, and with her father's rebuke as well, planned fully on being silent. She turned when Tári gasped quietly and looked up to see the Lady descending slowly the short stair that led from the platform.
She glided serenely down the steps, her hand held lightly by a male elf that matched the Lady's regal stature, his deep blue eyes studying the visitors intensely. His features were refined, high cheekbones, wide lips that were at the moment curved slightly in an amused smile. He reminded her of Haldir, in that his expression conveyed no reflection of his inner thoughts.
The Lady drew her attention as Aranel felt her laugh, her mind sensing the amusement of the Lady of Light. The Lady welcomed her, even as she began to speak to the others. "Welcome, Tathar Namolanya, it has been far too long since the Laiquendi stepped foot here in Lothlórien. " She reached out to grip the Lord's hand as he bowed briefly, kissing the tips of Galadriel's fingers.
Tathar smiled, his gaze moving to Lord Celeborn whose chin had risen slightly. "Lord Celeborn, it's been a long time since we spoke, though perhaps it best that we forget words that were spoken in haste." He bowed low before Celeborn.
Celeborn gazed at the Laiquendi lord for a moment until a slow smile creased the elegant features. "Words that were spoken in haste, Tathar, have long been forgotten. I hope that it is not why you have remained hidden in your lands for so long." His eyes twinkled in sudden humor and the Laiquendi Lord laughed.
"No, Celeborn, it is not. Perhaps we have too long lingered in our own world. I will try not to offend you in regards to your lady this journey." Tathar grinned and Celeborn's brows furrowed for a moment, while Galadriel laughed quietly.
"Tathar, your presence here is always an eventful one. And I see you have finally brought forth the treasures you spoke of so highly your last journey here." Galadriel gazed down at the two elf maidens who bowed quickly, studying them. "Aranel I have spoken to, her abilities to speak in her mind are strong, Tathar." Her gaze as she looked at the Lord said more than what she spoke aloud.
Tathar sighed, and turned to his youngest. "My daughter Tári, My Lady." He moved slightly and Galadriel stepped down to cross to the young maid. She smiled slowly, her gaze taking in the slight elf, who stared at her hesitantly. Galadriel smiled, gripping her chin to stare briefly into the maid's eyes.
Tári swallowed slightly staring into eyes that glittered more intensely than the stars on a summer's night. Multiple reflections glittered in the sapphire eyes that gazed at her, and it seemed like a lifetime in the few moments that Galadriel looked into Tári's mind.
Galadriel smiled amused. "You are unafraid, your spirit reminds me much of your father, and much of your mother. Our loss was great the day she passed into the Halls of Mandos. The shadow may have won that day, but a strong reminder of her presence stands before me now." Galadriel turned to Tathar. "Has she the skills of her mother as well, Tathar? Or did you deny her that right, due to your loss."
Tathar's expression had grown distant for a moment, but he smiled grudgingly. "Nay, I deny this one nothing, Galadriel. She follows her mother's path and is exceptional as she was with her knives."
Tári sighed inwardly, and nearly jumped as she felt the lady's amusement flash through her mind. They would speak later of her mother, if she would like. Tári bowed her head, glancing out of the corner of her eye to Haldir. He had stood aside, seemingly unnoticed by the Lady but Tári knew that this was not so. She glanced at him and frowned. He was staring at her, his expression bemused. What was he thinking, she wondered.
* * *
Haldir watched the Laiquendi leave, they would be taken to their rooms and turned to Galadriel.
"The shadows of Sauron grow strong to drive the green-elves from out of their isolation. We have gathered ourselves deeper into our lands but they have drifted within their worlds farther even than we." Haldir said quietly.
Galadriel sighed softly. "Yes, you are correct. Tathar has many concerns, most pressing is the survival of his daughters. You know he is clairvoyant, he can see the future as I can with my mirror?"
Haldir nodded, turning to Celeborn. "It sounds as if you both had words the last time he was here, should I be concerned, My Lord."
Celeborn smiled slowly, a twinkle of amusement glittering briefly in his sapphire blue eyes. "Words spoken in haste, not important, they have been forgotten." He glanced briefly at Galadriel. " I am more concerned about what he has seen in the future."
Haldir frowned. "You feel he may know something of what lies ahead."
Celeborn turned away to stare down the long expanse below him. "Tathar does nothing without full consideration of his actions. I do not feel that he would have journeyed here himself if he were only concerned for his lands. Nay, more reasons lie beneath his visit to us. Galadriel will have to root them out, but for now we must treat them as the honored visitors they are."
Haldir nodded and bowed, leaving them to stare at one another, their eyes alive with the thoughts that passed between them.
* * *
Tári leaned against the large tree root with a long suffering sigh. Two days of absolute boredom. Two days! She had been driven to distraction with my lady this and my lady that. All she wanted was a chance to explore, to run along the delicate walkways free from the eyes that seemed to watch her from all directions. She slid down to sit awkwardly on the ground, plucking at the blades of grass beneath her.
'That is not a very graceful way for a lady to sit, Mouse." Keliar grinned, walking around from the far side of the tree.
Tári glared up at him, pulling more hapless stems of grass out of the ground in her frustration. Keliar laughed, and crouched down to grip her shoulder.
"You will upset the Lady of Light if you persist in this mood." He smiled softly at her look of dismay. She glanced around her, hoping none of the elves who had served them hovered nearby.
"I know you are not happy being treated like the princess they think you to be." He grinned, pulling her to her feet. "So I have come to rescue you. Come, I thought you might like to look around."
Tári grinned. "I should have known you would see my despair, Keliar. You are lucky to be free with your time, and do not have to play the politics that I must."
Keliar laughed. "Nay, Mouse, I have my own politics to play, but they are subtle ones. Come." He tucked her arm in his, and began to walk through the lower glades of the city.
Tári smiled, gazing at the intricate structures, the flowers of the glades below the trees, the immense roots of the huge trees that towered over them. She gripped Keliar's arm while he pointed out various areas of the city he knew she would find interesting. They walked slowly, the shadows growing ever darker while they explored below the city. He finally drew her to a large courtyard, it lay surrounded by a fence woven of thin branches, which were partially obscured by the twining garlands of wisteria that draped it's heavy, waxy blooms over the edge of the fence. Inside she could hear the sound of laughter, male laughter, and the crisp sound of metal upon metal.
A slow grin slid over Tári's face, and Keliar laughed softly. "Aye, it's the training grounds, Tári, and I am not sure if Haldir will approve of your visit here, but we shall ask him if you are not afraid."
Tári's grin faltered slightly, but she pushed away the fleeting flash of doubt. "Nay, I am not afraid, I would like to see them very much."
Keliar grinned. "Wait here for a moment, I will see if I can find him." He left her and she leaned against the fence. She straightened when she heard voices approaching, and she could hear Keliar's low voice and Haldir's soft laughter. They stepped through the gate.
Tári folded her arms, the doubt assailing her once again as Haldir tilted his head slightly, bowing his head in greeting.
"Mae Govannen, Tári Namolanya." He said formally. "I have been told you would like to see our training grounds, it is not something that most elven maids desire to see."
Tári grinned, thinking otherwise, but did not relay her inner thoughts. "Aye, Haldir, if you permit it. I would very much like to see how the Galadhrim train, Keliar speaks highly of your skills, and training."
Haldir smiled, his eyes twinkling and she wondered suddenly if he had read her inner thoughts. He nodded, and gripped her arm gently, leading her into the enclosure of the training grounds. She looked around, seeing the softly lit area as one who had trained in a similar fashion. She turned to Haldir when he spoke softly.
"I hear from Keliar you are not what you seem, that perhaps I have misjudged you?" he laughed softly, seeing Tári's quick glance at Keliar.
"And what do you mean by that?"
Haldir grinned, "only that you hide the fact that you are quite proficient with your own weapons. I have heard tales of your mother's skill with her knives."
Tári frowned, "I can use them, but do not boast of my ability as Keliar would have you believe." She gazed around the courtyard, her sight taking in the elves who lingered in small groups. An elf broke away from one of the groups and he walked toward them.
Haldir smiled when the elf greeted them and turned to Tári. "My brother, Rúmil."
Rúmil bowed low before Tári, but not before she caught the twinkling blue eyes that quickly swept over her.
"It is my honor to meet you, My Lady. It is not often we have elven maids here in our court. We have few female wardens."
Tári stared at Haldir. "You have female wardens?"
Haldir's brow rose slightly. "If they wish to be, we allow it. As long as their skills meet the standards, we deny none that feel the call to protect our lands."
Keliar groaned softly. "Thank you, March Warden. Tathar will have my head when Tári goes to him with a request to become a sentinel of our land."
Haldir and Rúmil both grinned and Tári blushed as their gazes turned to her.
"So you cannot deny that you train as well." Haldir folded his arms, his brows rising higher yet. Tári sighed.
"I have trained with Keliar." She said simply and Keliar rolled his eyes.
"I have seen no other among our people who can match her skills with her knives. She is small so we have constructed a small bow which she has learned to use with great skill. Your bows are long, and you cannot fight with them in close quarters. She can, and has. Do not be fooled by her modesty, she fights on our borders when she can. Her father and I have discussed it quite often, but as yet he has not been able to break his fear for her safety."
Tári stared at Keliar in surprise. "My father knows I have been with you? You did not tell me this."
Keliar grinned. "I am not such a fool, Tári, that I would allow you with me without your father's knowledge, but his fears are great."
"It is not an easy thing for a father to let go of his fears." Haldir agreed. He turned as another elf touched his shoulder. This one had been in the forest when they arrived and Tári was sure he was Haldir's brother as well.
"I was remiss earlier, My lady. My second brother, Orophin." Haldir stepped back slightly and Orophin nodded. His eyes were also blue, but brooding, dark. His long blond hair matched Haldir's and they both had similar mannerisms, and she laughed when they both looked at her with matching expressions.
"You may not look a lot alike, but with you three together, your relationship is unmistakable." Tári grinned as the three looked at each other.
Orophin grinned back. "Aye, we are as one sometimes. You do not resemble your sister at all."
Tári frowned when Keliar laughed. "No more different souls will you find than those of the two Namolanya sisters." He grinned, hugging Tári and she pushed him away.
"My sister and I have different interests." She gazed past the three elves in front of her, suddenly disconcerted as they stared at her. Three gazes appraised her, and she wondered suddenly what they thought. Did they see her as a lesser interest than her sister. Did they laugh? She flinched when Haldir reached out, pulling her arm through his.
"Come, I would like to see this small bow of yours. Perhaps you will teach us something new. Our bows can shoot far and swiftly, but as Keliar has said, they are not good in tight quarters. We must resort to hand to hand combat then. Perhaps a smaller bow would be useful, I will have to consider this."
Keliar grinned and waved to an elf who stood along side the courtyard. Tári frowned realizing it was one of their own elves and that he carried her bow. She glared at Keliar.
"You planned this all along, Keliar."
His grin grew wider and he took the bow from the elf. "Aye, I did. But Haldir was interested in your bow, who else should show him how effective it is, but you."
She handed the bow to Haldir who studied it for a moment, balancing it on his fingers.
"It is very light, but yet I can see it's strength. Small but deadly." His gaze brushed hers for a moment. He handed it back and waved to a target that was being set up nearby. "I know it does not shoot far, but would like to see the speed. Would you accommodate me?"
Tári gripped the bow, trying to ignore the fluttering of her stomach. Those grey eyes seemed to drill into her, she was going to have to learn to control her nerves. She frowned and stepped in front of the target. Haldir handed her an arrow, and she nocked it, staring down at the ground, focusing her thoughts on the bow, and the arrow.
Fly swiftly, arrow, straight and true. She thought, and pulled the bow up, sighting down the long arrow, past her fingers, to the target that stood a fair distance away. She released the arrow, and it was a blur that only elven eyes could follow and thudded solidly into the center of the target.
Haldir brows rose slightly as he studied the bow again. He handed her another arrow. Once more? Tári nodded and once again nocked the arrow, focusing on the bow in her hand, closing her mind to the fluttering of her nerves, the presence of the male elves around her, everything but the bow in her hand. Her head tilted to the side for a moment as she locked onto her target, and she pulled the small bow back, its white wood creaking slightly, and released the second arrow.
Orophin turned to her when the arrow landed next to the first, both within the small center of the target. "I am impressed, young maiden. The bow shoots fast. I think we will have to study this, perhaps our smaller wardens may find it useful."
Tári handed the bow back to the waiting elf, blushing slightly. "Thank you Orophin, it is Keliar's design, so you must speak with him."
Haldir smiled. "Your skill is quite evident, Tári. You have trained well, your father should have no doubts."
"My father sees my skill, Haldir. But it is the unexpected that worries him more. I can fight well, as did my mother, but we lost her just the same." Tári shook her head, remembering the devastation that her mother's death has wrought on her father. "It took him many years to accept her loss, perhaps only because we needed him."
Haldir nodded. "I am sorry for your loss as well. Keliar should take you back. Galadriel has announced some festivities in your honor, you should rest."
Tári sighed, rolling her eyes. "I am not so weak, Haldir that I should have to rest all the day, just to attend a late night dance. I fear I will scream if anyone suggests I need another nap." She stalked off, ignoring Keliar's grin, and the Lorien brother's laughter.
* * *
The tiny lights twinkled in the dark shadows, the faint glow glistening, and she could hear the soft music that quietly drifted up to her. Aranel turned away from the balcony, seeing Tári coming toward her up the stairs.
"Where have you been? They are planning a dinner in our honor, and you are not even ready?"
Tári sighed, moving over to wash her hands in the small basin near the bed. "I could not sit another moment longer, Aranel. I went for a walk."
"A walk?" Aranel hissed. "A walk? You have been gone for hours. Where did you go? Back home?"
Tári glared at her sister. "No, and control your temper, Aranel, we are not at home."
Aranel straightened, her chin rising angrily. "I am not angry."
Tári sighed. " I will be ready shortly, do not wait for me."
Aranel shook her head, moving over to pull the braids from Tári's hair. "I cannot leave without you, father would be furious. Here, let me help you fix your hair." She unbraided the long white hair and pushed Tári to the bed.
"So where did you go then." She asked, smoothing out the fine tendrils.
"I walked for awhile with Keliar. He took me to their training area."
Aranel paused, "Training area? You would want to go there. Did you see, um.. anything interesting?"
Tári laughed. "If you mean any bare-chested elves, no, Aranel. They were all fully clothed. I spoke with Haldir and his brothers and was there only a few minutes."
Aranel sighed, "Ah yes, Haldir. Hmmmm. That one is interesting. And he has more than one brother? I suppose the one in the forest was one, they look similar. And the other?"
"The one you met in the forest is Orophin, and the other I think is younger, Rúmil. All have similar mannerisms, but look different. Rúmil is leaner, Orophin somewhere in between." Tári winced as Aranel pulled the hair back into its braid tightly, her mind not on her work.
"Yes, Orophin." She laughed quietly. "He has strong hands." Aranel smiled, glancing at Tári. "How about Haldir? He seemed to like you, Mouse."
Tári frowned, moving off the bed to sort through her clothes that were lying on the bed. "He is only courteous, Aranel." She pulled a long dress from the pile, and her voice was muffled as she pulled her old tunic over her head. "I do not think he likes me any more than you."
Aranel pulled on the tunic, tossing it onto the bed. She picked up Tári's dress, studying the blue color. "I think he does not like me at all, Mouse." She slid the dress over Tári's head.
"Nay, Aranel. You spoke too soon, but you will win him over, like you always do." Tári said, her head slipping through the dress as it settled around her with a soft wisp of shimmering silk. Aranel smoothed the white hair, a startling contrast to the deep blue of the dress.
"I don't think he will be easy to win over, Mouse. He looks at me with eyes that make me tremble. I can not imagine what he is like in battle, I think I would run screaming from that gaze."
Tári laughed. "If only all our enemies were defeated so easily, Aranel. But I feel his gaze as well, he is ever so direct, it makes my knees tremble. I have not met anyone who intimidates so well with only a look. His brothers are not so frightening, you would like Rumil, he seems much more cheerful." She stared at her reflection in the mirror, her gaze drawn to her sister behind her.
"I am always in your shadow, Aranel. You are so much prettier than I."
Aranel frowned, meeting Tári's gaze in the mirror. "Nay, Tári. You are not, you have your own qualities that draw many, Keliar included. Do you not see how they hover around you, to protect you?" She grimaced. "Though you need no protection, do not be blind, little sister, it is I who am shadowed by you this journey. I see them admiring you from afar."
Tári turned and hugged Aranel. "We are both being silly, come let us go, Father will be wondering where we are."
* *
"The music grew louder, and the shadows less as the Laiquendi were drawn to a clearing in the glade below the city. Tents festooned the area along the rim of the clearing, flags and banners fluttering in the soft breeze that wafted through the trees. Long tables were set up and were filled with a myriad of elves, dressed in glittering silks and linens.
Tathar drew Aranel along with him, Keliar following with Tári as they were led into the clearing. They greeted Galadriel and Celeborn, and sat at the table near them. Aranel leaned near Tári.
"I do not see Haldir or his brothers, do they not attend?" she whispered.
Tári shrugged her shoulders, but noted the seats across from them remained empty.
"My march warden and his brothers have been delayed. They will arrive soon." Galadriel spoke softly from where she sat near Tathar. Aranel flushed, her gaze meeting the Lady's briefly.
"I hope your stay has been comfortable so far?" Lord Celeborn asked, leaning forward to lean his chin on his entwined fingers. His eyes caught Tári's.
"It has been exceptional, My Lord." She said but frowned when he grinned.
"I fear we have not given you much to do, how was your visit to the training grounds?"
Tári blanched, how did he know of her visit? "It was very interesting, Lord Celeborn, although I did not see much." She folded her hands in her lap. Lord Celeborn smiled softly.
"I am sure Haldir would not mind if you attended training tomorrow. You are welcome to watch."
"Watch what? My Lord?" Haldir asked, walking from behind a large tree. He moved gracefully toward the seats across from Tári and she stared at the elf in surprise. He had changed and wore a copper colored tunic, embellished in darker bronze embroidery over his chest. His pale silver- blond hair hung over his shoulder as he pulled out the bench to sit across from her, his eyes glittering softly in the dim light.
"Ah, the training tomorrow, Haldir. We have honored guests who are interested in your methods." Celeborn leaned back, picking up a goblet full of wine. He sipped it slowly, and Haldir turned back to Tári.
"I see, yes. I am aware of the Laiquendi's interest. I cannot allow you only to watch, if you attend then you must participate." Haldir gazed at Tári over the rim of the goblet as he sipped his own wine, daring her to refuse.
"I would be honored, March Warden. But I fear I have not brought anything to wear. I am sorry, but perhaps another time." Tári frowned, pulling her gaze from the grey eyes that glittered still in her mind.
Aranel grinned. "I am sure they can find you something to wear, Mouse." She smiled when Tári flinched at the use of her nickname.
Haldir tilted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over Aranel in disapproval. Aranel frowned and sat back. He smiled softly. "I am sure we can find something."
Tári looked back at Aranel, seeing her frown, and turned to Haldir. His expression was bland, but his eyes glittered in ill humor.
"I will be expecting you then, My Lady. I will have something sent to you to wear." He smiled as his brothers swept up to the table. Both wore different tunics and they sat, grinning after greeting both Lord and Lady.
Aranel appraised the three who sat across from her. With the three elven brothers side by side she could see the similarities, as well as the differences. Haldir sat in between both of his brothers. His silver-blond hair hung over his broad shoulders, his expression carefully controlled. He leaned back away from the table, sipping his wine. She noted that Haldir's eyes were a silver grey, whereas his brothers both had blue. Orophin was tall, well muscled. His hair was the same sheen as Haldir's, but his expression was amused. He and Rúmil both leaned forward.
Tári grinned. "Rúmil, you have not yet met my sister Aranel."
Rúmil grinned, standing to bow before Aranel, gripping her fingers tightly as he kissed them. "A pleasure, My Lady, to meet the one who had the audacity to challenge the March Warden of Lothlórien. Few have done so and lived, your courage astounds me."
Aranel blushed, but she smiled at Rúmil. He was lean, tall and slim, his long fingers gripped hers with a strength that made her fingers tingle. His blue eyes twinkled with ill suppressed humor and she knew he teased with his comments.
"I was thoughtless in my words, and I apologize to you, Haldir." She met Haldir's gaze and he nodded slightly. Aranel looked back to Rúmil who smiled wickedly.
"I fear Haldir was greatly annoyed. He is not as bad as he seems." Rumil laughed at the glare from Haldir.
Aranel giggled softly, watching the expressions that passed between the two brothers. She turned to Orophin, who had sat back sipping his wine. His eyes were darker blue, and gazed at her in a manner that sent her blood tingling. He leaned forward, setting the goblet on the table.
"I am Orophin," he said as he smiled. "Perhaps you will save a dance for me later?"
Aranel smiled softly. "I would be honored."
Tári sat back, sighing at the exchange between the two. Again Aranel had mesmerized the elves around her. She turned when Keliar touched her arm. He smiled only and glanced over to Haldir. Tári followed his gaze and flushed when she realized Haldir's gaze was not on Aranel, but on her. His eyes met hers, and he leaned forward, hiding his expression. But Tári had seen the gleam of interest. She shivered slightly, wondering suddenly what it would be like to kiss the March Warden of Lothlorien