Chapter Five: Consequences
Tári woke to find herself in bed, late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window to shadow the coverlet over her legs, tiny motes of dust dancing on the beams of light. She was alone. She reached up to rub her head, feeling the clean strands of her hair. How long had they kept her asleep? She closed her eyes, fighting back the anger that blossomed in her head. She needed to be logical, they would not have allowed her to suffer, even as she denied it. Aranel would be the one to be angry, she told herself, but the anger still smoldered inside her. Why? She never became emotional like this.
She sat up, gingerly testing her arm. It only ached slightly. She slid her legs out of the bed, staring at the table across the room, and the water that sat there. It was only a broken arm, why did her legs tremble so. She'd done worse falling out of a tree. Tári gritted her teeth, as she tried to stand. Unable to ignore the weakness that threatened to drop her sprawling onto the talan floor, she sat back on the bed. She looked up when the door swept open and Aranel glided inside.
"Oh, you're awake. I was beginning to worry that the March Warden's sleeping spell was too strong." She grinned at the scowl on Tári's face.
"How long has it been?"
"Oh, two days." Aranel laughed, handing her the glass of water.
Tári coughed, choking. "Two days! I only broke my arm!"
Aranel giggled. "I think Haldir is lucky you only broke your arm. Keliar said your glare should have cut him in two when you first woke after he healed you. I think it was for more his protection than the necessity of your healing that he put you back to sleep." She grinned at Tári's look of consternation. "He confiscated your knives by the way. I think the gash you gave him should be healed now."
Tári's eyes widened as the memory flashed back into her head. She had woken to find him leaning over her, his grey eyes dark with worry, but she had felt so angry. Never before had she felt the press of emotions this grey-elf seemed to draw from her. It was more the frustration of her own lack of control that she drew the knife, slashing the elf along his wrist.
His look of shock and utter fury had had her quivering in her boots, and the hand that had gripped her wrist, forcing her to loosen her grip on the knife had not been gentle. She would not forget the look in those piercing gray eyes. Not for a long while.
Aranel sat down next to her, smiling at Tári's horrified expression. "It was only a small slash. You must have been very angry, or perhaps another sentiment? You know, when an elf maiden has strong feelings for another she can get very emotional."
Tári scowled irritably, glancing away from her sister. Is that why she was suddenly out of sorts? "I am not emotional."
Aranel giggled. "No? Tári you have never drawn your knives against one of our own! And you thought I had transgressed against the March Warden! My actions were only words. You actually drew blood, dear sister!." She took the glass from Tári's hand. "I must go to Keliar to tell him you're awake, he has been very worried. The longer you've slept, the more glares Haldir has been given. I think much longer and Keliar will no longer be able to control himself. I had better hurry before the two end up at the point of each other's sword." She reached the door and turned back to Tári. "How does it feel to have two elves fight over you, Mouse?"
* * *
Keliar stood up, waiting for Aranel to approach, sighing at the broad grin that creased her face.
"She is awake?"
Aranel eye's twinkled. "Aye." She stared at the Laiquendi commander. "I have never seen you so concerned, Keliar."
Keliar sighed, sitting back down on the bench where he'd waited, putting his head into his hands. "Aranel, long have I watched over Mouse. My thinking of her as a sister has been tested severely this journey."
Aranel sat next to him, touching his arm softly. "Your love for her, Keliar, has always been evident. How it is you love her? She is drawn to this grey elf, though she will deny it."
Keliar groaned. "Aye, I know she is. I am not sure of him in that regard, I have heard some disturbing rumors about him."
Aranel grinned. "Since when do you listen to rumors, Keliar? You have spent more time with him than any of us. I don't think he means to hurt her."
Keliar sighed, glancing at Aranel. "Since when have you become so chivalrous and kind, Aranel."
She laughed softly. "I've have been pushed aside for once. I have never had that done to me before, Keliar. Haldir has totally ignored me, his eyes stray to Mouse whenever they are together. It has opened my eyes."
Keliar frowned, and sighed. "I must think. I will walk, perhaps it will clear my head." He turned to look down at Aranel, who sit sat on the bench. "I will check on Tári in a while." Aranel nodded and watched the tall elf walk slowly from the glade, her eyes dark with concern.
* * *
Tári straightened the coverlet, turning when a soft knock sounded on her door. She hurried to open it and found a tall elven maid holding a large tray in front of the door. She moved aside so the elf could enter. She was beautiful, her dark blond hair streaked with silver and hung past her hips in long wavy tendrils. She set the tray on the table and turned to Tári, long dark brows arched in amusement.
"I have brought you some dinner. From what I have been told, I thought you would not want to go the hall to dine." Her voice was very musical, her inflections rising and falling like the notes of a song. Her eyes sparkled merrily, and Tári stared at the strange maiden.
"What were you told?"
The elf maiden laughed softly. "Only, my lady, that you were injured and was healed against your wishes by our March Warden. It has been said he has paid for his decision to do so. It is rare for that elf to let down his guard. I find that quite amusing." She pulled the cloth covering the tray away, and handed Tári a small plate. "Sit, and I will tell you more if you wish. I am Brenna, and The Lady of Light has asked me to become your companion for the rest of your visit here."
Tári picked at the food on the plate, glancing warily at the elven maiden. "I don't need a companion," she said through a mouthful of fruit. The elf laughed.
"I agree. But the Lord and Lady decided they would rather you had someone to entertain you here in the city, than to have you following the wardens on watch. Haldir was quite upset you were injured during the skirmish. You had a shadow, did you know? Alas, he was distracted, and you were injured. Haldir is a stern taskmaster when it comes to orders. Poor Bredhil will rue the moment he took his eyes off you."
Tári froze, the bread she was about to eat held a few inches from her mouth. She set it back on the plate. "Shadow? What has Haldir done to him?"
Brenna grinned. "Bredhil was given strict orders to follow you, far enough behind that you would not see or notice him. He is always diligent in following his orders, but he was distracted for a moment, and when he looked back, the Orc had you and you were injured. Did you not wonder who killed it?"
Tári set the plate on the bed, her eyes narrowing. "So Haldir did not trust me after all? He has punished this Bredhil? What has he done to him?"
Brenna sighed, "Alas, as I said, he is stern." She glanced at Tári who had frowned. "But he must be, for the wardens must obey his orders to the letter. Bredhil did not. But his punishment is not that bad. well to us." She laughed softly. "His love is the life of a warrior, being on watch is not a duty but a luxury to him. Haldir knows this, and has forbidden him to serve on the borders for a fortnight. He must train in the arena until then."
Tári groaned in dismay, folding her arms. "I should go to him! I do not want him punished! It was not his fault."
Brenna stared at her in consternation. "No! by the Valar, you would distress him immensely were he to know you have learned of this."
"How do you know all of this, then?" Tári asked when Brenna stepped to the window to look out. She turned, the blond hair sliding over her shoulder.
"He is my brother, and told me. I became so curious, I had to come to meet you. Galadriel felt my interest and has asked me to attend you. I think to keep you out of mischief." She whispered at the end, giggling.
Tári smiled, Brenna's twinkling eyes and easy manner suddenly comforting. "You remind me of another, Brenna. I think I will enjoy your company. I would like to have a friend with whom I can speak."
Brenna stared at Tári for a moment in surprise, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Had I been assigned to your sister, I would be only a servant. I would be honored to be your friend, Tári Namolanya. What can I do for you now?"
Tári laughed, a knock sounding on the door at the same time Brenna spoke. "I think get the door would be good!" Brenna giggled again, and swept to the door, flinging it open merrily only to smile slowly.
Keliar stood outside the door, his hand raised to knock again, his eyes widening in surprise. He froze for a moment, his gaze traveling over Brenna in appreciation. He dropped his hand, bowing to the elven maid.
"Forgive my intrusion. I thought Tári alone."
Brenna stepped back, but her eyes remained locked with Keliar's, her face flooding with color at his appraisal. "I am only an attendant. I will leave if you wish it."
Tári grinned, seeing the two gaze at each other. A sudden flash of insight brought a wider grin. "Keliar, this is Brenna, who has befriended me in my time of need. She hopes to keep me out of mischief."
Keliar grinned, stepping past Brenna, pulling his gaze away from hers with difficulty. "Keep you out of mischief? Brenna? I believe I have heard of you, Bredhil? He is your brother?"
Brenna nodded, her lashes lowering slightly, and she smiled. "Aye, he is."
Keliar shook his head, turning to Tári. "Then she has more than likely told you of his orders and subsequent punishment?"
Tári frowned. "She did. Can you not change Haldir's mind?"
Keliar stepped back, his hands rising as if to ward her away. "Change his mind? I dare not tread that path, dearest Tári. I would be sure to set his anger against me. Besides, I agree with him."
Tári sniffed. "You would."
Keliar grinned, his gaze sliding back to Brenna for a moment. "I would and do. He had orders, he did not follow them."
Tári turned toward Keliar. "Orders, orders? To shadow me! Why would he ask me to come and then have another elf follow behind me?"
Brenna giggled. "Tári, think for a moment. It was Haldir's duty to protect you, he cannot do it himself though I think he would like to. He dared not take any chances, and look, still you were injured. Lord Celeborn was most dismayed. Your father seemed to think it your due for the chance you took."
"She is right, Mouse. I did not even know of your shadow until I saw him, briefly. He is an excellent shot, you got a lot further ahead of him than he intended. I still am amazed he killed the Orc. Haldir on the other hand, did not seem surprised. I think he expected it." Keliar glanced over to Brenna.
"You speak highly of my brother, but he will not appreciate your praise. I fear he will remember only that he failed in his duty. He holds Haldir in very high regard." Brenna shook her head. Keliar grinned sympathetically.
"Since you seem well attended then, Mouse. I will leave you. I hope to see you in the hall to break your fast in the morning? I am sure Brenna will come with you. By the way, Haldir usually leaves very early."
Tári scowled at his last words, throwing the pillow at him. "Why should I be concerned when Haldir is there?"
Keliar gripped the door handle, looking over his shoulder with a broad grin. "You will have to face him sometime, and apologize I think."
Tári reached for another pillow, and Keliar laughed, shutting the door quickly. Brenna grinned hurrying to stare out the window at the retreating Laiquendi commander, her eyes sparkling with interest.
"I had heard from Bredhil of your commander, but Tári! He did not say he was so handsome!" She giggled, turning away from the window to see Tári lying on the bed staring at the ceiling. She frowned rushing over to sit on the bed. "I am sorry, perhaps I spoke out of place."
Tári glanced at her grinning. "Nay, Brenna. I have no claim on Keliar." She sighed. "But Keliar was right. He knows me only too well. I must find Haldir and apologize."
* * *
Haldir leaned his elbows on the long table, the dawn only just spreading its glow through the mellyrn trees, shafts of misty light breaking through the canopy, sparkling on the dew coated leaves. He sipped the mulled wine, deep in thought over his duties for the day. Only a few elves came to eat this early and he enjoyed the solitude, using the time to gather his thoughts.
All too often they had seemed to stray to the Laiquendi. Why were they here? A week now and still no word from Galadriel on the reason for their coming. How long would Tathar wait before he told the Lady of his concerns? He frowned, leaning on his hands. He smiled when he sensed a presence behind him, but did not turn around.
"Do you sit alone often, Haldir?" Tári asked, coming around to stand in front of him across the table. She wore a long ivory gown, and her hair hung past her waist, the pale colored fabric warming the deeper tone of her skin. She met his gaze, her eyes meeting his nervously.
"In the morning, yes." He waved to the seat across from him and Tári sat down. "Can I get you something?" he asked, but Tári shook her head.
"Nay, Haldir, I am not hungry." She looked past him to see Keliar enter the hall, grinning at seeing her with Haldir and she frowned.
Haldir turned his head to look behind him, noting Brenna walked with Keliar. He turned to Tári in amusement. "It seems Keliar has found another companion. Does this bother you?"
Tári snorted softly. "Why should it bother me? He is free to seek company with whomever he chooses. I am not his keeper." She began to stand up, but Haldir gripped her wrist.
"If you are not hungry then there must be another reason you venture to the dining hall this early." His eyes gleamed suddenly and Tári tried to draw back, but he held her wrist firmly.
She swallowed, unsure of how to broach the subject of her healing. Haldir only smiled, waiting for her to speak, one brow rising in question.
"I came to see you," she admitted, wondering how it was that he seemed to pull the truth from her. "I came to apologize," she said stiffly, and his grip tightened slightly on her wrist.
Haldir blinked, his expression unreadable, his eyes drilling into hers. "For what?"
Tári flexed her wrist, but he would not let go. "You must release me, Haldir."
"Why? Am I hurting you?" he asked and Tári frowned. "Why are you here, Tári? You did not come to visit Lothlórien. Your father had a reason. I need to know."
Tári sighed, trying to relax back into the chair, but Haldir only loosened his grip. "I do not know any more than you. He does not confide in me, only Keliar may know his reasoning. I think even he does not know what thoughts my father has had." She pulled on her wrist once more, scowling when Haldir continued to grip it lightly. "I came to apologize and you distract me."
Haldir frowned, a fleeting grimace of irritation crossing his features. "You have nothing to apologize for, Tári."
Tári leaned toward him. "But I do. I hurt you."
Haldir's eyes glittered suddenly, and Tári swallowed. Perhaps bringing this up was not a good idea. He released her wrist and reached out, pulling up his sleeve. A long streak ran the length of his inner wrist and Tári sat back with a gasp.
"It is not healed fully!" she gasped in alarm, but Haldir only laughed scornfully.
"It is not fully healed because I did not want it to be. It serves as a reminder of my distraction"
Tári's eyes widened, "What do you mean distraction?"
Haldir folded his hands together, and leaned closer to her. His eyes narrowed and she froze when the steel grey eyes pinned her to her seat. "You. You are my distraction, Tári. I only meant to heal you. What did you fear from me?"
Tári stared at him, she couldn't tell him why, he would laugh. She clamped her lips shut, refusing to answer. He reached out in a lightning reflex and gripped her wrist once more. Tári gasped, glancing past Haldir to see Keliar turn toward her with a frown. She smiled brightly, trying to ignore the throbbing Haldir's grip was causing in her arm.
Haldir gripped her wrist, loosening his hold slightly when he noticed the flash of pain in her eyes. Her glance behind him told him Keliar was paying close attention. Haldir smiled wickedly. The tiny maid in front of him smiled brightly. He was amused at her attempt to hide her concern, the tension in the arm he held telling him she was worried.
He leaned closer, his pale hair draping over his shoulder. "What were you afraid of? I would not hurt you," he murmured, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.
Tári pulled ineffectively against his grip. "I was not afraid." She gasped softly, knowing it for the lie it was.
Haldir laughed softly, his expression hardening suddenly. "I am held accountable for your safety, I allowed you to attend the march and I have paid for my error. I will not do so again. But you owe me, green-elf. No one touches me as you did, without facing the consequences!"
Tári scowled, ignoring the concerned look Keliar sent her. "I have tried to apologize, March Warden. What more must I do?" She pulled on her wrist to no effect. Keliar had stood. She smiled again at Haldir, meeting the glittering eyes, shaking at the intensity that shimmered there.
Haldir turned his head slightly, seeing Keliar out of the corner of his eye, and moved his grip on her wrist to cover her hand. Tári tried not to wince as he pressed her fingers together tightly. He was not hurting her, but he was not going to let her go either. His eyes searched hers. "I do not accept your spoken apology. You will have to do better than that."
Tári fought the scowl that threatened to cross her face. Keliar had sat down again, and was speaking to Brenna. Tári looked back at Haldir. Her knees were shaking and the tremors running up her arm from his grip on her hand was not from pain.
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" she asked. Tári had never played such games, and she bit her lip when he chuckled suddenly, low in his throat.
"Only that I will exact my revenge when I wish, and you will not deny me."
It was not a question but a statement and Tári shuddered slightly. What would he expect her to do? "You have my knives. I want them back." She wanted to bite her tongue at the look he gave her.
"I am not a fool, Tári. You are not what you seem. You are called timid, a mouse I hear your family call you, but you are far from such a creature." He leaned closer his voice lowered in pitch, and Tári found herself staring into silver grey eyes that suddenly gleamed with a respect she was surprised to see.
"Do you know what your name means? It means Queen in Sindarin, Tári. Far different from the nickname they call you by, and a much truer description of the Laiquendi sitting in front of me." He rose from the table. "I will see you again." He bowed to her briefly, then spun on his heel and strode quickly out of the hall, leaving Tári gaping at his retreating figure.
Tári woke to find herself in bed, late afternoon sunlight streaming through the window to shadow the coverlet over her legs, tiny motes of dust dancing on the beams of light. She was alone. She reached up to rub her head, feeling the clean strands of her hair. How long had they kept her asleep? She closed her eyes, fighting back the anger that blossomed in her head. She needed to be logical, they would not have allowed her to suffer, even as she denied it. Aranel would be the one to be angry, she told herself, but the anger still smoldered inside her. Why? She never became emotional like this.
She sat up, gingerly testing her arm. It only ached slightly. She slid her legs out of the bed, staring at the table across the room, and the water that sat there. It was only a broken arm, why did her legs tremble so. She'd done worse falling out of a tree. Tári gritted her teeth, as she tried to stand. Unable to ignore the weakness that threatened to drop her sprawling onto the talan floor, she sat back on the bed. She looked up when the door swept open and Aranel glided inside.
"Oh, you're awake. I was beginning to worry that the March Warden's sleeping spell was too strong." She grinned at the scowl on Tári's face.
"How long has it been?"
"Oh, two days." Aranel laughed, handing her the glass of water.
Tári coughed, choking. "Two days! I only broke my arm!"
Aranel giggled. "I think Haldir is lucky you only broke your arm. Keliar said your glare should have cut him in two when you first woke after he healed you. I think it was for more his protection than the necessity of your healing that he put you back to sleep." She grinned at Tári's look of consternation. "He confiscated your knives by the way. I think the gash you gave him should be healed now."
Tári's eyes widened as the memory flashed back into her head. She had woken to find him leaning over her, his grey eyes dark with worry, but she had felt so angry. Never before had she felt the press of emotions this grey-elf seemed to draw from her. It was more the frustration of her own lack of control that she drew the knife, slashing the elf along his wrist.
His look of shock and utter fury had had her quivering in her boots, and the hand that had gripped her wrist, forcing her to loosen her grip on the knife had not been gentle. She would not forget the look in those piercing gray eyes. Not for a long while.
Aranel sat down next to her, smiling at Tári's horrified expression. "It was only a small slash. You must have been very angry, or perhaps another sentiment? You know, when an elf maiden has strong feelings for another she can get very emotional."
Tári scowled irritably, glancing away from her sister. Is that why she was suddenly out of sorts? "I am not emotional."
Aranel giggled. "No? Tári you have never drawn your knives against one of our own! And you thought I had transgressed against the March Warden! My actions were only words. You actually drew blood, dear sister!." She took the glass from Tári's hand. "I must go to Keliar to tell him you're awake, he has been very worried. The longer you've slept, the more glares Haldir has been given. I think much longer and Keliar will no longer be able to control himself. I had better hurry before the two end up at the point of each other's sword." She reached the door and turned back to Tári. "How does it feel to have two elves fight over you, Mouse?"
* * *
Keliar stood up, waiting for Aranel to approach, sighing at the broad grin that creased her face.
"She is awake?"
Aranel eye's twinkled. "Aye." She stared at the Laiquendi commander. "I have never seen you so concerned, Keliar."
Keliar sighed, sitting back down on the bench where he'd waited, putting his head into his hands. "Aranel, long have I watched over Mouse. My thinking of her as a sister has been tested severely this journey."
Aranel sat next to him, touching his arm softly. "Your love for her, Keliar, has always been evident. How it is you love her? She is drawn to this grey elf, though she will deny it."
Keliar groaned. "Aye, I know she is. I am not sure of him in that regard, I have heard some disturbing rumors about him."
Aranel grinned. "Since when do you listen to rumors, Keliar? You have spent more time with him than any of us. I don't think he means to hurt her."
Keliar sighed, glancing at Aranel. "Since when have you become so chivalrous and kind, Aranel."
She laughed softly. "I've have been pushed aside for once. I have never had that done to me before, Keliar. Haldir has totally ignored me, his eyes stray to Mouse whenever they are together. It has opened my eyes."
Keliar frowned, and sighed. "I must think. I will walk, perhaps it will clear my head." He turned to look down at Aranel, who sit sat on the bench. "I will check on Tári in a while." Aranel nodded and watched the tall elf walk slowly from the glade, her eyes dark with concern.
* * *
Tári straightened the coverlet, turning when a soft knock sounded on her door. She hurried to open it and found a tall elven maid holding a large tray in front of the door. She moved aside so the elf could enter. She was beautiful, her dark blond hair streaked with silver and hung past her hips in long wavy tendrils. She set the tray on the table and turned to Tári, long dark brows arched in amusement.
"I have brought you some dinner. From what I have been told, I thought you would not want to go the hall to dine." Her voice was very musical, her inflections rising and falling like the notes of a song. Her eyes sparkled merrily, and Tári stared at the strange maiden.
"What were you told?"
The elf maiden laughed softly. "Only, my lady, that you were injured and was healed against your wishes by our March Warden. It has been said he has paid for his decision to do so. It is rare for that elf to let down his guard. I find that quite amusing." She pulled the cloth covering the tray away, and handed Tári a small plate. "Sit, and I will tell you more if you wish. I am Brenna, and The Lady of Light has asked me to become your companion for the rest of your visit here."
Tári picked at the food on the plate, glancing warily at the elven maiden. "I don't need a companion," she said through a mouthful of fruit. The elf laughed.
"I agree. But the Lord and Lady decided they would rather you had someone to entertain you here in the city, than to have you following the wardens on watch. Haldir was quite upset you were injured during the skirmish. You had a shadow, did you know? Alas, he was distracted, and you were injured. Haldir is a stern taskmaster when it comes to orders. Poor Bredhil will rue the moment he took his eyes off you."
Tári froze, the bread she was about to eat held a few inches from her mouth. She set it back on the plate. "Shadow? What has Haldir done to him?"
Brenna grinned. "Bredhil was given strict orders to follow you, far enough behind that you would not see or notice him. He is always diligent in following his orders, but he was distracted for a moment, and when he looked back, the Orc had you and you were injured. Did you not wonder who killed it?"
Tári set the plate on the bed, her eyes narrowing. "So Haldir did not trust me after all? He has punished this Bredhil? What has he done to him?"
Brenna sighed, "Alas, as I said, he is stern." She glanced at Tári who had frowned. "But he must be, for the wardens must obey his orders to the letter. Bredhil did not. But his punishment is not that bad. well to us." She laughed softly. "His love is the life of a warrior, being on watch is not a duty but a luxury to him. Haldir knows this, and has forbidden him to serve on the borders for a fortnight. He must train in the arena until then."
Tári groaned in dismay, folding her arms. "I should go to him! I do not want him punished! It was not his fault."
Brenna stared at her in consternation. "No! by the Valar, you would distress him immensely were he to know you have learned of this."
"How do you know all of this, then?" Tári asked when Brenna stepped to the window to look out. She turned, the blond hair sliding over her shoulder.
"He is my brother, and told me. I became so curious, I had to come to meet you. Galadriel felt my interest and has asked me to attend you. I think to keep you out of mischief." She whispered at the end, giggling.
Tári smiled, Brenna's twinkling eyes and easy manner suddenly comforting. "You remind me of another, Brenna. I think I will enjoy your company. I would like to have a friend with whom I can speak."
Brenna stared at Tári for a moment in surprise, a slow grin spreading across her face. "Had I been assigned to your sister, I would be only a servant. I would be honored to be your friend, Tári Namolanya. What can I do for you now?"
Tári laughed, a knock sounding on the door at the same time Brenna spoke. "I think get the door would be good!" Brenna giggled again, and swept to the door, flinging it open merrily only to smile slowly.
Keliar stood outside the door, his hand raised to knock again, his eyes widening in surprise. He froze for a moment, his gaze traveling over Brenna in appreciation. He dropped his hand, bowing to the elven maid.
"Forgive my intrusion. I thought Tári alone."
Brenna stepped back, but her eyes remained locked with Keliar's, her face flooding with color at his appraisal. "I am only an attendant. I will leave if you wish it."
Tári grinned, seeing the two gaze at each other. A sudden flash of insight brought a wider grin. "Keliar, this is Brenna, who has befriended me in my time of need. She hopes to keep me out of mischief."
Keliar grinned, stepping past Brenna, pulling his gaze away from hers with difficulty. "Keep you out of mischief? Brenna? I believe I have heard of you, Bredhil? He is your brother?"
Brenna nodded, her lashes lowering slightly, and she smiled. "Aye, he is."
Keliar shook his head, turning to Tári. "Then she has more than likely told you of his orders and subsequent punishment?"
Tári frowned. "She did. Can you not change Haldir's mind?"
Keliar stepped back, his hands rising as if to ward her away. "Change his mind? I dare not tread that path, dearest Tári. I would be sure to set his anger against me. Besides, I agree with him."
Tári sniffed. "You would."
Keliar grinned, his gaze sliding back to Brenna for a moment. "I would and do. He had orders, he did not follow them."
Tári turned toward Keliar. "Orders, orders? To shadow me! Why would he ask me to come and then have another elf follow behind me?"
Brenna giggled. "Tári, think for a moment. It was Haldir's duty to protect you, he cannot do it himself though I think he would like to. He dared not take any chances, and look, still you were injured. Lord Celeborn was most dismayed. Your father seemed to think it your due for the chance you took."
"She is right, Mouse. I did not even know of your shadow until I saw him, briefly. He is an excellent shot, you got a lot further ahead of him than he intended. I still am amazed he killed the Orc. Haldir on the other hand, did not seem surprised. I think he expected it." Keliar glanced over to Brenna.
"You speak highly of my brother, but he will not appreciate your praise. I fear he will remember only that he failed in his duty. He holds Haldir in very high regard." Brenna shook her head. Keliar grinned sympathetically.
"Since you seem well attended then, Mouse. I will leave you. I hope to see you in the hall to break your fast in the morning? I am sure Brenna will come with you. By the way, Haldir usually leaves very early."
Tári scowled at his last words, throwing the pillow at him. "Why should I be concerned when Haldir is there?"
Keliar gripped the door handle, looking over his shoulder with a broad grin. "You will have to face him sometime, and apologize I think."
Tári reached for another pillow, and Keliar laughed, shutting the door quickly. Brenna grinned hurrying to stare out the window at the retreating Laiquendi commander, her eyes sparkling with interest.
"I had heard from Bredhil of your commander, but Tári! He did not say he was so handsome!" She giggled, turning away from the window to see Tári lying on the bed staring at the ceiling. She frowned rushing over to sit on the bed. "I am sorry, perhaps I spoke out of place."
Tári glanced at her grinning. "Nay, Brenna. I have no claim on Keliar." She sighed. "But Keliar was right. He knows me only too well. I must find Haldir and apologize."
* * *
Haldir leaned his elbows on the long table, the dawn only just spreading its glow through the mellyrn trees, shafts of misty light breaking through the canopy, sparkling on the dew coated leaves. He sipped the mulled wine, deep in thought over his duties for the day. Only a few elves came to eat this early and he enjoyed the solitude, using the time to gather his thoughts.
All too often they had seemed to stray to the Laiquendi. Why were they here? A week now and still no word from Galadriel on the reason for their coming. How long would Tathar wait before he told the Lady of his concerns? He frowned, leaning on his hands. He smiled when he sensed a presence behind him, but did not turn around.
"Do you sit alone often, Haldir?" Tári asked, coming around to stand in front of him across the table. She wore a long ivory gown, and her hair hung past her waist, the pale colored fabric warming the deeper tone of her skin. She met his gaze, her eyes meeting his nervously.
"In the morning, yes." He waved to the seat across from him and Tári sat down. "Can I get you something?" he asked, but Tári shook her head.
"Nay, Haldir, I am not hungry." She looked past him to see Keliar enter the hall, grinning at seeing her with Haldir and she frowned.
Haldir turned his head to look behind him, noting Brenna walked with Keliar. He turned to Tári in amusement. "It seems Keliar has found another companion. Does this bother you?"
Tári snorted softly. "Why should it bother me? He is free to seek company with whomever he chooses. I am not his keeper." She began to stand up, but Haldir gripped her wrist.
"If you are not hungry then there must be another reason you venture to the dining hall this early." His eyes gleamed suddenly and Tári tried to draw back, but he held her wrist firmly.
She swallowed, unsure of how to broach the subject of her healing. Haldir only smiled, waiting for her to speak, one brow rising in question.
"I came to see you," she admitted, wondering how it was that he seemed to pull the truth from her. "I came to apologize," she said stiffly, and his grip tightened slightly on her wrist.
Haldir blinked, his expression unreadable, his eyes drilling into hers. "For what?"
Tári flexed her wrist, but he would not let go. "You must release me, Haldir."
"Why? Am I hurting you?" he asked and Tári frowned. "Why are you here, Tári? You did not come to visit Lothlórien. Your father had a reason. I need to know."
Tári sighed, trying to relax back into the chair, but Haldir only loosened his grip. "I do not know any more than you. He does not confide in me, only Keliar may know his reasoning. I think even he does not know what thoughts my father has had." She pulled on her wrist once more, scowling when Haldir continued to grip it lightly. "I came to apologize and you distract me."
Haldir frowned, a fleeting grimace of irritation crossing his features. "You have nothing to apologize for, Tári."
Tári leaned toward him. "But I do. I hurt you."
Haldir's eyes glittered suddenly, and Tári swallowed. Perhaps bringing this up was not a good idea. He released her wrist and reached out, pulling up his sleeve. A long streak ran the length of his inner wrist and Tári sat back with a gasp.
"It is not healed fully!" she gasped in alarm, but Haldir only laughed scornfully.
"It is not fully healed because I did not want it to be. It serves as a reminder of my distraction"
Tári's eyes widened, "What do you mean distraction?"
Haldir folded his hands together, and leaned closer to her. His eyes narrowed and she froze when the steel grey eyes pinned her to her seat. "You. You are my distraction, Tári. I only meant to heal you. What did you fear from me?"
Tári stared at him, she couldn't tell him why, he would laugh. She clamped her lips shut, refusing to answer. He reached out in a lightning reflex and gripped her wrist once more. Tári gasped, glancing past Haldir to see Keliar turn toward her with a frown. She smiled brightly, trying to ignore the throbbing Haldir's grip was causing in her arm.
Haldir gripped her wrist, loosening his hold slightly when he noticed the flash of pain in her eyes. Her glance behind him told him Keliar was paying close attention. Haldir smiled wickedly. The tiny maid in front of him smiled brightly. He was amused at her attempt to hide her concern, the tension in the arm he held telling him she was worried.
He leaned closer, his pale hair draping over his shoulder. "What were you afraid of? I would not hurt you," he murmured, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper.
Tári pulled ineffectively against his grip. "I was not afraid." She gasped softly, knowing it for the lie it was.
Haldir laughed softly, his expression hardening suddenly. "I am held accountable for your safety, I allowed you to attend the march and I have paid for my error. I will not do so again. But you owe me, green-elf. No one touches me as you did, without facing the consequences!"
Tári scowled, ignoring the concerned look Keliar sent her. "I have tried to apologize, March Warden. What more must I do?" She pulled on her wrist to no effect. Keliar had stood. She smiled again at Haldir, meeting the glittering eyes, shaking at the intensity that shimmered there.
Haldir turned his head slightly, seeing Keliar out of the corner of his eye, and moved his grip on her wrist to cover her hand. Tári tried not to wince as he pressed her fingers together tightly. He was not hurting her, but he was not going to let her go either. His eyes searched hers. "I do not accept your spoken apology. You will have to do better than that."
Tári fought the scowl that threatened to cross her face. Keliar had sat down again, and was speaking to Brenna. Tári looked back at Haldir. Her knees were shaking and the tremors running up her arm from his grip on her hand was not from pain.
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" she asked. Tári had never played such games, and she bit her lip when he chuckled suddenly, low in his throat.
"Only that I will exact my revenge when I wish, and you will not deny me."
It was not a question but a statement and Tári shuddered slightly. What would he expect her to do? "You have my knives. I want them back." She wanted to bite her tongue at the look he gave her.
"I am not a fool, Tári. You are not what you seem. You are called timid, a mouse I hear your family call you, but you are far from such a creature." He leaned closer his voice lowered in pitch, and Tári found herself staring into silver grey eyes that suddenly gleamed with a respect she was surprised to see.
"Do you know what your name means? It means Queen in Sindarin, Tári. Far different from the nickname they call you by, and a much truer description of the Laiquendi sitting in front of me." He rose from the table. "I will see you again." He bowed to her briefly, then spun on his heel and strode quickly out of the hall, leaving Tári gaping at his retreating figure.