Notes: Thanks to all of you who reviewed the first chapter. I know you had to wait long for the second one, but my computer had to be repaired. I am sure it won't take me so long to write the next one, though :)
So, here is the second chapter. Enjoy
Undomiel
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Chapter 2 - The Journey Begins
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Haldir was excited. And curious. Even a bit scared, but most of all, he was excited. This would be the first time for him to venture outside the borders of Lórien. A soft sigh escaped him as he looked around the stables, feeling the anticipation coursing through his body, making him feel like a child again. He was looking forward to this new experience.
The voice of the groom brought him out his thoughts, telling him that his horse was ready. He looked around once more, memorizing the sight of beautiful Lothlórien for the days to come. Because although he was more than happy that his greatest wish had been granted, he had a feeling that he would miss his home. And not only his home...
---
He had been on his way for several hours now, and the border of sweet Lórien had long since faded into the distance. The sun stood high above him and he marvelled at the nature he passed through, at how different it was from his home. While he steered his horse towards Imladris at a rapid pace, he used his time pondering over the last night, while always watchful towards his surroundings.
Last night, after his conversation with Lord Celeborn, he had met up with his brothers in his talan. An honest smile spread across his features as he thought about two of the three elves in Lórien who meant the most to him. Rúmil and Orophin had been just as excited as he was. After a couple of warm hugs and the usual amount of teasing that always took place between them, especially from Rúmil's side, they had settled down and spoken about the happenings of the day.
Both of them had been thrilled to hear about the new task that had been appointed to him. They had been aware of his longing to see the world outside their borders, and encouraged him and supported him in every way possible.
However, he had not been the only one with positive news that day, and he smiled to himself as he remembered the high spirit his younger brothers had been in when they told him about their promotion. Like himself, they had reached the end of their training as guardians, and had been given new duties.
But unlike himself, they had never wished to become a March Warden, to explore the world outside of Lórien. They were content to protect their borders and stay close to their own kind, as well as the Lord and Lady.
So this afternoon, they had been given their new orders. They were going to join the guardians at the northern borders. It was what they had wished for. To guard Lórien and its people. To have responsibility. He was extremely proud of his younger brothers. Not that he was ever going to tell them. It might go to their heads if he did, not to mention that they would tease him unmercifully about it. Especially Rúmil...
He shook his head, smiling fondly. He would join them at the northern borders as soon as he came back from this mission, and then they would be able to speak in peace. After he had given his report to Lord Celeborn.
Without him noticing, his gentle smile changed into a slightly dreamy one at the thought of his Lord. He had told his brothers about their meeting, of course. However, the last sentence Lord Celeborn had said to him before he left he had not shared with them. He was not certain why he had refused to tell them about it. Maybe it was because it had not been a part of the official meeting between him and the Lord of Lórien.
No, that last sentence was private, personal. He could still hear his Lord's deep, gentle voice calling out to him. "Take care of yourself," he had said softly, like a whisper carried to him by a gently breeze. It had warmed his heart in a way he had never known before. And the look in his Lord's eyes, so soft and caring, with a glint of something in them he just could not figure out, no matter how hard he tried.
But that look and the softly spoken words had burned themselves into his soul, were frozen into his memory, and embedded inside his heart. They had been meant for him, and only for him. They were his own, his treasured possession, and he wanted to share them with no one. Not even with his beloved brothers.
And even now, when he closed his eyes and listened intently, he could almost hear the words, gently carried to him by the wind blowing around him.
"Take care of yourself."
Shaking himself out of his musings, he spurred on his horse, quickening their pace. He wanted to reach Imladris as fast as possible. While a part of him wanted to return to Lórien just as badly.
---
The sun stood high and a gentle wind was blowing as two figures rode side-by-side, passing majestic trees and breathtaking waterfalls on their way to the border of Imladris. Beautiful rainbows could be seen wherever the rays of the sun caressed the spray of the glittering floods.
The two elves rode closely together, steering their white horses at a leisure pace along the road towards the outer parts of Rivendell. They wore different robes, one in deep green, the other in a light shade of blue, but apart from that, they seemed identical. Dark hair, only held back by a few simple braids above their ears, flowed freely all around them; the raven strands being caressed by the gentle breeze.
Both were beautiful beyond belief, a beauty only that was only rivalled by that of the nature surrounding them. Their sharply cut faces with the high foreheads and prominent cheekbones spoke of noble origin, as did the way they held themselves in their saddles, straight and self-assured. Dark eyes, almost black in colour, danced with delight and warmth, and their lilting voices were smooth and gentle as they spoke to each other.
"Tell me again, brother, why father wanted us to personally escort this messenger from Lothlórien. Why could he not just send one of his secretaries, or one of the guardians?" the one in the blue robe asked.
Elladan just rolled his eyes at his brother, feeling the beginnings of annoyance growing inside him. Elrohir had been pouting ever since their father had dragged him away from his 'activities' earlier to send them on this little mission.
"Elrohir, you know as well as I do that we do not have the right to question father's orders. I am sure he has his reasons for sending us instead of one of the guardians. I know as much as you about this, although I have heard something that might serve as an explanation." He almost laughed as his brother looked at him with intense curiosity written all over his face. Elrohir was nothing if not curious.
"It seems that Lord Celeborn himself requested that special care is to be taken of this one. But do not ask me why, I have no idea myself. Maybe we will find out soon, however. Someone is approaching."
---
Haldir felt relief and joy coursing through him as he neared the borders of Imladris. Although he had enjoyed the journey, it had been strenuous nonetheless, and he was looking forward to a relaxing bath and delicious food. He could already see the beautiful trees and the wondrous rainbows Imladris was well known for, and he felt his breath catch in his chest. It was vastly different from Lórien, but no less lovely.
As he forced his eyes away from the captivating nature and back on the road before him, he saw two figures on horseback in front of him, waiting. They were still too far away to see their faces, but the way they held themselves as well as their clothing indicated that they were elves.
As he drew near enough to study them properly, he felt his breath catch once more in his throat. Never before had he laid his eyes on more exotic and exquisite creatures. Since most elves in Lórien were of light colouring, dark hair was almost foreign to him. And as if that was not enough, these elves were of extraordinary beauty. Not to mention that they looked exactly the same...
He felt as if his mind was tying itself into knots as it tried to wrap itself around everything he was seeing. But the turmoil he was feeling inside did not show on his face.
Outwardly, he just stood there and gaped.
*
To be continued...
So, here is the second chapter. Enjoy
Undomiel
*
*
*
*
Chapter 2 - The Journey Begins
*
*
Haldir was excited. And curious. Even a bit scared, but most of all, he was excited. This would be the first time for him to venture outside the borders of Lórien. A soft sigh escaped him as he looked around the stables, feeling the anticipation coursing through his body, making him feel like a child again. He was looking forward to this new experience.
The voice of the groom brought him out his thoughts, telling him that his horse was ready. He looked around once more, memorizing the sight of beautiful Lothlórien for the days to come. Because although he was more than happy that his greatest wish had been granted, he had a feeling that he would miss his home. And not only his home...
---
He had been on his way for several hours now, and the border of sweet Lórien had long since faded into the distance. The sun stood high above him and he marvelled at the nature he passed through, at how different it was from his home. While he steered his horse towards Imladris at a rapid pace, he used his time pondering over the last night, while always watchful towards his surroundings.
Last night, after his conversation with Lord Celeborn, he had met up with his brothers in his talan. An honest smile spread across his features as he thought about two of the three elves in Lórien who meant the most to him. Rúmil and Orophin had been just as excited as he was. After a couple of warm hugs and the usual amount of teasing that always took place between them, especially from Rúmil's side, they had settled down and spoken about the happenings of the day.
Both of them had been thrilled to hear about the new task that had been appointed to him. They had been aware of his longing to see the world outside their borders, and encouraged him and supported him in every way possible.
However, he had not been the only one with positive news that day, and he smiled to himself as he remembered the high spirit his younger brothers had been in when they told him about their promotion. Like himself, they had reached the end of their training as guardians, and had been given new duties.
But unlike himself, they had never wished to become a March Warden, to explore the world outside of Lórien. They were content to protect their borders and stay close to their own kind, as well as the Lord and Lady.
So this afternoon, they had been given their new orders. They were going to join the guardians at the northern borders. It was what they had wished for. To guard Lórien and its people. To have responsibility. He was extremely proud of his younger brothers. Not that he was ever going to tell them. It might go to their heads if he did, not to mention that they would tease him unmercifully about it. Especially Rúmil...
He shook his head, smiling fondly. He would join them at the northern borders as soon as he came back from this mission, and then they would be able to speak in peace. After he had given his report to Lord Celeborn.
Without him noticing, his gentle smile changed into a slightly dreamy one at the thought of his Lord. He had told his brothers about their meeting, of course. However, the last sentence Lord Celeborn had said to him before he left he had not shared with them. He was not certain why he had refused to tell them about it. Maybe it was because it had not been a part of the official meeting between him and the Lord of Lórien.
No, that last sentence was private, personal. He could still hear his Lord's deep, gentle voice calling out to him. "Take care of yourself," he had said softly, like a whisper carried to him by a gently breeze. It had warmed his heart in a way he had never known before. And the look in his Lord's eyes, so soft and caring, with a glint of something in them he just could not figure out, no matter how hard he tried.
But that look and the softly spoken words had burned themselves into his soul, were frozen into his memory, and embedded inside his heart. They had been meant for him, and only for him. They were his own, his treasured possession, and he wanted to share them with no one. Not even with his beloved brothers.
And even now, when he closed his eyes and listened intently, he could almost hear the words, gently carried to him by the wind blowing around him.
"Take care of yourself."
Shaking himself out of his musings, he spurred on his horse, quickening their pace. He wanted to reach Imladris as fast as possible. While a part of him wanted to return to Lórien just as badly.
---
The sun stood high and a gentle wind was blowing as two figures rode side-by-side, passing majestic trees and breathtaking waterfalls on their way to the border of Imladris. Beautiful rainbows could be seen wherever the rays of the sun caressed the spray of the glittering floods.
The two elves rode closely together, steering their white horses at a leisure pace along the road towards the outer parts of Rivendell. They wore different robes, one in deep green, the other in a light shade of blue, but apart from that, they seemed identical. Dark hair, only held back by a few simple braids above their ears, flowed freely all around them; the raven strands being caressed by the gentle breeze.
Both were beautiful beyond belief, a beauty only that was only rivalled by that of the nature surrounding them. Their sharply cut faces with the high foreheads and prominent cheekbones spoke of noble origin, as did the way they held themselves in their saddles, straight and self-assured. Dark eyes, almost black in colour, danced with delight and warmth, and their lilting voices were smooth and gentle as they spoke to each other.
"Tell me again, brother, why father wanted us to personally escort this messenger from Lothlórien. Why could he not just send one of his secretaries, or one of the guardians?" the one in the blue robe asked.
Elladan just rolled his eyes at his brother, feeling the beginnings of annoyance growing inside him. Elrohir had been pouting ever since their father had dragged him away from his 'activities' earlier to send them on this little mission.
"Elrohir, you know as well as I do that we do not have the right to question father's orders. I am sure he has his reasons for sending us instead of one of the guardians. I know as much as you about this, although I have heard something that might serve as an explanation." He almost laughed as his brother looked at him with intense curiosity written all over his face. Elrohir was nothing if not curious.
"It seems that Lord Celeborn himself requested that special care is to be taken of this one. But do not ask me why, I have no idea myself. Maybe we will find out soon, however. Someone is approaching."
---
Haldir felt relief and joy coursing through him as he neared the borders of Imladris. Although he had enjoyed the journey, it had been strenuous nonetheless, and he was looking forward to a relaxing bath and delicious food. He could already see the beautiful trees and the wondrous rainbows Imladris was well known for, and he felt his breath catch in his chest. It was vastly different from Lórien, but no less lovely.
As he forced his eyes away from the captivating nature and back on the road before him, he saw two figures on horseback in front of him, waiting. They were still too far away to see their faces, but the way they held themselves as well as their clothing indicated that they were elves.
As he drew near enough to study them properly, he felt his breath catch once more in his throat. Never before had he laid his eyes on more exotic and exquisite creatures. Since most elves in Lórien were of light colouring, dark hair was almost foreign to him. And as if that was not enough, these elves were of extraordinary beauty. Not to mention that they looked exactly the same...
He felt as if his mind was tying itself into knots as it tried to wrap itself around everything he was seeing. But the turmoil he was feeling inside did not show on his face.
Outwardly, he just stood there and gaped.
*
To be continued...