A/N: Sorry it took me a bit longer, but here is finally the newest chapter of "On First Sight". I hope you will enjoy it ;-)
Undomiel
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Chapter 3 - A Warm Reception
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Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Elrond of Rivendell, slowly rode towards the figure standing at the border of Imladris. As they drew nearer and were able to observe the other elf more closely, they noticed for the first time that he seemed to be very still. In fact, he was not moving at all. And he was quite obviously staring at them as if he had seen something unbelievable.
Both of them were looking at the blond elf in surprise for a while, but after a few moments Elrohir slowly leaned over to his brother and asked in a hushed voice, "Maybe father asked us to escort him because he in not one of the brightest? So he doesn't get lost without help..." Before he could utter any more nonsense, he was cut off by Elladan's elbow, hitting him in the ribs and causing him gasp for breath for a moment.
Elladan glared at his brother, daring him to say anything else. "Maybe you should consider thinking before you say anything else, Elrohir. It is extremely rude to talk about others behind their backs, especially if they are guests from Lothlórien."
Elrohir had the grace to look slightly ashamed, but only slightly. There was still a wicked glint in his eyes, and Elladan simply shook his head in resignation, although a fond smile played around his full lips. Turning back towards the object of their argument, he saw that the young elf seemed to have collected himself, and was now slowly approaching them.
As he was almost close enough to speak, the twins finally got their first chance to take a proper look at Haldir, and had to fight the urge to stop and stare, just as the young elf had mere moments ago. Actually, only Elladan managed to successfully resist it, because as he glanced over at his twin to gauge his reaction, he had to suppress a quiet laugh.
Elrohir was staring, open mouthed and wide eyed, and Elladan suspected that only his good upbringing kept him from drooling all over the place. He smirked to himself and decided to talk to Elrohir about it when they were alone. But right now he had to do something about the awkward situation, and so he used his elbow once again to bring his brother back to his senses.
When he was certain that Elrohir would behave himself, he turned his attention again to the elf who by now was only a few feet away from them. Not that he could not understand his brother's reaction. This one certainly was a beauty, with the long, almost silvery blond hair flowing down his back, the full, sensual mouth set in a beautiful, yet undeniably masculine face, and the intense, almost hypnotising blue eyes. His posture spoke of pride and self-assurance as he slowly closed the remaining distance between himself and the twins, until he stood directly in front of Elladan.
Whit a respectful bow, he introduced himself to the two dark haired elves. "I am Haldir of Lórien. I was sent by Lord Celeborn to deliver a message to Lord Elrond of Imladris."
Letting the beautiful, throaty voice wash over him like a balm, Elladan smiled warmly and returned the bow and the greeting. "Welcome to Imladris, Haldir of Lórien. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Elladan, and this is my brother Elrohir. We were sent by Lord Elrond as an escort for you."
Nodding in acceptance, Haldir steered his horse next to Elladan's, and together they headed back the way the twins had come, towards the house of Elrond of Imladris.
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Haldir thoroughly enjoyed the slow ride towards the homestead of Lord Elrond. The surroundings seemed to be even more beautiful now that he had crossed the border, and he delighted in the complete difference it presented to his own home.
The though of home instantly brought the face Lord Celeborn to his mind, strong yet gentle, the warm eyes regarding him with an emotion he still was no closer to figuring out. With a soft sigh, he shook these thoughts off, and concentrated once more on the nature they were passing, and on his companions.
He still felt a bit uncomfortable about his reaction earlier, as he had first caught sight of the two dark haired elves. Never before had he seen anything so exquisite, so exotic in his life. However, that was no excuse for standing there, gaping like a fish on the shore, and he silently berated himself. The image he must have presented...
He had no idea that he had caused a very similar reaction in his companions.
After they had ridden for a while in comfortable silence, Elladan decided it was time to get to know their companion better, and soon the three of them were engrossed in an animated conversation. Time flew by as they talked, and soon their destination came into view, and once again Haldir was rendered speechless. With wide eyes he admired the amazing architecture of the place, comparing it to Lothlòrien, his eyes roaming over the balconies and terraces.
Finally they arrived at the stables, and as his horse was taken away and cared for by a stable hand, he was lead inside towards the chambers of Lord Elrond.
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Elladan and Elrohir waited outside their fathers study. They had escorted Haldir into the room and Elrond had asked them to wait outside until he had spoken with the young Lórien elf. Now that they were alone, they were finally able to talk freely without being overheard.
"So, it seems that our guest from Lórien is not as dumb as he appeared at first," Elrohir began playfully, evading Elladan's elbow this time and laughing. "You are impossible", the elder twin chided him, but a grin was spreading across his features as well. "Did you notice how beautiful this one is? Oh, of course you did, you were practically drooling back there when you watched him. You looked hilarious, brother, like a fish out of his element." A playful glint had entered Elladan's eyes, and he laughed even harder as Elrohir attempted to glare at him and tried to poke him in the ribs.
"But seriously, Elrohir, Lord Celeborn sent us a truly exquisite one this time. Young and delicious and, if I am not mistaken, he might still be innocent. There is an air around him..." Elrohir wholeheartedly agreed with his brother. Haldir of Lórien was quite irresistible, and he just knew that he and his twin would have a lot of fun while the youth whiled in Imladris.
Elrohir's musings were disturbed as the door to their father's study opened, and they were called inside. Elrond was sitting behind his desk, with Haldir occupying a chair in front of it, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Ah, there you are," the Half-Elf addressed the twins, before turning to Haldir again. "I presume you have already met my sons, Elladan and Elrohir." Haldir stared at them with slightly widened eyes and swallowed convulsively. The two elves who had escorted him here, whom he had talked to so casually, were the sons of Lord Elrond?
An endearing blush crept across his cheeks as he wondered what else was in store for him on this visit to Imladris.
Elrond did not seem to notice Haldir's discomfort as he addressed his son's again. "Haldir is staying with us for a few more days, so he has the chance to recover properly from the strenuous journey. I want the two of you to show him everything, and to take care of all his needs."
The twins bowed respectfully before their father, fighting to keep the triumphant smiles from their faces. After saying his thanks to the Lord of Imladris, Haldir rose from his chair and walked towards the door, passing the brothers on his way out.
Just as Elladan and Elrohir were turning around as well to follow the Lórien elf out the door, Elrond called out to them once more. "Do me a favour and behave yourself. And try not to scare him too much." At their innocent looks, he almost snorted. Almost. He was the Lord of Imladris, after all. "Do not look at me like that. I know you, and I know exactly what you are planning. Just be careful."
Smiling at their father and nodding once, they exited the chamber and caught up with Haldir, intent on showing him to his rooms.
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Later that evening, Haldir entered his rooms, feeling exhausted and tired. He had enjoyed a delicious meal and pleasant conversation at the table of Lord Elrond, but the ride had indeed been strenuous, and he only wanted to fall into his bed and sleep.
Having taken a bath before the evening meal, he simply shed his clothes and crawled under the covers, sighing as the silken sheets caressed his body. Soon his mind drifted off, and right before sleep claimed him, he saw two gently blue eyes smiling at him, and felt a calloused hand softly caressing his cheek.
His slumber was so deep, he never heard the door opening or the two dark figures that silently crept into his room.
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To be continued...
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Undomiel
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Chapter 3 - A Warm Reception
****************************
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---
Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Elrond of Rivendell, slowly rode towards the figure standing at the border of Imladris. As they drew nearer and were able to observe the other elf more closely, they noticed for the first time that he seemed to be very still. In fact, he was not moving at all. And he was quite obviously staring at them as if he had seen something unbelievable.
Both of them were looking at the blond elf in surprise for a while, but after a few moments Elrohir slowly leaned over to his brother and asked in a hushed voice, "Maybe father asked us to escort him because he in not one of the brightest? So he doesn't get lost without help..." Before he could utter any more nonsense, he was cut off by Elladan's elbow, hitting him in the ribs and causing him gasp for breath for a moment.
Elladan glared at his brother, daring him to say anything else. "Maybe you should consider thinking before you say anything else, Elrohir. It is extremely rude to talk about others behind their backs, especially if they are guests from Lothlórien."
Elrohir had the grace to look slightly ashamed, but only slightly. There was still a wicked glint in his eyes, and Elladan simply shook his head in resignation, although a fond smile played around his full lips. Turning back towards the object of their argument, he saw that the young elf seemed to have collected himself, and was now slowly approaching them.
As he was almost close enough to speak, the twins finally got their first chance to take a proper look at Haldir, and had to fight the urge to stop and stare, just as the young elf had mere moments ago. Actually, only Elladan managed to successfully resist it, because as he glanced over at his twin to gauge his reaction, he had to suppress a quiet laugh.
Elrohir was staring, open mouthed and wide eyed, and Elladan suspected that only his good upbringing kept him from drooling all over the place. He smirked to himself and decided to talk to Elrohir about it when they were alone. But right now he had to do something about the awkward situation, and so he used his elbow once again to bring his brother back to his senses.
When he was certain that Elrohir would behave himself, he turned his attention again to the elf who by now was only a few feet away from them. Not that he could not understand his brother's reaction. This one certainly was a beauty, with the long, almost silvery blond hair flowing down his back, the full, sensual mouth set in a beautiful, yet undeniably masculine face, and the intense, almost hypnotising blue eyes. His posture spoke of pride and self-assurance as he slowly closed the remaining distance between himself and the twins, until he stood directly in front of Elladan.
Whit a respectful bow, he introduced himself to the two dark haired elves. "I am Haldir of Lórien. I was sent by Lord Celeborn to deliver a message to Lord Elrond of Imladris."
Letting the beautiful, throaty voice wash over him like a balm, Elladan smiled warmly and returned the bow and the greeting. "Welcome to Imladris, Haldir of Lórien. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Elladan, and this is my brother Elrohir. We were sent by Lord Elrond as an escort for you."
Nodding in acceptance, Haldir steered his horse next to Elladan's, and together they headed back the way the twins had come, towards the house of Elrond of Imladris.
---
Haldir thoroughly enjoyed the slow ride towards the homestead of Lord Elrond. The surroundings seemed to be even more beautiful now that he had crossed the border, and he delighted in the complete difference it presented to his own home.
The though of home instantly brought the face Lord Celeborn to his mind, strong yet gentle, the warm eyes regarding him with an emotion he still was no closer to figuring out. With a soft sigh, he shook these thoughts off, and concentrated once more on the nature they were passing, and on his companions.
He still felt a bit uncomfortable about his reaction earlier, as he had first caught sight of the two dark haired elves. Never before had he seen anything so exquisite, so exotic in his life. However, that was no excuse for standing there, gaping like a fish on the shore, and he silently berated himself. The image he must have presented...
He had no idea that he had caused a very similar reaction in his companions.
After they had ridden for a while in comfortable silence, Elladan decided it was time to get to know their companion better, and soon the three of them were engrossed in an animated conversation. Time flew by as they talked, and soon their destination came into view, and once again Haldir was rendered speechless. With wide eyes he admired the amazing architecture of the place, comparing it to Lothlòrien, his eyes roaming over the balconies and terraces.
Finally they arrived at the stables, and as his horse was taken away and cared for by a stable hand, he was lead inside towards the chambers of Lord Elrond.
---
Elladan and Elrohir waited outside their fathers study. They had escorted Haldir into the room and Elrond had asked them to wait outside until he had spoken with the young Lórien elf. Now that they were alone, they were finally able to talk freely without being overheard.
"So, it seems that our guest from Lórien is not as dumb as he appeared at first," Elrohir began playfully, evading Elladan's elbow this time and laughing. "You are impossible", the elder twin chided him, but a grin was spreading across his features as well. "Did you notice how beautiful this one is? Oh, of course you did, you were practically drooling back there when you watched him. You looked hilarious, brother, like a fish out of his element." A playful glint had entered Elladan's eyes, and he laughed even harder as Elrohir attempted to glare at him and tried to poke him in the ribs.
"But seriously, Elrohir, Lord Celeborn sent us a truly exquisite one this time. Young and delicious and, if I am not mistaken, he might still be innocent. There is an air around him..." Elrohir wholeheartedly agreed with his brother. Haldir of Lórien was quite irresistible, and he just knew that he and his twin would have a lot of fun while the youth whiled in Imladris.
Elrohir's musings were disturbed as the door to their father's study opened, and they were called inside. Elrond was sitting behind his desk, with Haldir occupying a chair in front of it, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Ah, there you are," the Half-Elf addressed the twins, before turning to Haldir again. "I presume you have already met my sons, Elladan and Elrohir." Haldir stared at them with slightly widened eyes and swallowed convulsively. The two elves who had escorted him here, whom he had talked to so casually, were the sons of Lord Elrond?
An endearing blush crept across his cheeks as he wondered what else was in store for him on this visit to Imladris.
Elrond did not seem to notice Haldir's discomfort as he addressed his son's again. "Haldir is staying with us for a few more days, so he has the chance to recover properly from the strenuous journey. I want the two of you to show him everything, and to take care of all his needs."
The twins bowed respectfully before their father, fighting to keep the triumphant smiles from their faces. After saying his thanks to the Lord of Imladris, Haldir rose from his chair and walked towards the door, passing the brothers on his way out.
Just as Elladan and Elrohir were turning around as well to follow the Lórien elf out the door, Elrond called out to them once more. "Do me a favour and behave yourself. And try not to scare him too much." At their innocent looks, he almost snorted. Almost. He was the Lord of Imladris, after all. "Do not look at me like that. I know you, and I know exactly what you are planning. Just be careful."
Smiling at their father and nodding once, they exited the chamber and caught up with Haldir, intent on showing him to his rooms.
---
Later that evening, Haldir entered his rooms, feeling exhausted and tired. He had enjoyed a delicious meal and pleasant conversation at the table of Lord Elrond, but the ride had indeed been strenuous, and he only wanted to fall into his bed and sleep.
Having taken a bath before the evening meal, he simply shed his clothes and crawled under the covers, sighing as the silken sheets caressed his body. Soon his mind drifted off, and right before sleep claimed him, he saw two gently blue eyes smiling at him, and felt a calloused hand softly caressing his cheek.
His slumber was so deep, he never heard the door opening or the two dark figures that silently crept into his room.
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To be continued...
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