Disclaimer: Unfortunately Haldir ran away, taking Rúmil and Orophin with
him, scheming elves. So they're not mine any more . . . Larien still is
though!
A/N: I've reloaded the first chapter and I think I've corrected all the typos. If there are still some, are you sure it's not just the British spelling? I AM from UK after all.
Right, I usually wait til the end to reply to reviews, but some points came up that I really should address before we go any further. There were concerns that Larien couldn't have fallen in love with Haldir so quickly after he only fell on top of her. I know what you mean, Jenny, I hate "love at first sight" stories too because I simply don't believe in it either. The thing is, she has lived in close proximity to him for most of her life, and during that time, she has always loved him, except never realised it. It took Haldir falling on top of her (well, it's as good as any other situation I suppose!) for her to realise that she was attracted to him. From there, it's just a small bunny hop to realising she IS in love with him. I hope this makes a bit more sense. Don't hesitate to let me know if it STILL sounds like rubbish, and I'll sort it out.
Chapter 3
The Chorai was only a few days away, and now that Larien had decided to attend, she found that she had very little time to find an appropriate dress and prepare herself. At the end of her watch, Orophin and Rúmil met her, and accompanied her back to the telain. They had appointed themselves her fairy godmothers and were at this moment rummaging through her dresses, attempting to pick out a suitable one.
"Orophin, this one will do," she said in exasperation as he discarded the umpteenth one.
"This one?" he asked with a look of disdain. "The colour does not compliment your colouring." Larien looked on in dismay. Her colouring? Since when had Orophin known anything about dresses? She picked up another random dress.
"Do not even think of that one," cried Rúmil from across the bed. "Have you seen the cut on that one? It does not flatter your curves." Larien was becoming more and more disorientated with the 'new' Rúmil and Orophin.
"Is there nothing in my wardrobe that will meet your requirements?" she asked forlornly. At that, a female voice called up from the tree's base. Orophin leapt down and returned a few minutes later cradling a dress of pale blue.
"I knew mother would have something appropriate somewhere," he grinned. He spread the dress on the bed victoriously. It was a beauty. It was a blue so pale it was almost silver, with soft, long sleeves and a skirt of a similar silky material flowing out from the low waistline. As it moved, pinpricks of silver glittered delicately in the light.
"I cannot wear this," she breathed as she reached out to touch it. "It is too beautiful for me to wear to the Chorai."
"Try it on at least," remarked Rúmil, and the brothers turned as she stepped into the dress. It was cut low into a v-shape just showing the swell of her breasts, and the hem trailed lightly over the floor as she walked.
"It fits you perfectly," Orophin told her awestruck. "Who would have thought that our tomboy Larien, much more at home in a tunic and handling a bow, would look so lovely in a dress." She blushed at the comment as she looked at her reflection. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled with the reflection of the dress, and her long silver hair hung down past her shoulders, seeming to merge with the silver of the dress.
"Will Inwë mind if I borrow it?" she asked almost reverentially.
"In fact, mother was hoping you would wear it," replied Rúmil with a smile. "It has seen too little action these past few years." Larien choked back a joyous laugh as she rushed to the brothers and enveloped them in a bear hug.
* * *
The evening of the Chorai crept up on the elves rapidly. Larien had spent most of the day turning the event over in her mind. Much as she had protested in the past that it was a waste of time, the truth was that she desperately wanted to attend, but had never found the necessary courage to go unpartnered. Courage which she found time and time again as warden had escaped her every year for the many years since she had been old enough to attend. As she braided the last part of her hair, Orophin crept up onto the telain.
"Are you ready, Larien?" She spun round, the dress swirling around her hips.
"I think so," she replied hesitantly. Much as she was looking forwards to the evening, she could not help but be slightly nervous at the thought of being seen with Rúmil and Orophin yet again. If there weren't any rumours already, there certainly would be after tonight.
Orophin brought his hands around from behind him and opened them to display a cluster of sparkling crystals that seemed to glow with a light of their own. Larien stared at them speechless.
"Mother told me to give you these for tonight also. They complement the dress," he explained as he fastened the clasp around her neck. The necklace hugged her slim neck while three thin sparkling strands trailed down her chest. Inwë was right. The necklace set off the colour of the dress beautifully and brought an increased sparkle into her eyes. Orophin could not be sure whether it was due to the necklace or her increased confidence as she looked at her reflection. "Shall we depart? Rúmil awaits us at the Chorai," he asked as he held out an arm.
"Indeed," she said giggling as she took the proffered arm.
The hall where the Chorai was traditionally held was alight with the tiny lights which illuminated Caras Galadhon. Already there was the sound of several elves singing and laughing. In the background, the tinkling music could be heard accompanying the various dancing couple. Larien's grip tightened on the brothers' arms nervously.
"What if people stare?" she asked timidly.
"Is this Larien, warden of the Galadhrim talking?" asked Rúmil teasingly as they walked into the hall. Immediately, the colourful dresses of the elven ladies and the streaming hair of the dancing elves surrounded them.
From a corner, in the midst of a group of young elven ladies, a pair of steely grey eyes watched their arrival. The lady was unknown to him, and as he followed their progress into the hall, he felt a rare pang of jealousy towards his brothers. Their companion was beautiful indeed, her hair floating around her body as she turned to reveal her face. Suddenly, he recognised her and watched intently with narrowed eyes, his wrath increasing, as Orophin led Larien out onto the dance area and proceeded to glide lightly across the woody ground.
"Excuse me ladies," he said distractedly as he made his way purposefully towards the dancing couple. Striding into the centre of the dance area, leaving a wake of irritated elves behind him, he came up behind the couple and tapped Orophin on the shoulder. Orophin turned, surprise evident on his face.
"Haldir, I did not realise you were already here," he exclaimed happily.
"What is going on?" he asked, trying to keep his temper under control.
"Dancing, brother. Do not feel embarrassed to ask for a turn with the lovely lady," he replied with a grin and relinquished Larien to the older elf before making himself scarce. Haldir and Larien faced each other as the dancing couples jostled around them.
"We cannot stand here," Larien whispered, unnerved by his presence. "We disturb the other couples." He remained still for a moment before placing one hand around her waist and another picked up her hand.
"Then we dance," he replied shortly. "May I ask what it is you hope to accomplish here this evening?" he asked irately.
"Nothing, Haldir. Rúmil and Orophin asked me to accompany them, and I accepted," she replied somewhat nervously, all earlier thoughts of standing up to him flying out of her head. She told herself she should not be nervous of him, but logic tended to escape her when confronted by the piercing grey eyes of the elf leading her round the dance floor.
"Did I not warn you to stay away from my brothers?"
"Haldir, you have known me since I was a child, surely you know I would never do anything to jeopardise my brothers' happiness," she countered.
"You obviously know nothing about their happiness," he whispered harshly before dragging her off the dance floor.
"Haldir, you hurt me," she whimpered softly, not wanting to cause a scene at the Chorai. Still he dragged her relentlessly behind him, not releasing his grip on her wrist. He did not stop until he had reached a small clearing in the woods behind the hall.
"I ask you time and time again to leave my brothers be, yet still you so not heed me," he fumed, flinging her wrist down.
"They asked for my company this evening," she replied, anger flaring in her blue eyes. "I did not want to come."
"You certainly looked as if you were fighting against them, not enjoying a minute of your evening with them," he retorted sarcastically. His eyes swept up and down her body, and she blushed. "That is my mother's dress and necklace," he stated. She nodded.
"She loaned them to me for this evening," she replied boldly, daring him to comment further. A flush crept up his face.
"You even take advantage of her generosity?" he asked incredulously. A searing, white-hot flame of rage rushed through Larien. She raised a hand and slapped him across the cheek, making his head swing round.
"How dare you accuse me of taking advantage of your mother," she whispered, glaring angrily at him. "She has been like a mother to me, and if you do not know I would not do such a thing, you do not know me."
"I know you too well, Larien," he whispered in return. "I have watched you grow up, do not forget that. I have watched you when you thought none were looking." He paused as the fire in her eyes calmed a little, and frown lines gently creased her face as she stared at him questioningly. "I have watched you more that you know, as you changed from a tomboyish young elf into the graceful, beautiful lady you are today," he continued in a softer tone. Larien gazed at him as he spoke. She had been unaware that he had been following her progress so intently.
"But that does not change nor excuse the way you have been behaving lately," he continued, a harder edge to his tone once again. "You have succeeded in humiliating my whole family. My brothers, who are once again here without partners of their own, my mother, who was generous enough to loan you her favourite dress . . ." He was interrupted once again as her hand flew through the air for a second time, aiming to catch him on the face. This time he was prepared for her quick temper, and he caught her wrist. She was already backed up against a tree, so when he brought his face close to hers, she had nowhere to turn to.
His eyes were flashing angrily as he glared at her. Before she could turn away, he brought his mouth down over hers, plunging his tongue into her mouth. Larien was shocked at the roughness of the gesture, even more so when she discovered she could not stop herself from responding. Many times during the past week had she imagined a similar scenario, but never like this.
"You act shocked, yet your body's response tells me you want this to continue," he whispered as he drew away from the kiss. She shook her head, trying to convince herself too, that this was not what she wanted.
"Haldir, you cannot do this," she started.
"Why not? Because I am your brother?" he spat the term as his hands wandered over her body, eliciting reactions she had never felt before. Her legs felt as if they would not hold her much longer after the nerves of the Chorai and now this encounter, and she stumbled against him. She fell onto her knees on the mossy ground, Haldir lowering himself to her level also, as he continued to explore her mouth with his own.
"Do not tell me you do not want this as much as I do, for I can tell it in your eyes," he whispered to her.
"Haldir, you cannot," she tried to cry out, but her voice was but a whisper.
"It has been a long time since I first thought of doing this," he said softly as he stroked a strand of hair away from her face. Larien remained silent, for she did not know how to respond. She too had dreamt of this encounter, but not under these circumstances, and she was confused.
"Haldir," a male voice carried on the breeze. "Larien?" Haldir raised his head quickly.
"Orophin," he stated quietly as he rose, brushing his hair out of his face. Larien got up quickly, smoothing down her dress and straightening her hair. Haldir gave her an embarrassed sidelong glance. "Are you hurt, my lady?" he asked her. She shook her head mutely, not wanting to meet his gaze.
"Larien!" exclaimed Orophin as he ran into the clearing. "Haldir," he stated as he saw his brother. "Are you all right?" he asked her.
"I needed a breath of fresh air, Orophin. I am quite all right now," she assured him as she took his arm and let him lead her back to the Chorai, leaving Haldir behind.
* * *
Greenlego - Satisfied your curiosity about Galadriel and Larien's talk yet? Or do you think I should mention it more?
Werecat99 - Thanks, I think Larien can be pretty annoying, myself, (not accepting her feelings for Haldir) but as long as Haldir finds her enchanting in the end, that's all that matters!
Tricia - I was worried that Haldir's character wasn't being true to the book, but then again, we never DO find out what he's like when he's in love! In the meantime, you tell that irritating elf! Cos he certainly isn't listening to me . . .
Jenny - I hope the explanation and this chapter make a bit more sense to you now. Thanks for letting me know how it sounded, because I certainly don't want anyone thinking it was love at first sight!
Auror198 - Elves looking beautiful at balls is great, isn't it? Unfortunately, it isn't usually my style, me not being much of a romantic, which is why I'll probably get this whole story all wrong. But hey! I have to practice these if I'm going to get any better!
Thank you all for the great reviews, and please, keep them coming! Including what I'm getting wrong, what you don't like and what you'd like to see more of. As long as they aren't flames, I'm happy :oD
A/N: I've reloaded the first chapter and I think I've corrected all the typos. If there are still some, are you sure it's not just the British spelling? I AM from UK after all.
Right, I usually wait til the end to reply to reviews, but some points came up that I really should address before we go any further. There were concerns that Larien couldn't have fallen in love with Haldir so quickly after he only fell on top of her. I know what you mean, Jenny, I hate "love at first sight" stories too because I simply don't believe in it either. The thing is, she has lived in close proximity to him for most of her life, and during that time, she has always loved him, except never realised it. It took Haldir falling on top of her (well, it's as good as any other situation I suppose!) for her to realise that she was attracted to him. From there, it's just a small bunny hop to realising she IS in love with him. I hope this makes a bit more sense. Don't hesitate to let me know if it STILL sounds like rubbish, and I'll sort it out.
Chapter 3
The Chorai was only a few days away, and now that Larien had decided to attend, she found that she had very little time to find an appropriate dress and prepare herself. At the end of her watch, Orophin and Rúmil met her, and accompanied her back to the telain. They had appointed themselves her fairy godmothers and were at this moment rummaging through her dresses, attempting to pick out a suitable one.
"Orophin, this one will do," she said in exasperation as he discarded the umpteenth one.
"This one?" he asked with a look of disdain. "The colour does not compliment your colouring." Larien looked on in dismay. Her colouring? Since when had Orophin known anything about dresses? She picked up another random dress.
"Do not even think of that one," cried Rúmil from across the bed. "Have you seen the cut on that one? It does not flatter your curves." Larien was becoming more and more disorientated with the 'new' Rúmil and Orophin.
"Is there nothing in my wardrobe that will meet your requirements?" she asked forlornly. At that, a female voice called up from the tree's base. Orophin leapt down and returned a few minutes later cradling a dress of pale blue.
"I knew mother would have something appropriate somewhere," he grinned. He spread the dress on the bed victoriously. It was a beauty. It was a blue so pale it was almost silver, with soft, long sleeves and a skirt of a similar silky material flowing out from the low waistline. As it moved, pinpricks of silver glittered delicately in the light.
"I cannot wear this," she breathed as she reached out to touch it. "It is too beautiful for me to wear to the Chorai."
"Try it on at least," remarked Rúmil, and the brothers turned as she stepped into the dress. It was cut low into a v-shape just showing the swell of her breasts, and the hem trailed lightly over the floor as she walked.
"It fits you perfectly," Orophin told her awestruck. "Who would have thought that our tomboy Larien, much more at home in a tunic and handling a bow, would look so lovely in a dress." She blushed at the comment as she looked at her reflection. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled with the reflection of the dress, and her long silver hair hung down past her shoulders, seeming to merge with the silver of the dress.
"Will Inwë mind if I borrow it?" she asked almost reverentially.
"In fact, mother was hoping you would wear it," replied Rúmil with a smile. "It has seen too little action these past few years." Larien choked back a joyous laugh as she rushed to the brothers and enveloped them in a bear hug.
* * *
The evening of the Chorai crept up on the elves rapidly. Larien had spent most of the day turning the event over in her mind. Much as she had protested in the past that it was a waste of time, the truth was that she desperately wanted to attend, but had never found the necessary courage to go unpartnered. Courage which she found time and time again as warden had escaped her every year for the many years since she had been old enough to attend. As she braided the last part of her hair, Orophin crept up onto the telain.
"Are you ready, Larien?" She spun round, the dress swirling around her hips.
"I think so," she replied hesitantly. Much as she was looking forwards to the evening, she could not help but be slightly nervous at the thought of being seen with Rúmil and Orophin yet again. If there weren't any rumours already, there certainly would be after tonight.
Orophin brought his hands around from behind him and opened them to display a cluster of sparkling crystals that seemed to glow with a light of their own. Larien stared at them speechless.
"Mother told me to give you these for tonight also. They complement the dress," he explained as he fastened the clasp around her neck. The necklace hugged her slim neck while three thin sparkling strands trailed down her chest. Inwë was right. The necklace set off the colour of the dress beautifully and brought an increased sparkle into her eyes. Orophin could not be sure whether it was due to the necklace or her increased confidence as she looked at her reflection. "Shall we depart? Rúmil awaits us at the Chorai," he asked as he held out an arm.
"Indeed," she said giggling as she took the proffered arm.
The hall where the Chorai was traditionally held was alight with the tiny lights which illuminated Caras Galadhon. Already there was the sound of several elves singing and laughing. In the background, the tinkling music could be heard accompanying the various dancing couple. Larien's grip tightened on the brothers' arms nervously.
"What if people stare?" she asked timidly.
"Is this Larien, warden of the Galadhrim talking?" asked Rúmil teasingly as they walked into the hall. Immediately, the colourful dresses of the elven ladies and the streaming hair of the dancing elves surrounded them.
From a corner, in the midst of a group of young elven ladies, a pair of steely grey eyes watched their arrival. The lady was unknown to him, and as he followed their progress into the hall, he felt a rare pang of jealousy towards his brothers. Their companion was beautiful indeed, her hair floating around her body as she turned to reveal her face. Suddenly, he recognised her and watched intently with narrowed eyes, his wrath increasing, as Orophin led Larien out onto the dance area and proceeded to glide lightly across the woody ground.
"Excuse me ladies," he said distractedly as he made his way purposefully towards the dancing couple. Striding into the centre of the dance area, leaving a wake of irritated elves behind him, he came up behind the couple and tapped Orophin on the shoulder. Orophin turned, surprise evident on his face.
"Haldir, I did not realise you were already here," he exclaimed happily.
"What is going on?" he asked, trying to keep his temper under control.
"Dancing, brother. Do not feel embarrassed to ask for a turn with the lovely lady," he replied with a grin and relinquished Larien to the older elf before making himself scarce. Haldir and Larien faced each other as the dancing couples jostled around them.
"We cannot stand here," Larien whispered, unnerved by his presence. "We disturb the other couples." He remained still for a moment before placing one hand around her waist and another picked up her hand.
"Then we dance," he replied shortly. "May I ask what it is you hope to accomplish here this evening?" he asked irately.
"Nothing, Haldir. Rúmil and Orophin asked me to accompany them, and I accepted," she replied somewhat nervously, all earlier thoughts of standing up to him flying out of her head. She told herself she should not be nervous of him, but logic tended to escape her when confronted by the piercing grey eyes of the elf leading her round the dance floor.
"Did I not warn you to stay away from my brothers?"
"Haldir, you have known me since I was a child, surely you know I would never do anything to jeopardise my brothers' happiness," she countered.
"You obviously know nothing about their happiness," he whispered harshly before dragging her off the dance floor.
"Haldir, you hurt me," she whimpered softly, not wanting to cause a scene at the Chorai. Still he dragged her relentlessly behind him, not releasing his grip on her wrist. He did not stop until he had reached a small clearing in the woods behind the hall.
"I ask you time and time again to leave my brothers be, yet still you so not heed me," he fumed, flinging her wrist down.
"They asked for my company this evening," she replied, anger flaring in her blue eyes. "I did not want to come."
"You certainly looked as if you were fighting against them, not enjoying a minute of your evening with them," he retorted sarcastically. His eyes swept up and down her body, and she blushed. "That is my mother's dress and necklace," he stated. She nodded.
"She loaned them to me for this evening," she replied boldly, daring him to comment further. A flush crept up his face.
"You even take advantage of her generosity?" he asked incredulously. A searing, white-hot flame of rage rushed through Larien. She raised a hand and slapped him across the cheek, making his head swing round.
"How dare you accuse me of taking advantage of your mother," she whispered, glaring angrily at him. "She has been like a mother to me, and if you do not know I would not do such a thing, you do not know me."
"I know you too well, Larien," he whispered in return. "I have watched you grow up, do not forget that. I have watched you when you thought none were looking." He paused as the fire in her eyes calmed a little, and frown lines gently creased her face as she stared at him questioningly. "I have watched you more that you know, as you changed from a tomboyish young elf into the graceful, beautiful lady you are today," he continued in a softer tone. Larien gazed at him as he spoke. She had been unaware that he had been following her progress so intently.
"But that does not change nor excuse the way you have been behaving lately," he continued, a harder edge to his tone once again. "You have succeeded in humiliating my whole family. My brothers, who are once again here without partners of their own, my mother, who was generous enough to loan you her favourite dress . . ." He was interrupted once again as her hand flew through the air for a second time, aiming to catch him on the face. This time he was prepared for her quick temper, and he caught her wrist. She was already backed up against a tree, so when he brought his face close to hers, she had nowhere to turn to.
His eyes were flashing angrily as he glared at her. Before she could turn away, he brought his mouth down over hers, plunging his tongue into her mouth. Larien was shocked at the roughness of the gesture, even more so when she discovered she could not stop herself from responding. Many times during the past week had she imagined a similar scenario, but never like this.
"You act shocked, yet your body's response tells me you want this to continue," he whispered as he drew away from the kiss. She shook her head, trying to convince herself too, that this was not what she wanted.
"Haldir, you cannot do this," she started.
"Why not? Because I am your brother?" he spat the term as his hands wandered over her body, eliciting reactions she had never felt before. Her legs felt as if they would not hold her much longer after the nerves of the Chorai and now this encounter, and she stumbled against him. She fell onto her knees on the mossy ground, Haldir lowering himself to her level also, as he continued to explore her mouth with his own.
"Do not tell me you do not want this as much as I do, for I can tell it in your eyes," he whispered to her.
"Haldir, you cannot," she tried to cry out, but her voice was but a whisper.
"It has been a long time since I first thought of doing this," he said softly as he stroked a strand of hair away from her face. Larien remained silent, for she did not know how to respond. She too had dreamt of this encounter, but not under these circumstances, and she was confused.
"Haldir," a male voice carried on the breeze. "Larien?" Haldir raised his head quickly.
"Orophin," he stated quietly as he rose, brushing his hair out of his face. Larien got up quickly, smoothing down her dress and straightening her hair. Haldir gave her an embarrassed sidelong glance. "Are you hurt, my lady?" he asked her. She shook her head mutely, not wanting to meet his gaze.
"Larien!" exclaimed Orophin as he ran into the clearing. "Haldir," he stated as he saw his brother. "Are you all right?" he asked her.
"I needed a breath of fresh air, Orophin. I am quite all right now," she assured him as she took his arm and let him lead her back to the Chorai, leaving Haldir behind.
* * *
Greenlego - Satisfied your curiosity about Galadriel and Larien's talk yet? Or do you think I should mention it more?
Werecat99 - Thanks, I think Larien can be pretty annoying, myself, (not accepting her feelings for Haldir) but as long as Haldir finds her enchanting in the end, that's all that matters!
Tricia - I was worried that Haldir's character wasn't being true to the book, but then again, we never DO find out what he's like when he's in love! In the meantime, you tell that irritating elf! Cos he certainly isn't listening to me . . .
Jenny - I hope the explanation and this chapter make a bit more sense to you now. Thanks for letting me know how it sounded, because I certainly don't want anyone thinking it was love at first sight!
Auror198 - Elves looking beautiful at balls is great, isn't it? Unfortunately, it isn't usually my style, me not being much of a romantic, which is why I'll probably get this whole story all wrong. But hey! I have to practice these if I'm going to get any better!
Thank you all for the great reviews, and please, keep them coming! Including what I'm getting wrong, what you don't like and what you'd like to see more of. As long as they aren't flames, I'm happy :oD