A/N: A huge thank you to Jenny, my new beta reader. May this be the start
of a long and happy friendship!! This means that now there should be
nothing to pick up on, apart from my imagination and storyline, so please
don't pick that to pieces!
Disclaimer: I forgot the disclaimer in chapter 7, but you all know who this belongs to.
Chapter 8
Legolas and Larien told stories of their homes and their families as they ate together near the northern fences. The talk soon turned to the fellowship and their quest, and on to the hobbits and the dwarf.
"You say they are of short stature, but they are not dwarves?" Larien asked, intrigued.
"Indeed, they seem but children, although they are grown in hobbit terms," he replied with a smile, willingly answering Larien's onslaught of questions. "And with an appetite to astound the largest of eaters!"
"And the dwarf was allowed into our lands," Larien mused. "The Lady must indeed sympathise with your quest for a dwarf has not set foot in these lands for many years. Tell me more about the dwarf, for I have seen them but once, and that was a long time ago."
"Would you not rather see one for yourself? For I am certain that I will not do him justice were I to simply tell you about him," Legolas replied with a wry smile. Larien's eyes lit up.
"That would indeed be an opportunity!" she cried as Legolas jumped up and offered her his hand. "What, now?"
"Why wait?"
* * *
It did not take the elves long to come to the area where the fellowship were passing the time. Legolas lead Larien through the mallorn trees and into a clearing where she saw what she thought were two children sitting side by side.
"Are those the hobbits?" she whispered in a voice audible only to elven ears. Legolas nodded, leading her excitedly further into the clearing. As she followed him a trifle anxiously, for she was nervous about meeting these new races, she spied a familiar face.
"Larien!" came the deep voice. "I thought I would not see you during this visit."
"Aragorn of the Dúnedain, we meet again," she grinned back at him as he came towards her, picking her hand and kissing the back of it mockingly.
"Aragorn, you know better than to treat me like a lady," she joked. "Remind me, who pushed you into the mud during a sparring session the last time you were here?"
"I forget, Lady. It has been a long time since I last stepped foot in these woods," he replied with a twinkle on his eye. "But it surely was the same maiden who was unexpectedly covered in mud in return, and who had to make her way through Caras Galadhon, shamefully exposing her uncleanliness to her elvish kin." They smiled at each other with the shared memory as the hobbits looked on in interest at this new elf.
"It has indeed been a long time by human standards," Larien replied. "But not much has changed here during your absence." A loud snort echoed round the clearing, startling Larien. "In Valar's name, what was that? That sounded like no creature I know of."
"That, my friend, is Gimli," Aragorn informed her.
"You did want to meet a dwarf, did you not?" Legolas grinned. Aragorn moved towards the sleeping dwarf, stopping within a few feet, and shouted his name.
"Gimli! Gimli, wake up! The noise you make is enough to wake the dead." A bleary eyed Gimli sat up, turning to the company, muttering under his breath.
"Oh no, not more elves."
"Gimli, my friend, you forget elves have very sensitive ears," Legolas teased him.
"My apologies, my Lady. I am honoured to gaze upon a kin of the enchanting Lady Galadriel," he said, recovering rapidly and bowing low to her. "I would that all my encounters with elves be as pleasant as this."
"You honour me greatly. I see now the wisdom of the lady Galadriel in allowing a dwarf to enter her realm, for if all were as charming as you, there would surely be no animosity between our races." Gimli smiled smugly as he glanced over at Legolas.
"You see, Master elf, some of your kind appreciate our natural charm." Legolas said nothing, only smiled patiently as he bit his tongue to avoid getting drawn into another bantering session with the stubborn dwarf.
"In fact, Larien, I am pleased you have come to see us, for I have some questions that remain unanswered," Aragorn told her as Gimli's grin widened at his perceived win over the elf and he strode off to gloat with the hobbits.
"Has Haldir not answered them?" she queried as she, Aragorn and Legolas sat down.
"Haldir has not been among us since our audience with the lord and lady of the woods, and there are few other elves who would divulge this information to a companion of our mixed group. The hobbits have been accepted as friends, but still they are a strange and foreign race and this breeds a certain amount of caution and suspicion amongst elves."
"I can believe that some of my kind would avoid Gimli's companions also. What is it you wish to know?"
"Orcs. I hear they have attacked the borders since we have been in these woods."
"They did, and several elves fell, for it was a surprise attack of great force, but we overcame them and none have returned to their master unwounded." Aragorn looked at her intently, his face serious as she told him what he wanted to know.
"They have been tracking us for several days at the very least. I fear they are too close for comfort."
"They are indeed, but fear not for no orcs will enter Lothlórien whilst Galadriel still reigns. When you leave, be sure that she will aid you in whatever way she can. But orcs are not the only creatures that track you. A strange creature has been sighted following your company, but taking pains to remain out of sight." Both Aragorn and Legolas' stares intensified as she told of the creature Haldir had seen.
"This sounds like Gollum, the creature who escaped my father's watchful guard," Legolas supplied. "I have oft wondered what mischief he may be up to now. Alas I do not like the answer."
"Is he dangerous?" Larien asked.
"He is possessed with black thoughts and is known to be an ally of the dark lord, albeit against his will. We must be on our guard, Legolas, for we cannot foretell what mischief he is planning."
"You need not worry about this creature whilst you are under the Lady's care," Larien reassured them. "The wardens also are aware of him and he will not get past our watchful eyes." "Of that I have no fear, Larien," Aragorn smiled, releasing the tension of their conversation somewhat. "It is a pity that my return to Lothlórien could not have been under happier circumstances."
"I agree. I have heard of the fall of Gandalf, and I also mourn him greatly, for he was a friend of the Galadhrim."
"But come, let us talk of lighter matters, for I am eager to learn much about the Galadhrim myself!" Legolas said, breaking the mournful silence.
"As are we, but alas, we are ignored and not introduced," came a voice from behind Aragorn. One of the hobbits approached Larien, taking her hand and bowing as he kissed it.
"Peregrin Took at your service, my Lady," he said solemnly.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck, his older, wiser and more worldly cousin," the other interrupted as he nudged the aforementioned Master Took out of his way, taking Larien's other hand.
"Did I mention I was considered the better-looking back in our homeland, the Shire?" Peregrin told her whilst looking at her with wide, serious eyes.
"By whom, Pip? By your mother?"
"That's one more hobbit who believes me to be good-looking, Merry. Remind me, who is it that has eyes for you?" Larien laughed out loud at the blatant vying for her attentions.
"How can anyone be suspicious of hobbits?" she managed to ask through gasps for breath as both hobbits stared at her in astonishment. "You are both very sweet and I am honoured to meet you, Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck. I am Larien." The two hobbits bowed again as they finally ceased their nudging and surreptitiously stepping on each other's feet. "But were there not four of you?"
"Frodo is sleeping and Sam refuses to leave him alone in the company of Boromir," explained Merry.
"I think Gandalf's death has hit Frodo hardest," Pippin added, nodding sagely.
"I regret to interrupt this fascinating conversation, Larien, but it is getting dark and I would not wish to keep you from your own sleep," Legolas interrupted with a small, mischievous smile. Larien looked up at the sky as she suddenly realised the lateness of the day.
"It is indeed late, and I must be getting back. I am honoured to have met you all, and I hope we will once again meet before you leave the woods," she told the others. "Aragorn, do not worry about our earlier conversation," she told him cryptically, not wanting to alarm the hobbits. "We keep watch and ensure all within these woods are safe." Aragorn smiled his thanks as Legolas took her by the hand and they disappeared between the trees.
* * *
It was much later that Larien saw Haldir once again. Legolas had already returned to join his companions when a troubled Haldir appeared.
"Larien, where have you been? I have been searching for you."
"Legolas took me to meet his companions. I apologise if my absence caused you concern," she told him. "Come, I will accompany you to your telain. Is there a problem? You look troubled."
"There have been some problems," he muttered distractedly.
"Problems?"
"It should not trouble you," he replied briskly. "It will be dealt with in due course."
"Haldir, in case the presence of strangers within the woods has affected your mind, remember I am still a warden," she challenged him. Haldir sighed tiredly. He did not want to start an argument with the strong- willed Larien whilst in his present mood.
"There have been further sightings of this creature the like of which I have never seen. It is not an orc, and I would have mistaken it for a hobbit, were it not for the fact that it seemed to have some skill in trees. Too many strange creatures walk the woods at present and it makes me uneasy." Larien stroked his hair away from his face as she tried to soothe his furrowed brow.
Legolas has described this creature to me also, and has explained its intentions. It is a misguided, pathetic creature that has only illusions of power. I agree we must be wary, for it is a sly and devious creature, but it can do us no serious harm." Haldir glanced at her.
"You have been talking to Legolas?"
"He has been very helpful in identifying this Gollum, for it seems it escaped whilst under his father's care." Haldir let out an impatient snort. "Do not worry unduly, Haldir. You know we are well trained. You yourself have trained most of the wardens. Be confidant in the knowledge that we are all aware and will not let anything befall our land," she reassured him as they walked together. Haldir nodded slowly before changing the conversation.
"What of Rúmil? Have you had any news of him today?"
"He is better. He has been allowed to walk around tomorrow morning if his status does not worsen, and Tarí does not see any reason why it should do so."
"And Orophin?" Larien frowned, not grasping the point of his question. "Do things go well for him and Tarí?" he explained.
"Things go very well, from what he tells me," she smiled in return.
"That is good. It seems I have been proved correct after all."
"In what way?" she asked him perplexed.
"Did I not tell you that once you spent less time with my brothers, they would find mates of their own?" Larien turned to him in dismay.
"Do you continue in your belief that I am to blame for their being single?"
"It has been proven, Larien. You spend less time with them, and Orophin finds a mate. There is nothing to discuss, for it is seen." Larien stopped in her tracks at the foot of Haldir's telain.
"I would never do anything that would harm them, or bring them unhappiness. I resent the fact that you still believe otherwise."
"All I am implying is that you were oblivious to this fact. You enjoyed spending time with them and did not entertain the thought that your presence may be harming them." Larien stared at him in disbelief, not wanting to get embroiled in an argument with him.
"But Haldir . . ."
"Look, I do not care what has happened in the past, but you must accept that what I say is true," he interrupted. Larien's worried face turned stony, her eyes staring coldly back at him like ice shards.
"Sleep well, Haldir," she whispered coldly at him as she turned and strode away.
* * *
I've never had difficulty in falling asleep. Ever since I was old enough to train, Haldir has pushed me to the limit, and as a warden, there has always been enough action during the day to ensure I am exhausted by the time I get to my bed. Tonight, however, is a different matter. I found myself tossing and turning, unable to clear my mind, so I decided to leave my telain and walk the woods, my feet leading me here, to this small clearing.
As I lie on my back staring at the stars, my minds wanders and settles once again on Haldir's attitude towards me recently. I have always known he is severely loyal to his brothers and very hard to please, but this is extending past even his normal temperament. How does he dare to continue blaming me for the lack of females in his brothers' lives? They have always done as they wanted, and kept the company of maidens when any caught their eye, and they always will. It is probably closer to the truth to say that Rúmil and Orophin used my presence to manipulate the maidens - whether to make a certain doe-eyed beauty jealous or to encourage other, less desirable maidens to leave them be. Haldir does not understand this. Maybe he saw only the negative, but either way, what gives him the authority to judge me as he does?
I have always loved him from afar, never knowing he felt the same way about me, but why must he behave so arrogantly now that we have admitted our feelings? Being marchwarden has convinced him he is always right, that must be it, for he was never this irritating when he was younger. Well, granted, he was irritating, but not as arrogant, certainly. I cannot imagine why the position of responsibility has changed him so. Legolas may be Prince of Mirkwood, but he is much calmer in his demeanour, even now as a part of this dangerous quest. He always has a smile hiding in the glint of his eyes, despite the darkness of his mission and uncertainty of his future, and has so far proved himself a cheerful companion. Why is it that power and responsibility affect these two elves in such different manners?
* * *
She just does not realise. She is far too young, and too naïve to realise Legolas' true intentions. If he decides to pursue her in earnest, she will not be able to refuse him, and what can I do to stop their pairing? Nothing. I am but marchwarden, he is Prince of Mirkwood - we cannot compete. I cannot give her anything he could not give her one hundred times over. She would be powerless to resist his advances.
I have heard much about Thranduil and his son. Thranduil is eager to cross the sea, and has been pressuring his son into finding a wife to rule Mirkwood beside him. Prince Legolas will have been using his travels to search out a suitable wife. He must be very confident of the outcome of the quest, certain in himself that they will achieve their goal and he will return the hero. Either that or he will remain in Lothlórien and court Larien until she returns to Mirkwood with him. Would he desert his companions? Thranduil is certainly very eager that his son finds a wife, but will that pressure Legolas into abandoning the mission?
On the other hand, Larien herself is a mere elf maiden. She has no rank or nobility. Would Thranduil be content with that? Well, why should he not be content with Larien? She may not be born into the high classes, but she is a good person. She has courage and generosity of spirit to rival the highest born elves in Mirkwood, how dare Thranduil think she is not good enough for his son?
What could Larien possibly see in Legolas? He is a good archer, of that I have no argument, but he flaunts his skill. He is arrogant if he thinks he can woo Larien by simply crooking his little finger. Does he think that by lavishing attention on her, she will come running into his arms? His father spoils him and that is evident in his every action. He is far too suave; he is good-looking and he is more than aware of this. And his dark eyebrows clash with his fair hair.
* * *
A/N: Just had to add another note at the end. Although I'm following the book rather than the film, I wanted to poke a bit of (friendly) fun at the film. Ever since I saw Orlando Bloom's hair, his eyebrows have been annoying me no end, so I had to let the frustration out somewhere! Haldir was just in the right place at the wrong time, so it fell to him to complain about it! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. You don't know how much that inspires me to write. :oD
Nika-Chan - Ugly is an understatement!
JadeGoddess - Very true, you've seen through his covering up!
Tap-dancing Hobbit - More Haldir in this chapter, better? I had to set up Legolas and Larien in the last one, but Haldir should be a permanent fixture from now on.
Tricia - Prince pancake!! LOL! Be careful, if he hears you, he may come after you!
Lady of Legolas - Poor Legolas just doesn't know any better.
Fan81981 - Thanks for the idea of putting in Haldir's POV. You like? The poor elf is just sooo confused!
Aurora - Ooops! You screamed in school?? And are you turning into Gollum's evil twin?? "Hiss ss?" NOW I'm scared!!
lausie - Hah, I tease because I can! Don't you love power?!! But I've made this one longer than I usually do, hope you like it.
Auror198 - WOAH! Power to the girls! Talk about dominating Legolas!
Allison - No problem, and thanks. I'll add you to the mailing list.
brandi - yeah, don't you just love Haldir when he gets all passionate?!
Disclaimer: I forgot the disclaimer in chapter 7, but you all know who this belongs to.
Chapter 8
Legolas and Larien told stories of their homes and their families as they ate together near the northern fences. The talk soon turned to the fellowship and their quest, and on to the hobbits and the dwarf.
"You say they are of short stature, but they are not dwarves?" Larien asked, intrigued.
"Indeed, they seem but children, although they are grown in hobbit terms," he replied with a smile, willingly answering Larien's onslaught of questions. "And with an appetite to astound the largest of eaters!"
"And the dwarf was allowed into our lands," Larien mused. "The Lady must indeed sympathise with your quest for a dwarf has not set foot in these lands for many years. Tell me more about the dwarf, for I have seen them but once, and that was a long time ago."
"Would you not rather see one for yourself? For I am certain that I will not do him justice were I to simply tell you about him," Legolas replied with a wry smile. Larien's eyes lit up.
"That would indeed be an opportunity!" she cried as Legolas jumped up and offered her his hand. "What, now?"
"Why wait?"
* * *
It did not take the elves long to come to the area where the fellowship were passing the time. Legolas lead Larien through the mallorn trees and into a clearing where she saw what she thought were two children sitting side by side.
"Are those the hobbits?" she whispered in a voice audible only to elven ears. Legolas nodded, leading her excitedly further into the clearing. As she followed him a trifle anxiously, for she was nervous about meeting these new races, she spied a familiar face.
"Larien!" came the deep voice. "I thought I would not see you during this visit."
"Aragorn of the Dúnedain, we meet again," she grinned back at him as he came towards her, picking her hand and kissing the back of it mockingly.
"Aragorn, you know better than to treat me like a lady," she joked. "Remind me, who pushed you into the mud during a sparring session the last time you were here?"
"I forget, Lady. It has been a long time since I last stepped foot in these woods," he replied with a twinkle on his eye. "But it surely was the same maiden who was unexpectedly covered in mud in return, and who had to make her way through Caras Galadhon, shamefully exposing her uncleanliness to her elvish kin." They smiled at each other with the shared memory as the hobbits looked on in interest at this new elf.
"It has indeed been a long time by human standards," Larien replied. "But not much has changed here during your absence." A loud snort echoed round the clearing, startling Larien. "In Valar's name, what was that? That sounded like no creature I know of."
"That, my friend, is Gimli," Aragorn informed her.
"You did want to meet a dwarf, did you not?" Legolas grinned. Aragorn moved towards the sleeping dwarf, stopping within a few feet, and shouted his name.
"Gimli! Gimli, wake up! The noise you make is enough to wake the dead." A bleary eyed Gimli sat up, turning to the company, muttering under his breath.
"Oh no, not more elves."
"Gimli, my friend, you forget elves have very sensitive ears," Legolas teased him.
"My apologies, my Lady. I am honoured to gaze upon a kin of the enchanting Lady Galadriel," he said, recovering rapidly and bowing low to her. "I would that all my encounters with elves be as pleasant as this."
"You honour me greatly. I see now the wisdom of the lady Galadriel in allowing a dwarf to enter her realm, for if all were as charming as you, there would surely be no animosity between our races." Gimli smiled smugly as he glanced over at Legolas.
"You see, Master elf, some of your kind appreciate our natural charm." Legolas said nothing, only smiled patiently as he bit his tongue to avoid getting drawn into another bantering session with the stubborn dwarf.
"In fact, Larien, I am pleased you have come to see us, for I have some questions that remain unanswered," Aragorn told her as Gimli's grin widened at his perceived win over the elf and he strode off to gloat with the hobbits.
"Has Haldir not answered them?" she queried as she, Aragorn and Legolas sat down.
"Haldir has not been among us since our audience with the lord and lady of the woods, and there are few other elves who would divulge this information to a companion of our mixed group. The hobbits have been accepted as friends, but still they are a strange and foreign race and this breeds a certain amount of caution and suspicion amongst elves."
"I can believe that some of my kind would avoid Gimli's companions also. What is it you wish to know?"
"Orcs. I hear they have attacked the borders since we have been in these woods."
"They did, and several elves fell, for it was a surprise attack of great force, but we overcame them and none have returned to their master unwounded." Aragorn looked at her intently, his face serious as she told him what he wanted to know.
"They have been tracking us for several days at the very least. I fear they are too close for comfort."
"They are indeed, but fear not for no orcs will enter Lothlórien whilst Galadriel still reigns. When you leave, be sure that she will aid you in whatever way she can. But orcs are not the only creatures that track you. A strange creature has been sighted following your company, but taking pains to remain out of sight." Both Aragorn and Legolas' stares intensified as she told of the creature Haldir had seen.
"This sounds like Gollum, the creature who escaped my father's watchful guard," Legolas supplied. "I have oft wondered what mischief he may be up to now. Alas I do not like the answer."
"Is he dangerous?" Larien asked.
"He is possessed with black thoughts and is known to be an ally of the dark lord, albeit against his will. We must be on our guard, Legolas, for we cannot foretell what mischief he is planning."
"You need not worry about this creature whilst you are under the Lady's care," Larien reassured them. "The wardens also are aware of him and he will not get past our watchful eyes." "Of that I have no fear, Larien," Aragorn smiled, releasing the tension of their conversation somewhat. "It is a pity that my return to Lothlórien could not have been under happier circumstances."
"I agree. I have heard of the fall of Gandalf, and I also mourn him greatly, for he was a friend of the Galadhrim."
"But come, let us talk of lighter matters, for I am eager to learn much about the Galadhrim myself!" Legolas said, breaking the mournful silence.
"As are we, but alas, we are ignored and not introduced," came a voice from behind Aragorn. One of the hobbits approached Larien, taking her hand and bowing as he kissed it.
"Peregrin Took at your service, my Lady," he said solemnly.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck, his older, wiser and more worldly cousin," the other interrupted as he nudged the aforementioned Master Took out of his way, taking Larien's other hand.
"Did I mention I was considered the better-looking back in our homeland, the Shire?" Peregrin told her whilst looking at her with wide, serious eyes.
"By whom, Pip? By your mother?"
"That's one more hobbit who believes me to be good-looking, Merry. Remind me, who is it that has eyes for you?" Larien laughed out loud at the blatant vying for her attentions.
"How can anyone be suspicious of hobbits?" she managed to ask through gasps for breath as both hobbits stared at her in astonishment. "You are both very sweet and I am honoured to meet you, Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck. I am Larien." The two hobbits bowed again as they finally ceased their nudging and surreptitiously stepping on each other's feet. "But were there not four of you?"
"Frodo is sleeping and Sam refuses to leave him alone in the company of Boromir," explained Merry.
"I think Gandalf's death has hit Frodo hardest," Pippin added, nodding sagely.
"I regret to interrupt this fascinating conversation, Larien, but it is getting dark and I would not wish to keep you from your own sleep," Legolas interrupted with a small, mischievous smile. Larien looked up at the sky as she suddenly realised the lateness of the day.
"It is indeed late, and I must be getting back. I am honoured to have met you all, and I hope we will once again meet before you leave the woods," she told the others. "Aragorn, do not worry about our earlier conversation," she told him cryptically, not wanting to alarm the hobbits. "We keep watch and ensure all within these woods are safe." Aragorn smiled his thanks as Legolas took her by the hand and they disappeared between the trees.
* * *
It was much later that Larien saw Haldir once again. Legolas had already returned to join his companions when a troubled Haldir appeared.
"Larien, where have you been? I have been searching for you."
"Legolas took me to meet his companions. I apologise if my absence caused you concern," she told him. "Come, I will accompany you to your telain. Is there a problem? You look troubled."
"There have been some problems," he muttered distractedly.
"Problems?"
"It should not trouble you," he replied briskly. "It will be dealt with in due course."
"Haldir, in case the presence of strangers within the woods has affected your mind, remember I am still a warden," she challenged him. Haldir sighed tiredly. He did not want to start an argument with the strong- willed Larien whilst in his present mood.
"There have been further sightings of this creature the like of which I have never seen. It is not an orc, and I would have mistaken it for a hobbit, were it not for the fact that it seemed to have some skill in trees. Too many strange creatures walk the woods at present and it makes me uneasy." Larien stroked his hair away from his face as she tried to soothe his furrowed brow.
Legolas has described this creature to me also, and has explained its intentions. It is a misguided, pathetic creature that has only illusions of power. I agree we must be wary, for it is a sly and devious creature, but it can do us no serious harm." Haldir glanced at her.
"You have been talking to Legolas?"
"He has been very helpful in identifying this Gollum, for it seems it escaped whilst under his father's care." Haldir let out an impatient snort. "Do not worry unduly, Haldir. You know we are well trained. You yourself have trained most of the wardens. Be confidant in the knowledge that we are all aware and will not let anything befall our land," she reassured him as they walked together. Haldir nodded slowly before changing the conversation.
"What of Rúmil? Have you had any news of him today?"
"He is better. He has been allowed to walk around tomorrow morning if his status does not worsen, and Tarí does not see any reason why it should do so."
"And Orophin?" Larien frowned, not grasping the point of his question. "Do things go well for him and Tarí?" he explained.
"Things go very well, from what he tells me," she smiled in return.
"That is good. It seems I have been proved correct after all."
"In what way?" she asked him perplexed.
"Did I not tell you that once you spent less time with my brothers, they would find mates of their own?" Larien turned to him in dismay.
"Do you continue in your belief that I am to blame for their being single?"
"It has been proven, Larien. You spend less time with them, and Orophin finds a mate. There is nothing to discuss, for it is seen." Larien stopped in her tracks at the foot of Haldir's telain.
"I would never do anything that would harm them, or bring them unhappiness. I resent the fact that you still believe otherwise."
"All I am implying is that you were oblivious to this fact. You enjoyed spending time with them and did not entertain the thought that your presence may be harming them." Larien stared at him in disbelief, not wanting to get embroiled in an argument with him.
"But Haldir . . ."
"Look, I do not care what has happened in the past, but you must accept that what I say is true," he interrupted. Larien's worried face turned stony, her eyes staring coldly back at him like ice shards.
"Sleep well, Haldir," she whispered coldly at him as she turned and strode away.
* * *
I've never had difficulty in falling asleep. Ever since I was old enough to train, Haldir has pushed me to the limit, and as a warden, there has always been enough action during the day to ensure I am exhausted by the time I get to my bed. Tonight, however, is a different matter. I found myself tossing and turning, unable to clear my mind, so I decided to leave my telain and walk the woods, my feet leading me here, to this small clearing.
As I lie on my back staring at the stars, my minds wanders and settles once again on Haldir's attitude towards me recently. I have always known he is severely loyal to his brothers and very hard to please, but this is extending past even his normal temperament. How does he dare to continue blaming me for the lack of females in his brothers' lives? They have always done as they wanted, and kept the company of maidens when any caught their eye, and they always will. It is probably closer to the truth to say that Rúmil and Orophin used my presence to manipulate the maidens - whether to make a certain doe-eyed beauty jealous or to encourage other, less desirable maidens to leave them be. Haldir does not understand this. Maybe he saw only the negative, but either way, what gives him the authority to judge me as he does?
I have always loved him from afar, never knowing he felt the same way about me, but why must he behave so arrogantly now that we have admitted our feelings? Being marchwarden has convinced him he is always right, that must be it, for he was never this irritating when he was younger. Well, granted, he was irritating, but not as arrogant, certainly. I cannot imagine why the position of responsibility has changed him so. Legolas may be Prince of Mirkwood, but he is much calmer in his demeanour, even now as a part of this dangerous quest. He always has a smile hiding in the glint of his eyes, despite the darkness of his mission and uncertainty of his future, and has so far proved himself a cheerful companion. Why is it that power and responsibility affect these two elves in such different manners?
* * *
She just does not realise. She is far too young, and too naïve to realise Legolas' true intentions. If he decides to pursue her in earnest, she will not be able to refuse him, and what can I do to stop their pairing? Nothing. I am but marchwarden, he is Prince of Mirkwood - we cannot compete. I cannot give her anything he could not give her one hundred times over. She would be powerless to resist his advances.
I have heard much about Thranduil and his son. Thranduil is eager to cross the sea, and has been pressuring his son into finding a wife to rule Mirkwood beside him. Prince Legolas will have been using his travels to search out a suitable wife. He must be very confident of the outcome of the quest, certain in himself that they will achieve their goal and he will return the hero. Either that or he will remain in Lothlórien and court Larien until she returns to Mirkwood with him. Would he desert his companions? Thranduil is certainly very eager that his son finds a wife, but will that pressure Legolas into abandoning the mission?
On the other hand, Larien herself is a mere elf maiden. She has no rank or nobility. Would Thranduil be content with that? Well, why should he not be content with Larien? She may not be born into the high classes, but she is a good person. She has courage and generosity of spirit to rival the highest born elves in Mirkwood, how dare Thranduil think she is not good enough for his son?
What could Larien possibly see in Legolas? He is a good archer, of that I have no argument, but he flaunts his skill. He is arrogant if he thinks he can woo Larien by simply crooking his little finger. Does he think that by lavishing attention on her, she will come running into his arms? His father spoils him and that is evident in his every action. He is far too suave; he is good-looking and he is more than aware of this. And his dark eyebrows clash with his fair hair.
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A/N: Just had to add another note at the end. Although I'm following the book rather than the film, I wanted to poke a bit of (friendly) fun at the film. Ever since I saw Orlando Bloom's hair, his eyebrows have been annoying me no end, so I had to let the frustration out somewhere! Haldir was just in the right place at the wrong time, so it fell to him to complain about it! Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. You don't know how much that inspires me to write. :oD
Nika-Chan - Ugly is an understatement!
JadeGoddess - Very true, you've seen through his covering up!
Tap-dancing Hobbit - More Haldir in this chapter, better? I had to set up Legolas and Larien in the last one, but Haldir should be a permanent fixture from now on.
Tricia - Prince pancake!! LOL! Be careful, if he hears you, he may come after you!
Lady of Legolas - Poor Legolas just doesn't know any better.
Fan81981 - Thanks for the idea of putting in Haldir's POV. You like? The poor elf is just sooo confused!
Aurora - Ooops! You screamed in school?? And are you turning into Gollum's evil twin?? "Hiss ss?" NOW I'm scared!!
lausie - Hah, I tease because I can! Don't you love power?!! But I've made this one longer than I usually do, hope you like it.
Auror198 - WOAH! Power to the girls! Talk about dominating Legolas!
Allison - No problem, and thanks. I'll add you to the mailing list.
brandi - yeah, don't you just love Haldir when he gets all passionate?!