Disclaimer: OK, I've managed to appropriate a net, a shovel and a stash of
black market lembas. Gonna dig a hole, put the lembas at the bottom and
lure the elves into my trap . . . they WILL be mine one of these days . . .
BWAHAHAHAA!
* * *
Chapter 11
The sun was just rising over the horizon as Larien sat at her post, her mind wandering over the events of the previous night. She had told no one what had passed between Legolas and herself, instead letting it play over and over again inside her head. Despite warnings from Orophin, she had refused to believe that Legolas was attracted to her, and this had left her defenceless when he tried to kiss her. No matter how many times she thought about it, or how she tried to justify it, she could not regret her actions. She had to admit that Legolas had the knack of bringing a smile to her face when troubles with Haldir brought her down, but it was only as a friend that she liked him, and she would never have encouraged him had she known his true feelings.
Larien frowned as she recalled the time Legolas and herself had spent together. Had she given him any signs that she was interested in him? She hoped not, for it was truly not the way she felt about him. She could see Legolas' large blue eyes clearly if she brought his face to her mind, but as she recalled Haldir's strong, handsome face and gentle eyes, she felt a rush of emotion that Legolas had never inspired in her.
"Larien." A male voice broke her out of her reverie and she snapped open her eyes to see the very face she had been imagining. "I assume you have developed the power to see through your eyelids, or else why would you have them closed during your watch?" Haldir asked dryly.
"I did not hear your approach, Haldir," she replied, flustered that she had been caught off guard, but also relieved to see it was not Legolas again.
"Is all well?" he asked in a brisk, professional tone.
"There have been no sightings along the northern border," she answered just as professionally, before continuing. "Haldir, have you a moment? I must talk with you." Haldir turned to face her abruptly.
"Not only do you disregard your job by not keeping your eyes on the borders, you also want to keep me from my tasks?" he asked scornfully.
"I shall return to watching the northern borders immediately, but I must talk to you. It will not take long," she pleaded. Haldir pressed his lips together as he scanned the horizon before speaking.
"I was searching for you last night," he told her, keeping his eyes on the horizon. Larien felt her heart jump inside her chest.
"I . . . did not want to be found," she told him.
"Of that I have no doubt," he replied, before continuing quickly. "Larien, I cannot continue in this way. Your presence in my life is having a detrimental effect on my work." Larien felt an unfamiliar rush of panic sweep through her. Even in the presence of orcs and death, she had never felt such fear. Surely this did not mean he wanted to finish their relationship? "My own brothers have noticed this negative effect."
"It is about this that I wish to speak to you," she interrupted before Haldir raised a hand and silenced her.
"Let me speak. My position as marchwarden had been sufficiently jeopardised, when I heard whispers that that prince was courting my maiden," he spat hatefully. "Tell me, how can I allow this state of affairs to continue?"
"Courting?" Larien asked incredulously. "I do not know how these rumours have spread, but they do not speak the truth."
"In that case, would you care to explain what you were doing with him yesterday eve?" he challenged, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Sudden realisation flooded through Larien as she realise what Haldir was referring to. "I see you hesitate and flush, instead of explaining yourself. Perhaps that is the only response I need," he replied in a carefully controlled monotone as he made to walk away.
"Haldir, wait!" she called him back desperately. "It is not as you imagine, although I do have a confession to make that I fear you will not like," she continued with a tremble in her voice. Haldir finally turned to face her, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Legolas tried to kiss me last night." Haldir remained silent as he stared at her. Larien began to babble. "Last night I was with Aragorn. We spoke for a while among the rest of the fellowship and then went for a walk in the woods. Then I left him and returned to my telain. I changed and made my way to the training grounds." She paused, desperately wanting to tell him what had occurred there in more detail, but anxiety stayed her tongue. "I wanted to be alone, but Legolas was already there."
"And of course, he did not leave," Haldir snorted.
"I wanted to leave, but Legolas suggested we train together." Haldir snorted disbelievingly once more. "We trained together, and then he tried to kiss me. Haldir was once again scanning the horizon, having turned his back to her so she could not see his reaction to her words. She felt a lump form in her throat as the tears came rushing to her eyes. How was it that through her love for Haldir she could feel such pain? Aragorn's words flew to her mind.
"Haldir, I am sorry," she managed to articulate through the constriction in her throat. She raised her hands to his back, trying to soothe away the effect of her words, but he was immobile. The tears were now threatening to flow, her efforts to stem them seeming fruitless. "Will you not speak to me?" She moved round to stand in front of him, but his eyes were firmly fixed on an area just above her head, his arms rigid at his sides. She raised her hand to stroke his face gently, wanting to commit the sight, smell and feel of him to memory, knowing that she had lost him now.
"The prince wants you," he said, not moving a muscle. She nodded before hanging her head in defeat. Haldir did not want her any more.
"I tried to make Legolas understand that I was not interested, and was completely in love with you, but words failed me, and for that I curse myself."
"The prince wants you, but you say you love me." Larien's legs were trembling, and not far from buckling as she squeezed her eyes tightly, wishing the prince from Mirkwood had never set foot in the forest. She realised she was gripping Haldir's tunic tightly in order to prevent herself from falling to the ground. Her fingers slowly uncurled themselves as she forced herself to let him go, both physically and emotionally, and she stumbled. Before she hit the ground however, she felt the familiar grip of Haldir's hands on her arms as he held her up.
"You would choose me over the prince of Mirkwood?" he asked her softly. "You would deny the riches and lavish lifestyle he could offer you for the harshness of the warden's life?" By this time, they were both sitting on the ground, Haldir gripping her arms tightly to prevent her from slumping over.
"You are the one I love," she whispered, exhausted now from her emotional release, wanting to just lie down and sleep for days in order to block out the pain.
"Larien," he whispered as he took her into his arms and clung to her. Confused though she was about his reactions, she melted into his arms gratefully. "Forgive me. I should not have listened to the rumours. I should have known the sentiments sprang only from the prince's side." He pressed an urgent kiss on her forehead and wiped away a tear from her cheek as she broke down sobbing. "Everything will be well now. Nothing will keep us apart again," he whispered against her hair.
* * *
What on middle earth got into Haldir? I do understand the intensity of family feelings, but surely his reaction to my courting his sister is a little over-zealous. There is no doubt that he has oft been asked for Larien's hand, and perhaps that is the reason behind his reluctance this time, but surely Haldir should be able to distinguish between those who want her on their arm for the status, and those who truly have feelings for her. There will come a day when he will have to let her go, and although I am a warrior and not the best of matches for a lady, I have the means to make her happy. Perhaps he is afraid I shall take her away to Mirkwood and he will not see her again.
It is obvious that Haldir is having problems letting go of his young sister, but I cannot let that stand in the way of our happiness. Larien enjoys my company and it is only a matter of time before she sees my intentions are sincere. Haldir will have to either give Larien away gracefully, or fight me for her. Either way, I am confident I shall win the fair maiden's hand, but I shall certainly not yield her without a battle.
* * *
Calandrea & Lady of Legolas - I think you should read chapter 10 again. It's meant to have repeated paragraphs, although if you look carefully, I've never repeated myself word for word unless it's one of the characters saying something. It does actually work, I promise!
Auror198 - Your wish is my command . . . actually, I was going this way already, but that doesn't mean Haldir and Legolas won't get into another spat! I just can't resist causing Haldir tension :o| Bad me, naughty me.
Nethene Khthon - Haldir's facial tick, ROFL! I could so see that too! You can just see Legolas strolling into the rabid tiger's den (can tigers be rabid?) and petting the tiger, not realising that it's foaming at the mouth! Could he BE any more blinded?
blahblah - I just wanted to get the 3-way POV up before concentrating on the rest of the story, but I promise I'll try to update a little more regularly. I'm hitting a bit of a writer's block, but hopefully it's cleared up a bit.
gAmBiT - :oD Thank you! Well, here's the next chapter as promised. It really sucks when you get homework despite not being at school, doesn't it?
lausie - :oD You like?
Tap-dancing Hobbit - So you wouldn't like it then if Haldir beat Legolas up, I take it? No don't worry, that won't happen as such. I mean, think about it. If you pitch Haldir against Legolas, who do you reckon would win? ;o)
padawan_jinx - I can guarantee that things will become clearer as the fic progresses. :o) As for Haldir being the dominating male . . . *shudders* yeah baby!
JadeGoddess - Cos he's a silly sausage who is only focused on the fact that Legolas is after his woman! He just doesn't look for the reason why he's pursuing her so blatantly! Someone should tell them both . . . oh, hang on, that's MY job!
Arien - *breathless* I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying! Phew, here you go :o)
Iluvien - *blushes* You saw through my scam. OK, so it's the same scene, but dammit, it's many words and it took me a while! Legolas and Haldir have got a weird "not listening to each other" thing going on. They hear what they want, and then get all worked up about it. They're males, they can't help it! But I figured that Legolas has had enough authors depicting him as the invincible one, and it's fun overturning pre-conceptions! :oD
American Elf - No, thank YOU! Stupid Leggy is an understatement!
Stardust - So glad you liked that Haldir - Legolas scene. It was my favourite too.
Name - LOL, another Haldir supporter, Woohoo!
Cyberwing - Thanks.
Earwen of Alqualonde - Thanks, here you go!
The Last Duchess - Thank you! And, yeah I accept that Legolas with anything but blond hair would be a little hard to believe given Tolkien's clues. I stand corrected about the fair hair/dark eyebrows phenomenon. Maybe it's because I KNOW Orlando Bloom has a completely different hair colour to the film Legolas that it seems so irritating to me. Loved your fic by the way. Longing to see Thrimalia work it out for herself. Which uni are you at?
corrina - Yay! Larien told Haldir! It's the least she could do, after all! Thanks, I think I usually get better at it, the further along the storyline I go!
soul - LOL, well, it would certainly speed Legolas' journey to Mordor!
Iluvenis - So basically, you'll be happy whomever Larien ends up with? ;o) You're now on my mailing list.
* * * *
Actually, on a more general note, I'd be quite interested in knowing the answer to this theoretical question. If I WAS to pitch Legolas and Haldir against each other, who do you guys think would win? This is research, people, help me out here! :oD I'll give you more chapters if you help me!
* * *
Chapter 11
The sun was just rising over the horizon as Larien sat at her post, her mind wandering over the events of the previous night. She had told no one what had passed between Legolas and herself, instead letting it play over and over again inside her head. Despite warnings from Orophin, she had refused to believe that Legolas was attracted to her, and this had left her defenceless when he tried to kiss her. No matter how many times she thought about it, or how she tried to justify it, she could not regret her actions. She had to admit that Legolas had the knack of bringing a smile to her face when troubles with Haldir brought her down, but it was only as a friend that she liked him, and she would never have encouraged him had she known his true feelings.
Larien frowned as she recalled the time Legolas and herself had spent together. Had she given him any signs that she was interested in him? She hoped not, for it was truly not the way she felt about him. She could see Legolas' large blue eyes clearly if she brought his face to her mind, but as she recalled Haldir's strong, handsome face and gentle eyes, she felt a rush of emotion that Legolas had never inspired in her.
"Larien." A male voice broke her out of her reverie and she snapped open her eyes to see the very face she had been imagining. "I assume you have developed the power to see through your eyelids, or else why would you have them closed during your watch?" Haldir asked dryly.
"I did not hear your approach, Haldir," she replied, flustered that she had been caught off guard, but also relieved to see it was not Legolas again.
"Is all well?" he asked in a brisk, professional tone.
"There have been no sightings along the northern border," she answered just as professionally, before continuing. "Haldir, have you a moment? I must talk with you." Haldir turned to face her abruptly.
"Not only do you disregard your job by not keeping your eyes on the borders, you also want to keep me from my tasks?" he asked scornfully.
"I shall return to watching the northern borders immediately, but I must talk to you. It will not take long," she pleaded. Haldir pressed his lips together as he scanned the horizon before speaking.
"I was searching for you last night," he told her, keeping his eyes on the horizon. Larien felt her heart jump inside her chest.
"I . . . did not want to be found," she told him.
"Of that I have no doubt," he replied, before continuing quickly. "Larien, I cannot continue in this way. Your presence in my life is having a detrimental effect on my work." Larien felt an unfamiliar rush of panic sweep through her. Even in the presence of orcs and death, she had never felt such fear. Surely this did not mean he wanted to finish their relationship? "My own brothers have noticed this negative effect."
"It is about this that I wish to speak to you," she interrupted before Haldir raised a hand and silenced her.
"Let me speak. My position as marchwarden had been sufficiently jeopardised, when I heard whispers that that prince was courting my maiden," he spat hatefully. "Tell me, how can I allow this state of affairs to continue?"
"Courting?" Larien asked incredulously. "I do not know how these rumours have spread, but they do not speak the truth."
"In that case, would you care to explain what you were doing with him yesterday eve?" he challenged, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Sudden realisation flooded through Larien as she realise what Haldir was referring to. "I see you hesitate and flush, instead of explaining yourself. Perhaps that is the only response I need," he replied in a carefully controlled monotone as he made to walk away.
"Haldir, wait!" she called him back desperately. "It is not as you imagine, although I do have a confession to make that I fear you will not like," she continued with a tremble in her voice. Haldir finally turned to face her, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Legolas tried to kiss me last night." Haldir remained silent as he stared at her. Larien began to babble. "Last night I was with Aragorn. We spoke for a while among the rest of the fellowship and then went for a walk in the woods. Then I left him and returned to my telain. I changed and made my way to the training grounds." She paused, desperately wanting to tell him what had occurred there in more detail, but anxiety stayed her tongue. "I wanted to be alone, but Legolas was already there."
"And of course, he did not leave," Haldir snorted.
"I wanted to leave, but Legolas suggested we train together." Haldir snorted disbelievingly once more. "We trained together, and then he tried to kiss me. Haldir was once again scanning the horizon, having turned his back to her so she could not see his reaction to her words. She felt a lump form in her throat as the tears came rushing to her eyes. How was it that through her love for Haldir she could feel such pain? Aragorn's words flew to her mind.
"Haldir, I am sorry," she managed to articulate through the constriction in her throat. She raised her hands to his back, trying to soothe away the effect of her words, but he was immobile. The tears were now threatening to flow, her efforts to stem them seeming fruitless. "Will you not speak to me?" She moved round to stand in front of him, but his eyes were firmly fixed on an area just above her head, his arms rigid at his sides. She raised her hand to stroke his face gently, wanting to commit the sight, smell and feel of him to memory, knowing that she had lost him now.
"The prince wants you," he said, not moving a muscle. She nodded before hanging her head in defeat. Haldir did not want her any more.
"I tried to make Legolas understand that I was not interested, and was completely in love with you, but words failed me, and for that I curse myself."
"The prince wants you, but you say you love me." Larien's legs were trembling, and not far from buckling as she squeezed her eyes tightly, wishing the prince from Mirkwood had never set foot in the forest. She realised she was gripping Haldir's tunic tightly in order to prevent herself from falling to the ground. Her fingers slowly uncurled themselves as she forced herself to let him go, both physically and emotionally, and she stumbled. Before she hit the ground however, she felt the familiar grip of Haldir's hands on her arms as he held her up.
"You would choose me over the prince of Mirkwood?" he asked her softly. "You would deny the riches and lavish lifestyle he could offer you for the harshness of the warden's life?" By this time, they were both sitting on the ground, Haldir gripping her arms tightly to prevent her from slumping over.
"You are the one I love," she whispered, exhausted now from her emotional release, wanting to just lie down and sleep for days in order to block out the pain.
"Larien," he whispered as he took her into his arms and clung to her. Confused though she was about his reactions, she melted into his arms gratefully. "Forgive me. I should not have listened to the rumours. I should have known the sentiments sprang only from the prince's side." He pressed an urgent kiss on her forehead and wiped away a tear from her cheek as she broke down sobbing. "Everything will be well now. Nothing will keep us apart again," he whispered against her hair.
* * *
What on middle earth got into Haldir? I do understand the intensity of family feelings, but surely his reaction to my courting his sister is a little over-zealous. There is no doubt that he has oft been asked for Larien's hand, and perhaps that is the reason behind his reluctance this time, but surely Haldir should be able to distinguish between those who want her on their arm for the status, and those who truly have feelings for her. There will come a day when he will have to let her go, and although I am a warrior and not the best of matches for a lady, I have the means to make her happy. Perhaps he is afraid I shall take her away to Mirkwood and he will not see her again.
It is obvious that Haldir is having problems letting go of his young sister, but I cannot let that stand in the way of our happiness. Larien enjoys my company and it is only a matter of time before she sees my intentions are sincere. Haldir will have to either give Larien away gracefully, or fight me for her. Either way, I am confident I shall win the fair maiden's hand, but I shall certainly not yield her without a battle.
* * *
Calandrea & Lady of Legolas - I think you should read chapter 10 again. It's meant to have repeated paragraphs, although if you look carefully, I've never repeated myself word for word unless it's one of the characters saying something. It does actually work, I promise!
Auror198 - Your wish is my command . . . actually, I was going this way already, but that doesn't mean Haldir and Legolas won't get into another spat! I just can't resist causing Haldir tension :o| Bad me, naughty me.
Nethene Khthon - Haldir's facial tick, ROFL! I could so see that too! You can just see Legolas strolling into the rabid tiger's den (can tigers be rabid?) and petting the tiger, not realising that it's foaming at the mouth! Could he BE any more blinded?
blahblah - I just wanted to get the 3-way POV up before concentrating on the rest of the story, but I promise I'll try to update a little more regularly. I'm hitting a bit of a writer's block, but hopefully it's cleared up a bit.
gAmBiT - :oD Thank you! Well, here's the next chapter as promised. It really sucks when you get homework despite not being at school, doesn't it?
lausie - :oD You like?
Tap-dancing Hobbit - So you wouldn't like it then if Haldir beat Legolas up, I take it? No don't worry, that won't happen as such. I mean, think about it. If you pitch Haldir against Legolas, who do you reckon would win? ;o)
padawan_jinx - I can guarantee that things will become clearer as the fic progresses. :o) As for Haldir being the dominating male . . . *shudders* yeah baby!
JadeGoddess - Cos he's a silly sausage who is only focused on the fact that Legolas is after his woman! He just doesn't look for the reason why he's pursuing her so blatantly! Someone should tell them both . . . oh, hang on, that's MY job!
Arien - *breathless* I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying! Phew, here you go :o)
Iluvien - *blushes* You saw through my scam. OK, so it's the same scene, but dammit, it's many words and it took me a while! Legolas and Haldir have got a weird "not listening to each other" thing going on. They hear what they want, and then get all worked up about it. They're males, they can't help it! But I figured that Legolas has had enough authors depicting him as the invincible one, and it's fun overturning pre-conceptions! :oD
American Elf - No, thank YOU! Stupid Leggy is an understatement!
Stardust - So glad you liked that Haldir - Legolas scene. It was my favourite too.
Name - LOL, another Haldir supporter, Woohoo!
Cyberwing - Thanks.
Earwen of Alqualonde - Thanks, here you go!
The Last Duchess - Thank you! And, yeah I accept that Legolas with anything but blond hair would be a little hard to believe given Tolkien's clues. I stand corrected about the fair hair/dark eyebrows phenomenon. Maybe it's because I KNOW Orlando Bloom has a completely different hair colour to the film Legolas that it seems so irritating to me. Loved your fic by the way. Longing to see Thrimalia work it out for herself. Which uni are you at?
corrina - Yay! Larien told Haldir! It's the least she could do, after all! Thanks, I think I usually get better at it, the further along the storyline I go!
soul - LOL, well, it would certainly speed Legolas' journey to Mordor!
Iluvenis - So basically, you'll be happy whomever Larien ends up with? ;o) You're now on my mailing list.
* * * *
Actually, on a more general note, I'd be quite interested in knowing the answer to this theoretical question. If I WAS to pitch Legolas and Haldir against each other, who do you guys think would win? This is research, people, help me out here! :oD I'll give you more chapters if you help me!