Authors' Note: Here is my second chapter. I am glad you all enjoyed the first. Thanks so much for reviewing! Please tell me what you think of this chapter. Should I continue this story, or no? Thanks again! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 2 A New Feeling
Mithuial paced back and forth, the planks of the guard flet creaking beneath her small feet. The elleth sighed, rubbing any exhaustion from her eyes. The moon had risen into the deep, velvety, night sky and was now casting a few strong beams down upon her. The stars twinkled brightly, but not near half as brightly when they were reflected in Haldir's blue eyes. The maiden was in trouble and she knew it. She moved over towards the edge of the flet, where on one side a thin rail had been constructed for the hanging of any personal items or weapons. The female clutched her hands open the smooth wood, massaging it slowly, ignoring the splinters that embedded themselves into her palms. Her back was rigid, her shoulders arched in a tense manner. The whispering in the trees near hers grew louder, the guards were getting restless, bored of the lack of action. She should turn to reprimand them, utter a curt command in their faces and make them fall into silence. But she couldn't, not until she got her own feelings under control. Thank the Valar for the darkness, she thought to herself, or else Haldir would have seen the blush that had come unto her cheeks when her hands had brushed against his tunic. Oh why must this befall upon her?! She had been a good elf, obeying her parents and staying out of harm's way. Now, Mithuial thought of herself as a good commander, giving orders instead of taking them, but always assuring the comfort of her guards. But now things were changing and they were changing for the worse. Haldir, he had no idea, at least she hoped. Her heart beat rapidly and she sighed as quietly as she could. About a few weeks ago, she had been walking out of one of the armories, when she first felt it. Her mind wandered back to the moment, much to her dismay.
/Flashback/
The spring air was still being held captive by winter's cold grip. She searched for a short knife, one suitable enough for her small hand. After rummaging for a few minutes, she managed to find a good one and headed back outside, not minding the tree roots that snaked along the ground. The sun was blinding, so she kept her head bent against it and inspected the weapon. It was light and well forged, the design of vines creeping along the blade up to the hilt. She heard someone talking, but ignored them, knowing that they couldn't possible be addressing her. Mithuial moved a few more paces and then, as she was lifting her foot, it caught upon a root. She would have fallen, had it not been for two strong arms that reached out and gently grabbed her. She looked up in shock, to see the face of Haldir, brilliant in the sun's light.
"Did you not hear me calling a warning to you?" he asked, an amused look spreading across face. The elleth froze and felt her heart begin to pound in her chest. His hands remained on her sides and she felt the weight of them pressing through her uniform. Her voice caught in her throat and for once in her life, she was speechless. Haldir looked down at her in confusion. The female had never looked at him like that before. Then suddenly, with a fierce intent, Mithuial pushed him roughly to the ground.
"Keep your hands to yourself Captain!" she snarled and stalked off, leaving a puzzled Haldir behind.
/End of Flashback/
It couldn't be, could it? She wasn't the type to fall in love. No, as commander of Lorien's guard she absolutely refused to. March Warden Haldir was quite an attractive elf, it was normal for her to feel that way. Wasn't it? The maiden spun on her heel and moved to the other side of the flet, trying to shake the tension from her body. She rolled her shoulders backwards and forwards, her eyes still scanning the forest floor. Why had she insulted his weaponry and uniform? It was simply not a kind thing to do. Was she covering up for something? Did she have anything to hide? No, what she needed now was time away from him. She could transfer; move to a different section of the forest, free herself from his stoic presence and handsome face. But was that what she really wanted? Of course it wasn't and she knew that. What she wanted was to be held in his strong arms again, let him comfort and protect her. She wanted to be loved, she wanted his companionship. Mithuial sighed despairingly, her nerves were on edge and with the whispering so loud now, it sounded like thunder in her ears. Oh, would someone not bid them to be silent.
Haldir had been watching Mithuial pace around her post. Her body was tense, he could see it clearly. Had he upset her that greatly? Mayhap he shouldn't have yelled. After all she was just a young girl. He should have more patience with her. Wait, was he suddenly feeling sorry for the maiden? Why? With her cold attitude she did not deserve his pity. Did she? Mithuial had moved to the side of her flet now, he watched her with keen eyes, She seemed even more distressed now, completely restless. He should go over there, comfort her. But it would not do fit to have a two distracted commanders. If an attack were to come, it could make all the difference. The whispering of the other guards had grown louder now. He felt his patience thinning. Would they not be silent? Finally he could take it no more.
"Silence!" two voices bellowed one male the other female. The guards immediately hushed, shocked by this sudden lack of control from their commanders. Both were panting from relieving their tension and shot nerves. Haldir glanced at Mithuial, Mithuial glanced at Haldir. Their eyes met for the briefest second, before they both turned away.