Author's Note: I am truly sorry it has taken me so long to update, but I had a small case of writer's block. Thank you so much for your patience and your reviews! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 6 Only in Her Dreams
She felt dizzy, dizzier than she had ever been in her life. Darkness swirled around her and she felt as though she was falling. Suddenly, Mithuial came to a halt, her body recognizing the pain that plagued her right shoulder. The elleth shuddered and moaned softly in the darkness, searching for the memory of what had originally caused the ache. Nothing came to mind except the throbbing of her shoulder and the spinning of her head. She lay still for a long time, heeding only the darkness that surrounded her. Suddenly, light shone down upon her, she took notice of her surroundings. The Captain stood in one of the many secluded glades that were in her home. Moonlight glimmered softly, bathing the small clearing in silver. The air was warm and the scent of flowers was almost overwhelming. She shut her eyes once and shook her head vigorously, causing her vision to become unsteady again. The elleth stumbled but a firm arm caught her. The maiden let her gaze rise slowly until it finally met a pair of azure eyes.
"Did you not here me call a warning to you?" Haldir asked, a rare smile forming upon his lips. Mithuial shook her head dumbly, quite stunned by her partner's sudden appearance.
"What's going on?" her voice shook ever so slightly. But the male did not answer, instead he pulled her closer. She squealed, taken aback by his strange behavior.
"It's a beautiful night," he whispered, his eyes sparkling in the heavenly light.
"Yes," she craned her neck and gazed around the glade once more. "Yes, I suppose it is." Haldir stepped back but still kept a firm grip upon her two hands.
"Dance with me," his voice was gentle, not bearing any of the coldness it once had.
"Excuse me?" Mithuial could hardly believe his words.
"Dance with me," the March Warden leaned closer, coming within an inch of her face. But before the elleth could respond, he began to waltz, pulling her with him. The female was at first filled with a great confusion, wondering what had overcome him. Then after a few moments passed, she began to actually enjoy herself. The moved gracefully around the glade and she rested her head upon his chest.
"Haldir," she murmured softly.
Mithuial's eyes flew open. She gasped quietly and took in her surroundings. I must be in the healer's flet, the elf thought to herself. She was lying on a soft bed in a sparsely furnished room. To her right sat a wooden nightstand, with a glass pitcher resting on top of it. Next to the nightstand sat a chair, facing her bed. To her left there was a large open window with a lovely view of the forest. Judging from the small streams of light that danced through it, the elleth guessed it to be early dawn. She tried to sit but felt a great pain pierce her shoulder. The maiden gripped it tightly, feeling the stitched up arrow wound beneath her palm. Memories flooded back to her and she lay down, faltering under the weight of them. Her and Haldir arguing, the orc attack and the dream, but what had prompted such a strange dream? Mithuial sifted through her memories, letting them fall through her mind like beads of sand. She recalled speaking to Haldir before succumbing to unconsciousness. The elleth struggled to recall the memory, shutting her eyes briefly. Suddenly, their conversation flooded back. The maiden sat up quickly, ignoring the pain that accompanied it. She buried her head in her hands in embarrassment.
"Oh what a fool I have been!" she muttered angrily. "Professing my love to him? Have I no shame? How can I ever face him again?" Fear gripped the elf and her cheeks grew red. Such a shame had befallen upon her and it was all her fault! What did Haldir think? Did he take her confession seriously? But she had no time to ponder over this matter. The door to her room opened and in stepped a healer.
"Ah, your awake Captain!" the elleth said and moved to her side. "I would have thought that you would still be asleep. The herbs that we administered to you were very potent." Mithuial did not answer, her shame kept her quiet. "Well, your wound looks much better," the healer commented, paying no heed to her patient's silence. "It is a good thing that you have awoken, a visitor has come to call," the female said, moving back towards the door.
"A visitor?" Mithuial finally managed to ask, her voice hoarse.
"Mmmhmm, he is right outside let me fetch him," the healer exited leaving the other in quite a nervous state. There was only one elf it could possible be. Haldir entered the room, looking around awkwardly. Suddenly Mithuial wished she was still unconscious. The Captain looked thoroughly exhausted as he moved over to sit by her side.
"Mae govannen Mithuial," he muttered, not meeting her eyes.
"Mae govannen Haldir," her voice was equally quiet.
"How do you fare?" he asked lamely.
"Well, I suppose," she turned her head to the side, so he would not detect the crimson that had risen on her cheeks.
"Good, I am glad to hear that," Haldir nodded slowly staring at the floor. A few minutes of uncomfortable silence passed. The maiden almost cringed at the awkwardness that cloaked the room. Neither of them spoke, neither of them dare meet the others eyes. Finally Haldir seemed to gather himself.
"I spoke with the Lady Galadriel," he said. "I am taking over your command until you are deemed well enough to return to the borders."
"Why?" anger filled the maiden once more. "I am fit enough to return by the end of this week! Why must you replace me?"
"I did not ask for your job Mithuial," his head snapped up and fire burned in his eyes. "Do you think I enjoy the extra work?"
"Yes," she spat back. "You wish to best me Haldir, you always have! Now this is your chance!"
"Fine," he stood up quickly. "Mayhap than the Lady will realize what a weak commander you are and throw you off the guard like you deserve!" The March Warden spun on his heel and stalked towards the door, making sure to slam it behind him as he exited. Mithuial sighed and rubbed her hands over her temples vigorously. At least she would not have to be in his presence for awhile.
Mae govannen: Well met