Authors' Note: Well, here is my sixth chapter. I must saw that I am overjoyed with all the excellent reviews I have received. I am so glad you are all enjoying this story. I know my chapters re short, but as the plot continues to thicken, they will increase in length. The ending of this chapter may make it appear that everything is alright in paradise, but I promise you that you will see different in a few chapters. Thanks again! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 6 Rain
I quickly dried my eyes upon the bedclothes. Haldir looked down at me. I could see the confusion in his eyes, I had not cried like this in many years. I must have truly looked horrible, for his mouth had opened slightly whilst staring at me. I heard his quiver and bow drop to the floor with a small thud. Finally, after what seemed like an age, he spoke.
"Elenwen, what is wrong? Why are you crying? Are you hurt?" His voice was soft, gentle even. I was thrown for a minute or two. I had not expected him to walk in on me as he had. But fortunately, I had an answer. It was the same answer I used for every difficult question I came upon.
"I am fine, dear," I stood and straightened my wrinkled gown. "Nothing is the matter, everything is fine." Inside my mind I was cursing rather foully. Why had I not the courage to tell him the truth? But still, what could I say? I did not know yet what I could say. Usually Haldir dropped the matter immediately after I had answered as I just had. Tonight, however, he was persistent. My husband moved forward and pulled me into his embrace. Normally, I would be happy in this position but now I panicked. I would not be able to withhold the truth for much longer and he knew it.
"Hush. Hush," he murmured softly meanwhile I felt my heart begin to pound rapidly. I was sure he could feel it as I could feel his. What to do? What to do? I willed myself to be calm. He would not see or sense my discomfort and sorrow, I would not let him. There was only one way out of this situation and I hated to do it. With a fierce intent I pushed myself away from him. He looked down, even more surprised then before. "Please meleth nin."
"I get tired from being cooped up in this flet all day Haldir." I saw an immediate change in his emotions. His body stiffened and his nostrils flared every so slightly. I had seen him take on this manner so many times before. Whether he was arguing with one of his soldiers or me, it was always present.
"Oh," his voice was soft still, yet an edge could be traced in it.
"I miss being by your side Haldir. I miss the adventure and excitement that can only be found at…" he wouldn't allow me to finish. His eyes had grown cold, so cold that they seemed to freeze my very soul.
"What is it that you are saying Elenwen?" I swallowed the lump in my throat before responding to his query.
"I would like to return to my post on the borders."
"No." his answer was so final that only a very brave or very foolish elleth would press forward. I happen to be very foolish, but inside I knew it was the only way to keep him away from my true feelings.
"You do not control me Haldir," my voice started out shaky but then slowly grew firmer. "I could join again if I wanted to and you could not stop me. The laws of our land permit so."
"Yes," he took several steps forward, his hands clasped behind his back, "but as March Warden I can dismiss anyone that I deem unfit for the position."
"You didn't deem me unfit the first time."
"You were much younger than."
"I am an elf Haldir, I do not age as the race of men do, or have you forgotten that?"
"Elenwen," he stepped back from me, his voice commanding, "You have become set in your ways at home. I would not have that changed."
"Oh, is that what you want of me?" I spun around and let my back face him. All the emotions of the day were pouring out of me. "You wish me to remain home so to cook and clean for you. Am I your maid Haldir, not your wife?" I had him trapped, I knew it. I could tell from his silence behind me. At least I had managed to change the subject.
"I am sorry if you think that way Elenwen," Haldir's tone was indifferent. I heard him turn and walk away from me; he was heading toward the door. Then the door opened, he paused. "I shall need time to think this over." He slammed it shut and was gone. Oh Valar, what have I done?
It was early morn. The sun had not risen today; instead black clouds filled the sky. Thunder rumbled in the distance and rain poured down from the heavens. Haldir had not returned home last night, I had truly driven him away from me. My sorrow had passed the point of shedding tears. Now I lay on our bed, my hand caressing the spot where he used to rest. I was exhausted yet wide awake. I had not slept all night, yet that had been my intention. I could not rest my mind when I knew he was out there. Who knew who he was with or what he was doing? Horrible images floated through me head. I tried to shut them out, my hands clawed upon my dirty golden locks. I was silent, listening to the rain; it had always been a source of comfort for me. It seemed like the clouds themselves were crying with me, sending tears of pain down to our good earth. The birds were not singing this morning. Many hid in the branches of the trees, hiding underneath their beautiful leaves. I brought my knees up to my chest and cradled them. I could seek no solace in anything anymore. I shivered; there was a draft in our flet. But then as a few minutes past I realized it wasn't a draft. The door clicked closed. If I had not possessed the hearing of my kin, I would not have sensed it. Someone was moving into the bedroom. I did not turn to face him, I could not bear too. He must have thought I was asleep, for I was under the blankets and in my night clothes. The bed creaked and dipped as he lay down beside me. I could feel the water dripping from his person, he was completely soaked. I did not mind though. He wrapped his strong around my waist and pulled me close. Haldir rested his head upon the side of my cheek.
"I am sorry meleth nin," he whispered. "Please forgive me." I did not answer, but simply sighed and moved closer to him.
Meleth nin: My love
Elleth: Female Elf
Authors' Note: Does the end of this chapter seem like the end to this story or am I just being paranoid? Either way I want to assure you my wonderful readers, that it is not the end, I still have a long way to go. Thanks again!