Authors' Note: Okay, I know that you have all been very patient and have waited so long for Elenwen to start to rebel against Haldir. I am sorry that it has taken so long, but I wanted things to reach a boiling point and because I have made Elenwen such a passive character it has been hard to do. But now, finally she will start to break lose and fight. As for her going to see Galadriel, well I might as well admit now that I've had that planned since the beginning, so that will be coming up soon.  I do hope that this chapter does not make Elenwen seem out of character, if it does let me know and I will change it. The first part of this chapter is told from Lintelin's POV, so I thought that might be an interesting twist. And of course, thank you all so much for the fabulous reviews. I can't believe I have over two hundred! They have really helped and encouraged me! I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work

Chapter 16 Archery

Lintelin's POV

            I watched him carefully, my eyes never leaving his beautiful form. Shivers ran down my spine as I took in his broad shoulders and muscular chest. I smiled a little to myself, thinking of his wife, holed up in their flet. No, she was hopefully out of the way now, I could make my move. Elenwen had been easy prey for me, so easy to chew and spit back out. She had backed down immediately, instead of telling me to back off. What a pushover! Since the day I had first met the March Warden and decided to pursue him I had never thought that my task would be so easily accomplished. I would wait a little while longer, let him start to turn to me for comfort and then…well things should unfold nicely.

            "Lintelin!" his voice broke through my thoughts and I smiled sweetly.

            "Yes sir," I straightened giving him my full attention, not that I had ever really drawn it away from him.

            "Let us concentrate on archery today," Haldir gestured to the training grounds that served as a shooting range.

            "Yes sir," I was quick with my answer, archery being my favorite part of training, for certain reasons. I followed him closely, noting his long smooth strides and straight back. I let a girlish smile creep upon my face, now that his back was turned to me and let my mind wander. I imagined that sniveling wife of his. I couldn't conceive how she would take the news of, "Elenwen I am leaving you for Lintelin." She would probably cry, weakling that she was and beg him to stay. I could just picture it, that she-elf clutching to his arm, imploring that the welfare of their child was more important than anything. Yes, the child would be a problem, but I would not concern myself with it till it finally came about. Now I had more important things to think about.  We arrived at the archery range and I strapped on my quiver and picked up my bow. Haldir ordered me to shoot a few arrows so he could observe my form. I felt giddy, knowing that his eyes were on me and me alone. Then after a few perfect hits, he moved to stand by my side.

            "Lower your arms slightly," he pushed down my arms and I blushed as I felt his hands upon my shoulders. Oh how I loved archery! "Good," he stepped back and I released another arrow. "Perfect," Haldir cried joyfully. You have no idea, I thought.

Haldir's POV

            She released a few more arrows on my command. Her form was much better now and her aim truer. I nodded to myself and watched as she strung another arrow on her bow. So concentrated was I that I did not even hear my brothers approaching at first. The walked slowly, both talking quietly and looking nervous which was unusual for them.

            "Mae govannen!" I called as I turned to greet them.

            "Mae govannen," they answered in unison almost. I took in their worried, drawn faces and darting glances.

            "Is something amiss?" I asked quietly so as not disturb Lintelin.

            "No, nothing," Rumil shook his head unable to meet my eyes. Then there came an uncomfortable silence which reigned for a few minutes. Finally Orophin spoke, his voice soft, whispering so as not to alert any others.

            "Haldir would it be possible for us to have a private word with you?" he asked. I was confused, my brothers never asked for a private word. Whatever they needed to say they would say in front of others. I suddenly felt myself succumb to a great sense of foreboding. 

            "Yes of course you may," I was eager to accept. This had to be serious. After informing Lintelin that I had some business to attend to, I allowed them to lead me away from the training grounds and into a more secluded glade. When they were sure of our distance from my student, Rumil spoke.

            "Haldir we are concerned about Elenwen," my youngest brother now managed to meet my eyes. "She rarely leaves the flet and during our last visit, we sensed a great deal of fear and apprehension around her person. She needs you more than ever now. After all she is near eight months into her pregnancy." Eight months, I thought to myself, was she that far along? But I did not have time for calculations, right now I was more interested in what they had to say.

            "And what exactly do you mean by this?" I asked my voice terse.

            "Mayhap you could cut back on the hours you spend training Lintelin," Orophin said slowly and very cautiously. I sighed, would no one understand?

            "I cannot just take off," I raised my hands and massaged my forehead trying to ward of the absolute aggravation I felt towards them now. "I have work that needs to be done. There is nothing I can do about it, so you all might as well accept that!" I strode off leaving them behind looking quite bewildered.

Elenwen's POV

            It was getting late. I ate my dinner alone now, as usual, there was no sense in waiting and I was hungry. Another month had passed by and Haldir still had not changed his ways. He arrived home late and left early. And when he was home he pushed me away, claiming that he needed some time for himself. At first I had been hurt, why would my husband not want me near? But now, my approach had changed slightly. I massaged my every increasing abdomen and smiled. The child was growing strong, it would only be four more months now, I would have to start thinking of names. It was early spring and a frost still clung to the air. But now the snow was melting and the sound of it running off the roof of our flet near drowned out all other noises. I stood, taking in my hands the food I had prepared for my husband this evening. He would not be home till late tonight, I knew that. I passed by the pantry, there was no use of putting it away for later. Instead I moved to the window and tipped the bowl upside down outside of it. The food fell and my keen ears picked up the sound of it hitting the ground. The only two people I would be cooking for from now on would be me and my child. He could get his food else where if he wished.

            "Oh well," I murmured as I tossed the dish aside, I refused to waste such good food on him.

Mae govannen: Well met

Authors' Note: Well, that chapter only had a little bit of Elenwen in it, but I hoped you enjoyed it just the same.