Author's Note: Sorry it took me so long to update, I have been very busy lately. The next chapter will be the last, but I do promise to have the prequel up soon. Thanks again for the fantastic reviews. I cannot tell you how much they have inspired me to write! Thanks! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 23 Confrontation
Narrative POV
The Lady of Light seated herself comfortably in a chair facing the doorway. She then held out her arms for Laeranor, who was being cradled by the healer. The child made not a sound as she was handed over to Galadriel, but rather remained quiet in the Lady's hold. The infant's eyes were wide and innocent, completely oblivious to the turmoil that plagued her parents.
"Poor thing," she murmured, rocking the baby. "Hopefully little Laeranor will be spared from this great chaos. Take her down to the fountains," the Lady instructed the healer. "Let her see the beautiful stars for which her mother was named after." The elleth obeyed and exited with the child. Time passed by slowly and the moon rose higher into the sky. But Galadriel remained patient, collecting her thoughts and mulling over the current situation that faced her Captain. It was not for a few hours that he came, trudging exhaustedly up the spiral staircase that led to his flet. It was with great shock indeed that Haldir opened the door to his home and caught sight of his Lady sitting there. He even jumped back a few paces, a startled look spreading across his fair face.
"Hiril nin," the March Warden murmured, bowing deeply. "What has brought you to my dwelling? Where are my wife and child? Has some ill befallen them?" The Lady stood gracefully, her long white gown swishing softly.
"Your child is safe, Haldir," her voice was distant, not bearing the warmth that it usually held when she addressed him. "But I am afraid that your wife does not fare well." She saw the panic race over his countenance. Good, she thought, at least he still cares for her safety.
"Where is she? What is amiss?" Haldir moved toward their bedroom but Galadriel barred his way.
"I wish to speak to you first, Captain," the Lady spoke quietly and led him away from the bedroom. He obliged but still held a great deal of anxiety in his being. After they were a good distance from where Elenwen rested, Galadriel began to speak.
"Tell me, Haldir, do you love your child?" The March Warden seemed quite shocked by her question, but nodded immediately.
"I would give my life for Laeranor," he replied readily.
"Indeed," she observed him for a few minutes before posing her next question. "Then tell me, do you love your wife?"
"Yes," he stated still looking confused. "Elenwen is my life, my beloved. There is nothing I would not do for her."
"What is it that you love most about her, my Captain?" Haldir did not have to ponder her question for a moment or two before answering.
"Her joyous spirit," he finally replied. "She is like the first rays of sun that break through the dark canopy of a thunderstorm."
"Now that is an interesting thought," she pressed the tips of her fingers to her lips. "Why, then, would destroy her spirit if you treasure it so?"
"Destroy it, but hiril nin…" Galadriel would not let him finish however.
"Why would you abandon her so shortly after the birth of your child, if you truly love her as you say? Why would not care to listen to her song when she spent months pouring her heart into it?"
"But I did listen!" Haldir protested, clearly hearing the frustration in his voice.
"Oh, but if you did listen I would not be having this discussion with you," she remarked calmly. "You have crushed your wife's gentle spirit! I came to pay a visit to her today and found her in near hysterics over your behavior of late!"
"What behavior?" the March Warden was near the breaking point, filled with a great dread that had never consumed him before like it did now.
"Do not act like a fool Haldir, I speak of your antics with the new guard Lintelin," for the first time a little bit of anger could be detected in the Lady's voice. "Your wife fears that you have been unfaithful to her." Haldir's mouth dropped open slightly, he was speechless. "Well?" Galadriel arched a golden eyebrow. "Have you committed adultery?"
"No," his response was firm and unwavering. "I would never hurt Elenwen in that manner."
"Then I believe you had better inform her of that," she pointed towards the bedroom.
Elenwen's POV
I had awoken upon his entry into our flet, hearing our front door creak open as it always did. My head pounded, tension filling my body. I rolled over to face the open window, watching the stars glimmer happily in the dark night sky. A few minutes passed and I perceived the voice of my husband mixed with that of the Lady's. I closed my eyes and groaned softly, knowing what was coming. His footsteps were drawing closer, echoing off the rhythmic beats of my heart. The door opened and a small stream of light flooded into the room. He shut the door and it disappeared vanishing into the darkness that surrounded us.
"Elenwen," my husband whispered my name as he sat upon our bed. I felt it dip down beneath his weight, it had always been a comfort to feel such, but now I wished him to be gone. "Lady Galadriel has just told me how greatly I have upset you, that you think I have been unfaithful to you," his voice was soft, as though he was explaining something to a child. "But I have not meleth nin, I love you greatly and I would never do something of that nature. Please believe me and trust in my fidelity once more. I have no affections for Lintelin." It was at this point that I felt rage consume me. I could bear it no more.
"Then why did you kiss her?!" I snapped, jolting up from my rest. "Why, then, did you come home intoxicated?! Why is it that you spend almost every waking minute with that whore and not with your child and I, Haldir?!" I saw the shock upon his face and he jumped back slightly, flinching at my words. "I have done everything for you!" my voice grew louder. "I cook and clean and take care of your every need and you dare to bring her home! I will not accept this in my house, and yes Haldir, this is my house since I do all the work! And Laeranor is my child! I carried her in my womb for twelve months and now I alone care for her and show her the love she deserves!"
"Elenwen, Elenwen," he stuttered, I saw the fear and confusion dance across his features. He tried to take my hands in his but I wrenched them away and moved to the other side of the bed.
"I am your wife Haldir, not you maid, not your caretaker! I deserve respect and love! I refuse to be walked over and trampled beneath your feet like dirt! I say now that I will no more suffer your late nights and long training sessions with Lintelin! And if you do not honor that than…" But he would not let me finish. My husband broke into long, anguished sobs. He covered his face with his hands and cried. Never before had I seen him in such a state. I myself was shaking in fury.
"I am sorry, I am so sorry, please, please," these words were barely distinguishable between his heart wrenching howls. He moved closer to me and I did not back away, allowing him to bury his head in my lap. His tormented cries racked his large frame and his back rose and fell as he wept. I laid my hand upon his golden locks and sighed, feeling weary from the enormous amount of stress that had befallen on my household. "Please Elenwen, please," he cried. "I swear to you that I was not unfaithful. I would never do that to you. Please, I love you. Please, believe me. Please."
"You had better be telling the truth," my voice had softened. "Because if you are being false, then…"
"I am not," he cut in, still sobbing. "You can ask Lintelin yourself! I am sorry, so sorry." I felt my heart melt and leaned down to gently kiss the top of his head. I then wrapped my arms around his shoulders, feeling tears of my own spring forth from my eyes. He curled up in my lap and cried like an elfling, feeling no shame at all. I sighed once more, venting the last of my frustration. Could I forgive him though? I did not know, only time would tell.
Hiril nin: My lady
Meleth Nin: My love