Author's Note: I know I said that this chapter will be the last, but I think there is need for another one, so there will probably be one more. Thank you all again for you fabulous reviews! I have never received such a wonderful response to any other story than I have to this one. Thanks so much! I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta, Dragonfly32, for helping me with this chapter and giving me wonderful advice. Thanks again! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 24 Answers
It was early morn, not much past dawn. A few rays of sunlight played their way across our bedroom floor. A bird twittered outside the window. It was cool still, the summer's heat not yet taking its full force as it would this afternoon. A gentle breeze stirred the gauzy curtains, making them flutter silently. I closed my eyes once and inhaled deeply, taking in all the wonderful scents that danced throughout this morn. Haldir lay beside me, still asleep, his eyes open and glazed over. I wondered vaguely of what he could be dreaming. His expression was one of indifference, leading me to ruminate over the possibilities. After our argument last night I had felt somewhat comforted, but still not all together relieved. My husband had cried himself to sleep and I had let him, still feeling insecure when it came to the matter of his loyalty to me. It was true that Haldir never cried and kept up a strong, stoic front when amongst his peers. But now I think the thought of losing his daughter and wife had frightened him terribly and caused this unusual breakdown. There was something yet that I had to do, however, a task that must be completed before I could even think about forgiving him. I slipped out of bed, moving as quietly as I possibly could. I did not want to alert Haldir to my leave taking. I dressed quickly, throwing on a pair of light breeches and a delicate shirt. The heat of the summer stayed me from wearing any heavy clothes and my hair was tied back to free my face from its troublesome presence. I then moved to stand beside Laeranor's crib, leaning over the rail to see my child. My daughter was sleeping peacefully, her small chest rising and falling. Then, in hopes that she would not wake, I reached my hand down to caress her face. She remained asleep but shifted slightly.
"Sleep well my sweet," I whispered, "and mind your Ada while I am away, for Elbereth knows I can't." Then with a single glance back at Haldir, I left our flet.
I moved slowly through the city, wanting to enjoy every minute of this beautiful morning. The sun was fully risen, sending a pink light down to the forest. The air was sweet, full of moisture as a slight mist cloaked the ground. Now a few more birds twittered, flapping their wings joyfully and preparing for the day's flight. My destination was not far from my own flet, it stood amidst a cluster of smaller houses, all held in the branches of one large mallorn. I ascended the stairs, pausing to glimpse the view from one of the landings. I had been here many a time, before Haldir and I had been married, for here is where all the guards lived. In my days as a soldier I had journeyed up these stairs several times a day, most of the time to visit the armory. But never before did I make the trip with such trepidation. It took me a moment or two to reach the flet that I sought out. It was the same size as the rest, uniform in almost every way, with the exception of the small chimes that dangled from the window. At first, I briefly entertained the idea of abandoning my mission and returning home. It took almost all of my courage to dismiss such folly and knock upon the door. The occupant of the flet took some time answering my summons. Yet then, the door swung open and I came face to face with Lintelin. She was bleary eyed and her hair appeared tangled, I had obviously awoken her.
"Mae govannen," I said, my voice colder than ice.
"Elenwen?" I could tell she was shocked to see me. "What has brought you here?" Even in her half awake state, the maiden managed to inject some attitude in her tone. I however, remained unruffled.
"I wish to speak to you," I said forcefully. "The matter is of great importance."
"Now?" she stamped her bare foot upon the threshold.
"Now," I replied leaving no room for question.
"Fine," Lintelin spun on her heel and headed back into her home. I followed, keeping my manner as calm as possible. Her flet was small, but neatly kept. In one corner sat a bookcase while in another stood a rack used to hold armor. She seated herself in a large chair besides the window, but did not invite me to sit. I took my liberty and sat in a wooden chair opposite hers. "What is it you want?" she asked exasperatedly.
"I wish to ask you something and I want you to be truthful, for I am one of your kin as much as you dislike me," I responded coolly.
"What? What is it?" she made an annoyed gesture with her hands.
"Have you led my husband to stray from my side?" I asked. "Have you caused him to be unfaithful to me?" She was silent. I saw a look of shock spread across her face as much as she tried to mask it. "Answer me truthfully Lintelin. If you do not do it for me, do it for the sake of my child, Haldir's child."
"Your child!" she screeched suddenly. "Your child! Why would I even consider being truthful for the sake of that little brat!?" I felt my heartbeat quicken and my blood boil. Right then and there I wished to smash her face against the wall. But I kept my composure, knowing that I must not lose my temper until I received my answer.
"I wish you to respond to my query Lintelin. If you refuse to, I do not think that Lady Galadriel will be pleased," I fought to keep my anger from becoming too great, the idea that I had a veritable threat filled me with confidence. Her mouth opened slightly, but she snapped it closed once more. "Well?" my patience was thinning.
"Your husband was never unfaithful to you," she replied softly, defeat cloaking her countenance. I knew that was the best answer I could hope for. Relief flooded my body and I let a small smile creep upon my face.
"Good," I stood suddenly. "But since I do know that you must have tried to seduce him in some manner, for I know that you did kiss him, I am afraid I cannot yet leave." Lintelin stood too, towering above me.
"Leave now," she hissed, "or I will be forced to escort you to the door."
"Oh, I don't think you will be doing that," I said, still smiling. With a swift movement I rammed her up against the wall and held her there. "If I ever, ever hear that you have attempted to lead my husband astray once more, I shall see to it that you pay," I growled. Fear glistened in her eyes and I let her fall to the floor. Then, I turned and headed for the door. Before I left, however, I moved to face her once more. "No greater strength is there than one of a determined elleth," I muttered, whipping around and exiting her flet.
Mae govannen: Well met