Chapter 4- Important Lessons
Indilisse returned to her talan after some struggle in finding her way and pulling her leg along with her. Arwen had done wonders on it, but there was still a throbbing ache that moved up to her thigh. She pushed the door back and closed it upon stepping inside, letting herself fall back against the door and took a long cleansing breath. The morning had been interesting, that was for sure, starting with meeting Rúmil and Colindo at the morning meal. They had been exceptionally sweet and flirtatious with her, touching her hand or touching her cheek, and laughing louder than they probably should have. Indilisse found it amusing that they were like this, and figured that by the way they spoke to a few other passing elleths, they were and would always be notorious flirts. Though, she was glad to be so readily accepted to their confidence; as soon as people knew of her father, they automatically recoiled and started to speak with her like she was some high-borne lady. Like Haldir had done after he threw her to the ground.
Oh Haldir! What she would not give to be left alone with him for an instant to teach him something... anything. The truth was, she did not know what she needed to teach him, she just knew that she had to do something about the arrogant grins he gave and the challenges in his voice as they fought. And as far as she was concerned, the fight had not been fair as her father had come down and stolen her attention. Of course, her father would us this as a reason why she should not have even been sparring in the first place. Because she lacked concentration. She could not focus on the task at hand. It was balderdash, by Elbereth. She had done just fine with Colindo, and though she had paused for a moment to glance in the direction of the smiling March Warden, she did not lose her total concentration. Why was her father never around to see those instances?
She grumbled to herself and pushed away from the door, and walked back into the sleeping room and found that on the bed lay a beautiful dress made of an iridescent dark blue cloth, the sleeves long and greatly belled made of a sheer silver cloth, reaching to the hem of the dress once it was put on. She had worn nothing like this, and really she did not wish to wear such fine cloth because she would undoubtedly ruin it in some way or another. Beside the dress there was a small parchment with elegantly scrawled Tengwar. It was a message from her father saying that the Lady had requested she wear this to the banquet tonight, as this was the Lord and Lady's gift to welcome her back to Lórien. Did they always give gifts to returning elves? Was it an incentive to keep them coming back?
Indilisse giggled at her thought and shook her head. The thought of them doing that was so absurd it made her head hurt, but she was glad for the laugh, even though some would think her mad for finding something so inane funny when she had not spoken at all. She walked to the wardrobe and hung the dress up, for safe keeping until later that day, and walked into the bathroom to draw herself a warm bath. Leaving the basin, she walked back into her room to undress herself, pulling the tunic and leggings off, deciding that she could wear them no longer until they were cleaned properly. She sat at the dressing table and carefully took the braid from her hair, running her fingers along to loosen it and then ran a comb through the long locks.
Pausing for a brief moment, she rested her elbow on the table and her tired head on her hand, letting a long breath come from her lungs. Should she stay in Lórien? There were so many reasons she should and wanted to, but she was afraid she would never find a place to fit into. She could sew enough to get by and fix clothing, but did not have a steady enough hand to make intricate patterns. Her cooking was appalling most of the time, though she did make delectable lembas. Becoming a warden was out of the question after this mornings happenings, besides the fact that her father would advise her continually against it- whether it be out of fatherly worry or the fact he just did not see her as a decent warrior. She did not have enough patience to become a gardener, waiting for the blooms to come and spring up from the ground.
One would think that with all the traveling she had done, from Mithlond to Imladris to Mirkwood, and all the friendly lands in between, she would have found something of interest to her. But her traveling, in reality, had severely hampered any of these things from developing, as she moved form place to place, they required help in different areas, and she would have to adopt a new specialization. Like in Imladris, they needed a garden- caretaker. But when she moved to Mirkwood, the halls desperately needed a cook in the large kitchen. And there were centuries that she did nothing but sit and twiddle her thumbs, watching her father teach new warriors or her mother work as a healer alongside Elrond and Arwen or Gandalf and Radagast.
Indilisse sighed again and stood up, stretching her slowly stiffening body out, the thin shift she wore pulling up and almost over her breasts. She stopped and reached down to grab the hem and to pull it off. Starting back into the bathing room, she tossed the shift in the pile of her tunic and leggings and opened the door. The water had already begun to grow cold, so she quickly whispered an elvish spell and moved her fingers through the water. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Later that day, Haldir sat in his own bath preparing himself for the night ahead. This celebration would not be an enjoyable one for him. He would not be able to drink too much because the Lord and Lady would be present, and even more so now because Targon would be there watching his every movement. And he would not be able to talk with his friends until after the dinner, as he would be sat at the high table with Targon, the Lord and Lady... and Indilisse.
That elleth. Haldir had to wonder if there was even an elleth under all that dirt smudged cheeks, soiled tunic and leggings. And he would have to sit there and listen to her whine to her father about something. He did not know what she could whine about, he could feel that she was a whiner. One of those elleths that found everything reprehensible, only if she did not do it herself, and made sure others knew about it in hopes that they would become so fed up with her that they would take action against the perpetrators. And on top of being a whiner, she also seemed head strong and relentless in everything she undertook, even if it meant she could get seriously injured if she kept doing it.
She was lucky that Haldir had gone easy on her, because if he had not, she would have been hurt a lot worse and Arwen's skills would have been of no use to her leg. He chuckled to himself, thinking of her walking up the long staircases, pulling the limp with her and every last step she took becoming more and more painful. Haldir had seen her doing just this after she left Arwen's talan, in which he was situated directly across from the Evenstar. He had laughed at her then, and would continue laughing at her for every time he thought of it. How proud she was not to ask for anyone's help back to her talan. So really, she could not be a whiner, she just seemed slightly spoiled.
Yet, Haldir surmised, he admired that about her. Indilisse was not willing to let other people pick up her slack, and would not be the first to admit her suffering when it came down to matters like this. Maybe she was too headstrong.
Haldir sighed and closed his eyes, sinking deeper into the warm water. Why was he still thinking about her? It had been all day and all he could see was her face- those fiery eyes, the messy hair and the dirty cheeks. The heated words that had spilled from the perfectly plump pink lips in the midst of the fight continuously rang through his head. The way she had looked so defeated and lying on the ground when he offered his hand made him angry. And the blatant disregard for her father's advice made him cringe. Everything about her made his attention pique.
What an interesting night this would be. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Nindë sat down at one of the long tables set up for banquet and positioned her dress around her. This dress had been carefully chosen for the cooler temperature of the air, but revealed enough to gather much attention from the he-elves that would soon be there. But there was only one he-elf she was intent on this evening. Tonight, she would set her plans into action, claiming Haldir for herself. She pitied any fool who was imbecilic enough to come between her and her prize, for she was not about to be lenient with those who did. Nindë was sure she would not have to resort to threats or even violence, because all of Haldir's elleths understood that she was the matriarch of the group and she would always get first dibs.
But then, there were always newcomers that could change the March Warden's mind. Sway his opinion ever so slightly and make him fall in love with someone else. Like that insolent and dissolute creature that had decided to show up in Caras Galadhon the previous night, and then this morning with that little display in the practice field. Nindë had watched her from the balcony of her talan with her friends and spent the entire time laughing at the way she acted so mannish and utterly unfeminine. Her friend Valaina had commented jokingly about where she kept her arrow. Nindë had laughed loudly... But really, Nindë did not see fit to worry about the new addition to the city. Haldir would never find someone like that appealing. He wished for a wife he could show off to others, take pride in having on his arm.
And Nindë was confident that she was that elleth.
The chatter in the great field had increased tenfold by now and Nindë looked up to find that almost everyone had come, and now saw that the fair procession was making its way up the long path to the field. Leading was Celeborn and Galadriel in their finest flowing whites and gold, their golden and mithril circlets resting easily upon their fair heads. Next in line was Targon, the former March Warden and teacher, accompanied by his daughter. Now this was surprising to Nindë. Targon's daughter was not wearing a tunic or leggings, but a very beautiful and very flattering dress, her hair done up into an intricately designed braid. And many of the elven men watching the procession from the field now had their beady eyes on her, completely bypassing Undómiel. Nindë understood that this newcomer must have been agreeable in her features, but never could Nindë credit Targon's daughter as being more beautiful than Arwen, or Galadriel, or even herself.
Nindë noticed that Arwen had her arm in Haldir's as he lead her behind the other two pairs, but his attention was securely fixed on the new elleth's honeyed brown hair. Not good. Definitely not good. They came further into the field and Nindë watched as Haldir straightened himself in a regal way, pushing his shoulders back and taking a deep breath, blinking his eyes rapidly a few times. Arwen laughed at him and swatted at his arm playfully, whispering something that the other's could not hear.
They made their way up to the head table, and the Lord and Lady sat in the middle, the elleths on Galadriel's left and the he-elves on Celeborn's right. Nindë watched the new elleth closely, finding that she was so positioned to face Haldir, as he sat at one end of the table and she at the other. This elleth was bad news. Nindë could already tell that she would try to come between Nindë's plans. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Indilisse fingered the pewter wine goblet absentmindedly, running her fingers around the rim before deciding to wrap her fingers about the stem and take a long drink of the deep red wine. She placed the goblet back beside her plate and rested back in her seat, glancing around at the table. Targon had engaged Haldir and Celeborn of some great hunting story, to which Haldir seemed to give her father an attitude that was extremely passé. As if he had done better at some point and time, and listening to the elf drone on was slowly becoming insufferable. Arwen and Galadriel were discussing something, though the only way she could tell was by the smiles and laughs they gave each other, making it seem that they were communicating through their thoughts instead of words.
Finally Arwen turned to Indilisse and smiled, "I hate grandmotherly advice."
Indilisse could not believe that Arwen had actually said that in the presence of Galadriel, and it made the ellyn at the table glance up at her questioningly. Galadriel laughed and shook her head, leaning into the group of elleths, "She only hates it because she knows I am right."
"So what is this grandmotherly advice? Anything that I may be able to benefit from?" Indilisse asked with a smile.
"Aye, you can learn something." Arwen smiled, "When you are with a male and you wish to be alone, make sure it is within your chambers or someplace where the doors can be latched."
Indilisse furrowed her eyebrows and noticed that the ellyn were once again paying attention to the conversation. "This has got to be an interesting story."
Galadriel shooed away the attention of the ellyn with bringing up the mention of the hunting again, to which she was not necessarily involved with, but wished for Arwen and Indilisse have some time to talk.
Arwen sat back in her seat and let a long disgruntled sigh leave her lips. "I am in love, Indilisse."
"Y-you what?" Indilisse asked, really and truly happy for Arwen that she had finally found another elf to share her life with. "He is a lucky elf."
A shadow passed over the fair elleth's features, and she bit her lip, "He is a man. He is the last of the Dunédain."
Indilisse sputtered on her wine and placed the goblet down on the table, swallowing hard. "A what? Arwen..."
"Not you too..." Arwen said. She truly looked vexed by this, him being man and her being elf-kind, and Indilisse could sense sadness where this matter was concerned.
"Do not get me wrong," Indilisse reached out and touched her friend's arm, "I am not one to stand in the way of true love, but a man?"
Arwen nodded again and let a meek smile play on her lips, "He is so wonderful though, Indilisse. He is the son of Arathorn and Gilraen, the heir to the throne of Gondor."
"I thought that bloodline had all been spent." Indilisse replied.
"About fifty years ago, Gilraen and Arathorn had their son in Imladris. There he stayed and my father raised him as his foster child, he did not know of his heritage until he was almost thirty... when I met him for the first time." Arwen explained and let another sad sigh come from her lips. "He called me Tinúviel, Indilisse, because he first beheld me walking out in the forest and said I walked in her likeness."
Indilisse smiled and whimpered slightly, thinking that the most endearing thing anyone could call an elven maiden was by the fairest to have ever walked on Middle Earth... even though her fate was doomed much like Arwen was describing with an elf and human pairing. Really, it did not matter to Indilisse of what could happen, as she saw the undoubted loving feelings in Arwen's eyes, though her whole mood was cheerless.
"That is so sweet." Indilisse spoke, with a dreamy smile on her lips.
"In the time that we were together, he treated me differently than anyone ever had." Arwen said, and sat up, leaning into speak with her more quietly. "He is a wonderful lover."
Indilisse scoffed and giggled at the remark, feeling a blush creep to her cheeks. "What does Lord Elrond say about this?"
"He does not like it." Arwen said, "And did everything short of disowning Aragorn. And that is why I am dismayed. I have not seen Aragorn since Father sent him away after he found out about us."
"How long?" Indilisse asked, feeling her friend's arm on her own.
"Twenty one years." Arwen said. "I cleave to the memory of our first encounter in the woods. That will forever be my fondest memory in life, even if he chooses someone else."
Indilisse sighed and looked over Arwen's face for a good amount of time. "I am happy for you Arwen, though I may be premature in saying so."
The Evenstar smiled, finally a genuine and friendly smile. "You always understand, Indilisse. It has been hard without you to speak with in Imladris, or since I have been here."
"I am only good at discussing evil fathers though." Indilisse replied, deciding that it was safe to sip her wine again. "Not for romances. I have not have much luck in those areas."
Arwen laughed, "Not according to Elladan... and Glorfindel. I swear, if I go back to Imladris one more time and listen to that confounded Balrog slayer ask if you have been back to Lórien, I will commit a slow and painful suicide."
Indilisse blushed and tried to hide her smile as Galadriel then glanced at her. "I thought we agreed no one would bring that up."
"Oh, but it is so amusing to hang it over your head, dear Indilisse." Arwen winked and turned back to the table where the ellyn now were finished with their story.
"But you never told me why I needed to make sure to keep doors latched when I was with a male." Indilisse asked, pulling the attention to her, even though she had asked Arwen quietly.
Arwen blushed slightly and glanced to the side of her and back at Indilisse, "Because it is very, how shall we say... awkward when your grandparents catch you."
Indilisse threw her head back in a loud laugh, but covered her mouth to soften it from interrupting anyone else. She looked at Arwen, "I would have died right there."
"We almost did." Arwen chuckled, and leaned into Indilisse again, "Grandfather was not the least bit happy."
Indilisse glanced at Celeborn's regal look, and finding that a soft smile played at the corners of his lips. She had never imagined that he had other moods besides worry and impassive. Indilisse sighed and looked out over the party field, finding many elves had turned out for food and wine, and soon dance. This night had definitely been an upturn from earlier this day, and she was happy for that.
A/N: Will update soon, just wanted to get this first portion of the celebration out of the way before the week begins and I am busy with work and school.
Indilisse returned to her talan after some struggle in finding her way and pulling her leg along with her. Arwen had done wonders on it, but there was still a throbbing ache that moved up to her thigh. She pushed the door back and closed it upon stepping inside, letting herself fall back against the door and took a long cleansing breath. The morning had been interesting, that was for sure, starting with meeting Rúmil and Colindo at the morning meal. They had been exceptionally sweet and flirtatious with her, touching her hand or touching her cheek, and laughing louder than they probably should have. Indilisse found it amusing that they were like this, and figured that by the way they spoke to a few other passing elleths, they were and would always be notorious flirts. Though, she was glad to be so readily accepted to their confidence; as soon as people knew of her father, they automatically recoiled and started to speak with her like she was some high-borne lady. Like Haldir had done after he threw her to the ground.
Oh Haldir! What she would not give to be left alone with him for an instant to teach him something... anything. The truth was, she did not know what she needed to teach him, she just knew that she had to do something about the arrogant grins he gave and the challenges in his voice as they fought. And as far as she was concerned, the fight had not been fair as her father had come down and stolen her attention. Of course, her father would us this as a reason why she should not have even been sparring in the first place. Because she lacked concentration. She could not focus on the task at hand. It was balderdash, by Elbereth. She had done just fine with Colindo, and though she had paused for a moment to glance in the direction of the smiling March Warden, she did not lose her total concentration. Why was her father never around to see those instances?
She grumbled to herself and pushed away from the door, and walked back into the sleeping room and found that on the bed lay a beautiful dress made of an iridescent dark blue cloth, the sleeves long and greatly belled made of a sheer silver cloth, reaching to the hem of the dress once it was put on. She had worn nothing like this, and really she did not wish to wear such fine cloth because she would undoubtedly ruin it in some way or another. Beside the dress there was a small parchment with elegantly scrawled Tengwar. It was a message from her father saying that the Lady had requested she wear this to the banquet tonight, as this was the Lord and Lady's gift to welcome her back to Lórien. Did they always give gifts to returning elves? Was it an incentive to keep them coming back?
Indilisse giggled at her thought and shook her head. The thought of them doing that was so absurd it made her head hurt, but she was glad for the laugh, even though some would think her mad for finding something so inane funny when she had not spoken at all. She walked to the wardrobe and hung the dress up, for safe keeping until later that day, and walked into the bathroom to draw herself a warm bath. Leaving the basin, she walked back into her room to undress herself, pulling the tunic and leggings off, deciding that she could wear them no longer until they were cleaned properly. She sat at the dressing table and carefully took the braid from her hair, running her fingers along to loosen it and then ran a comb through the long locks.
Pausing for a brief moment, she rested her elbow on the table and her tired head on her hand, letting a long breath come from her lungs. Should she stay in Lórien? There were so many reasons she should and wanted to, but she was afraid she would never find a place to fit into. She could sew enough to get by and fix clothing, but did not have a steady enough hand to make intricate patterns. Her cooking was appalling most of the time, though she did make delectable lembas. Becoming a warden was out of the question after this mornings happenings, besides the fact that her father would advise her continually against it- whether it be out of fatherly worry or the fact he just did not see her as a decent warrior. She did not have enough patience to become a gardener, waiting for the blooms to come and spring up from the ground.
One would think that with all the traveling she had done, from Mithlond to Imladris to Mirkwood, and all the friendly lands in between, she would have found something of interest to her. But her traveling, in reality, had severely hampered any of these things from developing, as she moved form place to place, they required help in different areas, and she would have to adopt a new specialization. Like in Imladris, they needed a garden- caretaker. But when she moved to Mirkwood, the halls desperately needed a cook in the large kitchen. And there were centuries that she did nothing but sit and twiddle her thumbs, watching her father teach new warriors or her mother work as a healer alongside Elrond and Arwen or Gandalf and Radagast.
Indilisse sighed again and stood up, stretching her slowly stiffening body out, the thin shift she wore pulling up and almost over her breasts. She stopped and reached down to grab the hem and to pull it off. Starting back into the bathing room, she tossed the shift in the pile of her tunic and leggings and opened the door. The water had already begun to grow cold, so she quickly whispered an elvish spell and moved her fingers through the water. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Later that day, Haldir sat in his own bath preparing himself for the night ahead. This celebration would not be an enjoyable one for him. He would not be able to drink too much because the Lord and Lady would be present, and even more so now because Targon would be there watching his every movement. And he would not be able to talk with his friends until after the dinner, as he would be sat at the high table with Targon, the Lord and Lady... and Indilisse.
That elleth. Haldir had to wonder if there was even an elleth under all that dirt smudged cheeks, soiled tunic and leggings. And he would have to sit there and listen to her whine to her father about something. He did not know what she could whine about, he could feel that she was a whiner. One of those elleths that found everything reprehensible, only if she did not do it herself, and made sure others knew about it in hopes that they would become so fed up with her that they would take action against the perpetrators. And on top of being a whiner, she also seemed head strong and relentless in everything she undertook, even if it meant she could get seriously injured if she kept doing it.
She was lucky that Haldir had gone easy on her, because if he had not, she would have been hurt a lot worse and Arwen's skills would have been of no use to her leg. He chuckled to himself, thinking of her walking up the long staircases, pulling the limp with her and every last step she took becoming more and more painful. Haldir had seen her doing just this after she left Arwen's talan, in which he was situated directly across from the Evenstar. He had laughed at her then, and would continue laughing at her for every time he thought of it. How proud she was not to ask for anyone's help back to her talan. So really, she could not be a whiner, she just seemed slightly spoiled.
Yet, Haldir surmised, he admired that about her. Indilisse was not willing to let other people pick up her slack, and would not be the first to admit her suffering when it came down to matters like this. Maybe she was too headstrong.
Haldir sighed and closed his eyes, sinking deeper into the warm water. Why was he still thinking about her? It had been all day and all he could see was her face- those fiery eyes, the messy hair and the dirty cheeks. The heated words that had spilled from the perfectly plump pink lips in the midst of the fight continuously rang through his head. The way she had looked so defeated and lying on the ground when he offered his hand made him angry. And the blatant disregard for her father's advice made him cringe. Everything about her made his attention pique.
What an interesting night this would be. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Nindë sat down at one of the long tables set up for banquet and positioned her dress around her. This dress had been carefully chosen for the cooler temperature of the air, but revealed enough to gather much attention from the he-elves that would soon be there. But there was only one he-elf she was intent on this evening. Tonight, she would set her plans into action, claiming Haldir for herself. She pitied any fool who was imbecilic enough to come between her and her prize, for she was not about to be lenient with those who did. Nindë was sure she would not have to resort to threats or even violence, because all of Haldir's elleths understood that she was the matriarch of the group and she would always get first dibs.
But then, there were always newcomers that could change the March Warden's mind. Sway his opinion ever so slightly and make him fall in love with someone else. Like that insolent and dissolute creature that had decided to show up in Caras Galadhon the previous night, and then this morning with that little display in the practice field. Nindë had watched her from the balcony of her talan with her friends and spent the entire time laughing at the way she acted so mannish and utterly unfeminine. Her friend Valaina had commented jokingly about where she kept her arrow. Nindë had laughed loudly... But really, Nindë did not see fit to worry about the new addition to the city. Haldir would never find someone like that appealing. He wished for a wife he could show off to others, take pride in having on his arm.
And Nindë was confident that she was that elleth.
The chatter in the great field had increased tenfold by now and Nindë looked up to find that almost everyone had come, and now saw that the fair procession was making its way up the long path to the field. Leading was Celeborn and Galadriel in their finest flowing whites and gold, their golden and mithril circlets resting easily upon their fair heads. Next in line was Targon, the former March Warden and teacher, accompanied by his daughter. Now this was surprising to Nindë. Targon's daughter was not wearing a tunic or leggings, but a very beautiful and very flattering dress, her hair done up into an intricately designed braid. And many of the elven men watching the procession from the field now had their beady eyes on her, completely bypassing Undómiel. Nindë understood that this newcomer must have been agreeable in her features, but never could Nindë credit Targon's daughter as being more beautiful than Arwen, or Galadriel, or even herself.
Nindë noticed that Arwen had her arm in Haldir's as he lead her behind the other two pairs, but his attention was securely fixed on the new elleth's honeyed brown hair. Not good. Definitely not good. They came further into the field and Nindë watched as Haldir straightened himself in a regal way, pushing his shoulders back and taking a deep breath, blinking his eyes rapidly a few times. Arwen laughed at him and swatted at his arm playfully, whispering something that the other's could not hear.
They made their way up to the head table, and the Lord and Lady sat in the middle, the elleths on Galadriel's left and the he-elves on Celeborn's right. Nindë watched the new elleth closely, finding that she was so positioned to face Haldir, as he sat at one end of the table and she at the other. This elleth was bad news. Nindë could already tell that she would try to come between Nindë's plans. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Indilisse fingered the pewter wine goblet absentmindedly, running her fingers around the rim before deciding to wrap her fingers about the stem and take a long drink of the deep red wine. She placed the goblet back beside her plate and rested back in her seat, glancing around at the table. Targon had engaged Haldir and Celeborn of some great hunting story, to which Haldir seemed to give her father an attitude that was extremely passé. As if he had done better at some point and time, and listening to the elf drone on was slowly becoming insufferable. Arwen and Galadriel were discussing something, though the only way she could tell was by the smiles and laughs they gave each other, making it seem that they were communicating through their thoughts instead of words.
Finally Arwen turned to Indilisse and smiled, "I hate grandmotherly advice."
Indilisse could not believe that Arwen had actually said that in the presence of Galadriel, and it made the ellyn at the table glance up at her questioningly. Galadriel laughed and shook her head, leaning into the group of elleths, "She only hates it because she knows I am right."
"So what is this grandmotherly advice? Anything that I may be able to benefit from?" Indilisse asked with a smile.
"Aye, you can learn something." Arwen smiled, "When you are with a male and you wish to be alone, make sure it is within your chambers or someplace where the doors can be latched."
Indilisse furrowed her eyebrows and noticed that the ellyn were once again paying attention to the conversation. "This has got to be an interesting story."
Galadriel shooed away the attention of the ellyn with bringing up the mention of the hunting again, to which she was not necessarily involved with, but wished for Arwen and Indilisse have some time to talk.
Arwen sat back in her seat and let a long disgruntled sigh leave her lips. "I am in love, Indilisse."
"Y-you what?" Indilisse asked, really and truly happy for Arwen that she had finally found another elf to share her life with. "He is a lucky elf."
A shadow passed over the fair elleth's features, and she bit her lip, "He is a man. He is the last of the Dunédain."
Indilisse sputtered on her wine and placed the goblet down on the table, swallowing hard. "A what? Arwen..."
"Not you too..." Arwen said. She truly looked vexed by this, him being man and her being elf-kind, and Indilisse could sense sadness where this matter was concerned.
"Do not get me wrong," Indilisse reached out and touched her friend's arm, "I am not one to stand in the way of true love, but a man?"
Arwen nodded again and let a meek smile play on her lips, "He is so wonderful though, Indilisse. He is the son of Arathorn and Gilraen, the heir to the throne of Gondor."
"I thought that bloodline had all been spent." Indilisse replied.
"About fifty years ago, Gilraen and Arathorn had their son in Imladris. There he stayed and my father raised him as his foster child, he did not know of his heritage until he was almost thirty... when I met him for the first time." Arwen explained and let another sad sigh come from her lips. "He called me Tinúviel, Indilisse, because he first beheld me walking out in the forest and said I walked in her likeness."
Indilisse smiled and whimpered slightly, thinking that the most endearing thing anyone could call an elven maiden was by the fairest to have ever walked on Middle Earth... even though her fate was doomed much like Arwen was describing with an elf and human pairing. Really, it did not matter to Indilisse of what could happen, as she saw the undoubted loving feelings in Arwen's eyes, though her whole mood was cheerless.
"That is so sweet." Indilisse spoke, with a dreamy smile on her lips.
"In the time that we were together, he treated me differently than anyone ever had." Arwen said, and sat up, leaning into speak with her more quietly. "He is a wonderful lover."
Indilisse scoffed and giggled at the remark, feeling a blush creep to her cheeks. "What does Lord Elrond say about this?"
"He does not like it." Arwen said, "And did everything short of disowning Aragorn. And that is why I am dismayed. I have not seen Aragorn since Father sent him away after he found out about us."
"How long?" Indilisse asked, feeling her friend's arm on her own.
"Twenty one years." Arwen said. "I cleave to the memory of our first encounter in the woods. That will forever be my fondest memory in life, even if he chooses someone else."
Indilisse sighed and looked over Arwen's face for a good amount of time. "I am happy for you Arwen, though I may be premature in saying so."
The Evenstar smiled, finally a genuine and friendly smile. "You always understand, Indilisse. It has been hard without you to speak with in Imladris, or since I have been here."
"I am only good at discussing evil fathers though." Indilisse replied, deciding that it was safe to sip her wine again. "Not for romances. I have not have much luck in those areas."
Arwen laughed, "Not according to Elladan... and Glorfindel. I swear, if I go back to Imladris one more time and listen to that confounded Balrog slayer ask if you have been back to Lórien, I will commit a slow and painful suicide."
Indilisse blushed and tried to hide her smile as Galadriel then glanced at her. "I thought we agreed no one would bring that up."
"Oh, but it is so amusing to hang it over your head, dear Indilisse." Arwen winked and turned back to the table where the ellyn now were finished with their story.
"But you never told me why I needed to make sure to keep doors latched when I was with a male." Indilisse asked, pulling the attention to her, even though she had asked Arwen quietly.
Arwen blushed slightly and glanced to the side of her and back at Indilisse, "Because it is very, how shall we say... awkward when your grandparents catch you."
Indilisse threw her head back in a loud laugh, but covered her mouth to soften it from interrupting anyone else. She looked at Arwen, "I would have died right there."
"We almost did." Arwen chuckled, and leaned into Indilisse again, "Grandfather was not the least bit happy."
Indilisse glanced at Celeborn's regal look, and finding that a soft smile played at the corners of his lips. She had never imagined that he had other moods besides worry and impassive. Indilisse sighed and looked out over the party field, finding many elves had turned out for food and wine, and soon dance. This night had definitely been an upturn from earlier this day, and she was happy for that.
A/N: Will update soon, just wanted to get this first portion of the celebration out of the way before the week begins and I am busy with work and school.