Chapter 6- Dangerous Liaisons
Nindë woke late the next morning, still recovering from the previous night's pleasurable events. Everything had gone perfectly, well almost perfectly, to plan. She had caught Haldir's attention rather easily as he sat at the head table, and she had flashed him one of her coy smiles, to which he raised his glass to her. Valaina and Eruanne had found that most pleasing and said that it was always good sign when someone did that. Nindë figured it had to be a very good sign in general to get the March Warden to do this in front of so many people, especially since their continued pairing was kept in the greatest confidence by the few that knew about it. And as if this was all not exciting enough, Haldir had made his way over to her for the first dance. At that point, Nindë had become very confident that her plan as working very well to her advantage... of course that was until she realized Haldir had somehow moved them while they were dancing to be near Rúmil and Master Targon's daughter.
She had tried her hardest to move his attention back to her, but found that his ears were straining to hear the other conversation, and tensed when the elf-maiden ran a finger down Rúmil's chest and around the contour his ear, saying that she found him just as endowed as Haldir. Nindë was unable to tell if Haldir had been angry that Indilisse compared his stature to his rather gangly younger brother or if he had been glad because he did not see Rúmil as so lanky, but she quickly tried to move him away from anymore of the situation. They continued to dance for many more songs, but she noticed that Haldir had every so often looked around and was not content until he found the new she-elf.
Disgusted with him, she asked for a respite from dancing, found her friends and watched closely as Haldir approached the maiden. The maiden made a few remarks to him pleasantly, but then Nindë realized, much to her own delight, that it looked as if she was rebuking him. He did not look so pleased either, and argued with her until she stormed away from him. Maybe this maiden had not been as bad as originally thought. Sure Haldir appeared to have an odd infatuation with her, but it was not returned, and Nindë thought this newcomer more of a much needed ally than a threat. If Nindë could somehow convince her of becoming friends, Haldir would be drawn to the group, therefore allowing more time to work on Haldir. Only after a while, when Nindë was satisfied in the direction of their relationship, would she dispose of the maiden as she saw fit.
Nindë marveled at her ingeniousness and laughed to herself, dressing quickly in a simple dress and tied her hair up in a single braid. She left her talan and headed down to the common areas and found what she had been looking for.
The elf maiden sat at a table sharing fruit and tea with Narië, the Lady's handmaiden. Nindë did not much care for Narië as Narië often made sure to let Nindë know she was wicked and licentious, to which Nindë merely replied that she had at least some assets to lure a he-elf. Nindë cleared her mind of this with a shake of her head, and walked over to the table, dropping into the seat across from the new maiden.
"Mae govannen," Nindë smiled her sweetest smile, and noted Narië's disapproving look.
The newcomer looked up at her and gave her a faint smile. She really was not all that strikingly beautiful, with the dull hair and eyes, but Nindë did not care any longer. "Hello."
"I am called Nindë," she said.
"Nindë." The elf maiden said and nodded her head, "I am Indilisse, Master Targon's daughter."
"Aye, I know." Nindë laughed, hoping it did not sound too false. "You were seated at the table with the Lord and Lady last eve."
Indilisse chuckled, "You are correct, I was. I suppose I am still quite tired and not thinking too clearly this day."
You probably drink like a dwarf, Nindë thought to herself, and you are feeling the affects, she added with a slight twitter of laughter within her throat.
"What is it that you require, Nindë?"
Nindë glanced at the person who had spoken and glared, "Nothing, Lady Narië. I merely wished to introduce myself with Master Targon's daughter. It is my hope that we could become friends."
Narië chortled to herself.
Indilisse looked between both them, and ended on Nindë with a brief look of consternation. "I would much like that Nindë. Perhaps you would like to accompany us to the stables this morning, Narië and I were planning on taking in a ride."
Nindë tried to hide her displeasure. Such dirty creatures horses were, and she tried her hardest to stay way from them whenever possible. She had heard stories of the horse lords of Rohan in the distant lands, and decided quickly that their culture must not be that great if they held horses, of all creatures, in such high esteem. Nindë smiled politely and brushed back a piece of her hair, "No, but I thank you for asking. We shall meet tomorrow at the bath house, then you can meet Valaina and Eruanne."
"That would be lovely, Nindë." Indilisse replied, "But if you should so change your mind, we would love to have a third."
Nindë stood up and repositioned her dress. With a finally sigh, she said, "Namarië." ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
"Three is a crowd." Narië remarked below her breath.
Indilisse watched Nindë leave. She did not much like this new elleth, just by speaking with her for these few minutes. Nindë seemed too concerned with her self more than anyone else, and Indilisse figured that it was rightly so as she had a fine Silvan appearance of silvery hair and gray eyes. And also from the reactions of Narië, Indilisse figured that she was also not as friendly as she tried to portray herself.
"She is not to be trusted?" Indilisse asked, glancing at Narië.
Narië shrugged and sipped her tea. "That is up to you to decide, Indilisse, but I do not like her. She is known for being too self-centered. And I happen to know that her sole purpose in life is to make the March Warden fall endlessly in love with her so she can say she conquered him."
Indilisse chuckled, a clear picture of the warden coming to her mind, and then one of Nindë. "Well, if anyone is suited for him, it would be her."
"Do not say that Indilisse." Narië looked at her with wide eyes. "Haldir is a very practical and noble elf. Why do you think he is March Warden after all?"
"Because Lord Celeborn told my father to name him as such." Indilisse replied.
"You do not think he deserves the title?" Narië asked, "He is the most respected male here in Lórien, save for Lord Celeborn. He demands at least some amount of respect."
Indilisse shrugged her shoulders. She was tired of hearing from everyone how it was important to befriend Haldir, or to know that he was a very sensible elf. That if anyone was worth getting to know, it would be Haldir. No wonder he seemed so conceited. People had placed him so high on a pedestal and it would be hard to knock him off.
"He was different two thousand years ago, Narië." Indilisse replied quietly, "And at that time, yes I think he was deserving of Celeborn and Galadriel's confidence, but now it seems his head has grown so large it would not even fit through the door of his talan."
Narië sat pensively, looking over the elves passing them by. "Surely the Lord and Lady would have foreseen this before asking Master Targon to do this."
Indilisse nodded and chewed on her lip thoughtfully, "Aye, you are right. It must just be my personal opinion of him because of yesterday morn."
"You do not like people who think they are better you." Narië stated this in such a matter of fact way that made Indilisse glance at the younger elleth and giggle.
"I do like that you are frank, Narië. I am much aggrieved by those who like to skirt around actual issues with me." Indilisse replied, "Like my father."
Narië clapped a friendly hand on Indilisse's shoulder and laughed, "I am always good for telling people of their errs... now shall we head to the stables for our ride?"
Indilisse stood up and cast a mirth-filled glance at Narië, "Are we sure that we should not ask Nindë for her accompaniment?"
"Let us go before you get any more delusional ideas." The handmaiden replied, pulling Indilisse's arm in the direction of the stables.
They walked in a comfortable silence to the stables, passing a few elves on the way to which Narië did a friendly duty of introducing Indilisse to more them. Indilisse liked Narië very much, not only because she had been so sweet, but because she seemed to be an elleth after her own heart, though did have their different views on the venerable March Warden.
The smell of hay, dirt and manure lingered around her nose as soon as they neared the large doors. Indilisse sighed to herself, happy to finally be in a place that she found comforting to herself. Long had she developed good relationships with any of the horses that she rode, finding that she actually had a natural infinity to somehow ensnaring animals with her captivating and low timbre of elven speech. She had often found solace within the walls of a stable or speaking with another animal because it allowed her to tell them her deepest secrets and not worry about it escaping the horse's mouth, so to speak. Or if they could speak, she thought to herself, at least they were happy with being trusted enough to withhold such secrets and would never let them out for damage to their kind maiden.
Indilisse was attracted to a dark black stallion standing near the back of the stables, his long mane and tail matching the color of his dander, the only semblance of another color was the white socks above the creature's hooves and the star of white on its massive head. She found herself drawn to the expressive eyes of the horse, and she placed her hands on either side of the animal's very strong neck to run her hands across the glossy fur. He nodded his head and whinnied slightly at her touch, nudging her shoulder with his muzzle. He was truly a fine specimen of horse, and everything about him claimed power, by the way the muscles of his withers twitched and the long tendons on his flanks, thighs and rump flexed slowly as it moved its feet.
"Such a handsome stallion, you are." She said in a soothing Quenya, and brushed back the horses hair from his eyes to which he blew out his lips in a pleased manner. "You must have many dalliances with lovely fillies." It almost seemed as if the horse had chuckled at her cooing and she stood back to look into his eyes.
"Who is the owner of this fine creature?" Indilisse questioned after some time, realizing that Narië had grown quiet and was watching her exchange with the horse.
Narië glanced at her and raised a brow with a curious amusement, "Why, such a stallion could only belong to one person, Indilisse."
She needed no more to guess the horse's owner, and let a long sigh escape her lips. It seemed only befitting that the powerful warden would need this large an animal to wield him. "That is why you are so large, mellon nin... what is his name?"
"Mornhîr." Came the reply, too deep to have come from Narië.
Indilisse and Narië turned in a perfect synchronization to glance in the direction of the stable entrance. They found the silver-haired elf leaning against the doorframe, his legs crossed and his body tipped and held by his strong shoulder against the wood frame. He was busy fiddling with a small twig of some sort and pulled it in half easily, examining it and throwing it on the ground.
Indilisse turned her gaze from him and looked back at the horse, whispering to him in a language she was sure Haldir did not know. In the harsh pronunciations of Rohirric, she sighed, "I am sorry for you, Mornhîr."
The horse whinnied, appreciating the language she used, and she figured that it was because the horse had come from the horse lords. She felt the imposing figure straighten himself and join the two ladies before the horse.
He glanced at Indilisse with a slight surprised regard, "You speak in many tongues."
"I have traveled much." Indilisse replied, wondering how long he had been standing behind her because she had used a number of different languages thus far in the conversation with the horse, from the different forms of Elvish to the common tongue and now Rohirric.
"You spend your time learning the languages of this world?" He asked, only vaguely impressed.
"I find it impertinent to the many lovely places that I have been accepted as one of their own to not learn their languages." She said and moved away from him, "Why should they have to learn mine when I am in their land?"
Haldir did not reply to her and entered the stable beside the horse. He checked the horse's shoes and then glanced up at Indilisse, "Would you care to ride him?"
Indilisse raised her brows in question, hoping that he had meant that in a purely innocent way. "Excuse me?"
"You seem good with horses." Haldir replied. "Mornhîr does not much like anyone but me riding, but he seems to like your conversation."
She smiled, patted the horse one last time and sighed, "While the invitation is tempting, and no matter how much I believe my riding capabilities are superior, I do not think that would be wise."
He glanced at her again with a slightly amused and arrogant smile, "You do not think you could handle such a powerful animal between your legs?"
Indilisse heard Narië snickering from a stall down the row, and felt her face grow warm. She turned her head to try and hide it, "That talk is uncalled for March Warden."
"Really?" He asked and turned back to the horse. "I merely asked you an innocent question, Indilisse."
She felt a slight shiver go up her back from the way he let her name roll from his tongue. Indilisse berated herself for thinking such a thing, reminding herself of the day before and all that he had done. Truly, he was not that horrible, she had to admit, but she disliked especially arrogant men. She shook her head and walked in the direction of Narië's stall.
Narië had already applied the bridles to two horses and handed Indilisse the reins of a pretty sorrel colored mare. Indilisse spoke a few things to it before easily hoping up on the back of the magnificent animal. She waited patiently for Narië to join her, but found that Haldir led his horse out of the stalls first. He took hold of the reins carefully, and easily mounted the large horse. Indilisse could not help but watch the way his large leg muscles tensed and relaxed beneath his leggings and be utterly fascinated by the sheer power that Haldir really was.
"Who are meeting to go riding with?" Indilisse asked as she carefully situated herself on the bare back of the horse, pulling her tunic so that it was not bunched beneath her seat.
"Why, you two lovely ladies of course." Haldir replied.
She gave him a skeptical look, "We did not invite you."
He smiled, "I know you did not, Master Targon did."
Indilisse grumbled a little as Narië emerged. "We do not need an escort. We are in the safest realm of Middle Earth, protected by the great Galadhrim wardens..."
"Why do you stop?" Haldir asked, "I love hearing all of the reasons why you believe you should be left alone."
She flashed an evil glare at him, "Unless of course the wardens have been given too much slack and no longer patrol the borders correctly, and now there are foul creatures lurking close to the city."
He recoiled at that, and she smiled triumphantly at herself. Finally she had gotten a decent dig into him. Haldir did not reply and turned his horse away from her silently. The last thing he needed was for Targon's daughter to start in on him about being a poor leader, even though Targon never would have.
"You might as well stay here, March Warden." Indilisse continued, "Because we will evade you at all costs."
"I was given a direct order, Indilisse." Haldir replied through gritted teeth. "And while you think it unimportant to take your father's advice, I do not."
She gave him a skeptical look, but was slightly pleased when she noticed Rúmil heading for them. Maybe he would ride with them and Narië could be with Haldir. "We are only riding around Caras Galadhon. It is safe here."
Haldir simply shrugged, "I am sorry, Indilisse, I will carry out my order no matter how much you dislike it."
Rúmil closed the distance between them, and stood beside Indilisse's horse. "Does your fair party have room for one more?"
Indilisse smiled down at Rúmil, knowing that this would make Haldir extremely perturbed. Ever since last night's happenings and knowing that Haldir had watched her like a hawk, she sensed that he was completely infatuated with her, but did not know how to show this fact in an appropriate manner. Instead he insisted on saying lackluster declarations and being uncaring of her own sensibilities.
"Why Rúmil, I am surprised you can even walk straight after last eve." She replied with a sly smile.
"I do not remember you being there, Indilisse." He said with a flirtatious grin, joking along with her. "There were so many that came to my talan, I do not know what everyone did."
Indilisse giggled and patted Rúmil's cheek, "Hurry with your horse."
Rúmil laughed, quickly moving into the stalls and returning a short time later with another very large, brown-colored horse to which he easily positioned himself atop. He glanced in her direction, "Now it will be hard seeing you ride that horse, Indilisse, and not imagine me beneath you."
She raised a brow and punched his arm. "You are incorrigible."
"You bring it on yourself, fair maiden." Rúmil laughed.
Haldir spurred his horse into gear and soon the four companions were setting out on their grand adventure. Haldir led the way, remaining particularly quiet, shooting Rúmil angry glances whenever he got the chance because he had barged in on the ride. Narië rode beside Indilisse to her left, making it seem like she was paying attention to her newest friend, but was really looking past and rather along Rúmil's lithe body. Rúmil rode to the opposite of Narië, and was paying close attention to Indilisse's movements upon the horse's back. Indilisse sat in between them, conversing lightly, and sending cursory glances at the back of Haldir's head. Who was he to press himself on the situation? If she had not known better, he might have even asked Targon if he could accompany her and Narië.
She grumbled and repositioned herself upon her mount, leaning over to Narië and whispered, "It sit to bad Nindë did not choose to join us."
Narië snickered loudly, "We would have already strangled her at the stalls. I do not wish that bloodshed on my hands."
Indilisse nodded and chuckled. "Oh, you are no fun, Narië."
"I know," Narië sighed, and turned to look back in front of her.
Nindë woke late the next morning, still recovering from the previous night's pleasurable events. Everything had gone perfectly, well almost perfectly, to plan. She had caught Haldir's attention rather easily as he sat at the head table, and she had flashed him one of her coy smiles, to which he raised his glass to her. Valaina and Eruanne had found that most pleasing and said that it was always good sign when someone did that. Nindë figured it had to be a very good sign in general to get the March Warden to do this in front of so many people, especially since their continued pairing was kept in the greatest confidence by the few that knew about it. And as if this was all not exciting enough, Haldir had made his way over to her for the first dance. At that point, Nindë had become very confident that her plan as working very well to her advantage... of course that was until she realized Haldir had somehow moved them while they were dancing to be near Rúmil and Master Targon's daughter.
She had tried her hardest to move his attention back to her, but found that his ears were straining to hear the other conversation, and tensed when the elf-maiden ran a finger down Rúmil's chest and around the contour his ear, saying that she found him just as endowed as Haldir. Nindë was unable to tell if Haldir had been angry that Indilisse compared his stature to his rather gangly younger brother or if he had been glad because he did not see Rúmil as so lanky, but she quickly tried to move him away from anymore of the situation. They continued to dance for many more songs, but she noticed that Haldir had every so often looked around and was not content until he found the new she-elf.
Disgusted with him, she asked for a respite from dancing, found her friends and watched closely as Haldir approached the maiden. The maiden made a few remarks to him pleasantly, but then Nindë realized, much to her own delight, that it looked as if she was rebuking him. He did not look so pleased either, and argued with her until she stormed away from him. Maybe this maiden had not been as bad as originally thought. Sure Haldir appeared to have an odd infatuation with her, but it was not returned, and Nindë thought this newcomer more of a much needed ally than a threat. If Nindë could somehow convince her of becoming friends, Haldir would be drawn to the group, therefore allowing more time to work on Haldir. Only after a while, when Nindë was satisfied in the direction of their relationship, would she dispose of the maiden as she saw fit.
Nindë marveled at her ingeniousness and laughed to herself, dressing quickly in a simple dress and tied her hair up in a single braid. She left her talan and headed down to the common areas and found what she had been looking for.
The elf maiden sat at a table sharing fruit and tea with Narië, the Lady's handmaiden. Nindë did not much care for Narië as Narië often made sure to let Nindë know she was wicked and licentious, to which Nindë merely replied that she had at least some assets to lure a he-elf. Nindë cleared her mind of this with a shake of her head, and walked over to the table, dropping into the seat across from the new maiden.
"Mae govannen," Nindë smiled her sweetest smile, and noted Narië's disapproving look.
The newcomer looked up at her and gave her a faint smile. She really was not all that strikingly beautiful, with the dull hair and eyes, but Nindë did not care any longer. "Hello."
"I am called Nindë," she said.
"Nindë." The elf maiden said and nodded her head, "I am Indilisse, Master Targon's daughter."
"Aye, I know." Nindë laughed, hoping it did not sound too false. "You were seated at the table with the Lord and Lady last eve."
Indilisse chuckled, "You are correct, I was. I suppose I am still quite tired and not thinking too clearly this day."
You probably drink like a dwarf, Nindë thought to herself, and you are feeling the affects, she added with a slight twitter of laughter within her throat.
"What is it that you require, Nindë?"
Nindë glanced at the person who had spoken and glared, "Nothing, Lady Narië. I merely wished to introduce myself with Master Targon's daughter. It is my hope that we could become friends."
Narië chortled to herself.
Indilisse looked between both them, and ended on Nindë with a brief look of consternation. "I would much like that Nindë. Perhaps you would like to accompany us to the stables this morning, Narië and I were planning on taking in a ride."
Nindë tried to hide her displeasure. Such dirty creatures horses were, and she tried her hardest to stay way from them whenever possible. She had heard stories of the horse lords of Rohan in the distant lands, and decided quickly that their culture must not be that great if they held horses, of all creatures, in such high esteem. Nindë smiled politely and brushed back a piece of her hair, "No, but I thank you for asking. We shall meet tomorrow at the bath house, then you can meet Valaina and Eruanne."
"That would be lovely, Nindë." Indilisse replied, "But if you should so change your mind, we would love to have a third."
Nindë stood up and repositioned her dress. With a finally sigh, she said, "Namarië." ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
"Three is a crowd." Narië remarked below her breath.
Indilisse watched Nindë leave. She did not much like this new elleth, just by speaking with her for these few minutes. Nindë seemed too concerned with her self more than anyone else, and Indilisse figured that it was rightly so as she had a fine Silvan appearance of silvery hair and gray eyes. And also from the reactions of Narië, Indilisse figured that she was also not as friendly as she tried to portray herself.
"She is not to be trusted?" Indilisse asked, glancing at Narië.
Narië shrugged and sipped her tea. "That is up to you to decide, Indilisse, but I do not like her. She is known for being too self-centered. And I happen to know that her sole purpose in life is to make the March Warden fall endlessly in love with her so she can say she conquered him."
Indilisse chuckled, a clear picture of the warden coming to her mind, and then one of Nindë. "Well, if anyone is suited for him, it would be her."
"Do not say that Indilisse." Narië looked at her with wide eyes. "Haldir is a very practical and noble elf. Why do you think he is March Warden after all?"
"Because Lord Celeborn told my father to name him as such." Indilisse replied.
"You do not think he deserves the title?" Narië asked, "He is the most respected male here in Lórien, save for Lord Celeborn. He demands at least some amount of respect."
Indilisse shrugged her shoulders. She was tired of hearing from everyone how it was important to befriend Haldir, or to know that he was a very sensible elf. That if anyone was worth getting to know, it would be Haldir. No wonder he seemed so conceited. People had placed him so high on a pedestal and it would be hard to knock him off.
"He was different two thousand years ago, Narië." Indilisse replied quietly, "And at that time, yes I think he was deserving of Celeborn and Galadriel's confidence, but now it seems his head has grown so large it would not even fit through the door of his talan."
Narië sat pensively, looking over the elves passing them by. "Surely the Lord and Lady would have foreseen this before asking Master Targon to do this."
Indilisse nodded and chewed on her lip thoughtfully, "Aye, you are right. It must just be my personal opinion of him because of yesterday morn."
"You do not like people who think they are better you." Narië stated this in such a matter of fact way that made Indilisse glance at the younger elleth and giggle.
"I do like that you are frank, Narië. I am much aggrieved by those who like to skirt around actual issues with me." Indilisse replied, "Like my father."
Narië clapped a friendly hand on Indilisse's shoulder and laughed, "I am always good for telling people of their errs... now shall we head to the stables for our ride?"
Indilisse stood up and cast a mirth-filled glance at Narië, "Are we sure that we should not ask Nindë for her accompaniment?"
"Let us go before you get any more delusional ideas." The handmaiden replied, pulling Indilisse's arm in the direction of the stables.
They walked in a comfortable silence to the stables, passing a few elves on the way to which Narië did a friendly duty of introducing Indilisse to more them. Indilisse liked Narië very much, not only because she had been so sweet, but because she seemed to be an elleth after her own heart, though did have their different views on the venerable March Warden.
The smell of hay, dirt and manure lingered around her nose as soon as they neared the large doors. Indilisse sighed to herself, happy to finally be in a place that she found comforting to herself. Long had she developed good relationships with any of the horses that she rode, finding that she actually had a natural infinity to somehow ensnaring animals with her captivating and low timbre of elven speech. She had often found solace within the walls of a stable or speaking with another animal because it allowed her to tell them her deepest secrets and not worry about it escaping the horse's mouth, so to speak. Or if they could speak, she thought to herself, at least they were happy with being trusted enough to withhold such secrets and would never let them out for damage to their kind maiden.
Indilisse was attracted to a dark black stallion standing near the back of the stables, his long mane and tail matching the color of his dander, the only semblance of another color was the white socks above the creature's hooves and the star of white on its massive head. She found herself drawn to the expressive eyes of the horse, and she placed her hands on either side of the animal's very strong neck to run her hands across the glossy fur. He nodded his head and whinnied slightly at her touch, nudging her shoulder with his muzzle. He was truly a fine specimen of horse, and everything about him claimed power, by the way the muscles of his withers twitched and the long tendons on his flanks, thighs and rump flexed slowly as it moved its feet.
"Such a handsome stallion, you are." She said in a soothing Quenya, and brushed back the horses hair from his eyes to which he blew out his lips in a pleased manner. "You must have many dalliances with lovely fillies." It almost seemed as if the horse had chuckled at her cooing and she stood back to look into his eyes.
"Who is the owner of this fine creature?" Indilisse questioned after some time, realizing that Narië had grown quiet and was watching her exchange with the horse.
Narië glanced at her and raised a brow with a curious amusement, "Why, such a stallion could only belong to one person, Indilisse."
She needed no more to guess the horse's owner, and let a long sigh escape her lips. It seemed only befitting that the powerful warden would need this large an animal to wield him. "That is why you are so large, mellon nin... what is his name?"
"Mornhîr." Came the reply, too deep to have come from Narië.
Indilisse and Narië turned in a perfect synchronization to glance in the direction of the stable entrance. They found the silver-haired elf leaning against the doorframe, his legs crossed and his body tipped and held by his strong shoulder against the wood frame. He was busy fiddling with a small twig of some sort and pulled it in half easily, examining it and throwing it on the ground.
Indilisse turned her gaze from him and looked back at the horse, whispering to him in a language she was sure Haldir did not know. In the harsh pronunciations of Rohirric, she sighed, "I am sorry for you, Mornhîr."
The horse whinnied, appreciating the language she used, and she figured that it was because the horse had come from the horse lords. She felt the imposing figure straighten himself and join the two ladies before the horse.
He glanced at Indilisse with a slight surprised regard, "You speak in many tongues."
"I have traveled much." Indilisse replied, wondering how long he had been standing behind her because she had used a number of different languages thus far in the conversation with the horse, from the different forms of Elvish to the common tongue and now Rohirric.
"You spend your time learning the languages of this world?" He asked, only vaguely impressed.
"I find it impertinent to the many lovely places that I have been accepted as one of their own to not learn their languages." She said and moved away from him, "Why should they have to learn mine when I am in their land?"
Haldir did not reply to her and entered the stable beside the horse. He checked the horse's shoes and then glanced up at Indilisse, "Would you care to ride him?"
Indilisse raised her brows in question, hoping that he had meant that in a purely innocent way. "Excuse me?"
"You seem good with horses." Haldir replied. "Mornhîr does not much like anyone but me riding, but he seems to like your conversation."
She smiled, patted the horse one last time and sighed, "While the invitation is tempting, and no matter how much I believe my riding capabilities are superior, I do not think that would be wise."
He glanced at her again with a slightly amused and arrogant smile, "You do not think you could handle such a powerful animal between your legs?"
Indilisse heard Narië snickering from a stall down the row, and felt her face grow warm. She turned her head to try and hide it, "That talk is uncalled for March Warden."
"Really?" He asked and turned back to the horse. "I merely asked you an innocent question, Indilisse."
She felt a slight shiver go up her back from the way he let her name roll from his tongue. Indilisse berated herself for thinking such a thing, reminding herself of the day before and all that he had done. Truly, he was not that horrible, she had to admit, but she disliked especially arrogant men. She shook her head and walked in the direction of Narië's stall.
Narië had already applied the bridles to two horses and handed Indilisse the reins of a pretty sorrel colored mare. Indilisse spoke a few things to it before easily hoping up on the back of the magnificent animal. She waited patiently for Narië to join her, but found that Haldir led his horse out of the stalls first. He took hold of the reins carefully, and easily mounted the large horse. Indilisse could not help but watch the way his large leg muscles tensed and relaxed beneath his leggings and be utterly fascinated by the sheer power that Haldir really was.
"Who are meeting to go riding with?" Indilisse asked as she carefully situated herself on the bare back of the horse, pulling her tunic so that it was not bunched beneath her seat.
"Why, you two lovely ladies of course." Haldir replied.
She gave him a skeptical look, "We did not invite you."
He smiled, "I know you did not, Master Targon did."
Indilisse grumbled a little as Narië emerged. "We do not need an escort. We are in the safest realm of Middle Earth, protected by the great Galadhrim wardens..."
"Why do you stop?" Haldir asked, "I love hearing all of the reasons why you believe you should be left alone."
She flashed an evil glare at him, "Unless of course the wardens have been given too much slack and no longer patrol the borders correctly, and now there are foul creatures lurking close to the city."
He recoiled at that, and she smiled triumphantly at herself. Finally she had gotten a decent dig into him. Haldir did not reply and turned his horse away from her silently. The last thing he needed was for Targon's daughter to start in on him about being a poor leader, even though Targon never would have.
"You might as well stay here, March Warden." Indilisse continued, "Because we will evade you at all costs."
"I was given a direct order, Indilisse." Haldir replied through gritted teeth. "And while you think it unimportant to take your father's advice, I do not."
She gave him a skeptical look, but was slightly pleased when she noticed Rúmil heading for them. Maybe he would ride with them and Narië could be with Haldir. "We are only riding around Caras Galadhon. It is safe here."
Haldir simply shrugged, "I am sorry, Indilisse, I will carry out my order no matter how much you dislike it."
Rúmil closed the distance between them, and stood beside Indilisse's horse. "Does your fair party have room for one more?"
Indilisse smiled down at Rúmil, knowing that this would make Haldir extremely perturbed. Ever since last night's happenings and knowing that Haldir had watched her like a hawk, she sensed that he was completely infatuated with her, but did not know how to show this fact in an appropriate manner. Instead he insisted on saying lackluster declarations and being uncaring of her own sensibilities.
"Why Rúmil, I am surprised you can even walk straight after last eve." She replied with a sly smile.
"I do not remember you being there, Indilisse." He said with a flirtatious grin, joking along with her. "There were so many that came to my talan, I do not know what everyone did."
Indilisse giggled and patted Rúmil's cheek, "Hurry with your horse."
Rúmil laughed, quickly moving into the stalls and returning a short time later with another very large, brown-colored horse to which he easily positioned himself atop. He glanced in her direction, "Now it will be hard seeing you ride that horse, Indilisse, and not imagine me beneath you."
She raised a brow and punched his arm. "You are incorrigible."
"You bring it on yourself, fair maiden." Rúmil laughed.
Haldir spurred his horse into gear and soon the four companions were setting out on their grand adventure. Haldir led the way, remaining particularly quiet, shooting Rúmil angry glances whenever he got the chance because he had barged in on the ride. Narië rode beside Indilisse to her left, making it seem like she was paying attention to her newest friend, but was really looking past and rather along Rúmil's lithe body. Rúmil rode to the opposite of Narië, and was paying close attention to Indilisse's movements upon the horse's back. Indilisse sat in between them, conversing lightly, and sending cursory glances at the back of Haldir's head. Who was he to press himself on the situation? If she had not known better, he might have even asked Targon if he could accompany her and Narië.
She grumbled and repositioned herself upon her mount, leaning over to Narië and whispered, "It sit to bad Nindë did not choose to join us."
Narië snickered loudly, "We would have already strangled her at the stalls. I do not wish that bloodshed on my hands."
Indilisse nodded and chuckled. "Oh, you are no fun, Narië."
"I know," Narië sighed, and turned to look back in front of her.