A/N: I picture the Fall Harvest to resemble the American Thanksgiving.
Imagine friends and family together, talking, cooking, eating, drinking.
The men watching the Thanksgiving Day football game while the women chatter
and sidle together over theloud shouts. Just a basic time to give thanks
for the pleasures that they have received the past year and to prepare for
the upcoming winter.
Also a side note- I follow what Legolas said about his age ("500 times have
the red leaves fallen...")
With that said, I give you Chapter 15.
Chapter 15- A Ring
Such a beautiful day it had been thus far. The light among the trees was peaceful and soft, the air cool with the gentle breeze. The cooks had been busy at work preparing the Harvest meal, the handmaidens running about setting tables, and some other male elves standing around to help where help was needed. Seamstresses sprinkled their cheer about in the autumn- colored fabric, decorating tables and draping luxurious fabric about the structures surrounding the celebration field. Musicians had prepared their instruments and voices for the evening.
Now, however, all posts but those in the kitchens were abandoned and a great exodus of Lórien elves was made towards the practice field for the Fall Harvest fighting skills competition that would pit warrior against warrior and friend against friend for the designation of being the best combatant.
Indilisse had forgotten about this long-held tradition, and she had heard in passing that this would be the first in a long time that such a competition was held in Lórien, as the Lord and Lady had been traveling to Imladris for the past years with Arwen for the seasonal festivities. She looked around at the people sitting beside her. Celeborn and Galadriel sat next to each other, with Elrond and Arwen sitting to their left, speaking peacefully and discussing whom they thought would win the events. Indilisse figured that Elladan and Elrohir would participate, and that was why they were not around, but still sat on the edge of her seat, trying to see over the many elven heads to the group of competitors gathering between the trunks of two large mellyrn far in the distance. She had not even noticed that her mother had been watching her intently while speaking with her father.
A horn sounded throughout the air, calling the elves to their seats and starting the procession of warriors into the fields, dressed in their finest battle gear. At the head of the column was Haldir, adorned in his crimson cloak, golden armor and large armaments. He walked rather stiffly beside the twins, casting glances at them that she could not decide whether they were to seriously appraise them or to send them a message to stay back because he would be the one to win. On the other side of Haldir walked with Glorfindel, also in fine armor that she had not realized that the Imladris elves had toted with them from their home. Legolas walked fluidly across the ground with his head held high to Glorfindel's left, in a simple green and brown tunic.
In the time that she had spent in Mirkwood, she spent a vast majority with her mother in the healer's house and had watched the princeling come in nearly day after day to get some form of healing bestowed upon him. Sometimes his ailments were simple and wounds were only superficial. A few times he had come in with a broken bone or had an arrow lodged in a leg or tearing his skin open. Needless to say, during her time in Mirkwood, she had decided that as an elfling, Legolas was the most accident prone elf to ever walk this side of Arda. And it made her wonder why he was confident enough to come to such a competition without any protection other than the leather gauntlets on his arms, seeing as all of the other noble warriors, at least two millennia older than he, were dressed in body armor. Maybe things had changed since she had last seen him, but it still made her smile that he was the cocky prince that she had left back in Mirkwood, along time ago.
"What are you smiling about, iell nin?"
Indilisse turned to her mother and sighed, "No reason, Nana. Just thinking about Legolas' accidents back in Mirkwood."
Vanima laughed, nodding her head, "Let me tell you, Indilisse, he has not gotten any better. A smooth and skilled fighter he has become, but still he gets injured in the most unusual ways I could have ever deemed possible."
She giggled and turned back to the approaching elves. Haldir halted the column and bowed his head, placing a hand to his heart towards the Lord and Lady. He looked at Celeborn and then Galadriel before smiling, "My Lord and Lady of Lórien, I present to you the esteemed warriors for this competition of brawn and skill."
"Thank you, March Warden." Celeborn said, looking over the elves before them, as if he was trying to choose whom he would risk his money on in the wager. Indilisse giggled to herself again as she thought of the mighty Lord wagering against Lord Elrond and her father, both mighty lords of their own rights. And she was even more surprised that Galadriel allowed it to go on, as she figured that she would probably condone the practice as being quite mind-dulling. But then again, there was no point in hiding it as she knew all.
Each of the other elves in turn bowed their heads, many of them saying to Galadriel that they would win the competition for her. Indilisse knew that it was an accepted custom for he-elves to let the highest female nobility know they wished to show off for her, but Indilisse found it quite comical in all its reasons, especially since it just seemed as if the warriors were doing this for show and customary.
However, she was not prepared for when Elladan bowed to her and said, "I know I should bow to my grandmother and tell her I would win her the battle, but I think she already has enough to try for her honor."
Indilisse smiled, leaning over the railing upon the platform they were sitting. "Hannon le, hîr nin. Berio le Eru."
She noticed the wink he gave as he turned away, and she was sure everyone else did, especially by the way Haldir was giving her disapproving glances. Trying to disregard Haldir, Indilisse turned to watch as the rest of the fighters continued their way over to the line for the archery contest. The first group of elves that prepared themselves included Rúmil and Legolas, and the round of arrows that went for the target landed easily in the center circles. Upon further inspection, Legolas' colored fletching gave away that he indeed was the closest to the center. In the same manner, the second group took their positions and prepared their bows.
Feeling eyes upon her, she glanced around and found that Haldir's eyes were squarely staring at her. He did not seem to mind that he was doing it so openly, and continued to look at her with a somewhat disgusted look. Indilisse balled up her fists. Why was he acting like this? Was he really that upset about what Elladan did? Had she just not noticed his expressions prior to this event? She knew that Haldir was a pedant when it came to customs and honoring the high elves, but this was Elladan who had done what he did. He was the Lord and Lady's grandson, for Elbereth's sake, and Indilisse herself had not made him say what he had by any trick she possessed. It was on Elladan's own free will... and yet Haldir was still concerning her with his intense gazes and often times, glares.
Indilisse chewed thoughtfully on her lip, unaware that Galadriel had been listening the entire time until she remarked, "Indilisse, be not troubled. There are other reasons he acts so."
She glanced up at the Lady and realized that this had been communicated through her thoughts and not by mouth, so no one else knew of what they were speaking. Their eyes connected and Galadriel afforded her a soft smile before turning her attention back to the activities on the field. It unnerved Indilisse that Galadriel had the powers to do this, and it made her ponder just how much the Lady knew.
The elves dwindled down until there were but three standing in a line with each other. Haldir, Elladan and Legolas stood together, discussing the test to determine who would be the winner of the archery contest. They agreed, nodding their heads before turning back to the targets. The score keeper announced the game to be one where each archer was required to shoot all of his arrows around the target's eyes, and then one directly in the center. The one who achieved this in the shortest amount of time and most neatly would win. Shooting then commenced, and as the three elves fired their arrows in the three targets in rapid succession, the elves all around held their breaths more and more to see who would win. Stepping back, each admired their own work, until it was called a draw between the three. Indilisse was glad for that because she did not much welcome the idea of having to choose her favorite.
On to the next events the elves went, all battling valiantly for the title of Harvest Champion and the honor of sitting at the Lord and Lady's table at the banquet that evening. Rounding out the day was a sword competition. Different pairings battled, and earned so many points for each check they made on the other elf. The first elf to reach five points was moved on to the next round. In the end, there stood the March Warden and the Balrog Slayer pitted against each other in a grueling battle of agility and swiftness.
At one point she got so lost in the rapid parrying of blows and the metallic clang of sword against sword, she had not noticed Glorfindel's sword thrown across the field with a swift movement of Haldir's scimitar. Glorfindel quickly responded by grabbing two knives from their sheaths near his boots, and used those parry until he could again reclaim his sword. This proved to be difficult, though, with Haldir carefully guarding the elven weaponry from his foe. She then noticed the ferocity within Haldir's eyes. Almost vengeful were his eyes, and far more serious than what she had seen in their own duel. With her he had been amused, but still held that passion as he wielded the sword expertly, but now he was into full warrior mode and it worried her that if he were not stopped that he could severely hurt Glorfindel.
Indilisse chuckled to herself and shook her head, not believing she had thought Haldir would seriously injure Glorfindel. After all, Glorfindel had slain a Balrog and lived to tell about it... well he did pass through the Halls of Mandos for a short time, but he did have enough courage to face Morgoth's demons. She glanced back at Haldir. If he were lit on fire right then, he could have been considered a Balrog by the look of evil upon his features. All he needed was a flaming whip, as his large stature easily mirrored that of the ancient evil.
The elves around them were growing anxious and began to stand to get a better vantage of the fight. Indilisse was one of those, and moved to railing, holding so tightly onto the wooden poll that her knuckles were turning white. The tally of checks had gone beyond record, and now it was a fight until one wore out, gave up or drew blood. Finally, as if sensing her want for the ferocity to be over, Haldir made a quick flick of his wrist, casting away one of Glorfindel's knives, and with another swoop of the sword, sent the Slayer onto his back. Haldir held his sword to his throat and finally stopped enough to leer down at him, his chest heaving in erratic ways as he struggled to catch his breath, making his breastplate rise and fall against him. His hair clung to his sweaty forehead and neck, the braid down the back now pulled and messed.
"Do you yield, Balrog Slayer?" Haldir asked defiantly.
"I yield, but not because you have beat me." Glorfindel replied, "I yield because I do not wish to make a fool out of you."
Indilisse was surprised at his comment and watched as Haldir reached down to help Glorfindel to his feet, sharing a annoyed laugh with each other. Haldir slapped his hand on Glorfindel's back and was pulled away to collect his prize. All of the winners of the different events were announced and told to come up to receive their prizes for their efforts. Having seen a tourney of this sort in Gondor, she knew what would happen next but expected it to be far more restrained than that of Men.
Galadriel stood with Arwen and turned to Vanima and Indilisse, "Would you help us to present our winners with their prizes?"
Vanima smiled and nodded, standing up before it had time to register in Indilisse's thoughts. Her mother pulled her to her feet and they walked with Galadriel to stand before the champions. She had hoped to be placed in front of a neutral elf, like Legolas who was being awarded for his triumph at a specialized archery contest. But nothing could be that simple and Indilisse stopped in front of Haldir. She slowly raised her eyes from his shiny breastplate to his sweaty neck, to finally meet his gray eyes as they peered down at her in the leer that he had given Glorfindel a few moments before hand.
A servant stood by with the rewards upon a silver platter. Galadriel each gave each of the elleths theirs to present the warrior standing in front of them. Indilisse was last to collect hers and to say that she was a slightly uncomfortable with Haldir's prize would have been a huge understatement. She picked the large mithril ring off of the platter with her nimble fingers, dropping it onto her palm feeling weight of it and the white diamonds encrusted on the top of the ring. Feeling the curious glances, she looked down the row of combatants and found that all were sneaking glances in their direction, especially Orophin who stood beside his brother as he was the winner of a foot race.
Indilisse cleared her throat and again glanced up at Haldir, praying to Elbereth that her blush faded enough so he could not see it. She was not ready to let him know he affected her in such a way. While the others said their congratulations, Indilisse tried to form coherent thoughts in her head, but the scent of Haldir's sweat-soaked clothing swept by her nose and she was intoxicated. She had heard that this smell was particularly enticing to females in an odd way, but she had never been entranced by the smell of grime and dirt before. Not even when she was with Elladan had she ever allowed him close without bathing first. But now, with him standing before her, his scent filling her nose, she understood. It all made sense. Maybe this was supposed to happen if you were linked to another and meant to be together.
Haldir cleared his throat agitatedly, interrupting her reveries. Indilisse blushed again and looked at him, "Le maethor veleg a gornui, Haldir. Mae carnen."
She noticed that the other presenters were placing the various prize objects on their respective elf, one a fine cloak, another a small quiver wrought with jewels, and yet another with a silver gauntlets. Indilisse glanced at the ring in her hand again, looking between it and Haldir's hand a few times more, trying to decide how best to approach this. Indilisse finally just reached for his right hand, and placed the ring upon his ring finger. She lifted her head again and closed in to place a kiss on his cheek, just as the others had done. One thing she had not expected from Haldir, though, was his sudden sharp intake of breath when her lips brushed his cheek. She stepped back and a final announcement was made about the banquet to ensue later that night, and there was a final round of applause for the winners of the tourney. Before she could say anything, he was grabbed away by a demanding friend who insisted on speaking with him privately.
Indilisse sighed to herself and turned back around to find someone to speak with, and found that none other than Nindë stood to the side of the field glaring at her. As if she had heard her plight for companionship, Narië appeared at Indilisse's side. "How was your view from the prime seats, Indilisse? I almost could not see Rúmil when he was competing the archery competitions."
"They were fine." Indilisse replied, glancing at the smiling elleth. "Is tonight the night for you two?"
"I pray to Elbereth every hour." Narië said with a small smile.
Indilisse giggled, "Just get him alone, and all will be well."
Narië nodded, "Aye, and I will remember to stay away from too much wine this evening in case I should meet Glorfindel."
With a glare, Indilisse gave Narië shove and huffed, "Fine, now it is only you and Glorfindel who find it funny."
"I do not find it funny," Narië said. "I only see it as a way to torment you."
"There by finding it funny." Indilisse looked at her and turned her attention back to the elves around her.
"Oh, and to warn you for later, Indilisse," Narië sighed, "Rúmil and Orophin know of your past... mistake with Elladan and Glorfindel. Apparently Elrohir told them two nights ago because Elladan rushed off quickly."
Two nights ago was the night that she and Elladan had spoken to each other. That would have given Rúmil and Orophin enough time to tell Haldir of Elladan, and also would account for the looks she had been receiving throughout the day. Indilisse grumbled to herself, "Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful."
Narië placed her arm around Indilisse and giggled, "I would not worry, they are pretty tight lipped on such issues."
"Orophin, aye some of the time he is tight lipped." Indilisse gave her an incredulous look, "But Rúmil?"
"Aye, you have a point." Narië paused, "But I still do not have reason to believe he will go shouting it from the trees."
"You are right, dear friend." Indilisse said.
Narië smiled, "Let us go prepare for the feast and discuss this later."
*-*-*-*
iell nin- my daughter Nana- Mom Hannon le, hir nin. Berio le Eru- thank you, my lord. May Eru protect you. Le maethor veleg a gornui, Haldir. Mae carnen- you are a mighty and brave warrior, Haldir. Well done.
With that said, I give you Chapter 15.
Chapter 15- A Ring
Such a beautiful day it had been thus far. The light among the trees was peaceful and soft, the air cool with the gentle breeze. The cooks had been busy at work preparing the Harvest meal, the handmaidens running about setting tables, and some other male elves standing around to help where help was needed. Seamstresses sprinkled their cheer about in the autumn- colored fabric, decorating tables and draping luxurious fabric about the structures surrounding the celebration field. Musicians had prepared their instruments and voices for the evening.
Now, however, all posts but those in the kitchens were abandoned and a great exodus of Lórien elves was made towards the practice field for the Fall Harvest fighting skills competition that would pit warrior against warrior and friend against friend for the designation of being the best combatant.
Indilisse had forgotten about this long-held tradition, and she had heard in passing that this would be the first in a long time that such a competition was held in Lórien, as the Lord and Lady had been traveling to Imladris for the past years with Arwen for the seasonal festivities. She looked around at the people sitting beside her. Celeborn and Galadriel sat next to each other, with Elrond and Arwen sitting to their left, speaking peacefully and discussing whom they thought would win the events. Indilisse figured that Elladan and Elrohir would participate, and that was why they were not around, but still sat on the edge of her seat, trying to see over the many elven heads to the group of competitors gathering between the trunks of two large mellyrn far in the distance. She had not even noticed that her mother had been watching her intently while speaking with her father.
A horn sounded throughout the air, calling the elves to their seats and starting the procession of warriors into the fields, dressed in their finest battle gear. At the head of the column was Haldir, adorned in his crimson cloak, golden armor and large armaments. He walked rather stiffly beside the twins, casting glances at them that she could not decide whether they were to seriously appraise them or to send them a message to stay back because he would be the one to win. On the other side of Haldir walked with Glorfindel, also in fine armor that she had not realized that the Imladris elves had toted with them from their home. Legolas walked fluidly across the ground with his head held high to Glorfindel's left, in a simple green and brown tunic.
In the time that she had spent in Mirkwood, she spent a vast majority with her mother in the healer's house and had watched the princeling come in nearly day after day to get some form of healing bestowed upon him. Sometimes his ailments were simple and wounds were only superficial. A few times he had come in with a broken bone or had an arrow lodged in a leg or tearing his skin open. Needless to say, during her time in Mirkwood, she had decided that as an elfling, Legolas was the most accident prone elf to ever walk this side of Arda. And it made her wonder why he was confident enough to come to such a competition without any protection other than the leather gauntlets on his arms, seeing as all of the other noble warriors, at least two millennia older than he, were dressed in body armor. Maybe things had changed since she had last seen him, but it still made her smile that he was the cocky prince that she had left back in Mirkwood, along time ago.
"What are you smiling about, iell nin?"
Indilisse turned to her mother and sighed, "No reason, Nana. Just thinking about Legolas' accidents back in Mirkwood."
Vanima laughed, nodding her head, "Let me tell you, Indilisse, he has not gotten any better. A smooth and skilled fighter he has become, but still he gets injured in the most unusual ways I could have ever deemed possible."
She giggled and turned back to the approaching elves. Haldir halted the column and bowed his head, placing a hand to his heart towards the Lord and Lady. He looked at Celeborn and then Galadriel before smiling, "My Lord and Lady of Lórien, I present to you the esteemed warriors for this competition of brawn and skill."
"Thank you, March Warden." Celeborn said, looking over the elves before them, as if he was trying to choose whom he would risk his money on in the wager. Indilisse giggled to herself again as she thought of the mighty Lord wagering against Lord Elrond and her father, both mighty lords of their own rights. And she was even more surprised that Galadriel allowed it to go on, as she figured that she would probably condone the practice as being quite mind-dulling. But then again, there was no point in hiding it as she knew all.
Each of the other elves in turn bowed their heads, many of them saying to Galadriel that they would win the competition for her. Indilisse knew that it was an accepted custom for he-elves to let the highest female nobility know they wished to show off for her, but Indilisse found it quite comical in all its reasons, especially since it just seemed as if the warriors were doing this for show and customary.
However, she was not prepared for when Elladan bowed to her and said, "I know I should bow to my grandmother and tell her I would win her the battle, but I think she already has enough to try for her honor."
Indilisse smiled, leaning over the railing upon the platform they were sitting. "Hannon le, hîr nin. Berio le Eru."
She noticed the wink he gave as he turned away, and she was sure everyone else did, especially by the way Haldir was giving her disapproving glances. Trying to disregard Haldir, Indilisse turned to watch as the rest of the fighters continued their way over to the line for the archery contest. The first group of elves that prepared themselves included Rúmil and Legolas, and the round of arrows that went for the target landed easily in the center circles. Upon further inspection, Legolas' colored fletching gave away that he indeed was the closest to the center. In the same manner, the second group took their positions and prepared their bows.
Feeling eyes upon her, she glanced around and found that Haldir's eyes were squarely staring at her. He did not seem to mind that he was doing it so openly, and continued to look at her with a somewhat disgusted look. Indilisse balled up her fists. Why was he acting like this? Was he really that upset about what Elladan did? Had she just not noticed his expressions prior to this event? She knew that Haldir was a pedant when it came to customs and honoring the high elves, but this was Elladan who had done what he did. He was the Lord and Lady's grandson, for Elbereth's sake, and Indilisse herself had not made him say what he had by any trick she possessed. It was on Elladan's own free will... and yet Haldir was still concerning her with his intense gazes and often times, glares.
Indilisse chewed thoughtfully on her lip, unaware that Galadriel had been listening the entire time until she remarked, "Indilisse, be not troubled. There are other reasons he acts so."
She glanced up at the Lady and realized that this had been communicated through her thoughts and not by mouth, so no one else knew of what they were speaking. Their eyes connected and Galadriel afforded her a soft smile before turning her attention back to the activities on the field. It unnerved Indilisse that Galadriel had the powers to do this, and it made her ponder just how much the Lady knew.
The elves dwindled down until there were but three standing in a line with each other. Haldir, Elladan and Legolas stood together, discussing the test to determine who would be the winner of the archery contest. They agreed, nodding their heads before turning back to the targets. The score keeper announced the game to be one where each archer was required to shoot all of his arrows around the target's eyes, and then one directly in the center. The one who achieved this in the shortest amount of time and most neatly would win. Shooting then commenced, and as the three elves fired their arrows in the three targets in rapid succession, the elves all around held their breaths more and more to see who would win. Stepping back, each admired their own work, until it was called a draw between the three. Indilisse was glad for that because she did not much welcome the idea of having to choose her favorite.
On to the next events the elves went, all battling valiantly for the title of Harvest Champion and the honor of sitting at the Lord and Lady's table at the banquet that evening. Rounding out the day was a sword competition. Different pairings battled, and earned so many points for each check they made on the other elf. The first elf to reach five points was moved on to the next round. In the end, there stood the March Warden and the Balrog Slayer pitted against each other in a grueling battle of agility and swiftness.
At one point she got so lost in the rapid parrying of blows and the metallic clang of sword against sword, she had not noticed Glorfindel's sword thrown across the field with a swift movement of Haldir's scimitar. Glorfindel quickly responded by grabbing two knives from their sheaths near his boots, and used those parry until he could again reclaim his sword. This proved to be difficult, though, with Haldir carefully guarding the elven weaponry from his foe. She then noticed the ferocity within Haldir's eyes. Almost vengeful were his eyes, and far more serious than what she had seen in their own duel. With her he had been amused, but still held that passion as he wielded the sword expertly, but now he was into full warrior mode and it worried her that if he were not stopped that he could severely hurt Glorfindel.
Indilisse chuckled to herself and shook her head, not believing she had thought Haldir would seriously injure Glorfindel. After all, Glorfindel had slain a Balrog and lived to tell about it... well he did pass through the Halls of Mandos for a short time, but he did have enough courage to face Morgoth's demons. She glanced back at Haldir. If he were lit on fire right then, he could have been considered a Balrog by the look of evil upon his features. All he needed was a flaming whip, as his large stature easily mirrored that of the ancient evil.
The elves around them were growing anxious and began to stand to get a better vantage of the fight. Indilisse was one of those, and moved to railing, holding so tightly onto the wooden poll that her knuckles were turning white. The tally of checks had gone beyond record, and now it was a fight until one wore out, gave up or drew blood. Finally, as if sensing her want for the ferocity to be over, Haldir made a quick flick of his wrist, casting away one of Glorfindel's knives, and with another swoop of the sword, sent the Slayer onto his back. Haldir held his sword to his throat and finally stopped enough to leer down at him, his chest heaving in erratic ways as he struggled to catch his breath, making his breastplate rise and fall against him. His hair clung to his sweaty forehead and neck, the braid down the back now pulled and messed.
"Do you yield, Balrog Slayer?" Haldir asked defiantly.
"I yield, but not because you have beat me." Glorfindel replied, "I yield because I do not wish to make a fool out of you."
Indilisse was surprised at his comment and watched as Haldir reached down to help Glorfindel to his feet, sharing a annoyed laugh with each other. Haldir slapped his hand on Glorfindel's back and was pulled away to collect his prize. All of the winners of the different events were announced and told to come up to receive their prizes for their efforts. Having seen a tourney of this sort in Gondor, she knew what would happen next but expected it to be far more restrained than that of Men.
Galadriel stood with Arwen and turned to Vanima and Indilisse, "Would you help us to present our winners with their prizes?"
Vanima smiled and nodded, standing up before it had time to register in Indilisse's thoughts. Her mother pulled her to her feet and they walked with Galadriel to stand before the champions. She had hoped to be placed in front of a neutral elf, like Legolas who was being awarded for his triumph at a specialized archery contest. But nothing could be that simple and Indilisse stopped in front of Haldir. She slowly raised her eyes from his shiny breastplate to his sweaty neck, to finally meet his gray eyes as they peered down at her in the leer that he had given Glorfindel a few moments before hand.
A servant stood by with the rewards upon a silver platter. Galadriel each gave each of the elleths theirs to present the warrior standing in front of them. Indilisse was last to collect hers and to say that she was a slightly uncomfortable with Haldir's prize would have been a huge understatement. She picked the large mithril ring off of the platter with her nimble fingers, dropping it onto her palm feeling weight of it and the white diamonds encrusted on the top of the ring. Feeling the curious glances, she looked down the row of combatants and found that all were sneaking glances in their direction, especially Orophin who stood beside his brother as he was the winner of a foot race.
Indilisse cleared her throat and again glanced up at Haldir, praying to Elbereth that her blush faded enough so he could not see it. She was not ready to let him know he affected her in such a way. While the others said their congratulations, Indilisse tried to form coherent thoughts in her head, but the scent of Haldir's sweat-soaked clothing swept by her nose and she was intoxicated. She had heard that this smell was particularly enticing to females in an odd way, but she had never been entranced by the smell of grime and dirt before. Not even when she was with Elladan had she ever allowed him close without bathing first. But now, with him standing before her, his scent filling her nose, she understood. It all made sense. Maybe this was supposed to happen if you were linked to another and meant to be together.
Haldir cleared his throat agitatedly, interrupting her reveries. Indilisse blushed again and looked at him, "Le maethor veleg a gornui, Haldir. Mae carnen."
She noticed that the other presenters were placing the various prize objects on their respective elf, one a fine cloak, another a small quiver wrought with jewels, and yet another with a silver gauntlets. Indilisse glanced at the ring in her hand again, looking between it and Haldir's hand a few times more, trying to decide how best to approach this. Indilisse finally just reached for his right hand, and placed the ring upon his ring finger. She lifted her head again and closed in to place a kiss on his cheek, just as the others had done. One thing she had not expected from Haldir, though, was his sudden sharp intake of breath when her lips brushed his cheek. She stepped back and a final announcement was made about the banquet to ensue later that night, and there was a final round of applause for the winners of the tourney. Before she could say anything, he was grabbed away by a demanding friend who insisted on speaking with him privately.
Indilisse sighed to herself and turned back around to find someone to speak with, and found that none other than Nindë stood to the side of the field glaring at her. As if she had heard her plight for companionship, Narië appeared at Indilisse's side. "How was your view from the prime seats, Indilisse? I almost could not see Rúmil when he was competing the archery competitions."
"They were fine." Indilisse replied, glancing at the smiling elleth. "Is tonight the night for you two?"
"I pray to Elbereth every hour." Narië said with a small smile.
Indilisse giggled, "Just get him alone, and all will be well."
Narië nodded, "Aye, and I will remember to stay away from too much wine this evening in case I should meet Glorfindel."
With a glare, Indilisse gave Narië shove and huffed, "Fine, now it is only you and Glorfindel who find it funny."
"I do not find it funny," Narië said. "I only see it as a way to torment you."
"There by finding it funny." Indilisse looked at her and turned her attention back to the elves around her.
"Oh, and to warn you for later, Indilisse," Narië sighed, "Rúmil and Orophin know of your past... mistake with Elladan and Glorfindel. Apparently Elrohir told them two nights ago because Elladan rushed off quickly."
Two nights ago was the night that she and Elladan had spoken to each other. That would have given Rúmil and Orophin enough time to tell Haldir of Elladan, and also would account for the looks she had been receiving throughout the day. Indilisse grumbled to herself, "Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful."
Narië placed her arm around Indilisse and giggled, "I would not worry, they are pretty tight lipped on such issues."
"Orophin, aye some of the time he is tight lipped." Indilisse gave her an incredulous look, "But Rúmil?"
"Aye, you have a point." Narië paused, "But I still do not have reason to believe he will go shouting it from the trees."
"You are right, dear friend." Indilisse said.
Narië smiled, "Let us go prepare for the feast and discuss this later."
*-*-*-*
iell nin- my daughter Nana- Mom Hannon le, hir nin. Berio le Eru- thank you, my lord. May Eru protect you. Le maethor veleg a gornui, Haldir. Mae carnen- you are a mighty and brave warrior, Haldir. Well done.