Chapter 16- Escorts
Haldir watched Indilisse closely as she walked off with Narië from the practice field, his mind still reeling from had just occurred between them. Why had she been so nervous when they handed her the ring to give to him? She blushed far too much for it to be considered a passing thought... it had to have been reoccurring. He had almost thought he saw her eyes cross at one point in time, as she got closer to him to place the ring upon his hands. Most of all, he wanted to know why he had grown so nervous around her when he knew there was no way she could love him. Especially after what he had witnessed not a few nights ago.
He had just left dinner with Master Targon and Lady Vanima and decided to take a quick stroll through the gardens to think before he turned in for the night. There was much to ponder for him, concerning not only his problems with Nindë, but also how he was going to attempt letting Indilisse know how he felt about her. He had never been on this side of a relationship once in his life. It was always the zealous elleth who was constantly trying to sink her claws into him, and he was left to make the decision if he would give in or not. But now he was the one who was utterly infatuated with one elleth, the one elleth he hoped could make his dreams come true. The one elleth he had waited for his entire life, but had never searched for.
It had been a peaceful stroll through the section of roses, and he was admiring a rather bright orange one that was still in remarkably good shape for the late days when he heard the peaceful speaking of an elleth and her ellyn. He could not blame them for taking solace in this garden, it was peaceful and allowed for a great trysting spot if one wished. Trying desperately to give them their privacy, Haldir had moved on, paying close attention to the flowers but then the whisper of a name caught his ears. It floated through the air like a feather upon a light breeze, whipping and falling ever so gracefully to the ground and it drew him nearer to the conversation.
Haldir found himself near the shrubbery, still hidden well, but with an inexplicable need to eavesdrop on what was going on between his Indilisse and the unnamed he-elf. Upon further inspection, and being granted a small glance through the bush he noticed that the tunic of the elf was of a high quality weave. He moved his head to try to see more, but his view was then impinged by the angle that the other elf turned. They were silent and he tried to shift more as stealthily as possible, and then glimpsed the elf's dark hair. Not many of the Lórien elves had hair of this color, two as a matter of fact, and both were female. However, there were now four dark- haired elves in Caras Galadhon.
The twins. Which twin? Was it Elladan or Elrohir he would have to compete with? And then he heard the words that would stab him for a lifetime.
"I will always love you, meleth nin."
His mind had gone blank right at that very moment, and all he could remember was that he felt his heart plummet to the ground and not rebound back into his chest. Why had he been so foolish to believe that someone such as Indilisse, many years old and beautiful, had not found someone to share her life with? Haldir heard something about forgiveness, but then his mind was again off on another tangent concerning who this person was. It was Elladan, Haldir had discerned from his speech patterns, and that meant he was the one who would succeed his father if anything should happen in battle or elsewhere.
Powerful. High-borne. And a complete push-over when it came to matters of the heart, almost like Orophin and Rúmil. But that perplexed Haldir. Did this mean that Nindë had been right about Indilisse? Did Indilisse truly just desire high status more than anything? He had imagined that there was something between he and Indilisse before he left for the borders; that look upon her face when she said farewell was enough to let him know he should pursue her. But it was just that... his imagination. Now that Elladan was here, though, Haldir wondered what she would want with a lowly March Warden. She had already had the Balrog Slayer and second high advisor to Elrond. She had Elrond's son. Had she also had the Mirkwood prince? After all, they had shared a few conspicuous glances since he had arrived. No, Haldir sighed to himself, she could not have. Legolas was too young.
Haldir watched again as they kissed each other, the passion and love between them unmistakable. Oh how he wished he could be in Elladan's place, kissing her, tasting her, touching her. But there was also an odd sense of regret and sorrow between them as they parted and stood to leave the garden. Why would they have that after having such a joyous interlude with each other? Maybe Indilisse regretted stringing Elladan along, if that was what she was doing. Of course, that would support Nindë's theory of Indilisse's past with Glorfindel and striving for status.
He had to leave, to somehow make himself stop thinking about this. It was Indilisse he was accusing of being a strumpet when he had been no better until she suddenly appeared with her father in Lórien. Using Nindë was not the only thing he had done and by all rights he should not have even been passing judgment upon Indilisse because he was not even free from err himself.
"Haldir?" Came an annoyed call, "Haldir?"
He glanced up at Luinil and Rúmil, blinking his eyes a few times, realizing that he had gone so far into his thoughts that he had been in a waking dream-like state. Never had he experienced that before. He was always alert and ready for action, but this time Sauron himself could have snuck up behind him and he would not have even known. "My apologies, mellon."
Luinil looked at him strangely, then let a sigh escape his lips, "Have you decided when you will be heading back to the borders?"
"No, I have not." Haldir replied, "Adrolas and his men have a month more to stand guard, so I imagine it would be soon."
Luinil nodded, "Aye, I was wondering. I overheard Master Targon discussing a new training program for wardens with Celeborn."
Haldir frowned, "Without me present?"
"Celeborn brought it up in a conversation about the growing unrest in the lands surrounding us." Luinil said and caught a glimpse of Nindë as she passed by them.
Haldir followed her for a few good seconds before turning back to Luinil, "Aye, it would be beneficial if we had a few more wardens. And now would be the best time to train them, because all of the borders are unbearably quiet, but for this evening we will not discuss any more of these unhappy matters."
Luinil smiled, "Tell me then, mellon nin. How goes Nindë?"
"That is not a happy matter." Haldir shook his head and started to walk towards the stairs that would lead to his talan.
Luinil followed closely and laughed, "Then, we shall discuss your interest with Indilisse."
He paused. Haldir was sure he had not told Luinil of this development as the last time he had really seen him was when he first engaged Indilisse in the sword fight. "I truly hate that you are so perceptive, Luinil."
"No one needs perception to see the look upon your face every time you think of her." Luinil smiled. "Or how much time you spent staring at her during the competition."
"It does not matter though." Haldir sighed heavily, "Her heart belongs to another."
"Who?" Luinil said, "You know I concern myself with the workings of the people of the city."
"I know you do, and it is quite irritating at times." He snapped at Luinil and let an acerbic laugh escape his lips. "And it is the Lord Elrond's son, Elladan, that she fancies."
Luinil was silent for a moment, then said, "Are you sure of this, Haldir?"
"Two days ago I was in the garden and heard them speaking to each other." Haldir replied, "All I really could pay attention to was the fact that they said they loved each other, and then they shared a long kiss."
"And this was before or after seeking Nindë out?"
Haldir nodded, "After."
"You know you must tell her how you feel, do you not?" Luinil said, "To let her choose."
"No." He replied adamantly. "No, I will not do that Luinil. What if she should so choose me? Elladan could be broken, and then where would that leave me with the Lady? The answer is no."
Luinil shrugged, "That is fine, but I do not wish to see you walking around Lórien with a pained expression because you did not."
They stopped in front of Haldir's talan and said their goodbyes. Haldir stepped inside his talan and let a long breath escape his lips. Maybe he should just swear off elleths all together; far too complicated and vile were they. He chuckled to himself when he decided that would never happen. He enjoyed the feeling of a smaller naked body entwined with his too much to do the unthinkable and not have an elleth grace his presence for the rest of his life. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Haldir met up with the group of elves who would be sitting at the high table that night, preparing for their descent on the celebration. They were dressed in their finery, hair braided expertly and had circlets adorning a majority of their heads. Arwen was on her father's arm, Galadriel on Celeborn's, Vanima with Targon, and then there was the rest of the waiting elves, all male and with no one to accompany. He noticed that Indilisse had not come yet, as both Glorfindel and Elladan were without an elleth. Legolas was speaking with them and Orophin upon his approach. He wished that Rúmil had won an event so he too could sit with them at the high table as this was the only reason Orophin was handed an invitation. Though, Haldir remembered with a smile, it also meant he could sit with Narië.
"My brother, good of you to join us." Orophin replied.
"I am not late. I am precisely on time." Haldir laughed, taking a step towards his brother.
"Nay, Orophin." Came an exasperated reply. Everyone turned and found the elleth making her way quickly towards them, the soft wine-colored velvet skirt flowing easily behind her. "It is I that am late. I am very sorry, my Lords and Ladies, to have kept you waiting. I was helping a friend."
Galadriel smiled, "We are on no schedule tonight, Indilisse."
"Then that is good for me." Indilisse nodded and brushed back a piece of her loose hair. Haldir watched her do this, noticing how lovely it was when completely loose and hanging elegantly on her back, the late afternoon sun bringing out the honeyed colors of her brown hair. The dress complimented her as well, the clingy fabric contouring nicely with her lithe elven form. Oh, would this meal be difficult to get through. He glanced around and notice his reactions amplified in the other unaccompanied males' faces.
"But," Celeborn spoke, "Let us not wait a moment longer."
"There is no one to accompany Indilisse, though." Arwen spoke lowly, but it was still loud enough for everyone to hear.
Indilisse glared at Arwen and sighed, "I can walk on my own."
"Indeed, you can." Galadriel laughed, "But we would not have that with so many eligible elves here."
Indilisse attempted to not roll her eyes at what the Lady was saying, trying whole heartedly to maintain some level of respectability. "Really, it is quite..."
Galadriel glanced at Haldir and smiled, "March Warden, would you be her escort?"
Haldir nodded his head and glanced in Indilisse's direction, finding a look of bitterness. He did not know if it was deigned for him along or for Galadriel pushing them together. She probably wanted to be with Elladan, not him, but then Galadriel would have known that. Was Galadriel trying to keep her away from Elladan? "It would be a great honor, my Lady."
Indilisse sighed heavily and took his left arm. Haldir really wished that she would show a little more enthusiasm that would not make him feel like an unwanted pain. He glanced at Elladan's direction to see the look upon his face, but he seemed as impassive as he usually was, and if this situation had been less than desirable to him, he was doing a superb job at hiding it. Glorfindel's smirk caught his attention, and Haldir sighed to himself as she shook his head.
The group of elves started out for the celebration, and Indilisse finally turned to him, "I am sorry, Haldir, for my impertinence."
He smiled, "I have known you for awhile now, Indilisse, and I have never known you to apologize for something like this."
She glanced up at him and licked her lips before answering. That simple gesture whether she meant it to mean something greater or not, made him wonder what it would be like to have her tongue on him. Indilisse giggled, "That is true, I suppose, but it was wrong of me to try and refuse such an admirable elf's arm."
A moment of shock washed over him as he looked down into her green-brown eyes. "Who are you and what have you done with the flaming-tongued elleth I knew before I last left for the borders?"
"She is here, but her mind is elsewhere." Indilisse said with another sigh.
"Can I beg you to tell me where it has gone?" He chuckled lowly.
Indilisse glanced at him, "Are you mocking me again, March Warden?"
"Hardly, milady." He replied. "I only ask out of the care of a friend's heart."
She turned to look ahead of her, remaining silent for a few moments. "I am only thinking of Narië. My mind is with her tonight as she tries to tame Rúmil."
Haldir smiled, "I do not think she will have to try so hard to break him, Indilisse. I have never seen him in such a perpetual state of the unsure over an elleth."
"Has he told you anything?" Indilisse asked, "About his intentions?"
"Even if he did, it is privileged between brothers." Haldir said and looked down at her.
She grumbled, repeating what he said in a sarcastic manner. "You know, people would like you more if you were good at spreading gossip. I just know you are full of all these secrets that you will never tell anyone because you think it is fun to watch the elf in question suffer over the vital information you hold."
Does that include my secret of loving you, he asked himself. He sighed heavily and cleared his throat slightly. "You will know what is going to happen between them by the time the night is out."
"But I wish to know now, Haldir." She replied evenly.
"Patience is a virtue." Haldir chuckled.
"I have lived over two thousand years Haldir, and for once I would like to not be bound by patience." Indilisse argued. "All elves' lives are patience."
He smiled softly, "Having patience would have been an asset to you in Imladris, would it not?"
She paused suddenly, staring up at him, but he pulled her back into the walking entourage. "What do you mean by that?"
"You were too impatient for another, so you went straight for Lord Elrond's advisor." He said, wishing as soon as he had said it in such a way that he could take it back.
Indilisse's brows raised questioningly and she scoffed, "You should not speak of which you do not know."
Haldir was silent for a moment, thinking carefully as to what he should say. "Then maybe you would explain to me what happened."
"I do not need to explain anything to you, March Warden." She replied in a slightly louder voice.
"Why not? Maybe Nindë was right about you." He said, remaining even in is voice pattern.
"Leave that elleth out of this Haldir!" She said, exasperated. "How dare you-."
Before she could continue, Orophin's arm slipped around Indilisse's other arm and smiled at them. Haldir did not know if he should thank Orophin from stopping the escalating problem or if he should be outraged that he wedged himself in the topic at hand. There was silence between all three of them, and they came out onto the bustling celebration. Luckily for them the tables were near and he was able to let her go before he said anything else he would regret.
Orophin stayed back with his brother and sat next to him, "You know, you would get further with her if you did not act so brutish and arrogant."
"I was hardly being 'brutish'." Haldir replied, carefully positioning himself in his seat. "It is her fault. She brings it on herself with her aloof behavior. If she was not so antagonistic..."
Orophin afforded him with an unimpressed look, "You know, you are perfect for each other. Both of you can successfully get under each other's skin and spread your barbs out. She is the only one, I fear, that could ever possibly stand up to your bullheadedness."
"Let us drop this subject now, Orophin, before I truly do become angry and it ruins the evening." Haldir replied, reaching quickly for his wine goblet as soon as it was poured.
"You do not deserve someone so amazing as Indilisse, if you always give her the kind of attention you do." Orophin replied under his breath, "She should not be constantly derided as you do to her. You cannot show you love like that. Any normal elleth..."
Haldir glared at him and said bitingly, "She is no normal elleth."
"Do you see what I am trying to say, though?" Orophin asked.
"No, I do not. You speak in riddles." Haldir snapped and turned his attention away from Orophin. He sighed to himself and shook his head, realizing what he was doing. He was subconsciously trying to push her away so he would not have to deal the intensity of his feelings towards her. Haldir was by no means an easily swayed elf when it came to emotions, but with her he could not help but be utterly intoxicated one moment, enraged the next and end in an envious passion. He had never experienced these myriad of feelings before and it worried him. Was this truly what love was like? Or was this mere infatuation?
Haldir watched Indilisse closely as she walked off with Narië from the practice field, his mind still reeling from had just occurred between them. Why had she been so nervous when they handed her the ring to give to him? She blushed far too much for it to be considered a passing thought... it had to have been reoccurring. He had almost thought he saw her eyes cross at one point in time, as she got closer to him to place the ring upon his hands. Most of all, he wanted to know why he had grown so nervous around her when he knew there was no way she could love him. Especially after what he had witnessed not a few nights ago.
He had just left dinner with Master Targon and Lady Vanima and decided to take a quick stroll through the gardens to think before he turned in for the night. There was much to ponder for him, concerning not only his problems with Nindë, but also how he was going to attempt letting Indilisse know how he felt about her. He had never been on this side of a relationship once in his life. It was always the zealous elleth who was constantly trying to sink her claws into him, and he was left to make the decision if he would give in or not. But now he was the one who was utterly infatuated with one elleth, the one elleth he hoped could make his dreams come true. The one elleth he had waited for his entire life, but had never searched for.
It had been a peaceful stroll through the section of roses, and he was admiring a rather bright orange one that was still in remarkably good shape for the late days when he heard the peaceful speaking of an elleth and her ellyn. He could not blame them for taking solace in this garden, it was peaceful and allowed for a great trysting spot if one wished. Trying desperately to give them their privacy, Haldir had moved on, paying close attention to the flowers but then the whisper of a name caught his ears. It floated through the air like a feather upon a light breeze, whipping and falling ever so gracefully to the ground and it drew him nearer to the conversation.
Haldir found himself near the shrubbery, still hidden well, but with an inexplicable need to eavesdrop on what was going on between his Indilisse and the unnamed he-elf. Upon further inspection, and being granted a small glance through the bush he noticed that the tunic of the elf was of a high quality weave. He moved his head to try to see more, but his view was then impinged by the angle that the other elf turned. They were silent and he tried to shift more as stealthily as possible, and then glimpsed the elf's dark hair. Not many of the Lórien elves had hair of this color, two as a matter of fact, and both were female. However, there were now four dark- haired elves in Caras Galadhon.
The twins. Which twin? Was it Elladan or Elrohir he would have to compete with? And then he heard the words that would stab him for a lifetime.
"I will always love you, meleth nin."
His mind had gone blank right at that very moment, and all he could remember was that he felt his heart plummet to the ground and not rebound back into his chest. Why had he been so foolish to believe that someone such as Indilisse, many years old and beautiful, had not found someone to share her life with? Haldir heard something about forgiveness, but then his mind was again off on another tangent concerning who this person was. It was Elladan, Haldir had discerned from his speech patterns, and that meant he was the one who would succeed his father if anything should happen in battle or elsewhere.
Powerful. High-borne. And a complete push-over when it came to matters of the heart, almost like Orophin and Rúmil. But that perplexed Haldir. Did this mean that Nindë had been right about Indilisse? Did Indilisse truly just desire high status more than anything? He had imagined that there was something between he and Indilisse before he left for the borders; that look upon her face when she said farewell was enough to let him know he should pursue her. But it was just that... his imagination. Now that Elladan was here, though, Haldir wondered what she would want with a lowly March Warden. She had already had the Balrog Slayer and second high advisor to Elrond. She had Elrond's son. Had she also had the Mirkwood prince? After all, they had shared a few conspicuous glances since he had arrived. No, Haldir sighed to himself, she could not have. Legolas was too young.
Haldir watched again as they kissed each other, the passion and love between them unmistakable. Oh how he wished he could be in Elladan's place, kissing her, tasting her, touching her. But there was also an odd sense of regret and sorrow between them as they parted and stood to leave the garden. Why would they have that after having such a joyous interlude with each other? Maybe Indilisse regretted stringing Elladan along, if that was what she was doing. Of course, that would support Nindë's theory of Indilisse's past with Glorfindel and striving for status.
He had to leave, to somehow make himself stop thinking about this. It was Indilisse he was accusing of being a strumpet when he had been no better until she suddenly appeared with her father in Lórien. Using Nindë was not the only thing he had done and by all rights he should not have even been passing judgment upon Indilisse because he was not even free from err himself.
"Haldir?" Came an annoyed call, "Haldir?"
He glanced up at Luinil and Rúmil, blinking his eyes a few times, realizing that he had gone so far into his thoughts that he had been in a waking dream-like state. Never had he experienced that before. He was always alert and ready for action, but this time Sauron himself could have snuck up behind him and he would not have even known. "My apologies, mellon."
Luinil looked at him strangely, then let a sigh escape his lips, "Have you decided when you will be heading back to the borders?"
"No, I have not." Haldir replied, "Adrolas and his men have a month more to stand guard, so I imagine it would be soon."
Luinil nodded, "Aye, I was wondering. I overheard Master Targon discussing a new training program for wardens with Celeborn."
Haldir frowned, "Without me present?"
"Celeborn brought it up in a conversation about the growing unrest in the lands surrounding us." Luinil said and caught a glimpse of Nindë as she passed by them.
Haldir followed her for a few good seconds before turning back to Luinil, "Aye, it would be beneficial if we had a few more wardens. And now would be the best time to train them, because all of the borders are unbearably quiet, but for this evening we will not discuss any more of these unhappy matters."
Luinil smiled, "Tell me then, mellon nin. How goes Nindë?"
"That is not a happy matter." Haldir shook his head and started to walk towards the stairs that would lead to his talan.
Luinil followed closely and laughed, "Then, we shall discuss your interest with Indilisse."
He paused. Haldir was sure he had not told Luinil of this development as the last time he had really seen him was when he first engaged Indilisse in the sword fight. "I truly hate that you are so perceptive, Luinil."
"No one needs perception to see the look upon your face every time you think of her." Luinil smiled. "Or how much time you spent staring at her during the competition."
"It does not matter though." Haldir sighed heavily, "Her heart belongs to another."
"Who?" Luinil said, "You know I concern myself with the workings of the people of the city."
"I know you do, and it is quite irritating at times." He snapped at Luinil and let an acerbic laugh escape his lips. "And it is the Lord Elrond's son, Elladan, that she fancies."
Luinil was silent for a moment, then said, "Are you sure of this, Haldir?"
"Two days ago I was in the garden and heard them speaking to each other." Haldir replied, "All I really could pay attention to was the fact that they said they loved each other, and then they shared a long kiss."
"And this was before or after seeking Nindë out?"
Haldir nodded, "After."
"You know you must tell her how you feel, do you not?" Luinil said, "To let her choose."
"No." He replied adamantly. "No, I will not do that Luinil. What if she should so choose me? Elladan could be broken, and then where would that leave me with the Lady? The answer is no."
Luinil shrugged, "That is fine, but I do not wish to see you walking around Lórien with a pained expression because you did not."
They stopped in front of Haldir's talan and said their goodbyes. Haldir stepped inside his talan and let a long breath escape his lips. Maybe he should just swear off elleths all together; far too complicated and vile were they. He chuckled to himself when he decided that would never happen. He enjoyed the feeling of a smaller naked body entwined with his too much to do the unthinkable and not have an elleth grace his presence for the rest of his life. ____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Haldir met up with the group of elves who would be sitting at the high table that night, preparing for their descent on the celebration. They were dressed in their finery, hair braided expertly and had circlets adorning a majority of their heads. Arwen was on her father's arm, Galadriel on Celeborn's, Vanima with Targon, and then there was the rest of the waiting elves, all male and with no one to accompany. He noticed that Indilisse had not come yet, as both Glorfindel and Elladan were without an elleth. Legolas was speaking with them and Orophin upon his approach. He wished that Rúmil had won an event so he too could sit with them at the high table as this was the only reason Orophin was handed an invitation. Though, Haldir remembered with a smile, it also meant he could sit with Narië.
"My brother, good of you to join us." Orophin replied.
"I am not late. I am precisely on time." Haldir laughed, taking a step towards his brother.
"Nay, Orophin." Came an exasperated reply. Everyone turned and found the elleth making her way quickly towards them, the soft wine-colored velvet skirt flowing easily behind her. "It is I that am late. I am very sorry, my Lords and Ladies, to have kept you waiting. I was helping a friend."
Galadriel smiled, "We are on no schedule tonight, Indilisse."
"Then that is good for me." Indilisse nodded and brushed back a piece of her loose hair. Haldir watched her do this, noticing how lovely it was when completely loose and hanging elegantly on her back, the late afternoon sun bringing out the honeyed colors of her brown hair. The dress complimented her as well, the clingy fabric contouring nicely with her lithe elven form. Oh, would this meal be difficult to get through. He glanced around and notice his reactions amplified in the other unaccompanied males' faces.
"But," Celeborn spoke, "Let us not wait a moment longer."
"There is no one to accompany Indilisse, though." Arwen spoke lowly, but it was still loud enough for everyone to hear.
Indilisse glared at Arwen and sighed, "I can walk on my own."
"Indeed, you can." Galadriel laughed, "But we would not have that with so many eligible elves here."
Indilisse attempted to not roll her eyes at what the Lady was saying, trying whole heartedly to maintain some level of respectability. "Really, it is quite..."
Galadriel glanced at Haldir and smiled, "March Warden, would you be her escort?"
Haldir nodded his head and glanced in Indilisse's direction, finding a look of bitterness. He did not know if it was deigned for him along or for Galadriel pushing them together. She probably wanted to be with Elladan, not him, but then Galadriel would have known that. Was Galadriel trying to keep her away from Elladan? "It would be a great honor, my Lady."
Indilisse sighed heavily and took his left arm. Haldir really wished that she would show a little more enthusiasm that would not make him feel like an unwanted pain. He glanced at Elladan's direction to see the look upon his face, but he seemed as impassive as he usually was, and if this situation had been less than desirable to him, he was doing a superb job at hiding it. Glorfindel's smirk caught his attention, and Haldir sighed to himself as she shook his head.
The group of elves started out for the celebration, and Indilisse finally turned to him, "I am sorry, Haldir, for my impertinence."
He smiled, "I have known you for awhile now, Indilisse, and I have never known you to apologize for something like this."
She glanced up at him and licked her lips before answering. That simple gesture whether she meant it to mean something greater or not, made him wonder what it would be like to have her tongue on him. Indilisse giggled, "That is true, I suppose, but it was wrong of me to try and refuse such an admirable elf's arm."
A moment of shock washed over him as he looked down into her green-brown eyes. "Who are you and what have you done with the flaming-tongued elleth I knew before I last left for the borders?"
"She is here, but her mind is elsewhere." Indilisse said with another sigh.
"Can I beg you to tell me where it has gone?" He chuckled lowly.
Indilisse glanced at him, "Are you mocking me again, March Warden?"
"Hardly, milady." He replied. "I only ask out of the care of a friend's heart."
She turned to look ahead of her, remaining silent for a few moments. "I am only thinking of Narië. My mind is with her tonight as she tries to tame Rúmil."
Haldir smiled, "I do not think she will have to try so hard to break him, Indilisse. I have never seen him in such a perpetual state of the unsure over an elleth."
"Has he told you anything?" Indilisse asked, "About his intentions?"
"Even if he did, it is privileged between brothers." Haldir said and looked down at her.
She grumbled, repeating what he said in a sarcastic manner. "You know, people would like you more if you were good at spreading gossip. I just know you are full of all these secrets that you will never tell anyone because you think it is fun to watch the elf in question suffer over the vital information you hold."
Does that include my secret of loving you, he asked himself. He sighed heavily and cleared his throat slightly. "You will know what is going to happen between them by the time the night is out."
"But I wish to know now, Haldir." She replied evenly.
"Patience is a virtue." Haldir chuckled.
"I have lived over two thousand years Haldir, and for once I would like to not be bound by patience." Indilisse argued. "All elves' lives are patience."
He smiled softly, "Having patience would have been an asset to you in Imladris, would it not?"
She paused suddenly, staring up at him, but he pulled her back into the walking entourage. "What do you mean by that?"
"You were too impatient for another, so you went straight for Lord Elrond's advisor." He said, wishing as soon as he had said it in such a way that he could take it back.
Indilisse's brows raised questioningly and she scoffed, "You should not speak of which you do not know."
Haldir was silent for a moment, thinking carefully as to what he should say. "Then maybe you would explain to me what happened."
"I do not need to explain anything to you, March Warden." She replied in a slightly louder voice.
"Why not? Maybe Nindë was right about you." He said, remaining even in is voice pattern.
"Leave that elleth out of this Haldir!" She said, exasperated. "How dare you-."
Before she could continue, Orophin's arm slipped around Indilisse's other arm and smiled at them. Haldir did not know if he should thank Orophin from stopping the escalating problem or if he should be outraged that he wedged himself in the topic at hand. There was silence between all three of them, and they came out onto the bustling celebration. Luckily for them the tables were near and he was able to let her go before he said anything else he would regret.
Orophin stayed back with his brother and sat next to him, "You know, you would get further with her if you did not act so brutish and arrogant."
"I was hardly being 'brutish'." Haldir replied, carefully positioning himself in his seat. "It is her fault. She brings it on herself with her aloof behavior. If she was not so antagonistic..."
Orophin afforded him with an unimpressed look, "You know, you are perfect for each other. Both of you can successfully get under each other's skin and spread your barbs out. She is the only one, I fear, that could ever possibly stand up to your bullheadedness."
"Let us drop this subject now, Orophin, before I truly do become angry and it ruins the evening." Haldir replied, reaching quickly for his wine goblet as soon as it was poured.
"You do not deserve someone so amazing as Indilisse, if you always give her the kind of attention you do." Orophin replied under his breath, "She should not be constantly derided as you do to her. You cannot show you love like that. Any normal elleth..."
Haldir glared at him and said bitingly, "She is no normal elleth."
"Do you see what I am trying to say, though?" Orophin asked.
"No, I do not. You speak in riddles." Haldir snapped and turned his attention away from Orophin. He sighed to himself and shook his head, realizing what he was doing. He was subconsciously trying to push her away so he would not have to deal the intensity of his feelings towards her. Haldir was by no means an easily swayed elf when it came to emotions, but with her he could not help but be utterly intoxicated one moment, enraged the next and end in an envious passion. He had never experienced these myriad of feelings before and it worried him. Was this truly what love was like? Or was this mere infatuation?