Chapter 21- Abominable Elleths (of Doom)

She sighed for what seemed like the millionth time, and Haldir once again looked down at her to make sure she was alright. They had been quiet for most of their return trip, which he was not necessarily thankful for because it allowed Indilisse time to pay attention to other things than speaking. She could concentrate on the beautifully changing scenery, or listen to the bird songs... or she could be completely concerned with the stiffened elven appendage pressing against her backside. He felt his face grow warm just thinking about the fact that she definitely knew he was aroused by her, and also was ashamed of himself that he was unable to control the reaction with her around. She did not deserve to be treated like some nameless elleth that he lusted after. Nay, Indilisse was worth more than the One Ring and commanded more respect than any other elleth in Arda, besides Galadriel and Arwen.

But then again, was it a good thing that she would know exactly what he did to her so she did not doubt his feelings with her? Why could he not just tell her he loved her and been done with it?

Rejection. That was the thing that was forever holding him back from letting his true feelings be known. He wanted to tell her that he would lavish her in all the love, passion and friendship she could ever need in her life. But what would she say? Would she feel the same about him? She did not seem to exhibit the least bit of abhorrence to him, and he had been there and in full mental capacity to feel her kissing him back with the same fervor he had shown her. The passion between them had almost been too intense to fathom, and he knew they would have both done something they would regret later if she had not stopped them. Maybe that was his sign that she was not in love with him. Though, Haldir had to rationalize- it was all he felt capable to do at this point- and decided that Indilisse was also an elf with the same urges and temptations anyone else had.

He had argued with himself over these issues so many times that it hurt his mind to think about it any longer. And yet, with Indilisse so close and seemingly content within his grasp upon the horse, his mind went racing right back to the beginning of his validation process. Soon. He would tell her soon. After they had spent more time together and he was sure that she at least felt something for him other than lust.

So involved with his thoughts, like he had been doing too often lately, he barely heard Indilisse's melodic voice ask him a question. "Huh?"

Indilisse smiled softly, now turning her head slightly to glance back at him. "Have you seen Rúmil or Narië today?"

"Before I found you under that tree." Haldir replied, "It sickens me how they are so clingy to each other."

She giggled, "They are newly bound, Haldir. You do not think you would be like that when you too have made your commitment."

"If I my make a commitment." He sighed heavily.

"You would not have to look so hard." Indilisse replied, turning her eyes back to the road in front of them. "There are plenty in Lórien that could make you happy."

Haldir breathed nervously, wishing that their conversation was not taking this path. Not when professing his love for her was right on the tip of his tongue. "Aye, there are."

Indilisse leaned back into him a little more, "But sometimes the best things in life are right under your nose."

He tensed in his seat, and Mornhîr reacted with a slightly faster gait up to the city. Oh Elbereth, she probably felt that reaction as well. Why was she saying these things? Was she searching for information for herself or for whether or not he had any other intentions than to bed her and move on? "I do not understand what you mean, Indilisse."

"Nothing." She shook her head and sighed. "Nothing."

Wonderful! Now he was going to be left in a state of ambiguity because she decided for once in her life not to let her feelings and opinions known to the entire land. As if their ride home had not been quiet enough, now it was painfully silent and Indilisse had tried her hardest to stay further away from him, not resting back against his chest.

Finally they made it back into the city, this time many more elves seeing their entrance than the ones that had seen their departure. Everyone glanced at them with their own accusatory and suspicious eyes, and Haldir felt infinitely small for the first time in his life. Maybe not small, more uncomfortable with all the attention upon him because he was with an elleth. And not just any elleth, Master Targon's daughter. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nindë walking along a nearby bridge and stopping suddenly, peering pointedly down at him. Haldir smiled to himself and shook his head, continuing on, knowing that Nindë was not worth a second look.

He dismounted first, landing quietly on the ground outside the stables, and then helping Indilisse down from the large animal. She turned to him and smiled slightly, brushing his cheek before walking to Mornhîr's head and saying a few words of thanks for a lovely ride. Indilisse turned back to Haldir, grabbing the reins from him, "I will take him and put him away since you made him ready earlier."

Haldir smiled, placing his hand over her much smaller one before tightening his grasp, "Let us do this together."

Indilisse nodded her head and walked with him into the stables. They were quiet once more as he set to removing the light saddle and she began loosening the bit and bridle from the horses head. Haldir was not paying attention to where he was turning as he lifted the saddle up to place over the stall wall, and Indilisse not where she was turning back from hanging up the halter. He had nudged her enough with his swift movements that she fell back onto a tall pile of clean hay. Quickly, he put the saddle on the wall and turned back to her, he was sure with a horrified expression upon his face, only to find her laughing hysterically.

"I am so sorry, Indilisse," Haldir said, extending his hand to help her to her feet. "That was the least elflike thing I could have done."

She laughed harder and took his hand, but pulled him down on top of her before he had a chance to lift her up. He fell atop her, completely startled with her reactions and looked down into her eyes until she was quiet. "Your face is most precious when you do not expect things like that to happen to you."

"You did this just to see my reaction?" He asked, bewildered.

Indilisse smiled and shook her head, placing her hands on his cheeks. She lifted her head a few inches and placed a soft kiss upon his lips. After another longer sensuous kiss, she pulled back and giggled, "That was the reason I pulled you down. It was only an unfortunate coincidence that you happened to collide with me with that saddle and I ended up back in the pile of hay."

Haldir raised a brow, finding Indilisse's behavior odd. "I am sorry for that."

"Do not be sorry." She said, running her fingers over the arch of a dark brow, to brush back a piece f silver hair behind his ear.

He found this the most endearing thing anyone had ever done to him, almost as if he were a small elfling and had come in from the healers because he had been playing too recklessly with others. Haldir sighed against her leaned in to kiss her, but he sensed the approach of another elf and quickly stood up, hoping Indilisse did not assume the wrong thing about this. He helped her up and brushed the hay off her back, and glanced at her to find that she was not angry, having seemingly sensed the same thing as well.

Indilisse, as if reading his mind, touched his hand softly and walked out of Mornhîr's stall. "My lord, what brings you to the stables today?"

"I have business to attend to with the March Warden, Indilisse."

Haldir grumbled, wishing Celeborn to go away. All he wanted to do was spend more time with Indilisse, but it looked as if that would not be happening today. Then, almost as instantly as he wished that, he scolded himself for thinking that way about his Lord and surrogate father.

"Might you know where he has gone?" Celeborn asked.

"I believe he was tending to Mornhîr, milord." Indilisse chuckled. Haldir wished she could see what her expression was now, but from the sound of the gaiety in her voice, he imagined some type of goofy grin.

"Thank you, Indilisse. Did you enjoy the pleasure trip?" Celeborn asked again, Haldir able to pick up on the amusement in the Lord's voice. And then Haldir realized the ramifications of what could possibly be taken from his question.

"It was lovely, milord." Indilisse responded, "But I really should be going."

Haldir heard her retreat and then the quiet clicking of Celeborn's tongue across his teeth in mock disappointment. A few moments later, Celeborn rounded the corner and smiled at him. "Good afternoon, my lord."

Celeborn waited for Haldir to exit the stall before speaking, "I have come on an errand from my wife."

"What does the Lady bid?" Haldir asked, following at Celeborn's side.

"I will reveal to you plainly what she has told me in riddle." Celeborn replied, "You are to tell a certain elleth that you care for her."

"But I do not even know if she cares for me..." Haldir said quietly.

Celeborn narrowed his eyes, leveling with Haldir's gaze and giving him a long hard look. "Galadriel would not tell you to do this if she did not see more."

Haldir paused. That was true. But why was the Lady taking such an interest in his love life. She was never known to interfere with elves personal lives unless they were in danger of hurting themselves or others. Was he in danger of hurting Indilisse? Another? "Why did she give you this task?"

"She figured it would be better to have a male speak to you on this matter." Celeborn replied, "I do not see why as you take everything my wife says to heart."

Haldir chuckled lightly, and nodded his head, "Aye, I do."

Celeborn sighed and smiled before continuing, "Also I had business with you concerning the training."

Haldir followed Celeborn back to the high talan, deep in conversation, but also deep in thought about the puzzling task Galadriel had given him. He had to tell her? Now? Later? He could not tell her yet. She would know in due time, though if Galadriel had seen anything into the future eh wondered what it was. Was it bad or was it good? Haldir grumbled to himself, struggling to pay attention to Lord Celeborn.

"So the herald has delivered all of the invitations?" Haldir asked.

Celeborn nodded, "Luinil gave them to him a few hours ago. Tell me, Haldir, how do you really feel about Targon being around to teach your wardens?"

Haldir shrugged, "I have not opinion, my lord. He was my mentor, and I am sure he still has much that even I could learn, but I do worry that they find an allegiance with Targon rather than myself, when I will be the one commanding them when Targon leaves for Valinor."

"Targon knows this, and spoke with me about it earlier." Celeborn said, glancing at Haldir, "He said that you will have full leadership."

"Aye, I know." Haldir nodded, "I am not very worried, my lord. Everything should go well, and we will have another fine young group of wardens in no time, benefiting not only from Master Targon's skills, but from the skills of your grandsons."

Celeborn chuckled, "They are very happy to help you, Haldir, but you forgetting the person with the most important skills."

Haldir sighed, "Thank you, my lord."

"No, Haldir, I thank you. I know I can place my full trust in you to run the Lórien warriors, because you have proven that faith time and time again." Celeborn said, "My attentions can be better spent overseeing other things than spending my time guarding Caras Galadhon."

Haldir smiled, "Then you are welcome, my lord."

Celeborn sighed and looked above him for a moment, seeing that Galadriel was descending the stairway. "I will leave you be now, Haldir."

"Namarie." Haldir replied, watching the robed lord glide effortlessly over to Galadriel. Now he could about his business and wonder endlessly about what Galadriel and Celeborn were trying to do about anything between him and Indilisse.

Nindë stormed back to Valaina's talan. How dare that evil, no good, excuse for an elleth think she could have Haldir? Nindë threw back the wooden door, startling her two friends that were still there, and stood melodramatically in the doorway until someone spoke.

"What is it, Nindë?" Eruanne asked, jumped to run to her friend.

Nindë slammed the door shut behind her and let out a helpless sob. "She is evil! She came here to ruin my life!"

"Who, Nindë?" Valaina questioned as she too jumped up and helped Eruanne carry the sobbing elleth to the chaise lounge to lay down and rest.

"Who do you think I am speaking of?!" Nindë screeched, paining any elf's ears that were in a one mile radius. Her sounds and exaggeration of the issue made her seem wholly like a spoiled human child and not a millennia and a half year old elleth.

Valaina shook her head and left Nindë's side to pour a goblet of strong wine. "Indilisse?"

Eruanne raised a brow, "What is so wrong with Lady Indilisse? I met her at the festival last eve, and she seemed quiet lovely, compared to our previous expectations."

Nindë glared at Eruanne, "And you call yourself my friend! Is it not apparent that Haldir has now bestowed all of attention upon her, thereby leaving me in the dust?"

Valaina returned with the wine and handed it Nindë to sip. "She is horrible, Eruanne. To think that Indilisse actually believe she will bind for love! It is absurd. Everyone knows that you must find a decent husband not based on the qualities besides his stature and station in Arda."

Eruanne pursed her lips, "But I do believe that there is an elf out there that you are meant to be with for the rest of your life."

"You are wrong!" Nindë exclaimed, feigning her disbelief with a heavy sigh and a hand to her brow as she fell back on the chaise. "Haldir is mine! She cannot have him! And somehow she has made him believe that I am despicable!"

"But you are despicable, Nindë." Eruanne moved away from them, and sat in a far chair. Valaina took up Eruanne's spot and grabbed Nindë's had as if she were lying on her death bed. Nindë was more than pleased that she could play people so well. With another heavy sigh, Nindë laid back on the chaise, 'struggling' to sip her wine. Nindë set the goblet down beside her, and rolled her head in an almost uncontrolled way before looking up at Valaina. Her friend said a few comforting words, carefully caressing her cheek.

"What has made you think like this, mellon?" Valaina asked, brushing a piece of Nindë's hair back from her face.

"I saw them..." Nindë sobbed, "Riding together!"

"That is not so bad." Eruanne spoke from her spot, not looking up from her stitching. Both Valaina and Nindë stopped suddenly, casting her a silencing glare.

Nindë continued, "Together, on the same horse! It is so infuriating! I had him eating from the palm of my very hand not two months ago, and she shows up, ruining it all. I was so close to gaining entry to that bedroom of his. So close! I almost had him say he loved me..."

Valaina cooed quietly, to try and calm Nindë down from her hysterics. "What do you plan to do about it?"

"I do not know! I cannot think right now." Nindë said, her sobs finally slowly to a tiny trickle of tears. "But I will come up with something."

Eruanne stood up and sighed, collecting her things. "I will see you two later."

"Where are you going? I need you here!" Nindë growled, growing increasingly angry that more people were not paying attention to and fawning all over her.

"I am meeting Elladan for a walk this afternoon, thank you very much." Eruanne said, walking to the door. "Farewell."

The remaining two watched Eruanne close the door and Valaina turned back to Nindë, "At least she has made a decent choice."

"But she thinks love is the determining factor in a relationship." Nindë repeated, "And to think that she would find it in one of Lord Elrond's sons! Maybe she could secure Elrohir for you, Valaina."

Valaina frowned, "I wish for the Balrog Slayer."

Nindë laughed, "Your hopes are high. Elladan and... Elladan... wait."

"Wait what?" Valaina asked curiously.

Nindë let a slow, pleased smile cross her face, "That is it! That is what I will do!"

"Tell me, do not leave me guessing, Nindë." Valaina said excitedly.

"Have you noticed the resemblances between Eruanne and Indilisse?"

Valaina thought for a moment, thinking of the dark golden-haired Indilisse and her slightly dirtier blonde counterpart, Eruanne. She nodded her head, "Aye, they do have a resemblance, but it is vague. Anyone who looked at their faces would see the difference."

"Then we will make it so that no one can see her face." Nindë said.

"What will this plan entail?" Valaina asked.

Nindë sighed, and took a long sip of her wine, letting it burn down her throat before looking at Valaina, "Careful and exacting measures so we can plant the seed of doubt in the March Warden's mind."

--- mellon- friend namarie- farewell