Title: First Kisses
Series: The Elf Children
Author: Mayetra
Rating: G
Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property. Hwest is all mine!
Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Allow Me To Introduce Myself
Archive: Emerald Inkwell; LAF list; Elf Lore, and Northern Fences
Author's Note: Since there are no dates of birth for Legolas, Haldir, Orophin, or Rúmil, I am taking poetic license with their ages. Also, Elladan and Elrohir are 102 years older than Arwen. Elves reach adulthood between 50 and 100 years. For purposes of this story, I have decided to make 100 the age of adulthood and I am making Arwen only 30 years younger than her brothers. The children's ages are as follows: Haldir - 62, Elladan and Elrohir - 60, Rúmil - 40, Leggy - 30, Arwen - 30, and Orophin - 20.
Summary: Love is in the air and kisses get exchanged.
*~*
14 Coirë* 170 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien
Haldir and his little gang sat in their clubhouse looking thoroughly depressed. It wasn't because of the pink and lace décor or the fact that Arwen was cheerfully arranging flowers in a vase on the table. Something much more disturbing had put them in a gloomy mood.
It was so horrifying that they couldn't bring themselves to speak of it, though they each knew the others were thinking the same things. It was Arwen who finally brought up the dreaded subject.
"So, have you boys decided who you are going to ask?" She looked hopefully at the small group.
They scowled at her, except for Orophin who was playing with Hwest*.
"I mean, you do not have much time and you know what my grandmother said," she continued, ignoring their sour expressions.
"Do not remind us of the doom we face," Haldir muttered glumly.
"Tis a fate worse than defilement by Orcs," Elladan added in a hopeless sort of voice.
"My mother keeps telling me that I will like them one day," Legolas said with a shudder.
"Honestly, you would think that you were being asked to do something horrible," Arwen said angrily. Her hopeful expression now wiped away by the obvious lack of enthusiasm from her companions.
"Easy for you to say, Sister. You are one of. of them!" Elrohir said in a rare outburst.
"Who would want a mangy, ugly, repulsive Elfling like you to ask them to the dance?" Arwen retorted.
"I am not mangy! You are the repulsive one, Arwen. Just like all your she- Elf friends," Elrohir shot back.
"You smell like a rancid piece of Orc dung." Arwen was furious.
"Well, I can always take a bath! However, I hope that when you grow up, you fall in love with a shaggy, dirty Human and marry him," Elrohir said viciously.
Arwen gasped. "I would never, ever stoop so low as to marry a. a nasty, ugly Human." She promptly burst into tears and ran from the talan.
Hwest promptly reminded Orophin that he had business elsewhere in the city, preferably as far away from the gloomy faces in the talan as possible. He quietly made his exit and went in search of Lord Celeborn. He had his own troubles and didn't need Haldir or the others taking out their depression on him.
"That was a brilliant display, Elrohir. I mean, your sister is annoying under the best of circumstances, but I would remind you that we need dates for the dance and she could have helped us find them." Haldir shot his friend an exasperated look.
"Now we have to go ask them ourselves," Rúmil added gloomily. He secretly wanted to ask Arwen, but now he just knew she would say no.
Legolas was thinking the same thing. He thought Arwen was very pretty, but general opinion was that girls were gross, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
"I am not afraid of asking one of the girls," Elladan said suddenly.
"I never said I was afraid," Haldir said quickly, maybe a little too quickly.
"But what if they want to." Elrohir trailed off and looked around nervously. He continued in a low tone, ". kiss us."
"Yuck," the other boys groaned in unison, though some of them were thinking of girls they wouldn't mind kissing, and not just Rúmil and Legolas.
"I am still not afraid, but I am NOT kissing a girl," Haldir said adamantly.
"There is nothing for it. We must go out there and ask a girl to the dance," Elladan said suddenly. "My grandmother was very specific about that."
They all stood and walked slowly to the talan's exit with very heavy steps.
*~*
Orophin clambered up the ladder to the central talan that housed Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel's court and living quarters. He scampered through the throne room and headed for the hallway that lead to Lord Celeborn's library.
He knocked and waited patiently to be admitted. He heard the muffled command to enter and opened the door.
Celeborn watched as his favorite Elfling entered the library, closing the door behind him. Orophin had a very serious expression on his face, and Celeborn hoped for Haldir's sake, it wasn't because of him. The elder Elf would put Orophin's brother over his knee if he were the cause of the little Elfling's distress.
Once Orophin and Hwest were settled comfortably in his lap, Celeborn asked, "What causes you to have such a long face, little one?"
"My Lord, I want to get married."
Celeborn managed to resist laughing at the little Elf's solemn announcement. "Did you have any one in particular picked out?"
Orophin's face took on a dreamy expression. "Oh yes, my Lord. She is the most prettiest Elf in all of the world, expect for Mama and the Lady."
"And does this she-Elf have a name?" Celeborn was desperate to keep the amusement from his voice.
"Ohtarie," Orophin said her name like a sigh.
Celeborn searched his memory and put a face to the name. She was a sweet, shy little Elf about Orophin's age with golden hair and blue eyes. She was always accompanied by Fanui*, a stuffed white cat that Galadriel had presented to her on her first birthday.
"I want to marry her, and we will have lots of babies." Orophin puffed his chest out.
Celeborn grinned. "There is plenty of time to worry about marriage and babies, Orophin. How does Ohtarie feel about all this?"
Orophin's face fell. "I do not know, my Lord."
So this is the root of Orophin's troubles, Celeborn thought to himself. "Have you not talked to her?"
The little Elfling shook his head. "No, my Lord."
"Why not?"
Tears welled in Orophin's big blue eyes. "Because her father is the Chief of the City Guard, and he scares me. What if he thinks I am not worthy?"
Celeborn hugged the weeping Elfling to him. "Hush, baby. Do not weep. You are the worthiest Elf in the kingdom, and I am not the only one who sees that. Ohtarie's father is fair and just, put your question to him and you will see what I mean.
Celeborn made a mental note to speak to her father as soon as their little audience was done.
Orophin left Celeborn's private study feeling happier then he had for weeks. He would seek out Ohtarie's father just as soon as he had time to prepare himself. He would ask Mama to help him.
*~* Elladan and Elrohir stared at the dark hair twins standing opposite them. One of the girls giggled, and the boys both blushed.
"Did you want to ask us something?" Aerlinn asked. Her sister, Aratû, giggled again.
"Y-y-yes," Elladan managed to stammer. "W-w-we want to know if you will g-g- go to the. thing. ah. dance w-with us."
Elrohir nodded vigorously, looking as if he had just been told to drink Orc urine.
The girls giggled again.
"That would be lovely," Aerlinn answered for them. "What color tunics will you be wearing?"
"What?" Elladan looked confused.
"You know, so we can wear matching dresses." Aerlinn explained, wondering if all boys were so stupid.
"Ah. well. I think blue." Elladan looked wildly at Elrohir. His brother just shrugged.
"Okay. We will wear blue too." Aerlinn smiled shyly. "Would you like to walk with us in the garden?"
Elladan's eyes bugged out. "Now?"
"Yes, silly. So we can talk and get to know each other."
"Why would we want to do that?" Elrohir blurted out.
The girls' faces fell, and Elladan's male instincts for self-preservation kicked in. "What my brother is trying to say is, we would rather wait until the dance it would be. lovelier then."
The girls beamed at them and Elladan said goodbye quickly before dragging his brother away.
*~*
Rúmil didn't know why he went searching for Arwen. He didn't even remember thinking he would, yet here he stood on the edge of the little glade where she sat, weeping. The next thing he knew, he was sitting next to her with a comforting arm thrown awkwardly around her shoulder.
"What do you want?" Arwen glared at him through her tears.
Rúmil swallowed painfully. "Iwantedtoknowifyouwouldgotothedancewithme."
Arwen brightened a bit. "What?"
Rúmil turned crimson from his neck to the very tips of his ears. "I... I. I. You. dance. me. go."
Arwen beamed and before Rúmil could stop her, she throw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. "Oh yes, Rúmil, I would love to. Thank you for asking me."
A strange smile spread across Rúmil's face, and he nodded dumbly. He didn't remember leaving the glade or making his way back to the talan. He could only remember the sweet tingling on his cheek where Arwen had kissed him.
*~*
Haldir regarded his prey. She was standing quietly in a group of giggling females. He arched a brow as he considered the best way to separate her from the herd. She would do nicely, he thought. Shy, sweet, did not giggle incessantly and she made him feel funny in his stomach, like he had swallowed a bunch of butterflies.
He decided the best way to win the battle was to charge right in. He approached the group and ignored the simpering looks the other females gave him.
"I want to talk to you, Sûle."
Sûle just nodded.
"What do you want to talk to her about?" One of the other girls asked, causing the whole pack to giggle madly.
Haldir glared at the girl who spoke and effective silenced the group. He looked back at Sûle. "Follow me, now."
Sûle followed him, even though it was more a command then a request.
Once they were away from the group, Haldir stopped and faced her.
"Has anyone asked you to the dance yet?"
"No," she said quietly.
"Good. You can go with me."
"Okay."
"Good. Go away now," Haldir ordered her.
Sûle nodded and stalked back to the group.
That was easy, Haldir thought.
*~*
Indil couldn't believe Sûle's luck. The handsomest Elf in all of Caras Galadon had asked her to the dance. Indil had loved Haldir for as long as she could remember. She wandered through the gardens trying to get control of her emotions. She wanted to be happy for her friend, but it hurt because no one had asked her to the dance.
The sound of crying caught her attention and she stepped off the path, moving towards the small clump of trees to investigate.
She found Legolas, the little Mirkwood Elf, sitting against a tree with his legs drawn up to his chest. His arms were folded on his knees and his face was buried in them.
Indil sat quietly to the younger Elf, her heart going out to him. "Why are you weeping?"
Legolas jumped. He had been so caught up in his own misery; he never heard the girl approach. He quickly wiped his tears and looked over at her. She was about Haldir's age and very pretty. "I. had something in my eye."
Indil smiled gently. "Is it gone now?"
"Yes."
"Was that all that was bothering you?"
Legolas wanted run for shame. He shook his head, feeling so alone since his parents had returned to Mirkwood.
"What happened? Are you hurt?"
Legolas couldn't contain his feelings anymore. "I asked four different girls to the dance and they all told me no. They said they had dates, but I know it is because I am not from here."
"I am sure that they really had other offers, Legolas. You are very welcome here, and everyone likes you." It was true; Legolas was very popular with the other Elves his age.
"I will have to go to the dance alone, and the others will laugh at me." Legolas was lost again in misery.
"Well, you have not asked me yet." Indil didn't know what made her say that. He was so much younger than her, but he was so sad and she wanted to make him feel better.
Legolas looked at the older girl doubtfully. She would surely tell him no as well. Why would she want to go to the dance with a baby, as Haldir was forever calling him. Still it wouldn't hurt to ask. "Will you go to the dance with me?"
"I would be honored, Prince Legolas." Indil said formally.
Legolas flushed at her use of his title. "Thank you, Indil."
"I will see you later then, Legolas. No more tears."
Legolas thought she was as beautiful as Varda herself, in that moment.
*~*
Faras regarded the young Elfling approaching him. His hair was still damp from a recent bath and was braided in the adult style. He was dressed in a fine royal blue tunic with silver trim and matching blue leggings. His outfit was completed with a pair of black suede boots. His little stuffed cat was wearing a matching blue and silver ribbon around his neck.
Faras liked Orophin; he was a smart, well-behaved little boy and a good potential match for Ohtarie. It didn't hurt that he was held in high favor by Lord Celeborn, as evidenced by the latter's visit with him earlier.
"May the stars shine brightly for you, Sir," Orophin said formally after making a little bow.
"And you, as well, little one," Faras returned the bow and tried not to smile as Orophin's eyes widened. "You honor me with your presence. How may I assist you?"
Orophin was very nervous, despite Lord Celeborn's reassurances; Ohtarie's father still frightened him.
Faras could see that Orophin was agitated and tried not to smile. He remembered his one first dealings with the heart and didn't want to hurt the boy's feelings.
"Sir, I would like to marry Ohtarie."
"Well, I am afraid that you will have to ask her that question. It is her choice, not mine. But I will ask that you wait until you are both older."
Orophin's face fell and his eyes welled up with tears. "Yes, Sir."
Faras dropped to a crouch so that he was level with Orophin. "But that does not mean that you cannot be her sweetheart, if she is willing. You should go ask her, she is playing in the glade near the archery range."
Orophin smiled through his tears. "When I get older, will it be okay if we got married?"
Faras smiled broadly. "I would give you my blessing, if Ohtarie is willing. You would make a fine son-in-law, and I would be honored to have you as part of my family."
Orophin thought his heart would burst with pride. "Thank you, Sir."
Faras watched the little Elfling scamper off towards the archery range.
*~*
Galadriel and Celeborn stood at the edge of the glade, holding hands in a rare show of public affection. All about them, young Elflings danced stiffly with one another.
"Did you see Orophin earlier?" Galadriel asked Celeborn.
"Yes. He and Ohtarie were running about telling anyone who would listen that they were going to get married when they were older and have lots of babies." Celeborn laughed quietly.
Galadriel giggled. "It was the cutest thing I have seen since the days when Haldir was ten and decided that he did not like wearing clothes."
Celeborn chuckled as memories of naked Haldir streaking through the city with his poor mother chasing after him, screaming for him to come put on his clothing, flashed through his mind.
*~*
Orophin was very happy that Ohtarie wanted to be his sweetheart. He was even happier because Fanui, her stuffed kitty, had announced that she wanted to be Hwest's sweetheart as well. They had sat together in the glade and made grand plans about their future. Orophin was going to be a Marchwarden, like his father, and Ohtarie would take care of the dozens of babies they were going to get. He wasn't sure where they were going to find them, but he would ask Lord Celeborn about that later. Lord Celeborn was very wise and knew everything.
They had also decided that they were never going to speak to Haldir when they grew up, because he was so mean to Orophin.
Currently, they were hiding in the bushes watching Haldir and Sûle standing in a deserted part of the garden. Elladan had promised Orophin a dozen sweet cakes if he spied on Haldir and reported to him everything that happened. Normally, Orophin wouldn't have agreed, but he was still mad at Haldir for threatening to hurt Hwest.
They watched as Haldir leaned forward and pressed his lips quickly to Sûle's. Then, they simply clasped hands and walked back to the party.
"Well, that was boring," Ohtarie sighed.
Orophin nodded and then, looked at Ohtarie seriously. "Maybe we should do that."
"Why?"
"Because Mama and Papa do it and the Lord and Lady do it when they think no one is looking. I think sweethearts are supposed to." Orophin explained.
"Okay."
The two little Elflings leaned forward and pressed their lips together. They sat back and looked at each other.
"That was dumb," Orophin blurted out.
Ohtarie nodded in agreement. "I wonder why they do it?"
"I do not know. Do you want to do it again?"
"No."
"Okay, so when we grow up, we are going to get married, have lots of babies, never speak to Haldir, and we will not kiss because it is stupid." Orophin announced.
"Sounds good to me," Ohtarie said in total agreement.
The End
14 Coirë - 14 February Hwest - Puff Fanui - Cloudy
Series: The Elf Children
Author: Mayetra
Rating: G
Disclaimer: All things Tolkien belong to his estate; I only borrow them on occasion and always return them in good working order. I write fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership of his works nor do I have intent to make financial gain. All original concepts and characters are from my own twisted plot bunnies and remain my property. Hwest is all mine!
Timeline: Early Third Age - AU - After Allow Me To Introduce Myself
Archive: Emerald Inkwell; LAF list; Elf Lore, and Northern Fences
Author's Note: Since there are no dates of birth for Legolas, Haldir, Orophin, or Rúmil, I am taking poetic license with their ages. Also, Elladan and Elrohir are 102 years older than Arwen. Elves reach adulthood between 50 and 100 years. For purposes of this story, I have decided to make 100 the age of adulthood and I am making Arwen only 30 years younger than her brothers. The children's ages are as follows: Haldir - 62, Elladan and Elrohir - 60, Rúmil - 40, Leggy - 30, Arwen - 30, and Orophin - 20.
Summary: Love is in the air and kisses get exchanged.
*~*
14 Coirë* 170 T.A. - Caras Galadon, Lórien
Haldir and his little gang sat in their clubhouse looking thoroughly depressed. It wasn't because of the pink and lace décor or the fact that Arwen was cheerfully arranging flowers in a vase on the table. Something much more disturbing had put them in a gloomy mood.
It was so horrifying that they couldn't bring themselves to speak of it, though they each knew the others were thinking the same things. It was Arwen who finally brought up the dreaded subject.
"So, have you boys decided who you are going to ask?" She looked hopefully at the small group.
They scowled at her, except for Orophin who was playing with Hwest*.
"I mean, you do not have much time and you know what my grandmother said," she continued, ignoring their sour expressions.
"Do not remind us of the doom we face," Haldir muttered glumly.
"Tis a fate worse than defilement by Orcs," Elladan added in a hopeless sort of voice.
"My mother keeps telling me that I will like them one day," Legolas said with a shudder.
"Honestly, you would think that you were being asked to do something horrible," Arwen said angrily. Her hopeful expression now wiped away by the obvious lack of enthusiasm from her companions.
"Easy for you to say, Sister. You are one of. of them!" Elrohir said in a rare outburst.
"Who would want a mangy, ugly, repulsive Elfling like you to ask them to the dance?" Arwen retorted.
"I am not mangy! You are the repulsive one, Arwen. Just like all your she- Elf friends," Elrohir shot back.
"You smell like a rancid piece of Orc dung." Arwen was furious.
"Well, I can always take a bath! However, I hope that when you grow up, you fall in love with a shaggy, dirty Human and marry him," Elrohir said viciously.
Arwen gasped. "I would never, ever stoop so low as to marry a. a nasty, ugly Human." She promptly burst into tears and ran from the talan.
Hwest promptly reminded Orophin that he had business elsewhere in the city, preferably as far away from the gloomy faces in the talan as possible. He quietly made his exit and went in search of Lord Celeborn. He had his own troubles and didn't need Haldir or the others taking out their depression on him.
"That was a brilliant display, Elrohir. I mean, your sister is annoying under the best of circumstances, but I would remind you that we need dates for the dance and she could have helped us find them." Haldir shot his friend an exasperated look.
"Now we have to go ask them ourselves," Rúmil added gloomily. He secretly wanted to ask Arwen, but now he just knew she would say no.
Legolas was thinking the same thing. He thought Arwen was very pretty, but general opinion was that girls were gross, so he kept his thoughts to himself.
"I am not afraid of asking one of the girls," Elladan said suddenly.
"I never said I was afraid," Haldir said quickly, maybe a little too quickly.
"But what if they want to." Elrohir trailed off and looked around nervously. He continued in a low tone, ". kiss us."
"Yuck," the other boys groaned in unison, though some of them were thinking of girls they wouldn't mind kissing, and not just Rúmil and Legolas.
"I am still not afraid, but I am NOT kissing a girl," Haldir said adamantly.
"There is nothing for it. We must go out there and ask a girl to the dance," Elladan said suddenly. "My grandmother was very specific about that."
They all stood and walked slowly to the talan's exit with very heavy steps.
*~*
Orophin clambered up the ladder to the central talan that housed Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel's court and living quarters. He scampered through the throne room and headed for the hallway that lead to Lord Celeborn's library.
He knocked and waited patiently to be admitted. He heard the muffled command to enter and opened the door.
Celeborn watched as his favorite Elfling entered the library, closing the door behind him. Orophin had a very serious expression on his face, and Celeborn hoped for Haldir's sake, it wasn't because of him. The elder Elf would put Orophin's brother over his knee if he were the cause of the little Elfling's distress.
Once Orophin and Hwest were settled comfortably in his lap, Celeborn asked, "What causes you to have such a long face, little one?"
"My Lord, I want to get married."
Celeborn managed to resist laughing at the little Elf's solemn announcement. "Did you have any one in particular picked out?"
Orophin's face took on a dreamy expression. "Oh yes, my Lord. She is the most prettiest Elf in all of the world, expect for Mama and the Lady."
"And does this she-Elf have a name?" Celeborn was desperate to keep the amusement from his voice.
"Ohtarie," Orophin said her name like a sigh.
Celeborn searched his memory and put a face to the name. She was a sweet, shy little Elf about Orophin's age with golden hair and blue eyes. She was always accompanied by Fanui*, a stuffed white cat that Galadriel had presented to her on her first birthday.
"I want to marry her, and we will have lots of babies." Orophin puffed his chest out.
Celeborn grinned. "There is plenty of time to worry about marriage and babies, Orophin. How does Ohtarie feel about all this?"
Orophin's face fell. "I do not know, my Lord."
So this is the root of Orophin's troubles, Celeborn thought to himself. "Have you not talked to her?"
The little Elfling shook his head. "No, my Lord."
"Why not?"
Tears welled in Orophin's big blue eyes. "Because her father is the Chief of the City Guard, and he scares me. What if he thinks I am not worthy?"
Celeborn hugged the weeping Elfling to him. "Hush, baby. Do not weep. You are the worthiest Elf in the kingdom, and I am not the only one who sees that. Ohtarie's father is fair and just, put your question to him and you will see what I mean.
Celeborn made a mental note to speak to her father as soon as their little audience was done.
Orophin left Celeborn's private study feeling happier then he had for weeks. He would seek out Ohtarie's father just as soon as he had time to prepare himself. He would ask Mama to help him.
*~* Elladan and Elrohir stared at the dark hair twins standing opposite them. One of the girls giggled, and the boys both blushed.
"Did you want to ask us something?" Aerlinn asked. Her sister, Aratû, giggled again.
"Y-y-yes," Elladan managed to stammer. "W-w-we want to know if you will g-g- go to the. thing. ah. dance w-with us."
Elrohir nodded vigorously, looking as if he had just been told to drink Orc urine.
The girls giggled again.
"That would be lovely," Aerlinn answered for them. "What color tunics will you be wearing?"
"What?" Elladan looked confused.
"You know, so we can wear matching dresses." Aerlinn explained, wondering if all boys were so stupid.
"Ah. well. I think blue." Elladan looked wildly at Elrohir. His brother just shrugged.
"Okay. We will wear blue too." Aerlinn smiled shyly. "Would you like to walk with us in the garden?"
Elladan's eyes bugged out. "Now?"
"Yes, silly. So we can talk and get to know each other."
"Why would we want to do that?" Elrohir blurted out.
The girls' faces fell, and Elladan's male instincts for self-preservation kicked in. "What my brother is trying to say is, we would rather wait until the dance it would be. lovelier then."
The girls beamed at them and Elladan said goodbye quickly before dragging his brother away.
*~*
Rúmil didn't know why he went searching for Arwen. He didn't even remember thinking he would, yet here he stood on the edge of the little glade where she sat, weeping. The next thing he knew, he was sitting next to her with a comforting arm thrown awkwardly around her shoulder.
"What do you want?" Arwen glared at him through her tears.
Rúmil swallowed painfully. "Iwantedtoknowifyouwouldgotothedancewithme."
Arwen brightened a bit. "What?"
Rúmil turned crimson from his neck to the very tips of his ears. "I... I. I. You. dance. me. go."
Arwen beamed and before Rúmil could stop her, she throw her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek. "Oh yes, Rúmil, I would love to. Thank you for asking me."
A strange smile spread across Rúmil's face, and he nodded dumbly. He didn't remember leaving the glade or making his way back to the talan. He could only remember the sweet tingling on his cheek where Arwen had kissed him.
*~*
Haldir regarded his prey. She was standing quietly in a group of giggling females. He arched a brow as he considered the best way to separate her from the herd. She would do nicely, he thought. Shy, sweet, did not giggle incessantly and she made him feel funny in his stomach, like he had swallowed a bunch of butterflies.
He decided the best way to win the battle was to charge right in. He approached the group and ignored the simpering looks the other females gave him.
"I want to talk to you, Sûle."
Sûle just nodded.
"What do you want to talk to her about?" One of the other girls asked, causing the whole pack to giggle madly.
Haldir glared at the girl who spoke and effective silenced the group. He looked back at Sûle. "Follow me, now."
Sûle followed him, even though it was more a command then a request.
Once they were away from the group, Haldir stopped and faced her.
"Has anyone asked you to the dance yet?"
"No," she said quietly.
"Good. You can go with me."
"Okay."
"Good. Go away now," Haldir ordered her.
Sûle nodded and stalked back to the group.
That was easy, Haldir thought.
*~*
Indil couldn't believe Sûle's luck. The handsomest Elf in all of Caras Galadon had asked her to the dance. Indil had loved Haldir for as long as she could remember. She wandered through the gardens trying to get control of her emotions. She wanted to be happy for her friend, but it hurt because no one had asked her to the dance.
The sound of crying caught her attention and she stepped off the path, moving towards the small clump of trees to investigate.
She found Legolas, the little Mirkwood Elf, sitting against a tree with his legs drawn up to his chest. His arms were folded on his knees and his face was buried in them.
Indil sat quietly to the younger Elf, her heart going out to him. "Why are you weeping?"
Legolas jumped. He had been so caught up in his own misery; he never heard the girl approach. He quickly wiped his tears and looked over at her. She was about Haldir's age and very pretty. "I. had something in my eye."
Indil smiled gently. "Is it gone now?"
"Yes."
"Was that all that was bothering you?"
Legolas wanted run for shame. He shook his head, feeling so alone since his parents had returned to Mirkwood.
"What happened? Are you hurt?"
Legolas couldn't contain his feelings anymore. "I asked four different girls to the dance and they all told me no. They said they had dates, but I know it is because I am not from here."
"I am sure that they really had other offers, Legolas. You are very welcome here, and everyone likes you." It was true; Legolas was very popular with the other Elves his age.
"I will have to go to the dance alone, and the others will laugh at me." Legolas was lost again in misery.
"Well, you have not asked me yet." Indil didn't know what made her say that. He was so much younger than her, but he was so sad and she wanted to make him feel better.
Legolas looked at the older girl doubtfully. She would surely tell him no as well. Why would she want to go to the dance with a baby, as Haldir was forever calling him. Still it wouldn't hurt to ask. "Will you go to the dance with me?"
"I would be honored, Prince Legolas." Indil said formally.
Legolas flushed at her use of his title. "Thank you, Indil."
"I will see you later then, Legolas. No more tears."
Legolas thought she was as beautiful as Varda herself, in that moment.
*~*
Faras regarded the young Elfling approaching him. His hair was still damp from a recent bath and was braided in the adult style. He was dressed in a fine royal blue tunic with silver trim and matching blue leggings. His outfit was completed with a pair of black suede boots. His little stuffed cat was wearing a matching blue and silver ribbon around his neck.
Faras liked Orophin; he was a smart, well-behaved little boy and a good potential match for Ohtarie. It didn't hurt that he was held in high favor by Lord Celeborn, as evidenced by the latter's visit with him earlier.
"May the stars shine brightly for you, Sir," Orophin said formally after making a little bow.
"And you, as well, little one," Faras returned the bow and tried not to smile as Orophin's eyes widened. "You honor me with your presence. How may I assist you?"
Orophin was very nervous, despite Lord Celeborn's reassurances; Ohtarie's father still frightened him.
Faras could see that Orophin was agitated and tried not to smile. He remembered his one first dealings with the heart and didn't want to hurt the boy's feelings.
"Sir, I would like to marry Ohtarie."
"Well, I am afraid that you will have to ask her that question. It is her choice, not mine. But I will ask that you wait until you are both older."
Orophin's face fell and his eyes welled up with tears. "Yes, Sir."
Faras dropped to a crouch so that he was level with Orophin. "But that does not mean that you cannot be her sweetheart, if she is willing. You should go ask her, she is playing in the glade near the archery range."
Orophin smiled through his tears. "When I get older, will it be okay if we got married?"
Faras smiled broadly. "I would give you my blessing, if Ohtarie is willing. You would make a fine son-in-law, and I would be honored to have you as part of my family."
Orophin thought his heart would burst with pride. "Thank you, Sir."
Faras watched the little Elfling scamper off towards the archery range.
*~*
Galadriel and Celeborn stood at the edge of the glade, holding hands in a rare show of public affection. All about them, young Elflings danced stiffly with one another.
"Did you see Orophin earlier?" Galadriel asked Celeborn.
"Yes. He and Ohtarie were running about telling anyone who would listen that they were going to get married when they were older and have lots of babies." Celeborn laughed quietly.
Galadriel giggled. "It was the cutest thing I have seen since the days when Haldir was ten and decided that he did not like wearing clothes."
Celeborn chuckled as memories of naked Haldir streaking through the city with his poor mother chasing after him, screaming for him to come put on his clothing, flashed through his mind.
*~*
Orophin was very happy that Ohtarie wanted to be his sweetheart. He was even happier because Fanui, her stuffed kitty, had announced that she wanted to be Hwest's sweetheart as well. They had sat together in the glade and made grand plans about their future. Orophin was going to be a Marchwarden, like his father, and Ohtarie would take care of the dozens of babies they were going to get. He wasn't sure where they were going to find them, but he would ask Lord Celeborn about that later. Lord Celeborn was very wise and knew everything.
They had also decided that they were never going to speak to Haldir when they grew up, because he was so mean to Orophin.
Currently, they were hiding in the bushes watching Haldir and Sûle standing in a deserted part of the garden. Elladan had promised Orophin a dozen sweet cakes if he spied on Haldir and reported to him everything that happened. Normally, Orophin wouldn't have agreed, but he was still mad at Haldir for threatening to hurt Hwest.
They watched as Haldir leaned forward and pressed his lips quickly to Sûle's. Then, they simply clasped hands and walked back to the party.
"Well, that was boring," Ohtarie sighed.
Orophin nodded and then, looked at Ohtarie seriously. "Maybe we should do that."
"Why?"
"Because Mama and Papa do it and the Lord and Lady do it when they think no one is looking. I think sweethearts are supposed to." Orophin explained.
"Okay."
The two little Elflings leaned forward and pressed their lips together. They sat back and looked at each other.
"That was dumb," Orophin blurted out.
Ohtarie nodded in agreement. "I wonder why they do it?"
"I do not know. Do you want to do it again?"
"No."
"Okay, so when we grow up, we are going to get married, have lots of babies, never speak to Haldir, and we will not kiss because it is stupid." Orophin announced.
"Sounds good to me," Ohtarie said in total agreement.
The End
14 Coirë - 14 February Hwest - Puff Fanui - Cloudy