A/N: Imagine if we celebrated our birthdays every month. Though appealing at first, you must realize that soon it would begin to mean much less to us, since it would be so common. For Elves, who live for millennia, a birthday every year would have a similar affect. Therefore, I present my invention of the birthyear, which occurs every decade.
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CHAPTER 8: BIRTHYEAR PARTY-
Andiél went down the path and ascended the familiar climb quickly, hoping that he would be here today. She was not disappointed.
"Hi," he said quietly.
"Hey." She plopped down in her usual seat next to him. But no matter how she tried to pretend, this time wasn't usual at all. I could not compare to the one you really love. Shaking these thoughts aside, she asked, "I brought some food; have you had lunch yet?"
Legolas shook his head, "I'm not hungry."
"But you should have some," she insisted, "If you were any skinnier, you might break!"
He did not reply.
Andiél bit her lip, and stared at her hand. After a moment she asked quietly, "Am I annoying?"
Legolas turned to look at her.
Andiél continued to study her fingernails. "I know I'm a pain sometimes, and I know I'm incredibly selfish…" She took a deep breath, before saying softly, "But I don't want you to hate me, Legolas."
He looked her in the eye. "If I hated you," he told her gently, "I wouldn't be talking to you right now."
- - - -
Twenty minutes before:
"I hate to sound pessimistic, but Haldir has never remained so interested in one thing for so long. How long could this last?"
"Uh…Elrohir? Should you be talking about long-lasting interest when you still change girlfriends every week?"
"Oh, shut up."
Pause.
"Oh sweet Eru," gasped Elladan, quite suddenly.
"What now?" Elrohir's voice sounded bored.
"Maybe I'm going crazy, but is that Haldir that walking over here?"
Elrohir looked, "Yeah. So?"
"He's whistling," Elladan looked very alarmed.
"WHAT?!"
And sure enough, here came Haldir, practically skipping. "Hi guys!" he greeted, beaming brightly. Identical jaws dropped to the ground. Choosing to ignore this, Haldir asked, "Have you guys seen Legolas anywhere?"
Elladan recovered first, "Uh… probably at his tree-platform. Why?"
"We're friends, aren't we? Can't stay in this rift forever!" he proclaimed, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Alright. Thanks." He walked jovially away.
Elrohir spoke what was on both minds, "He's fucking lost it."
- - - -
Haldir was, in all respects, in the best of moods. He walked happily into the forest, trying his best not to skip. It would be pansy-like to skip. And Haldir o Lórien was most definitely not a pansy. As he neared the tree, he heard soft voices floating from above.
"I know I'm a pain sometimes, and I know I'm incredibly selfish…" said a quiet female voice. "But I don't want you to hate me, Legolas."
Haldir's eyes widened. It's Andiél!
He heard his friend reply, "If I hated you, I wouldn't be talking to you right now." The voice was kind…almost tender…
Haldir's head suddenly started spinning out of control… How could this be? Legolas… and Andiél? Together? Traitors, traitors, traitors!
His breathing became choppy. He clenched his fists; insane jealousy gripped him, blinding him. He whipped around, storming away.
- - - -
Unaware of what had happened, Elrohir slapped Haldir's back playfully. "So you made of with Legolas already? That's great!"
Haldir tensed. "Move your hand," he said icily.
Elrohir arched an eyebrow, "Huh?"
"MOVE YOUR DAMNED HAND!" Haldir roared.
Elrohir obliged, looking very much confused. Elladan looked at Haldir strangely, "What's up with you?"
Haldir said coldly, "Did you know that Legolas and Andiél meet at his tree often?" His voice was strangely mechanical, callous.
The twins glanced at each other. Elrohir bit his lip, "Uh…they are? Well, it must have been since after he – "
Thradilia and Cylleth came walking over. Cylleth placed a dainty hand over her chest. "Oh! You found out, Haldir?" she cooed.
Thradilia nodded sympathetically, "That little wench has been meeting with Leggie since she got here! It's revolting, the way she stared at him, the way she dances with him…"
"Who knew she would be so devious, toying with both your emotions at the same time!" cried Cylleth shrilly.
Haldir's jaw clenched. His eyes flashed dangerously.
Thradilia took a bold step forward, and placed a hand on his shoulder, "I'm terribly sorry, Haldir." The Elf immediately grabbed her arm and yanked it away, causing her to trip and fall over backwards into her friend.
Elrohir frowned, "You don't need to hurt the girls; they didn't do anything."
Elladan gave a nervous laugh, "I bet it's nothing. Legolas wouldn't do anything anyways; he knows how you feel about the whole situation." He pushed Haldir gently, "Come on, let's get a drink."
Haldir turned and glared at him, "Get the hell away from me!" He walked away furiously.
The twins stared after him for several moments, biting their lips. "That look he has in his eyes," pointed out Elladan, "It's familiar."
Elrohir gave a worried nod. "Last year, when he almost killed a guy…that was the same look on his face."
- - - -
Legolas stood up, "I need to go." Andiél just nodded, still staring out at the setting sun. He walked away, but then stopped and turned back. "I forgot to give you this," he told her, handing her an engraved card.
Andiél extended her arm. "What is it?"
"It's Arwen's birthyear next week. She's holding a gala in the ballroom," he said, "She asked me to tell you she would really like for you to come." He paused. "You will, won't you?"
Andiél smiled, "Sure."
Legolas nodded, then turned to leave.
Him gone, Andiél turned towards the sunset again. She loved how she would watch such a phenomenon in such a peaceful, calm place, away from all the confusion and uncertainty of the real world. Here, none of that mattered. She remained that way for several minutes, before she finally gathered her things and tucked the card safely in her bag. She turned, and walked – bam!
"Haldir!" she shrieked, "What are you doing, standing there, not saying a word?! You scared the hell out of me!!"
Haldir didn't say a word, glaring at her.
Andiél arched an eyebrow, and yelled crossly, "HELLO?! I'm trying to talk to you here!"
She suddenly noticed that his eyes weren't quite focused. His shoulders were tensed up, and his hands curled up in tight fists. He was beginning to scare her. Suddenly, he growled, "TRAITOR!" With that, he lunged forward, grabbing her shoulders.
Andiél leaped back. "Argh!"
Haldir took another lunge forward, grabbing her arms firmly.
Andiél acted on instinct. She flung her bag at him, and raced towards the way down. She scraped her legs and her arms on the rough bark, cut and bleeding, but she didn't care. She needed to get away.
Haldir quickly gave chase. Halfway down, he let go of the branches, and jumped down, landing right in the way of the fleeing elleth.
Andiél backed up, terrified. "You're not yourself," she tried, "You don't know what you're doing! Haldir, listen to me!"
But he wasn't listening. He glared at her. "How could you? How could you?" he mumbled.
Andiél's eyes darted around the trees, looking for an escape. There was none.
Suddenly, Haldir jumped forward, pushing her against the trunk. Despite her struggles, he pinned her arms down, and brought his mouth onto hers. He kissed her roughly, savagely.
She tried to scream, but couldn't.
His lips trapped her ruthlessly. She started sobbing, but he still would not stop. His mouth moved to her neck; his hot breath smothering her skin. Andiél struggled and struggled, writhed and writhed…
Finally, he let go.
Andiél collapsed against the tree. She curled into a tight ball, sobbing.
Realization settled in on Haldir, sharp and poignant. What have I done?
- - - -
The next morning, Andiél had made her decision. If yelling at the idiot named Haldir wasn't good enough to get the point through his thick head, then she was determined to try something else. From this day on, I am never talking to that fool again!! She even pumped a resolute fist in the air, just for the effect.
A few minutes later, Taúr came running up. "Guess what?" he cried.
"What?"
"Come look!"
Without waiting for a reply, Taúr grabbed her hand, and began pulling her down the hallway. They reached the message board in front of the principal's rooms. She spotted it before he pointed it out, eyes widening considerably. In a bright red sheet of parchment, read: "Leave Andiél alone! – by order of the H4"
Andiél frowned. Did Haldir think he could make up to her so easily?
"Andiél," said a timid voice behind her.
She turned, "Nadireth?"
"I…" she began nervously, "I wanted to say that I'm sorry." Andiél looked at her blankly. She quickly continued, "I know that I've been such a complete jerk, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if you didn't let me be your friend again, but please, Andiél! Please forgive me!" She rambled on, "My parents spent so much to get me into this school, and I couldn't risk getting marked… I'm not as strong as you are, Andiél! I wouldn't have bared to stay… It would have killed them, Andiél! Absolutely killed them! Can you understand? I…" The poor elleth was on the verge of tears.
Andiél sighed, "I understand."
"Really?" Nadireth looked up hopefully.
Andiél looked her in the eye, and then smiled, "Really."
Nadireth looked at her tearfully. "I'll never forget this!" she whispered fervently, bounding off in the other direction.
Andiél grinned. "Despite the antics of that stupid oaf, this wasn't turning out to be such a bad day after all!" But she had spoken too soon.
Awaiting Andiél at her front porch was a small brown parcel, with messy scribbled imprinted on it. "Forgive me." Andiél snorted, already knowing quite positively from whom it had come from. No matter how bitter her thoughts were, however, they did not prepare her for the actual gift.
There, lying in its box, was a light green gown, made entirely of silk. And it was revoltingly beautiful. She frowned at the gift, remembering quite distinctly that she had once told him she could not be won over by money. She wagered that this gown probably cost more than her family had ever owned.
How absurd.
She promptly threw the dress back into its box. There was no way that she was ever going to where something that had come from the pompous ass that was Haldir. An idea struck her; she would give it to someone else to wear! I'm a genius…
- - - -
"Are you sure I'm allowed to go?" asked Morwin. "I mean, it all sounds very exclusive. I wouldn't want to trespass anything…"
Andiél waved this aside, "Nonsense! If Arwen expects me to go to the shindig, I'm sure not going alone! Haldir might try to talk to me or something! I need back-up!" She pouted, "Please, Morwin. Please!"
Morwin frowned, "Didn't you invite Taúr and your other friend as well?"
She nodded, "Yeah, but the more people, the better! You know Taúr; he freaks out at these situations. And I really want you to meet Nadireth. She's a sweetheart."
"Fine, fine," said Morwin reluctantly, "I'll go…"
Andiél suddenly gave her a huge, tight hug, "You're the greatest!"
- - - -
Immediately arriving with Andiél and Morwin, Taúr took off, fascinated by all the famous Elves that were present. Morwin and Andiél stuck around the punch table, not quite sure what to do.
Elrohir came charming by. "Our hardworking virgin! How are we doing tonight?"
Andiél glared at him, "Stop calling me that."
"Who's your gorgeous friend?" asked he, smiling at Morwin flirtatious, and ignoring her remark.
She smiled shyly, blushing, "I'm Morwin."
"Morwin! A beautiful name for a beautiful face."
Andiél hit him on the back of the head. "Hey! Don't be getting any funny ideas!" To Morwin, she warned snidely, "Don't talk to him! That kind of Elf would get you pregnant!"
"I will not!" Elrohir defended himself indignantly, "I have never made such a careless mistake!"
Andiél paid no heed, and swiftly lead Morwin away. Taúr came racing up to them. "I met Elrond!" he gushed, "Can you believe it?! The Lord of Rivendell himself!!" He jumped up and down like an overexcited child. "Morwin, come with me," he grabbed her hand, "I want to talk to him again!"
The room suddenly seemed to glow; the Evenstar had arrived. Arwen's midnight blue gown contrasted her perfect pale skin wonderfully. Her hair in an elegantly simple up-do, with several tresses framing her face, the elleth was like a star, giving of light wherever she walked. She was intoxicating.
From somewhere, soft music began to play, and couples reunited, beginning to dance. Legolas appeared, and offered his arm to Arwen.
Andiél couldn't help but smile as she watched the couple. Truly, this was a match made by the Valar themselves. Slightly depressed, she turned around, suddenly feeling out of place. She searched for a place that was more private. She spotted Elladan seated in the back of the hall, drinking by himself. Curious, she approached him, "What are you doing here?"
Elladan arched an eyebrow at her, "I could say the same to you."
"It was getting too loud," she shrugged.
"I agree," he said. "I don't like these parties. Too much noise, too much glitter. I'd rather be here, drinking to myself."
Her jaw dropped, "Weren't you raised with that?"
He stuck out his tongue, "All the more reason to not like it." He poured her a glass, "Now quit your chatter. Drink!"
"No," she shook her head, "I shouldn't. I don't hold it well."
"Pah!" he brushed this aside, "No matter! Drink!"
- - - -
Nadireth gazed into the mirror, wearing the robes Andiél had given her. The gown fit her perfectly. The neckline, though not low enough to be labeled risqué, showed off her long neck and porcelain skin. The material clung to her body, showing off her curves, yet leaving much to the imagination. Nadireth sighed happily. This was meant to be. Tonight, I will be the one noticed. It is my turn to shine!
She picked up her purse, and headed towards the door. She walked slowly, savoring each moment. When she arrived, Nadireth carefully scanned the room in front of her, sighing happily. This is where she belonged, with all this glitz and glamour. She was one of them! She heard footsteps, and looked up. Haldir o Lórien is coming my way! She just barely prevented herself from yelling in triumph.
Haldir's eyes widened in recognition. "You're wearing it," he muttered.
Not hearing him, Nadireth smiled at him. He's looking at me. He's noticing me!
"Leave."
His sudden command startled her. "Wh-what?" she choked.
He looked at her haughtily, "Ugly hags like you do not deserve to be here. I command that you leave!"
Painful tears appeared in her eyes. No! This is supposed to be my perfect night! She turned, running towards the door. She wiped away her tears carelessly. How could this have happened?
- - - -
"You're drunk!" laughed Elladan, poking her in the ribs.
Andiél sputtered huffily, "I am not!" She reached for the bottle again, "I can have lots more – Oops!" She fell off her seat, giggling.
Elladan arched an eyebrow. "Right you aren't." He took the bottle away, and heaved her back up. "Come on, I think Arwen's giving her speech now. We'd better go." With much difficulty, he managed to pull the intoxicated elleth up, and pulled towards the stage. They looked quite the spectacle, tittering and tottering, yet still arriving just in time.
It's a good thing that no one saw them. Especially Haldir.
"Thank you all for coming to my 150th birthyear party!" said Arwen, smiling prettily.
The crowd cheered.
Arwen looked at Legolas when she spoke, as if he were the only one in the room. He smiled back, worshipfully. "I have lived 1,500 years in this world, in which I have learned much of fate. I have learned that a being does not choose their own path, for one's destiny has already been laid out for them. Their calling in something they cannot deny." She took a deep breath. "I have found my calling back in Rivendell."
The crowd started murmuring to each other, unsure of what this meant quite yet. Legolas' heart began thumping, his eyes widening. No…she doesn't mean it…no!
A voice Andiél didn't recognize spoke up, "Surely, my lady, you do not intend…"
Arwen gave the speaker a sad smile. "Yes, Lord Brindur, I do. I have decided to leave the Institute, and return to Rivendell."
Legolas shook his head, taking a few steps backward. "I am sorry," she said, gazing at him sadly, "It was not meant to be." Legolas couldn't listen to this anymore. He just needed to get away. This decided, he raced out of the room.
- - - -
Next time: What happens when Haldir ends up with the very drunk elleth? Will Legolas convince Arwen to stay with him? And how about a wacky first date, just thrown in there for the heck of it?
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