My After the water wars, Haldir and I walked back to his talan to change for the Festival that night. He was very distant and quiet, though we had kissed only moments before. I saw Rumil and Orophin as they were walking to their talan and called out to them, and as I did, Haldir mysteriously disappeared. They escorted me the rest of the way to Haldir's and I went inside. I saw a beautiful merlot colored dress on the bed, meant for me. I took a bath in his bathing quarters and ended up smelling like his manly man soap, so I took my perfume out of my bag and hosed myself down in Victoria's Secret Number 88. I braided my hair as I had seen Galadriel and the other Lorien maidens do. Then came the dress. I slipped it on. The neckline was shoulder to shoulder plunging V line embroidered with shining silver and cream threads. Empire waisted, the bodice hugged my athletic curves and the skirt pooled at my feet. The sleeves were fitted to the elbow and tied off with silver and cream colored ribbons where then they flared out and were underlaid with a shining silvery cream chiffon material. I had never felt so beautiful in my life. I applied my makeup, making my eyes smoky and my lips into a glossed pout. As I was walking out of the bedroom, I ran smack into Haldir who was dressed very sexily in a more formal version of his warden's uniform. "Haldir!" I gasped, almost losing my balance.
He reached out and steadied me, "Heather, lirimaer, lle naa vanima," he said, sucking in his breath. I looked up to him and hoped we would kiss again, but alas, it was not to be.
"Thank you," I said, taking his proffered arm. His arm was stiff and tense, as was his gait. Did he regret our kiss? I don't know if he did, but I didn't. Infact, I felt myself falling madly in love with him.
We walked in complete silence to his brothers' talan where we were going to meet Legolas and Lizzie. As we opened the door an unexpected sight greeted us. Legolas and Lizzie locked in an intimate embrace. Haldir cleared his throat as I suppressed a giggle.
Legolas and Lizzie jumped apart. "Are you ready?" asked Haldir.
"Of course," Legolas replied, a faint blush creeping to the tips of his pointed ears.
We left then and walked to the Festival. Haldir was so withdrawn, I felt like it was just another guy escorting me somewhere. But he wasn't another guy. He made my heart leap into my throat when he smiled at me, and my knees go weak whenever he said my name.
When we got there, Legolas and Lizzie vanished onto the dance floor and Haldir disappeared as well. So there I was, left completely alone. Haldir had left so quickly, you'd have thought I carried the plague. I sighed and leaned up against a malloryn tree, crossing my arms. And then I saw him, with HER, that vile Lady from Gondor, Lindy Poo or whatever the hell her name was. I searched desperately for a friendly face; Rumil and Orophin were nowhere to be found and I felt like a little brown field mouse among the golden glory of the Elves. Tears of self-pity stung at my eyes, threatening to blur my makeup in an instant.
"Mae govannen, fair maiden," came a smooth and silky voice.
I looked up and the sight that greeted my eyes was amazing. It was an Elf, a male Elf to be exact. He was tall with broad muscular shoulders and square jaw. An Adonis, if you will. He was hot!
"Hi," I said, stupidly, knowing that if he smiled, I would melt into a puddle of goo.
"So, what is an angel like you doing here all alone? Perhaps the Valar have sent me an angel, or maybe this is a heavenly dream," he said. Suddenly I forgot all about Haldir and that stupid lady and my self-pity as I looked into this god's deep blue gray eyes. Wow, I thought. I could fall in love with him. I blushed at the thought.
I smiled sexily, "Well, if the Valar had sent me then wouldn't I know your name?" I purred.
"My name is Kurien," he said, smiling at me. I was right, I could feel myself turning into goo.
"Then maybe I am your angel, sent by the Valar, Kurien," I let his name linger on my lips like a fine wine.
"If you are an angel, then I am a Balrog," came a voice from behind, shattering the perfection of our flirtation
My smile turned into a scowl as I faced the owner of the voice. It was Orophin.
Kurien lost the smile in his eyes, but kept it on his perfect lips as he said, "Orophin."
Orophin had the look of killing on his face, "Kurien," he said as if the name left a bad taste on his tongue.
"Heather, I need to speak to you," Orophin's words were harsh.
Kurien put a hand on my shoulder, and my skin tingled at his touch. "I'm in the middle of something, Orophin," I said, angry at everyone.
"It's a private matter, and it is urgent," Orophin's tone was deadly.
"Go on, lirimaer," Kurien said, withdrawing his hand, "but do not tarry long." He smiled at me again.
My heart leaped, "Of course not. If you will excuse me," I said, as Orophin yanked me away.
When we were far enough away, I yanked my arm from his grasp, "What are you doing?!" I demanded.
"What are you doing?" he countered.
"I was talking to Kurien."
"I know. Kurien hates Haldir. What about Haldir?"
"What about Haldir? What about Haldir?! Haldir left me alone the very moment we got here, as if I had leprosy! And now he's over there," I pointed the direction for emphasis, "talking about God only knows what. Hmm, maybe they'll end up married! And you! You weren't even here either!" I was mad.
Orophin put his hands on my shoulders to pacify me, "I am sorry mellon nin, I meant no offense."
I collapsed into Orophin's arms, "Oh Orophin, it just makes me so mad, because, because…" I shut up.
"Because what?" he prodded.
"Because I am in love with your stupid brother!" I said, exasperated.
Orophin was speechless. "I see," he said.
"So what is it that you so desperately needed?" I asked impatiently, hands on my hips.
"The Lady Galadriel requested you play her a song."