Title: Little Swan

Pairing: None

Rating: R

Genre: Angst / Drama

WARNING: Violence

Beta: None

Cast: Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil, Celeborn, Galadriel, OCs

Disclaimer: I own no-one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien except Seòras, Naelie Beleril and Bricta who are from my own imagination and are the only ones I lay claim to. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of this story.

Feedback: Yes please! We "aspiring" authors thrive on the stuff.

Timeline: Before the War of the Ring. Not following movie-verse.

Summary: After her mother's brutal execution, young Naelie and her father are left to piece their lives back together. But the outside world will not allow this.

Chapter 7

Over her many months of training, Naelie's progress began to steadily improve, earning her silent admiration from Haldir. They kept to their strict schedule so as not to interfere with Haldir's border duty, which meant up at dawn and down at the training grounds fifteen minutes after waking. At the start of her training, Naelie found this to be particularly exhausting and bothersome, however as time went on, she gradually became accustomed to rising early, and soon, it became second nature to her.

It took no less than three months of hard work and practise until Haldir was ready to allow Naelie to train with a sword. Not a full size one, but small enough for her to handle, yet strong enough to be wielded as a useful weapon.

Beleril and Orophin occasionally came down to watch her training sessions, each very interested in how long it would take for her to improve under Haldir's hand. The autumnal months slipped quickly by like water through cupped palms, barely noticeable at first but a surprise when it all had disappeared, and soon, the clever wind changed again, heralding the coming of winter outside the borders. During that cold and frosty time, all outside Lothlorien was a beauteous sight to behold indeed. Glittering rows of icicles clung to the remaining leaves and branches, catching Anor's rays and casting golden patterns upon the frozen ground.

However, inside Lorien itself, the snows and ice of winter could not penetrate, for it was guarded by the power of Nenya – the Ring of Power gifted to Galadriel.

Although the elves as the inhabitants of Lorien did not feel the cold, they saw its presence outside the woods and marvelled at its effect on the circle of nature.

"Remember, keep your feet steady on the ground" Haldir reminded her, halfway through sword training one morning.

"I know Haldir" laughed Naelie, taking a well earned sip from her water skin. "That is the fourth time you've told me that this morning!"

"Just reminding you, Naelie" he replied, sheathing his sword and walking over to her. "Even the strongest warriors need a nudge in the right direction sometimes".

Naelie sighed good naturedly and nodded. Taking her sword from the log her belongings were set upon, she sat down and began to sharpen the point as it had slowly grown fairly blunt.

"So" continued Haldir, sitting down with her. "You have been training with me for well over a year now, is that correct?"

"Yes, I think so" Naelie replied, not taking her eyes off the task in hand.

"Indeed" said Haldir thoughtfully. "That would make you…just sixteen, am I right?"

"Again, you are correct, Haldir" Naelie smiled. "I was sixteen last week".

"I think it is time for you to have your first experience of Lorien's Spring Ball" remarked Haldir. "That is, if you wish to".

Naelie looked up, her eyes suddenly bright and alert with excitement. "Really? You think I am old enough to go?"

"I see no reason why not" he replied. "You have grown much in the past years and I think it would be a worthwhile experience for you".

Naelie grinned broadly then on a whim threw her arms round Haldir's middle. "Oh, thank you!" she cried, overjoyed.

"No need to thank me, pen-neth" laughed Haldir, "and seriously, I cannot fathom why you are getting so emotional on me"

Chuckling, Naelie removed herself from his person, her face almost glowing with happiness. "Well, it would be my first ever Spring Ball, Haldir" she reminded him, "I think I am permitted to get a little emotional about it!"

"Fair enough" he said admittedly, unsheathing his sword. "Now, how about we get back to what we are here to do?"

Naelie nodded, retrieved her sword from where it lay and soon the pair were back practising as they were before.

The night of the Spring Ball crept quickly up upon the residents of Lorien, and before anyone knew it, the very day had arrived. There were no obvious clues that one of Lorien's finest celebrations was being prepared, however there was a certain buzz of excitement in the air, and occasionally you would hear two elleths or so discussing their attire for the evening, or even perhaps a young elf planning his scheme to win an elleth's heart at the ball.

Up in her room, Naelie was busy getting herself ready for the upcoming ball. It was hard to describe how she felt at that particular moment in time – excited would have been an understatement to say the least. She was also very nervous, a feeling that while not unknown to her, seemed to overpower her current feelings of excitement and anticipation. What if she didn't fit in? What if she made a fool of herself? To her, the list seemed endless.

Sitting in front of the vanity mirror, she made the final touch to her hair and moved to the larger mirror to examine her reflection. She was garbed in a bottle green dress, the neck and sleeves embroidered with silver thread. Naelie always marvelled at the fine elven tailoring that went into making attire such as this, and especially what had gone into making her gown. The silken material flowed like water through her fingers and hung lightweight upon her, making moving across a floor whilst wearing it, pleasurable as opposed to hard work.

After many frustrating attempts, she had finally tamed her unruly hair which now hung loosely about her shoulders in tight curls, devoid of the usual light frizz she often had to deal with. Glancing downwards briefly, Naelie touched a finger to the thin silver chain about her neck and stood for a second, fascinated by its intricacy.

"Naelie, are you ready?" came Beleril's voice from the main room.

"Yes" she called back. "Just one minute".

Naelie quickly put the lid back on the powder she had used and stuffed the comb and crème back inside the drawer underneath her vanity table.

"Coming!" she assured Beleril. She grabbed her outer cloak from its current position upon the bed, draped it around her neck and hurried out the door.

"My, I cannot imagine a more beautiful spring night for the ball, than this, can you, Bel?"

Beleril and Naelie walked side by side, Naelie's arm linked through his. Beleril wore a pale blue tunic and pants, the tunic embroidered with tiny silver leaves. His hair was mostly loose, save for a couple of braids and he was shod with soft leather boots.

"Nay, I cannot" he replied with a smile.

The sky that could be glimpsed through the trees was as clear and still as water, the stars glinting down like precious stones, caught in the flickering gleam of a candle. The Ball itself was to be held in the Deer Hall. Its name was strange, but once inside, one could plainly see why it was named as such. All around the walls were rich coloured tapestries and paintings, primarily of the deer and fauns along with woodland scenery and depictions from elven folklore. The deer itself was a well known symbol of love, gentleness, kindness, gracefulness and sensitivity. It also carried the message of purity of purpose, and of walking in the light. Henceforth, the deer was a creature that was held in high esteem among the Firstborn.

Along the walls were many silver handled candelabrums, the candles they held all alight with amber flames that cast a golden sheen along the polished white marble, making the floor seem to ripple like calm water greeting the dawn. On either side of the Hall rested two long magnificent cedar tables, both laden with all varieties of foods and drinks, especially fruits, berries and nuts, along with various meats and cheeses. Silver goblets stood in rows, each containing elderberry wine, a speciality in Lorien and a fruit which proved to fare best when picked in the early months of the year.

At the far end of the hall stood two cedar chairs, their patterning intricate and detailed. The backs of the chairs were covered with soft white velvet, as were the seats – no doubt there to give comfort to the occupants. Around the edges and legs were carved tiny elderflowers that wound their way around the chair, intertwining and weaving together as they went. These chairs at the beginning of the Ball were vacated as they were meant for the Lord and Lady, both of whom would arrive in due course.

"Bel! Over here!"

Both Beleril and Naelie turned in an attempt to find the source of the shout. It didn't take them long, however, as Rumil was already all but running towards them. The young brother of Haldir was garbed in exactly the same tunic we seemed to wear every Spring Ball – A silver tunic, pants and smart leather boots. His hair was the only thing that seemed different this year as he had clipped it back as opposed to having his usual braids.

"Rumil! I'm surprised to see you here so early!" grinned Beleril, a little sarcastically.

"Yeah well, if you don't get here in good time, all the decent food will have been eaten!" smirked Rumil.

It was then that Rumil spotted Naelie, and with an elderberry filled goblet in one hand and a chicken leg in the other, he embraced her warmly but carefully.

"My dear Naelie" he smiled. "I'm pleased to see you at one of our prestigious Spring Balls at last!"

"Not as pleased as I am" replied Naelie enthusiastically.

Seconds later, a scarlet gowned elleth with fine chestnut hair bustled over to the group, a beaming smile on her unblemished face.

"Why, you must be Naelie" the elleth remarked, grasping Naelie's hand in a welcoming gesture that was surprisingly genteel.

"Wh-? Oh, I mean, yes I am" Naelie smiled back, slightly awkwardly.

"I have heard so much about you from, Rumil" the elleth carried on, "I hear you are being trained at sword combat with Haldir, am I correct?"

Naelie nodded politely. "Yes. Haldir is a most excellent teacher".

"I'm sure he is" replied the elleth, taking a sip of her drink. "Tell me. Has he said anything about me to you, perchance?"

"Erm…..Well….I"

The elleth gave a light merry chuckle. I am sorry, I have not even properly introduced myself to you, forgive me. I am Nadia".

"Pleasure to meet you, Nadia" Naelie sighed inwardly out of relief that the elleth had caught on to her problem with the name issue.

"So" continued Nadia. "Has Haldir ever mentioned me, even in passing?"

Naelie shook her head. "I don't think so….no I cannot ever recall him mentioning your name. Why? Should he have done?"

Nadia laughed again. "Nay, do not worry, Naelie. It is wonderful news to me that Haldir has not yet said anything – it can only mean he has not found out". She slapped a hand to her mouth suddenly as though she had said too much.

"Why, Nadia. I do believe you have drunk a little too much wine already" said Rumil, more seriously than Naelie expected.

"Oh, do stop fussing, Rumil" Nadia replied, somewhat irritably. "Tis Haldir's own fault he is such a stiff".

Rumil coughed abruptly. "A tad harsh, Nadia".

"You think so, do you?" Nadia smirked, poking Rumil in the chest. "You try convincing dear Hal that you are not descended from orc spawn nor were born in the depths of Mordor and see how far you get!"

Nadia sighed and leant forward a little more, so she could whisper to Naelie. "Rumil and I have been together for many months now, and Haldir has not yet found out, Elbereth be praised".

"Why would it matter if he did?" asked Naelie, quite surprised at Nadia's forwardness in conversation – after all, the two had only just met.

"I am afraid Haldir thinks I am not good enough for his little brother."

"Why on earth would he think that?" interjected Beleril.

Nadia shrugged. "Don't ask me, Bel. It would seem me and Mister Protective have some sort of eternal tiff going on that even I don't know the reason behind".

Rumil suddenly grasped Nadia's arm. "Erm….darling. Don't look now, but here comes 'Mister Protective'!"

Nadia looked up sharply. "Ah nettlejuice!" She turned back briefly to Beleril and Naelie and smiled. "Nice meeting you Naelie. Oh, and please keep schtum about me and Rumil, ok?"

Naelie nodded. "No problem".

With a grin of thanks, Nadia suddenly found herself whisked away by Rumil and out into the gardens, just as Haldir looked in their direction.

Naelie and Beleril remained composed as Haldir strode briskly over to them.

"Good to see you again, Naelie" he smiled. "Bel, how are the sparrows?"

"Still not back" sighed Beleril.

"Ah well, it's early days. They'll return soon enough, you mark my words".

Beleril nodded, still battling inwardly to stop himself laughing and giving the game away about Nadia and Rumil's abrupt departure.

He failed.

"What's the joke?" asked Haldir curiously.

"N-nothing, Hal" grinned Beleril, not very convincingly. "I just felt like laughing, tis all!"

Haldir raised a brow suspiciously "Really?"

Beleril nodded and added quickly. "Hal, have you tried the elderberry wine yet?"

Haldir shook his head, still wary and alert after his friend's outburst . "Nay, Bel. I have just arrived".

"Oh. Right! Well, I highly recommend it" continued Beleril, finally managing to keep a straight face.

"I shall endeavour to sample it at some point this evening" replied Haldir. "Now, if you'll excuse me I need to have a talk with Tadrien".

Beleril and Naelie nodded and bid him a fond farewell, both trying to stifle their laughter. Haldir , in the meantime, walked off towards Tadrien – a young golden haired elf standing near the cheese boards, his mind still more than usually active trying to pinpoint exactly what had been so amusing.

As the evening wore on, Naelie met a fair few more elleths and elves whom, to her own great surprise, she had never seen before. Naelie was also invited to dance by a couple of elves, including the head scribe – Celéndel and the Galadhrim healer – Tadrien.

After a particularly fast paced jig, Naelie collapsed onto one of the vacant chairs to regain her breath. It was then she realised whom she was seated with. Opposite from her sat Haldir, a goblet of elderberry in his hand and his eyes seemingly transfixed by those still dancing. Naelie greeted him warmly, and he jumped slightly, apparently having not been aware of her joining him.

"Are you enjoying yourself, ?" he asked her with a smile.

"Yes, thank you" she replied, still slightly breathless from the dance beforehand. "Have you not danced yet?"

Haldir nodded. "Yes, once at the beginning of this evening. But I tend to prefer observing"

Naelie cocked her head thoughtfully. "Would you permit me the honour to observe the next dance with you?"

Haldir chuckled. "Clever. Very clever, Naelie. However, I think you know what I really meant."

"Very well" she sighed, "but you cannot blame me for trying". Naelie got up suddenly and Haldir watched her curiously, not sure whether he had offended her in some way he was not aware of. He needn't have worried, for she had only gone to fetch herself a goblet of elderberry wine, and a minute or so later, she returned and seated herself again with him.

"So" Naelie began, taking a sip of her wine. "How have you been faring since our last battle?"

"What?" asked Haldir, confused for just a second before it dawned upon him what she was talking about. "Oh, right. Sorry. I am faring quite well thank you. And yourself and Bel?"

"We're fine" replied Naelie. "Poor guy though. He's been quite worried recently about the sparrows. After all, it's not like them to be this late back to the nest. According to Bel, the females of that family have been nesting in the same place outside his talan for the past ten years. Remarkable, I'd say".

"And I would agree with you, Naelie" nodded Haldir. "I keep telling Bel to stop fretting, but he can't seem to get through a morning without talking about them at the moment. I hope they do come back too, but if they are not back in the next few weeks, he will have to accept they have found a new nesting place".

Naelie had to agree with this. Although it would be sad if they did not return, she was sure Beleril would soon get over it and move on to being concerned about something else. It was natural for him.

They pair looked up as the music started up again, signalling the beginnings of the next dance, which sounded undoubtedly slower but not quite a waltz tempo. Naelie glanced sideways at Haldir, her expression relieving her need for words.

Catching a glimpse of her smirk, Haldir rolled his eyes and sighed in resignation. "Go on then" he said, standing up and offering his hand to her. "What harm can it do?"

"None whatsoever, Haldir" Naelie, grinned.

She took his hand gratefully and followed him onto the dance floor where the various other elves and elleths were currently assembling and readying themselves for the upcoming dance. Naelie just managed to suppress a smirk as out of the corner of her eye she noticed Nadia and Rumil were back and out on the dance floor. Clearly, Rumil had either finally decided that he was going to be outright about his relationship with Nadia and not care one iota about what Haldir thought or did to him or they had both either had too much elderberry. The latter was more plausible, Naelie privately thought.

Haldir gently placed on arm around Naelie's middle and his other hand upon her shoulder, as did she him. Moments later, the tempo of the music began to pick up slightly and the pair began to move in almost perfect sync with each other and the harmony. They swayed in time with the music, each other's eyes locked and never straying. Naelie felt very glad of the fact that she had quite small feet, for she felt certain that dancing the way she was now, she may have easily accidentally trod on Haldir's. She chuckled inwardly at the thought, still knowing all too well she would be mortified if that should ever happen.

As the pace of the music began to pick up, so did the movements of the dancers on the floor. All around her, Naelie could see elves and elleths swaying just as she and Haldir were doing, some also twirling and dipping – some being dipped. Then, quite suddenly, Haldir took complete charge and span Naelie out until she was a full arm's length from him. She was then twirled back towards him and placing a hand securely just below the centre of her back, Haldir dipped her over his arm, the tips of her curls brushing the floor ever so slightly. Then, as quickly as it had happened, he raised her up again and continued dancing with her as they were before, if slighter quicker paced.

The dance ended all too soon for Naelie, for although she was not romantically inclined towards Haldir, she was enamoured most certainly of his dancing abilities. As the musicians struck their last notes and the various dancers departed the floor, Haldir and Naelie made their way over to the beverages table in search of icy water to cool themselves down.

"I had quite forgotten dancing could be such thirsty work" remarked Haldir as they made their way over to a spare table.

"You danced tonight before though, did you not?" Naelie reminded him.

"Yes" replied Haldir admittedly as they sat down. "But this dance was much more invigorating than the other."

Naelie nodded. "True. I can see your point".

The evening was rounded off by a gentle solo from one of Lorien's finest minstrels. He performed the well known and tragic "Ballad of Nimrodel", which told of the elven maiden, Nimrodel who was beloved of Amroth – the former Lord of Lorien before Celeborn. Nimrodel travelled into the southern lands of Middle-earth and became lost in the White Mountains and also spoke of Amroth, who in his search for his love became lost forever at sea.

The minstrel chose to sing the shortened version, for the night was growing late and even he knew his audience could only be held for a certain amount of time before fatigue would begin to creep up upon them. He would perform the full ballad which later told of the sorrow that came upon Lothlorien when the Dwarves awakened the fell evil in the mountains, another time.

As the elleths and elves around them began to filter out the Hall, Naelie looked around for any sign of Beleril. To her surprise, she could find none, but never mind. She was more than capable of making her way home by herself.

"I shall see you no doubt tomorrow, Haldir" she smiled as she rose from her seat.

"Yes. You shall" he replied. "Thank you, by the way, for the dance".

Naelie chuckled. "Nay. 'Tis I who should be thanking you, for you dance superbly".

If Haldir had had the energy, he would have blushed. "Why, thank you, Naelie" he replied. "But there are many whose dancing skills far surpass mine".

"Still, you are no novice, that I am certain" Naelie replied. "Now, I shall say goodnight here, for I see Bel has skulked off again!" she added with a grin.

"Ah. He is well renowned for doing that at the end of events such as these" Haldir sighed. Then, he offered his arm to Naelie with a smile. "May I walk you home instead then?"

"Of course, thank you Haldir" Naelie replied gratefully. And linking her arm with his, they set off from the Hall.

It was not very far to Naelie and Beleril's talan, but still, Naelie was deeply thankful for the breath of cooling night breeze she received on her way back. It was odd, for when she had been inside the Hall, she had not noticed how warm she had become, but as soon as she stepped outside, it had hit her hard. Haldir and Naelie's conversations were brief, each reliving their own experiences at the Ball and at one point, Naelie almost let slip about Nadia and Rumil, but caught herself just in time.

Eventually, the pair came to a standstill outside the talan and quite suddenly, Haldir spotted something that made him laugh out loud with relief.

"That should cheer dear Bel up!" he said.

Looking up in the direction Haldir was pointing, Naelie smiled at the sight of the mother sparrow settled back in her nest.

"Well, that's an enormous relief" Naelie sighed happily. "Perhaps now Bel can go back to being the elf we all know and love again".

"One can only hope" replied Haldir.

Reaching forward, Naelie turned the handle and opened the door to the talan. Inside it was pitch black, which could only mean Beleril had not arrived home yet. Before entering the talan, Naelie turned back to Haldir.

"Thanks for walking back with me, Hal. It was nice to have someone to talk to – more than nice actually".

Haldir smiled warmly. "It was my pleasure, Naelie".

On a whim, Naelie leant forward and gave the elder elf a friendly peck on the cheek in thanks. "Goodnight then, and I'll see you for training in the morning".

"Actually" began Haldir. "Would you mind if we postponed your training session one day. I have a feeling that getting up early tomorrow after tonight's events would not be good for your health and the training would be wasted".

He said all this without sharpness, but as was with Haldir, he tended to like being straight and to the point.

"I can see your meaning, Hal" Naelie replied. "And no, I don't mind in the least".

"That is well then" nodded Haldir. "Goodnight Naelie".

"N-Night". Naelie failed to mask a yawn which caught her completely off-guard. "Sorry" she grinned apologetically. Goodnight".

With that, Naelie turned and walked inside the talan, leaving Haldir on the steps.

Orophin, unfortunately, had happened to walk by at the precise moment that Naelie had kissed Haldir's cheek and being Orophin, he couldn't resist poking around a little.

"So, brother" he began slyly. "What was all that about?"

"All what?" Haldir turned and fixed his brother with an expression of utter confusion.

Orophin sighed at his brother's apparent stupidity. "She kissed you, Hal!"

"Oh that" said Haldir, wafting it aside. "Twas a kiss between friends, that is all. Nothing more than that."

Orophin stood silent, tapping his foot in a most infuriating way.

"What?" said Haldir, feeling the beginnings of irritation.

"Are you sure it wasn't more than that?"

"Yes. We are good friends. Honestly Orophin, I give you my word. I am not in any way, shape or form romantically involved with Naelie".

"Alright, Hal" said Orophin finally. "I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and believe you this time".

"Good of you" replied Haldir sourly.

As the two brothers walked off towards their own talans, neither of them saw the figure crouched behind a pillar nearby, tears glistening in his usually stable grey eyes.

Beleril knew in his mind that the kiss between Naelie had given Haldir had only been a friendly exchange, but his heart seemed to think the opposite. Even if there wasn't a spark between Haldir and Naelie right now, could this be the beginnings of something more between them?

Beleril wasn't usually bitter, for it had never been in his nature to be so. But no thoughts could calm the raging storm that wracked his mind right at that moment. Nothing could ease the stabbing pain he suddenly felt in his heart. He watched as the two brothers finally walked out of sight completely, and made his way to the door, taking care to wipe the persistent tears from his cheeks before he entered.