8. Matters of Perception
Haldir stared after Arwen as she fled, his feet refusing to move. She seemed to draw little attention though he was certain he had never before seen an elleth leave a ball so quickly.
Legolas looked from the stunned March Warden to his retreating friend, the expression on Haldir's face confirming all his worst fears. The bloody fool was in love with her. He looked down at the girl Orophin had abandoned with him and he felt a twinge of guilt.
"Forgive me." he whispered as sincerely as he could before turning and hurriedly following Arwen through the crowd. Indelin watched him go, feeling like a desperate failure and with a heavy sigh she slipped from the hall, unnoticed.
Elladan had been watching Orophin and Indelin, mildly distracted by Eirien. He needed to get rid of her, and quickly. She was prattling on about some ruddy book he had never read and looking interested was verging on the impossible. Without warning Arwen bolted from the hall, nearly knocking them over as she passed and Elladan decided there was no time like the present to rid himself of his unwanted burden.
"I must beg your forgiveness." he said, leading her to the side with a smile. "family business." Without another word he disappeared toward the gardens, collecting his twin along the way.
"What is going on?" Elrohir demanded as they converged with Legolas on the porch, his voice taking on a hint of irritation.
"I do not know," Elladan replied, shaking his head. "but that has to be a new record, even for Arwen." Legolas glanced at them uneasily as he considered telling them of his suspicions but he decided it was better to keep silent. They would kill Haldir if they found out.
"We had better find her." the prince said with grim determination, "I will take the South gardens."
"We will check the East and split up at the bridge." Elrohir offered and all three elves moved off in silence.
Legolas shook his head, trying desperately to decide how he had found himself in this mess and, more importantly, how he intended to get himself out again. He had a fairly good idea what had just happened in the Hall of Fire but he was loath to say anything. Obviously Arwen, in another desperate attempt to make friends, had offered the March Warden her apology and the love sick idiot had been left speechless.
He had the horrible feeling this was going to be a long night.
***********************************************************
"I could have sworn I had four children attending this ball not so very long ago." Elrond said with a frown, scanning the crowd.
"It would appear they have all made their departure." Glorfindel said with an easy smile.
"Did you notice where they went?" Elrond asked, the frustration finally working its way into his voice.
"The last I saw Arwen she was dancing with Legolas." Erestor replied. Glorfindel chuckled, he had been enjoying the show before he had been distracted by one of the guardians. He had very little opportunity to relax any more, why must someone always spoil it with business?
"I would hardly call it dancing." the blonde elf said with a wolfish grin.
"What do you mean?" Elrond asked alarmed. Erestor threw his friend an angry glare before turning back to the Elf Lord uneasily.
"Had you every considered, my Lord, that Arwen might already be attached to someone?"
"Legolas?" Elrond asked, his eyes growing wide. It seemed almost absurd. Arwen and Legolas had been friends for nearly three thousand years. He could still remember them as elflings with their tiny toy bows, hiding in trees and hunting Erestor the Orc. His advisor had not taken kindly to that one.
"Legolas?" he asked again.
"It certainly looked that way to me." Glorfindel smiled, sipping his wine placidly.
"He is like her brother." Elrond objected.
"I have a sister." Erestor replied grimly "And if we should ever have danced like that, my parents would have disowned us both."
"Where is Legolas?" Elrond asked, looking around the hall for some sign of the prince.
"Nowhere in sight." Glorfindel said happily.
"Do you think they escaped to the gardens together?" Elrond asked, his brow creasing.
"It is hard to say." Glorfindel shrugged. "The hall is very crowded and I have not seen them for some time."
"Why would she be with Haldir one minute and romancing the heir of Mirkwood the next?" Elrond demanded, suddenly feeling completely confused.
"Who knows why women do anything." Glorfindel shrugged "If I knew that, I should settle down myself."
"Perhaps they had a lovers quarrel." Erestor suggested.
"Perhaps she fears her father's disapproval." Glorfindel said pointedly, looking hard at Elrond. The Elf Lord paused, staring at his old friends with open mouth. Glorfindel was still glaring at him while Erestor seemed fascinated with the condition of the floor.
There was a fair amount of wisdom in their observation, he had to admit. He had badgered his poor little girl for years not to spend so much time with her old playmate and choose an acceptable husband. She must have thought he would not approve of Legolas.
Thranduil for a brother-in-law. He shuddered at the thought. He could not abide the pompous windbag, no matter how fine an elf he might be. Still, Legolas was noble, reliable, brave, accomplished, well educated. Exactly the sort of elf Arwen needed. He was surprised he had not considered it before. They were a very good match.
"I... wonder if you would excuse me." Elrond said haltingly, "I need to consider how best to encourage my future son-in-law." without another word he was gone.
*********************************************************
Meril was rapidly losing her patience. Legolas had slipped through her fingers and now Orophin seemed to be permanently attached to her arm. He was beaming down at her with a radiant smile as she followed the prince into the gardens. She wasn't entirely certain where the Mirkwood elf was going but she wasn't about to let him escape so easily.
"I don't require an escort Orophin." she said, forcing a smile "I'm only going to take some fresh air and then return to my room. I'm quite worn out."
"I wouldn't dream of abandoning you, pen melu." Orophin said with a warm smile "It is not right for such a beautiful maiden to be lonely."
"I can assure you, I am not lonely." she sighed, this wretched elf was pushing her over the edge. "I would hate to think you missed the ball on my account."
"There is nothing at the ball to hold my attention, sweet Meril." he replied, brushing his lips over her fingers. He was being ridiculously attentive. Meril had scoffed at some of the other elleths who had cast their hearts to the Lorien elf but she could fully understand now how he was so easily able to sway the inexperienced. If she hadn't had her sights so firmly set on Legolas she might have given in to him.
"Orophin," she said firmly "I can assure you, I will be quite all right on my own."
"I am completely content to escort you, pen melu." he said with a winning smile. It was all she could do to keep from grinding her teeth. Where was Indelin when she was needed?
**************************************************************
"I cannot find her." Elladan sighed, returning to the foot bridge, Elrohir shook his head as he approached from the other direction.
"Let us hope Legolas has found her." Elrohir looked out over the garden with a frown.
"I don't suppose you have any idea what is going on?" Elladan asked, leaning against the rail and watching the stream slip by beneath them.
"I suspect the bland March Warden said something rude." Elrohir shrugged. "I'm afraid our little sister was having a bad day and he simply made it worse."
"This is all Ada's fault." Elladan snorted, his twin gave him a sharp glare "Do not look at me like that. If he would only leave her alone we could troll for maidens in peace and she could play with Legolas like an elfling."
"She is too old to behave like a child." Elrohir insisted.
"It makes her happy!" Elladan snapped "and she has had precious little that does since..." his voice trailed off as Elrohir slumped against the rail and pressed his forehead to his arm, even in the darkness he was clearly turning white.
"I am sorry brother." Elladan said gently, laying a hand on his twin's shoulder "do not think about it."
"Why is it that you can face it and the rest of us cannot?" Elrohir asked bitterly. Elladan didn't answer, he was afraid of what he would have to tell his twin. He did not think even Elrohir would understand how he dealt with the tragedy that had befallen their mother.
"Elladan?" he let out a groan at the sound of Eirien's voice. Elrohir snapped upright, searching the dimly lit path with a wistful expression as the older twin shook his head.
"Brother, am I right in thinking you've become a bit smitten with the maid?" he teased. Elrohir gave a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging visibly.
"She is as fair as Luthien." he said forlornly. "I envy you brother, I would do anything to capture the sweet flower."
"Give me your tunic." Elladan said with an evil grin.
"My tunic?" Elrohir asked as Elladan worked furiously at the clasps on his twin's tunic. He pulled it off and quickly shed his own, forcing Elrohir's arm into the sleeve.
"If she is so intent on pursuing Elladan then that is who we will give her." he said with a sly grin. Elrohir shook his head furiously.
"The last time we switched places grandmother made us clean the stables for more than a week as punishment!" he objected.
"Do not be so craven!"
"Eirien is too smart for this." Elrohir insisted, "She can tell us apart!"
"It is growing dark!" Elladan snapped, smoothing out his twin's rumpled clothing "Stay in the shadows."
"But..."
"No excuses," Elladan said, giving him a shove. "go!" Elrohir paused, steeling himself before heading down the path with a determined stride. Elladan shook his head, hoping that he looked a bit less desperate when he pursued a maiden. He turned and headed deeper into the gardens, knowing that if Eirien saw them together she would soon discover their deception. perhaps Elrohir could win her heart before she found them out.
He soon left the path and wandered through the trees. The sun had nearly set and there was an open spot in the woods ahead where he could see the stars. He decided that a little peace was in order. It had been a less than spectacular day and now, thanks to Haldir, he had missed his opportunity to acquire himself a companion for the evening. Doubtless Rumil and Orophin had already collected the best flowers for themselves.
As he left the trees he paused, the glade was not empty as he expected. To his surprise an elleth was curled up in the grass with her arms around her knees, staring up at the sky. Her back was to him and for a moment he thought it was Arwen but the gown was not right.
"Indelin?" he asked gently. The little elleth turned abruptly at the sound of his voice and quickly looked away again, rubbing her face with the back of her hand.
"My Lord," she said, her voice cracking only a bit. Elladan looked down at the crimson tunic he was holding and balled it up, tossing it into a bush before smoothing his shirt. It would not do to let Indelin in on their little jest.
"I told you that you should call me Elladan." he said with a smile, sitting down beside her in the grass.
"I am afraid I am not very good company this evening... Elladan." she replied, giving him a half smile. "and I would not want to interrupt your plans, I will gladly leave if you intended to meet someone here." Elladan balked, he was surprised that such a young elleth would know of his reputation. Most of the older ones did not even seem to be aware of it or if they did, they didn't mention it so boldly.
"I am not trysting this eve my dear." he said with a chuckle. "unless you would like to oblige me." he gave her a teasing grin and she giggled.
"I am afraid Eirien would never forgive me." she smiled, more brightly this time. "and a good friend is not worth a stolen kiss."
"That is quite true." Elladan agreed looking up as the darkness gathered in and the stars began to appear, "so, will your trysting companion be along shortly?"
"I'm afraid I shalln't be stealing kisses from anyone this evening either." she replied with a heavy sigh.
"Then it would seem I am in good company." he said. She really was a sweet child. He was amazed that Orophin did not seem to have more appreciation for her.
"It would be nice to be kissed, just once." she said wistfully. Elladan looked into her upturned face, the stars glistening in her eyes.
"I find it hard to believe that no one has kissed you, Indelin." he said with a frown "How old are you?"
"I will be fifty next month." she said with a sigh. Elladan cringed, Orophin was right, she was a child.
"You have much time pen neth." he soothed gently, though he was surprised she had not played these lovers games before. Even at her tender years she should have teased and flirted with many a young elf by now.
"I know." she replied, lying her head on her knees and looking up at him. "but I don't suppose I make a very tempting prize. There is not an elf in Imladris who cares to give me his attentions."
"So you thought a Lorien elf might prove more easy to snare?" he grinned. She nodded, smiling again.
"I don't suppose I would be any more enticing in the golden wood than I am here." she giggled. "I do not think I am well suited to the shameless pursuit elves." Elladan could not help but laugh.
"No, I do not suppose you are," he agreed "but that is not such a bad thing."
"It is if I ever expect to wed." she frowned, looking back up at the stars again.
"There are other ways to wed besides trysting in poorly lit gardens." he pointed out "perhaps you should consider allowing your father to arrange a marriage for you."
"Ada and Nana took the ship to Valinor while you were away." she said simply. "I am on my own now."
Elladan did not take this as good news. She was far too young to be left alone. Perhaps if she were more bold and self confident she could manage. What ever had her parents been thinking to leave such a tender hearted child behind?
"Indelin, why did you not go with them?" he blurted out.
"I do not know," she shook her head sadly. "There is so much I wanted to do and see before I came to the Undying Lands. I have wanted to travel, to see Lothlorien or the lands of men. Perhaps to take up the bow. I feel I have lived so very little of my life but I am not fool enough to think I can simply set out and do all those things alone."
"Pen neth," he said with a warm smile "I think I will simply have to see after you myself until you are properly wed."
"Oh, but Elladan," she stammered "you don't have to do that. I would not want to impose upon you, I am not your responsibility."
"Perhaps not." he said seriously, giving her hand a squeeze. "But it is not right for anyone to be alone, Indelin."
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pen melu - lovely one
*********
Author's note-
For those of you who asked for a long story earlier, the rough draft currently stands at around 25 chapters. There are a lot of characters in this story and each one has a reason for being here but it's getting a little crowded. If things become hard to follow please say so before I get too far ahead in the narrative.
Loves to everyone who reviewed, I really appreciate all the feedback.
*********
Converted - Rated R for Aragorn in full nudity, (feel free to shriek in delight) Galadriel and Celeborn who are rabbits, one instance of extremely mild bondage, violence, and a couple of Elven 'weddings' I'm not ready to discuss yet. Oh, and one scene where the Elvish profanity gets pretty fierce but I'm not sure that counts.
Treebeard Gurl - Just who did you have in mind for Haldir? (My story's already finished in my head so I'm not likely to change it but I'd just love to hear what everyone thinks about my favorite Galadhrim.)
Rowan - I have a chart on my wall with everyone's name on it, It's color coded and I use arrows to keep track of who everyone is chasing (and trying to break up). Right now it looks a bit like Shelob's Lair. And the dress is exactly the way Tolkien describes it in the LOTR Appendices, except with a little female embellishment. I doubt good old JRR ever shopped for a gown.
b-witched - I really feel that Tolkien's original story is so complex that one could spend years drawing narratives from his works. So mostly I stick to cannon and muck around in the gray areas.
Whyte Ivy - This story is in the romance/humor category and you can't have fading in the humor category, (well, *I* can't have Haldir fading and giggle at the same time but I have a friend who would probably laugh his butt off.) Hal's safe, trust me on this one.
*Next Week! - The much anticipated meeting of Estel and Undomiel!
Haldir stared after Arwen as she fled, his feet refusing to move. She seemed to draw little attention though he was certain he had never before seen an elleth leave a ball so quickly.
Legolas looked from the stunned March Warden to his retreating friend, the expression on Haldir's face confirming all his worst fears. The bloody fool was in love with her. He looked down at the girl Orophin had abandoned with him and he felt a twinge of guilt.
"Forgive me." he whispered as sincerely as he could before turning and hurriedly following Arwen through the crowd. Indelin watched him go, feeling like a desperate failure and with a heavy sigh she slipped from the hall, unnoticed.
Elladan had been watching Orophin and Indelin, mildly distracted by Eirien. He needed to get rid of her, and quickly. She was prattling on about some ruddy book he had never read and looking interested was verging on the impossible. Without warning Arwen bolted from the hall, nearly knocking them over as she passed and Elladan decided there was no time like the present to rid himself of his unwanted burden.
"I must beg your forgiveness." he said, leading her to the side with a smile. "family business." Without another word he disappeared toward the gardens, collecting his twin along the way.
"What is going on?" Elrohir demanded as they converged with Legolas on the porch, his voice taking on a hint of irritation.
"I do not know," Elladan replied, shaking his head. "but that has to be a new record, even for Arwen." Legolas glanced at them uneasily as he considered telling them of his suspicions but he decided it was better to keep silent. They would kill Haldir if they found out.
"We had better find her." the prince said with grim determination, "I will take the South gardens."
"We will check the East and split up at the bridge." Elrohir offered and all three elves moved off in silence.
Legolas shook his head, trying desperately to decide how he had found himself in this mess and, more importantly, how he intended to get himself out again. He had a fairly good idea what had just happened in the Hall of Fire but he was loath to say anything. Obviously Arwen, in another desperate attempt to make friends, had offered the March Warden her apology and the love sick idiot had been left speechless.
He had the horrible feeling this was going to be a long night.
***********************************************************
"I could have sworn I had four children attending this ball not so very long ago." Elrond said with a frown, scanning the crowd.
"It would appear they have all made their departure." Glorfindel said with an easy smile.
"Did you notice where they went?" Elrond asked, the frustration finally working its way into his voice.
"The last I saw Arwen she was dancing with Legolas." Erestor replied. Glorfindel chuckled, he had been enjoying the show before he had been distracted by one of the guardians. He had very little opportunity to relax any more, why must someone always spoil it with business?
"I would hardly call it dancing." the blonde elf said with a wolfish grin.
"What do you mean?" Elrond asked alarmed. Erestor threw his friend an angry glare before turning back to the Elf Lord uneasily.
"Had you every considered, my Lord, that Arwen might already be attached to someone?"
"Legolas?" Elrond asked, his eyes growing wide. It seemed almost absurd. Arwen and Legolas had been friends for nearly three thousand years. He could still remember them as elflings with their tiny toy bows, hiding in trees and hunting Erestor the Orc. His advisor had not taken kindly to that one.
"Legolas?" he asked again.
"It certainly looked that way to me." Glorfindel smiled, sipping his wine placidly.
"He is like her brother." Elrond objected.
"I have a sister." Erestor replied grimly "And if we should ever have danced like that, my parents would have disowned us both."
"Where is Legolas?" Elrond asked, looking around the hall for some sign of the prince.
"Nowhere in sight." Glorfindel said happily.
"Do you think they escaped to the gardens together?" Elrond asked, his brow creasing.
"It is hard to say." Glorfindel shrugged. "The hall is very crowded and I have not seen them for some time."
"Why would she be with Haldir one minute and romancing the heir of Mirkwood the next?" Elrond demanded, suddenly feeling completely confused.
"Who knows why women do anything." Glorfindel shrugged "If I knew that, I should settle down myself."
"Perhaps they had a lovers quarrel." Erestor suggested.
"Perhaps she fears her father's disapproval." Glorfindel said pointedly, looking hard at Elrond. The Elf Lord paused, staring at his old friends with open mouth. Glorfindel was still glaring at him while Erestor seemed fascinated with the condition of the floor.
There was a fair amount of wisdom in their observation, he had to admit. He had badgered his poor little girl for years not to spend so much time with her old playmate and choose an acceptable husband. She must have thought he would not approve of Legolas.
Thranduil for a brother-in-law. He shuddered at the thought. He could not abide the pompous windbag, no matter how fine an elf he might be. Still, Legolas was noble, reliable, brave, accomplished, well educated. Exactly the sort of elf Arwen needed. He was surprised he had not considered it before. They were a very good match.
"I... wonder if you would excuse me." Elrond said haltingly, "I need to consider how best to encourage my future son-in-law." without another word he was gone.
*********************************************************
Meril was rapidly losing her patience. Legolas had slipped through her fingers and now Orophin seemed to be permanently attached to her arm. He was beaming down at her with a radiant smile as she followed the prince into the gardens. She wasn't entirely certain where the Mirkwood elf was going but she wasn't about to let him escape so easily.
"I don't require an escort Orophin." she said, forcing a smile "I'm only going to take some fresh air and then return to my room. I'm quite worn out."
"I wouldn't dream of abandoning you, pen melu." Orophin said with a warm smile "It is not right for such a beautiful maiden to be lonely."
"I can assure you, I am not lonely." she sighed, this wretched elf was pushing her over the edge. "I would hate to think you missed the ball on my account."
"There is nothing at the ball to hold my attention, sweet Meril." he replied, brushing his lips over her fingers. He was being ridiculously attentive. Meril had scoffed at some of the other elleths who had cast their hearts to the Lorien elf but she could fully understand now how he was so easily able to sway the inexperienced. If she hadn't had her sights so firmly set on Legolas she might have given in to him.
"Orophin," she said firmly "I can assure you, I will be quite all right on my own."
"I am completely content to escort you, pen melu." he said with a winning smile. It was all she could do to keep from grinding her teeth. Where was Indelin when she was needed?
**************************************************************
"I cannot find her." Elladan sighed, returning to the foot bridge, Elrohir shook his head as he approached from the other direction.
"Let us hope Legolas has found her." Elrohir looked out over the garden with a frown.
"I don't suppose you have any idea what is going on?" Elladan asked, leaning against the rail and watching the stream slip by beneath them.
"I suspect the bland March Warden said something rude." Elrohir shrugged. "I'm afraid our little sister was having a bad day and he simply made it worse."
"This is all Ada's fault." Elladan snorted, his twin gave him a sharp glare "Do not look at me like that. If he would only leave her alone we could troll for maidens in peace and she could play with Legolas like an elfling."
"She is too old to behave like a child." Elrohir insisted.
"It makes her happy!" Elladan snapped "and she has had precious little that does since..." his voice trailed off as Elrohir slumped against the rail and pressed his forehead to his arm, even in the darkness he was clearly turning white.
"I am sorry brother." Elladan said gently, laying a hand on his twin's shoulder "do not think about it."
"Why is it that you can face it and the rest of us cannot?" Elrohir asked bitterly. Elladan didn't answer, he was afraid of what he would have to tell his twin. He did not think even Elrohir would understand how he dealt with the tragedy that had befallen their mother.
"Elladan?" he let out a groan at the sound of Eirien's voice. Elrohir snapped upright, searching the dimly lit path with a wistful expression as the older twin shook his head.
"Brother, am I right in thinking you've become a bit smitten with the maid?" he teased. Elrohir gave a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging visibly.
"She is as fair as Luthien." he said forlornly. "I envy you brother, I would do anything to capture the sweet flower."
"Give me your tunic." Elladan said with an evil grin.
"My tunic?" Elrohir asked as Elladan worked furiously at the clasps on his twin's tunic. He pulled it off and quickly shed his own, forcing Elrohir's arm into the sleeve.
"If she is so intent on pursuing Elladan then that is who we will give her." he said with a sly grin. Elrohir shook his head furiously.
"The last time we switched places grandmother made us clean the stables for more than a week as punishment!" he objected.
"Do not be so craven!"
"Eirien is too smart for this." Elrohir insisted, "She can tell us apart!"
"It is growing dark!" Elladan snapped, smoothing out his twin's rumpled clothing "Stay in the shadows."
"But..."
"No excuses," Elladan said, giving him a shove. "go!" Elrohir paused, steeling himself before heading down the path with a determined stride. Elladan shook his head, hoping that he looked a bit less desperate when he pursued a maiden. He turned and headed deeper into the gardens, knowing that if Eirien saw them together she would soon discover their deception. perhaps Elrohir could win her heart before she found them out.
He soon left the path and wandered through the trees. The sun had nearly set and there was an open spot in the woods ahead where he could see the stars. He decided that a little peace was in order. It had been a less than spectacular day and now, thanks to Haldir, he had missed his opportunity to acquire himself a companion for the evening. Doubtless Rumil and Orophin had already collected the best flowers for themselves.
As he left the trees he paused, the glade was not empty as he expected. To his surprise an elleth was curled up in the grass with her arms around her knees, staring up at the sky. Her back was to him and for a moment he thought it was Arwen but the gown was not right.
"Indelin?" he asked gently. The little elleth turned abruptly at the sound of his voice and quickly looked away again, rubbing her face with the back of her hand.
"My Lord," she said, her voice cracking only a bit. Elladan looked down at the crimson tunic he was holding and balled it up, tossing it into a bush before smoothing his shirt. It would not do to let Indelin in on their little jest.
"I told you that you should call me Elladan." he said with a smile, sitting down beside her in the grass.
"I am afraid I am not very good company this evening... Elladan." she replied, giving him a half smile. "and I would not want to interrupt your plans, I will gladly leave if you intended to meet someone here." Elladan balked, he was surprised that such a young elleth would know of his reputation. Most of the older ones did not even seem to be aware of it or if they did, they didn't mention it so boldly.
"I am not trysting this eve my dear." he said with a chuckle. "unless you would like to oblige me." he gave her a teasing grin and she giggled.
"I am afraid Eirien would never forgive me." she smiled, more brightly this time. "and a good friend is not worth a stolen kiss."
"That is quite true." Elladan agreed looking up as the darkness gathered in and the stars began to appear, "so, will your trysting companion be along shortly?"
"I'm afraid I shalln't be stealing kisses from anyone this evening either." she replied with a heavy sigh.
"Then it would seem I am in good company." he said. She really was a sweet child. He was amazed that Orophin did not seem to have more appreciation for her.
"It would be nice to be kissed, just once." she said wistfully. Elladan looked into her upturned face, the stars glistening in her eyes.
"I find it hard to believe that no one has kissed you, Indelin." he said with a frown "How old are you?"
"I will be fifty next month." she said with a sigh. Elladan cringed, Orophin was right, she was a child.
"You have much time pen neth." he soothed gently, though he was surprised she had not played these lovers games before. Even at her tender years she should have teased and flirted with many a young elf by now.
"I know." she replied, lying her head on her knees and looking up at him. "but I don't suppose I make a very tempting prize. There is not an elf in Imladris who cares to give me his attentions."
"So you thought a Lorien elf might prove more easy to snare?" he grinned. She nodded, smiling again.
"I don't suppose I would be any more enticing in the golden wood than I am here." she giggled. "I do not think I am well suited to the shameless pursuit elves." Elladan could not help but laugh.
"No, I do not suppose you are," he agreed "but that is not such a bad thing."
"It is if I ever expect to wed." she frowned, looking back up at the stars again.
"There are other ways to wed besides trysting in poorly lit gardens." he pointed out "perhaps you should consider allowing your father to arrange a marriage for you."
"Ada and Nana took the ship to Valinor while you were away." she said simply. "I am on my own now."
Elladan did not take this as good news. She was far too young to be left alone. Perhaps if she were more bold and self confident she could manage. What ever had her parents been thinking to leave such a tender hearted child behind?
"Indelin, why did you not go with them?" he blurted out.
"I do not know," she shook her head sadly. "There is so much I wanted to do and see before I came to the Undying Lands. I have wanted to travel, to see Lothlorien or the lands of men. Perhaps to take up the bow. I feel I have lived so very little of my life but I am not fool enough to think I can simply set out and do all those things alone."
"Pen neth," he said with a warm smile "I think I will simply have to see after you myself until you are properly wed."
"Oh, but Elladan," she stammered "you don't have to do that. I would not want to impose upon you, I am not your responsibility."
"Perhaps not." he said seriously, giving her hand a squeeze. "But it is not right for anyone to be alone, Indelin."
****************************
pen melu - lovely one
*********
Author's note-
For those of you who asked for a long story earlier, the rough draft currently stands at around 25 chapters. There are a lot of characters in this story and each one has a reason for being here but it's getting a little crowded. If things become hard to follow please say so before I get too far ahead in the narrative.
Loves to everyone who reviewed, I really appreciate all the feedback.
*********
Converted - Rated R for Aragorn in full nudity, (feel free to shriek in delight) Galadriel and Celeborn who are rabbits, one instance of extremely mild bondage, violence, and a couple of Elven 'weddings' I'm not ready to discuss yet. Oh, and one scene where the Elvish profanity gets pretty fierce but I'm not sure that counts.
Treebeard Gurl - Just who did you have in mind for Haldir? (My story's already finished in my head so I'm not likely to change it but I'd just love to hear what everyone thinks about my favorite Galadhrim.)
Rowan - I have a chart on my wall with everyone's name on it, It's color coded and I use arrows to keep track of who everyone is chasing (and trying to break up). Right now it looks a bit like Shelob's Lair. And the dress is exactly the way Tolkien describes it in the LOTR Appendices, except with a little female embellishment. I doubt good old JRR ever shopped for a gown.
b-witched - I really feel that Tolkien's original story is so complex that one could spend years drawing narratives from his works. So mostly I stick to cannon and muck around in the gray areas.
Whyte Ivy - This story is in the romance/humor category and you can't have fading in the humor category, (well, *I* can't have Haldir fading and giggle at the same time but I have a friend who would probably laugh his butt off.) Hal's safe, trust me on this one.
*Next Week! - The much anticipated meeting of Estel and Undomiel!
