Chapter XIII: Questions

Haldir stood on the guard's flet, his eyes meticulously scanning the forest. They had had to increase the guard on the borders as of late, for many orcs had been invading the land. Today, however, had been relatively quiet, the most interesting thing being a family of deer that had passed through the forest. Haldir glanced up as Orophin and Rumil approached. He smiled, for Orophin had only returned to duty today, having taken several days leave when Lalaith had delivered the baby.

"Good day, my brothers," Haldir greeted. "Orophin, how are Lalaith and the baby?"

Orophin grinned proudly. "Lalaith is well, and little Miriel is a joy. It was difficult to leave them and return to duty today."

Haldir nodded in understanding. "I am certain that it was. I know I would have a difficult time leaving my family to come to duty."

Orophin nodded, and Rumil smiled mischievously. "Haldir," Rumil began. "When are you going to ask Alexa for her hand?"

Haldir blushed vividly to the tips of his ears. "Sometime soon," he mumbled.

Rumil grinned. "Well, if you do not ask her soon, then perhaps I shall. After all, I am unattached, and she is quite unique."

Haldir scowled fiercely at him and Rumil laughed. "I jest, Haldir. You two were made for each other. I, however, have not yet met a lady that I wish to bind myself to."

"You have courted so many that I am surprised one has not struck your fancy, Rumil," Haldir teased.

"Perhaps, one day. But for now, I am enjoying being unattached and being free to do as I wish," Rumil replied. "However, you, Haldir, appear to be ready for marriage."

Haldir smiled. "It is true. I do desire for marriage."

"Then ask the lady!" his brothers said in unison.

Haldir grinned. "I shall. Very soon."

"Good," they replied, and returned to their posts. Haldir continued his watching of the forest and shook his head. His brothers delighted in incessantly teasing him. However, they were right. He did want to ask Alexa to become his wife. Married to Alexa, he thought. He smiled broadly. What more could I want?

Haldir paced the floor of his talan nervously. Today was the day he would ask Alexa to become his wife. He had been rehearsing what he would say for days. He had even practiced in front of the mirror, but had felt so foolish that he had quit after a few moments. He had asked Alexa to go riding with him, and he would ask her his question while they were out. His heart leaped as he heard a knock at the door. He opened the door and saw Alexa standing on the landing.

"Hello, Haldir," she greeted, and gave him a quick kiss. "Are you ready to leave?"

He nodded, and they began walking to the stables. She took his hand and intertwined her fingers with his own. He walked stiffly, and frowned as he felt his hands began to perspire. She looked at him in concern.

"Is everything all right, Haldir?" she asked.

He nodded and gave her a weak smile. She raised her brow skeptically at him, but did not question him further. They reached the stables and mounted their horses. Haldir was so nervous that he nearly fell off his horse, but fortunately, Alexa did not seem to notice. They rode from the stables and into the surrounding countryside. They trotted the horses for awhile, but it was not long before they were riding at a full gallop.

They rode for some time, finally stopping when they reached a beautiful, crystalline stream. They dismounted and sat on the grass along the bank.

Alexa leaned back on her elbows and looked up at Haldir. She frowned in concern. He was sitting rather stiffly, and he was so pale. What was troubling him so greatly? She sat up and covered his hand with her own.

"Are you certain everything is all right, Haldir? You seem upset."

Haldir glanced at her. "Everything is fine, my dear," he lied. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, and he sighed. Who am I fooling? Certainly not her. I had better ask her now, before I lose my nerve. He turned to her and took her hands in his own.

"Alexa, I..." he stammered.

"Yes, Haldir?" she asked.

"Well, I..." his voice trailed off. He leaned forward and kissed her roughly. He could feel her surprise, but she returned his kiss. He released her and looked into her eyes.

"I love you," he said.

He saw the surprise and confusion that crossed her face, but she smiled. "And I love you, Haldir."

He nodded and took a deep breath. "I... I wanted to ask you if...."

She smiled gently. "Go ahead, Haldir. Ask me whatever you wish."

He took her hands again and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Would you do me the honor of giving me your hand in marriage?"

Alexa stared at him in stunned silence. He had just asked her to marry him! She had not been expecting this. So many emotions bombarded her all at once: love, joy, surprise, and fear. She sighed. There was no doubt in her heart that she loved this Elf more than anything, but could she marry him? Was she even capable of being a wife? Her heart cried "yes", but her mind screamed "wait". She sighed, for her mind's reason always triumphed over her heart's desires.

Alexa glanced at Haldir uneasily. "I need time to think on this, Haldir," she said, her voice wavering slightly. She saw the hurt and disappointment that crossed his face before he lowered his head.

"Oh," he whispered.

Alexa reached out and gently lifted his chin, forcing him to look at her. "Haldir, I love you so very much. I just need some time to think."

He nodded. "I shall await your answer, my love."

She smiled gently, and they both rose. "We should return to Lothlòrien," she said.

He nodded in agreement, and they mounted their horses. They rode back to Lothlòrien in silence, both of them in deep thought concerning the proposal that Haldir had made.

Alexa walked dejectedly through the gardens. She was so confused, and she knew that Haldir was hurting, even though he was being incredibly understanding of her request for time. As she turned onto another path, she saw Lady Galadriel sitting on a bench in front of her. Galadriel smiled at her.

"Good day, Alexa. Please join me," she greeted, patting the space beside her.

Alexa sat down slowly and clasped her hands together. She looked at Galadriel, who smiled gently.

"I know what troubles you, child," the Lady said.

Alexa sighed. She had long since stopped being surprised by Galadriel's ability to read her thoughts. "Yes. I love Haldir so much, but I do not know if I can accept his proposal. I am not like most Elven women. I do not know how to be a wife."

Galadriel patted Alexa's hand. "You must consider this carefully. But do not fret. I know that you will make the right decision."

"And what is the right decision, my Lady?" Alexa asked.

"I cannot tell you that, my dear. But you will find the answer that you seek."

Alexa nodded. "Yes, my Lady."

"Alexa, do you know that the Elves are leaving Middle Earth?"

Alexa frowned slightly at Galadriel's sudden change of subject. "I have heard other Elves speaking of it, but I did not understand what they meant."

"The time of the Elves is ending. We are leaving these shores and going into the West to Valinor," Galadriel continued.

"Are all of the Elves leaving, my Lady?"

"Yes. We are all leaving in time."

Alexa started slightly as full realization came upon her. My father! She rose suddenly and looked at Galadriel.

"Thank you, my Lady. I must depart."

Galadriel nodded, and Alexa left the gardens. She had to return to Rivendell.

Alexa walked quickly through Caras Galadhorn. She was deeply troubled and somewhat angered by what Galadriel had told her. Father would not leave without telling me, would he? I must return to Rivendell with all haste. She was so lost in thought that she did not see the Elf in front of her, until she collided with him. The Elf's strong hands reached out and caught her waist in an attempt to steady her. She glanced up and gasped slightly as she met Haldir's concerned gaze.

"What is wrong, Alexa?" he asked, alarm in his voice. "Where are you going?"

"I am sorry, Haldir. I was so lost in thought that I did not see you."

He reached out and touched her cheek. "Are you all right, beloved?"

"Yes," she lied. "I just need to return to Rivendell for a short while."

She winced at the look of sadness that entered his features. She reached up and touched his face.

"I will only be gone for a short time, Haldir. I promise I will give you my answer when I return," she said.

He gazed into her eyes. "And I will be here awaiting your answer." He smiled tenderly. "I will always be here."

He pulled her close to him and kissed her. After a moment, he lightly broke the kiss and embraced her. Alexa returned his embrace, loving the feel of his arms around her.

"I love you, meleth nin," he whispered into her ear. "I will always love you."

"And I love you, Haldir."

He kissed her briefly and released her. He touched her hair and looked into her eyes. "Namarie, Alexa. Know that my heart travels with you, my love."

Alexa smiled. "Namarie, Haldir."

She turned and left, not knowing that Haldir never took his eyes from her departing form.