Disclaimers and all that good stuff: Please see Chapter 1 for full disclaimers.
Before we get started...
Evenstar/Elaine... thanks for pointing out the things that struck you as odd. I count on you to keep me honest and not to let me get lazy!
Lady of the Dog Star... He gets shown as so cold sometimes, I want to make sure that his aloof persona stays, but that some emotion slips through the facade every now and again!
Chapter 3: Memories of the Past
"My Lord Haldir," said Runevalas. "We've not been graced with your presence for some time." Next to her, Galadriel smiled at the shine in Runevalas' eyes.
"My duties..." began Haldir. "My duties have kept me away." But he knew that wasn't the truth, and to speak such a falsehood in Galadriel's presence cut him deeply.
Runevalas looked up at him through thick lashes. "You have been missed," Runevalas said. She gave him an earnest look, hoping he would see that she was still quite attracted to him.
"Indeed you have, Marchwarden. I hope you are not so taxed in your duties that you cannot find a few moments of respite here among the mallorns of the Golden Wood?"
"No, Lady Galadriel, I promise you that I do not spend all my time working." He met Runevalas' gaze for a moment and then looked away. Another time, another place he would have met that gaze even more boldly, but to be so brazen before Galadriel simply would not do.
They walked for a short time together under the mallorns until they came to a clearing with three paths leading out of it. "You will pardon me," said Galadriel, "but I must see my Lord Celeborn. You will forgive my rudeness in leaving you so suddenly."
"Of course..." said Runevalas.
"Haldir," said Galadriel, "will you escort Runevalas safely home to her dwelling?"
Escort her? Safely? There are no dangers in this part of the Golden Wood. But he would not refuse any request from Galadriel. "Of course, my Lady. It will be as you wish." He stepped immediately into a role he was comfortable in, the Marchwarden.
It took them close to 20 minutes to walk to Runevalas' dwelling. On the way, Runevalas asked Haldir to tell her stories about Lothlorien and its history. He was well-versed in the lore and history of 'Lorien and Runevalas was captivated listening to Haldir's deep and expressive voice as he told his tales.
"My thanks, Marchwarden, for seeing me safely home," said Runevalas as they reached the place where she lived.
"Ta nae amin saesa," It was my pleasure he answered.
There was a momentary pause and then Runevalas turned to go into her dwelling.
"Runevalas, I will be attending a banquet tomorrow at the behest of the Lady Galadriel. It is to honor King Thranduil as he passes through Lothlorien on his way home. Perhaps," said Haldir slowly, "you would consider attending with me?"
"I would." She tried not to let her pleasure at his invitation show too keenly. Haldir did not strike her as someone who would look favorably on giddy behavior.
He nodded, pleased with her answer, but not surprised. "Tenna' tul're san'," Until tomorrow then.
The next day, Haldir appeared at Runevalas' dwelling. She smiled when she saw him. Dressed in a casual coat that fit well to the waist and had panels that dropped to mid-thigh, Haldir looked exceptionally handsome. His straight, silver-blond hair was caught back on the sides and drawn into a herringbone braid. He wore a hammered circlet of intertwined strands of silver and gold.
Runevalas had taken special care to dress for the dinner. Her dress was a deep teal shade and the sheer bell sleeves made from a silvery-cream material. She had told Galadriel that it was her ocean dress because the color reminded her of the deep waters off the coast of Dol Amroth, and the sleeves were the white-capped waves that struck the shore. Around the crown of her head was a rope of grey pearls with swaged loops of smaller pearls cascading down her hair in the back.
The dinner was a quiet affair and as platters of fresh fruit were being served as Celeborn and Galadriel talked genially to Thranduil. His young son, Legolas, sat near his father listening to the conversation. He was young, still a child really, but there was a certain gravity about him. Haldir wondered what kind of Elf he would become when he truly matured.
Some time later, Galadriel stopped where Runevalas and Haldir were seated. She smiled down at the two of them, and Haldir felt warm around his collar as he chafed silently under her scrutiny.
"I'm pleased that you've both come," she said at last. "It brings my heart joy to see those I care about finding enjoyment in each other's company."
Under the light of the waxing moon, Haldir and Runevalas walked through 'Lorien back towards Runevalas' home. There was still soft music on air despite the late hour. As a courtesy, Haldir offered her his arm and as they strolled he told her more tales of Lothlorien.
"Why did you serve me wine?" asked Haldir after he finished his story.
"Serve you?"
"The first night we met. You were serving wine. You are Lord Celeborn's cousin; I would not think that duty would fall to you."
"I have heard tales of Haldir, Marchwarden of 'Lorien," she said with a shy smile, "and I desired to meet you. It seemed a good way without appearing overly bold."
Haldir merely nodded and did not say anything else right away. When they stopped walking, he looked down into Runevalas' eyes. He had not been with anyone in a very long time and the desire to kiss Runevalas rose up in him fiercely, taking the Marchwarden by surprise.
"Runevalas..."
She smiled. She didn't object at all to the idea of Haldir kissing her, nor even to the idea of him passing the remainder of the night with her. But as strong as Haldir's desire was, the sudden memory of Maranwe in his arms that followed sharp in its wake was even stronger.
"... I trust you enjoyed the evening," he finished, not wishing to explain his sudden hesitation.
She sensed his sudden retreat, and although it troubled her, she did not let it show on her lovely face. "Go," she said. "I know your duty calls you away. I hope to see you again soon."
They both knew it was a white lie meant for them both to keep their pride intact, and each was grateful for it in that moment. Haldir bent and kissed Runevalas' hand and watched her ascend the stairs, her ocean dress swirling around her ankles like the tides. Once out of his sight, Runevalas hurried up the remaining stairs and went immediately to her balcony platform. She had a moment to watch him walk away before he was swallowed by the Golden Wood.
Slowly she took the pearls from her hair, coiling the strand carefully and putting it in a velvet lined box. Did I somehow offend him, she wondered. No, I did nothing improper. There is no shame in being together. He seemed to want me for that moment... She thought back over the evening to make sure she had not somehow given him offense in any way, but there was nothing.
Runevalas lay back on her bed and curled close to her pillow. From the ceiling, thin veils of sheer material fell, connecting to each corner of the bed. The two closest to the head of the bed were undone for Runevalas liked the feel of the partially enclosed bed. It had a mystery, a romance that she loved to wrap herself in like cool silk.
As she lay on the soft mattress a thought came to her. I understand, she thought. Haldir stopped himself out of respect. He would not want, she assumed, to offend Lord Celeborn by bedding his cousin without some bit of courtesy beforehand. It was not the truth, but it was close enough to satisfy Runevalas for now.
Once he had seen Runevalas home, Haldir did not go to his own dwelling. Rather, he wandered through Caras Galadhon, the heart of Lothlorien, until he came upon the clearing that held a carved marble basin. The Mirror of Galadriel. He circled the mirror, eyeing it warily.
He had never entirely trusted the Mirror, although he would have never admitted that to anyone, especially Galadriel. The Marchwarden was a man of facts, tactics, planning. The Mirror was too fluid to sit well with Haldir. It could show the past, the present, and even the future, or at least a possibility of the future.
It was this possibility that made Haldir mistrust the mirror. To see the future, he had once said to Galadriel, may influence the decisions I make. In my desire to make a better future, could my decisions not be influenced and perhaps make an even worse future? I would rather make my decisions and live with my consequences.
The graceful bend of a carved bench made of polished mallorn presented an inviting seat. The tree had fallen at the edge of Lothlorien during an unexpected storm and the Elves did not ant to see the smooth, mellow wood go to waste. Haldir sat and looked up at the moonlight filtering down through the mallorn leaves above him. His mind wandered back through the centuries, back to that battlefield long ago when he took Maranwe from Lord Elrond's arms and watched as his feahoon's life faded away before him. Watched as her eyes ceased to see him and looked only towards the long path to Mandos' Hall. His shoulders sagged slightly.
"Maranwe," he whispered to the wind. "We were together but mere moments, but your presence has haunted my thoughts and my heart for all these years. So few of us find a feahoon in our lives. It is so rare, such a gift from the Valar. There is no other on Middle Earth who will stir my soul the way you did."
The gentle breeze played around him, teasing the ends of Haldir's hair and his thoughts floated forward to earlier that very night as he walked Runevalas' home. Her closeness, her warmness had brought feelings of desire up in him. She was beautiful and gentle; soft and comforting where he saw himself as cool and sharp.
"I do not wish to be lonely, Maranwe, but I can never hold you again the way I desire. But if I pursue Runevalas, am I motivated by true desire for her? Or am I trying to simply salve the hole in my heart left by your death?"
The breeze lingered for a moment and then disappeared from the wood, leaving Haldir with no answer.
The next chapter may take a little longer to write/post since it is just a jumble of notes right now. Please read/review and let me know what you think of it so far, and what you might like to see in the future... can't promise you'll see it, but you never know when or where the Muse may strike!