I only wish I owned the Tolkein characters!
Alanya sat down at Galadriel's behest. Her face mirrored none of her inner nervousness at being in the presence of one of the more powerful beings she had ever come across. She took a moment to center herself, more firmly grounding her shields, allowing the power coming off of Galadriel to simply slide around her as if she was a rock in a stream. With the next exhaled breath she was able to settle emotions that had begun to roil within her, at least until Haldir sat down beside her. The closeness of this very handsome elf was something she couldn't entirely ignore.
It has been too long since I've been with someone, she thought with irony to herself. I'm acting like a teenage girl with her first love. She closed her eyes and gave herself a mental shake to remind herself to attend to the business at hand, not the tall, blond and handsome perfection that sat next to her. When she opened them Galadriel's eyes caught hers, and she could swear that she read a twinkle in the Lady's eyes before she spoke.
"You have come far, Lady Alanya Mystewalker. Farther I think then you have expected." Galadriel said smoothly. "You have been brought into a land under siege, for a shadow is ever growing over our land. You have seen this in your dreams"
"I have." Alanya replied. She shivered; remembering her dream of dark clouds overtaking what she now realized was Lorien. The thought of darkness covering this land sent a lance through her. "But it hasn't made a great deal of sense. I may know what is happening, but not why or how."
"The threat we are now under has it roots in what many in middle earth dismiss as fantasy, or myth. There are those of us who have remembered, and do not forget that which was lost." Galadriel rose, and for once appeared agitated, a frown crossing her lovely features. "News from Elrond's council is as I feared. The one ring has been found."
Alanya cocked her head, not understanding the significance of the phrase. She did understood the sense of doom that underlined Galadriel's pronouncement, however, and she knew that Haldir stiffening in reaction was not a good thing. She took a moment to glance over at him and saw him sitting tense with fire burning in his eyes. Though it was not a look that was directed at her, she felt the barely contained fury within.
"Ages ago, the dark lord Sauron, a Maia of the race of Ainur sought to subdue and rule all of middle earth. He hoped to accomplish this using a dark ring of power that he forged, a master ring. Before we knew of his turn to darkness, he gifted each of the races with rings of power. Nine to the kings of men, seven to the dwarven kings, and three to the elves. One of these it is my duty to bear. Unknown to all, he had forged in secret the master ring. This ring was recipient of all his malice, all his darkness and all his cruelty. Above all, he longs for power. He waged a war on the peoples of middle earth, but was banished from his physical form when the ring was struck from him."
"The ring fell to Isildur, a king of man, who threw the blow that severed the ring from Sauron. In a moment of weakness, he did not destroy it. In time, the ring fled from him and became lost. It has now been found. A fellowship now forms to return the ring to Mordor and destroy it, thus banishing the dark lord forever. There are other forces in play as well."
"Before you continue, could you outline what the Maia are?" Alanya asked. She wanted a more through understanding of the powers involved in this. If he was only an exceptionally strong mage, it was possible she could deal with his threat directly, but only if she knew all there was to know about him.
"The maia are a lesser race of spirits whom elected to take a physical form in Middle Earth, to guide and foster the races of men, elves, and dwarves. In this, Sauron betrayed the Valar, the spirits formed by Iluvatar, the creator of this world."
"So I see the history involved now, but what does this have to do with me? Or Haldir? And why are we tied together?" Alanya felt almost more confused after this history tale.
"Ever questioning you are," the Lady said, raising Alanya's chin with a gentle hand. Alanya marveled at the depth of wisdom in her eyes, and calmed down. "You were brought here by the Valar to counteract tone of Sauron's allies. One of the Maia, known as Sauromen, has betrayed his order, and turned to the Dark Lord's side. His forces will marshal and attempt to destroy the world of men. The hammer's blow will strike soon, and will fall on the land of Rohan. It is this battle, at the fortress known as Helm's deep, that the knowledge of wakes you in the night."
"I've seen an enemy force of monsters, fighting against men who I've never seen fight so desperate. How the men survive is beyond me. A sense of wrongness, pervaded the feeling of every dream I had, that this should not be happening." Alanya said lowly. As she often did when she was truly upset, she rose and paced to and fro.
"I've also, I've also seen.." she broke off, becoming too upset to continue. Tears shone in her eyes in reaction to the memories of her dreams, something she had been trying to push aside the past day and night.
"What have you seen Lady Alanya?" Haldir asked, rising and grasping her by the shoulders. She turned away, unable to bear the gentle look in his eyes. She cleared her throat, and attempted to steady her voice.
"I've seen you fall," she said quietly but firmly, turning back to look at Haldir. His eyes widened and he appeared shocked. "I do not know what else happens in the battle, I always wake up screaming." She swallowed hard, forcing down turmoil. "That's all I've seen. But I can't let it happen," she said desperately, wiping her eyes and pacing more. "It should not be!"
"And it need not be," Galadriel's voice cut in Alanya's mental anguish. "These things you have seen are but images of things that might occur. The future is not written in stone. Even the actions of one person at a critical moment can turn the tide. There will come a time when the combined forces of Lorien and Imladris will act on the former alliance of Men and Elves. Their presence at Helm's Deep will enable the fortress to hold. If you are not there, my Marchwarden will fall. His falling would be the final act that could break the courage of men. If Rohan falls at Helm's Deep, all the other lands of men will cascade after it. You will travel with them, and prevent this.
"You have seen this in your mirror?" Haldir asked. Alanya could see his shock at hearing the possibility of his fate pronounced so cruelly. She reached out and placed her hand is his, silently offering her support.
"It is this action which links the two of you together. Alanya is not the only one who has seen this."
Alanya stood stark still, remembering that which she had almost forgotten up until this moment.
"What have you seen?" She asked Haldir softly. His hand tightened on hers, and she saw his eyes flicker down, as if surprised to see it there. Still, he did not remove his hand, but instead answered her question.
"Only the image of your face." He laid one hand on her cheek, looking searchingly into her eyes. He sighed and dropped is hand, stepping away. "And an ever growing sense of danger." He looked back at her and gave a small smile, appearing to be carefully considering his words. "I had thought you only dreams in the mist. It is…good, I think, to know you are not." Alanya's heart leapt into her throat at his touch, and her face flamed despite her admonishments to herself that now was not the time for schoolgirl reactions when someone's life was at stake. Or more likely, she reminded herself, the lives of many others. She could not deny though the thrill that she felt at his words to her.
"What must we do now?" Haldir asked Galadriel, while Alanya attempted to regain the calm she had initially.
"I would not have either of you worry needlessly. It is an action that will not profit either of you. For too long Alanya, you have been uneasy with knowledge of the future. I would have you find peace here in these woods, that you might better be the instrument of the Valar. Spend your time knowing these woods, and this land. Begin to know what you might save. For now, that is enough. The rest will come naturally I think, according to your will." The Lady rose, taking Alanya's hands in hers. I know you can prevent what you fear will come to pass. Take heart in the peace of Lorien, and in Haldir's strength. Rely on him when you have fears, he will help, she said into Alanya's mind.
Alanya's eyes widened. She knew her shields were up solidly yet Lady Galadriel had spoken straight into her mind with little to no effort at all. She bowed her head, and attempted to drop into a curtsey when the Lady forestalled her efforts, bestowing a single kiss on her cheek. Alanya looked deep into the Lady's eyes and saw beyond the calm to see the concern there. With sudden understanding that Galadriel was masking her worry for them, Alanya reached out and hugged her, offering forth a tendril of soothing emotion. The great Elvin lady accepted her comfort, in turn enfolding Alanya into her arms as a mother would a daughter.
"You are a great treasure, Alanya Mystewalker, and Lorien will forever be richer for your presence here." Galadriel said before releasing her. Alanya saw a flash of emotion pass quickly over Galadriel's face, but it disappeared before Alanya could put a name to it. "I look forward to coming to know you." With that, the Lady gestured that they go. Haldir and Alanya both bowed their heads, withdrawing from her presence.
Leaving the garden, they had not gotten very far before Alanya's energy gave out in reaction to all that was said and she began to feel lightheaded at having all the information laid out before her. She grabbed onto Haldir's shoulder, closing her eyes as the world shifted alarmingly about. A stifled curse was all she heard from him as she was swung up into his arms. Several moments later they had come to a small stream as she heard the gurgling of water. She was set down alone for a moment, and then she felt the touch of a cool cloth on her face. She opened her eyes to find Haldir on one knee beside her, his touch light upon her face.
"Sorry, I think I've just been through a lot today. Well, and yesterday…and for that matter, the day before." Her quirky response was rewarded with a smile from Haldir.
"I can understand," he said. "Lady Galadriel can be a powerful presence." He continued for a moment to trace cool patterns on her face, then moved back to sit down beside her. Alanya could feel his silent regard as she sat with her head on her knees, attempting to let the world come to rest around her.
"Was there something you wished to ask me?" she asked, her dress muffling her voice. She looked back up at him, brushing back tendrils of hair that escaped her braids. Haldir sighed and looked away, apparently unsure as to where to start. After several long moments, he appeared to find the words.
"I find this whole situation, disturbing to say the least."
"You find it disturbing?" Alanya made a noise of disbelief. "You aren't the one who was arbitrarily yanked out of their world.
"No, but I was just the one who had the possibility of their almost certain death pronounced in front of them," Haldir replied a bit sharply. Any other sarcasms flew out of Alanya's head.
"I'm sorry, my response was uncalled for." He accepted her apology with a nod.
"It is simply that I am not one given towards reliance on others. I am, " he said, clearing his throat, "somewhat unsettled."
"You have a talent for the understatement." Alanya tilted her head back, resting her head against the tree she was leaning on. "Are you always this understated?" Haldir looked at her a moment before replying. If she hadn't been looking she would not have seen his ghost of a smile.
"My brothers have said so a time or two." He sighed a long sigh. "I would have us know of each other. If we are to fulfill our linked purpose, I would be known as a friend to you."
Alanya blinked, surprised that he was this forthcoming. Her initial impression was that he tended to play his cards close to his vest, so to speak. There appeared to hidden depths to this elf, and she enjoyed the thought of coming to know him. Wistfully she thought of his beauty, but doubted that anything could come of it. Still, she could feel he was above all a good and honorable person, the kind of person she considered herself lucky to know. She held out her hand to him, intending to shake his hand.
"I'd like that very much Haldir. I think I'm very pleased to have met you so far."
"You think? Well, my brothers will be happy to hear that you only might be pleased at meeting me. I'm certain they wish to attempt to monopolize your attention whilst you are here in Lorien." Haldir relaxed enough to tease her slightly, and leaned into the tree beside her.
"I'm certain there is other more attractive game they might chase." She replied dryly. Haldir looked askance at her.
"Have you not looked into a mirror? You are different from us, yes, but your exotic beauty will draw many a suitor." Haldir flushed slightly and looked away, falling silent. Alanya's eyes widened. Exotic beauty? Surely he jested with her. She had seen some of the elvin maidens and she was certainly no match for them. Tall and willowy to the last, they held a perfection she couldn't think to reach. She shook her head, her braids swinging with the motion, shimmering in the sun.
"I've seen the females here, and I don't think they have anything to worry about from me." She fiddled with the sleeves of her dress, uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation. Haldir turned to her, one hand on her shoulder.
"You truly think this?" he asked, an odd light in his eyes. His other hand moved up to cup her cheek. Not trusting her voice, Alanya nodded her assent. Haldir closed his eyes and shook his head, but did not realize her from the close hold he had on her. Opening his eyes, his head dipped to kiss her.
The touch of his lips was like a slow burning fire to Alanya. Her arms drifted up to encircle his neck, and in return he tightened his hold on her. What started out as a light kiss deepened, drowning Alanya in heat. His hand entangled into her hair, holding her more firmly in place while he explored her mouth. Mirroring him, she brushed her fingers down the tips of his ears, bringing forth from him a small sound of contentment. Gently pulling back on her hair, he tilted her head back, layering kisses down on her neck. Alanya felt weak, like she could do nothing to withstand this passionate assault Haldir was making on her senses. He withdrew his attention from her neck, moving to capture her lips once more. After several long moments where Alanya was seriously doubting that she ever wanted to breathe again, Haldir ended the kiss, his forehead resting against hers in an intimate gesture.
"Consider that only a portion of the things I might wish to share with you, given the opportunity." He whispered into her hair, pulling her to rest against him. Alanya calmed her racing heart, feeling the blood rush in her veins and pool low into her body. Her hand lightly traced a pattern down Haldir's arm, feeling the power contained therein. Desire went through her at the thought of those same arms holding her during lovemaking, causing her to tighten her hold on Haldir. She raised her head to look at him.
"That's pretty close for friends," she ventured forth. Daring greatly, she reached out to stroke his face. She was rewarded when he leaned into her touch, holding her hand in his.
"For now we will start there. The rest will come as it wills." He breathed deep, his breath exhaling in an obvious effort to calm his own desire. He sighed and looked into her eyes. "For now I simply wish to come to know the fascinating mystery that is before me. Time will bring what it will." Alanya smiled gently, leaning forward to place one soft kiss on his lips, thrilling in being able to do so.
"Then we'll start there," she replied quietly, moving to rest her head back down on his chest. He in turn tightened his arms around her and sighed in contentment. Afternoon light filtered down through the leaves, bathing the two in gold as they lay in the warmth of the day.
Finally! A Kiss!!