Alanya sat on the edge of the practice fields, her skirts pooling around like a spill of gold. The shade of the mallorn was cool on her skin, augmented by the wispy breeze that fluttered that day. She came here most mornings, fascinated with watching the elves train. She could see Haldir was a hard taskmaster, but was patient as long as the individual he was training was sincerely trying. Right now however she was attempting to contain her amusement as he dumped a younger elf on his backside once more. Apparently the trainee was not trying very hard, as she could see Haldir's eyes narrow in what she was fast coming to recognize as irritation, working up to the possibility of true anger.
Haldir was quickly becoming upset with the lackluster effort he was getting from the elf he was training. Pushing in and locking swords with the young one, he waited until the trainee was pulling to unlock the swords when Haldir tripped him, sending him sprawling into the dust. Before the trainee could rise he fixed him with a sharp glare, holding the abashed elf right where he was.
"When you come here next, I expect you to be putting more effort into this. Banish whatever it is that you are thinking about instead of your training, and concentrate on what you should be working on, your sword work!"
"Yes Marchwarden." A much-subdued elf responded.
"I know you are better then this. You have proven it before." Haldir paused, his eyes straying to the vision in gold at the edge of the field. Alanya was there watching the mornings training sessions again, much to his pleasure. His ill feelings drained out of him upon seeing her there in what was becoming her usual spot. He noted the small smile that sat upon her lips and knew she was amused at the plight of the trainee. Deciding to take pity on the youngling he looked back over his shoulder at him. "Take the rest of the afternoon to center yourself, and show up here tomorrow with a more focused mind. Dismissed." He headed over for Alanya, missing the significant looks of the elves who nudged each other and smiled when they realized where their own leader's attention lie.
He nodded gravely when she smiled up at him in greeting, warming at the sight of it. Her hair was flowing down her back unrestrained, and he longed to touch it again as he had in the clearing where they shared a kiss. He had not attempted such a kiss since that day, giving Alanya time to adjust to Lorien. His regard was still obvious as he met her to dine at the ending of each day.
"You come to watch again." Haldir noted, sitting down next to her when she patted the ground next to her and offered him a mug of water she had next to her. The murmur from the practice field increased and he sent a look towards it, to which the elves there all seemed to instantly find something to do. Satisfied, Haldir turned his attention back to find Alanya twirling the bunch of small flowers he had left perched on her bedroom windowsill.
"I find it interesting. I grew up in a school where most were taught to defend themselves by magic, not by hand or sword. I've never known any other way to do it myself."
"You cannot defend yourself?" His frowned, displeased with that notion.
"Not what I said," she answered with a smile. "Here, why don't I show you?" She rose gracefully, her skirts sliding against each other with the hiss of silk. He followed her; curious as to what she was trying. "Here," handing him a throwing dagger and walking some distance away. Finally she stopped and turned to face him. "Now, throw it at me."
Haldir was somewhat unsure of this, and hesitated, heavy throwing dagger in hand.
"Come on Haldir, throw it." Alanya stood impatiently, hands on hips, tapping one foot insistently.
"I am not certain this is the best of ideas," he began to say, when Alanya looked in his eyes.
"Do you trust me?" Haldir nodded an affirmative. He could see his brothers out of the corner of his eye, their eyes wide at his answer. "Then throw it." She said in a softer voice. "You won't hurt me Haldir, my word on it."
Haldir sighed, closing his eyes and sending a silent prayer to Iluvatar. Opening his eyes he fixed them once again on Alanya and threw the dagger squarely at her. Even though he was looking, he found it hard to believe. A small gesture from her, and the dagger suddenly lost energy in its path towards her and tumbled to the ground. Surprised, he tossed another with the same result. Amazed sounds and words of approval came from most of the elves.
"It seems you are correct," Haldir said as he walked up to Alanya. She stood there, looking slightly smug with proving her point. Deciding to prove a point of his own, when he got to her, he reached out as if to take her hand. She offered hers and he acted as quickly as a whirlwind, twisting her around and ending up with a dagger at her neck. "Perhaps I also have a point," he said, enjoying the feel of her close to him. He could feel himself begin to react at her nearness and he bent his head, whispering into her ear. "Not all attacks are direct, some come when we do not expect." She inhaled sharply, and leaned slightly back against him.
"No, you're right, they don't," she breathed back, her voice unsteady. Suddenly a shock ran through his body, causing the dagger to drop to the ground. His muscles all seized painfully and he found himself immobile, his body not answering to his commands. Alanya stepped away lightly, smiling.
"I could leave you here if I chose to do so, and none could break the spell," she whispered back to him, running one hand unseen down his chest. His eyes narrowed as he fought to move but could not. "But I won't." In the next blink of an eye Haldir stumbled as he was free to move again. She gave him an obviously genuine smile and laughed. "That was fun."
"You have odd ideas of fun," Haldir said as she straightened her gown, brushing off a piece of grass still clinging to it. His eyes drifted over her form once more. "I suppose I didn't look like too much of a fool in front of my peers."
"Wouldn't do that," she replied quietly, her hair floating about her as she shook her head. "Your authority as their leader is too important. I wouldn't make you look the fool on the field, ever. Off the field…" her eyes sparkled mischievously, "that might be another story."
"Then I am warned, liramaer." He sighed, giving her a faint smile. "You are a vision today." Alanya blushed, tucking a stray lock behind her ear, succeeding in only securing part of it. The rest drifted free to fall across her shoulder. Haldir reached out, taking the lock in his fingers. "So, have you plans for the rest of the day." He let her hair slid out of his fingers and brushed his hand across her cheek, thrilling when she leaned into the caress with closed eyes.
"Actually, I'm spending the rest of the day with Lady Galadriel, so, I shall see you tonight when you stop by tonight for dinner."
"Yes well, tonight is the night of the week I normally dine with my brothers, and I was hoping you would join me. If I do not introduce you to them more formally, they will never cease their pestering." Haldir said with an aggrieved tone. "So, I will find you tonight with Galadriel?" Alanya nodded an affirmative.
"I'll see you later tonight Haldir." She gave him one last smile and leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. Not satisfied, Haldir grabbed her by the arm and hauled her back, pulling her against him. Her eyes were wide, glancing to the crowd of now fascinated elves behind them, and back to Haldir.
"Did you think I would let things go at that?" He said with a smug smile, lowering his head to kiss her breathless. He reveled in her response, and when he felt she was thoroughly abandoned to him, he abruptly ended the kiss, releasing her to stand dazedly before him. He heard whooping cheers from behind him but paid it no heed. "That was for your little magic trick on the field," he whispered into her ear, giving her a wicked smile before turning back and heading over to the crowd of watchers.
"Don't you people have practice to be doing?" He said mildly as all elves on the practice field returned to their tasks, snickering at Haldir.
Alanya walked to the Lady Galadriel's talan in her own world. Haldir's kiss had been a shock to her senses, not only for the passion behind it but the fact that he had declared his interest publicly by doing so in front of his peers. Her lips still tingled where his had been but moments before. In her daze, she nearly passed Galadriel's talan. She turned at the last minute, muttering to herself about males, and more specifically about males as arrogant as the marchwarden. Galadriel's mind voice bade her enter before she had the chance. I'm not going to get used to the ease at which she can do that, Alanya thought to herself. Nevertheless, she could not help but smile at the Lady before her.
"You seem unsettled penneth," was all Galadriel said without looking up from her needlework. Her tone was warm and amused, causing Alanya to blush furiously.
"You can thank your marchwarden for that one," she replied tartly, taking a seat and curling her legs underneath her. "Goodness but he's…obnoxious, I suppose you could say. Insufferably arrogant might be closer to the truth." Still, Alanya smiled at the thought of him.
"I have known Haldir since he was a small elfing," Galadriel sighed, putting aside her work. "He has ever been proud. There were many times when his behavior was grievous. Your thoughts seem to dwell on him." This last was said with a knowing smile.
"I won't deny I find Haldir attractive," Alanya said softly, looking down at her hands. "He is a good leader, and loves his land, and his family, that is clear. If I can help save both it and him by being here, all is well and good."
"He is a very good elf. You can understand why I am glad that you have accepted this duty."
"How could I not and still look myself in the mirror each morn." Galadriel reached over and grasped Alanya's hands.
"And that proves you have a strong and honorable heart. It does bring me joy to see your heart yearn for Haldir."
Alanya closed her eyes at the surge of emotion Galadriel's words brought. She could not deny her interest in Haldir, but still harbored fears that he was only interested in her for a dalliance. There was no possibility; she knew this, that if she were to become involved with him she could hold back anything of herself. In the week she had been here in Lorien she had seen enough of Haldir to know that he would be the one to demand all she had to give. Whether or not that would be returned, she couldn't say. She felt Galadriel's hand on her cheek and opened her eyes to find the great lady looking at her with compassion.
"The greatest unions I have ever seen never did run smooth. Yes, Haldir is strong willed, but rest assured, he does return your interest. Never yet have I seen him pay any but passing attention to the hoards of elleths who have pursued him, yet he proceeds most gently and carefully with you. Do not fear, I believe he has finally realized what his heart does desire. Ever have I seen him alone and have been worried for him, but it is my opinion that he has found a match in you." She smiled and rested her hand on Alanya' once more. "Do not doubt." She chided gently.
"Thus says the all wise Galadriel?" Alanya said dryly, injecting a bit of humor to lighten things.
"Of course," Galadriel replied loftily. A heartbeat passed and the two began to laugh, Alanya ending resting up against Galadriel. The elf woman put her arm around Alanya in a reassuring gesture. "I do mean what I say penneth," she said softly, laying her head on Alanya's, "fear not."
"Whatever you say, I will do." Alanya rested her head on Galadriel's shoulder, taking comfort from her.
It was thus that the Lord Celeborn found them, and smiled at the sight. In truth, he was as pleased as Galadriel to have Alanya present. She lightened his wife's heart to have her near, and for that alone Celeborn would glad. But he could not help but notice on his conversations over Lorien's defenses that marchwarden Haldir had a different air about him. Celeborn suspected it did have everything to do with the young mortal that was present.
"Ah, the two most lovely elleths in all of Lorien," he said smoothly as he entered into the talan. "Should I be concerned when the two of you sit together and giggle as such?" He raised an eyebrow, looking at the pair. Alanya giggled some more, sitting back up and brushing her hair out of her face.
"I've done nothing yet…as for your lady wife, that's for her to say." She rose and gave Celeborn a kiss on the cheek by way of greeting, much to his enjoyment. "No, just girl talk, so to speak. You males wouldn't understand." She replied loftily with a twinkle in her eye.
"Sweet Iluvater, Celebrian used to say the same thing, and it was always when discussing ellons. Aii, tell me we have not gained another daughter! I could only live through it once. Send her away!" He raised his hands to the air in supplication.
"I am sorry husband dear, but Alanya has become dear to me in the time she has been here. I simply cannot allow it." Galadriel's smile teased him, and he smiled back at his wife, taking her hand and kissing it.
"Then we shall have it no other way." Celeborn replied, relaxing into a chair with a sigh. "Besides, I would then have no one to ask me for tales of history." Alanya had discovered the Silver Lord's vast knowledge of the history of middle earth and the elven realms, and every day had been getting briefings on its background. She soaked up each tale like a sponge, asking questions and arguing over ruler's decisions. Galadriel would tell tales of her life in Valinor. It reminded her ever so much of her time as a student, she was glad to have the excitement of new learning.
And so came this foreign mage, to win a place in the hearts of the Lord and Lady of Lorien, laying a foundation to become a tale in and of herself.