Sunset's first fiery rays began to filter thru the open window of Alanya's talan. She raced home after staying with Galadriel longer then she had intended. Taking the steps two at a time, she nearly collided with Linwe, who had been just inside the door. Only the other's Valar blessed grace kept the two from ending up in a pile on the floor.
"Lady Alanya, you are late! How am I to have time to attire you before dinner." Linwe chided her gently, ushering her inside. Alanya managed to sit still while Linwe rather hastily brushed out her hair. The elf maid secured Alanya's wild hair within two simple braids on either side of her forehead. The mage was urged out of her dress into a deep green silken gown that fit tightly to her hips and then flared out into a full skirt to puddle on the floor. "There, I think that's the best I can do on short notice."
"If this is short notice, I would love to see what you can accomplish with more time." Alanya shook her head, and gave the elven maid a smile. "Thank you, I stayed longer with Galadriel then intended." Indeed, she found it hard to leave. She had found true companions in Celeborn and Galadriel, which up to this point was something she hadn't realized she was missing. She had Korry, she thought, a shadow passing over her face at the thought. She hoped that somehow he would know that she was well and good.
Shaking herself out of what could have been a negative train of thought, she paused once more so she could be adorned with a silver necklace of blue stones. The moment the maid finished Alanya thanked her and then headed right back out again into what was now fast becoming a fey twilight. She adored how the city was never truly dark, shining from numerous lamps, and the very power of Galadriel herself. Alanya was in awe of the power the Lady held, but also realized the enormous burden of ruling the realm she did, and keeping it safe for all those who dwelled within.
As the skirt of the gown precluded going anywhere in haste, she made her way to Haldir's talan in a graceful walk. She pulled the skirts out of the way as she trod lightly up the stairs, knocking on the door as she reached the top. It was a good thing she had caught her breath on the walk over, for the sight of Haldir standing there nearly took it right back away.
"The color suits you, lirimaer." Haldir stated quietly. He leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek, his golden hair brushing like fairy wings against her, Taking her hand, he led her into the sitting room. His two brothers were lounging on a couch, and broke off their discussion at the sight of her, courteously standing up.
"My lady," the one she remembered as Rumil said. He bowed over her hand, making it and kissing it. Haldir eyed him and he released it with a grin.
"Did you enjoy your morning practice?" Alanya asked gently with a small smile on her lips. Rumil and Orophin winced, clearly not wanting to be reminded.
"Not enough that we would care to repeat it." Orophin stated emphatically, shaking his head. He too bestowed a brief kiss on her hand under Haldir's watchful gaze. Alanya merely smiled and sat, adjusting her skirts about her. Truthfully, she had been more amused then offended by their antics. Orophin eyed her thoughtfully, his mind somewhere else then his recent trouncing.
"Yes, well, despite our err..cavalier the other day, we are honored to meet you." Rumil said, turning a bit red. Whatever else the elf had been about to say was drowned out by the sound of sharp knocking on the door. Frowning, Haldir called out for whoever was on the other side to enter. An out of breath elf was on the other side, holding onto the doorframe.
"Captain Haldir, there has been a large party of orcs spotted, heading for Lorien," gasped the other. "We need reinforcements from the city." Alanya saw the three brothers stiffen in reaction. Her heart plummeted at those words.
"Rumil, Orophin, send word to the off duty wardens, gather at the city gates, we'll be heading out immediately." The two brothers saluted him and left to obey his commands, pounding off to alert he rest of the force. Haldir turned to see Alanya standing, face pale as the moon.
"I can help." She saw Haldir's eyes narrow at her words.
"No," was his succinct response as he began to ready himself for heading out to the fences.
"What do you mean, no?" Alanya replied, her voice rising, irritation putting color back into her cheeks. Haldir turned pinning he with a look that would have intimidated a lesser being.
"I mean, no. Absolutely not will you go. You will stay here in the city, where it is safe." He said crisply. "I am charged with keeping this city safe. It is my duty to respond to this threat, not yours." He pulled off his tunic and shirt, tossing them aside. Striding over to his wardrobe and pulling out a plain gray silk shirt and gambeson, not seeing the dangerous look the mage was directing his way. Nor did he see the little tendrils of age energy coalescing into the visible range, a sure sign of an angered magic user.
"Safe, safe?! Look you, I have been defending myself against people who can kill with a thought since I was 15!" She half shouted, giving him a push. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and of a band of opponents at the same time!" Haldir had whirled around, obviously expecting her to take his word on the subject. He strode towards her with vexation in his eyes, and Alanya retreated, surprise in her eyes. Up to this point, with the exception of when they first met, Haldir had been easy and calm with her. His fury radiated out and she backed up, stopping only when she hit the wall of the talan.
"And I have been defending the borders of this city since I was 50!" Haldir said icily, his voice deadly quiet. His powerful form loomed over her. "I know my duty very well, madam, I assure you." He took hold of her shoulders tightly. "I have complete faith that you know your powers well, but we have not had a chance to coordinate tactics yet. Your unfamiliar actions could put my soldiers at risk and that I will not have." He said, giving her a small shake, his voice calming.
His words lanced the anger surrounding her, draining it off. Fear for him replaced it, and sudden tears filled her eyes, much to both their surprises. "Please be careful," she said, her voice shaking. His expression softened, and he took her into his arms.
"I will return unscathed, do not fear." Haldir said, giving a sigh. She leaned her head against his bare, muscular chest, taking comfort from his words. She pulled back, resting her hands lightly on his strong arms.
"I know you will." Alanya gave him a brave but slightly teary smile. "I'm just not used to being the one waiting behind." Haldir gave a light laugh.
"Of that I have no doubt," he said dryly. He leaned his had down, giving her a deep kiss, holding her face in his hands. Only when Alanya moaned deep in her throat did he stop, giving her a heated look. "I will return by morning. Look for me by dawn." Hs fingers stroked her hair softly. "If it eases your mind, wait for me here. I would not find it amiss." He whispered to her. Unable to find words, Alanya nodded her assent.
Assured of her agreement, Haldir quickly finished changing into his galadhrim clothing and light studded leather armor. Alanya watched him with her heart in her throat, her emotions a turmoil inside of her. As all his equipment was in perfect order, it was the work of minutes for Haldir to ready himself. He stopped at the door, looking back to see Alanya sitting pale, her eyes wide. He gave a small but gentle smile to her, bending down to bestow one chaste kiss on her forehead, and then was gone out the door.
Paralyzed by the quiet kiss he had given her, she sat immobile for several heartbeats before she rushed out the door. She was just in time to see Haldir look back and bow to her, hand over his heart, and disappear into the wood. The mage turned and went back inside Haldir's talan, closing the door behind her. Looking out the window at the sky, she chewed on her bottom lip. It would be a long time until dawn.
She sat down on the couch his brothers had vacated. Her mind was in a whirl, and she could not seem to focus on any one thought. She had been angry at first, not understanding why he did not want her help. She was used to working solo, and had not considered that she could disrupt their tactics. Her blood ran cold at the thought of being the cause of any hurt to Haldir.
His physical nearness when he had been admonishing her had been a fire in his blood. Truly, before her anger ran out she did not know whether she would rather have hit him or pulled him into her arms to feel his hard body against hers. Ail! What are these thoughts! This is mad, she thought despairingly. We've only just met. She dropped her head into her hands, the strength of the pull she felt towards Haldir confusing her thoughts even more.
Peace, my penneth. Galadriel's mind voice echoed in her mind. Fear not that this skirmish would take him from you. Rest will make the time pass quickly. A soft mental push from Galadriel calmed Alanya, dropping her over the edge into a quiet sleep. Before she was totally lost in sleep, she spared one last sleepy thank you to Galadriel. Too far gone, she did not hear Galadriel's last whisper of thought. Sleep well dear daughter of my heart. Your love will return safely to you..
Haldir dragged himself back into Caras Galadhon, his heart heavy as the last bit of night currently clinging to the land. The orcs had been more numerous then reported, and several elves had been injured. What hurt truly however was the knowledge that there was one elf who would not be returning from the borders. One of the younger galadhrim had fallen, a poisoned orc arrow right in the heart. He wanted nothing more then to lock himself in his talan with a bottle of wine, but knew he had a duty to report first to Celeborn. And then the heartbreaking duty of informing the parents of the dead elf, and finally washing the blood of battle from his skin. By the time he reached his talan, in his heart sickness he had forgotten Alanya had waited for him. Silently he stood, drinking in the sight of her asleep in his sitting room.
Her hair fell around her shoulders, dark blue against the ivory of her skin. He placed his weapons down, wiping his hands against his cloak. Now that the battle was done, he was bone tired. Still he stood, watching her chest rise and fall with each breath. The pulse at her neck was steady and strong. How his own heart had froze at the thought of her joining him against the orcs tonight. Logically he knew she could hold her own, but the sudden fear for her being had overwhelmed him. He paced over to her, kneeling down to gently brush her hair. She shifted, but did not wake. The peace on her face calmed Haldir like no wine would.
"Wake, lirimaer, my lovely one." He said softly, his breath a whisper in the dim light of dawn. Her eyelids fluttered open, a confused look on her face that quickly passed when she saw him there.
"Oh thank the gods," she cried softly, launching herself against him. He felt her shake against him and tightened his hold, holding her in his lap. Her tears of relief dampened his collar. Haldir rose, situating himself on the couch where Alanya had waited, still holding her close. Eventually she quieted, Haldir murmuring soft words of comfort to her, stroking her hair, the action calming him as much as her.
"I had forgotten you were here, lirimaer. Your presence heals my heart this morning." He closed his eyes wearily, resting his head on the back of the couch.
"Haldir?" Alanya made his name a question. He opened his eyes to find her looking at him in concern and laid his hand against her cheek in reassurance.
"I am fine, dear one." He caressed her for a moment, not wanting to vocalize the events of the night. Indeed, they lay near the surface of his mind, ready to tear away the fragile peace that existed in this heartbeat. "I cannot speak of it now. I promise, I will tell all another time." He fell silent, his soul heavy for the one under his command who did not return.
A gentle sigh came from the mage as she rested her head back against his shoulder, winding her arms about his neck. Haldir had almost fallen into reverie when her soft voice penetrated his exhaustion fogged mind.
"What is this between us?" Alanya whispered, her fingers moving through his hair in a soothing gesture. Haldir moved, tilting her chin up to look her in the eyes. Her clear eyes were dark with some unnamed emotion, pulling at his heart strings.
"It is a beginning," Haldir whispered back. "You ease my heart like no other," he admitted, holding her against him.
"Haldir?"
"Hmm?" He had begun to drift off again when she again brought him back awake.
"I'm glad." she said simply. He opened his eyes, feeling her comforting touch. She leaned forward, kissing him softly on the cheek. He smiled, enjoying the feel of her lips on his. He shifted her in his arms, gaining a more secure grip on her and standing, laughing softly at her small squeak of surprise,
"I find myself in need of a better rest then this small couch can offer." He strode towards the bedroom and placed her on the bed, looking down on her. "Please stay." He sighed, looking away. "It would be lonely to wake up without you this day." Alanya reached up, taking his hand.
"Then I'll stay. Rest here with me." The mage pulled him down, and he was all to glad to join her, settling her in his arms for the night. The two fell into a deep sleep, Haldir holding Alanya's hand over his heart.