"Your offer of help is most generous, Lady Mystewalker." The elf spoke quietly as he escorted Alanya back in the direction of Haldir's talan. "From what realm do you hail? I confess that of your abilities or appearance, I have not seen the like."
"I am completely not of this world, Prince Legolas. And please, you don't have to be so formal. You may call me Alanya, if you like." She fell silent for a moment, listening to the lament that floated on the air, surrounding them in mournful chords. "I was attempting a spell that allows me to step from one place to another without traveling the whole of the distance. I could travel halfway across the world in the blink of an eye. I had no notion it was possible to abduct a gate terminus, but your Valar decided it was necessary to bring me here. Haldir found me and brought me to Lorien." She could see Legolas start next to her and look at her with wide eyes.
"Haldir did thus?" he asked, his face bearing confusion that temporarily chased away the melancholy she had seen previous. "To my knowledge I have never seen him allow entrance into the Golden Wood except for elves and those marked as elf friend."
"I believe Galadriel had something to say about that." Alanya demurred, looking away. She did not wish to bring her full purpose here to others that she was not sure of as of yet, even though Legolas had been the soul of courtesy towards her. Legolas gave her a faintly appraising look that she ignored, choosing to focus instead on the hems of her sleeves.
"Ah," Legolas said enigmatically. He was quiet for a moment more. "The Lady is wise and often mysterious in her manner, and does things for her own reasons." Alanya said nothing, merely nodding. She had learned the value of the unspoken word living in Lorien, and chose not to elaborate on her reasons for being here. He gave her a charmingly sweet smile, and continued. "The same might be said of any female though." He said lightly, causing Alanya to laugh.
"Something tells me you are not as innocent as you seem my Lord."
"Please, it is simply Legolas." He grimaced. "My title attracts more attention then I wish it, truly. I would prefer to be judged on my merits, rather then any title I may have been born with."
"An honorable point of view." She replied softly, giving him an encouraging pat on the arm. He looked at her for a moment wistfully and nodded thanks.
"It is a sentiment Haldir and I share. We have had equal problems with elleths seeking to bind with us simply because of the status of our positions. It is, well, less then flattering. But it is good to see that my friend Haldir has found happiness with you."
"What makes you say that?" She hedged, not certain about bringing her relationship to full light without discussing it first with Haldir. Legolas gave a bright laugh that rang like a bell in the trees.
"I saw the manner in which Haldir looked at you upon introducing the fellowship to the Lord and Lady of the Wood. I also see the manner in which your eyes light up at the mention of his name, arwen'amin. And there is that fetching little blush right now as well." He added in a teasing manner, as Alanya turned red. Her muttered comments about perceptive elves and their embarrassing comments brought a smile to the prince's face, and he laughed some more as they came to Haldir's talan.
"Thank you for the escort Pri-, Legolas. Of all people, I see you being pure enough to resist any temptation from the ring. Should you decide to ask for my help, I'm sure you'll know where to find me." She smoothed her hair behind her ear, releasing her hold on the prince's arm. He sighed, the burdens of the fellowship again returning.
"Thank you, arwen'amin." He bowed low over her hand, not yet releasing it. "In return, I would hope to see your fair form grace my father's halls when the ring is destroyed." Unspoken words hung in the air, 'if the ring is destroyed.' Alanya nodded somberly in understanding and leaned in, placing one chaste kiss on the prince's cheek.
"If you need me, I'm sure you can find me." Alanya said before closing the door behind her.
At the moment Haldir wanted nothing more then to bury himself in Alanya's arms and forget the foul presence of the ring in his beloved wood. Still, he and Celeborn had yet to finish going over the plans of how many to send to Helm's Deep and how to arrange patrols so that the woods might yet remain safe. After several hours they had managed to come to the agreement that they needed more time to consider the arrangements and that they would call in all captains to discuss the matter.
"I really don't see how we can plan until we receive word from Imladris on how many warriors they intend to send and how we may best coordinate with them." Celeborn said as he pinched the bridge of his nose as if to relieve pain in his head. The elf lord sighed, leaning back in his chair and falling silent. "I was not counting on the fall of Gandalf" He dropped his head in his hands.
"I know," Haldir said tiredly. "The presence of the ring within Lorien is also off-putting. Before it was here it was a dreadful thought. Now it is made manifest by being within our borders. We can no longer pretend life continues as normal." He pondered for a moment the words he and Alanya had shared several days ago, their new confession of love, and his realization that he wanted the assurance of her presence in his life as his wife.
Celeborn rose from behind his desk and went over to where Haldir stood staring sightlessly out the window. Haldir started as the older warrior turned ruler placed his hand on Haldir's shoulder.
"All I know is that if we allow the thought of what could happen to change our way of life Sauron has already won." Celeborn said sagely. "I know you and Alanya have admitted your love. She knows that when an elf loves they give their love forever. Find that happiness while you can and make some good memories to sustain the both of you in this darkness. "
"Alanya did ask me if this was a game of 'matchmaking the mage' as she so quaintly put it." Haldir said dryly, his old humor automatically coming to the fore. His trademark faint smile graced his face briefly. "I suppose my single days are over," he mused as Celeborn chuckled.
"If you do not want an angry Galadriel removing body parts from you," he paused as Haldir winced, "then I would suggest you are right." The two elves said their farewells and Haldir turned towards the door.
"Haldir, wait."
Haldir turned towards Celeborn again and reflexively caught a small something the silver lord tossed his way. Turning it over in his hands, he found a mithril ring, pearls and sapphires swirling along the band. He looked questioningly at Celeborn.
"My father used this to propose to my mother." He paused and looked at Haldir. "It would please me if it were to pass to Alanya as a betrothal ring."
"My lord, I cannot accept this, it is too precious. It should pass to one of your family." Haldir protested, trying to give back the ring. Celeborn merely shook his head.
"It is not I think, something that would suit the manner of Elrohir or Elladen to give to an intended, else I would have considered that. And as my only daughter is married now, and even though she is across the sea, I wish for you to have this." He said sternly, but with eyes giving away his fair humor. "I hope I see it soon, not hiding in a drawer somewhere." Haldir nodded, placing the ring safely in a pouch hanging from his belt.
"I think you may, and that is all I will say on the matter." Haldir said crisply, straightening from a bow. His head whirled at everything and he found he could barely string two coherent sentences together. With a big sigh he shunted everything to the corner of his mind and focused on two things: 1. getting himself into a hot bath and 2. getting himself and Alanya in bed. Keeping that in mind he picked up his pace, coming to his talan fortunately without running into anyone.
His steps lagged as he strode up the stairs, this being one of the times he cursed himself for not choosing a talan on the ground. The sight he saw upon opening the door to his talan made him pause. The dim twilight had been replaced by the warm glow of perfumed oil lamps. Alanya sat on the couch, clad in only a simple under-dress of linen, her hair unbound to fall past her waist. She looked up at his entry, her eyes soft in the glow of the lamps, taking in his weary countenance.
"Here, sit." She said, gesturing to the couch. He sighed, glad to be home after the troubling series of days. He opened his eyes to find her sitting at his feet, laying her head on his knee. Silk caressed his hand as her tresses spilled over him and he could not resist running his through it. Alanya made a small sound of contentment, brushing her head against him in the manner of a cat.
"As pleasant as this is, I must head off to the bathing pools, or I am certain you will not wish to be near me for very long." He admitted reluctantly, continuing his stroking of her hair. He felt her rise and opened his eyes to find her looking at him with a smile.
"I think I can help with that. Would you prefer to bath here?"
"Unfortunately my talan is not set up as such. If I had a forest floor dwelling that would be so but.." he cocked his head to that side as she grinned at him.
"Trust me." Alanya said quietly, turning and gesturing. The air briefly shimmered and there was a rush of air. Conjured into being in front of the fireplace was a shining copper bath, complete with steaming hot water. As always the visible use of her powers for little things here and there startled him, but by this time all he did was blink. He allowed her to coax him to his feet and undress him, her touch as light as silk. The heat from the water seeped into muscles tight with tension, relaxing him while Alanya settled herself beside him outside the tub.
Maintaining the comfortable silence that had fallen over the two, the mage leaned forward to unbraid his hair and comb it out. Haldir allowed himself to relax under her ministrations. He had not enjoyed the attentions such as the attention she was giving him in, well, he couldn't remember when. Her hands glided over him, kneading away the tension that had not yet left his shoulders. He felt much better later when she bade him to stand and started drying him. The fire that had leapt into his veins at the sight of her previously banked into a slow burn, leaving behind exhaustion in its wake.
"Come, my mage." He pulled her to him for a kiss, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. "I need the comfort of my bed with you in it." Alanya agreed with a smile and with a spoken word, dimming the lamps and settling down beside Haldir, sleep claiming both of them within moments.
Alanya woke up some time in the middle of the night. Haldir lay in deep reverie next to her, his chest rising and falling in a regular rhythm. She tried to get back to sleep, but was unable. She may have been able to get Haldir to relax enough to sleep, but the presence of the ring was like a buzz in the back of her mind and it intruded just enough to make sleeping difficult. A sigh escaped from her lips as she donned her dress. The thought of reading for a while to calm her mind was dismissed as she decided to take a walk instead. Stopping briefly at her talan she changed into a more feminine version of the robes that Celeborn wore, and a set of leggings. She left her feet bare, preferring the feel of the forest floor beneath her feet.
The night air was absolutely still, with hardly a breeze or the typical night sounds one would expect to hear from the animals living amongst the trees. It was almost as if the whole of Lorien, elves and animals alike, could feel the presence of the ring and were hesitant to make any noise for fear of drawing notice. Her feet automatically started her towards the fellowship, and she hesitated before continuing on, standing at the edge of the clearing. She could see the sleeping forms of the little ones, Frodo tossing and turning in his sleep.
The call of the ring was faint against her shields, but still there. The compulsion to listen was gone, though, so with the discipline of long practice she turned her mind to the contemplation of the figures before her. She hoped they would allow her to help as much as she might, although if the ring had its hooks deep within someone, she doubted that she would be able to remove them. It was easier to prevent an infection then remove one. That turned her thoughts to Boromir. An unpleasant shiver ran down her spine and she shook her head. Trouble was what she sensed from him, and it cam e off in waves. She suspected that the ring had been able to influence him deeply, warping the good inside him. She came out of her contemplation and decided to walk further to Galadriel's garden before turning back. Turning to go, her heart leapt into her throat as the object of her contemplations stood before. Boromir regarded her with a suspicious glance, as she fought to calm her heart back down where it belonged in her chest.
"Forgive me, I was lost in my thoughts and did not see you there." She said breathlessly, fingertips resting on the pulse at the base of her neck. "I could not sleep and found myself headed this way without thought."
"And a strange sight it is to see you watching the fellowship while they sleep. What is your purpose?"
"As I stated, a walk, nothing more." Alanya said, fighting the urge to snap at the man. After all, it was not at his conscious decision the ring was influencing him. She took a deep breath, attempting to allow the tension to flow from her. "I am certain there is no need to keep watch, Lord Boromir. This land is well guarded from all dangers. The wardens that watch the borders excel at their job."
"Sauron could have spies here and none would know. That brings us to you Lady Mystewalker. You appear to have no stake in this, yet you offer your help. Why? I would not see any of the fellowship harmed by the meddling of someone who can simply leave and escape to another realm unthreatened."
"By all the powers what do you take me for!" Alanya hissed quietly, not wishing to disturb the fellowship. Her eyes flashed defiance as anger radiated off her being. "I have not endured being pulled from my home and all that I know and love, dropped into a land where I am the only one of my kind, knowing," and here her voice broke slightly, "knowing that everyone I love will never see me again! Knowing that they believe I died by disappearing in a spell gone wrong. How I can I sit here and suffer that pain, and then not do what I was brought to this world to do!" Tears sprang into her eyes at the thought of her friends' suffering, and she could stand there no longer.
Her body shook with outrage and she turned to go, but Boromir's hand on her arm stopped her. Reflexively she swung at him, but he caught her wrist in his hand before she could make contact. She struggled against his grip but could not loose herself, and found herself caught up against a tree, her breath heaving in her chest. Boromir looked down on her with narrowed eyes.
"And that still does not answer the question. Why?"
"Cease!"
Before Alanya could respond to Boromir's threat the forceful command came through the air. She could see Aragorn pacing towards them, ire flashing in his eyes, which came to rest on the sight of the two arguing. Boromir dropped her hand and backed up slightly.
"I found her spying upon the fellowship. Who knows if she would have tried to take the ring from us." Boromir said furiously. Aragorn gave him a measured look.
"Return to the fellowship, I will take care of this." Aragorn said as he firmly took Alanya's arm, leading her away. After they had gone some distance he stopped and released her, giving her a somber look.
"I know you mean no harm." Aragorn said before Alanya could even open her mouth.
"I don't know what is in that man's head but he's got some grudge against me." Alanya spat, massaging her wrist. She looked down to see bruises forming there already from Boromir's tight grip. Aragorn noticed this and gently took her arm, examining the bruises.
"In his heart, Boromir is a good man and a loyal warrior. But I fear the ring has a hold on him that twists his nature, bringing suspicion and fear to the fore." Alanya nodded an affirmative, wiping the tears away from her earlier argument.
"I know, I judged the same thing for myself." Still, the words she had spat at Boromir echoed in her mind and any semblance of peace was gone tonight. "Thank you for breaking up that misunderstanding Aragorn, I'm going to head back to my talan. If you decide to allow me to help, send word to Haldir, he will know where I am." Her voice shook on these last words and the tears returned. She whirled and hurried away, not wishing to appear weak in front of someone she did not know.
Several moments later, she found herself in Galadriel's garden. She gave no thought to discovery as she collapsed onto the ground in tears. Waves of guilt that she had pushed to the back of her mind was now in the vanguard and she could no longer ignore it. She wept silently into her sleeve, tears running down to dampen the fine linen robe. The pain her compatriots must feel, and here she was gallivanting with a lover, enjoying herself while her friends must be feeling the desolation of her supposed death. The fact that she had no real wish to return to her world on a permanent basis only added to the guilt she felt.
The tears continued in silence until she had no more to cry, and exhaustion set in. She raised her head wearily, wiping her eyes on the hem of her sleeve, and heading back to Haldir. Guilt and shame rode her hard, causing her proud carriage to droop. The fact of the matter was, even if she was offered a way home immediately, she wouldn't and couldn't take it. The thought of leaving Haldir stabbed pain in her soul, and she knew deep down that was not an option.
She silently entered the talan and looked down at his sleeping form. Pale skin was tight over strong muscles, and he fairly glowed in the moonlight like marble. The moonlight washed the gold color from his hair, making it equally as pale as the rest. Peace came to her as she watched him move in his sleep, seeking her presence. She slipped into the bed, feeling his arm pull her close and settle her next to him. She sighed, as her eyelids grew heavy and closed. Her last thought before sleep took her was that indeed, for better or worse, she had made her decision. She would stay with Haldir for all the time given to her. Never would she or never could she leave him.