Silence followed her question, tension hanging heavy in the air. There was a twinkle, however, in Galadriel's eyes that seemed to indicate this was not entirely unexpected. Celeborn reacted as any seasoned diplomat may, a thoughtful look on his face and a single finger tapping on the table in contemplation. Then again, if Galadriel knew, it was likely Celeborn knew. Still, it was Haldir's reaction that concerned her, and he was currently giving nothing away. The sound of his chair scraping the floor as he stood up startled her and Galadriel lay a calming hand on her shoulder.
"If I may, I require to speak with Alanya privately. Afterwards, my Lord Celeborn we may continue on our preparations for the battle that will be coming our way." The silver lord nodded to Haldir, who in turn gave his hand to Alanya to help her rise. She took it out of reflex, trying not to let hers tremble in nervousness.
Haldir said not a word, guiding Alanya down to the forest floor. She could read nothing off of him and was not entirely certain if this was a good or bad sign. They entered a small glade, and Alanya was surprised to find Galadriel's mirror.
"Should we be here?" Her voice was soft and hesitant. She turned to face him, unconsciously tugging on a strand of hair in her anxiety.
"Truly with your status there is nowhere in this city that you may not go, and I am certain here we will no be disturbed." His voice was somewhat tight as he turned to look at her, eyes a stormy gray. "I will not lay aside my plans for you as my mate." The words were soft but the steel behind them was unmistakable.
A silent sigh came from Alanya's lips and relief flooded through her. She had feared that Haldir would change his mind at this new facet of her life before she even had a chance to explain. Stepping forward, she moved to reassure him with one gentle touch on the cheek.
"Haldir, this is nothing new to me. My life has not been my own since I was tested as a small child and moved to study into what I would become. Power never comes to one purely by itself; it brings with it a host of other responsibilities. The greater the power the greater the responsibility. Besides, I'm too much now enmeshed in the fate of Middle Earth to ignore something that I can fix. The name of Maia is nothing but a word that describes something I've been doing already. There is no reason for concern."
"How I wish sometimes that I could lead a simple life as a Captain of the Golden Wood." His voice was soft as he took her hand from his cheek and held it lightly in his, tracing the small scar that was beginning to form from where she had used the power of her blood to call him back to life. "This does change things. I am certain there will be times when you will be thrust into a danger I cannot protect you from." Anguish stood out in his eyes.
"Less then you think, archer of mine. For now I have been given advice to stay hidden and quiet. If I were to be captured by the forces of Sauron, things would be," she hesitated, going slightly pale. "Let's simply say that things would be very bad indeed. Everyone can be broken, given the right circumstances and situations. A broken mage becomes a tool of power to the one who broke them." She shrugged one elegant shoulder. "I agree with Manwe that right now I should simply keep my head down and wait. If things should go bad for us…well, I will be part of what is covering the retreat of the Golden Wood to Valinor. It is the price I will pay for accepting the Valar's offer of an immortal life"
Haldir stopped dead in his tracks, his head whipped around to stare incredulously.
"I'm sorry, I'm not entirely certain that I heard you correctly…" H's voice trailed off into silence. Alanya raised one eyebrow.
"Your brothers should find this amusing, the great Haldir struck speechless! I am certain this is something that does not happen very often." Her voice was light and she had a small smile on her lips. In a mercurial switch, joy began bubbling up into her at the realization of the gift bestowed. It seemed also that it was also penetrating Haldir's mind, as she could see a dawning hope in his eyes.
"How is this so?"
"It is my impression that it is a reward for performing my tasks so far, acting as a counterpoint for the turning of Sauroman, and for agreeing to stay in this world and not return to my own."
"Truly?" H reached for her with trembling hands, holding her within the circle of his arms. A stray tendril of iridescent blue hair was smoothed back by him; the gentle gesture speaking on his feelings louder then his words could, bringing a lump to Alanya's throat. She nodded in response and his entire being lit up with infectious joy. He let out a cry of joy and grabbed her tight, swinging her around off her feet. She shrieked in surprise and then her joy erupted into laughter. "Oh my heart, you have no understanding of the gift you have given me." his voice trailed off and he halted their movement, holding her fiercely. "I fully expected to die, and quite soon. If not at Helm's Deep, then certainly when you passed to the halls of your fathers."
"Helm's Deep I understand, but if not then we should have had years until I passed from old age. I'm still young." She looked at him in confusion.
"Penneth, you are close to your third decade, yes?" He waited for her affirmation. "The rest of your lifespan would be but the blink of an eye to one who has seen many centuries pass." Haldir said gently. "It did not matter to me; for once I realized that I loved you there was no turning back, for I certainly would have faded if I had tried. From the time I asked you to be my wife I have felt the passing of the days, each one slipping closer to the day when I would lose you." He took a deep breath. "And now I find that that is not so. It is…surprising to me at least, but still very welcome. It gives me hope, for now, even if all else fails, I will see you on the ship to the Undying Lands."
"So for now, what do we do?" She rested her hands on his chest lightly, delighting in the feel of him close.
"For now?" Haldir exhaled a long sigh. "For now you stay here in Caras Galadhon. Soon I go forth and lead the bulk of our people to deal with Sauron's march on Lorien. I will be much more able to concentrate on the fighting with you behind the lines this time. If all goes well, I will come home to wed my bride." He leaned down to bestow the first unhurried kiss they had had in some time. "If not, I ask you to flee with the remainder of our folk for the safety of the lands of Valinor."
"If you don't return to me, your world would understand what a powerful person such as myself can truly do if they've nothing to loose." Her voice was quiet and cool, with a corresponding ice in her eyes. "If you do return and we must yet flee, then I will be fighting alongside you covering the retreat. I cannot promise to stand aside in that instance." He opened his mouth to offer a riposte, but she halted him with one slim finger across his lips. "And if the situation were reversed, you would be no different, and indeed, I think causing me more trouble then I am causing you now." Her eyes left him no room for argument, and the elf reluctantly nodded to the wisdom of her words.
"I do not have to like it." He growled.
"I know. You would not be you if you didn't." The mage sighed in relief, seeing that Haldir did not intend to push the issue.
"I still am not happy with this." Tension radiated from him, to the rigid straightness of his back to the strength of his grip upon the edge of the fountain bubbling merrily despite the strained atmosphere. Alanya went to him and rested one hand on an arm, marveling at the controlled power she felt there. "I fear you going into danger unnecessarily, I fear it like no other thing."
"What shall I promise to you to ease your mind?" The whisper floated in the air between them.
"I will not allow you to take this duty alone." His hands were warm as he turned and took hers in his. "It is quite simple that if you are called upon further in this fight against darkness, you will not set one foot into danger unless I am with you."
"I am a fortunate mage." A sigh rose from her lips and she rested her head on his shoulder. The comforting strength of his embrace brought tears to her eyes and she tried to wipe them away discreetly. He caught the motion and completed it for her, taking the moment to kiss her deeply, one of the first unguarded ones since they had left for Helm's Deep. She was reassured when she saw peace reflected in his eyes, and not turmoil. In truth, she agreed that she wished life could be easier, but that was simply not the case. But perhaps they could at least pretend for a few hours. For a few hours she could tend to him and let him forget his troubles, and in doing so would forget hers as well. "How long will you be with Lord Celeborn?" She murmured against his lips, drawing her fingers through the silk of his hair.
"I do not know. As long as it takes." He made a small sound of appreciation as she brushed her fingers against the tips of his ears. A long sigh escaped his lips as he looked at her measuringly. "Go to Galadriel, I am certain she will wish to know that everything is fine between you and I. If she doesn't know already from eavesdropping, that is." His mouth quirked in a small smile. "And if I do not find you by sundown tonight, I expect you to be waiting in our talan. Preferably unclothed." He gave her a wicked grin, to which she actually blushed.
"As you wish." She stepped away and gave him a demure smile. "Shall we?" She held out her hand and thrilled when Haldir took it and laid a kiss on her palm, one that burned into her skin.
Sitting back down with Galadriel while Haldir and Celeborn discussed plans was a balm to Alanya's spirit. She had been on edge for days and days, and it felt entirely well to simply be. There was the option of joining in on the council Haldir was having with Celeborn, but she felt there was little that she could add that the two warriors sitting in the study could not think of themselves. Her experience, Helm's Deep notwithstanding, was of one against one, or even one against a few. She felt secure in sitting back and letting others handle things that she just did not wish to deal with. After a short time Galadriel bade her to bring things for bathing, as she wished to show her one of the hot springs that Galadriel said was reserved for either her, Celeborn, Haldir or Alanya.
Alanya stepped into the hot water ,the mineral tang scent heavy in the air. Surprisingly Galadriel also joined her in the spring, the two making a vision of light and dark when Alanya came over to sit beside Galadriel on a small outcropping of rock that acted as a seat.
"This has ever been my place to come when burdens become to be too heavy to bear."
"I can see how it would be a heavy task, ruling these woods. And I think this is the perfect place to forget things. Or maybe a better way to phrase it is that it is a good place to be reminded that there are simple things in life to be enjoyed." Alanya pushed off into the water slightly and allowed herself to float free, enjoying the weightlessness of the water. She heard Galadriel speak to her but could not make out the muffled words as her ears were underwater. She submerged briefly and broke through the surface, water streaming off of her hair to cascade down her body.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. What was that you said?" Alanya swam back to sit by Galadriel, her hair snaking out behind her over the water in trails of shimmering blue. Galadriel smiled at her, a rare carefree smile. Alanya suspected that Galadriel had little time for those as of late, and was glad to see it there. Her own smile answered Galadriel as Alanya pulled herself back up to sit by the elven woman.
"You look like a water nymph. Or perhaps you are Nimrodel herself, found again." Galadriel smiled indulgently. Alanya laughed, pulling her hair back out of the way.
"Hardly. Just a waterlogged mage." She sighed, relaxing bonelessly into her makeshift seat.
"I was asking if you have given further thought to your binding with Haldir?"
"Well, I was really hoping we might avoid the whole ceremony thing and have something simple. I don't have family here, aside from you and Celeborn. And really, the only friends I've made so far have been Haldir's brothers, Prince Legolas, Lord Aragorn and perhaps the hobbits. And out of those, I am only liable to see Haldir's brothers as being able to be there. I think at this stage it might be premature to plan, considering there are still battles to be fought." The mage looked out over the water into the woods. It was something that to this date she had not considered, that in the event of a ceremony, who would stand with her on that day. Despite what she had accomplished here so far, there were few who did know her. The thought made her more then a little melancholy.
No sad thoughts, penneth, Galadriel's voice whispered inside her mind. Alanya opened her eyes again to look towards the Lady of the wood.
"You saved the life of a well respected elf. H is easily the most popular Captain there has been in our history of these woods. Those under his command will love you for what you have done, and will let others know. I think you would be surprised at the joy at which the elves here will view your union. Battles of some nature, while large or small may always interfere with life's plans. If we wait for things to be settled and calm, we may find ourselves always waiting."
"I suppose you have some plans?" Alanya glanced over. Galadriel smiled gently.
"Some ideas, perhaps, penneth."
Alanya could not be sure, but she thought there might be some bit of smugness in Galadriel's features. The mage rolled her eyes, but despite her proud spirit she did know when to bend to authority. She just wondered how Haldir would take the whole business.
"Celeborn will take care of Haldir and his needed preparations. I daresay that would be the first thing my Lord sounded Haldir out on. I know Celeborn will be happier to see a stable, happily married elf in the position Haldir holds. It should be an official matter that Haldir is Celeborn's second in command, and I would be happier seeing you bound, that the cares of his office may be lightened by your presence."
"If you think it would be for the best." Alanya looked down, suddenly shy at the thought of the wedding. What did Haldir think of this, truly? They did join together quickly and fiercely. If he had time and peace to consider, would this still be the path that he would choose? She silently pondered this, until Galadriel's voice broke through her thoughts.
"What troubles you ?"
A light touch on her shoulder brought her out of her reverie. Alanya struggled to put her feelings into words, logically knowing that her vague unease had no real basis in reality, but emotionally it was hard to let go. Correctly surmising the cause of Alanya's concern, or perhaps eavesdropping in her mind, Galadriel hastened to reassure her.
"Penneth, there is no reason to doubt Haldir's feelings on your joining. His emotions are fiery and quick, despite the controlled exterior he shows to the world. His decision has been made as to you, and will not be swayed, nor to be thought of later in regretful terms. There is no cause for concern."
"I just suppose I never really thought it might happen." She dropped her head in her hands. "Oh my gods, now I'm nervous. Facing an army of orcs was easier then this. I'm just so afraid of disappointing him."
Galadriel's laugh startled her out of her sudden anxiety.
"Trust me penneth, if you feel thus, magnify it many times for what I assure you Haldir is feeling now. The male species is ever uneasy at the talk of marriage. I believe Celeborn was so nervous before our binding that his family threatened to lock him away before the binding, so that he might not sail away for a far harbor to avoid it. Trust me when I say if you think you are nervous, Haldir will be far more edgy until the whole matter is settled." The elven woman laughed and then stood, stepping out of the pool to dry off. "Now, speaking of plans, I have a seamstress coming to settle the issue of your dress." She gestured to the mage who reluctantly left the warm water, following the Lady of the wood.
Haldir had finished his planning session with Celeborn and had was about to go head back to his office near the training fields to file in his desk there the rosters of fighters, as to who was going to this next series of battles, who was staying, and who could be pulled in as reinforcements if needed. It was while they had been discussing this last bit of business that Haldir saw Celeborn's eyes go slightly unfocused, indicating he was talking mind to mind with his wife. He thought nothing more of it until Celeborn forestalled him when he was headed out the door.
"Haldir, I must ask you, have you given more thought to plans for a binding?"
"I have made it known to Alanya that I do not intend to lay aside my plans for her as my spouse." Haldir cocked his head, considering the question. "If you have asked about specific plans, then no, we have none." He shrugged it off with the attitude of a male who expects that he will simply be told when and where to show up. The silver lord gave a great sigh at his captain's attitude, shaking his head.
"Truly, Haldir, you have no romantic soul."
"I take it your lady wife has a plan in mind for me?" Haldir asked dryly. "I'm well aware of her thoughts on the matter."
"You might say that." Celeborn smiled, perhaps a little too much like the cat who caught the canary. "In fact, I have been told that once you return from battle, it is indeed imminent that you will be wed. You might wish to think about visiting the tailors before you leave. In fact, expect that tomorrow night your brothers will most likely drag you off for a small celebration of one of your last nights as a bachelor. Unless by some miracle you manage to avoid them, which I doubt." The silver lord laughed with a wicked edge. Haldir frowned slightly.
"Really, I am certain there is no need for such haste." Haldir stated. It was later that afternoon, that he was even more so certain.
Celeborn succeeded in dragging him off to the tailors, who much to his dismay began enthusiastically, or so he thought, making him into an elven pincushion After the third time of being jabbed with a pin he shot the tailor a furious look.
"You did that a-purpose!" Haldir glared at the tailor, who glared back.
"If you would just stand still and not fidget my lord, this wouldn't happen!" The tailor shot back. "Military types." The elf muttered. "No sense of aesthetics." Haldir had rejected the grandiose sketches that the tailor had started with and was instead opting for a simplistic design of his wedding garb, much to the tailor's dismay.
Haldir sighed, rolling his eyes, unaware that the assistants standing by taking the measurements and helping the tailor draft the pattern to Haldir's muscular form were snickering over the whole scene. In truth this whole matter was bringing his thoughts back to how much he just wanted to grab Alanya over his shoulder, and take her off somewhere they could be alone and just simply be. Not a mage and Captain planning for battle, but simply a couple soon to be joined. The sound of giggling and laughing floated in on the air, and Haldir craned his neck in an attempt to see out the window of the tailor's talan, only to earn yet another pinprick when he did. He sighed once more and settled back, letting the tailor do his business.
It had sounded like her laugh…what he wouldn't give to have her in his arms right now. He sighed and impatiently tapped his fingers against his thigh. Still, there was tonight and tomorrow before he had to turn around and head back out to do what was necessary. There was still time to steal some space with Alanya for his own peace of mind.