Title: Haldir and Elzabeth : The Epic

Pairing: Haldir/OFC

Author: Orlenda

Notes: My apologies to all of the book junkies, but this was
written based purely on the movies and what I have read in
other fanfics.

Feedback: Tell me you love it, tell me you hate it, I don't
care, I can take it. -like my little poem? Seriously, do
comment but give me at least one specific as to what you liked
or did not like. I have many campanion pieces in mind, and your
imput will have impact.

Disclaimer: Not making money, dont sue.

Home Sweet (new) Home

Elzabeth stared in wonder at the immense trees around her. Nowhere on the earth she was from were there trees this large. They had intricately placed structures between them that made up the area in which the elves resided. There was a sense of harmony and balance with nature apparent in this method of building. Then, she suddenly realized that she was standing on a platform facing a staircase, and that Haldir had moved stealthily off to her right. Elzabeth looked to the top of the stairs as a man and woman moved breezily down them toward her.

"Welcome to our domain," Galadriel stated as she made a slow sweeping motion with her arms to indicate the entirety of the woods. Elzabeth could not help but notice the beautiful fabric that draped from those arms as she did so. It was pure white with a radiance that shone in the dim light. She could also feel this woman probing her mind and forbade it. "I am Galadriel, and this is Lord Celeborn. How do you wish to be addressed?" Galadriel wondered how this being was evading her, but decided to let it go for the moment. Her empathic ability and foresight allowed her to know that this newcomer was no threat.

She gave a nod in the direction of Celeborn before returning her gaze to Galadriel, "I am called Elzabeth."

"You come here under strange circumstances, Elzabeth."

"That I do. I was deposited here by a portal." Elzabeth continued to explain interdimensional travel which Galadriel surprisingly seemed to follow quite well. "I wish to stay here until I can find a way to return home. I can offer my services with my sword in return for your generosity."

Galadriel smiled, "You may stay with us and you needn't offer anything in return."

"Its no trouble, really, I go quite mad if I am not allowed the opportunity to use it often enough," Elzabeth protested.

"Very well then, you will be assigned to Haldir's division. I expect to hear anything you discover pertaining to your return home." Galadriel then turned to Haldir, "Please escort Elzabeth to her living quarters." Haldir bowed slightly and turned to leave. Elzabeth nodded her head to Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel in turn then hurried after Haldir, wishing to depart from the somewhat surreal experience as quickly as possible.

Haldir saw her discomfort and asked teasingly, "In a hurry to get someplace, Elzabeth?"

She shot him a look. "May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do they always glow?"

Haldir chuckled, "Well, yes."

"I'm not easily intimidated, but when people glow, that's just different."

Haldir laughed out loud, and walked up a short flight of stairs to what was to be Elzabeth's talan. He pushed open the door and held it for her as she entered. She admired the natural furnishings made mostly of wood, and took special note of the lovely large bathtub which was especially inviting. Haldir followed her gaze, "It was filled with fresh water today, as it will be everyday if you wish."

"Yes, that would be nice. How do I arrange that?"

"I will arrange it for you. There are also a few garments in the wardrobe if you wish for a change of clothing. I can have a tailor make you something if the style you desire is not present."

"Thanks, I'll let you know."

"Would you like me to show you how to warm your bath?" Haldir queried.

Some naughty thoughts crept into Elzabeth's head but she pushed them aside. "Yes, please." Haldir recited a spell that warmed the water to a comfortable temperature. Elzabeth laughed, "Perhaps you could write that out for me, because I'll never remember it," she asked while skimming the water's surface with her hand.

Haldir watched her movements before smiling at her, "I will do that this evening and have it ready for you when I arrive in the morning. If you need anything further, the talan directly below yours belongs to your chambermaid, Alamae. She will be happy to help. Good evening Elzabeth," he gave her a nod and walked out the door shutting it behind him.

He had left her no opportunity to return the sentiment. He also failed to provide her with the location of his talan which meant that he did not trust her. Oh well, just something for me to work on, she thought and set about preparing for her bath.

------

Meanwhile, outside her talan Haldir could sense his brothers loitering nearby. They were always wagering when he would finally settle down with a woman and this Elzabeth probably gave them an inkling of hope. Settling down was the last thing on his mind right now though. "Don't you two have lives of your own? Why must you pry into mine?" he said as he walked past them.

They fell into step behind him and Orophin poked him in the ribs, "Oh but yours is so much more interesting."

Haldir smiled, "I can make yours more interesting if you'd like a few extra shifts on guard duty. I'm sure that would disappoint a few of your lady friends, however."

Orophin tried to steer the conversation away from his love life, back to Haldir's, "So what is she like?"

At this Haldir had lost his patience, "Why? Do you wish for me to fix you up on a date? If you are so interested in her, talk to her yourself!" Haldir stalked ahead and up to his talan, without bidding them farewell.

Rumil and Orophin stopped and smiled at each other. Haldir was jealous of their interest in this Elzabeth. This was a good indication of future romance, indeed.

------

Elzabeth settled into the water of the tub. She let it surround her as she slipped beneath the surface. The peace and tranquility she found underwater was unlike anything she had ever known, and she sought its solitude often. She released the air from her lungs before resurfacing and located the soap. It smelled quite lovely, she noted as she washed away the grime from the skirmish she had had prior to landing in middle earth. After rinsing herself completely, she wrapped a large, fluffy towel around her body and walked over to the dresser. There was a smaller towel there that she used to partially dry her hair. She then picked up an ornately carved hair brush and began to straighten her damp hair. She noticed the rustle of the trees, however and ventured onto her small porch in order to let the breeze facilitate the drying process. She breathed in deeply, enjoying the smell of the fresh, unpolluted air. It had been so long since she smelled air this pure. She gazed into the night as she wistfully continued brushing her hair.

Above her, Haldir too was sitting on his porch. He had been trying to phonetically write out the spell in the common tongue when Elzabeth wandered onto her porch, and into his view. He stopped what he was doing and watched as the brush glided through her beautiful locks. He suddenly wished that it was his hand running through those locks. As suddenly as the thought had appeared, however, he shook it away. He had never had much luck with women and he was in no mood to attempt a relationship with one that wasn't even an elf. Eventually, Elzabeth returned inside and Haldir resigned himself to his earlier task.

Once inside, Elzabeth opened the wardrobe and found a shift to wear to bed. She removed the towel and pulled the shift over her head. She gazed at herself in the mirror. It had been so long since she had worn one that she laughed at her own appearance. She hung the towel to dry before climbing into the soft, inviting bed. As she drifted off to sleep, she wondered what activities Haldir had planned for tomorrow.