Two chapters in one post this time.I've been busy writing this weekend because I really had to get this part done. I said last time it was getting darker and chapter 8 is certainly all that. It's going to get worse too, so I suggest those of a nervous disposition read from behind the sofa!

Haldir Heart and Soul – Yep, there is jealousy involved.

So, on we go!

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Forever Yours Chapter 7

Illadris stormed into her home and threw the door closed behind her. The wood shuddered with the violence with which it met the frame. She threw her weapons to the floor and began to pace backward and forward, muttering to herself fervently all the while;

"Stupid, simpering little brat! How dare she speak to him thus! Does she not consider there might be another in his life?"

She reconsidered her last words and laughed cruelly;

"Of course, Haldir himself is as yet unaware of the path he shall take, but it will come to pass, oh yes! Too long have I played the part of casual friend and lover, making myself available when need arises to ease his longings. Not once, I am sure, has he thought of my needs; my longings; my plans! True, he pleases me in many ways excepting those which I most desire. As wife of the Marchwarden my standing in Lothlorien would increase ten-fold. Not for nought have I given of my favours freely and now, this usurper seeks to intrude on my dreams! Well it will not happen. I will not allow it!"

Illadris threw herself into a chair and began to scheme of a way in which she might rid herself of this perceived threat to her future.

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Shortly after midday, Arien was seated in the lady's garden turning over the events of the morning in her mind. She felt sure Illadris had taken an instant dislike to her and she wondered why. Before she could think more on the matter, she became aware of the presence of another. Turning she beheld Haldir walking across the lush grass. She watched him as he moved, admiring the fluidity of his movements. Once again she was aware of her physical attraction to him and a feeling of guilt swept over her and she admonished herself for her thoughts;

"He is an old friend. I should not think these things but I cannot help myself. What would he say if I were to reveal my new feelings to him? Would he welcome my attentions or dismiss them as the sentimentality of a child?"

Her train of thought was broken by Haldir's arrival He did not bow but held out his hand to her and she took it gladly.

"Ah, Arien," he said, smiling at her. "I cannot begin to tell you how happy it makes me to see you again. I remember with great fondness the tiny elleth who brought me so much joy all those years past. Oft have I thought of you and when finally you arrived I could scarce control my desire to embrace you!"

"Ah, but you managed all the same, Marchwarden!" replied Arien, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Haldir hung his head for a moment in mock acceptance of Arien's admonishment, and then both fell into companionable laughter.

Haldir held out his arms to Arien who reciprocated the gesture and both were soon entwined.

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Illadris could not believe the sight before her as she entered the garden. It had been her intention to seek out Arien in order to set her plan to rid herself of the troublesome elleth in progress, but she stopped abruptly and swiftly concealed herself in the nearby shrubbery. She could hear their conversation quite clearly from her hideout and whilst she heard no declarations of love from either party, she felt angry to witness the apparent congeniality displayed by both. It made her more determined to carry out her scheme and she decided to wait in the hope of catching Arien alone. She was not to be disappointed, as a warden appeared in search of Haldir. He was needed at the barracks and after making his apologies to Arien, promptly left.

Illadris waited until he was out of sight and casually walked towards Arien. Arien was a little uncomfortable at the arrival of the elleth and waited apprehensively to learn of the reason for her presence.

"Greetings, princess," said Illadris, bowing her head slightly.

"Greetings to you also, Illadris," replied Arien, her voice almost belying her thoughts.

"I felt your discomfort at our first meeting and thought to discuss certain matters with you, so to that end I have sought you out!" said Illadris.

The directness of Illadris surprised Arien and for a moment she could think of no fitting reply. Instead she moved to a more shaded spot and waited for Illadris to continue;

"I am well aware of the friendship you once shared with Haldir," continued Illadris, "and would not wish to sully those memories in any way. However, I thought I saw a little more than a longing for friendship reflected in your face and felt it my duty to inform you of certain facts. The truth is that the Marchwarden and I have long enjoyed a relationship which many would regard as a great deal more than friendship!"

She paused in order that Arien could absorb the information she was imparting. She saw a look of embarrassment pass across Arien's face and knew in that instant that she was succeeding in her attempts. She continued unabated;

"I feel it is my duty as one elleth to another, to prevent the acute embarrassment you would surely feel when your advances were rebuffed".

Arien looked into the face of Illadris and saw nought but sincerity in her expression. She realised she could so easily have shamed herself in the eyes of Haldir, not to mention her brother should he have heard of it. She felt guilty and not a little ashamed that she had presumed he would not have one in his life for whom he cared. She spoke softly to Illadris;

"I thank you for your kindness but I assure you my feelings for Haldir remain that of one friend for another. I have no wish to intrude between you and can only ask your forgiveness for any distress I have caused you."

Illadris smiled with the sheer satisfaction of knowing the first part of her plan had succeeded. Now she pressed onward with the remainder.

"I feel it is best if we begin our acquaintance anew," replied Illadris. "I am sure you have seen little of the true beauty of Lothlorien as most lies outside the walls of Caras Galadhon. Perhaps you will permit me the honour of showing you those parts which as yet are unknown to you?"

Arien was surprised that Illadris appeared to have accepted her apology so readily and did not know if she truly wished to spend time with the elleth but thought to acquiesce to Illadris' offer would reinforce her assertion that she was regretful. She replied;

"That sounds wonderful Illadris! I would be most grateful for the opportunity to see Lothlorien through the eyes of one who knows and loves it so well".

"Perhaps tomorrow afternoon then?" suggested Illadris.

Both agreed to meet the following day and Illadris left. She felt sure the morrow would be a very good day.

Tbc.

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Oh that Illadris is such a schemer. I really dislike her but she has the upper hand at the moment.

Please R&R and feel free to continue to chapter8!