Chapter Six:
Current Mood: good
Current Music: Orinoco Flow- Enya
Today is a good day.
I have not been able to honestly say that for a long time. I have had many days that were nice, happy, inspirational, even joyful, but 'good' is rare. I finally feel in control of my own life. I could get used to this.
I said goodbye to Ameron this morning. We said that we are still friends, but he seemed...distant, almost cold.. It was as if he were saying the words but not believing them. I told him I would be back soon and he said only 'send my greetings to your parents.'
My parents. I ache to see them again, and yet...what will they say when I tell them? No, I cannot think about this now. I have a ship full of scouts to worry about. And Haldir.
Mirien stood by the port rail of Airëlussa with her arms folded, watching the activity on the shore. Slowly, supplies were being brought aboard and she followed each crate with narrowed eyes. Doran was behind her directing the soldiers below decks with their cargo and she smiled despite herself at his tone of voice. 'They are not children, Doran,' she thought, hoping he had heard her.
Her eyes flew back to the shore and were immediately drawn to Haldir who had just appeared through the trees. He was armed, and had a pack strapped to his back.. She watched as he moved steadily through his soldiers, stopping occasionally to talk with some of them, but always moving towards the ship. He seemed to be in a good mood also.
She turned and headed to the ramp where eventually he would appear, and waited. She was most definitely nervous, but outwardly was the picture of calm. After waiting only a few minutes he finally came aboard. He almost walked past her, but stopped short when he saw her waiting for him. He approached cautiously, as if unsure of how she would react to him. She forced a cordial smile onto her face and greeted him formally.
"Mae Govannen, Haldir," she said. He relaxed visibly. "You will be travelling to Mirkwood with us, I am told." He nodded.
"That's right, Lord Celeborn has a message for me to deliver to King Thranduil. It will not take long." Mirien smiled.
"Indeed it will," she said. "We will most likely be staying for a month or more. I trust this is acceptable?" She watched his expression carefully, noting with some satisfaction the slight faltering of his smile. It was not fine with him. If he were sitting, he would be squirming. She suppressed the grin the thought caused as he answered.
"Of course," he said in a slightly strained voice. This time the smile came unbidden.
"You do not wish to stay in Mirkwood longer than necessary?" she asked. She noticed Doran watching them and motioned for Haldir to walk with her, guiding him to his quarters. He hesitated before answering.
"No, frankly," he said. "Any time away from Lorien is not welcome. Our borders are being threatened almost every day now – I do not wish to leave when something dire may happen in my absence." She heard the truth in his voice when he spoke. He truly feared what may happen while he was away. Suddenly sympathetic, her voice softened.
"Do you not trust your warriors to guard the borders while you are away?" she asked. He seemed about to answer, but closed his mouth again. "Mirkwood is also assailed daily but even they take breaks in their defence, trusting others to take their place." He nodded as she spoke.
"You are from there, are you not?"
"Yes," she said, "I go to visit family I have not seen for a long time. We would stay longer, save for Lord Celeborn suggested you would never consent to staying for longer than a month." Haldir chuckled softly.
"He said that?" he said with a grin. "Lord Celeborn knows me well, but I would not have you cut short a family gathering purely on my account."
"Nonsense," she said, matching his grin with one of her own. "A month is quite long enough for me. I merely meant that they would insist I stay longer."
"Ai, and you do not wish to?" he asked as they approached the door to his room.
"That is none of your business, Captain," she replied playfully.
"Haldir."
"Excuse me?"
"My name. Haldir, not 'Captain'," he clarified. She bowed her head slightly.
"Well then, 'Haldir', here is your room." She opened the door and stepped in. He followed, looking around himself in approval. "Your scouts will be dropped off in Northern Lorien this evening," she began, "and it will take us two days to reach Mirkwood. Feel free to explore the ship as you will, and do not hesitate to ask if something is needed. Also," she waited until he looked at her before continuing. "My officers and I usually dine together for evening meal. We would be honoured if you would join us." He smiled and bowed politely.
"And I would be honoured to attend." She nodded to him and turned to leave, but he stopped her. "Captain?" She turned. "I apologise for my behaviour on the dock several days ago. It was wrong of me." She considered his words and then smiled.
"Mirien," she replied, "My name is Mirien." She turned then and left him alone, so none but him noticed the slight flush that rose in his cheeks as he grinned after her.