Sorry again for the delay. I really must get onto chapter 9 over Christmas. Consider this my Christmas present to you! Please continue to read and review – it really does encourage me to write more.
CHAPTER EIGHT
By the time Tala approached the practice area late in the afternoon a small crowd had gathered, surrounding the wooden barrier encircling the smaller sword-fighting arena, and she slowed, disinclined to draw attention to her arrival. She had not wanted to come – indeed she had felt a strange reluctance to leave her flet - wanting only to be alone, but she had made a promise to Legolas.
Aragorn happened at that moment to glance behind and, catching her eye, beckoned her to join him at the rail.
Tala smiled reluctantly at him and approached.
"Mae govannen, Tala." he said courteously, smiling at her.
"Lord Aragorn." she replied softly, catching his glance before looking down hurriedly.
He frowned, aware that something was not right, but merely ushered her to stand beside him before turning back to the rail.
"The opponents are well-matched – and both equal on points at the moment." the ranger said with amusement in his voice.
Legolas stood in the ring opposite her, his pale hair as neat as ever, face tense with concentration, sword poised as he waited for his opponent to make the next move.
His challenger had his back to her but she recognised Lothlorien's March Warden instantly. His very shape was as familiar to her as her own. Tala stiffened and regretted her decision to come. She did not want to be anywhere near him after what had happened on the landing earlier. For half an instant she considered leaving but thought it might appear strange as she had only just arrived.
In the ring, the two elves circled each other, both vigilant to his opposite's every movement, their eyes locked. Neither had noticed her arrival so intent were they. Nothing gave away the fact that this was a non-combative competition.
Tala relaxed slightly. There was no reason for him to notice she was here and as soon as the fight was over she could slip away, back to her talen. For the next few minutes she chatted softly to Aragorn and could feel herself being soothed by his quiet presence.
"Look at them!" Aragorn leaned closer and whispered to her, with a grin. "Both trying to best each other while not getting a hair out of place – or a smudge on their tunics."
Tala laughed despite herself. At the sound, Haldir's eyes flicked across to the corner of the enclosure where she was standing and registered her presence. Exactly at that same moment, Legolas brought his sword down, expecting it to be blocked expertly by a swordsman his equal.
Tala launched forward with a cry, ducking under the rail, not even conscious of her movement. In an instant she was knelt beside the Marchwarden as he started to push himself up from the ground. Her fingers reached out to brush the drop of blood from his cheek before she had even thought about what she was doing.
"It is nothing." the elf said impatiently, batting her hand away, and rising to his feet in one fluid motion. He bent down to pick his sword up from where it lay on the grass.
Tala recollected where she was and flushed in embarrassment, and more than a little anger. Not only had she made a fool of herself in front of the assembled audience, Haldir had made it more than clear he did not welcome such attention – from her in any case. Why had he been so ungracious of her concern?
"I am sorry." she said sarcastically. March Warden or no March Warden she was not going to stay and be insulted. She was fuming inside but would not let is show in front of the assembled audience who were looking on with interest. She rose to her feet with as much dignity as she could muster and turned to walk away.
"Tala!" She paused, her back stiff, not looking around. Aragorn came to her side and walked away with her.
"What are you doing?" Legolas said in angry disbelief, reaching out to grip the Marchwarden's arm.
Haldir turned and looked into the other elf's eyes for a moment, before shaking his head slowly.
"I really do not know."
88888888888888
"My Lord," Haldir said quietly, bowing, his hand over his heart in a gesture of respect, "I wish to return to my duties on the border."
The Lord and Lady of Lorien sat together in soft candlelight, Lord Celeborn reading a well-thumbed book and his wife intent on her embroidery.
Celeborn paused, and stared at him for a moment, before glancing across at the Lady of Light. Her nod of acquiescence was almost imperceptible and Celeborn turned back to his Marchwarden.
"Very well, Haldir. You may return when you wish. Orophin will no doubt be grateful to be relieved."
Haldir nodded and, with another bow, left them both.
Celeborn sighed.
"Can you not just speak to him?"
Galadriel looked up from her stitching, a thread as golden as her hair entwined around her fingers, and shook her head. "He must come to understand his feelings for her. There is nothing I can say."
888888888888
Birdsong rippled through the still trees and the only other sound was the muffled tramp of his soft-soled boots on the mossy ground. He adjusted the bow more comfortably over his shoulders, with a distraction in his movements.
Haldir could not keep his mind from drifting back to her and he smiled grimly. He was right to come away. He did not know how much longer he could have gone on seeing her regularly and keeping his desire for her in check. It was like nothing he had ever known. When she had knelt beside him to brush the blood from his face it was all he could do not to grip her arms and pull her to him. He admitted that removing himself from temptation had possibly been the easier option, something he did not often take.
It would be good to get back to the border, to concentrate on keeping the orcs from Lothlorien, to be back in the company of his wardens. To have nothing more on his mind than the life and death struggle of elves and the servants of Sauron, he thought dryly.
There was a barely discernible impact on the ground behind him and Haldir whirled around and then relaxed, before raising a hand in greeting.
"Brother."
Orophin grinned and reached out to clasp Haldir's arm.
8888888888888
Tala stood, leaning on the uppermost rail, gazing out over the golden trees surrounding the city. It was the highest she had ever been but the height was not what occupied her thoughts. She had left her talen for an aimless walk and her feet had led her here – to the landing outside Haldir's door. It had happened often over the last few days and she felt strangely at peace here. He had left the city quite suddenly and without explanation and had now been gone for a week or more.
Last night a new moon had appeared, its white light bathing the forest floor, and the Fellowship prepared to leave the safe haven where they had spent the last month. Her heart went out to them – her cousin, the tiny hobbits, her lady's love, the dwarf who had made her laugh often, and the man, so suspicious of elves.
Tala recalled her conversation with Legolas that morning as he gathered his belongings together.
"Haldir will be returning to the city to lead us to the border." He glanced across at her with curiosity but her face revealed nothing.
"Cousin, your heart fades." Legolas had said, not unkindly, placing a hand on her arm. "You cannot go on like this. You could have eternity before you. Do not throw it away. You have caught the March Warden's eye and yet you refuse to see it."
Tala made a sound of disbelief and had turned away in denial, shaking her head. "You are wrong. The March Warden cares for no-one but himself. It is he you need to lecture about the fading of a heart for I am sure he has none. Besides - I cannot. It is too soon."
He had taken her hand. "Tala, would you give up the chance of future happiness to remain loyal to a dream? Celedir would never want that."
Tala had shaken off him off and walked away. She now pondered his words. Did Haldir feel something more for her than she believed? There had been that moment on the flet. Could Legolas be right? Perhaps he was right. Perhaps it was time to let go and move on. Perhaps…
8888888888888
Tala stood hidden to the rear of the group of elves assembled to bid farewell to the Fellowship. She had already said her own private goodbyes to Legolas and Aragorn, wishing them the Valar's blessings on their quest and a tearful "Come back safe to us" to her cousin. He had smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before hugging her fiercely. Tears now pricked her eyes and she blinked them back and pushed her dark hair off her shoulder.
She lowered her head, lost in her own thoughts. Soon she would have to make ready to leave and find her way safely back to Rivendell. Thanks to her constant practise she was well able to handle her bow - if anything better than before. She would miss the calm of Lothlorien though, the trees, the graceful flets and talens, the serene presence of its Lord and Lady felt throughout the city. She pushed the image of a tall, elegant elf from her thoughts.
The hobbits were calling their final farewell to the Lord and Lady, and Tala lifted her head to find a pair of grey eyes staring into hers from across the clearing, filled with a desire so strong that her breath caught in her throat. Through the crowd of Lothlorien elves, his eyes had found her. Haldir tore his gaze away without another gesture and one by one the Fellowship and their guide vanished from her sight.
8888888888888
Tala had received a summons to the talen of the Lord and Lady and arrived to find Galadriel awaiting her.
"Ah, Tala. I see you have no trouble now with the height of our meeting place." The Lady of Light smiled, her eyes glinting with deep knowledge. "I assume that now the Ringbearer and his companions have left us, you will be shortly doing the same?"
Tala felt a lurch in her stomach. Was Galadriel, in a roundabout way, asking her to leave?
Galadriel's eyes crinkled as the smile deepened.
"You are welcome to stay here for as long as you please, Tala."
Tala blushed and bowed her head with gratitude.
"I will soon have to return to Rivendell though, Lady."
"You have found something here you did not expect." The Lady said, looking deeply for a long moment into her eyes but she did not elaborate and turned away to pace the length of the talen. "Please remember that you are welcome to return at any time."
Tala turned to leave and hesitated. Galadriel looked enquiringly at her.
"I…I still have Haldir's cloak." She stumbled over the words. "Is there – someone - I can leave it with?"
Galadriel smiled, an eyebrow raised slightly.
"Haldir will return to the city tonight. You can return it to him."
Tala bowed, trying to quell the churning inside in case the Lady of Light sensed it, and withdrew.
She walked back to her talen, her mind in turmoil. He would be here then – tonight, and she would be leaving tomorrow… If she was to make a fool of herself at any time then this seemed to be the time to do it. She sighed and smiled wryly at her own confusion.
88888888888
Tala approached the March Warden's door, her legs trembling. She had had several glasses of wine to bring her to this point – what was it the men of the North called it – false courage? Was she really about to do this?
She knocked on the hard wooden door and waited, trepidation making her shiver slightly. There was no answer and she gave a sigh of relief. What had she been thinking? There was no denying she found Haldir more than attractive. He created tingling in the pit of her stomach when he was near and she was intensely aware of his every movement, but this had been a mistake. She was wrong to think she could just forget her former love.
As she turned away the door opened and Haldir stood in the opening.
If he looked startled to see her, she was suddenly dismayed to see him.
"I've come to return your cloak, Haldir" she indicated the garment folded over one arm, "and to collect my bow – and sword." She stumbled slightly over the words.
He nodded and without a word ushered her inside.
His talen was small but immaculate and she wondered for one wild moment if he cleaned it himself. She giggled. It must be the wine. She looked around. There was a bookshelf in one corner, which immediately drew her eye, and several doors into other parts, one to his bedroom she supposed and blushed, unexpectedly.
Haldir shut the door and leant against it, watching her. "May I?" she indicated the book shelf and at his nod drew closer, reading the titles of the volumes stacked neatly there with interest. She had always been a great reader and was curious to know what interested the March Warden.
"Wine?" he asked, his grey eyes giving nothing away.
For some reason she again giggled and smiled at him, nodding. She felt suddenly warm and relaxed.
He raised an immaculately curved eyebrow at her un-called-for merriment and took down two glasses from a shelf, and a jug of wine from another, setting them on a small table.
Tala walked over to a chair near the door and placed the cloak neatly upon the back of it, smoothing the folds with her hand, enjoying the feel of the silky soft fabric against her fingers. She wandered about the talen, looking at various objects, a crystal, a vibrantly coloured bird's feather, an unusual rock, obviously things he had collected from the forest he loved. She didn't know whether it was the wine or not but she was now feeling distinctly relaxed in the March Warden's presence and she thought herself foolish ever to have disliked him.
888888888888
Haldir handed her a glass of the red liquid and took one himself, sipping it slowly, looking at her curiously. There was something different about her tonight. He was intrigued.
He liked the way her dark eyes sparkled in the soft light and he could see though they were brown, they had chestnut and hazel flecks. The rose pink gown she wore was fitted and showed off the curves of her figure to perfection. The beading around the neck caught in the candle light and sparkled.
Tala giggled again as she took her first sip of the wine and he began to wonder if this was not her first glass of the evening. He was rapt. Why was she here? She again wandered over to the bookcase and he followed, standing close behind her as she examined a particular favourite of his. He could smell the rose and sandalwood bath oil she had used earlier and his control begin to slip.
8888888888
Tala turned to see Haldir watching her and smiled, her eyes softening. He felt an immediate pull to her and moved closer until they were standing only inches apart, facing each other.
He reached out to touch a curl of hair that had fallen across her face and murmured softly, "Tala, I do not think that I ever thanked you for saving my life."
She gazed back at him, her breath suddenly shallow, her breasts rising and falling quickly. "No. I don't think you ever have, Haldir."
He leant towards her, grey eyes locked with her dark ones, and as she lowered hers in sudden shyness – there was a sharp knock at the door. Haldir drew back abruptly and muttered something under his breath.
An elf stood at the door when Haldir flung it open, they had a hasty conversation and he came back into the room, collecting his cloak hurriedly.
"I am sorry Tala – I have been summoned and I must answer. Please stay, I should not be too long."
Tala nodded in acquiescence and he left quickly, with the other elf following. She drained her glass and re-filled it from the flask he had left on the table. She picked up the book she had taken from the bookcase and tried to read it but her mind was fuzzy and unfocused. Had Haldir been about to kiss her? She had wanted him to. The thought made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle agreeably and she giggled. She was not used to wine and the feeling was pleasant. She picked up her glass and drained it again.
888888888888
"Haldir!" Tala exclaimed exuberantly at his return, much later. She jumped up from the chair and came across to the tall blond elf, a little unsteadily.
He shut the door behind him and took off his cloak, frowning. "I am sorry I have been so long, Tala. Though," he said wryly, picking up the empty wine flask, "I see you have made good use of the time. You have finished the wine."
"Mmm. It was very nice. I've never had it before." Tala murmured softly, leaning against him and laying her head on his broad chest, all inhibitions flown. She closed her eyes, feeling the texture of his tunic and the warmth of his hard body against her cheek.
"Haldir?"
"What?" he said in an amused tone, prepared to humour her.
"Kiss me."
He paused for a moment before placing a gentle and sedate kiss on the top of her hair, catching its scent as he did so.
"Haldir!" she pouted prettily and giggled at her own behaviour. "Will you not thank me properly for saving your life?"
Haldir drew back a little warily. "What is it you want, Tala?" He must be careful. She was in a vulnerable position and he was the one who must stay in control, though it might take all his will-power to do so.
She whispered "I will be leaving tomorrow." She lifted her head from his chest and stared up at him, unblinkingly. "Take me to your bed."
He drew in his breath sharply and his arms closed around her waist. Her almond eyes were soft and dark, her lids heavy, drawing him in.
"Oh, Tala." he groaned. "Do not tempt me."
She stepped back, hurt in her eyes, swaying slightly on her feet.
"But why not? Are you not attracted to me?"
"I am – attracted to you, Tala, very much so, but look at you. I would be taking advantage. It would not be right." He shook his head, with something like regret in his eyes. "However, I will take you to my bed – but to sleep." And with that he lifted her easily into his arms and carried her into his bed chamber, laying her down gently onto his bed. The room was filled with the soft light of candles.
As he placed her onto the bed, her arms remained entwined around his neck and she pulled him down to her, and kissed him. The touch of her lips on his made him grow hot, he could feel the need in them and it nearly overwhelmed him. He did not pull back immediately but broke the kiss after a moment and straightened, looking down at her.
"Not tonight, Tala. It would not be right." He repeated.
"When then?" she breathed, looking at him with a hunger that almost weakened his resolve. "Tomorrow – before I leave here? Promise?"
"If you still wish it."
She reached out a hand to him. "Please stay with me." He hesitated for a moment and then nodded in agreement.