AN: After almost two years of idleness, Dearheart has clawed its way back to the surface of my consciousness, demanding to be finished. And who am I to deny it? It's been neglected for too long. So, after many revisions and reworkings, I give you the new and improved story of Ril and Haldir. To those of you just joining this, please enjoy.
Disclaimer: Ha! I own them! I own them all, so you keep your hands off of- what?! You mean they're not mine?! They belong to some guy named J.R.R. Tolkien?! Aww! And to think that all this time. . .Huh? What did you just say? Tolkien never had characters named Elril-Galia or Fiothiel? So I do own some? Yay! All is not lost! I still have control over my life! Wait, let me check on that. . .
Dearheart
Chapter One: Love in Secrecy
How can I melt your frozen heart? That was the thought that entered her head as she watched the crush of her life walk beneath her. And when you're immortal, that's saying something.
How can I melt your frozen heart? How can I make you see my point of view? How can I make you love me? No. No, that would never happen. Not Haldir of Lorien. The cocky, stuck-up selfish Captain of the border patrol would never see her way. He was too wrapped up in himself to even know she existed, let alone that she had feelings for him. It would never work.
She sighed and resumed staring at the top of Haldir's head. From her vantage point on the lookout flet she could see for miles, but her Elven eyes were fixed on one thing and one thing only: him. The gleam of sunlight off his delicately braided white-blonde hair; the long Elvish sword at his side; the graceful, fluid motions of his walk; everything about him intrigued her. But it was the eyes, yes the eyes, that really made her melt. They were of the deepest sapphire blue, and whenever they looked at her, for no matter how long, she felt her heart rate triple. Of course, they only did that by mistake.
It was a beautiful day in Lothlorien; a welcome relief from the odd cold spell the forest had been undergoing. The sun fell through the giant mellyrn trees in cascades of golden light, illuminating the ground beneath and causing brilliant color contrasts amongst the leaves. The sight was breathtaking. But not as breathtaking as Haldir, she thought.
A voice called to her softly from the other side of the flet: "Ril? Ril? Elril-Galia, are you daydreaming again?" Ril turned. Her best friend and sister, Fiothiel, stood behind her, smiling her 'I know what you're thinking' smile.
"Fio, why do you interrupt me now?" Ril said with mock annoyance.
"Because I can." Fio walked the few feet between her and her sister. She sat down and dangled her legs over the edge of the flet. Her long silver dress flowed around her like a river of light. Ril glared.
"What troubles you now, dear sister?" Fio asked.
"Why are you wearing that dress? Do you have someone to impress?"
"Um, well. . ." Fio's reply was hesitant.
"Oh so there is someone," Ril said gleefully. "Who would have ever thought my little sister would be growing up so fast?"
Fio stiffened. "I'm not that young! I'm 1,270! And besides, there is only a 661 year difference between us, so you're not the fountain of all wisdom and knowledge."
"I remember a time when you thought differently." Ril smirked. "Anyway, who is this guy you're trying to catch?"
"Well. . ." Fio once again became hesitant. "You know. . . I'd heard. . . Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood is coming today; I wanted to-"
She was interrupted by Ril's clear laughter. "Ah, so now it's the Prince she's set her sights on! My sister shoots high!" Fio blushed deeply.
"Run along now," Ril continued. "I would hate to have you miss your big chance."
Fio shoved Ril as she stood up. "You just want to get back to your daydreaming!" she stated.
"Hey!"
With a sly smile Fio disappeared off the side of the flet.
Ril centered her attention back on the scene below her. Some of the archers had gathered into a small group. They were speaking in hushed voices. Haldir was- where was Haldir?! She began to panic. Oh no, she thought. I've gone through all this trouble just to see him, and now he vanishes?! I can't believe this, where- whew! She had spotted him, standing at the base of one of the mellyrnHe was watching the small cluster of Elves. Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, his gaze flicked up to the flet on which Ril was sitting. Their eyes met. Ril looked away and scrambled back from the edge, her face turning a bright red.
What do I do? Oh what do I do he saw me! Now he'll think I'm spying or something! She was definitely flustered now. He had seen her. Worse yet, he had seen her looking at him! Yes, things were certainly getting more complicated.
Ril climbed down from the flet, her aqua-colored dress becoming entangled in her legs. "Oh shoot," she muttered. "I hate when this happens. I need some pants." A slight ripping noise was heard. Oh man. Great. Now I'll have to fix it! Her foot slipped and she dropped several feet, before catching a handhold on the rope ladder. Curses! I'm getting pants! Now! She climbed the rest of the way down and began making her way toward her own flet. Along the way she heard a snippet of conversation.
". . .girl staring at me. I do not know why, nor do I know her future intentions."
Oh dear! Ril thought. What now?! He's dwelling on it! He's actually thinking about it! Now he'll recognize me if I hang around! Her panic quickly resided, however, as Haldir kept talking. The silky smoothness of his voice was placing her in absolute bliss. I could listen to that all day. She smiled. That soft, smooth, amazing, persuasive voice; I could- wait. Is it getting louder?! Ril's eyes grew large. He was coming closer! If he saw her now, she would die of utter embarrassment. And when you're immortal, that's saying something. Hide hide hide! her brain kept screaming, but her body wouldn't move. She was rooted to the spot. The voice grew in volume; Haldir was coming around the base of the tree. Oh crap! Somehow Ril willed her legs to move. She quickly sprinted off into a patch of bushes nearby.
". . .noticed her around lately. My Lord, do you have an explanation for this?"
"I am sorry Haldir, I do not."
Ril recognized that voice. It was Lord Celeborn! What was he doing way out here?!
"I haven't the answer," the Lord of Lothlorien continued. "You will have to find it on your own time. But that time, I fear, grows short."
"Why is that, my Lord?"
"There have been reports of Orc attacks beyond our borders to the south. I wish for you to strengthen your Company there, lest they should try an assault upon the Golden Wood."
Haldir nodded. "I shall tell my people tonight. Tomorrow we make for the southern border."
"Very well." With that Lord Celeborn walked away, leaving Haldir to his work.
Oh my, Ril thought. Orc attacks. That isn't good. Now he'll be leaving and- hold it! Did he say he's noticed me before?! I'm definitely in trouble now. She gulped. I've got to get back to my flet and fix this stupid dress. Then maybe I can find some pants and figure this whole thing out. Creeping slowly away, Ril left her bushy hiding place.
Haldir sighed and stared up at the trees once more. A lot had been happening lately, and he could barely sort it all out. A small garrison of Elves had already been lost on the eastern border. He did not want to risk any more life, but if that was what it took to keep Lorien safe, he would do it. Then there was the matter of the girl. That strange Elven girl whom he had spotted on several occasions. What did she want? Why did she keep hanging around? And why did she turn the color of a Rohan sunset when their eyes had met? Speaking of which, where was she? Ha! No matter. It was none of his concern. None of his concern at all. But the Orcs were. He set out to find the western branch of his patrol.
Ril sat on her bed, contemplating the morning's events. Her day was not going very well. She had made a complete fool out of herself. Sighing, she stood up and walked over to the outfit she hat managed to scrounge up. It was similar to that worn by Mirkwood travelers, meaning it had pants. Smiling, she slipped out of the ruined dress and into the new clothes. Now, where's the thread?
A slight knock on the doorframe caused Ril to jump. She spun around.
"Elandor! How long have you been there?!"
"I just arrived," said the Elf in the doorway. "Why?"
"Because I was changing clothes!"
"Oh." Elandor gave a slightly embarrassed grin. "I am sorry to interrupt," he continued, "but the Lady Galadriel requests your presence."
"What?! Elandor, you've got to be joking! I-"
"She specifically asked for you, Elril."
"What does she want me for?!"
"I do not know. I assume it is of great importance, for she asked me to hurry, but beyond that I am not sure."
"Uh-huh. So we're going now?"
"We are going now."
Elandor offered her his arm. She snorted and walked past him. He chuckled softly and shook his head in amusement before following her. Some things never changed.