Chapter 6
Three days later Emdiril stood with Legolas' bow in her hand. She tried her very best to aim at their target and reminded herself of the elf's instructions. Legolas truly was an amazing bowman and he had made it look so easy which prompted Emdiril to try. She took a steady breath as she let go of the arrow and a frown covered her features as it landed a few mere feet away from her, sticking up from the floor. She scoffed and pursed her lips as she set her eyes on the elf who stood a few steps away from her – it was evident that he was trying his hardest not to be amused by her failed attempt. The elf took a step forward, holding both of his hands up in defence as she shot him a warning glare.
"For a first try, it was not at all bad." Legolas stated, trying to compliment her. Using the bow and arrow took patience and years to perfect. His eyes found the arrow and he could not help the smirk that spread over his face; he was trying his very best to hide his amusement, but was failing miserably which earned him a soft punch to the chest by the fiery redhead. A laugh escaped him in response and he held a hand over the spot she hit him, his eyes finding her face. Emdiril rolled her emerald eyes at the elf, but a laugh escaped her regardless. She could not bring herself to be mad at him. He seemed so innocent and pure, she knew he never wanted to harm her on purpose. Emdiril breathed out and took steps towards the arrow, picking it up in one swift motion. She held out the arrow and bow towards him, giving the blond elf a pointed log.
"Show me again." The woman raised a brow at the elf, her eyes upon Legolas' blue ones and he accepted her request, not able to say no. He took the bow and arrow of the shorter woman and stood. He put the arrow in place and pulled back the string and aimed. Before he let go he glanced to his side to Emdiril, she stood only a little distance away from him. Her eyes were set upon the target on the tree, a small smirk tugging at the edges of her lips. A smile spread across Legolas' own face as he looked back upon the target and let go of the arrow, letting it fly across the field. His smile fell though as the arrow came to a sudden halt just half way towards the target and stayed in the air. Blue eyes immediately fell upon Emdiril and she stood, her eyes filled with mischief as she looked upon the arrow, her hand held in the air in front of her. It occurred to him that she must have been using one of her magical powers to stop the arrow in track and Legolas had to admit, he was impressed. He looked back towards the arrow as it suddenly dropped to the floor. Emdiril cleared her throat and turned her head towards the elf, placing a delicate hand on his chest. "Not at all bad," the woman repeated his earlier words, mocking him with a playful glint evident in her eyes. Legolas looked down at her, not being able to contain the laughter that erupted from his lungs as he shook his head at her. His eyes lingered on hers as he could not help but stare at her in awe – he wondered what other skills this amazing creature in front of him had. "I suppose I deserved that." He stated cheerfully, his eyes still not leaving hers. His glance was returned by Emdiril, her eyes also glistening with amusement. Her hand was still placed on his chest and Emdiril's eyes widened slightly as she noticed, pulling her hand back rather abruptly, leaving Legolas to raise his eyebrows at her. Heat rose in her cheeks as she blushed, the colour of her skin turning a shade of pink and she averted her gaze to the ground.
"What else can you do?" the elf asked then, distracting her from her awkwardness. Curiosity took over as he cocked his head to the side, watching her carefully. The woman looked back up again at his question, then her emerald eyes scanned the area carefully. Her teeth bit down softly on her bottom lip as she was in deep thought, then she lifted her arms slightly. Legolas was astounded when he watched their surroundings – it had rained the night before and he could see drops of water that had remained on the grass and leaves lift up into the sky slowly and steadily. Instead of falling down, the raindrops seemed to dance around the pair with movements matching her hands gestures. It was a beautiful sight to behold and the elf was sure to treasure this moment. Legolas' blue eyes looked above him and a smile spread as she let go of the water, the rain drops falling back on them. Though his clothes and hair were now slightly damp, he felt happy. Emdiril watched Legolas' reactions carefully and pride swelled her heart – instead of being scared of the unknown, he fully embraced her and her powers and it felt good. It was not often that she showed any of her powers to anyone, afraid that they would become scared of her. Yet here was this elf, who looked at her as if her powers made her even better than what she already was. Her eyes found the arrow that still laid upon the ground extended her hand towards it, the arrow immediately flying into her open hand.
"Here." The redhead offered the arrow to Legolas and he took it off her with a grateful smile.
"Thank you." Legolas then looked at the sky above them, his eyes furrowing into a gentle frown. The sun was setting in which meant it was time to return to the safety of his father's domain. Part of the elf did not want the day to end. It had been pleasurable to him to spend time with Emdiril and he had not realised that the whole day had already passed. Just the thought of having to separate from her was heavy on his heart which proved to him that he truly valued her friendship.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" her words interrupted his thoughts and he set his eyes back on her face – she too was looking at the sky, taking in the orange glow of the sunset. It was reflecting of her, her hair shimmering in the sun's soft glow. Then he looked around – the soft glow of the setting sun was reflecting on the new spring's leaves and flowers, creating a beautiful scenery. "One of the few memories I have of my mother is that we used to watch the sunset from one of my city's great towers. It would reflect of the mountains and you could see the dragon's shadows fly about. I used to look forward to that part of the day as in those moments she was just a mother – not a Queen." A fond smile was placed on Emdiril's face as she replayed the memories in her head and Legolas was pleased that she shared those. He too smiled and he continued to watch her. "I imagine that to be very incredible. What is her name?" he asked softly.
"Abryanna." Emdiril sighed in content before her eyes widened in surprise. She had truly let her guard down around the elf and it took her by shock. She never usually talked of her family so openly, yet with Legolas she felt comfortable, more than she had first realised. His personality she found to be very inviting and welcoming; he had not judged her or prodded her and she felt she could be herself around the elf. Her emerald eyes set upon the elf and her smile widened in appreciation and suddenly she could not imagine her life without her newfound friend.
"We should head back now. It's growing late. I do not wish for Arwen, Elladan or Elrohir to grow worried."
The both of them turned and walked along the path leading them back into the cave, engaging in casual and light conversation. Once Legolas had walked her to her chambers, he stopped and placed a hand on her shoulder, nodding his head.
"I enjoyed your company today. Gi mellonig." Emdiril felt her heart dancing in joy and she too placed a hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"Hannon le, mellon," she responded, thanking Legolas for the day they spent. Both their lips twitched into matching smiles before he took a few steps back and departed. Emdiril watched him round the corner and smiled to herself – never had she thought she would encounter such great friends on this journey.
When the sun had fully set Emdiril felt hungry and walked towards the catering halls. She got herself some fresh vegetables and potatoes before sitting at a table with her adopted siblings. Galadriel had been right; the journey had served well as a distraction. Elladan and Elrohir seemed less tense than they did a few days ago and particularly enjoyed the attention they were getting from Greenwood's elleths as well as learning of Greenwood's defences. Arwen however seemed tense still. Emdiril thought her loving sister was worried about her father and mother still – it was evident that Arwen had not wanted to leave Rivendell in this time of need. On top of this, the blonde elleth Galadriel had not been very sociable and it weighed heavily on Arwen. She cared deeply for her family and so times like these always proved difficult to the elleth. This did not mean Arwen did not enjoy her time here. She studied Greenwood's flowers as well as surrounding herself with elleths whenever Emdiril was not around. Arwen shifted in her seat and nudged the woman in the side, nodding towards their right. Emdiril chewed on her food and followed the elleth's gaze, her eyes finding an approaching Haldir. She turned her gaze back towards Arwen and rolled her eyes at her teasing sister and resumed eating. Haldir stood by the side of their table, clearing his throat and Emdiril looked up to meet his gaze, her eyebrows raised in question.
"When you have finished, I wish for you to come with me." Haldir said, shifting uncomfortably as everyone at the table was watching and listening to his words. The frown on Emdiril's face only deepened; what did he want now? She nodded her head in response placed down her cutlery. "I have just finished anyway. Is there a problem?" she asked the Marchwarden as she stood up from her seat.
"No." He shook his head, his expression not showing any emotion. He beckoned for her to follow and she excused herself from her family. She had not bothered asking where they were headed – in their short time together she had learned that the Marchwarden never answered questions fully or at all. The two of them walked side by side in silence and the woman was surprised when Haldir opened the large library doors, waiting for her to enter. Emdiril entered the building and waited for Haldir to explain, but to no avail. Instead the blond elf entered, closed the door and hastily walked towards one of the library's corners which was lit up by torches, giving a red-orange glow. Emdiril followed him to the table without hesitation. There were many books and even scrolls displayed on the wooden table, as well as maps.
Haldir pressed his lips together in a thin line before he motioned towards the displays on the table before he spoke, "I have spent the last few days gathering every book, scroll or map that mentioned anything about your city, your family as well as your prophecy." He spoke steadily, not giving away any emotion, not allowing her to see that in a strange way, he cared about the fiery woman. "I have collected them so that you can find out the truth for yourself whenever you are ready."
Emdiril opened her mouth to speak, only for silence to follow. Her heart warmed at his revelation and it explained why she had not seen much of him the last few days. That and the fact she had been busy with Legolas. She looked at the Marchwarden now, who glanced at her out of the corners of his blue eyes awaiting her reaction.
"You did this?" the tone of her voice was soft, softer than she expected for his actions meant a lot to her, "Truly?"
The look in Haldir's eyes softened, giving away a hint of affection and he nodded his head.
"I did not think you enjoyed reading as much…" Emdiril stated as a small, fond smile spreading.
"I do not." Haldir said then, his voice steady still, giving a shrug to his shoulders. It left her perplexed and her eyes widened a fraction. Haldir had truly gone out of his way to this, for what? Had Galadriel asked him to?
"Then-" she paused herself, pondering how to ask, "…Why?" The single word came out as a question, her eyes boring into his.
"For you." He responded to her question, his voice softer now and again Emdiril grew speechless. Her mouth was agape and she could not bring herself to say anything which made Haldir chuckle. "Is it really so hard to believe I care?" he questioned her, a teasing smirk now on his face. Emdiril took this as her chance to be sarcastic as she always was around the Marchwarden. "Did not know you were capable." She stated, joining in with his laughter as he shook his head.
"You wound me, truly." Haldir playfully stated, placing a hand over his chest only earning more laughter from the female in front of him and she clicked her tongue before she placed a hand over his own, squeezing it. "No, truly. Thank you." She smiled at him as she let go of his hand. The redhead was amused by the irony – she had never expected to thank the elf, who she first thought to be arrogant and self-centred, and yet here they were. The elf had been extremely selfless for having taken the time to do all this for her.
"I wish to start my research now." She hastily said as she sat down at the table and he joined her.
Emdiril had not realised how long the both of them had sat at the table reading as natural light seeped through, which meant the sun had begun to rise. Though she was sure the Marchwarden had already read all these books before, he had readily accompanied her and read alongside her. Though this was not one of his favourable tasks, it gave him some time with the women and he had grown fond of her. She was interesting indeed, with her different looks and her calm, yet fiery ways. Emdiril had read a lot about her cities' architecture and turned a page in her book, she came across a family portrait. It was of her and her parents, and she held up the picture in front of her. She had still been so young here and the picture that was painted displayed them all as happy and smiling. Emdiril traced the tips of her index fingers across her parents' faces and her eyes filled with unshed tears. This was a bittersweet moment and Haldir noticed her movements. He could feel several different emotions radiate from her. The woman appeared to be happy to have found the portrait, but her heart was also heavy for she missed her family. Haldir had never known how to deal with others' emotions which caused him his cold-hearted reputation in Lothlorien. Many elleths had tried to pursue him but he hadn't made it easy for them. He sighed softly as he stood from opposite her and instead sat on a chair next to her, placing his arm around her shoulders. Emdiril welcomed his gesture as she could no longer hold in her tears, burying her head in his muscular chest, circling her arms around him in order to fully embrace him. She let go of her shield completely and let her emotions flow. The woman cried in Haldir's arms as he placed his other arm around her frame as well, tightening his arms around her for comfort. He was not used to this and was unsure of whether he should say anything, but decided against it and instead let her cry and lay there in his arms for as long as she desired. She grew silent after a while and Haldir assumed that she was calming down until he heard a faint snore. The woman had actually fallen asleep against him which surprised him. The Marchwarden sometimes forgot that she was unlike him and still needed sleep. He traced his hand along her back softly and laid his head on hers for a moment, closing his own eyes. This affection was comforting to him as well. After a few moments the elf steadied himself and gently tapped Emdiril's shoulder in order to wake her from her slumber. She stirred slightly but her eyes remained shut and hummed as though she was asking him what he wanted. He smiled softly at her tired being and stood slowly, dragging her up with him. The elf then proceeded to hoist the shorter woman up in his arms and carried her through the kingdom and to her chambers. He entered and placed her on the bed gently while her eyes remained shut. Though he knew she was awake as she stirred slightly. Haldir placed the covers over her form and started to leave her bedside, when her hand reached out to grab his. The blond elf looked down at their hands and then gazed at her in question. "Stay." Her eyes opened lazily and the redhead offered him a small smile. Though she meant no harm, he could not. Word would spread and rumours would circulate and the Marchwarden did not wish this upon her. It could cause great distress and turmoil due to elves feeling strictly about intimacy and love. He kneeled down next to her and looked at her, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "I cannot. Come and find me once you have rested well." Emdiril breathed out heavily and nodded, a faint smile on her lips. Haldir stood back up and leaned over her, placing a kiss on her head.
"Rest well." He spoke softly before quietly leaving her chambers to let her slumber.
Gi mellonig – "You are my friend."
Hannon le, mellon." Thank you, (my) friend.