Author's Note: Here is my second chapter. Thank you all so much for the reviews. I know that Elenwen seems a little out of character, but I did this on purpose, for she is much younger in this story and a little bit more of a hothead. I do promise plenty of angst, for this fic will be all about how she developed her social phobia. I would like to say a special thanks to my beta, Dragonfly32 for her invaluable help with this chapter! Thanks again! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 2 Haldir
I suppose that I did miss my parents, though I would never let the words leave my mouth. It had been several days since my Naneth's departure and I felt a great loneliness come over me. Not one member of my family now dwelled in Middle Earth. Some had been killed in battle, while some had just taken the fateful journey across the sea. I myself pondered lightly over the idea of leaving for Valinor, but those thoughts were stayed once I caught sight of the glorious mellyrn swaying softly in the breeze. I took to my room for the first few days after my newfound freedom. I composed a song or two, most of them ballads depicting fair elves that had perished in battle long ago. That was when a strange thought came to me, one so strange that never before had it even entered my mind. I moved into the empty living room, which held a large bookshelf in a far off corner. My eyes glanced over the titles of the dusty volumes for a moment until I found the tome which I been searching for. It was a thick book, bound in dark leather, its edges traced with gold. It was times like these that I greatly appreciated my Ada's extensive collection of literature. Many a stormy night did he sit with me for hours and read until I finally fell into sleep. Now, I flipped through the heavy pages, taking in the elvish script quickly, feeling my heart beat rapidly within my chest.
"And so it was that the host returned in triumph, bearing with them great tales of their mighty deeds. Their armor glistened brightly in the sun and their banners danced in the wind, as mighty warhorses bore them forth toward their kinsmen," I read the words in a whisper, imagining that most glorious scene. Oh, to belong to such gallantry and beauty! I sighed, snapping the book shut, I have always been a hopeless romantic. I was about to place the volume back upon its respective shelf and return to my music when I paused. The Guard. Two simple words, yet such a power to them, in fact I nearly startled myself upon thinking them. No, I was being ridiculous. I would make my living with my musical talents. But for some reason I stood in my place, my hand upon the book. Could I possibly join the guard? I could learn to fight and perhaps have some adventure in my life. Mayhap it was because I was young that these notions filled my mind. As much as I hated to admit it, I did seek excitement. This would be a way to find it. To think of all the people I could meet from different races, to wonder over the places I could travel, the languages I would learn. My mind reeled and I sighed. Was I insane? Joining the guard was not something to be taken lightly, but then again, as a warden I could spend days, maybe even weeks at the borders in almost seclusion. Not that I minded meeting acquaintances, but the thought of being able to "escape" from the city for a little while was a pleasant one indeed. Yes, I would join the guard. Now, all I needed to do was find the March Warden.
The sun shone brightly down upon the earth, as if joining me in my own joyous smile. Perhaps this was not a good idea, but it made me happy all the same. I wondered what my Naneth's reaction would be if she knew of such. Laughter rang from my lips as I pictured her face. A few elves that had been standing nearby looked at me with a slight apprehension written upon their fair features. I blushed when I realized that they were members of the guard, my soon-to-be peers. I knew that I would have to ask them directions to the March Warden's flet since I did not know the way and a sudden wave of shyness threatened to overcome me. But I forced myself to remain calm and approached them slowly, hoping to appear more dignified then I had before.
"Mae govannen," I spoke to the ellon closest to me. "I was wondering if you could possibly tell me where I might find the March Warden's flet." The Elf smiled widely at me and instantly I felt reassured.
"Of course my child," he bowed his head slightly. "I am Orophin, the brother of the Captain, in fact. His flet is but a little ways yonder, near that mallorn there." Orophin pointed his hand in the direction of a tree close by that held a small flet in its large branches.
"Aye," I nodded my head. "Thank you Orophin, you have been most helpful."
"Oh 'tis nothing my dear," he replied softly. "For any elleth seeking our brother is worthy of proper directions." I was not sure how to respond to this, but smiled in my thanks once more before turning away. Inside I prayed that the ellon had been truthful with me and not played me false. He seemed kind and genuinely concerned. Hopefully he took after his brother. But as I moved quickly away, I heard Orophin whispering to his counterpart.
"A maiden searching for Haldir, that is a rarity is it not, Rumil," he said.
"Indeed it is," the one called Rumil answered. "Indeed it is."
I had traveled up a long winding staircase to reach the commander's flet, which was somewhat isolated from the others. Upon first arriving at his home, I nearly stayed my journey to return to my own house. Mayhap I should give more consideration to this. I was, after all, rushing into things. I had just about resolved to turn around, when the door opened slowly upon it's hinges and out stepped the Captain. My heart stopped as he gazed down at me. Never before had I seen such a handsome ellon. His shoulders were broad and his chest muscular. He had long golden hair and soft cerulean eyes that bore into my soul. He seemed almost shocked by my sudden appearance on his doorstep and started slightly.
"Oh, mae govannen," his voice was masculine, yet full of tenderness when he spoke. I did not reply. He arched one eyebrow at my strange behavior. I quickly regained my ability to speak and answered him.
"Captain?" my voice was timid and meek sounding as I addressed him.
"Yes, fair maiden," he bowed to me. "I am Captain Haldir."
Ellon: Male elf
Mae Govannen: Well met
Naneth: Mother
