Author's Note: Well, here is my third chapter. I am so glad everyone is enjoying it! Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews! I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32, for her continued help with this story. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.

Chapter 3 The Guard

            "Yes fair maiden, I am Captain Haldir," he replied. My mouth went dry and my hands began to shake. A blush was slowly creeping upon my cheeks and I quickly lowered my eyes, avoiding his piercing gaze. No one had every called me a fair maiden before. This was enough to shock me into silence for a week. But in the back of my mind a small voice reminded me of my mission and I shook my head, trying to regain some coherent thoughts once more.

            "Captain Haldir," I repeated his name, the sweet words rolled off my tongue beautifully. "My name is Elenwen," my voice sounded like that of a small mouse and I begged the Valar that he would not notice. My palms had begun to sweat and I wiped them off discreetly upon my pants before sticking my hand out to shake his. He took it in his own large calloused hands and gently kissed it. I never wished the contact to break, but simply stand there forever, basking in his radiant being.

            "It is a pleasure to meet you Elenwen," the commander's rich voice caressed my senses. "What is it that I can do for you?" he dropped his hand back to his side and I almost sighed in disappointment. 

            "Well…I…well," I stuttered uncontrollably. He smiled warmly, was he mocking me though? I could not tell.

            "Perhaps you would like to come inside," Haldir gestured indicating his flet. "It is dreadfully warm for this time of year, don't you think?"

            "Yes, yes it is," I replied rather lamely, smacking myself mentally. Why could I not come up with some witty remark like other ellith did? My Naneth was always very talented in that area.

            "Come, come," he ushered me in, shutting the door behind us with a soft click. "This way," Haldir steered me into the main room of his flet. I was at once taken aback by all the weapons that lined the walls. A few shelves were pushed up against the walls bearing all different sorts of swords, bows and armor. Maps hung in the bare places in between the shelves showing in great detail the borders of our woods. Mayhap this was a mistake, for I did not even know the names of half the weapons. The Captain led me into the main room of his home, where a small desk and set of chairs sat. "Sit, sit," I did as he instructed me and watched as he moved to the opposite side of the desk, sitting himself with as much grace as could be imagined. His desk was piled high with many pieces of parchment and he pushed some to the side, nearly knocking over an ink well. But I reached forward and grabbed it before it spilled, sparing his papers. "You have wonderful reflexes," the ellon looked at me thoughtfully.

            "Really?" I blushed once more. "I had always thought that I was rather clumsy. I suppose I am just used to picking up after myself." He laughed a deep, warm sound. I looked at him in surprise, was he laughing at me, or at my horrible attempt at a jest? I never found out.

            "Now tell me Elenwen," Haldir leaned back in his chair, raising its front legs off the ground, "what is it that brings you to my flet? Lovely maidens are a rarity here."  How did he expect me to answer such a question after complimenting me so? Was he doing this on purpose to watch me squirm? Either way, I knew I had to answer his question.

            "Captain Haldir I'll be frank with you," I swallowed hard. "I was wondering if perhaps there would be a position for me on the guard." I thought that he would tip completely backwards on his chair after hearing my request. A moment of uncomfortable silence passed before he spoke.

            "Of course," the commander replied. Now I almost fell out of my chair. I could hardly keep my mouth from dropping open.

            "I…I…" my voice shook uncontrollably, for in truth I had expected him to turn me away.

            "I will need to see how advanced your fighting skills are at the present time," he continued. "Then training will be required for a few months before I can place you on the borders." I was speechless, I knew I should respond in some way, but my tongue remained still in mouth. "We can start tomorrow morning if you wish," Haldir leaned forward, studying me carefully.

            "Yes, yes, that would be fine," I jabbered.

            "Good, I shall meet you at the training grounds just after sunrise. You know where that is do you not?" he questioned.

            "I believe so, it is near the armory?" my heart pounded in my happiness. I was almost sure that he could hear it.

            "Aye, but a ten minute walk from this flet," the elf answered, standing of a sudden. I stood too, aware now that our meeting was coming to a close. Upon rising however, the Captain knocked a few papers from his desk. They fluttered to the floor, landing near my feet. I quickly stooped to reach them, not realizing he had done the same. Our hands touched briefly once more and I jumped back, pulling away. He looked up at me, his blue eyes casting their depths upon my very soul. "Forgive me," he murmured placing the papers back in their proper place. I nodded, not having the power of speech once again. "So, I will expect you tomorrow," he said as walked to me back to the door. I managed to smile at him, slipping quickly out of the flet. "Namarie," his voice ran through my mind like a calm breeze.

            "Namarie," my voice was raspy, as if I had strained it. I whipped around and headed back down the stairs, praying that I wouldn't trip. My heart was pounding and my breath came hard as if I had just run the length of the city. Why had I been so taken with him? Many times in the past had I been in the company of handsome males, but never before had I reacted in such manner. I passed the two elves that had directed me to their brother's flet as I walked down the stairs. I cast them a fleeting smile before continuing my descent.

            "What do you think my dear Orophin?" one whispered.

            "I do not know my dear Rumil," Orophin answered.

Namarie: Farewell

Ellon: Male elf

Ellith: female elves.