Author's Note: Here is my fifth chapter. Wow! Thank you all so much for the great reviews! Like I said before, I never thought this fic would be so successful. I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta reader Dragonfly32, for her wonderful help with this chapter. Thanks again! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.

Chapter 5 Weakling

Haldir's POV

            I ran my hands over my temples, trying to cover my displeased nature regarding her archery skills. Elenwen once again nocked an arrow and aimed for the target. I noticed that perspiration had begun to form on her delicate brow and her hands shook from weariness now, not from nerves. I have to say that I pitied her greatly, this poor creature. Never before had I seen an Elf try so earnestly at something like she did. That, I decided was what had moved my heart. As March Warden, I was bound by the law to give everyone a fair and equal chance at membership in the guard. But now, seeing how greatly she lacked in this area, I knew that I would have to train her for many months until she was even suitable enough to be placed on the most secure of posts. It was against my better judgment even to let her join, though I could place her on duty in the armory. For some reason I could not say no to the maiden, something that had always been easy for me.

I watched her release another arrow, this time it landed a little closer to the target, she was improving. Yet I was being soft with her, normally I would have dismissed her immediately, but last night upon meeting with my brothers, they had begged me to be kind. Supposedly Elenwen had asked them for directions to my flet the other day and they had been quite taken with her sweet nature. I had to admit that she was a very pleasant elleth to be around, and not at all overbearing, a trait which I had seen in many ellith. The maiden reached up and wiped her brow, sighing softly. The sun had grown hot indeed even though it was still only early morning. Perhaps I had trained her enough in archery today, for the other guard members would be arriving soon.

            "Good," I nodded, forcing a smile. "You have improved greatly for someone who knows nothing of weaponry. Come now, my soldiers will be reporting for duty shortly. After I assign them to their posts, I shall teach you some fencing."

            "Yes sir," she grinned weakly up at me. I felt my stomach writhe slightly as I looked into her gentle blue eyes.

            "Here," I led her over to the fallen log where I had placed my weapons and equipment. After a few minutes of searching I managed to retrieve a flask of water. "You must be thirsty," I handed it to her and she drank. I let my eyes travel over to the line of trees and strained my ears to detect any movement in the forest. I heard a few light footed beings walking carefully through the bushes. They carried with them weapons, which clanked softly against their thighs. A moment later the first of my soldiers entered the training grounds. Elenwen handed me back the flask and turned to gaze at them with interest. She seemed slightly apprehensive at first, but quickly resumed her quiet nature. I greeted each of them in turn, waiting for them to completely assemble before introducing the maiden. When they had all the gathered before me, some settled upon the grass, others standing, leaning upon their swords, I spoke. "Mae govannen," my voice rang out over the silent field. "Now that we have all arrived, I would like to introduce Elenwen, she has joined the guard and in a few months, may be serving with you," I turned to where the elleth stood awkwardly by my side. She raised her hand in greeting and the others nodded in response, some raising their hands as well. I quickly gave my orders and they dispersed slowly, some returning to the armory to fetch certain weapons. A few ellyn shot Elenwen curious glances while others seemed quite disturbed by her presence.

            "I do not mind an elleth on the guard," I overheard one say. "But she appears to be such a weakling. How does the Captain expect her to fight?" I narrowed my eyes and watched them scurry off in fear of my wrath. The maiden had dropped back from my side and was nudging a loose pebble with her foot. She must have overheard his statement for she refused to meet my eyes.

Elenwen's POV

            I began having my regrets soon after the March Warden had dismissed the guards. Their looks spoke louder than any words could have. I was ashamed at myself for joining the guard. How foolish could I be? I did not have the strength to fight of a band of orcs if need be. I dropped my head and scattered the pebbles near the log. Once Haldir and I were alone again, I would thank him for his help and quit. It would be the shortest career as a soldier in Lorien's history, I thought grimly. But it was the right thing to do. I did not belong here after all. The training grounds grew quiet once more, a soft breeze stirring the leaves of the mellyrn.

            "Do not listen to them," the commander said quite forcefully. "Many of them had to train for years to achieve the status they now hold."

            "March Warden I am so sorry for wasting your time," I replied, not looking at him, for I could not bear to gaze into his serene eyes once more. "Thank you so much for your help." I began to move away, keeping my head bent low. Suddenly I felt a large hand descend upon my shoulder and hold me firm. Haldir pulled me around to face him once more.

            "No, you must not give up. I will not let you," he said firmly. I blushed being so close to him, feeling the weight of his hand resting upon my shoulder. "If you train hard enough you will improve," he continued. "Do not quit just because of them, they speak foolishly What could I say? No one had believed in me like he now did.

            "I will not quit," I said, feeling myself swell with happiness.

Haldir's POV

            What was I doing? I removed my hand from her shoulder and took a step backwards. I should have let her go, it was for the best and I knew that. Yet, I didn't. I had even begged her to stay! I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. What was wrong with me?

Ellyn: Male elves

Elleth: Female elf

Ellith: Female elves

Mae Govannen: Well met