Author's Note: Here is my seventh chapter. Wow! I still cannot believe all the reviews I have received. Thanks so much! To answer a question one of you had, mayhap is a word, an older more proper term for maybe. I have seen it used in many books and Tolkien himself used it in Lord of the Rings. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask and I will be happy to answer them to the best of my knowledge. I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32, for her excellent help with this chapter. Thanks again! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 7 Injured
/Elenwen's POV/
Time passed by slowly, carrying with it pain and weariness. In the back of my mind, I felt the disappointment of knowing that I had failed the March Warden once again and the embarrassment that it brought. Muffled noises floated around me, all indistinct and untraceable. Flashes of light became visible as though I was passing under the canopy of leaves which allowed a few patches of the sun's rays to filter through. But the darkness overtook me once more and all thoughts escaped me.
/Haldir's POV/
It was my fault. I should have told them to move back further, they had been too close to the moss covered log lying upon the soft soil. The blow from the other guard member had knocked Elenwen off her feet and into said log. I cringed inwardly as I heard a loud thud, signaling that her head had made contact with the rough wood. The elleth did not rise and I observed as her eyes rolled back in her head. The guard with whom she had been sparring immediately jumped backwards and shot me a nervous look. I remained calm and stoic as a crowd began to gather around, all whispering softly. I knelt by the maiden's side and gently lifted her head, feeling my hands tangle in her soft blond hair.
"What happened?" someone asked in a hushed tone.
"The elleth injured herself," another answered. Annoyance grew within me and I threw them a burning glance. They fell into silence, which was only interrupted by a newcomer's redundant question. The sun blazed down upon us and I felt sweat gather upon my brow. Hastily wiping it away I examined her, checking the back of her head for any abrasions. Finding none, I pulled her closer. A hand came from nowhere, passing me a flask of water. I looked up to see my brother Orophin and nodded my thanks as I took the canteen. He melted back into the crowd joining Rumil who stood nearby. Uncorking the flask, I let a few cool drops fall on her sunburned face. She seemed to revive a little, her eyes fluttering for an instant.
"Elenwen?" I murmured her name but to no avail. The maiden's eyes rolled back once more and she slumped in my arms. There was nothing left to it, I would have to take her to the healers flet. "Make way! Make way!" I motioned to the crowd of guards and they parted. Some stood on their tip toes, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the excitement. "Move!" I barked, sending them scampering back into the shadows of the mellyrn. As I trotted off, Elenwen's head lolled against my chest. It was almost comforting, to feel that light weight resting upon me. I shook my head slowly and continued on my way, trying not to pay heed to the feelings that arose inside of me now.
I reached the healer's flet in matter of minutes. The structure was situated only a short way from the training grounds, for it served the guards more often then the civilians of Caras Galadhon. A young ellon met me at the door, a ready smile upon his handsome face. I spilled out the story in what sounded like a single breath, causing his smile to grow even larger. I clenched my jaw, feeling my anger swell as he held out his arms for Elenwen. Reluctantly, I handed her over, being as gentle as I possibly could. She groaned quietly as the healer carried her down the short hallway and into a room. I followed, my concern growing greater by the moment.
"Oh, you shall have to wait outside," the ellon said, seeming quite annoyed by my intrusion.
"Fine," I muttered and grudgingly moved back into the main room of the flet. I seated myself in one of the many wooden chairs that had been haphazardly pushed against the walls. I grumbled a few very unflattering descriptions of healers under my breath, before managing to calm myself. I had a right to be there! She was under my command and I worried terribly for her. But why? Normally if a guard had been injured I would see them to the healers (if I could afford to at the time) and then leave. Yet now, I wished to stay for reasons that were unknown to me. Overall I had been more patient and considerate with Elenwen then I had with any other elf that I commanded. Was it because she was an elleth? No, a few decades ago we had another elleth on the guard who was good fighter and very loyal. She had been forced to quit after her marriage when she became pregnant. But I never felt that way about her and when she left I missed her sorely, yet not how I would miss Elenwen if she were to leave. My head pounded under the thoughts and uncertainties that flooded my mind. I lay my hand upon my brow and struggled to push them from my mind.
The healer strode out of the room a few minutes later and I stood, shooting up out of my chair.
"How is she?" I asked, my voice gruff, yet nervous.
"The maiden shall be fine," he replied. "She will have a lump on the back of her head for awhile, but it is nothing serious. After resting here for an hour or two, she should be ready to go back home." I sighed in relief, not realizing that I had been holding my breath for his entire speech.
"May I see her now?" I inquired a little bit more kindly this time.
"Yes, of course," he moved to the side letting me pass by. I mumbled my thanks, wishing that I had not cursed him so foully just moments before. The room in which Elenwen lay was small, yet big enough to house a bed, nightstand and two chairs. I lowered myself into the seat nearest to the bed and watched as her chest rose and fell steadily. Her face was so calm, so quiet. Unfortunately, her eyelids covered her beautiful blue eyes. I leaned a little closer, hoping she would wake soon.
Ellon: Male elf
