Author's Note: Here is my eighth chapter. Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews! I am sorry it took me a little longer to post this chapter but I have my Regents exams this week and have been very busy preparing for them. Also, you might recognize the second half of this chapter as a flashback from 'Married to the March Warden.' I am sorry for my lack of originality but I had to put it in for I felt that it was a very pivotal point in Haldir and Elenwen's relationship. I would also like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32, for her continued help with my story. Thanks again! I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 8 Awakening
Slowly, my mind returned from the haze of unconsciousness, bringing with it a fresh wave of pain as my eyes adjusted to the light. My vision was blurry at first and I noticed a figure bending over me. The elf seemed to draw back slightly upon my waking and my ears perceived his steady breathing. I struggled to sit, hoping to recall any memory that might justify my current position.
"Easy, easy," a calm voice spoke and I felt a gentle hand lay upon my shoulder. I immediately recognized the March Warden seated by my beside in what appeared to be the healer's flet. "You must rest now, for you still have not recovered from your fall."
"Fall?" I questioned, laying back down with a groan. My head ached and dizziness swamped me whenever I moved.
"You were injured during training," he replied. "You slipped and hit your head rather hard upon a fallen log."
"Oh," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I remembered the incident now. How could I forget?
"But do not fear," Haldir continued. "The healer said no serious damage was done. You should be able to return home shortly." I nodded, feeling my head spin once more. I had made a fool of myself for the last time. There was nothing left for me to do but quit. I had tried so hard for quite a long time. Now it was clear to me that I would not improve. I vaguely wondered if there would be a position for me as a minstrel still. My thoughts must have shown upon my face, for the Captain scowled of a sudden. "Do not let this discourage you," he said in a forceful tone. "Many guards go through this. It is not unusual at all."
"March Warden," I shook my head, wishing him to stop his futile encouragements. "We both know that I am not suited for this job. It would be best if I quit now, before I get myself or someone else hurt. My real talent lies elsewhere."
"Where is that?" he asked. I thought I detected a hint of mockery in his voice and this fueled me on all the more. How dare he think of me as a talentless fool! Just because I could not fight did not mean I was hopeless.
"Well, sir," I spoke angrily. "I happen to be quite an accomplished musician and singer."
"Really?" he questioned doubtfully.
"Yes," I sat up in defiance, even though this made me feel quite ill.
"Then I have misjudged you," Haldir replied, smiling. "Forgive me." I bowed my head slightly, accepting his apology. Then, he did something very strange. He reached and lay his hand over mine, causing a chill to run up my spine. "Please, train with me once more. I shall spend many hours with you, as long as it takes. Please don't give in now." I must have stared at him for a full minute before responding. Part of me thought him mad. Yet still, another part begged me to heed his word.
"Fine," I managed a feeble grin, feeling another chill run down my spine as my gaze met his.
"Here, move your hands up to grip the sword more firmly. If you don't have a tight grip upon your weapon, it can be easy for an enemy to disarm you."
"Yes, March Warden," I did as I was instructed, trying to tighten my hold on the sword, my hands slipping upon its polished surface due to the sweat that had collected on my palms.
"Now, I am going to try and disarm you again. Remember what I taught you, stand your ground, don't be frightened."
"Yes, March Warden," I swallowed the fear that had risen up in my throat. Haldir stepped away from me.. His blond hair was cast haphazardly over his shoulders and a few beads of sweat rested upon his upper lip.
It was a humid summer evening and the commander had stayed late into the night, keeping to his promise to train harder with me. I was nervous, a feeling of tension washed over me like a tidal wave. I did not want the Captain to lose his patience with me. I was honestly trying my best, but sometimes when he fought aggressively, I panicked and dropped my sword. Part of me wondered why he even bothered. He could just as easily find someone much better trained. But I was forced to push these thoughts from my mind as Haldir took his position opposite me and raised his sword, ready for combat. In a few seconds our blades connected. I fought long and hard, pushing him back, but my feeble parries were no match for his expert blows. The starlight was glowing off our swords and it gave an eerie appearance to the whole glade as we danced around each other in fluid movements. Yet finally my blade was knocked from my hand. It fell to the mossy ground with a soft thud. If it had been daytime, the flush that had risen on my face would be clearly noticeable. But, thank Eru, it was night. I turned my head away and clenched my eyes shut as I heard him sigh quietly. I did not want to disappoint him; I only wanted him to be pleased with me. A few tears began to form under my eyelids and I let my breath come out in spurts.
"Good," I heard him say to me, my eyes flew open. "You did much better this time." He too, was breathing heavy and he wiped his brow upon his sleeve.
"Pick up your sword and we will try again. A few more times and I think you will have improved greatly." I nodded and moved to pick up my fallen blade, which glittered in the beautiful celestial light. But as I bent down I felt a wave of dizziness come over me. The heat had exhausted both my body and mind, not to mention I was still recovering from my head injury earlier in the week. I swayed and almost fell when he caught me.
"Careful," his voice was gentle as I was cradled in his strong arms. "You need rest, I am sorry if I have been too hard on you." I would have answered but my voice caught in my throat. The stars were reflected in his eyes and his pale skin glowed. I felt overwhelmed by his handsome face. And then to my great surprise, I saw him coming closer to me. His lips were upon mine and I felt all the love and care that I had longed for over the years in him. I closed my eyes and let him kiss me.
