Author's Note: Here is my tenth chapter. I am so sorry that it is very short in length but I will try to make up for it in the next few chapters. Thanks again for all the great reviews! I really appreciate it. Also, I would to say I special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32, for her excellent help with this story. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 10 Frustration
Haldir's POV
I was quite disgusted, venting my frustration by kicking a long knife across the glade. Any elf wandering in the forest late at night might have been amused by my little display, for it was not often that I showed emotion, especially one so volatile as this. Grumbling to myself and cursing the Valar, I trudged over to where the blade had fallen and retrieved it. Elbereth only knew where the maiden had run off to. I had intended to follow her, knowing that I could easily catch up to the elleth. But then I recalled the look in her eyes as she had fled. It was one of such distrust and wariness that my instincts stayed me and I watched her flee, staring dumbstruck into the seemingly endless dark. Had I frightened her that terribly? Perhaps it had been rash of me to kiss her, especially when she seemed so shy and quiet. She now probably thought me an overbold male, one who would take his liberties with any maiden. Now she had quit the guard. A fine Captain I was, inspiring my soldiers to take their leave. I wished to speak with her anyway, to make sure that she was firm in her decision. My only problem being that I did not know where she lives.
I moved slowly around the glade, picking up the rest of our discarded weapons that had somehow managed to scatter themselves in opposite corners. I decided to return them to the armory, not yet feeling the weight of exhaustion upon my being. The flet where the members of the guard generally stored their weapons was deserted at this late hour. I lay the blades in their sheaths and rested them in an empty corner. Through the large windows, moonlight shone down, reflecting off the weapons and armor alike. Strange, I thought, how cold and unwelcoming this room appears in the eve. I shuddered involuntarily and left that place, taking to wandering through the city, something I normally did when in need of time to think. It was a warm night, with a gentle breeze stirring the mallorn leaves every now and then. I found a deserted glade and sat myself amongst the fountains and statues that sat in various places, some hidden in bushes, surprising the casual stroller who might come upon them. It was an exceptionally beautiful clearing, with the stars shining down upon it in all their celestial glory. So sorely did I wish for Elenwen to accompany me. She would love it here, after all her name did mean 'star maiden'.
I do not know for how long I sat, it could have been an hour, or it could have been an age. But judging from the position of the moon, I guessed it to be late night. Silence blanketed Caras Galadhon, interrupted only by the chirp of a night bird. I closed my eyes for a moment and listened to my breathing. Such was my stillness that when I felt a hand placed on my shoulder, I near jumped out of my skin.
"Peace brother," Orophin said softly.
"What brings you two here?" I asked on a grunt, noticing Rumil by his side.
"We were wondering if we could possibly have a word with you," Orophin continued, "mayhap two if you would be so kind." I smirked at my brother's formality, knowing inside that he did it just as annoyance since I outranked out him.
"Sit," I gestured to a bench beside mine and watched as they seated themselves. It was not strange for them to seek me out at all times of the day. After all we were very close; being the only family we had since our parents' departure to Valinor years ago.
"Haldir, I know you are very private about some things, even with us," Rumil said, picking up for Orophin. "But there is something that we would wish to inquire on." I had a sinking feeling as I observed them, already having an idea of what they wished to discuss with me.
"I shall answer anything to the best of my knowledge," I replied truthfully, forcing a smile onto my face.
"We came along Elenwen, the new member of the guard a few hours ago," Rumil said. "She seemed rather distraught and informed us that she had quit the guard and that you already knew of such. Do you know what brought her to such, brother?" I did not answer him right away, for I myself was not sure of her reasons. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, I managed to come up with some form of reply, even though it pained me to do so.
"I kissed her," that was all I could say, all I would say. I allowed them to ruminate over that for awhile, directing my gaze to the light of Ithil.
"Well, no offense, brother, but I would think that a kiss should not distress the elleth so greatly," Orophin said, his tone serious.
"She said that she would not allow me to toy with her feelings or pretend to love her," I shook my head, confused at the events of this night.
"I did warn you to take care with her, Haldir," Orophin replied. "She seemed very timid and soft-spoken. Perhaps you frightened her, for I do not think that she has ever been courted by an ellon before."
"Aye," I mumbled, my mind working furiously. The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon, a few, delicate, pink rays gracing the land. A gossamer mist lay over the clearing and the insects hummed, signaling the heat of the new day. "I should visit her," my reply was soft, barely audible over the sounds of day, "at least to be sure of her resignation and to apologize once more." My brothers nodded in agreement and I stood, making my way out of the glade. As I was nearing the exit, however, I heard Rumil call to me.
"Do you love her Haldir?" he asked, his clear voice sounding upon the sweet air.
"I do not know," I replied without turning around.
Ellon: Male elf
Elleth: Female elf
Ithil: Moon
