Author's Note: Here is my eleventh chapter. Thanks again for the great the reviews! I cannot tell you how happy they have made me. I would also like to say a special thanks to Dragonfly32, my beta, for her wonderful help with this chapter. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 11 Dawn
The harp strings felt good beneath my callused fingers, a comforting feel came from them, unlike the string of a bow. I smiled to myself, a beautiful music spilled from my instrument and ancient lyrics rolled off my tongue. I had always had a high voice, which is not uncommon for ellith, but still, mine had a certain strange appeal to it, or so I have been told. It was wispy almost, like the songs of the wind, or the soft breath of a sigh, yet high-pitched at the same time. I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun's first rays play across my cheeks. The air was sweet, smelling of glistening dew and flowers, the scent of morning. I sang a song that I had written shortly after my parents left. It was rather simple, yet suited my voice well and was played beautifully upon the harp.
Gossamer dew drenched the earth
As the dawn rose to birth
Softly whispering, a bird sings
Fluttering gently its feathered wings
The forest was bright, the trees were green
The blossoming lilies could be seen
Upon the moss, both firm and soft
A pleasant scent does slowly waft
Light dances in the painted sky
While upon the air is heard a sigh
Murmuring upon a mild thought
As the morning sounds are now wrought
I ceased my song, hearing what I thought was a knock on the door. I waited a few moments and then heard nothing. Turning back to my harp, I ran my fingers once more over the strings, letting a pleasant sound ring through the air. I had long assured myself, upon returning to my flet, that I had made the right decision. Joining the guard had been a childish fancy gone too far. It had been foolish of me to think that I could ever belong to that environment. My music would be my life now. I found happiness in it along with solace. I did find myself, however, going back to the moment the March Warden had kissed me. Such love had been in his eyes, a deep tenderness that seemed to come from the very depths of his soul. I sighed, frustrated at myself for even thinking such thoughts. It would do me no good to dwell on them now, I must concentrate on more important things.
I turned back to the few pieces of parchment scattered before me on a low table, on which were written musical notes. I was just about ready to play another song, when I heard a knock upon my door, this time I was sure of it. My heart sank, knowing who it could possibly be. Should I answer it? Part of me wished to, while another part wanted to ignore this. In the end I felt the nag of my guilty conscience and forced myself to rise. I could not just leave him there, could I? Moving to the door with great trepidation, I reached it all too quick for my liking. I took a deep breath, steadying myself as I reached for the knob and opened it. There he stood as I had expected. He looked much the same as he had when we parted, except now his eyes were rimmed with red, suggesting lack of sleep. Silence reigned between us and the air was thick with tension. I remained quiet, my eyes on the floor, unable to look at him for fear it would bring on unwanted emotions.
"Mae govannen Elenwen," Haldir finally spoke, his voice as soft and tender as his kiss had been.
"Mae govannen," I murmured back, feeling the awkwardness of the moment.
"Was that you I heard?" he asked, "singing, I mean."
"Yes," I answered, blushing slightly.
"You sing beautifully."
"Thank you," I mumbled, finally lifting my eyes to meet his.
"I would speak with you," he continued, "if you will permit me."
"Aye," I replied, knowing I owed it to him.
"Please, I would ask for forgiveness," the March Warden said, sounding quite sorrowful. "I did not mean to upset you. It was wrong of me to kiss you when you had not permitted me to do so." I nodded, not saying anything, finding my voice lost once more. He shuffled his feet for a moment, as though he was searching for the right words, before he spoke again. "I ask that you not judge my character on that incident," he begged, "and even though I know you have decided to quit the guard, I would ask you something."
"What is that Haldir?" I asked, curious now. The Captain looked decidedly nervous, something I had never seen before. He had always been in control, a commanding presence that could be looked to in a moment of chaos. It was him that I had turned to when I needed strength, after my skills had failed during training. He had reassured me, storing all of his faith in me, someone who did not deserve it. But why? Was it possible that he could have feelings for me? I stared at him for many a long moment, waiting for him to speak, to ask of me what he wished.
"I would court you, Elenwen," Haldir said, after what seemed like an age. I felt my mouth drop open, even though I tried in vain to keep my countenance indifferent. At first, I thought he was jesting, but in his eyes there was truth, not lies and deception. My head swam with the weight of it all and dizziness overtook me. What answer could I give him?
"I don't know what to say," I shook my head in disbelief. A handsome ellon, courting me! My Naneth would never believe such. "I must have time," I continued, "time to think things over. Namarie." I tried to close the door hastily, knowing that I could not bear to behold his fair face any longer.
"Elenwen wait," he held the door open, not letting me close it. "Please," he said, his eyes meeting mine once more. "Please."
Ellon: Male elf
Ellith: Female elves
Mae govannen: Well met
Namarie: Farewell
