Author's Note: I know, I know, it's been forever! I am so terribly sorry. My junior and senior year of high school have been condensed into one so I could graduate early and that has left me quite busy with tests and college research, all that fun stuff, hehe. Again I do apologize for the delay. I also encountered a bad case of writer's block which is still plaguing me.. I am in great need of ideas, so please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thank you again for your patience and wonderful reviews! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 15 Discussions
Elenwen's POV
Did this dress really bring out the blue in my eyes? I pondered this question as though the fate of Arda itself rested upon it. My Naneth had said so once, though that was quite long ago. I held out the sides of the delicate blue gown and watched as it fell in neat folds around my legs. The sleeves were long, draping over my tiny wrists and nearly touching the ground. I was not accustomed to such attire, unfortunately. Hopefully Haldir's Aunt would not notice. The mirror in my flet was floor length, though not the least bit flattering to my petite figure. I stood on the tips of my toes, looking ridiculous of course. I knew quite well that there would be no way to increase my height, unless the Valar were feeling particularly generous. I ran a comb through my golden hair once more, freeing it of any tangles and knots.
"Ai Elbereth!" I cried, observing the sun's movement across the sky. I was late!
I ignored the looks I received from the other elves as I raced through Caras Galadhon to Haldir's flet. While I had learned the skill of moving silently through the forest, my gown did not seem to be well adapted for such. Once it caught upon an outstretched branch and my heart leapt when I heard a tearing sound. But the fabric held as I quickly undid it, my fingers becoming clumsy in my haste. I then took care to hold my skirts higher as I ran, the last thing I needed was a ripped hem. Twilight was settling early over the city as the days grew shorter. A chill now lay in the air though I could not feel it. I reached the stairs that led to Haldir's flet. Oh it had seemed like an age since I had first come here, wishing to join the guard. I had seemed so young and naïve then, taking for granted the hard work and training I would have to endure. But I had no time to dwell on memories if I wished to make a good impression on Haldir's family. I took the steps two at a time, bounding up them like a deer, my skirts flowing behind me. I quickly glanced up at the sky and saw the sun almost completely set beneath the horizon. Yet in taking my eyes ever so briefly off my path, I collided into Hirien.
Haldir's POV
Aunt Ethuil and Cousin Hirien had settled themselves nicely in their temporary dwellings and had returned to my flet for the evening meal. It was quite a joy to have the family together once more and I allowed myself a smile, seeing my brothers seated besides our Aunt. Hirien had stepped outside for a bit of fresh air and to view the magnificent Lorien sunset.
"So you do not seek promotion?" Aunt Ethuil was asking Rumil quietly. My youngest brother shifted slightly in his chair and tucked a golden braid of hair behind his ear.
"Not yet," he finally responded. "I have been on the guard for only a few decades. To wish for a higher rank would be premature. After all Haldir had to wait two centuries to receive his current title."
"But you have no ambition," she persisted. "That is what troubles me." Rumil sank into silence and looked at Orophin for aid. Yet my other brother seemed unsure of how to proceed as well and both turned to me, as usual. I laughed, watching their conversation unfold. Aunt Ethuil had not changed in her long years and I didn't expect her to. My siblings were not as accustomed to her ways as I was. She may have been strict and harsh of tongue at times, but I loved, just her the same.
"They have time, Aunt," I said knowledgeable. "Do not fear, I will see to it that they acquire stature in the guard."
"Oh how kind of you Haldir, to watch over your brothers," she smiled warmly. "But I would speak with you on another matter."
"What?" I leaned forward, curious as to what she had to say.
"Your beloved, Elenwen."
Elenwen's POV
I struggled to stand, my dress completely tangled and my hair askew. But Hirien was on her feet first and offered me her hand.
"Thank you," I mumbled, as I grasped onto her wrist and was finally pulled to my feet. "I am so sorry. I did not see you there."
"Oh, the fault was mine," she replied, straightening her own gown. "I was too busy staring at the sun to notice you."
"So was I," tension dripped from my voice. "Am I late?"
"No, no," she shook her head. "We haven't even begun to eat, you are perfectly on time."
"Good, I ran halfway across Caras Galadhon and then my dress almost tore on a branch and…" I stopped mid sentence, realizing that I had been rambling on. But Hirien was smiling, nodding her head knowingly. She glanced quickly inside the flet, as if to see if anyone was listening, before speaking.
"Do not worry," she whispered. "Naneth will grow to love you as Haldir does, I promise." I could not speak, never before had someone, who was really a stranger, been so nice to me. I nodded, showing my thanks, before following her inside.
