Author's Note: I'm back! Yes it has been forever. But things have managed to get even crazier here and I was in no mood for writing. Thank you all, for your patience and reviews! I am so sorry I have kept you waiting. Writer's block is truly a terrible thing. I might do a one-shot fic that takes place after "Married to the March Warden" if anyone is interested. It would probably be more cute than angst-ridden, but I'm sure I can manage to sneak a little in there. I would like to say a special thanks to my beta Dragonfly32 for her invaluable help. Thanks again to all my readers! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 17 Stars
Elenwen's POV
My mood had soured considerably as I paced the length of Caras Galadhon back to my flet. I had not permitted Haldir to walk me back home, for I knew I could no longer hold back my temper and I did not want him to bear witness to such a display. I had rolled up the skirts of my dress, not willing to trip over them once more. It was a cool night, the evening stars twinkling brightly in the serene blanket of cobalt. I paused for moment to bask in the glory of it. The gentle air danced across my pale skin as the moon's ray slanted through the branches of the mellyrn. I felt my heartbeat slow and my anger ebbed away. In this time of silence, solitude reigned as a benign king. The stillness of my surroundings remained unbroken. I drew strength from the celestial body above me, the feeling of comfort washing over me. It mattered not what Ethuil thought of me, I had Haldir's love and that alone stayed my reserve.
Hirien's POV
"That was not very kind of you Naneth."
"It is not your place to say if what I do is kind or not child."
"But Elenwen is a dear; I will not have you chasing her away!" I crossed my arms firmly upon my chest. Naneth had her back turned to me as she unpacked, folding our belongings with care. "Haldir deserves her!"
"Oh, don't be a fool Hirien, that maiden could not be less accomplished if she tried!"
"Naneth, please!" I stamped my foot on the floor of the flet. Why was I the only one who had sense in this family?
"Do not dare to take such a tone with me!" she whirled around to face me, her eyes blazing. "If your Ada was here…"
"Then he too would not approve of your behavior," I snapped, not letting her finish. But even I quivered under her frosty gaze that replaced the fire which had burned. "I am…I am sorry Naneth," my voice shook as I mumbled an apology. "It was not my place."
"And it never will be Hirien," she stood tall, bringing her hands to rest in front of her.
"Yes, Naneth," I dropped my head with a sigh.
"Now leave me child," her voice became curt and businesslike. "I wish to have a moment's peace." I muttered something incoherent in assent and shuffled my way out onto the balcony. The stars were bright this eve and I gazed up at them in everlasting wonder. The city was quiet, the wind the only voice that spoke. Little lanterns hung outside the flets, shaking with the gentle breeze. Ada had always loved Lorien, more than he loved his home in Rivendell. I could not blame him, of course, for I too was enchanted by its beauty. I ruminated silently on my own thoughts for a time, most of them focused on poor Haldir and his beloved Elenwen. Naneth was still convinced that the Lady Arwen would take a liking to Haldir, though I most sincerely doubted it. The Evenstar looked kindly on my cousin, though not as a lover. He was a devoted servant of her grandparents, protecting their land with his life. I ran my fingers across my forehead in annoyance. Why must Naneth make things so difficult? I was so pleased with dear Elenwen and I know she was faithful to Haldir. Hopefully Naneth would come to see that.
Orophin's POV
I reclined against the bole of a mallorn, mediating on the proceedings of the day. Rumil was talking rapidly, however as he paced the length of the small glade we were in.
"What are we going to do Orophin?" he questioned frantically, throwing his arms into the air. "I knew this would happen."
"Then you must possess the gift of foresight brother," I added in a jesting tone. My younger sibling stopped his ranting for a moment and looked at me as though he was not sure how to take my meaning. I laughed, sitting up straight. Many years ago I had learned that Rumil neither had the wit nor the tranquility of mind that Haldir and I did.
"This is not a time for joking!" he tapped his foot upon the soft moss. "Really, Orophin the matter at hand is quite serious!"
"Yes Rumil, I realize that, but it was obvious to me that Aunt Ethuil does not approve of Elenwen."
"Aye, but I had hopes that she would for once be civil."
"Civil?" this caused me to laugh all the more. "Aunt Ethuil was never civil."
"But what are we to do about it?" At his question I grew serious.
"Well, it might be of some use to speak to Haldir, make sure he is aware."
"Yes," Rumil nodded in agreement. "Let us just hope he puts little store into what she says."
Naneth: Mother
