Author's Note: Finally Chapter 20 has arrived! Again I apologize for the delay, but writer's block has turned out to be a greater foe than I expected. Thanks to my wonderful readers and reviewers, for their patience and encouragement. Also thanks goes out to my beta Dragonfly32 for her invaluable help. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 20 Tales
I paced, the violence of my footsteps across the floorboards echoing throughout my tiny flet. The rash emotion of anger coursed steadily in my turbulent veins. Anger, a strange sentiment to experience when such joy is at hand. My love, my life, my dear Haldir had proposed. I was to be his wife, the wife of the March Warden! And what bliss did await us, so sure was I of it. This time should be spent in merrymaking. My lips should drip with delightful laughter instead of shuddering with bitter curses.
"How dare she?" The explosive words tore away from my mouth. "How dare she?" My head spun with the foul poison of rage. I kicked out, aiming for nothing in particular. However my foot landed on a nearby table, striking the already unsteady leg and sending a glass vase cascading to the ground. For a moment it appeared like a crystal waterfall, before smashing into thousands of pieces, the shards like bitter icicles.
"Elbereth have mercy!" I fairly screeched. That piece happened to be a favorite of my Naneth's so I did not mourn the loss. My sheer clumsiness was enough to spur me on to new heights of fury. That wretched elleth, taking my Haldir from me! Of course it is all well and proper, fitting that the Captain should dine at least once with the visiting Lord Elrond and his daughter. I sensed her vicious motives however. The Evenstar was famed for her beauty, a worthy match for such an affluent commander as my betrothed.
I could not intercede, I did not seek to. With an indifferent smile I bid him farewell, pressing my lips to his delicate cheek once more. He seemed less eager to depart from my company. And had circumstances gone otherwise, he perhaps would have sought to gain an invitation for me as well. I am but a lowly member of the guard and have no interest in dining with nobility. But I would have gone, just to spite that cruel Ethuil. My Naneth would have been proud, despite my vindictive motives.
Time passed slowly now within the confines of my own flet. Absentmindedly I twisted my new ring upon my finger, a gift I would always treasure. The air felt thick about me, heavy with tempestuous rage and sour thoughts. I struggled to breath, the very soot of it sticking to my lungs. A cool autumn breeze twisted the leaves of the trees outside. I had no intention of going for a walk now, though. I would sulk some more and pace.
I resumed my career about the room, counting my strides with a hazy mind. The darkening of the sky cast long shadows about the floor and carelessly I trod on them, creating some of my own. The depth of my thought must have increased for when a sharp knock sounded on the door, I near leapt out of my skin.
"Yes, who is it?" I called, wondering who would disturb me at such an hour. I ceased my pacing and waited for a reply.
"Elenwen?" The voice that answered was tentative. "It is Hirien."
"Hirien?" I suppose I thought she would be joining her Naneth that night. Nevertheless I strode forth and unlatched the door without delay. "Hirien, what are you doing here?" She stood shyly by the threshold, wringing the sleeve of her lavender gown tensely in her hands.
"Forgive my intrusion," she said quietly. "You left so quickly this afternoon I feel I did not get a chance to properly congratulate you on your engagement."
"Oh, is that all?" I stepped aside, holding open the door for her. "Please come inside for a moment."
She walked lightly into my home, too late for me to realize that I had neglected to pick up the broken glass. Her gentle eyes floated immediately towards the spot and then politely looked away.
"A little accident." I rushed forward, ushering her towards the sitting room. "You know how clumsy I can be." She laughed softly, a sweet genuine laugh unlike Ethuil's.
"I've done worse myself, I assure you," Hirien giggled, following me. "Is that your harp?" She pointed to the instrument tucked away in the corner of the sitting room.
"Yes, it is." I smiled. "I plan to perform at Lady Arwen's Begetting Day celebration next week. With any luck all shall go well."
"Of course it will," she replied as I gestured for her to sit. "You played wonderful at our first dinner in Lorien."
"Thank you." I watched her closely as she sank into a small chair by the balcony. I threw myself down opposite her, my body wearied from incessant fury.
"Elenwen." Hirien looked at me carefully, her eyes shining with earnest intention. "I feel I must apologize for Naneth's behavior, she means well I assure you."
I blushed, turning my face away so that the gossamer curtains brushed against my cheeks.
"It is no matter really."
"No, it is important," she said firmly, shifting uncomfortably. "As you know Naneth is very close to Haldir. I suppose she sees much of my brother in him."
"Your brother?" I questioned. I had never heard mention of a brother.
"Yes, my brother." Her voice was laced with sorrow. "And my Ada as well, I suppose. They were both gallant and courageous elves, Naneth loved them dearly. My brother faced what looked like an illustrious career on the Imladris guard; my Ada had already risen to the rank of Captain. But it happened in the middle of the night, a complete surpriseā¦." Here her voice broke and I leaned forward in concern. She struggled to collect herself. "Those guards that survived marveled at the bravery they displayed. I was but a child when it happened. But I still recall Naneth's utter sorrow. It is remarkable that grief did not take her."
"I am sorry." What could I say? What words of consolation could quell such woe? She shook her head, tresses falling about her thin shoulders.
"After that Naneth turned to Haldir, the eldest male in the family. She loved him as my brother, was proud of him. And now that he has gained the status of March Warden, well she always held a foolish notion that my brother would wed Lady Arwen. I think she now wishes it for Haldir."
"Lady Arwen?" My very blood curdled, not at the gentle lady, but at the sheer nerve Ethuil possessed. She would brush me aside to satisfy her own petty hopes. But then, I could not help but pity her. Life had not been kind to her.
"I hope you will not think too harshly of her," Hirien continued sadly. "In her heart I know she is overjoyed that Haldir has found such a worthy elleth like you, Elenwen. I know I am. It shall be an honor to invite you into the family." I felt a smile curve along my lips.
"The honor is mine Hirien," and I reached forward to embrace her like a sister.
