Author's Note: Hello and welcome to Chapter 21! Again, apologies for the length of time between this update and the last. My life has a tendency of getting very hectic at times. A big thank you to all my readers and reviewers for your continued support, encouragement and patience. Another big thank you goes out to my wonderful beta Dragonfly32 who has helped me tremendously throughout this story. It's sad to think that it's starting to wind down, but all things must come to an end my friends. Don't worry, I promise you another good few chapters before the finale of this story. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work.
Chapter 21 Decisions
"Believe me, meleth nin, the evening was a bore," Haldir said lazily, leaning against the bole of an ancient mallorn.
"I never cared greatly for high society myself," I chuckled, tucking my feet neatly under me. The forest floor was strewn with wild flowers, undaunted still by the frosty touch of autumn. The little secluded glade was a pleasant place to come, especially to get away from Ethuil. Haldir met me early in the morn, regaling me with his activities of the night before. It seemed to me, as I listened with a careful ear for the subtleties that only females know, that the Lady Arwen was polite but uninterested.
"Aunt Ethuil appeared to enjoy herself though," he remarked thoughtfully, and my body tensed.
"Oh?" I deemed it wise to refrain from telling him my conversation with Hirien the previous night. The memories were painful for his cousin and I am sure he did not wish to relive them. Also, I danced around the very subject of his Aunt. An idea had come to me, shortly after Hirien left. But what my beloved would think of it, I did not know. He seemed truly close to his kin and it was my last wish to come between them.
"Well, enough of my simple chatter." He sighed, reaching his hands behind him in a stretch. "What have you to tell me Elenwen?" His eyes slide happily towards the ring still perched on my finger. I laughed lightly at his delight, relishing in my own.
"I have been thinking on our wedding," I said slowly, wondering how best to put things.
"I bet you have. In fact I would be surprised if you hadn't." Haldir pulled me closer. "And what conclusions have you come to?"
"Oh, you will be surprised," I murmured.
"Have the guest list made out already?" he questioned, eyes sparkling in amusement.
"No." I shifted uncomfortably. "For I was thinking perhaps we could…do something quite different."
"What?" His brows creased giving him a certain look of practiced consternation.
"Meleth nin." I ran my tongue nervously along my lips. "You know I do not care much for attention and when we look back upon our wedding day I wish the memories to be happy."
"Aye." He nodded fervently and smiled. "What is it that you suggest? A small wedding?"
"Yes!" I sighed in relief, he understood.
"Wonderful," Haldir replied, looking pleased as well. "I will admit I was hoping you would say that. A large wedding, well it doesn't quite suit my taste. We can discuss the matter further tonight, with my brothers and Aunt Ethuil…"
"No!" I sat up straight, pulling away from him. He looked startled at my sudden outburst. "No," I repeated, this time a bit more quietly. "I'd prefer if we kept the wedding very small, just between ourselves perhaps?" Haldir frowned slightly and I felt fear rise up inside of me.
"A ceremony just between us?" he questioned.
"Yes," I said hurriedly. "Think of how romantic it would be. And I would be much more comfortable. Don't you think it is a good idea?"
He remained silent for a moment and I held my breath. I didn't think I could stand being married in front of Ethuil, with her sour face and distraught sighs. No, it must not be. I wanted to be happy, I wanted Haldir to be happy. This was the only way.
"Very well." He nodded slowly. I slumped against the tree trunk, my tense body relaxing. "On one condition, that is."
"What?' I chewed my lower lip anxiously, watching as a smile trickled onto his countenance.
"I wish us to be wed as soon as possible, tonight in fact!"
I laughed, my heart joining with the effort as it leapt joyously in my chest. Haldir leaned over and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, muffling my laughter.
"Well, perhaps that can be managed," I replied, whispering into his ear.
"Good." He took me into his arms and embraced me tenderly. "For I would have it no other way."
"There are arrangements to be made." I pried myself from his hold reluctantly. "The day is young still but there is much to be done."
"Aye," he mumbled, rising slowly. "And isn't it tradition for the bridegroom not to see his beloved before the wedding?"
"I never put much store in tradition," I said, kissing him once more.
"Neither do I," he mumbled, tangling his fingers in my tresses for a moment. "I will speak with Lady Galadriel."
"I am sure there is some matter I can attend to," I said happily. "Till tonight then?"
"Aye." His smile was enough to light the midnight hours. "Till tonight."
I do not recall much of that afternoon. Now it appears as a happy blur of activity and excitement. Keeping the matter secret appeared to be the greatest difficulty. The smile I wore seemed to betray my joyous news and if an acquaintance stopped me during the course of business I was forced to bite my tongue and force down the laughter that threatened to burst forth. My biggest fear was that I would come across Aunt Ethuil. Her cold stares and quick wits no doubt would break through my stoic barrier.
I thought it rather ironic when during the late afternoon hours I quite accidentally stumbled upon the said elleth in furtive matters of her own. It was on the outskirts of Caras Galadhon, where the flets were loosely clumped together in the branches of the mellyrn, that I found her. She stood beneath a large one, her emerald cloak visible through the autumnal colors that danced around us. I barely recovered myself in time to dart behind a decaying rose bush. She happened to be in deep conversation with another elleth, one whom I recognized by face but not by name. Clearly, my soon to be aunt-in-law was in a cruel mood, for her words were curt and sour.
I should have walked on and paid no mind to her and her companion. But my curiosity, as always, got the better of me. I listened carefully, slowing my breath to better hear.
"It did not go well at all Wilwarin, thank you for asking," she said bitterly, ruffling the folds of her mantle.
"You cannot expect your nephew to take to Lady Arwen during a single dinner, Ethuil," the second elleth replied gently.
"I don't see why not," Ethuil huffed. "The Lady Arwen's beauty is unmatchable. To think that he has fallen for that elleth."
"Who? Elenwen? I'll admit she is plain in looks but perhaps she is…"
"Yes Elenwen! And they are betrothed as well."
"Then there is not much you can do, Ethuil," Wilwarin muttered. "If he is set to bind himself to her then separating them might put him in danger of succumbing to grief."
"Don't you speak to me about grief! I've had my share of grief," Ethuil's voice became suddenly husky.
"Forgive me," Wilwarin said hastily. "I only meant to…"
"This wedding cannot proceed, I will not allow it!" Ethuil cried. "No pathetic, impertinent, little she-elf will marry my nephew!"
Elleth: Female elf
Meleth nin: My love
