Work in Progress

chapter nine

POV: Laingalad

By: Candy

Absent minded, I adjusted my silver corded belt. What was to become of me now? I pinched myself, for what reason I did not now, perhaps I still hope that it was a dream, though reality assured me it was not, for there was a knock on my door. Nana's voice sifted through the solid oak door.

"Aglarebwen, Haldir is here to escort you to the party." What was my Nana playing at? first she gives me that wretched name, and now she was using it once more, after so many centuries! Opening the door, the word civil constantly ran through my head as a reminder to me. My Nana was at this time offering Haldir a slice of cake, which he declined. He himself was wearing a soft blue tunic, which hardly did anything for his cold blue eyes.

"Good evening, Aglarebwen, how do you fair?" He greeted me.

"As well as the summers day, and you?" I prayed that he would not make this challenge more then complicated for me.

"I'm well, all the more better for your very presence, where have you been residing of late? I have not seen you since......the stables." I would not give him the satisfaction of knowing I had been depressed in my room as a result of our first meeting. As well as the fact my Nana was still in the room un-nerved me.

"A little pre-occupied in my own thoughts, unfortunately."

"I pray that you have overcome these thoughts, hopefully they will no longer trouble you." Did he know what had troubled my mind, or was he trying to be understanding?

"Thank you, they trouble me no more, shall we depart?" I said, hoping to leave now, no information of our previous meeting would let slip to Nana's prying ears.

"Aye, we must, for this engagement party, is in our honour is it not? Arriving tardily would be most impolite." he replied sounding to me as if he was very distant.

"Yes most impolite." I replied as I linked arms with him. Walking me towards the door he said "Shall we?"

"Let's." I replied as we exited from the room.

Walking down the corridor, silence was not an option, Haldir constantly tried to keep the conversation going. I feared that my mouth would betray me, it was to early for this.

"Your mother has been most.....helpful in the preparation for this event, though she is....."

"Is what?" I questioned.

"Slightly overbearing." he finally said. I wondered if he would say the same had I told him how highly my nana thought of him. However, it was good to see someone else could not stand her.

"yes, as times she does slightly over do things, she is easily excited."

"And I see you are not, you are remarkably calm, most elleths become over excited when the chance to dance and dress up is presented, though you are not all elleths." at least he had recognised that, I did not crave for such things, a simple dress does not make you better then anyone else. A very good dress would attract an eyeful of elves. Attraction I did not want, let alone need.

"A well observed fact Haldir, I hold my feelings inside." I lied, I was no good at holding in feelings, but thankfully a good liar.

"An unhealthy thing, so you are undoubtedly extatic on the inside?" He asked dryly, perhaps my lying needed improvement, for he himself did not believe the last part of the question. So I replied "One can always assume."

"Meaning?" Did he expect me to spell everything out for him? I should hope not, for where would the fun be in that? Think of a world where the was no secret's and no surprise. Life would be extremely dull.

"I shall let you be the judge of that." I said smiling at him. For a while he seemed to say nothing. When he did, he said "You are a mysterious elleth."

Was he saying that I was different? that this made me like something unknown? I cared not, Elladan and Elrohir had told me a million times before.

"And do you not like that?" I questioned, amusing myself with the possible answers that he could conjure up. Though I was to be disappointed as he frowned, then changed the subject.

"What is your favourite flower?" He asked, once again I had that feeling as though he wanted to read me like a book.

"A flower of which you have seen before." I answered, speaking in riddles was highly amusing.

"I have seen many a flower. The golden Elanor, the white niphredil, tulips all colours of the rainbow, flowers blossoming as the sun rises catching the crystals of dew that have formed through the night. Yet, I believe your favourite flower to be a rose, and not just a rose, but the crimson rose; the colour of passion." Though he was only assuming, he had assumed right. Only in my eyes it was not the colour of passion, it was a symbol of suffering. The people who had suffered and died because of love.

"It is only the colour of passion in your eyes."

"You are a passionate elf, it represents you, a beauty yet prickly with thorns."

He was flirting now, this conversation was going well in the point that he had made my challenge a lot easier. But I myself did not like it. So I simply replied

"I shall take that as a compliment." Even though it could be seen as clear as day, that this was exactly what it was intended to be.

Luckily we arrived at the hall of fire at this moment. Arm in arm we entered the hall. At our entrance into the hall an elf announced our arrival and everyone stood to great us, only sitting once my Ada cleared his throat and attracted the attention of all the guest's. I noticed my Nana had already arrived. How had she beat us to the hall? Had we really been walking that slowly? At the gaze of everyone in the hall I unhooked my arm from Haldir's and looked down at the floor instead, hoping those staring at me or at us would stop. Thankfully Ada began his speech.

"It is with the highest esteem that I welcome Haldir, soon to be march-warden of Lothloiren into my family." At this the crowd let out a loud outburst of awwwwwwww's . It was only at this moment that I ceased to stare at the floor, for I knew all eyes would now be on my Ada.

"For many years tales of this valiant elf have been by many throughout the land. His heroism, tactic genius, and unfounded ring of devotion to his duties makes me the proudest Ada alive to place my daughter into his hands."

At this I looked up at Haldir, his face full of pride, though it was a different pride from my Ada's, this was as if he exceptionally proud that his reputation had proceeded him.

"Let us hope Aglarebwen proves to be as good a wife, as Haldir makes at defending the borders of his fine city!" I felt my face blush bright red as the hall filled with laughter. This was mocking and embarrassing! All I could do was stand and smile at anyone who dared look. At times from the corner of my eye, I could see Haldir glancing at me. I stroked my hair back from my face as Ada continued.

"Come, now, let us rejoice in the blessing which has befallen on my daughter, she will surely bring Haldir years of contentment." He looked at me, and from the expression on his face this was him hoping, otherwise he may have chosen the word eternity instead. Or did he fear that in saying eternity I would let my emotions run free, and shame him?

"Keeping her husband most satisfied in all her airs and graces, a toast to Haldir and Aglarebwen, I pray the valar give to you a life of much happiness, understanding and elation together." He finished and I was handed a glass of very fine wine, this surely had to be Nana's doing. I raised my cup then took a small sip from it. The thick texture of red wine and a hint of plum and cherry rushed across my taste buds and down my throat. Still embarrassed I stood there for a while as elves came forward to congratulate me, my heart only wished for them to leave. When at last everyone was done I noticed Haldir had wondered of to talk to Elrond's twins. This was fine by me, I would avoid him as much as I could. Glass in hand I walked over to Lord Elrond, at the time he was watching as many elves begin to dance.

"Good evening my Lord." I greeted him

"Good evening Laingalad."

"My Lord, I would just like to thank you for betrothing me to such an admirable elf." I said sarcastically, smiling at him.

"Yes, some elleths may even say he has become the most admirable elf in the whole of Middle earth, even over throwing the charms of Prince Legolas." I rolled my eyes, should I carry on with this little game or end it here?

"My Lord you were always one for humour." I said as Elronds' laughter rang throughout the hall.

"As are you." He finally said after trying to refrain from laughing "Honestly my child, the match that has been set for your future, can you see it being a happy one?" This was a good question, could I accept Haldir as I have this marriage, after being in my thoughts for a week? If I was able to; then how long would it take? Perhaps when the world grew old, and all elves have left for Valinor? Yes I would think so, and even longer then that. For as a friend in a different circumstance I may have accepted his friendship after about a millennia, but to wed him in such a short time, and to accept him as well would never happen.

"Nay my Lord, this cloud has no silver lining, just constant storms." I replied "To trade my happiness for me parents, will be a large sacrifice, but for my parent's I shall do as they will. For did not the elves of old say that to where thy parent's place oneself, there thy must stay?" The lord nodded at me, then looked over my shoulder, I turned to see who it was, my hair making a small fan behind me as I turned. Haldir. How long had he been standing there? How much had he heard? I hope he had heard some of what I had to say, well enough to realise how much I hated him. Whether he heard or not his expression was unreadable, he simply stood smiling at Lord Elrond.

"Good evening Lord Elrond, Could I borrow this here maiden from your presence?" He said. Borrow? What was I now? a possession? A lifeless thing with no feelings? I slowly counted to 20 taking slow, deep, silent breaths.

"You may Haldir." I turned in shock, after what I had just said, he still wished for me to dwell in this here elf's presence? I only got a look of which implied 'I know best'. Resentfully I followed Haldir, a few meters away from the main table he asked "May I have the honour of this dance?" Oh! So now he asks instead of asking someone else! I had the right mind to reject him, but behind him to the right i could see Nana. The wretched challenge! Mordor curse it! I gave him a lightened look, and agreed. Together we walked into the centre of the hall, by now my right laced sleeve was irritating me, could it not have been a twin to it's left? Sleeveless? Mother, and her sense for elven fashion was to large an obsession. It was aggravating.

I tensed as his arm wrapped around my waist, I am extremely ticklish you see. Whilst slipping one hand into his, and the other on his shoulder I realised that if I was to fool anyone, I would have to start with him. So I tried to relax, even if it was just a little, I would have to concentrate, if not then I would start letting out little giggles.

I could hardly look him in the eye, but when ever I did, all I saw in them was the same coldness as all the other times I had looked, no warmth, that I would ever find, let alone comfort.

"You seemed to enjoy your conversation with Lord Elrond." He suddenly said, breaking the sweet silence between the two of us. Once more I wondered how much of the conversation he had heard, the suspense was not likely to kill me, but I was curious.

"Aye, his presence is most delightful." I replied, trying to give him the impression that I cared not for what he had heard of my conversation; whilst he smiled slightly. Perhaps he meant to smirk?

"Yes, he seems to brighten up many a day, whether it be good or bad. I have found solace in him upon occasion." So he had been in Rivendell before? why had I not noticed him walking around the halls, or seen a bunch of elleths swooning at the sight of him until now? Nay, i could not assume that he had been here before, solid facts would be much finer.

"You have been to Rivendell many times before then I take it." I said as we glided around the room. I noticed many elleths muttering in corners, and many more staring at us bitterly. What did they expect? I was betrothed to this elf! What would it look like if we did not dance even once?

"Not many, no, though if we were edain mortal, which we are not, then I suppose it would be a lot. I have been here maybe 15-17 times, over a span of 1500 years? 500 of which I have been general." Oh how proud and self-conscious this elf is. Had he an ounce of shame? Seeing that he was conceited about his rank, I thought it was best to make this the topic of our conversation. This would benefit me, making my task uncomplicated.

"Tell me Haldir, how long have you been in the Galadhrim army?" I questioned trying to sound as interested in it as I could.

"1900 years arwen en amin my lady-formal" He replied addressing me formally, he had not eased around me yet. This I needed him to do, if not then i would never be able to make him think that I have accepted everything. Trying to lighten the mood between us I said

"Then I shall have nought to fear of orcs or any attacks in our forth-coming travels, or am I to question your abilities?"

"My abilities? Never! I would hear the orcs before they came upon us, though I'm sure any elf could do such a thing, orcs are not renowned for their stealth as you well know." He said winking at me. This brought back the memory from our first meeting. That still stood, but I wasn't going to retaliate to him, not when I was doing so well!

"We shall see, should it come across our path." I said daring not to look at him, should this trigger me off.

"Enough talks of orc! We are at a feast! We are celebrating our betrothal, I'm sure there are more interesting things to talk about." He said joyfully, perhaps he was beginning to trust me? So I played along with this act that I have set since this morning, remembering how he had used my name.

"Right you are, as always. Let us be glorious together." I said as I smiled at him, to my surprise he did not return it, instead he gave me an odd look, and said

"Indeed" what have I said now to upset this irritating elf?

"Do not look at me in such a queer way, do you not trust my words?" I questioned him, whilst with my hand which was on his shoulder, I toyed with his hair.

"It is not that I mistrust your words, for that I believe, I was just wondering where you could of heard such a phrase, for it is familiar." Familiar? this was interesting, but where could he have heard it before? I had to know!
"How interesting, that phrase have heard nought of before tonight." I said hoping he would tell me, but how disappointed I was when he said

"That is because it was not said in your presence." Now I shall never no.

"Not a lot is said in my presence." Now I said, this was true, I had not known about this party until this morning, and had barely enough time to let the fact that I was going to be married sink in; before Haldir showed up.

"You prefer silence?" What was he trying to imply?

"That would depend on my emotions and who is by me at the time." I replied, ceasing to toy with his hair. Not even half the song had finish yet! I fear this shall

be a long night.

"You are often silent when with me. How should I interpret this?" He said smirking at me. Now I was caught, such a complicated question to reply to. "Perhaps in your presence my feelings for you can not be expressed in words" I said. It was true, I could not express in words how much i hated him, right now all I wanted to do was kick him where it hurts.

"And how could they be expressed?" He whispered into my ears. My eyes widened in shock. He had mis-understood me! This was fine, bar the fact he was once again flirting, I was surprised at how close our bodies were by now, it was most un-becoming. Trying to ignore this I replied "Wait and see Haldir, wait and see, patience will always be rewarded." I replied, deciding that if he continued to flirt then, all the better for me. I wasn't going to build his hopes up, he was doing this by himself.

"Now what would this reward entail?" He asked, I grinned for I had a feeling his reward was not quite the same as what I had in mind.

"Now if I told you, It wouldn't be a surprise. Rewards are always better if you know naught of what it is." I said, did he expect me to tell him in front a hall full of elves? I hope not.

"I've never been a patient elf, even as an elfling. Though I have found that what I have wanted and seeked has changed over the years."

"You shall have to learn, for I shant tell you"

"As you wish arwen amin. my lady-informal" he said slightly shifting his hand that was on my waist, causing me to giggle. I was extremely ticklish, and the slightest movement could send me laughing for a very long time.

"What is so amusing Aglarebwen?" He asked. Had this been a different circumstance I would have done something about what he constantly called me.

"The change between us and our last meeting." I lied, continuing to giggle as he continued to re-adjust the position of his hand.

"Yes, though that may be because there are no vases for you to throw at me." This was worrying; he had a lack in memory. I have never thrown a vase in my life, let alone one at him.

"Nay, no vase, but still my gloves" I said whilst grinning. Perhaps this would jog his memory.

"I shall remember to keep an eye on you, though I fear only one is not enough. The task is not hard however, for your sight is most definitely a good one." He said brushing the side of my cheek with his hand, causing me to blush. He was definitely charming with words, but words are shallow and meaningless. Had he known what lay underneath these gowns I think his view on me would change completely.

"Your words are too much, I hardly deserve them."

His hand finally came to rest back at it's previous position causing me to let out yet another giggle, I was losing concentration.

"Is such a notion *that* ridicules?" He asked. I questioned the replied I was going to give. I decided in the end to let him think I had warmed to him.

"Nay, for they came from you."

"Therefore meaning that I am right. Lle naa vanima, You are beautiful don't let anyone say anything different."

Well there was a surprise, not many has said that before, bar my Nan. Then again there was no point in believing her, for did not every mother cherish her daughter? He was most likely being courteous.

A/n Because I'm in a good mood I'll reply properly, I think…

Dakota: Thank you very much my little helpful Princess, who can't quite yet have Haldir, because we've only just started his…uh…torture. Yes scorn and nasty-ness, see I agree to, I make him a gentle-elf and she's not very nice in return *sniffs*

chibi: Yes, the ball…Is very interesting, and long, horrifically long, took me ages to write my chapter for it, and I therefore, hate it with a passion….

me: Haldir most certainly id not horrible! Sorry, some motherly affection there…Yes you did make sense, though I believe Haldir was right, but that's because I wrote the argument and I made him win, therefore he is right because I am right.

HHS: Hola! You can't wait to see the two together? Well you'll have to wait a long time and there's still a question mark as to whether they ever do get together….

Well that is all

Farewell to you all

Toodles!

PiXiE