A work in Progress
chapter 10
POV: Haldir
By: PiXiE
The doors were opened, our names announced "Haldir O Lothlorien, and Aglarebwen O Imladris, daughter of Golwen"
I had always found these announcements strange; the day my name had been called for the first time had taken me by surprise. Over a millennia ago it had happened, I was the lieutenant of a troop, I entered and I was announced "Haldir, son of...."
When I became a captain of great renowned I became Haldir O Lothlorien as I became more famous, more important then my father.
All elves stood up, clapping. They soon sat down while Golwen stood, clearing his throat.
"It is with the highest esteem that I welcome Haldir, soon to be March-Warden of Lothlorien into my family."
The seated elves awwwwed while I inwardly winced, public displays of affection such as these made my skin crawl.
"For many years tales of this valiant elf have been heard by many throughout the land." The speech was starting to pick up. Hopefully there would be no more romantic spells or talk of joining his family.
"His heroism, tactic genius, and unfounded ring of devotion to his duties-" Evidently the news of my latest scheme for the Lorien borders had been reported.
"-Makes me the proudest Ada alive to place my daughter into his hands." I glanced at Aglarebwen who looked slightly flushed, she was obviously not used to this kind of attention, nor did she like it.
"Let us hope Aglarebwen proves to be as good a wife, as Haldir makes at defending the borders of his fine city!" People laughed jovially. He was a good speech maker, that I admit for he got his point across while using humour, evidently he helped Lord Elrond in speech writing. The elleth next to me shifted uncomfortably. Maybe she believed there were laughing at her ability or lack thereof when doing domestic chores.
"Come, now, let us rejoice in the blessing which has befallen on my daughter, she will surely bring Haldir years of contentment." At this he looked directly at Aglarebwen, as if there was a hidden meaning for her to decipher. "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"
Elves dutifully clapped and made there way towards Aglarebwen. Who looked quite uncomfortable with all the attention.
As they were ignoring me, I left her to deal with them, instead going over to the twins of Elrond.
"However do you cope?" Elladan asked sarcastically, I stared at him blankly "How do you cope being the.... ah....'esteemed Haldir O Lorien' you are full of 'Heroism, tactical genius and unfounding devotion' how do you have time for yourself?"
"His speech was slightly...." I trailed off
"Off? Slightly? More like totally!" Elrohir joked. "Made it sound as if you defended the borders single handed"
I opened my mouth to object, but was interrupted by Elladan.
"Oh but her did! Don't you see? Our grandparent's presence had nothing to do with it!"
This was truly becoming ridiculous, as if I would think such a thing. I narrowed my eyes and the two grinned identical toothy grins back.
"I would never presume such a thing. I merely play a part in defending the realm"
"A very large part" Elladan proclaimed
"Well I sup-"
"HA!" Both Elves exclaimed. Honestly, these two elves were ridiculous! I turned to leave
"Wait!" Elladan said softly
I pivoted, the tone of his voice had changed now, more serious
"Yes?"
"Treat her well. She pretends not to care but..." Eh trailed off
"I know" I replied turning on heel and walking towards Aglarebwen, who was conversing and laughing quite happily with Lord Elrond.
This was the first time I had heard her laugh; it was light and silvery though it stopped as quickly as it had started.
Getting across to her took longer then I anticipated, as people kept on stopping me to give me a congratulation speech
".... There thy must stay?" Laingalad was finishing some sort of speech, her tone quite serious. Elrond nodded gravely and then looked over her shoulder at me. She followed his line of sight and turned. Her chestnut hair fanning, almost hitting me in the face "Good evening Lord Elrond" I bowed slightly "Could I borrow this maiden from your presence?"
"Yes Haldir" He replied before glaring at Aglarebwen oddly.
I walked off, Aglarebwen following, her face indiscernible, though her jaw was slightly clenched.
"May I have the honour of this dance?" She did not reply as I had expected her to; instead she looked around me as if seeking confirmation.
She nodded, not quite looking at me before walking towards the centre of the room to dance.
We took a standard formal dancing position, somewhat stiffly, well Aglarebwen was being stiff, she obviously did not want my hand to be upon her hip, but the position was non-compromising.
The tension between the two of us palpable, and I attempted to break it.
"You seemed to enjoy your conversation with Lord Elrond." I smiled slightly thinking of my own conversations with him.
"Aye, his presence is most delightful."
"Yes, he seems to brighten up many a day, whether it be good or bad. I have found solace in him upon occasion." Why I was telling her this I did not know. I was meant to be the strong one, saying that I sought solace in Elrond made me sound like a vulnerable elleth!
"You have been to Rivendell many times before then I take it."
"Not many, no, though if we were edain mortal, which we are not, then I suppose it would be a lot" I was rambling. Great. "I have been here maybe 15-17 times, over a span of 1500 years, 500 of which I have been general." This was safer territory; I could talk of myself that was not hard.
"Tell me Haldir, how long have you been in the Galadhrim army?"
"1900 years arwen en amin my lady-formal"
"Then I shall have nought to fear of orcs or any attacks in our forth-coming travels, or am I to question your abilities?" A small victory, she had definitely accepted our future marriage, but she did of course have to cover this slight admission with a question of my person.
"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." I winked for no particular reason.
"We shall see should it come across our path." She was staring into space again, it seemed to be a hobby of hers, could she not look into my eyes, or was it such a challenge?
"Enough talks of orcs!" I said jovially, as if completely slating the previous conversation "We are at a feast! We are celebrating our betrothal, I'm sure there are more interesting things to talk about."
"Right you are, as always. Let us be glorious together." She smiled and I couldn't help but wonder at the ambiguity of the comment coupled with the surprise at her paraphrasing my own thoughts.
"Indeed" I was surprisingly stunned, and his must have shown on my face for she then said
"Do not look at me in such a queer way, do you not trust my words?"
"It is not that I mistrust your words," At this point I noticed that she was playing with my hair, it was quite unsettling, the movement of my hair not unpleasant. "For that I believe, I was just wondering where you could of heard such a phrase, for it is familiar."
"How interesting, that phrase have I heard nought of before tonight." Definitely strange
"That is because it was not said in your presence." Did that sound pompous?
"Not a lot is said in my presence" She sounded slightly sombre and put out, the temptation to put my arm around her small form, pulling her into a hug was paramount, but I felt it was wrong, to do so in public, even if we were engaged, Aglarebwen would not let me stretch the facade further.
"You prefer silence?" I asked
"That would depend on my emotions and who is by me at the time."
"You are often silent when with me. How should I interpret this?" I smirked, it was quite an audacious question, but one should always test their boundaries, how else would they know when to stop later in life?
"Perhaps in your presence my feelings for you can not be expressed in words" I was surprised, was she naive or was she purposely flirting with me?
I leaned towards her, my cheek too hers and whispered "And how could they be expressed?" into her sensitive ear.
"Wait and see Haldir wait and see, patience will always be rewarded."
"Now what would this reward entail?" I questioned suavely
"Now if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. Rewards are always better if you know naught of what it is."
I could see mirth twinkling in her eyes, baiting was soon to become another of her hobbies.
"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 shan't tell you"
I could hear the smirk in her voice.
"As you wish arwenamin. My lady-informal" as I did this I shifted my hand on her hip as it was becoming slightly stiff.
She then giggled, much to my surprise and chagrin
"What is so amusing Aglarebwen?" I asked smiling
"The change between us and our last meeting." She continued to giggle and I couldn't help a look of perplexity pass across my face.
"Yes, though that may be because there are no vases for you to throw at me."
"Nay, no vase, but still my gloves" She grinned mischievously
"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."
My hand came to her waist and caressed it softly before putting it back down in its customary position.
"Your words are too much, I hardly deserve them." her cheeks became slightly dusted with rouge as she blushed, she then giggled again
"Is such a notion that ridicules?" I questioned softly
"Nay, for they came from you." She said this softly
"Therefore meaning that I am right. Lle naa vanima, You are beautiful don't let anyone say anything different."
She didn't reply, as we had not the chance. The song had ended.
I was quickly grabbed and, unfortunately the hand was all too familiar. I looked down to see the petite form of Cerina, her hazel hair falling in soft curls, I didn't pause to wonder at just how long she spent doing so with curling tongs so that it was just so.
I smiled sat her politely only to have her pull herself closer to me. I was by no means surprised she had never been one for propriety. I didn't actually like her, after I had bedded her all those years ago, she become clingy, though I didn't act in a way that should give her the inclination.
"Haldir" She smiled, fluttering her eyelashes in a way that sickened me.
"Cerina" I replied nodding attempting to re-arrange my grip so that she was only an arms length away, unfortunately she some how succeeded in making me even closer, only 10 or so inches between the two of us.
Her arms wandered from my shoulder, down to my biceps, squeezing it. I ignored the gesture and glanced around for Aglarebwen who was frowning while talking to Elrohir.
I looked back at Cerina who had moved her hand to my chest "Cerina" I intoned, "I am engaged"
"To that mere slip of an elleth? I've seen more femininity in an orc"
"You have never seen an orc" I replied dryly, my brow creased.
"But I have seen you in bed" there was a gleam in her eye that I did not want to decipher, though it was obviously desire.
"I will take that as a compliment"
"You should" She was now closer, 5 inches separating our bodies.
"Cerina stop you are just embarrassing yourself"
"How could I be doing that? If you'd just accept me" Would this foolish elleth never learn? She knew that what happened had been a no strings attached situation.
"I am in no position to do such a thing, nor would I want to" You could hear disgust in my voice. She pressed closer to me, hooking her arm around my neck.
"No one would know, I would not tell your precious Laingalad, and you wouldn't either. We could be good together"
"I am losing my patience Cerina" I spat her name out "I am going to marry Laingalad" I used her pet name to show familiarity
"You don't love her!" She pleaded
"And I don't love you, I would not give up a perfectly good relationship for a dysfunctional one with you" My relationship with Aglarebwen was by no way perfect, but it would always be better then one with Cerina "There is a reason that I have avoided you for such a long time since the incident. Yes, it was a good two weeks, but it ended when I left to go to my home. Since then you have done nothing but hound me, ruining my stays in Rivendell. I would appreciate it if you left both myself and Aglarebwen alone"
"And why is it that you call her 'Aglarebwen?'" Cerina demanded, "I know that she hates the name, all residents of Imladris know this, though you apparently do not. How can you believe that you are a match? She might as well be a dwarf!" Cerina's voice had suddenly gone frightfully cold
"You forget your position" I replied my tone matching hers. She was the daughter of a noble, yes, but he was not of high rank or of great importance.
"You are not of rank here" She replied "If you were a march-warden of Lothlorien" She spat "Then maybe, just maybe your name would hold some importance, but you are not a march-warden so do not presume to act in such a way"
I would never have though that a two weeks fling could cause so many problems.
"Yet I know Lord Elrond," I replied "Also, Lady Aglarebwen is of a higher rank then you" Cerina looked at me moodily but did not reply. The song eventually ended and she hurriedly left me in a whirl of skirt and petticoats.
I shook my head and started towards the chairs only to be grabbed by Arwen who pulled me into the next dance.
"Lady Arwen" I greeted relieved, a safe elleth
"You were dancing awfully close to Lady Cerina, " She said in reply, a sly smile spreading across her face
"And I had such an enjoyable time" I replied sarcastically
"I take it that she is still after you" Arwen replied, I nodded and let out a heavy sigh "It has been six centuries and yet she still thinks that there is a hope for us. There never was a relationship to start with!"
Arwen smiled softly, her brow creased in thought "You were her first, you should have let her down gently"
I snorted at her comment; I was most definitely not her first.
"Dare I ask?"
No, Lady Arwen was a Lady, I would not tell her about Cerina. If the Lady wished to believe that Cerina had been an innocent so be it.
"You seemed to be getting on very well with Laingalad"
"Aye" I replied "She seemed to be more relaxed around me today, more accepting"
"Which will make your life easier" I could see the test in the Lady's eye
"It would make both our lives easier. It seems she will never love me, though I never expected that to happen, but we will hopefully become friends" I replied glancing across the room; she was still talking with Elrohir.
"It has been harder then you thought" Her piercing eyes and perceptiveness reminded me of her grandmother, Lady Galadriel.
"Yes it has " I replied, having no inclination of continuing
"You thought that she had accepted you, that she knew who you were and she wanted to marry you. This marriage will test both of you, to your limits"
"I am used to such situations" It was true, acting as a general tested your physical and mental endurance.
"No you are not, while you have been tested physically and mentally, you have not reached on emotional-"
"What do you mean?" I asked confused
"As I was saying, most believe you are incapable of love, yes I know that is wrong" She covered seeing that I was about to retort
"But this is because you never show love openly, your brothers know that you love them, though you have never told them so. You will need to show Laingalad that you have a heart for she believes you do not. And that is where I leave you"
Arwen curtsied before walking towards her father. And, I ever the popular one was pulled into another dance.
Eventually we sat down to dine. I had Arwen to my right, Aglarebwen's ada to my left, and Aglarebwen in front of me. To her left were the sons of Elrond
"Good evening Aglarebwen" I greeted smiling at her
"Good evening Haldir" She replied
"Nice to see you too" Elladan put in smirking
"They've already forgotten about us," Elrohir continued, "Being so deeply in love! Only have eyes for each other now" he smirked
"That's why you've been talking to Aglarebwen for most of the night" I commented, my voice holding no bitterness or resentment
"No I detect a hint of jealousy Mellon nin? My friend" Elrohir asked slyly, I forced down the urge to roll my eyes instead making to with a steady raising of an eyebrow
"I'm merely stating the truth"
Aglarebwen's nana leaned over and whispered something into her ear, though I didn't catch what it was.
"Now why would he have the need for Jealousy? After all he has an eternity to talk to me"
Oh the joy I found myself thinking sarcastically
"That's a great way to scare an elf, you know that" He was indeed true.
Elrohir continued for his brother "but he is Haldir!" I prepared myself for a senseless tirade full of nonsense "he could never be scared! He is undaunted in the face of strife! He is fearless and brave!" Oh, how I enjoy such mocking, it makes my day complete. Unless he was being sincere, my reputation does, after all, precede me.
"But this is Laingalad! A name that could strike fear in many a heart! He is brave but is he brave enough?"
Aglarebwen laughed beautifully "Yet none here have fled yet? Perhaps they should fear you two, for I have yet to see two elves with more humour then you"
"If you can call it humour! I'm more partial to calling it their idiocy" I smiled at her wit
"You wound me my sister!" Elladan proclaimed dramatically, one could never be bored when at a meal with them
"'Tis interesting to see that your little sister has the power to put you into place" Aglarebwen noted
"If only we all had such a power, we may just live through the night." I said jesting, Arwen turned to me before exclaiming, "You don't have to live with them!" Thank the Valar
"Nay, that's why for your sanity you run away to Lorien as often as possible." Arwen smiled in agreement.
"Now, now Haldir, If they are as corrupt as you two keep saying then does this mean to say that I am also as corrupted" Why does she always insist on putting me between a rock and a hard place.
"I didn't say that" I replied frowning
"But you inferred it" Elrohir replied, these three were in it together. Then a plan formed in my mind, I don't believe that Aglarebwen had told the two about her prank, I vaguely remember her saying the prank had no been for me, it may have been for them.
"Yes, well I suppose tripping me up, covering me in leaves, and mud before hanging me upside down, dropping me into a lake and then pushing me back into it could be taken as...corrupted. I suppose you truly are a menace to society!" I smiled at Elrohir, who smiled back. Aglarebwen looked distinctly uncomfortable, maybe because he hadn't told them though I suspected it was mainly due to her parents being sat on either side of us.
"A hugely amusing menace if you please!" Elrohir replied smiling
"Wait. What misfortunate do you speak of Haldir? You mishap does suit our style of prank, yet I remember not committing it. Do tell us who did such an audacious act towards this righteous elf? They will suffer promptly as we did not perform this prank on you sooner!" Elladan decidedly. It surprised me that he felt so insulted just through someone stealing their style of prank.
"You mistake me my friends! I was talking to Aglarebwen! It was her who performed such an 'audacious' act!"
"Indeed, the impressionable maiden has been corrupted!" Elladan announced
"Fear not! Haldir we'll soon have her cleansed of our character" For some reason I don't believe Elrohir "and transformed into a fair elleth such as her nana"
"I some how doubt that very much Elrohir, after all I learnt from the best, and too long have I been in the presence of you two"
"I feel so comforted" I replied, somehow the thought of marrying Elladan or Elrohir was disturbing, this then reminded me of the conversation I had overheard between Anawen and Vanien. I mentally winced.
"I advise you not to be much at ease. If Laingalad has our traits, she had the ability to strike when the guard is down. Expect more mishap in the future, especially when she had been wronged. Thank the Valar we will not be feeling her wrath!" Is he insinuating that I will wrong her?
"MY wrath? I have a wrath now? How very comforting to know that you wish to be rid of me so soon, after all this time Elrohir" Aglarebwen sounded slightly amused
"Rid of you, nay, spared of your accurate pranks? That does sound promising" Elrohir sounded mockingly hopeful.
"So glad o relieve you of such a burden, " I said sarcastically
"So now I'm a burden?" Aglarebwen asked, again I wasn't sure whether she was being sincere or not. Elrohir put his arm around her shoulder "Of course not! We love being saddled with you," He said affectionately
"Careful she's engaged now, Haldir may attack you in a jealous rage!" Very unlikely, if I was actually in love with her I would trust her, affection from her best friends would be normal.
"Why would I do that?" I questioned "You've known each other since you were elflings!"
"It is more customary for the engaged to be so attached at their own betrothal." I was surprised to see that Lord Elrond had joined in the conversation as well; I thought he was still in discussion with Lord Glorfindel.
"Well unfortunately Haldir is on the other side of the table, unless you would like him to upset all of the food. I was simply fulfilling his duty."
"It is not a duty you are meant to undertake! Now take your arm away" Lord Glorfindel ordered, though he didn't sound very authoritive.
"You know you're starting to sound like Erestor" Arwen said, smirking slightly
"What a compliment" Elladan proclaimed
"What a burden!" Elrohir continued, his tone grave
"What an insult" Glorfindel finished dryly. I always wondered how the sons (and daughter) of Elrond could talk to Glorfindel so comfortably.
Although, technically he was my equal, Imladris' Version of a March warden. I still looked upon him with an awed reverence. He had slewn a Balrog! I had reason to feel such a thing, I suppose you could say he was my idol.
"How about we dine and let not this food go to waste, whilst changing the topic at the same time?" Aglarebwen said
" Can't you see we are all smothering the bride?" Elladan said, bride indeed, this was our betrothal dinner, not our wedding!
Aglarebwen took Elrohir's arm away from around her shoulders
"Forgive us Laingalad. We will let you dine in solace. You have been eyeing the roasted bird all night."
"I would eye anything to take my gaze away from you lot" Aglarebwen replied
"Here, here, Haldir could you pass me that platter of salad please?"
* * *
The meal passed well, good conversation being held throughout. Actually, that's a lie. I had an uncomfortable few minutes when Golwen tried to engage me in conversation. Luckily his wife drew him away in a discussion with another advisor.
I exited the hall of fire as the night was drawing to an end. I walked along those well-trodden corridors of Imladris.
As I walked I noticed a soft echo, I frowned in thought, it was not the echo of my own steps, over the years I had perfected the act of stealth, and I also recognised my own footsteps.
I listened carefully; by the sound of the step it was an elleth, or a young elfling. As I turned the corner I glanced to the left, I saw a flash of brown, and the bottom of a green dress. It was an elleth that I knew. But the hair colour did not narrow it down. Brunette elves were 6 a penny in Imladris.
As I turned another corner, I caught the sight on the elleth in a mirror. I winced, trust my luck, these elleths would be the death of me!
Continuing down the darkened hallways and corridors I was constantly aware of this presence following me, the echoes still following me.
As I reached my room I carefully opened the door and looked around. One could never be too careful.
I stepped in and before I closed the door I locked eyes with my stalker. "Good night Lady Anawen"
I shut the door firmly, shaking my head. Already pulling my tunic over my head as I undressed ready to sleep.
As I did this I debated whether saying this to her was a good idea. She may misguidedly think that I liked her. She did not know that I had overheard her conversing. Now she will think I have sought her out to find her name. I groaned in annoyance as I took my boots off. 3 Maidens, 2 I cared naught for and the third.... I sighed as I took off my leggings, a definite problem. I fell into bed and dropped into the paths of my memories, maidens were still, however, haunting me.
(Yay at last! I've finished, it only took me 2 hours and 15 min! Thank god I get to go and collapse in bed now! I swear I'm going to suffer repetitive injuries! This is child abuse! Well yeah mads never again am I doing a chapter this long. I say that but I bet I will be. boooooo!)
Ignore Mo! At least she didn't have to write that long-winded thing! But yes…. to reviews!
Dakota: Yes, I'm sure you would take Haldir off of Laingalad's hands, but then there would be no story to speak of! And calm it my angry little cheese!
chibi: Yes, what will she do to Haldir? *Grins innocently* But no, she is hiding in sharp implements under her petticoats at the moment…lol
nap-003: I hope the wait was worth it
Haldir's heart and soul: Yes Haldir will 'act romantic' towards her, soon, eventually, in a few yen! But he will be ever the gentleman.
Me: Oh I know I'm not always right, ask the marker of the entrance exam I took yesterday, now what I wrote there was a whole load of bullshit…but anyway I shouldn't swear in my authors notes.
ZIP: Well the story has finally been blessed I suppose, our first flame though I have to admit it was surprisingly shallow and quite weak. If you were going to criticise us could you go for something more then the clichéd "does grammar mean anything to you" I could respond with an equal amount of idiocy and maybe give a few clichés to match your petty views but you know, I can't actually be bothered.
First of all, none of the spellings in the entirety of this fiction are spelt wrong, according to my Microsoft word; if you would like to dispute that take it up with the company. Secondly, yes we have heard of grammar we just choose not to use it to make us look stupid and annoy petty people like you.
As for the switching viewpoints thing…I loved that condescending tone of "it's very simple." Don't feel the need to patronise us, we know it's very simple but we prefer you to see both protagonists point of view, to I don't know…build up their characters, I know that's something that most authors don't bother to do on this website but we thought we'd have a stab at it, after all we don't like reading stories where there is absolutely no character development. For this story to work and make sense you have to see the characters change and evolve otherwise there is no actual point to the story whatsoever.
An elleth? What is an elleth? Should I use a patronising tone on you and question whether there is an actual brain inside your head? No I won't. An elleth is a female elf, another word to use instead of 'she-elf' it's elvish, look it up. We're not the only people that use the term, a lot of people do.
And finally, if the entire story annoyed you then why bother to read all 9 chapters of it? That's 21793 words, are we the only people that think that's backwards, if you don't like it, don't read it, it's quite simple.
Now after I have written that whole essay- which I know you won't read it just lets me vent it all out I will bid you goodbye.
To everyone else that is reading, review please, it makes our long, boring, exam stressed lives a lot more interesting and gives us self worth.
PiXiE