A work in Progress
Chapter Twenty-two
POV: Haldir
By: PiXiE
Legs aching I slowly made my way up the stairs towards my talan. I had been away for eleven days, two longer then I had hoped, but I doubted whether Laingalad would be worried.
I was currently covered in orc blood, it smelled foul, its repugnant smell poisoning the fresh sweet air of Caras Galadhon. Looking forward to a long soak in a hot bath I started to open the door to my talan.
I stood in the doorway taking in the sights, had Laingalad moved everything around in my absence? Fortunately she had not.
"Oh gosh Haldir, you reek," It was nice to know I was appreciated, she could at least greet me, I merely grunted before walking further into the living area.
"What ever happened to your manners?" She demanded before turning around to look at me, "Oh by the Valar!!" She got up and ran to me, "Are you alright? What have they done to you?" I have to admit; I was surprised over here genuine concern for me.
"Fortunately they have done nothing to me. This blood is from the orcs, and unfortunately, as you said, it smells."
She eyed me critically before responding "Well then, take your shirt off," Well that was surprisingly informal ".... and put it in the bath to soak, I'll get you some clean clothes,"
"Generally I wash before I do that," I replied slowly.
"First, I want to make sure you are alright," She pressed firmly.
"I will be fine, I assure you I have participated in many battles before, gaining more serious wounds then these, I am more then capable of tending to them myself." I had been doing so for such a long time, it was odd having such concern over something so normal to me now, this would take some time to get used to, but this 'perk' of our marriage was not altogether distasteful to me either.
"But you are bleeding fiercely to the head, and do not tell me that is orc blood that I see," her tone held a note of finality.
"I am?" I briefly touched my head to find the crimson of my own blood, other then that of an orc. I did not recall the blow; in fact no pain had registered during the skirmish, "Let me change before we see to it."
I left to go to the bathroom, where I attempted to scrub off as much of the blood as possible. The bath quickly filled with dirt and blood, going an unsightly brown colour. I towelled myself down and put on my breeches before attempting to find a tunic, only to find none, she must have put the ones I had left drying before my departure, back in my draws.
When I came back Laingalad had various pieces of cloth, a large bowl of water, and a pot of honey, to use as an anti-septic.
"Well where do you want me?" I asked uncomfortably, shifting my weight from one foot to the other.
"In front of me might help," Came the sarcastic reply, "Do you care to tell me what happened out there? Bar the fact that you were attacked by orcs?"
I raised an eyebrow only to wince, now that I was aware of the wound it seemed that I could feel the pain radiating from it.
"We attacked them late last night, before that planning was involved as well as the normal sitting, watching and waiting."
"Sit still," She reprimanded dabbing my head with water, while gently pushing my hair out of my face, "did you find a replacement?" She inquired.
"I have the next few days to decide, Rumil, Orophin, and another elf you do not know, by the name Rodonrus" I replied, I was not looking forward to choosing, though from the events at the borders I believe I had chosen already, at least my brain had, my heart was a different matter.
"I'll let you choose between your brothers, it should be interesting."
"And Rodonrusé as well," I added thoughtfully.
"'Tis a tiresome life you lead is it not Haldir?" Laingalad questioned, squeezing the water out of the rag.
I smiled "Sometimes I suppose. How is my wound?" I asked as she frowned peering at it.
"I think I can see some soil embedded in it, I do not have it in a good view." Leaning further forward to search the wound on my head, it seemed that Laingalad chest held less support then the newfound feeling she was showing to me now. Her subtle cleavage rose and fell to her shallow breaths. She was worrying for me, but I felt most at ease and close to aroused at the feminine vision thrust before me.
Without her stern face to occupy me otherwise I could trace this elleth's youthful, admirable figure from beneath her light, flowing gown.
I throbbed at the thought of the reactions I would have liked to act out upon the body like this one, but I forced myself to a calm. Tensing my lower waistline, only for my lips to escape my clutches releasing the words "I have a very good view indeed," I could imagine a confused turn to Laingalad's face, she would wonder what I mean, and with a glance down she realised how much of her bare chest was open to me. Her flat stomach twinged with embarrassment and I should think her cheeks erupted with a rosy blush, in the thought that she had been adorning her body in front of me.
"Forgive me," Her voice trembled, with her face still close to mine, and her body to nervous to move.
"There has been no harm done," I could not repress my lip curled smirk, "on the contrary you need not be forgiven, but complimented on your astounding beauty, glorious maiden."
If it were possible, I would have though Laingalad turned a deeper shade of pink to my flirtation. She swallowed hard, and slowly turned her eyes to mine. The connection lingered between us. Her chest quickened and her delicate breath began to pan, at my slow advance towards her luscious plumped lips. I was dangerously close to my target, she looked upon me with anticipated eyes, she was yearning for me, and I for her. Our passion would meet both fires kindled with one another.
I was sure to grant the pleasure of this elleth; ten fold, if only she hadn't pulled herself out of my reach too abruptly for my hands to catch her.
"I...I must find some more clean cloths for your wound0.s" He head hung low and eyes to the floor, she left the room.
I held back my loud gasp on my lips. My advance had failed, Haldir, accomplished honourable ellon with a truly irresistible male form that had every elleth in a league radius quivering with excitement; was rejected? What was wrong with this elleth! My accumulated arousal had very much depressed, with my usual hush temperament well set back into place.
. .. … … … .. .
Laingalad made sure to avoid me during the next day, though I did manage to corner her into telling me what she had done during my absence.
I was less than pleased with her explanation of how I supposedly proposed to her, as if I would fall into a hole; ridiculous!
I didn't allow myself to concentrate on her rejection, finding a new replacement was currently more important, though my brother's sycophantic behaviour was becoming increasingly irritating, as if I would give into flattery!
Thorough lists had been compiled by myself, giving various advantages and disadvantages for each candidate.
I found that even leaving the talan to clear my head would not work. I would be sent a constant barrage of questions about my March Warden position, the Warden replacement, congratulations of my engagement, and questions on how I had managed to keep the betrothal a secret. Then there was the romanticised elleths who would stare off dreamily as I recounted the tales of my proposal through gritted teeth. Arrangements for the wedding and my appointmentship ball also had to be finalised. My new position did indeed involve a lot more work then I had anticipated.
"Haldir?"
"I will give my announcement tomorrow," I replied through gritted teeth, "I am going riding. You, Orophin, will stay here, and not give me further ire." Without pausing for a reply I strode of my face set.
. .. … … … .. .
The tension in the room was palpable, Rodonrusé and my brothers sat tense in the room averting their eyes from myself and the other March Wardens and Wardens.
We sat at a circular table, a few leafs of parchment in front of me summarising various points.
I remembered this happening to me, so many centuries ago; the memory was strongly imprinted upon my mind.
I had to give a brief synopsis of each candidate talking about their strong points as well as their flaws. At the end of this I would then tell the assembled audience who I had chosen and why.
"Everyone is here Haldir you may begin," Said Thinfileg, March-Warden of the Southeast. I nodded in acquiescence before clearing my throat and launching into a speech about Orophin.
Eventually, after giving talks about all three of the candidates I gave my final decision "I have chosen Rodonrusé, after seeing the way he leads others, as well as his superb planning and correct orchestration of these plans, I believe him to be suitable replacement for myself," I grinned at Rodonrusé, who smiled back weakly, relief spreading through his body.
I didn't dare look at my brothers; I knew they would be upset that I had not chosen either of them.
"Rodonrusé is indeed a fine choice" Said Eluthorod, one of the Wardens of the Southwest, "You are a hard worker and will go far."
"Congratulation Rodonrus" Said Idhrendir, the March-Warden of the Northeast, he was the oldest of all of us March-wardens, married to Dolenmir a dear friend of mine.
Congratulations, as well as condolences were made before the room was left empty, I slowly collected all sheaves of parchment arranging them in a neat stack. Snuffing the candles I let my gaze linger on the chairs Rumil and Orophin had been sitting in.
As I closed the door, nodding at a nearby sentinel to confirm that he could lock it, I noticed Rodonrusé standing patiently nearby, a bittersweet smile upon his face.
"Haldir!" He strode towards me, letting out a multitude of sentences without giving me a chance to reply.
"Thank you for giving me the position, I know I am younger then most, but I really believe that I can do this. Tell your brothers not to be too harsh, it must have been very hard not to choose your brothers, and I know how close they are to you. I hope I have not created any undue stress between the three of you, that was not my intention-"
"Peace Rodonrusé," He had brought up my own worries, but there was no need for him to know this. "Worry not, I have a strong relationship with my brothers, it shall withstand this easily." Well one hoped, "Also, there is no need to thank me, I choose the ellon I believed to be more suited to the position. I know you are younger than most, but this position should work for you. I look forward to future meetings." I smiled at Rodonrusé, I had known him for some time, after all I had been his Warden.
"Thank you Haldir," His eyes we alight in happiness, "But I must go and tell my Naneth, she will be most pleased." His voice was fill of exuberant energy and he practically ran after I nodded, giving him leave to go.
I made my way back towards my talan using lesser-known routes, hoping to avoid the many people that wanted to talk to me.
I was about two minutes away from my talan when two elves appeared in front of me. "Rumil, Orophin," I greeted nodding my head at them. "How are you?"
Orophin pursed his lips, not replying.
"We are as well as can be expected," replied Rumil.
There was an awkward pause where we merely stared at each other, "Why choose Rodonrusé? I wouldn't have cared if you had chosen Rumil at least he was related to us!"
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, I was not surprised that Orophin was complaining, some of his sylvan friends characteristics had obviously rubbed off on him.
"Orophin, you are thinking with you heart. You know why I chose Rodonrusé I will not repeat myself. You are a good team leader, but you are currently lacking the strategic abilities needed as a warden. Do not misunderstand me, you carry out what you are told to do with a great deal of accuracy, but strategically you could improve." Rumil nodded, "Haldir's right Orophin, you know this. Do not question his decisions." His voice was soft yet it held an underpinning tone of command.
"But Rodonrusé is so young!"
"So was I," My reply didn't appease him.
"You might have been replacing yourself, but you are not finding a new Haldir!"
Why did he succeed in irritating me in such a way? I had practically raised him, I should be used to his persistent nature,
"Orophin, cease your childish prattle. You would not care as much if it had not been me, your brother, choosing between the three of you.
"But this is the army, I cannot let the fact that I am your brother get in the way. You all had to be given equal footing at the beginning. Any grudges or friendliness had to be ignored. Respect my decision, that is all I ask."
Not waiting for a reply I walked away, heading towards my talan.
Upon arrival I found that Laingalad was not there, odd, as she had not said she would be going anywhere.
It was not a worry to me though, she had been fine while I was away, and I would leave her to her own devices. Perhaps she had found an elleth to befriend.
I settled down to read various reports that had appeared on my table since I left that morning. I noted that each one was less thorough then those I used to write, I would make sure to detail this to Dinengwath, Maeglam and now Rodonrusé. I would need to know as much about the borders as possible now that I was no longer there.
Four hours past as I immersed myself in various reports and maps, only to be broken by a hesitant knock on the door to the talan.
Frowning I wondered who it could be, Laingalad would enter without doing such a thing, after all she lived here as well.
When I opened the door I was surprised to see a sheepish Orophin, uneasily shifting his weight from one foot to the other,
"Could I, erm...come in please?"
I gestured for him to do so, allowing him to uneasily make his way in, "May I borrow a towel?"
I rose an eyebrow at this, "A towel?"
"Aye, I'm going to the bathing springs, and I've just realised that I've forgotten one, and as your talan was near by I-"
"In the bathroom," I replied, "They're in the bottom draw."
"Bottom?" Orophin queered, already walking in that direction, "Why have you changed where they were?"
"I did not, Laingalad, however, decided that things should be moved."
There was a silence as Orophin opened the draw and found a towel. "Thank you," He said leaving the bathroom, "I'll bring it back later" and with that, he left.
It was of no surprise to me, Orophin can loose his temper easily, but he does not hold a grudge for long. His lack of 'I'm sorry' was quite normal, the three of us never wasted time with these, we already knew this in out hearts. Our forgiveness was unconditional words were not needed.
. .. … … … .. .
After some therapeutic archery I made my way home, fixed upon the idea of a quick bath before going to see Lord Celeborn.
Laingalad was sitting at my desk when I arrived, after pushing all my documents out of the way. She glanced up from her parchment, which she was frowning over, to smile at me before looking back down, quill in hand.
"Where were you earlier?" I asked carefully putting my weapons down on the cabinet they were stored in.
She lazily scrawled something on the parchment before replying, "Lady Dolenmir has asked me to join the Orchestra."
I nodded and started to walk away, "What are you doing?"
"I was intending on having a bath" I replied.
"But that could re-open your wound," Laingalad interceded, glancing at my sharply.
Was this concern? She had been avoiding me since the near kiss, and I had made sure not to mention horses in her presence.
"It has practically healed!" I continued to walk only to hear, the scrapping of a chair on the floor, as Laingalad stood.
"'Tis beside the point."
"I wish to wash my hair," I replied plainly wondering when she had suddenly become a healer.
"You for one will not be touching your head, seeing as you hardly know where that cut is," She replied obstinately.
"And what do you suggest I do?" I demanded, glaring at her, arms crossed.
"You will go nowhere near water for the next few days," Laingalad replied grinning.
"You can not stop me from washing my hair," It was true, I am much bigger then her. She would not be able to stop me. It would also involve her coming near me, which would not happen.
"It is true that I cannot, but if you do I'll hold a grudge against you, and trust me. I never forget".
"Why am I not surprised?" It would not do so to have her annoyed with me though. Any headway I seemed to make was quickly removed by situations that I had no control over. "I need to wash my hair though. I have to meet Lord Celeborn later to discuss the preparations for my ball."
"A ball that you failed to inform me about" Opps. "But if you must wash your hair, I'll do it."
I raised an eyebrow in surprise, washing my hair for me meant coming near. "I wasn't aware that you were a nurse as well."
"I'm not," She replied easily.
"If you feel like washing my hair, feel free to do so." I replied, mocking her slightly.
"Well move yourself then," She pushed my arm slightly.
"To the bathroom?" I queered.
"Obviously," I could see her roll her eyes. While walking there I decided to test our limits, as well as disconcert her slightly, not everything should be done on her terms.
I pulled my tunic up and over my head, dropping it to the floor, before turning to look at her.
"What are you doing?" she asked, eyes riveted to my form unblinkingly. Her eyes flickered with, was that attraction? She shook her head slightly raising her eyes from my chest to my face.
"I don't want my tunic covered in water," I replied innocently, cocking my head slightly, awaiting her reaction.
She rolled her eyes, "Lean back."
I sat on the floor and leant against the bath, putting my hair over the edge. There was a silence as Laingalad slowly upbraided my hair, being especially careful to avoid contact with my head, my ears in particular. She slowly combed through my hair with her fingers causing me to sigh in contentment, closing my eyes.
"So who did you pick?"
"Rodonrusé, Orophin was less then pleased, though he seems to be fine about it now. He came and borrowed a towel earlier."
She started to rinse my hair, being careful not to get water in my eyes "And Rumil?"
"He respects my decision." At least that is what he had lead me to believe. If he had an adverse reaction he had made sure to mask it. Laingalad started massaging my head, building up foam with my shampoo, which smelt somewhat different from normal. But this could perhaps have been Laingalad's scent, which was subtlety invading me through her close proximity.
"Well is seems to me that they took that surprisingly well."
"Yes they honour my decisions, usually. You are very good at this," I complimented, It's very relaxing," I could do with a full body massage like this when I came back from my duties.
I could see her smile, dark hair framing her face falling over her shoulders and partially obscure my sight "Thank you, your hair is surprisingly healthy. And why wouldn't it be? "On account of having mud and Valar knows what else in it"
"Mud is actually quite good for the hair, I informed her, willing myself not to play with her own.
"What, with large quantities of orc blood?" She replied sarcastically as she started to rinse the shampoo out.
There was a fearful gasp as Laingalad took her hands away from my scalp. "You hair!"
I looked up at her in surprise "What about it?" I questioned frowning.
She bit down on her lower lip in horror "It's...it's...pink!" The pitch of her voice went up.
"What do you mean...pink? Why would it be pink?" I demanded, surely she was jesting.
She held her hands out in front of me; they were stained pink "I thought your shampoo was red!"
"My shampoo is red," I replied jumping up, ignoring the water as it tricked down my back. Standing in front of the mirror I stared at myself in horror "MY HAIR! Our wedding is in two weeks!" I bemoaned staring at my pink locks in disdain. "I can't possibly have pink hair!" I would look absolutely ridiculous, it was not becoming for a March Warden, or any elf for that matter!
"Who would do such a thing?" The image of a familiar elf brushed across my mind "OROPHIN!" Laingalad stared in shock as I threw on a tunic before hastily vacated the talan.
I hurried towards Orophin's talan, ignoring the surprised looks I received, my hair of great amusement to them. I threw open the door to his talan, not bothering to knock. I could hear noises coming from his bedroom. So I entered to find him entwined with an elleth, her bodice mostly unlaced and her skirt up to her knees
"Orophin, a moment please," I said through gritted teeth.
"Could this not wait?" He replied still focused on the elleth, who seemed to be so full of lust that she had either not noticed my presence or was ignoring it.
"You can pursue your vapid elleth later," I said bitingly.
He sighed recognised my tone "Asmiel," He flipped her over so she was on her back, as I closed the door to leave him to sort her out.
Reclining in a chair I sat stiffly waiting for Orophin to come out. The door opened and a well-dressed Asmiel came out, she started to glare at me, before her eyes widened and her mouth formed an O shape.
"Orophin!" I called, my eyes glinting.
Asmiel hurried out of the talan, closing the door softly.
"Ai Elbereth!" Orophin came into the room; his eyes riveted on my hair, in shock "What happened?"
"I was hoping you could tell me," I replied inwardly fuming, he was going through the innocent routine.
"Well someone must have put dye in your hair shampoo. I would have thought," He frowned staring at me directly in the eyes, "You think I did it don't you?"
"Are you denying this?" I pointed at my hair.
"Yes," He confirmed. "Why do you believe I would do such a thing? I am hardly an elfling anymore; I would not do such a thing to you. Especially at such an important time in your life."
"I know of no one else that would do such a thing. No one else would have the audacity, or the reason!"
"I do not have a grudge against you!" Orophin replied his voice slightly raised.
"Then why would you dye my hair pink?" I challenged.
"I did not do it!" Orophin replied obstinately.
"No one else has such an access to my talan."
"OUT, " Said Orophin.
"Excuse me?" I questioned.
"Get out, I refuse to listen to your accusations, come back and talk to me when you are calm." I gaped at him; surely he did not mean this? He had never banished me before from his talan.
"If you are going to act like an elfling I will treat you like one," He said calmly, pushing me out of the door.
"But-" I tried, how dare he do this and then act like the victim.
"No Haldir. You insult my honour by insinuating such a thing. Go home and wash your hair."
Orophin closed the door abruptly, leaving me reeling at it in shock.
. .. … … … .. .
"I can not believe Orophin is lying about my hair!" I burst, pacing across my room. "He refuses to confess. It's so unlike him. He has always owned up light heartedly. But this, this is ridiculous."
"But how can you be so sure it was him?" Laingalad questioned from what was quickly becoming her favourite chair.
"Who else would do such a thing? I know of no other with grievances for me."
She sighed, averting her eyes to the window, "Are you sure? Because to blame a person for something they have not done it quite spiteful."
"What are you trying to say?" I asked sitting opposite her.
"That it may not have been him" She answered simply.
"Who do you think it is?" I asked slowly, scrutinising her.
"Why do you ask me? How would I know?" she said, holding her hands up in defence.
"Well...you seem to believe that Orophin didn't do it" I replied.
"That does not mean that I know who did it."
"But it is so unlike Orophin," I mused out loud, "I have questioned him and it wounds me that he would not listen. We usually have such a close bond...I do not know what has gone wrong." I sighed, "I never realised he cared so much about the position."
Laingalad licked her lips slightly "He doesn't he cares about you more, like every brother should."
"Well then I am flummoxed, I cannot think of who else would do such a thing, and just before our wedding as well."
Laingalad blinked slightly, staring at the floor pensively. Suddenly her head snapped up, and she looked me directly in the eye, "She's looking at you."
There was a stunted pause as I stared at her incredulously.
What had I done this time? She was discontented again? Was it worthy of pink hair?
"But why?" I eventually articulated after a few moments of thought where I could not find an answer.
"For fun?" She offered.
How dare she say such a thing so flippantly! "You dyed my hair before our wedding for fun? We are meant to be in love!"
She narrowed her eyes, pursing her lips. I had mentioned the marriage and love all in one go. "Who needs to know?" I don't know, maybe no one will notice my pink hair. "It will have faded within a week, ten washes to be precise. At least people can't say you smell bad, for you smell of wild berries." I believe they would be giving me wide birth due to the daggers I would be sending them.
The fact that she did such a thing for 'fun' weighed on my mind. There was another reason; I could see that, "But doing it for fun to raise my ire? This makes no sense. Truly, why did you do it?"
"There is no other reason, I'm a jester, it's in my nature to do things for fun," She averted her eyes, staring at anything but me.
"You refuse to meet my eyes, you are lying. I would rather you told me the truth, whatever it is, instead of lying to me."
Her expression was gloomy and she muttered loud enough for me to hear her, "To pay you back."
She got up and walked purposefully towards the bedroom, to get away from me. I followed her, demanding, "Pay me back for what? I have done nothing."
"Work it out yourself," She replied, her back stiffening in realisation that I would not let the issue lay.
"I'm rather tired, I'd rather you just tell me," I replied tersely, steeping nearer to her.
She glared at me, her cheeks starting to flush, hands in a fist, "I'd rather not tell you."
I closed the door to show her I meant to get to the bottom of this. I would not let her walk all over me, "And I rather you did," Her eyes flickered with panic.
"What are you doing? Open the door."
I crossed my arms, eyes hard and defiant "I refuse to do anything, until you answer me."
"I'm not telling you anything, open the door!" She insisted slight panic in her voice.
"NO!" I exclaimed, I did not have the respect for her, her pleas meant nothing to me.
I sat next to her, "I helped raise two elflets, I assure you I am quite patient." I explained in a tone I had oft used with Rumil and Orophin.
She moved away from me on the bed, pressed up against the headboard, "I'm an only child. It makes me more stubborn then most."
"I am a Warden. I can sit for hours on end in silence," I replied shaking my head, "But I will not play this game. We are too mature for that. I simply want to know why you did such a thing and then allow me to go and jeopardise my relationship with Orophin."
Laingalad stiffened in disapproval, her fingers picking on the coverlet, pretending ambivalence, "You wouldn't have jeopardised anything had you not gone off assuming things."
"And you could have told me rather then feigning innocence!" I retorted irritated. "You pretend that you didn't know there was dye in the bottle."
"It's not my problem you can not tell the difference between the truth and an act," came her waspish reply
"I shouldn't have too!" I thundered angrily, "We are going to get married whether you like it or not," I explained my voice suddenly soft, "But you insist on complicating the matter for no reason. Now will you please tell me why?"
"You knew full well from when you met me for the first time that I like to complicate things," She hissed. My life has been nothing but complicated since I had met her. "I get bored with acting like the so called 'happy couple' we are meant to be."
I replied rubbing my temples "But that doesn't mean making my hair pink! And you are still avoiding the question," I added as an afterthought glaring.
She glared back at me scornfully, "What if I am avoiding the question?"
"I can see you are avoiding the question," I replied sarcastically "You do not need to reiterate what I have just said. I would prefer a straight answer rather then these pathetic evasion tactics you seem intent upon using for, quite simply, it's not working."
"Well then I'm leaving" She stood up and walked towards the door, "I have no intention on telling you anything, everyone has secrets, Haldir. Maybe this will become one of those secrets."
I grabbed her arm; replying through gritted teeth, "Sit! I have not finished this conversation. Secrets are all well and good; if you decide to keep them to yourself I respect that. But whatever you tumultuous mind had concocted by way of a secret has obviously been revealed. Otherwise, you would not have decided to befit me with pink hair."
She looked at my hand, which was still gripping her arm, pointedly and muttered, "Let go of me Haldir," She then grinned up at me, sunnily as though the previous conversation hadn't happened, "I think the pink hair goes with your temper quite well."
I locked my jaw, trying not to tighten my grip on her arm, "Do not attempt to be witty, it will not work. Now sit down and talk," She sighed. "If I sit down I can not show you what I need to," She went to her bureau and pulled out what seemed to be a letter.
"The middle part,"
I took the proffered letter and recognised the hand writing to be that of the Sons of Elrond, after quickly scanning the middle I looked up at her in shock of her.... idiocy. "So you decided to dye my hair because Elladan and Elrohir suggested it? I never thought you to be a sheep."
"Be glad I didn't sew you and your leggings to that cot, or the other things that they have suggested to keep me from boredom."
Was I marrying an elflet? How could she not see the consequences of her actions? Did she not think before she did anything? "That sill does not validate what you did, you'd barely seen me in a week, how could I raise your ire? You have just joined the orchestra, how could you be bored? You are making no sense. You are being impulsive, you act like a child," I condemned standing up and pulling her closer to me.
"I refuse to have this conversation with you if I decide to do such things, 'tis up to me, at least I had the hart to own up, instead of leaving you to jeopardise your relationship with your brother further."
Had she not been present during the beginning of the conversation? She should have confessed before I left!
"It is not simply up to you! Your reactions not only impact upon out sham of a relationship. My relations with Orophin, and his with Asmiel, they were impacted, and there are other relationships you fail to realise. How are people supposed to trust me if I could not even prevent having my hair dyed pink?
"We may not want this marriage, but the least we could do could be to make sure it was bearable for both of us" I pleaded. She gave me a cold look before saying
"Nothing is bearable when it's to do with you. Now I think I'll go and apologise to Orophin and then perhaps the Lady might care to have my company for a while.
Somehow she pulled herself from my grip, quickly leaving the house.
I sat on the bed for a while contemplating the situation, our relationship had definitely taken a colder turn. I decided to wash my hair before I too went to apologise to Orophin, hopefully Laingalad would have left by then.
I feel like I'm all alone
All by myself I need to get around this
My words are cold
I don't want them to hurt you
If I show you
I don't think you'd understand
All the pain
I thought I knew
All my thoughts lead back to you
Back to what
Was never said
Back and forth
Inside my head
I can't handle this confusion
I'm unable come and take me away.
Additional Disclaimer: The song above is owned by Avril Lavigne and Don Gilmore.
A/n Wells both Fran and Mo are going to kill me for sticking Avril Lavigne lyrics in this, ::shrugs:: I happened to be listening to it and it fit. Anyway, it's my chapter! I can put it in there if I want to!
Sorry for the delay, a mixture of the exams, both Mo's and my laziness, ::coughs:: and the lack of computer time when she sent it to me. Luckily the exams are over! Okay, so there's one left but let's not think about that (Germany and Russia, 1917-1941) To reviews…
Chibi06: Well loads of love and drama in this chapter! Not quite wounded, no. Just a mini cliffhanger, sort of.
Michelleb102: Not enough updates? Lol, hopefully that shall be rectified over the summer, though that said Frufru has the chapter that Mo's meant to be writing and we won't be getting that back until Wednesday and we were only at the beginning there…we can be a bit scatter brained. Yes…accepting her situation, or not!
Name1: Your wish is our command! ::winks::
Haldir's Heart and Soul: Of course it was Haldir!
Latia: We'll continue to proceed, just continue to review!
Eltavor: Here! Here! Here!
pikabo: Don't worry we weren't abandoning this! We won't. I have the epilogue planned I couldn't just not write this!
And now for something different. While we were discussing this story and then Footballer's wives (which only Frufru watches) we carelessly mentioned 'March Wardens wives' and Fran was struck as if by lightning! So her you go!
Enjoy!
March Warden's Wives
Part One
By Frufru
All had gathered to the cities edge, the hunt was soon to begin. The hunters being of the right age, skill, and ability, searched the close woodland for the largest f deer to win the golden reef and the kiss of victory from their proud wife at the end of the days long hunt, no wife wanted to bring home a loser.
"Ithildin, my wife. I will be the elf that rests the largest deer at your beautiful feet," the slim built elf knelt before his wife.
"Stop making a show of me Firielanath, and start hunting. Victorious or not I want to see you return unharmed when the day is done."
Ithildin kissed her husband's happy brow.
"See you when the day is done meleth," smiled the elf rising to his feet.
The chimed twice. The hunt had begun and each wife and elfling watched as their husbands, brothers and sons were swallowed by the forests wilderness.
"Do not fret Ithildin. He will be fine. Come," motioned Nebridë, "We can retire to my talan until their return."
"That is very kind of you, friend. But I am afraid I would not be much company, as all my thoughts have left with my husband, out there. I will return home and wait for him."
With a small curtsy Ithildin retired to a not so empty talan as everyone expected. "Randor, are you here?"
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, my sweet," the tall, broad built, muscled elf emerged from the shadows cast in the talans main room.
Quickly shutting the talans front door, Ithildin ran into Randor's arms. It was only in those arms that Ithildin ever felt heart wrenching love, all consuming love, the type of love she had not ever felt with her husband. "Oh, when will we be together?" sighed her lover.
"We can never be together, Randor. But know that you will always have my heart."
"And what of your mind, your feä, your body?"
With a temptuous smile Ithildin confessed, "You have my body. You command it to yearn for you, to burn at your every touch, to reach pinnacles in ecstasy that I thought one would never feel every time you make love to me."
"But we are on borrowed time, Ithildin, and it is not enough." With a kiss Randor teased Ithildin's lips, "I cannot live an eternity with you, but I cannot live one day without you. This could be a problem!" They laughed gently together.
"Yes it could. You're both my curse and my blessing, Randor. Let's not waste time talking."
Turning her head to face him, Ithildin brushed her lips against the elf's sensitive ear tip, "Come to bed Randor."
"Not today meleth," he lied. "You need to make a decision." Randor unwrapped his muscle toned arms from around the slim elleth's waist, willed his feet to defy reason and walked himself to the door.
"If I leave Firielanath is sure to fade," Ithildin pleaded her lover.
"And what of my and my heart? You decide before the day is done, or else…"
"Or else what?!?"
"Or else my love, for you will be my minds undoing." Randor left with the sound of Ithildin's faint sobbing muffled behind the heavy oak door which he closed and leant against. "This is for the best my darling," he whispered. "You will see," with tears brimming his eyes, Randor walked away.
. .. … … … .. .
"I'll get it for next week, by the Valar I will."
"That what you said LAST week!"
"Well, that was then and this is now, isn't it," Helethel smile hid his fear of having his neck completely crushed from under the moneylender's strong hands.
"Yes, Helethel. This is a new week; with a whole new interest rate that will increase the longer you take to pay me your ridiculous debt. Your ada was right you know. You're a disappointment, to him, to your family, wife and to all that there had been of elven kin. Your pathetic, and no matter how much you will ever try, you will always be a pestering nuisance to those around you."
Helethel did not know what hurt most, the hands clamped to his throat, or the truth.
"Randor!" Helethel gasped to his friend, above him.
The moneylender snapped his hands from his client's throat falling into an easy position by his sides.
"Helethel, Elandir," Randor nodded politely his mind to strained to suspect an interruption of a teeth clenching conversation.
"Randor, mellon-nin, walk me down to my wide would you? My injury is slow to heal."
"And it won't be your last injury if your debt is not paid before the week is out," Elandir hissed silkenly soft in Helethel's ear. "Unfortunately I am headed in a different direction, a warden meeting has been called," Elandir turned to Randor, "So I won't be able to take him."
"That's fine," Randor clasped Helethel's forearm and elbow. "How do you manage to do these things to yourself?" Randor's head gestured to his broken shin.
"I'm clumsy I guess! I wasn't born with enough grace as other elves."
'Or enough brains,' Elandir thought to himself.
"Good luck with the meeting, Elandir. It's been…educational talk to you," Helethel diverted his eyes from Elandir's warning gaze and let his March Warden friend direct him down the spiral staircase.
END OF PART ONE
Frufru's A/N (Yes shock horror! :o) )- A very subtle beginning to ease you into the shenanigans that will follow. Who knew elves could be so naughty!
Wells PiXiE here, I hope you enjoyed that! Now I'm not sure that Part Two will be up with the next chapter, it depends on Fran's oh so busy schedule of sleeping! ::glances around worried::
Anywhoo, feel free to read and review both of these stories!
PiXiE