Another chapter! I tried to make it shorter but just couldn't find a good place to end it.
Ponytail Goddess: i know you might wish Haldir did the beating himself?! But at least Eldrin's out of the way. I always felt Haldir to be discipline and principled, so i felt beating up Eldrin would be out of character. Though he fights and kills, he's fiercely protective of the people he loves. Like he's said, he made a vow and he will not break it no matter how much it hurts him. That makes him swoon worthy, in my opinion.
Katia0203: I promise things will be improving. Haldir and Lara will be going on a literal but figurative journey.
Earthdragon: Lara has not heard or seen the mean remarks Eldrin has made so has not responded to it.
Pat: thank you!
For the purposes of the plot, I made a distinction between silvan elves (haldir, his brothers, inaya) and noldor elves (eldrin, lara) who are nobility, wealthier ect. I wanted to highlight the difference in class and education between them. It might be important later, I wanted to leave that door open.
Lara chose a navy blue, off the shoulder gown for the feast. The gown, another she had never had the chance to wear before, was purchased shortly before her marriage on a shopping trip with a friend. It had cost a pretty penny, not that Lara cared then, for her father never denied her anything. The city was abuzz with excitement about the event. As she finished putting on her earrings, completing the outfit, Haldir walked into the bedroom. She was taken aback at how handsome he was in his Galadhrim dress uniform, she smiled recalling how Haldir had been (and still was) the object of many a female's fantasy. His hair was pleated carefully in a formal way, which he rarely wore, as he did not attend many formal events. She knew, no matter how much affection he attracted from the opposite sex, he had never and would never waver in his fidelity. Could she say the same about herself? Eldrin's arrival has stirred up emotions she didn't know she had, a sense of nostalgia for a much happier time in her life. She'd forgotten that there was someone other than her husband who understood her so well. She wondered if Eldrin knew her better than her husband.
The knock on the door was firm, Lara half expected Haldir to be called away to duty by a sentry.
"Lord Eldrin" she heard Haldir greet.
"Marchwarden, I thought I'd escort Lady Lara to the archives instead of meeting her there for our working dinner" Eldrin said casually, stepping into the flet. Lara had heard Eldrin's arrival, and she called out that she would be with them shortly, needing a few more moments to organize yet more papers in the bedroom.
Toby, who was running around playing with a toy bow suddenly skidded to a halt when he noticed the visitor in the flet.
"Our son, Toberion" Haldir introduced. The elfling appraised the visitor curiously.
"Hello Toberion, I'm Eldrin, an old friend of your nana's" Eldrin introduced himself, crouching down so he was eye level with the child. He eyed Haldir, before remarking, "he looks very much like Lara did when she was a child." Making the point that he, not her husband, knew what Lara had looked like as a child.
"You knew nana was she was an elfling?" Toby asked, the notion that his mother had once been a child like him seemed to amuse him.
"Oh yes, we were very very good friends. She told me all of her secrets" Eldrin replied. "Your nana wanted to be an adventurer when she was your age" he then turned to look at Haldir, "it seems like she took a detour from that, but luckily she's back on track. It would've been a waste otherwise, to live as a mere marchwarden's housewife."
Haldir was not about to allow someone to come into his home and throw insults. He roughly grabbed Eldrin's arm and jerked him back up to standing. Being handled in this manner startled Eldrin. "Do not insult my wife in front of me, I will not tolerate it" Haldir said in a calm, but dangerous voice. The volume was low, so as to escape Toby's attention.
Eldrin looked equally calm as he replied "I do not insult your wife marchwarden."
Just then, Lara entered the room. She stopped momentarily, as she took in the scene in front of her, confusion on her face. "Everything alright?"
"Yes, your husband was just introducing me to your little one, Toby. He's looks just like you Lara, when you were that age" Eldrin said lightly. Haldir let go of his grip and said nothing.
"Really, you think so? Lucky he's not as mischievous like I was" she smirked, oblivious to the tension in the room.
"Oh I remember all that" Eldrin teased, shooting another glance at Haldir.
"You didn't have to come all this way, we were going to meet at the archives I thought?" Lara remarked.
"I thought I'd bring you this" Eldrin said, taking out a package, wrapped in delicate tissue paper.
Lara's eyebrows raised, and she took the package and unwrapped it. A jewelry box appeared, and inside was a large exquisitely crafted pendant necklace of sapphire, surrounded by diamonds. Lara gasped. "Your mother's –"
"Sapphire pendant" Eldrin finished. "As you know she sailed west with my father a few years ago. She didn't get to see you before she left, but she wanted you to have this. You used to play with it when she wore it at parties and balls and were fascinated with it…"
"I remember" Lara breathed, gently fingering the piece. The way the light sparkled off the gems gave a young Lara hours of delight.
"She always thought of you as a daughter, and she didn't have any of her own so she thought it would find a good home with you. I should've got it to you earlier, but I wanted to give it to you in person. Nana always treasured the time our families spent together, as did I." Eldrin finished.
Lara's eyes filled with tears. She hadn't thought of those carefree years of her childhood for a very long time. Looking back on it, she'd had an idyllic, sheltered, privileged childhood. Her parents used to visit Mirkwood frequently, their vacation home was larger and more luxurious than most of the telans in Lorien. Her summers there were filled with carefree playing with a group of elflings (Eldrin chief amongst them), not a worry in the world.
"I regretted not seeing your parents before they sailed. They left shortly after mine…and then I was pregnant with Toby" Lara whispered.
"It's alright, nana understood. I'm glad I've finally fulfilled her wishes to get this to you" Eldrin said gently, touching her arm. "I know it's nothing compared to the jewelry collection your mother left you but it is of great sentimental value to my family."
"To me too" she whispered back.
Lara snapped out of her reverie and quickly wiped her eyes. She carefully put the necklace back in the box and gathered up her papers. After a quick goodbye to Toby and Haldir, they were off.
Once Eldrin and Lara left to make their way to the archives, Haldir picked up the box and opened it. The jewel was obviously one of a kind and invaluable. He had no heirloom of the sort to give to his wife. He thought of his own mother's lace veil that she had gifted Lara to wear on their wedding day, her most prized possession. Lara had worn it graciously on their wedding, paired with a diamond encrusted head band she had inherited from her own mother. It now seemed so inconsequential compared to the inheritance Lara had just received. He knew Lara had a large jewel collection, she never wore any of it, but from the headband he had glimpsed on their wedding day, he knew it was impressive. He realized a marchwarden's wife didn't have any balls to attend or anyone to admire jewellery or expensive clothing. Perhaps that's why Lara eschewed it. He sighed and looked at his son sadly. The elfling gazed back, "I don't like him" Toby pouted.
"You look beautiful Lara" her husband said, she knew he meant it.
She smiled, "you are quite handsome yourself. I have no doubt you will be the object of many a young elleth's fantasies tonight."
"Me?" Haldir asked, genuinely confused as to why any elleth would be interested in him.
"Yes, you. Inaya once told me that dreaming of catching the eye of the marchwarden has become a kind of sport amongst the young elleths in these woods" she laughed.
"I – I had no idea." Haldir said, bewildered. "I have never sought their attention" he emphasized a moment later, in case his wife was upset by it.
"You don't have to" Lara said nonchalantly. "It's alright Haldir, I've been aware of it for a long time. It doesn't bother me anymore" she reassured. Anymore, Haldir had not missed her wording. He wondered how much of his wife's struggles he did not know about. While Lara was the only elleth he had ever desired, he certainly had never been aware of any other ellons affections for her after they had married. Yet tonight gave him pause, Lara was wearing the sapphire and diamond pendant Eldrin had brought her.
"You're wearing the pendant" he noted.
"Yes, Eldrin's mother used to pair it whenever she wore a navy gown to a ball and it looked beautiful. I thought I'd give it a try. I don't know who will inherit this from me" she said wistfully. "Is Toby dressed?" she said, changing the subject and making an effort to banish that sad thought from her mind. Once the child had been wrestled into dress robes, which Lara had no doubt would be covered by the end of the night (if not sooner) with valar-knows-what, the family were on their way.
The feast was held outdoors, candles lit the way to the celebration area. The Lord and Lady had spared no expense in holding the festivities, to celebrate unprecedented cooperation between elves and men, but also an excuse to bring some light hearted fare into the realm after many years of Sauron's darkness. Toby was just itching to join his friends at the elfling's table, Lara could tell, as soon as they arrived.
"Nana?" he asked, not even needing to finish the sentence.
Lara smiled, "don't eat too many sweets" she cautioned, giving him a kiss on the brow before letting him run off. Then she looked at her husband, "no chance he listens to that."
Haldir laughed, he missed these small family moments. The thought hit him that he didn't know how many more they would have. With his hand gently at her back, he guided her to the table where his brothers and Inaya were already sitting. Inaya looked radiant, exuding a glow that only expectant mothers seem to have. When she saw Lara, she rushed to her, enveloping her in a warm hug. Lara stiffened immediately, forcing a grimace into a smile.
"Inaya, you look well" she said.
"More energy now that the morning sickness has done. The twins never seem to stop kicking!" the elleth said happily. She did not mean it to upset her sister in law, Lara told herself. "We missed you at last week's dinner" Inaya added.
"Work, I'm sorry Inaya. Haldir and Toby came still" Lara said lightly. She had work but she was secretly relieved not to have to go to Rumil's and see Inaya in all her pregnant happiness. It was painful, to be reminded of what she'd lost and now could never have. She had missed several dinners lately, coming up with one reason or another. Lara quickly moved on to greet Haldir's brothers.
The Lord and Lady of Lorien were never big on formalities, so the party did not contain many speeches or an official program. Mainly, elves drank and feasted, sang and danced, mingled as they pleased. When the adults were mostly finished eating, the conversations picked up again.
"That's a gorgeous necklace Lara!" Inaya gushed, she had never seen a piece so beautiful.
Lara smiled. "It was Eldrin's mother's. She had left it to me some time ago but he only brought it yesterday."
Inaya's eyes widened. "Eldrin's mother's?" In contrast, Haldir's brothers' eyes narrowed at the news.
"She was like a second mother to me. Our families used to vacation together in mirkwood. She used to wear this often to balls and I was entranced by it as an elfling" Lara explained.
"I've never been to a ball…" Inaya whispered. Balls were typically reserved for nobility.
The music started getting louder, inviting couples onto the dance floor. Haldir stood and offered his wife his hand, inviting her to dance. Lara was taken aback, her husband did not dance. Ever. Intrigued, she took his hand and allowed him to lead her on to the dance floor. He held her close, gently, affectionately as they swayed to the slow melodic music.
"I thought you didn't dance."
"I love you Lara, that has never changed. I want our marriage to be a happy one. I want our family to be a loving one. I want you to be happy" Haldir said in a low voice. "Do you still think we have something worth saving?" he asked, afraid to know the answer.
Before she had the chance to answer, Haldir ended his plea with a kiss. A passionate, loving kiss that seemed to convey everything he could not put into words. His sorrow at the pain they've gone through, his love, his loyalty.
"Lord Eldrin has some nerve! His mother's necklace!" Orophin spat, back at the table with Rumil and Inaya.
"Haldir thinks he's being honorable by doing nothing. It's a huge mistake, he needs to put that pompous elf in his place!" Rumil fumed.
Unfortunately, Lord Eldrin happened to stop by the table. "I'm seeking Lady Lara" he inquired.
"She is dancing, with her husband" Rumil said in an unfriendly tone.
"You should mind your own business. In Lorien, we do not look kindly upon those who disrespect our marchwarden" Orophin hissed.
"It surprises me that he commands such respect, for it did not seem to me that a Silvan captain of the guard could even read" sneered Eldrin. How Lara, his sweet, kind, brilliant friend could have married a soldier whose birth was so below hers was beyond him and any of their mutual friends. Theirs was noldor blood, noble blood. Lara's parents had been surprised, disappointed their daughter had not bonded with one of their own, but had supported her decision regardless. Their acquaintances had been less generous.
"Do you wish to defend your words in the sparring ring?" Orophin challenged, knowing an elf of Eldrin's stature would not decline.
Lara was breathless when Haldir broke the kiss. Before she could say anything, a sentry ran up to them. "Captain, the Lord and Lady request your presence at the sparring ring, immediately."
Lara stepped back, allowing her husband to rush off. "You too, Lady Lara" the sentry added.
"Me?"
The sentry nodded.
By the time Lara and Haldir arrived at the sparring ring, some distance away from the festivities, the crowd of soldiers who had surrounded the fight was beginning to break up. As they left, many offered congratulations to the marchwarden for his brother's job well done. They arrived at the ring just as the last soldiers ordered to leave by Lord Celeborn dispersed. Lara's jaw dropped open when she saw Eldrin and Orophin, both bloodied and bruised, though Eldrin was much worse for the wear. He was clutching his side, barely able to stand, face bruised and bleeding that he was almost unrecognizable.
"Oh valar, Eldrin, are you alright?" Lara rushed to his side, and pinched his nose to stem the bleeding. She looked at Orophin and realized that the two had been sparring. More than sparring, it was clear it had degenerated to a brawl.
"Orophin, what were you thinking!" Haldir yelled.
"No need for panic Lady Lara, the healers have been called. In my estimation, Lord Eldrin will live." Lord Celeborn intervened.
"What happened?" Lara asked.
"We were sparring, Lord Eldrin wasn't as good as he thought" Orophin offered casually.
"That ellon attacked me. Broke all rules of engagement!" Eldrin accused. "I should've expected nothing better from an uneducated Silvan elf!"
The Lord and Lady were in a bind. They knew Orophin's character well, and knew there must have been a good reason for such a beating. But Eldrin was nobility, Mirkwood nobility and an ambassador for their people. While they never distinguished noldor and silvan ancestry, it was quite a hierarchy in other elven realms. Lara, like Eldrin, was noldor nobility.
After a knowing look from Galadriel, Lord Celeborn tried to defuse the situation. "Come now Lord Eldrin. I was once in the guards myself, and have been on the receiving end of such sparring. Orophin was just too eager to show you his skills."
This left Eldrin no options. "No doubt, he was too eager."
"Well, this leaves us with quite the problem" Galadriel said. Seeing the confused faces, she continued. "You most certainly cannot go to Gondor in this state, Lord Eldrin. You are due to leave in 2 days. We will have to find a replacement."
"Of course, my Lady" Eldrin said, through gritted teeth.
"Marchwarden, why don't you accompany your wife? You are familiar with the roads, undoubtedly capable of protecting her on the journey. You fought with King Elessar at Helm's Deep, you're the obvious choice" Lady Galadriel said.
"My Lady, our son…" Lara interjected.
"Your son can stay with his aunt and uncle I'm sure? It is not a long trip. It is your duty to make sure this collaboration between our two peoples comes together without a hitch" Galadriel insisted.
"Yes my Lady" Lara and Haldir said, bowing.
The lord and lady escorted the injured Eldrin to the healing flets, it was the least they could do for the high noble.
"Orophin, have you lost your mind?" Lara demanded, once they were alone.
"I gave that bastard what he deserved" her brother in law snapped.
"Orophin, I don't need you to fight my battles for me" Haldir said sternly.
Lara looked between the brothers. "What are you talking about?"
The younger brother glared at Lara. "You may be of noble birth, but you don't deserve my brother" he said, before limping away angrily.
