Surprise! Another chapter! Things continue getting better for Lara and Haldir...just a few more things before this story wraps up.
I am so touched by everyone who has reviewed this story. To those who have been with me from the very beginning, a sincere thank you for all your encouragement. To those who continue to discover this story and leave your first reviews, I hope you find this story engaging and meaningful and I so appreciate you dropping me a note.
Katia0203: you will have to read to find out!
Earthdragon: i'm so glad you picked up on this! It's really the first time Lara has heard her own feelings of isolation, resentment echoes by someone else in a similar position, which is why it was so powerful
ButlergirlAnime: glad you like it. Thanks so much for the review!
Ponytail Goddess: thanks! I was trying to make it a little mushy...you're right about the lesson Lara learned (in the most unexpected place no less).
On one of their last nights in Gondor, the King and Queen threw a feast in honor of their elven guests. Lara chose a sleeveless white gown, which showed off her curves tastefully. She could feel Haldir's eyes on her when she first walked out of the bedroom with the dress on. She felt a familiar thrill when she noticed her husband's attention. In turn, she too appreciated Haldir's good looks in his dress uniform.
"Will you save me a dance, Haldir? I thought we should make dancing at these things a habit" she teased, referencing to their recent dance at the feast in Lorien.
Haldir's lips curved into a smile. "Aye, meleth. You can have as many dances as you want."
The palace's ballroom was decorated to the hilt. The best silverware had been polished and brought out, nobles and courtiers wore their finest jewels and gowns. For many, this would be their first glimpse of elves. Haldir and Lara could feel the anticipation in the room. The marchwarden, so unused to society gatherings, stiffened ever so slightly that it was almost imperceptible.
"Meleth, let me do the talking" Lara soothed. She knew Haldir would prefer to be sparring over schmoozing with nobility. Luckily, she had spent many nights at balls growing up and was at ease with the decorum. Lara expertly guided them through the crowd, somehow managing to speak a few works to everyone who wanted a moment with the elves. Haldir relaxed by the time they had made it through the crowd.
"I am not at ease in situations like this" the soldier admitted.
"That's why you have me" Lara answered, standing up on her toes and placing a quick kiss to his cheek. The chemistry between the couple was undeniable. The King and Queen observed this with satisfaction from across the room.
When the promised dance was completed, the elven couple walked onto the balcony adjoining the ballroom for some fresh air. They found themselves alone in the space as desert was being served inside. The cool night air was a welcome change and Lara leaned into her husband's body.
"I wish we could stay like this forever" she said.
"Mmmhmm, but we would not be good parents to leave Toby with Orophin forever" Haldir teased.
"You know what I mean!" Lara said, giggling. Haldir placed a kiss in her hair and inhaled her scent deeply. Things hadn't been this good between them in months, he wished it wouldn't end either.
"I always carry you and Toby in my heart, even when I am away from you" Haldir emphasized.
"I know, I didn't before but I do now" Lara said. "When we get back to Lorien, I want us to stay like this. I'm going to try Hal" she vowed.
"Do you care for another dance?" the warden asked.
Lara broke into a wide smile and took her husband's offered hand.
All too soon, Lara and Haldir's time in Minas Tirith was over. The documents Gondor was sending to Lorien's archives for translation and preservation were packed and loaded for transport. Their horses were saddled and their bags were packed. The King and Queen had come to see them off personally.
Arwen hugged Lara tightly.
"You are always welcome here my friend" Arwen said sincerely. She then presented Lara with a gift, a small box containing a pouch of seeds. "For the roses in my garden you so admire. Perhaps you will plant them in Lorien and they will give you the joy and peace you found in my gardens." Lara thought it a thoughtful gift and thanked Arwen with a kiss on both cheeks.
The journey back to Lorien was uneventful. Lara's anticipation increased as they neared the Golden Woods. She had missed her son greatly. A small party was waiting for their arrival in Lorien. Sentries stood at attention to carry the documents from garden to the archives. Haldir saw to this task while Lara knelt to receive Toby, who sprinted towards her. Lara held her arms out wide and caught the elfling in a tight embrace.
"Nanaaaa!"
"Hello my sweet. I have missed you so." She breathed. When she let him go, she pressed kisses on his cheeks until they were red. By then, Haldir had finished directing the sentries on the documents and Lara sent their son to him. "Ada wants a hug from you too."
Next to step forward was Orophin. He nodded to Lara curtly. His last words not forgotten by neither one of them.
"Thank you for taking care of him" Lara said politely.
"Of course, I'd do anything for my nephew" Orophin answered crisply. "How was your trip?"
"It was…eventful" Lara answered, looking at Haldir, who was had now picked up their son and placed the child on his shoulders, much to the elfling's delight. Lara smiled at the sight, this was noted by Orophin with great interest.
"Lara, I'm glad the trip went without a hitch" Eldrin stepped forward. He then dropped his voice and quietly added (to one in particular) "it's a miracle the marchwarden could handle the pressures of the Gondorian court."
Lara's face dropped. "What is that supposed to mean?" she challenged, glaring at her old friend.
"Lara, I only meant that Captain Haldir is hardly made for the royal court. His talents lay in less intellectual tasks" Eldrin smirked.
Lara wasted no time in slapping the ambassador. She had no idea what came over her, except a wave of fury that anyone would dare diminish her husband. "Don't you ever speak ill of my husband in front of me. He is the most brave and kind elf I know and I am privileged to be married to him!"
Eldrin was quite surprised by the outburst, for he unconsciously took a step backwards. "No offence intended, Lara. I apologize."
Lara was not satisfied. "It is not me you have to apologize to" she said, directing her gaze at Haldir. The ambassador took a measured breath before stepping towards the marchwarden with a conciliatory gesture.
"Well sister, I daresay your trip was eventful indeed" Orophin said, taking her hand and placing a kiss upon it as a gesture of respect.
The family soon settled into a new routine. Lara was off to work at the archives daily, Toby to preschool, Haldir to his marchwarden's duties. The threesome took on a new project, planting a garden near their flet, using some of seeds Arwen had gifted. Toby enjoyed the planting process tremendously, he enthusiastically dug holes in the dirt for the seeds. Lara and Haldir laughed as usually more dirt ended up on the child than anywhere else.
"Inaya's blessing ceremony is next week. I told her that Toby and I will be there." Haldir ventured carefully. They had been so happy since the trip to Gondor, he did not want to ruin it.
Lara looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. "I will come too."
"Inaya and Rumil will understand if you're not ready to go" Haldir offered.
"They're family, we should be there for them" she replied. Seeing her husband's worried features, she added "I'll be fine Hal." He simply nodded and said no more.
The blessing ceremony was an occasion for expectant parents to have a gathering to celebrate their soon to arrive elfling. Guests bring gifts and good wishes. Lara had ordered an exquisite baby blanket and matching sheet set for the occasion. There was a card with good wishes to accompany it. She was prepared that it might be a difficult event for her to attend, but she was determined to get through it.
They arrived after most of the guests. An elfling's arrival was celebrated by all in the woods and the gathering was large. Many elves had come to give the couple their congratulations. Inaya was radiant as she stood beside Rumil, receiving guests. She cradled her already large bump lovingly.
"Haldir, Lara!" Inaya exclaimed.
"Sister, Brother" Haldir greeted warmly. "Congratulations, we are most happy for you. Your elflings are sure to be beloved in our family" he said, as he kissed Inaya on the cheeks, and affectionately grasped his brother's shoulder.
"Lara, I'm so happy you came" Inaya said, beaming.
Lara forced a smile on her face, she was there for her in laws today. "The joy is all mine, to be able to celebrate your blessing."
Many elves came up to Lara to offer their condolences. Despite the occasion, it was the first time many had seen Lara since her miscarriage. "I'm so sorry dear", "Don't worry, you will be with child again in no time." Lara bore it with a smile on her face. They cared for her, she told herself, even though she didn't want anyone's sympathy. Haldir was attentive to her, staying by her side, deflecting an intrusive questions.
When Inaya took her place of honor to open the gifts, Lara dutifully oohed and ahhed over every piece of baby's clothing, toy that was unwrapped. Finally, the couple gave a speech.
"Thank you everyone for coming. Our daughters are so blessed to have so many who care for them before they have even arrived. That's right. Orophin and I are expecting girls!" Inaya squealed. The crowd erupted in cheers. Haldir turned to make sure his wife was alright, but could not find Lara. Worriedly, he searched the entire party and finally stepped outside to find her.
He found Lara sitting quietly on a bench. She seemed to sense his presence. "Am I needed Haldir?" she asked, concerned that she her absence had been noticed.
"I wanted to make sure you were alright, Meleth."
Lara smiled wearily. "I'm fine, Hal. I don't want to take any attention away from Inaya and Rumil. I just needed a moment alone."
"They're having daughters" Haldir said bluntly, not knowing how to approach the topic more delicately.
"Mmmhmm, and I am happy for them" Lara choked out, "I really am" she added, now unable to hold back her tears. She reached for Haldir and he was ready to cradle her in his embrace. He was grateful that she was sharing her grief with him. When Lara was finally able to get her emotions under control, she dried her tears. "We should get back, before they notice…" she said.
As she made to return to the gathering, he stopped her. Gently, he cupped her face with his hands and brought his lips to hers. Pleading silently with her to know that no matter what happened, he loved her, with all his being.
"I love you too, meleth" she said.
"Do you wish to know what you're having?" The healer's attendant asked eagerly. Lara propped herself up from the examining table in the healing telan. She had just finished her monthly appointment. She was 6 months along, tired, swollen, and irritated. The attendant's excitement for her was not computing.
Unconsciously rubbing her belly, "do you know already?" she asked absentmindedly.
"Of course! Does the marchwarden wish for another son to shoot with or a daughter to treasure?" the attendant prompted.
Wincing at a strong kick from her unborn elfling, she replied "I don't know. We haven't talked about it."
"Well, what do you wish for my Lady?"
"A daughter" she whispered. A daughter whose hair she could braid, a daughter to share her passion for reading with, to teach languages to…
