Intara's sleep was plagued with old memories; old memories that she had not looked upon in many, many, many years.

She had been riding in the mountains above what she thought to be Fangorn and gotten stuck in a storm. She'd been riding alone for weeks tracking orcs but had lost them in the mountains. She wasn't sure where she was or where she was going and was just enjoying her time alone. The storm had started out light enough but had grown worse with the setting of the sun. It was a bad storm; one of the worst ones she'd ever seen. The lightening popped and flashed above her head and she ducked as the thunder rolled. She tried to keep her horse calm and looked for shelter in which to get out of the elements. She'd found none, but as the storm raged up the side of the mountain, her horse spooked, lost it's footing and bolted out of sight. Intara had been thrown from the horses back and had rolled down the steep cliffs until finally coming to a stop on a narrow ledge. It had taken her the better part of the night to get off the mountain. She'd been forced to move slowly, only moving in the flashes of lightening.

Occasionally a bolt had popped overhead and had shattered the rock wall above her, sending a shower of sharp rocks raining down the mountain side. Sometime before dawn she had slipped on the scree and found herself tumbling down the hill with the shale and boulders she'd managed to knock loose. She'd managed to roll clear of the debris at the bottom and had crawled towards the fringe of trees.

She could see her horse chomping the grass lazily in the soft mist that seeped from between the ancient trunks. She cursed loudly as she stumbled and staggered towards it. As she approached it reared and whinnied in the pale light and made for the deep trees. She had wandered in after it, knowing that it would tire of it's game and eventually she'd be able to catch it. She had to take frequent stops to catch her breath. She hurt all over, and she could feel blood trickling across her skin in places. During one of these rests she looked around her and took in the look of the trees. She could see that the forest was old, but not as dense as Fangorn. She hadn't been sure of her exact location when the storm started and she certainly wasn't sure now that her head was throbbing with fatigue.

Rain trickled through the leaves; the air was filled with the sweet, moist scent of the clean air. She leaned her head back against one of the old trunks as the rain came down and washed across her face. She did not remember passing out, but she did remember waking up at the base of the tree.

She had awoken to see Haldir hovering above her. He spoke in slow, deliberate Sindarin that echoed in her ears. She couldn't manage a reply and closed her eyes, hoping that she'd be taken for an enemy and killed on the spot. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in strong arms, wrapped in a warm cloak. The trees above her moved by quickly as she was carried through the woods and into the city of Lothlorien for the first time.

She remembered bits and pieces of her first few days in Lothlorien before she was able to move under her own power around the city. She vaguely remembered seeing Haldir's worried face as it hovered over Galadriel's shoulder as she tried to heal Intara. He sat with her long into the night and spoke with her when she was awake. When she was well, he gave her tours of the city and even took her out to the fences once as a member of the watch.

Somehow, he had fallen for her, and inevitably she for him.

Intara and Haldir had become the gossip piece of Lothlorien. Elf and human relationships were seldom heard of and rarely came to any good. They had try to keep it secret, or fight it, but it had been useless.

One day, while on her way to the fences to visit Haldir, Intara was stopped by Galadriel.

"This is not something you wish to do." Intara and Galadriel watched each other closely without actually facing one another.

"Pardon me?"

"Do not distract him, Intara. He has his own business to attend to. I will not see him fade for love of a mortal woman." Galadriel disappeared into the trees before Intara could respond.

In spite of the warnings their love for one another had escalated. It was during her time in Lothlorien that she sent the fine blade Elrond had given her to Arwen with a group baring gifts for the young elleth from her grandmother. Haldir had not liked the idea of sending such a fine weapon away, but Intara knew it was right.

"I was merely keeping it safe for her until she was ready to carry it." She glanced around the woods. "Besides, I like it here….I think I could be happy here. What use would I have for such a fine blade in a place such as this?"

"I think it is time for you to leave." Galadriel said to her one day. "You have overstayed your welcome."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Lady. I did not mean to intrude." Intara said bowing. "I'll just wait for Haldir to return so I…" But Galadriel interrupted.

"I shall tell him of your departure. There is a horse waiting for you now. It is packed and ready for you."

Intara stood silently and looked at the woman before her. Galadriel's eyes were hard and filled with anger.

"Is this because of our relationship?"

"I told you to end it. I told you not to fall for him." Galadriel's eyes softened. "It is the only way to protect him."

"So…you would deny me the one true ray of happiness I've found in years to protect him….from what!?!"

"To protect him from himself; to protect you!" Galadriel said stepping closer to Intara. "You are mortal, even if your life is excessively long. Whatever it was that Armand did to you; it is done and can not be changed. But you will die, Intara. Make no doubt of that. Your death would break his heart and he would fade." Galadriel closed her eyes before locking Intara in their steady gaze. "I will not see that happen."

Intara looked away and would not lock eyes with the lady of the wood.

"If you truly love him, you will leave Lothlorien and forget about him."

Intara brought her eyes back to Galadriel's as the other woman's voice echoed through her head.

"Then I take my leave of you." Intara whispered, her heart hardening painfully in her chest.

Intara rode for the southern edge of the woods and back across the plains into Rohan. She did not look back, not when she'd broken from the cover of the trees, not when they'd disappeared over the hill behind her, and not when she'd crossed the river. She would not look back for fear that she'd want to return, and she would never return to Lorien while it was in her power to do so.

She would not if that's what it meant to keep Haldir alive.

Intara woke from her dream breathing heavily. She had nearly forgotten why she had avoided the woods all these years. She saw a shadow leave the doorway and was sure it was Haldir, but she didn't call him back. She did not wish to rekindle the friendship they had once had.

It took several days before Intara was able to limp painfully out of the talan she'd been put in. She moved slowly and kept one hand protectively against her battered ribs.

"You shouldn't be up and about yet, Intara." Galadriel's musical voice brought Intara to a halt.

"The faster I'm up, the faster I'm gone." Intara muttered. "Isn't that what you want?" she asked as she looked over her shoulder at the beautiful elf.

"No." Intara turned to face Galadriel, confusion plainly written on her face. "I hope you can forgive me for forcing you out last time."

"You did what was right by you and yours."

"I fear I did you and Haldir a great disservice." Galadriel sighed. "The world is not as it once was and nothing makes sense any more."

"You have done all you can." Intara said softly, knowing that Galadriel, for all her wisdom and insight into the world around her was as confused as anyone.

Galadriel sighed, a crease formed on her perfect brow and she looked off into the West. "I wish there was more we could do. Just know that I am sorry."

Intara watched as Galadriel ascended the stairs up to her flet and left Intara on the ground, confused as ever.

Intara stood beside one of the streams running through Lorien, and gazed across it. She had been laid up in Lorien for two weeks, the pain in her gut finally easing off the week before. Her leg still hurt, but her daily walks through the woods were improving that situation. She looked behind her and looked at the path she had just taken. It continued on the other side of the creek, but the bridge was gone. She did not wish to go back the way she came…there was a hill she did not want to have to climb.

"Well, I might as well jump the creek. If my leg gives out, it gives out, if not, I'm on the road to recovery." She thought.

Intara took a deep breath and ran forwards and launched herself through the air and only barely landed on the other side of the creek. She waved her arms trying to steady herself but found her hand caught and she was pulled forward, away from the cold water and into a strong embrace.

"Mani naa lle umien?" Haldir asked as he looked down at her dark eyes. "You are barely healed."

"Just seeing how much longer I have to go." She took a step away and winced, grasping at her stomach which pained her again suddenly. "Longer than I thought, I suppose."

"Esta sinome…"

"I think I'd prefer to walk." Intara said limping away from the elf. "I have things to do to prepare to leave."

"You won't be leaving any time soon."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because you are not well enough to depart."

"I am and I will. I decide when I move on, and I must catch up to the fellowship." There was a frosty bite to her voice as she continued on.

"Intara, Tampa!" Intara stopped abruptly but did not turn to face Haldir. "Please, stop and talk with me."

"I thought we were talking." Intara was shocked when she was suddenly turned around to face the larger elf.

"You know what I mean. You know of what I wish to speak."

"I'd rather not."

"Mankoi?" Intara had to avert her gaze so that she did not see the pained look in Haldir's eyes. "Why did you leave the last time without saying good bye? Why did you not wait for me to return?"

"I was not given that luxury." Intara said softly as she finally met his eyes. "I was forced to leave, and with good reason."

"What reason was that?"

"For you…for your well being." She whispered. "I left to protect you."

Haldir shook his head slightly as he brought his hand up to cup her chin in his strong fingers.

"Intara…"

"Please don't…not now." She whispered. Haldir's hand left her chin and he looked at her with a pained and puzzled expression on his solemn face. "I can't…."

She turned quickly and hobbled away as fast as she could but didn't look back. If she had, she might have seen the defeated look cross his face and his shoulders sag as she disappeared behind the trees.

Rumil entered the flet where Intara was staying while she finished recovering. He stared as she sat on her bed sharpening one of her knives. Intara knew he was there but did not look up.

"Haldir has not spoken in two days." Rumil said abruptly. "Anyone that crosses his path is close to jumping out of his way because of that glare of his. What did you say to him?"

"Nothing." She gazed down the length of the blade but did not look up at him.

Rumil crossed his arms over his chest. "Why do you hurt him so? Do you take pleasure in inflicting pain on others? Is your sense of decency so warped?"

Rumil was satisfied with the reaction he got as she flung her blade onto the mattress and stood quickly to face him. Her jaw was firmly set, her eyes narrowed angrily and her fists were clenched at her sides. Her leg was still stiff and as she walked forward her left leg hit the floor heavily and dragged slightly. She stood close to him and glared up at the taller elf.

"How DARE you speak of what you do not know." She hissed angrily. "You know nothing of the pain I suffered at leaving this place. I did not wish to come here, but at the time, I had no other choice at my disposal."

"Then tell me what happened." Rumil said grasping her shoulder. "Tell me the reason! I can explain it to him…make him understand!"

"I can't!" Intara shouted, backing away. "I wish to the valar I could but I can not! It is a private matter."

Rumil glared at her. His eyes cutting into her as she pulled away and sat back down on her bed.

"It is true what they say about you then…" Rumil's laugh was cold and he looked at her with distaste. "You must have made a deal with the dwarves to give you a marble heart…no one could be so cold and indifferent had they blood running through their veins."

Rumil turned too quickly for Intara to stop him. She wouldn't have even if she could.

Haldir waited beside the stream and stood at attention, listening to the wind sigh through the mallorn trees. Galadriel had sent him a missive asking to meet here. He had planned to depart for the border, but would delay the trip to speak with the lady. He heard the grasses swish slightly behind him and he turned to see Intara standing on the path with a confused look on her face.

"Mani naa lle umien sinome?" She asked. She had thought he'd left for the fences early that morning. She was supposed to meet Galadriel here to discuss her departure plans.

"I have an important meeting with Galadriel." He said tersely.

"That vile witch." Intara said softly. Haldir turned angry eyes on the woman that would insult his queen. "She sent me a letter telling me to meet her here as well….she planned this."

Haldir's features softened slightly in confusion. Intara approached and stood beside him, looking out over the forest.

"You are leaving soon then?" Haldir asked after the silence between them became unbearable.

"It is my hope to leave soon. Elrond entrusted me to follow the fellowship, I will not fail the city of Rivendell." She looked at the blonde haired elf beside her. "You fight for Lorien in a similar way as I fight for Rivendell."

"You are still bound to them then?" Haldir asked.

"Yes." Intara said. "I owe them a great deal."

A breeze sighed through the trees and kicked up the leaves and carried them into the stream, making little boats out of them. They watched one float downstream and then get crushed beneath a small, gurgling waterfall.

"Where have you been? Long have you traveled Middle Earth since our last meeting."

Intara was silent for some time as she pondered her answer.

"I traveled all of Middle Earth. In recent years I had been watching over the pilgrimages from Rivendell to the sea." Haldir nodded. "I envied them…their journeys to peace and rest."

Silence filled the space between them.

"And what about you? What have you done since last time?" She asked softly, she felt it would be rude if he inquired about her but she didn't reciprocate.

"I am March Warden now." Haldir raised his head, proud of his station. "I am in charge of all the warden's now….head of the city's defenses."

"Quite a step up from last time. Congratulations." She said with sincerity.

"Thank you." Haldir smiled a smile he didn't truly feel, but did not say anything more. The breeze danced through the trees and made the branches sigh and groan above their heads. She waited for it to still before she spoke again.

"I have something to tell you…." Intara said softly. "I feel it's time you know….I feel that Galadriel brought us here to talk about what happened the last time…." She sensed Haldir stiffen beside her. This was an uncomfortable subject and difficult to broach.

"Very well. What is it you wish to say?"

"I was asked to leave." Intara started out. "Galadriel asked me to leave." Haldir stared at Intara. "She knew the feelings we had for one another. All of Lorien did…it wasn't hard to ignore."

"I suppose it wasn't." Intara found it difficult to keep a serious face and demeanor as Haldir's cheeks took on a soft blush in the bright light. His jaw stiffened and twitched as he held his tongue and did not say anything.

"She knew the danger your love for a mortal woman put you in. She knew that if I stayed, neither one of us would fulfill our purposes."

"And what are our purposes, Intara?" He said turning his head to stare at her, his silver blue eyes pierced into her soul and touched a chord within her that she had thought long dead. She nearly lost herself in those depths before she found the means to escape and answer him.

"Yours was obviously to become March Warden…mine is to die." She saw Haldir grimace at the way she tossed so serious a word as 'die' about as if she were talking about the weather. "The lady all but said as much. But some people meet their destinies quicker than others, I suppose." The last was meant as a joke, but neither laughed. "I was going to wait for your return from the fences to say goodbye, but Galadriel thought it best that I leave right away. Looking back, I think it might have been for the best."

"I was heartbroken when you left." Haldir said, the pain in his voice cutting into Intara. "I begged the lady to let me go after you, but she denied my requests. She said I'd forget you with time. I think I knew deep in my heart that she was behind it, but I refused to believe it."

"It was probably best you didn't come after me. I spent quite a few years after leaving here putting myself into bad situations." She thought back on all the brawls she got into and the blind killing of raiding bands of orcs. She had hoped to die so that the pain in her heart would go away. Perhaps that was where the legend of the marble heart had come from.

"Do you still…do you ever regret it? Leaving?" He asked. He turned to face Intara when she did not respond right away. "No lies."

"Yes." She said finally, the sound no louder than the breeze surrounding them. Haldir grasped her hand in his and stood closer to her. "I've regretted it often. But there's nothing that can change the decision I made. What's done is done."

Time seemed to stand still as he brushed his thumb across the back of her hand and they became lost in each other's eyes. Intara found it difficult to breath, to move or to think as Haldir's blue eyes drilled through her. He had a power over her, he always had. A branch snapping in the distance brought her attention back to what was happening and she turned quickly to leave. Haldir's grip tightened on her hand and he pulled her back to him.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"We're done here….everything has been said."

"And you think you can just walk away again?"

"I must. I have a duty…"

"Don't talk to me of 'duty' Intara. We all have one duty or another…"

"Let me go…" Haldir tightened his grip on her wrist and pulled her closer to him as she tried to pull away. They were less than a hands breadth apart, both staring eye to eye with the other. Haldir was the first to speak.

"Let us not argue any more." Haldir whispered in her ear, his breath danced warmly across her neck as he held fast to her wrist, not letting her get away from him again. He swiftly leaned down and brought his lips to hers in a soft and tentative kiss. He felt her shudder and she tried to move away from him, but one easy hand on her back and she melted into his broad chest, deepening the kiss that they'd been craving to share since her return to Lothlorien.

A/N: Sorry this one was so long, but I hope it answered a lot of the questions that have popped up. Thanks for reading!

Mani naa lle umien--- What are you doing?

esta sinome--- Rest here

Tampa--- Stop

Mankoi--- Why?

Mani naa lle umien sinome?--- What are you doing here?