All of the reviews up to now have been great and I would like to thank everybody. In particular horseyyay for the continued support and also I luv Milarion 1201, I'm grateful for the help. ?
By the time news had reached Lea in the city, a travelling party from Imladris had entered the wood and approximately a days ride away, Haldir and her had been at the training fields letting off steam. Lea remained calm, she had already known she could sense the upcoming struggle. The archery practice had also helped "you know me so well." she thought dreamily, in truth it was Haldir's presence that kept her calm.
"Let's get away for a while," Haldir suggested seeing the utter dread in her eyes. He had planned it perfectly they would go to the grotto in the woods, where he went to be alone, that way she could find some peace. His plans were trashed however as before Lea could even reply they were interrupted.
Rumil, Orophin and Thalion came bounding into the clearing followed by a very out of breathe Alassëa.
"You two have been given false information !" Orophin announced, back to his usual self as it turned out Rumil had spiked his drink giving him that terrible headache a few days before.
Thalion stepped in, "The travelling party will be here in a few short hours, you both need to be ready by then." He attempted a smile, "I am sorry Le." He apologised once again.
Alassëa reached for Lea, guiding her back to their talan. "We can eat here tonight, I was thinking, I have all of the food prepared."
Lea smiled, "Thank you, for everything lass." She used her let name and hugged her friend.
Concerned Alassëa wanted to ask questions but there was no time they had to make everything perfect.
Meanwhile under the boughs of the mellyrn trees the travelling party were coming closer. The wardens escorting them couldn't wait to reach the city.
"Are we almost there yet ?" The youngest ellith asked for what seemed to be the millionth time. She was pretty, tall with long flowing hair the colour of silver and blue eyes, there was no denying that she was pretty, however the warden escourts associated her with ice, she was spoilt and obviously held herself in high regard, Lea's niece.
Wardens ignored her, that almost sent her over the edge. She was used to undivided attention.
The next two elliths looked much like the first, one however the younger of the two and mother to the youngest had kinder eyes, this was Lea's sister. The other older ellith had a cold demeanor never uttering a word but conveying disapproval for everything with her gray eyes, Lea's nana originally from Mirkwood.
The two men were very different. The youngest could have been the girls twin, Lea's nephew however he seemed to have a kinder heart, his eyes were searching the forest in awe, he was young and curious. The older Ellon was obviously Lea's father, he shared her eyes and was the only elf present with her dark hair and his daughter shared his rare green eyes, he also looked upon his surroundings in appreciation.
When the heart of Lorien came into view even the look of disgust was wiped from the young ellith's face, the beauty of the place overshadowed even Imladris. This city in the trees was beautiful, Lea fell in love with it at first sight she would die for it and fought for it as a warden, but her mother couldn't know that.
"It's time Lea, they're here." Thalion had come to inform her, he was forced to confront his family as well, "I'll meet you down there." He finished before she could speak he turned on his heel and left just before he was out of earshot he heard her shout, "Thalion, I'm sorry, I was selfish you didn't mean it badly." He carried on with a smile on his face.
Lea was prepared, as prepared as she would ever be. She had always known that this was coming, she had holed to see her family again she wanted to make amends and decided that it could not be that bad. "I can do this." She said, more to convince herself than Alassëa who was still in mad rush, she was always a perfectionist.
Things were coming together, now it was out of their hands.
Haldir arrived at the door to escort Lea, at the sight of her he couldn't help but smile. She looked different, but beautiful. She wore a pale green dress, she suited the colour and her hair was held to one side so it cascaded over one shoulder, Alassëa's work. Her bared neck showed her porcelain skin, Haldir had to stop himself from kissing her senseless then and there, he couldn't help but gasp.
When Lea opened the door and set eyes on Haldir the whole thing became even more real to her, he was truly the most handsome elf she had ever set eyes on, his defined features and stormy grey eyes. It's funny how in the hardest times all things become clear.
Walking arm in arm to the gates Haldir felt honoured to be given the opportunity to meet this perfect ellith, he wanted to thank her mother. Lea felt safe, as if she could conquer anything that the next few days would throw at her. They thought too soon.
The family reunion, if one could call it that was almost painful.
Lea and her sister Náriel embraced somewhat awkwardly and arranged to talk later on, Lea attempted to greet her niece but got nowhere and finally she met Daeron, her nephew who seemed pleasant enough.
Náriel smiled at Haldir but couldn't speak to him as her daughter pulled her away Daeron introduced himself before he followed after his mother and sister to the guest talain.
Then came the hard part. "Hello Nana." Lea smiled shyly, her mother hugged her which seemed normal to Haldir, Lea's Nana then looked questioningly at Haldir. Lea took the hint and began to explain.
"This is Haldir Nana," she announced "he is the march warden of these woods, protector of the realm." She added proudly smiling up at him.
Then it happened, rather than introducing herself she did what she does best. "What does that have to do with you dear?" She asked Lea smiling, but the atmosphere was tense. Lea choked on her words so Haldir spoke.
"I wish to marry your daughter." He told her, bowing his head slightly "If I may have the honour my lady."
"No. I wish to be shown to my rooms at once Belleawen ." He stared coolly at Haldir then was escorted to her rooms by Daeron who had returned for her. "Come Colion." She turned on her heel but her husband, Colion remained to speak to his daughter.
"I missed you little one." He smiled affectionately at her and pulled her into a hug, this time it was genuine. Lea leaned back with tears in her eyes, "I missed you to Ada."
"Don't pay any attention to that mother of yours child, she will lighten up I promise I fell in love with her when she was in one of her better moods remember." He smiled reassuringly. She nodded. Then he turned to Haldir.
" So, you are the Ellon Thalion was telling us about ? He didn't do you many favours my wife disapproves of the Lorien border guards, she called you barbaric," he stifled a laugh, "you know sometimes I wonder if your mother could be related to an Orc."
The older Ellon shook Haldir's hand "I will talk to my wife, I owe you this as you will soon be family, but never again I won't risk that."he grinned, Haldir thanked him.
"Belleawen?" Haldir asked on the way back to Alassëa's talan.
"Do not start," Lea warned him "We have to eat with my family tonight, you don't want a blackened eye." She tried to joke but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I'm sorry, about your Nana's reaction, but your Ada seemed positive." He tried to reason with her pulling her to him with an arm around her shoulders.
"Don't be sorry, I should've been prepared, I don't much care anymore." They were now stood outside Alassëa's talan, to Haldir's surprise Lea pulled him into a kiss, then she walked into the talan and closed the door. The infamous warrior blushed !
Galadriel and Celeborn both smiled "what a tease" she laughed. "Sounds like someone I used to know," Celeborn replied. His only answer was a deep passionate kiss from his wife momentarily stilling him, she took advantage and ran into the next room, "two can play at that game!"
Finished chapter, what do you think ? As always thanks for reading.
I love Galadriel and Celeborn, in my mind they have a relationship similar to that when they first got married when they are in private, I love the fun side of the relationship and for this fic I have decided to give them a more exaggerated playful side . Sorry to anyone who doesn't like this, I think I may eventually write a Galadriel and Celeborn fic hopefully that will turn out well :D.