Chapter 6

The MarchWarden and the Princess

I opened my eyes and found arrows pointed at me. I panicked and jumped out of Legolas' arms, running as fast as I could. I heard Aragorn call for me and the rest of the Fellowship.

Haldir's POV

I had never seen someone so fast.

"~Bring her back safely.~"

"~You will never get her back without me. She's scared. You know me, Haldir.~"

I nodded and let the prince go after her. Aragorn tried to go but he was stopped.

"~She's my daughter.~"

I was surprised. The princess was finally back.

"Aragorn! These woods are perilous! We should go back." The dwarf said.

"You have entered the realm of the lady of the wood. You cannot-"

I was forced to the round, my face shoved against the earth. I heard the dwarf start laughing.

"Tell them to lower their arrows!"

That voice! I'd heard it so many times in my dreams!

"Silver enough! They are not going to harm us. I believe they are just here to escort us."

Silver?

"Silver you'll hurt him if you keep pushing his face into the ground." Aragorn said.

I was roughly turned over and now looking into the most beautiful silver eyes I'd ever seen. It was her! The woman from my dreams.

Impossible! It cannot be...

"Silver!"

The Prince came back and she ran to him. My heart fell at the sight of them together. I stood up and brushed myself off.

"Follow me." I said.

I led them to a guard post as night fell.

"Mae govannen Legolas Thranduilion."

"Govannas vin gwennen le, Haldir o Lorien." he said.

I nodded and moved to Aragorn.

"Aragorn in Dunedain. Istannen le ammen."

"Haldir."

I looked the young princess next. I bowed my head.

"Please forgive me for startling you. IT is our custom to be wary of strangers." I said softly.

She knelt down and looked into my eyes. I found this rather unusual, but remembered she;d been sent to a different world and raised there.

"~No, I;m sorry. I overreacted and jumped you. Then I shoved that handsome face in the dirt. Please pardon me.~"

She stood up as I straightened myself. She smiled gently and I nodded.

"U-moe edaved." I said.

"SO much for the legendary courtesy of the elves. Speak words we can all understand!" the dwarf blustered.

I turned to him.

"We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the dark days." I said.

"And do you know what this dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!"

Now that I took offense to. The princess gasped and glared at him while Aragorn turned.

"That was not so courteous."

I moved next to the hobbit. I felt it, whatever he carried, it was evil.

'You bring great evil with you. You can go no further!"

I turned away and Aragorn came after me.

Silver's POV

I sat down the edge of what seemed to me like a great big hunter's rest. These woods were so beautiful. I heard my father arguing with the elf, who's name I learned was Haldir. I looked over at him. Being a wood elf he was in some ways similar to Legolas. However something about Haldir was much different. There'd been something in his eyes, something I never saw when I looked at Legolas or anyone else for that matter. He started to look at me and I quickly looked away. I had just tackled the man and shoved his face into the dirt. Whatever chance I'd had was gone.

"~Very well. IN the morning.~" Haldir said.

I looked over again and he looked at me. I smiled at him politely but he just looked away.

Gods I'm such a loser.

Everyone but the guards soon fell asleep. After a while I felt eyes on me and turned, but there was no one there. I stood up and walked to the other end of the platform.

"Is there something wrong?"

I didn't look at Haldir.

"I thought I felt something watching me. I was wrong. Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." I said.

"You did not. Though I am surprised you are not with the prince."

"Prince? You mean Legolas? He's kept me company through enough sleepless nights. He deserves a good rest."

"I see."

There was something strange in his voice. I looked at him but he would not meet my eyes.

"Look I really am sorry about tackling you."

"I have told you I am not upset. You should rest, princess. You are safe here."

"My name is Silver, not princess."

He sighed.

"IT would not be appropriate for me to address you as such."

I smirked.

"Not even after I was basically straddling you in front of your men?"

His eyes snapped up to look at me and I laughed a little.

"It's a joke. Don't you ever laugh?"

He didn't say anything.

"That's a little sad. Not even a chuckle?"

Still nothing.

"Usually me making a fool of myself is enough to make anyone laugh or at least smile. As for resting, I'm not gonna be able to sleep tonight. I have a lot on my mind."

I turned away and looked out at the forest. I could still feel him standing there.

"It really is beautiful here. I can see why you protect this place so well. Where I was raised, there's no place as beautiful."

I closed my eyes as the wind blew and held out my arms. Sometimes it felt as though I were flying. I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and found him staring at me. I smiled a bit and caught a leaf in my hand.

"Mallorn leaves, right?"

I looked at him and he nodded. I walked up to him and smiled.

"Did it come all the way from the great tree?"

He slowly took it from me and looked at it.

"This one did, yes."

"There are no leaves like this where I was raised. There are no elves or dwarves and there is no magic. But then, there are no orcs either. No Balrogs of Morgoth..."

I stopped and looked at the leaf again.

"I'm sorry."

I took the leaf again, my hand touching his. I almost missed how he shivered at my touch. I turned it in my hand. The wind blew once more and I let it go with the wind.

"If you want to talk... I will be glad to listen." he said suddenly.

I looked at him and slowly smiled.

"I'd really like that."

We moved away from everyone else and talked long into the night. He did smile a few times but he never laughed. I made it my new goal to get him to laugh at least once.

Haldir's POV

She was everything I had dreamed she would be. But she was royalty. I knew I could never have her, no matter how much I dreamed and no matter how much I wanted it. I would take whatever time I had with her. She told me many things and asked me many questions. The sun began to rise and her silver eyes shined brilliantly. It was a sight I would remember for all eternity.

"We must leave soon. It is still nearly a day's walk to Cara Galadhon."

We stood and as I walked past her, she gently took my hand.

"Thank you, Haldir. Thank you for just talking with me tonight."

I needed to let go of her hand, but I couldn't. I turned and looked into her shining eyes.

"I am pleased to have been of service to you, princess."

Her smile fell from her face and she looked disappointed.

"Service? You think..."

She dropped my hand and walked away. I closed my eyes and sighed.

You are a fool Haldir!

I walked over and found her sitting with Legolas and the dwarf. The dwarf flat out glared at me as he put his hand on her shoulder.

"Follow me." I told them.

Silver was silent the whole way, no smile upon her angelic face. We stopped to rest but she did not stray far from the dwarf. Finally we neared our destination.

"Caras Galadhon, the heart of elvendom on earth." I said.

I saw Silver look in wonder at the great tree. The dwarf cleared his throat and I continued on. Night fell as we reached the lord and lady. I kept my eyes trained on my boots, knowing that if I looked at Silver all I would do was gain the dwarf's wrath again. Lord Celeborn dismissed me and I left as quickly as I could, but I felt eyes on me. Her eyes. I didn't look back as I left.

I was summoned by the Lady a few hours later and went to her immediately. It was rare for her to summon me, so I assumed it was of the utmost importance. I bowed as I approached and she smiled.

"I have a task for you, Haldir."

"Of course, my lady."

"The Fellowship will remain with us for the next month. You are to remain with my granddaughter, be her guard."

I took care not to give any sort of reaction.

"As you wish."

"You know there is a reason behind everything I do."

I bowed my head and left to find Silver. She was not among the Fellowship. I found her footprints leading towards the lake. I slowed as I approached, worried I would find her indecent. However she merely sat there staring at the water's surface.

"Legolas I told you I don't want to talk about it."

She'd heard me? No one ever heard me if I didn't want them to. I slowly walked out and she sighed.

"I wasn't expecting to ever see you again, Marchwarden."

Her voice sounded cold. Nothing like the night before. It was like a dagger in my heart.

"I never meant to offend you the other night. I am still unsure as to how I did so."

She stood up angrily.

"I wasn't looking for a goddamn service!"

She marched right up to me. She wasn't the least bit intimidated by me. She glared at me stuck her finger into my chest.

"I thought maybe just maybe I could find a good friend in this elf. But you have a silver spoon shoved so far up your ass that it would take a miracle to get it out!"

I had never heard such words from a lady's mouth. I was angry! I grabbed her wrist and pushed her back.

"You will pardon my saying so, princess! But it is rather unbecoming to use such words, or to shove one's finger into an other's chest." I snapped.

"See! Silver spoon!"

She pushed me away and turned away.

"You are infuriating!" she said.

"And what does that make you, princess?"

She whipped around, grabbed me and pinned me against a tree.

"I have a name!"

I grabbed both of her wrists, my blood boiling at this point. NO one had ever thrown me around in such a manner. I never would've allowed it.

"I cannot be your friend, Silver." I said.

She stopped struggling and looked into my eyes.

"My station is far beneath yours. I have my place and you have yours. It doesn't matter what I want. And I am truly sorry that I cannot give you what you seek. The other night, simply speaking with you is one I will hold in my memory for the rest of my days."

She did not move away, she seemed to move closer in fact.

"Tell me you did not know me before we met. Tell me you never saw my face in your mind and I'll never bother you again. Tell me the truth, Haldir."

How could she know?

She slowly placed her hands on my shoulders.

"I knew you before I saw you that day. I knew your eyes, I knew the feel of your hands. I don't care about your station. You could be a farmer and it wouldn't change a damn thing. So if this is to be the last time, tell me the truth." she said.

Her lips were dangerously close to mine. I gently took her hands in mine and closed my eyes.

"Yes. Yes I knew you. I knew your face, your eyes... For years I have known you, Silver."

I looked at her again and saw the defeated look int her eyes.

"But it still won't change your mind."

I would allow myself this one moment with her. I pulled her to my chest and wrapped my arms around her.

"I cannot allow it. A dream is very different from reality, Silver. I can only allow myself this moment with you or I'll never be able to stop."

She clung to me, almost desperately. I gently pushed her back and looked into her eyes.

"I will escort you back."

I turned to leave.

"Haldir."

As I turned back, her lips pressed against mine. I had to stop this! I leaned back and shut my eyes tightly.

"Please... please Silver don't..."

"I'm so sorry!"

She ran back towards the city and I could do nothing but watch her.

Over the next week I continued to guard her, but I stayed out of sight. I worried about the man, Boromir. Even I could tell his mind had been corrupted by that ring. He had been watching Silver at times. Who knew what the ring whispered to him. Silver was no fool, she kept her distance. She often wandered alone, even distancing herself from Legolas, her dearest friend. I knew it was my fault.

Silver's POV

I had never felt so alone, even though I wasn't. Knowing Haldir was always close by and that I couldn't have him was torture. The worst kind of torture. I sat by our camp and watched the running stream. Aragorn sat beside me.

"You have not been yourself."

"I'm alright."

"Of all the people, your father is not the one you should lie to."

I looked at him.

"Do you truly think me blind, my daughter? Even the Marchwarden cannot hide how he feels. He no longer holds himself with the same pride."

I actually smirked.

"And here I thought it would take a miracle to dislodge that silver spoon." I said.

"Pardon?"

"You don't know want to know. He says he's beneath me."

Aragorn laughed and shook his head.

"Stubborn as always. DO you truly believe that your great-grandmother would have made him your personal guard if she thought the same? Do you think I'd allow him to be so close to you if I didn't approve?"

I slowly smiled and threw my arms around him. He hugged me tightly and kissed the top of my head.

"I always want you happy. IF he is what makes you happy then I'm alright with that. Now go knock some sense into his thick skull." he said.

"Hannon le... ada."

It was the first time I'd called him anything but Aragorn. He smiled and I hugged him once more before running off into the woods. I knew Haldir would follow, but I also knew I was faster. I went back to that same lake and jumped into a tree.

Haldir's POV

She just took off into the woods. She was too fast and I lost sight of her within seconds. I slowed down and once more followed her tracks until they disappeared at the lake.

"Princess!"

I should have learned by now that calling her that would have consequences. I was forced to the ground and then turned. There she was, once again, on top of me.

"Well, at least this time I didn't shove your face in the dirt."

I was struggling to keep myself under control, and to get her off me. She pressed something cold against my throat.

"Is this really the only way I can get you to stay still?"

"W-what are you doing?"

"I'm not moving until you listen to me."

"You're not going to keep that there are you?"

She smirked.

"Only if you give me your word you won't move."

"Silver..."

"Swear." She said.

"Very well. You have my word I will not move until you have finished."

She moved the dagger and looked into my eyes.

"It;s not impossible."

"O-man pedich?"

She took my hands and held them to the ground.

"You and I."

I sighed sadly and closed my eyes.

"Silver we discussed this. You know that I-"

She cut me off by pressing her lips to mine. I stayed very still and did everything I could to keep my body from reacting.

"Your station doesn't matter. Aragorn doesn't care, he approves."

I looked at her curiously.

"The Lady Galadriel-"

"Made you my guard for a reason. Doesn't anything get through that head of yours? Think about it."

She let go of my hands and leaned back, allowing me to sit straight up. Though she did not move off me. I still wasn't sure, but my control was slipping from my grasp. Having this woman, the woman I had dreamed of for over a hundred years, finally seated on my lap...

'Look at me, Haldir."

I did as she asked.

"I know you've seen us here before. Stop denying it."

She was right. I had, so many times. I reached up and laid my hand against her cheek. She closed her eyes as she leaned into my palm and wrapped her delicate fingers around my wrist. She kissed my palm and then each of my fingers. I barely managed to hold back my groan.

"I wasn't raised as a princess. Aragorn has been in hiding his whole life. I am just a woman. A woman who's very much in love with you." My eyes widened. "And who has been since before she knew you."

I tunneled my hand into her long dark hair and wrapped my other arm around her. I couldn't take it anymore! I kissed her. She wrapped her arms around me and held me close and tight. Her tongue traced over my bottom lip and I moaned, giving her easy access. She slid her wet tongue into my mouth and once more pushed me to the ground. Her soft body stretched over mine and began to try and find a way beneath my clothes.

"Silver! Silver stop!"

She groaned and leaned back.

"Why are we stopping now?"

I smiled a bit as I looked at her.

"Do you really want this to happen here?"

She smiled and kissed me again.

"I can't think of a better place." she whispered.

I moaned softly as her hand finally touched my chest. I started tugging at my clothing, desperate to get it off. She helped me until my upper body was exposed to her. She kissed down my neck and across my chest. When she sat back she brought my hands the ties of her corset. I wasted no time ridding her of the garment. She came back to me and lifted her shirt. She was perfect in every way. I sat up straight so I could kiss every inch of her skin. She leaned back against my legs as I kissed ever downward. As I moved back up I dipped my tongue into her navel and left open mouth kisses along her skin. I took what cloths we had removed and laid them behind her. She laid back and welcomed me into her arms.

"Haldir... meleth nin..." she whispered.

Her words made my desire grow, along with my cock. She spread her legs and wrapped them around me, bringing me closer to her. She moaned as my arousal made contact with her center. I rocked against her in attempt to gain some relief for both of us. She arched her body into mine. I kissed down her jaw and to her neck, touching and memorizing every inch of her. I felt a scar on her back and leaned back.

"What is this?"

I looked down and she covered herself.

"Please don't."

I could hear the pain in her voice. I gently turned her face to mine.

"Who did this to you? Was it that man? Boromir?"

"No! This happened before I was brought here. Please, I don't want to talk about it."

"Shh! It's alright. I will not make you tell me. I have seen him... watching you and became afraid."

She smiled at me and I couldn't stop myself from smiling in return.

"I knew you could smile. And such an amazing smile too." She said.

"I will only smile like this for you." I said softly.

She reached up and lightly touched my cheek.

"The great Marchwarden of Lorien reserves a smile just for me. And what would he like in return?" she asked.

She delighted in her teasing of me.

"I do seem to recall you once telling me you found it sad I didn't smile. As an apology for upsetting you this past week, I offer you a smile that only you will ever see."

The look in her eyes melted my heart.

"I don't know what to say..."

I smiled and stroked her beautiful cheek.

"You need not say anything. Only swear that this is not another dream."

The smile she gave me was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. She very gently pushed me onto my back and laid her hand on my cheek.

"Where do your dreams end? Here right?"

"Yes."

She smiled and stroked my cheek.

"Not this time." she said.

She leaned down and kissed my lips. Just the taste of her was enough to drive me insane. I was so distracted by her kiss that I didn't realize she'd bared her breasts. Not until they were pressed against my chest. My cock pulsed in anticipation for what was to come. Her tongue slipped into my mouth as I moaned and curled around mine. I needed to touch her, and I was beyond asking permission now. I reached up and took one of her full breasts in my hands. She broke the kiss to cry out in pleasure. I pulled her onto my lap and she rocked her hips against me.

"Slowly my love. I have waited more than a thousand years for this moment. I want to savor it." I kissed her shoulder. "Savor you."

"You're right."

I smiled and leaned forward, kissing along her collar bone.

Silver's POV

His warm lips covered my skin with kisses. I smiled and tilted my head back as he moved along my throat. One of his hands rested at the back of my neck while the other held firm at my hip. I wanted his hands everywhere!

"Haldir! Haldir I want you so badly!" I moaned.

He shivered and held my body closer to his. His chest was warm, smooth, complete muscle. I looked down as he took one of my nipples into his hot mouth. I knotted my fingers in his soft blond hair and he looked up into my eyes. His tongue circled my nipple and it took everything I had not to shut my eyes and lose myself in his touch. He moved to the other breast, his eyes always on mine. It was almost as though he were challenging me to look away. I would stare into his eyes for eternity if I could. Two could play at this game. I gently started to rock my hips against his. MY breast fell from his mouth as he moaned loudly. He pulled me flush against him and covered my lips with his in a desperate kiss. We kicked off our boots and he soon had me on my back once more. He leaned down to my ear.

"I will never let you go. It matters not how far you travel, or how long you may be away. I will always be here when you return. I have waited more than a thousand years for you, and I will wait until your journey with the fellowship is over."

He kissed beneath my eyes and I closed my eyes.

"And I will come back to you."

I felt him smile as he kissed my neck.

"I would hope so. Else I would have to track you down."

I laughed happily and his lips once more covered mine. His hair fell over us like a golden curtain and I began to trail my hands down his body. He moaned into my mouth as I reached his waistband, but he didn't stop me. He stopped the kiss and moved up so I could unfasten his pants before coming back down to kiss me again. That damn silver spoon had finally disappeared!

"Haldir! Haldir I want to see you." I told him.

He stopped and leaned back. His naked body was on full glorious display to me. I couldn't stop myself from biting my lower lip. MY eyes wandered down his chest to his cock. He was big and thick and already so hard. I licked my lips slowly as I looked back into his eyes. I took his hand and pulled him back to me. I kissed his chest, everywhere I could reach. All the while my hand moved down to wrap around his cock. He cried out my name and grabbed my hip, pulling me against him.

"It hardly seems fair for you to still have these on, my dearest." He said.

I smiled and laid fully on my back.

"So get rid of them. Prove to yourself that I am no dream." I told him.

He placed himself above me and smiled.

"You are no dream, Silvia."

No one ever called me by my full name. He seemed amused by my surprise.

"Yes, I know your rightful name. I had to say it at least once." He said.

He slowly pulled off the last of my clothing. He looked over me as I had him.

"You are more beautiful than I ever dreamed you would be. So soft and warm... there is nothing as beautiful as you." He said.

His warm hand moved over me, gently, cherishing.

"My princess."

I smiled a bit.

"And you, my handsome prince."

He chuckled and shook his head.

"I am no prince."

I laid my hand on his arm.

"Don't you see? You are to me."

I leaned up and kissed him, his fingers moving between my legs.

Haldir's POV

My fingers grazed her slick center. She desired me so much already. I wanted her to be ready for me, the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt her. I took my time, stroking her gently. She continued to moaned and arch into my touch. Her tongue danced with mine as I slid a single finger inside her and moaned at how tight she was. She tilted her head back and I kissed her beautiful throat. After a few more minutes I added a second finger and did my best to stretch her. Her soft hands wandered my back and then her fingers wove into my hair. Once I could easily move three fingers inside her, I withdrew them.

"No!" she moaned.

I almost laughed. She watched as I licked my fingers clean and then covered her body with mine. Everywhere my skin touched hers felt like fire.

"I'll be slow, gentle." I promised.

She nodded. I took hold of myself and rubbed my tip along her.

"Haldir... meleth nin..."

I pushed only the head of my cock inside her. She moaned and I looked into her eyes.

"Just look at me. I will never hurt you." I whispered.

"I know."

Ever so slowly I slid myself into her warmth. She wrapped her arms around me and her nails lightly dug into my shoulders. She never tensed in pain, I only saw pleasure in her beautiful eyes. She was so tight and warm that I nearly lost myself.

"You tell me when you're ready."

For a moment she just held me as close as she could. Then she gently rocked her hips.

"Now." She said.

I nodded and started to rock against her.

"Kiss me Haldir!" she begged.

I groaned as I kissed her silk lips and slowly withdrew from her. I was gentle as I sank back into her, stroking every inch of her. She lifted one of her soft legs to wrap around my waist and I sank deeper inside her. I felt her hands move down to my back side, pulling me harder into her, her hips rising to meet my thrusts. She rolled me onto my back and laid her hands on my chest. I held her hips as she began to rude me, her breasts bouncing with the effort.

"I'm so close!" She moaned.

"Let go! I want to see you fall apart meleth nin." I said.

She was getting tighter. I knew exactly how to bring her over the edge. I sat up and kissed her while I used one hand to stroke up the edge of her ear. She screamed my name and I felt her come around me. Hearing her cry my name for all of Lorien to hear brought on my own release. I continued to thrust and pump my seed into her body. She fell against me and I smiled as I held her. If I could keep her in my arms forever I would.

"Are you happy?" She asked me.

I gently kissed her shoulder.

"The happiest I've ever been."

She slowly leaned back to look at me.

"You know you're amazing. I've never felt so incredible in all my life." she told me.

"Hmm, next time will be even better." I said.

She smiled and wrapped her arms around my neck.

"And when would next time be?"

I gently brushed her hair behind her ear.

"As soon as I get you back to my bed."

She smiled at me and ran her fingers through my hair.

"All this time, dreaming of your face, wondering if I'd ever find you. A small part of me still worries this is a dream." she whispered.

I took her hand and placed it over my heart.

"You can feel my heart." she nodded. "Know that it is yours. Know that this is not a dream, not anymore. We are together and will be for eternity if that is what you desire."

"More than anything." she said.

We laid there together for a little while longer as the sun went down.

"Come, we'll go back to my talan."

She nodded and we dressed. She took my hand as we walked and smiled at me. I stopped and pulled her into my arms. I chuckled at the surprised look on her face.

"Aha! I knew it! You can laugh!"

"It was a chuckle my darling."

"Close enough."

She smiled. I would do anything to see her beautiful smile.