Title & Chapter Number: The Sundering 13/25
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Middle Earth
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: LOTR characters are not mine and I write only for non-monetary reasons.
Warnings: None
Betas: Julie
Cast: Haldir, Orophin, Rumil, other character's I have created
Timeline: Future AU
Spoilers: None
Summary: The world is reborn and Haldir returns to Middle Earth from Valinor.
Notes: none
~ 13 ~
Raven stared at the line of tree before her, still distant, just slightly bigger than the horizon, but she knew they were trees. The elves knew they were trees. She could see their anticipation as they drew closer to their home, knowing they would be there by day's end. She turned back to the caravan, noting the weary faces and dragging feet. It had been a long journey and the delays caused by the sandstorm had put them further behind.
She smiled as Indirion ran toward her, ignoring the sun that beat down on her head. "Where is your choufa, Indirion? If I make the elves wear theirs, then you must as well," she scolded as Indirion slid to a halt, grinning.
"Rúmil says that we are almost there! He says those are trees! Are they really, Raven?" she asked as she stared at the dark horizon.
Raven laughed. "Yes, Indirion. Those are trees. We should be there before nightfall."
Indirion skipped around her, laughing in her excitement, then sped off to find her brother, her chatter growing distant as she ran back alongside the caravan. Watching her, Raven smiled, then noticed Haldir as he strode beside Andarion. They looked to be deep in conversation. Haldir had pulled off the choufa, and his long hair fluttered in the soft warm breeze. She shook her head. It would not be her fault if he got a headache from the sun.
They drove on, the excitement spreading through the caravan as the horizon became more distinct. Ignoring the heat waves that blurred the trees, the villagers began to point, their expressions awed as they approached the Golden Woods of Lothlórien.
Raven could only laugh as they crested the last sand hill and she stood once more on the borders of the wood, staring in awe at the immense trees as they towered over them. The caravan halted as everyone stared, the elves grinning broadly as they strode quickly into the coolness of the forest. Raven was watching them leave, wondering what she should do, when Andarion stepped beside her.
"Haldir said we must wait here for a moment. He said he has guards? I see no one." Andarion squinted at the trees.
Raven laughed. "Nay, Andarion, and you will not see them unless they want you to. That I learned well. This is their home. We shall not enter until Haldir gives us leave. It is his duty now. He is March Warden."
Haldir strode into the forest, sighing with pleasure as the cool darkness enveloped him. Rúmil and Orophin both grinned, slapping him on the back as they passed, running silently deeper into the forest to be swallowed by the trees. He smiled, stopping as several of his wardens dropped silently from the trees.
"Haldir, Mae Govannen." One of the wardens stared at Haldir in surprise, then stepped forward to peer at him closely. "I fear you have some terrible malady, March Warden. Your skin has turned brown!" He grinned as Haldir smiled.
"Nay, but I fear the cook pots of Orcs wouldn't be much hotter!"
"It is good to see you returned. I have heard that the Lady has been very pensive of late. She worries a shadow follows you," the elf said as they continued into the forest.
Haldir pulled the choufa from his neck. "She knows much. We are being followed, but by what I cannot say. Send for the rear guard. I want as many wardens as we can spare on the borders here." He stopped as they reached the Nimrodel and Haldir stared at it for a moment. "You cannot know what pleasure it is to see a stream flowing so cheerfully. I do not know if I could have stayed away much longer."
The elf smiled. "Cool your feet, Haldir. I will send the messengers. The Lady bids you to rest the villagers. She is coming to meet you."
Raven waited, sitting back on her heels until she saw Haldir cross the sands once more to stand before them. "You may follow me, but do not leave the path." He turned back toward the forest.
Andarion nodded, turning back to the caravan, and they continued toward the coolness of the trees. When Haldir led them into the forest, the villagers grew startled as elves began to appear, seemingly out of nowhere, to line the short path to a large clearing. Turning to them, he waved his hand at the expanse of trees.
"Welcome to Lothlórien. You may set up your tents here and rest. These are my guardians-they will be near. Do not stray far from this clearing. There is water in the stream for you to use. I must go, but will return." He bowed before Andarion, and Raven looked at him in surprise at his sudden formality. He smiled at her, then turned and faded quickly into the trees.
"How does he do that?" Andarion mused as he watched Haldir leave. "I swear I watched him walk away and then he just wasn't there!" He grinned at Raven as they turned back to the caravan.
Raven laughed as she pulled on the ropes that held her tent taut, the excited rumble of voices as other tents went up echoing in the stillness of the forest. She noticed that many people were perched on the edge of the stream, staring at the flowing waters, afraid to reach out to touch it. Indirion ran around, screaming in mock horror as Sareth chased after her. They fell together, rolling on the ground, and Raven grinned at them, still holding the guy ropes of the tent. Then the two children sat up, and Sareth's face went slack as he stared behind her. Raven handed the rope to another and turned to see what had drawn Sareth's attention.
Indirion rose, wrapping her arms around Raven's waist. "Raven, those are more elves!" she whispered.
The forest grew brilliant with a soft light as the elves approached, Galadriel and Celeborn slowly leading a group of their people behind them. They glided along the forest paths, their robes hardly moving as sounds of ethereal, haunting music drifted with them. Galadriel smiled as she entered the clearing, crossing slowly to Raven as she bowed before her.
"I am pleased to see you return, Raven. At times I feared the shadow would engulf you." She turned as Andarion approached.
Raven said, "My lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn may I present our elder, Andarion."
He bowed gracefully in front of the Elven couple. "My heart is full, my lady, from your generosity. Not only have you allowed us entry to your lands, but sent your own people to us a swell. We are deeply in your debt."
Celeborn smiled as Galadriel laughed lightly. "It was time, my lord Andarion .But I know you are weary from your travels. We thought to bring you food and wine, and good cheer. It is a night to celebrate, is it not?" She stepped aside. "And we prepared a celebration. Come, it is not far." She turned, leading the villagers a short way to a larger clearing.
The trees were lit with a myriad of tiny flickering lanterns, the light from the elves themselves brightening the forest as the last of the suns rays slanted down through the canopy of leaves. Tables and more tables were laden with food and drink, and elves wandered among the chairs that lined the clearing. The elves smiled warmly, moving among the people of the village, pulling them into the clearing. Raven stared in wonder, having forgotten the beauty of the forest. She turned as Willow ran up to her, laughing, Orvith in tow behind her.
"Orvith has been reciting me elvish poetry, Raven. I cannot understand a word he says, but it sounds so beautiful I would not let him stop." She grinned as Raven stared at Orvith, raising an eyebrow as he bowed to her. Willow giggled, pulling him away again, and they walked back among the villagers in the clearing.
Galadriel and Celeborn had seated themselves along the side of the clearing, talking quietly with Andarion and several more of the elders. Raven turned around, searching for Haldir or his brothers, but they had not returned.
The sun sank behind the trees and the lanterns sparkled brightly in the trees, like thousands of tiny fire flies. Music wafted around them, although she could not tell from where it came. She picked at the fruit that was given her, watching Indirion and Sareth as they ran around the clearing, staring up at the elves as they passed them in childish wonder. She had not seen them this excited in a longtime, and she sighed, closing her eyes as she wrapped her arms around her.
"Why do you sigh?" Rúmil asked as he and Orophin returned. Raven turned to look at them. They had changed, and now wore clean tunics and their hair curled damply around their shoulders.
"I am just content," she said. "Where did you go?"
Rúmil grinned. "We ran straight for the nearest stream. You cannot imagine the pleasure to finally be free of sand." He wrinkled his nose in disgust as Orophin laughed.
Orophin winked at her. "You have your ways of bathing, Raven, but it does not compare to a swim in the Nimrodel."
Raven shook her head, the image of immersing herself in the water making her very uncomfortable. "Nay, I can not imagine that." She smiled as they laughed.
Rúmil leaned closer to her. "Perhaps I can tell you where we went. I believe Haldir is still there." He grinned as she looked at him aghast.
"Rúmil!" She felt the blood rush to her face as the image of a very wet and naked Haldir flashed into her mind. "You are wicked." She turned away from them as they laughed again.
Ignoring them, she crossed to one of the tables and set down her plate. She sipped on the wine that was there, carrying it with her as she wandered among the villagers. Andarion called her as she drew closer to them.
"Sit here beside me, Raven. "Galadriel said with a smile. Raven obeyed, sitting on the edge of the seat.
"We do not wish to speak of dark tidings, but we must. A shadow follows you, and we cannot say what it portends. Even my magic cannot tell," she murmured as she clasped Raven's hand.
"Haldir said much the same, my lady." Raven returned her gaze. "He fears it comes from the Black lands. How can he know this if he had never been there?"
Galadriel glanced over to Celeborn. "We can see many things, Raven. It is our gift. We are concerned only by what may come. Tonight is for celebration, but tomorrow dawns a new day, and you must prepare for the worst."
Raven nodded as she glanced at Andarion, who smiled grimly. She turned as Willow ran back up to her, catching hold of her hand and dragging her out of her chair. Willow laughed, curtsying to Galadriel as she looked on in amusement.
"Pardon me, my lady, my lord." She grinned as Raven tried to avoid spilling her wine all over Willow. "I fear it is long past the time we saw Raven dance. She is very good. We are bringing our musicians to play, if you do not mind."
Galadriel laughed, her brilliant blue eyes sparkling in the light of the lanterns. "Of course I do not mind, young Willow. I would enjoy seeing some of your dances."
Willow stared at Galadriel, mesmerized by her beauty. "How did you know my name?" she asked, standing frozen for a moment.
Galadriel smiled. "I know many things, but the resemblance you have with Raven gave it away first. She has spoken of you before."
Willow smiled shyly as she glanced at Celeborn. "My sister was very lucky to have found you," she said as she pulled Raven into the crowd.
"Willow, I do not want to dance right now," Raven said as she dragged her sister to a halt. She placed her hands on her hips. "You can get some of the others if you like."
Willow shook her head, refusing to back down. "No, it must be you tonight. We have not had a night like this in a long while. It is time for you to let yourself be free."
Raven shook her head as Indirion ran up to them. "Is she going to do it?" he asked as she grabbed Raven's arm.
Willow's lips curved into a wicked smile. "She says not, Indirion. Is that not Haldir returned?" she asked as Raven turned to look.
Haldir strode into the clearing. He had changed, and now wore an ivory tunic adorned with gold scrolls of ivy across the front. His hair clung to his shoulders where it was still damp, and she gazed at him as he crossed the clearing to bow before Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. He was not as handsome perhaps as Lord Celeborn, whose features were smooth and elegant, but he radiated strength and confidence. Raven struggled to control the wild beating of her heart.
She turned back to her sisters as they giggled, scowling at their laughter.
"He is most handsome tonight, don't you think, Indirion?" Willow laughed as she grabbed Raven's other arm. "Just the person we need Raven to dance to."
Indirion giggled. "I thought the same. What better person to center the dance on. The elves will not have seen the like, I am sure. Come Raven; think what you can do to the poor elf with your dance. He won't ever be the same."
Raven laughed. "Indirion, for shame. You are too young to know such things." She continued to argue as they dragged her away.
Haldir sat down next to Galadriel, and she smiled and patted his knee.
"You have done well, Haldir. The villagers have accepted our conditions? "she asked as Haldir scanned the crowd before him. He watched as several of Raven's villagers broke through the crowd carrying their musical instruments.
"Only by duress. They can be stubborn and unwilling to change." He eyes narrowed as Rúmil and Orophin waved glasses of wine at him from across the clearing.
"I fear that we can be the same, Haldir. We must learn to adapt to this new age. All our ways must change for us to survive." She paused as Haldir turned to her with an distracted look. "Your mind is not on our conversation, March Warden," she chided gently.
Haldir flushed. "Forgive me, my lady. I fear my thoughts wander."
Galadriel smiled as she glanced over to Celeborn. He was leaning back in his chair, his arms folded, smothering his laughter.
Haldir scowled as he turned back to the crowd.
Celeborn leaned forward. "The object of your thoughts was dragged unmercifully away by her sisters just a moment ago. Something about a dance, they said." He grinned as Haldir jerked his head toward Celeborn.
Haldir took a large swallow of his wine as Galadriel's laugh tinkled merrily.
The musicians began to tune their instruments as the crowd grew quiet, drawing back along the edges of the clearing. Elves and men sat together, turning expectantly toward the musicians. Haldir stood up. "I must check with my guardians," he murmured, but Galadriel rose to stop him.
"Why do you fear to watch?" she asked as she met his gaze.
"I do not fear to watch, my lady, "he said stiffly. She smiled, her eyes gazing into his, and he closed his eyes and sighed. "You know me too well, my lady. I fear not the dance, only the effects it will have upon my person."
Galadriel turned to Celeborn, who rose, smiling, and gripped Haldir's shoulder.
"We must insist that you stay ,Haldir. It would be rude to leave now since they seem to be looking for you." He grinned as the color drained from Haldir's face, turning him toward the clearing. "Ah, there is young Willow now." He gripped Haldir's shoulder tighter as the March Warden stiffened.
Willow caught sight of Haldir, and smiled as she ran over to them. She bowed before the elves, then reached out to draw Haldir along the side of the clearing.
"Come, March Warden. You have the place of honor in this dance." She giggled as she caught his scowl. "Do not be concerned. You need do nothing. You only have to watch." She pushed him into a chair that sat on the edge of the cleared area and handed him a glass of wine. "You might want to drink that." She winked and ran back across the clearing.
Haldir braced himself as his brothers made their way toward him, noting the other elves' interest in the proceedings. He swallowed some of the wine, forcing his expression into one of indifference even as he dreaded what was to come.
The musicians caught Willow's signal and began to play. One musician stood up, his music slow and haunted. The musician smiled at Galadriel, and the tempo began to increase slowly. Haldir watched as several dancers entered the clearing from behind a stand of trees. A young man dressed in black led them out into the clearing, clapping in slow time to the music, his steps precise as he advanced. His white shirt was stark in contrast to the black, and his eyes sparkled mischievously in the light of the lanterns.
Haldir's eyes widened as the women behind him spread out, and he took another swallow of his wine. Their thin skirts hugged their hips and hung to their ankles, and were split along the front and sides of their legs. Their blouses were only tight vests that hugged their bodies, leaving a long expanse of bare skin from ribs to hips. Their feet were bare as they spun around the clearing, using the same precise steps as the young man who stood in the center. Their whirling spins revealed long expanses of leg. He glanced behind him to see Rúmil and Orophin staring at the dancers, the wine in their hands long forgotten.
Rúmil reached out, gripping Haldir's shoulder so as to force him to turn back around. When he did, Haldir's eyes widened instinctively.
Raven had changed her clothes. She now wore a similar dress as the other women, only the fabric of her skirt was almost sheer. Her auburn hair was pulled back by a band around her head and hung well past her shoulders. Haldir's eyes narrowed as she circled the young man, drawing her hands along his chest as she smiled wickedly at him.
The music's tempo began to quicken, and Raven continued to circle the young man who smiled down at her, still clapping in time to the music. Haldir gripped his glass tightly as the young man suddenly grabbed Raven's wrist, yanking her against him. They stood together, their eyes locked as they spun around. Then Raven stepped back, her lithe body swaying to the music. The music stopped suddenly. Raven continued to stare at the young man, a slow smile crossing her face, then her arms rose sharply over her head and the musician resumed, the sound now intensified as Raven whirled around the clearing, the women following her lead.
Haldir stared at the long expanse of bare female skin that flashed across from him, noting uneasily how the women seemed to avoid dancing near him. He did not like it. It suggested something was going to happen. He took another swallow of wine, nearly coughing as the women split and Raven stood across from him. She stared directly at him, a mischievous smile on her lips as she advanced slowly toward him, her body swaying in time to the music, which had slowed to match her movements.
As Haldir sat frozen, Orophin removed the glass from his nerveless fingers just as Raven reached him, her gaze locked onto Haldir. Haldir had not taken a breath in almost a minute and Orophin tried unsuccessfully to control his grin.
Raven gazed down at Haldir as she spun slowly in front of him, taking in the dangerous glitter in his eyes. Ignoring his expression, she smiled wickedly as she slowly sat on Haldir's lap, watching his eyes widen in consternation. She ran her hands over his chest as she had done to the young man who still stood in the center, and leaned against Haldir as she slid her arms around his neck.
Raven laughed softly in his ear as she pushed herself up away from him, feeling the tension in his body as she rose, sliding her hands along his legs as she backed away, her gaze still locked with his. Haldir finally inhaled, his face pale as she twirled away from him, joining the other women in the circle. The women continued to dance and Haldir clenched his teeth as they closed in on the young man. Raven whirled about him again, but her eyes strayed to his as she danced, ignoring the young man.
Haldir began to rise but found two sets of hands holding him down. Orophin leaned forward. "You cannot leave! You will insult her!"
Haldir snorted. "You do not care if I am offended?"
"You are not offended, only uncomfortable that she is so open with her affections. Be still, brother. No one thinks less of you."
Haldir's eyes narrowed. The women continued to dance, and the music changed into a merry tune. The women laughed, clapping in time as they moved into the crowd, pulling both men and elves to join them in their dance.
The two hands holding him down tightened as they felt him tense. Raven had pulled a smiling Celeborn into the circle, and Haldir frowned.
"See, even our Lord Celeborn enjoy the dance." Rúmil laughed in Haldir's ear. "If he can, so can you."
Celeborn bowed to Raven as another woman took his hand and Raven whirled around the clearing until she stood before Haldir again. Her breath came in rapids gasps as she smiled at him, one eyebrow rising as she gazed down at Haldir.
"Will you rise to dance with me, Haldir? Or have I offended you?"
He rose, looking down at her arrogantly for a moment. Then he smiled ,and pulled her into his arms, whirling her among the other dancers in the clearing.
"You will pay for that later, Lirimaer," he warned her softly as he swept her along the clearing.
Raven's eyes sparkled in amusement as she watched Haldir swing an elderly woman gently around the clearing. He was much in demand once the women realized how gracefully he danced, and Raven had not been close to him since the first dance. She smiled, knowing his thought swere elsewhere as he smiled pleasantly down at the woman in his arms.
She rose, slipping into the trees to head for the tent to change back into her clothes. She peered into the tent, looking for her tunic, when she suddenly realized she was not alone. She stiffened, spinning around in the dim light of the lantern.
Haldir was leaning casually against the tent post, arms crossed over his chest as he gazed at her. One dark brow rose sardonically as she looked at him.
"Haldir." She smiled nervously as he straightened, walking slowly toward her. Her eyes widened and she found herself backing up.
He smiled slowly, still stalking toward her. "Your dance was quite impressive. Did it have the effect you wanted?" He stopped, as she stepped around a large trunk, placing it between them.
"What do you mean by that?" she asked, looking around for a way to escape. She didn't know if she liked this Haldir or not.
He stepped around the trunk and she slid in the opposite direction. "You are being foolish. You know what I mean, Raven," he said, his voice low as he circled back the other direction.
Raven smiled brightly. "Really, Haldir. It was only a dance. You were not offended, were you?" She gasped as he slid around the trunk so quickly she hadn't even moved yet, and caught hold of her wrist.
"Would that have mattered to you?" He demanded as he pulled her closer.
"I would not have done it if I truly thought it would offend you!"
Haldir smiled wickedly. "Ah, so you say. But again we play these games. So now it is my turn, is it not?"
"Perhaps it is, March Warden, but you'll have to catch me first." She pulled on the hand that covered her wrist, then bent and bit him. He growled, releasing her wrist, and she laughed and fled.
Haldir looked at the bite on his hand, then a slow smile spread across his face. She would not get far; his wardens would make sure of that. Laughing softly, he strode from the tent.
Raven ran into the forest, away from the glitter of lights around the clearing. Stumbling over a large root she failed to see, she leaned against a large tree, panting. Oh she was so foolish to have taunted him so! She glanced behind her at the shadows that surrounded her. The dim light of the stars flickered overhead. She was in his element here, and she was sure he was not far behind. She looked up into the trees above her. How many of his wardens surrounded her? She felt certain she had not gone unnoticed. Would they stop her?
She pushed away from the tree and ran a short distance further, then fell with a soft cry as she twisted her ankle. She rubbed the ankle, cursing her luck when the shadows around her began to materialize into tall elves. She shielded her eyes as a small lantern was brought forth, spreading its soft light over her.
A voice murmured something musical in quality, and she flinched as two elves leaned forward into the light. Their long blond hair hung over their shoulders as they stared at her curiously, but she noted the others still in the shadow had bows in hand.
One elf grinned as he held the lantern over her. "I thought perhaps my elven vision had deceived me, for I swear I saw a sprite flitting about the forest a moment ago."
"'Tis only the fair dancer we observed from above this night. Haldir will surely be following such a lovely lass to lay his claim upon her," th other chuckled as he leaned closer. They turned as a low voice spoke from behind them and parted, allowing Haldir to step in between.
His eyes glittered dangerously as he smiled down at her, and Raven cringed as he reached down to pull her to her feet.
"What have you done to make her cringe so from you, Haldir? Have you beaten the poor girl?" The first elf laughed, but paled as Haldir scowled at him.
"Have you ever known me to take a hand to any female?"
The elf bowed, placing his hand over his heart. "Forgive my jest, March Warden."
Haldir sighed. "It is no fault of yours." He gripped Raven's wrist more tightly and said something more to them in Elvish. The two looked at her in amusement before they retreated back into the shadows.
Haldir turned back to her with a smile as she twisted her wrist, trying to break free of his grasp. "You can run no more. You would not get two steps before you are stopped once again."
"So you say," Raven answered. Her eyes widened as the elves in the shadow melted away at a glance from Haldir. "So what are you going to do now?" she asked as he turned to pull her further into the forest.
"You seem to enjoy making me uncomfortable," he said, pulling her along. "I have decided I will do the same, both to the good of course."
Raven did not fight him, trying to keep up with his pace, but limping more as her ankle began to throb painfully. He turned back to her and picked her up in his arms.
She gasped as he carried her easily through the forest. "Haldir, I can walk."
"Nay, I will carry you. You do not weigh much."
Raven was about to argue when a new sound came from in front of them. "Haldir, put me down now." She pounded on his shoulders, but he ignored her as he continued down the path only he could see. Her eyes widened in panic as she recognized the sounds that were nearing.
"You will not put me in there, I swear, Haldir!"
He chuckled low in his throat. "You asked me what I would do when I returned home, Raven. What did I tell you?" he asked she began to struggle.
"I do not want a bath, if that is what you mean, Haldir. I do not like the water." She gasped as they came into a small clearing and in front of her a small waterfall rushed loudly over the overhanging rocks and fell into a large pool. The canopy of trees opened here and the starlight glittered in the reflection of the water. "Besides, you have already taken one."
Haldir laughed. "Yes, I have. But I cannot say when was the last one you took." He set Raven on her feet.
Raven sank to the ground, unable to stand on her ankle. "We have our ways of getting clean, Haldir," she told him as she rubbed her ankle.
Haldir bent down and touched her ankle and immediately the throbbing decreased. "But it does not compare to having the water surround you."
Raven shuddered at that image, and gasped as Haldir picked her up once more. "You will not dump me in there!" she cried, wrapping her arms around his neck.
He laughed. "We have been this way once before, and I do not intend to repeat the episode." Gripping her wrist, he pulled her arms from around his neck. She kicked out at him and screamed as he threw her into the water.
Raven gasped as she sank under the water, coming to sit abruptly on the bottom of the pool. Standing quickly, she rose to find herself waist deep in the water.
"Haldir!" She stared up at the bank, but only dark shadows looked back at her. She slapped the water angrily. "I know you're out there!" she shouted as she turned around in the water. "You wouldn't leave me here alone," she mumbled to herself as she slapped at the water again.
Haldir quickly scaled the tree, climbing into the flet that overlooked the pool. The small pool was used often. He nodded to the elf who straightened as Haldir stood on the platform.
"You are going to leave her there alone?" The elf leaned forward to peer down at the pool.
Haldir sat down, crossing his legs so he could lean on his folded hands, staring down at the pool. "For the moment," he answered.
The other elf stared at him in surprise. "Do you not fear she will wade further into the pool? She cannot see as we can."
Haldir turned to look at him. "She is stronger than you think. She will come to no harm."
Haldir fought back a grin as they heard her shout angrily.
Raven shivered in the warm water, not cold, but uncomfortably aware of the water caressing her legs. She should climb out on the bank, but her dress was thin enough dry let alone wet. How dare he dump her in and then leave her! She knew he had not gone far, but she didn't want to encounter any more of his wardens either.
"Haldir, I hate you!" she shouted, sinking further into the water. She waded closer to shore until she could sit without the water rising over her shoulders. She sighed, splashing it around her. It did feel good. It certainly would be easier to wash her hair here than with a bucket. She laid back into the water, scrubbing her head.
Still, he was going to pay. She just knew he was watching her right now. With a sigh, she stood and waded out of the water, deciding she didn't care if they could see her or not. She lay back on the soft moss of the bank, spreading the wet fabric of her skirts out over her legs. Shivering in the cool air she stretched out, staring at the starlit pool.
Haldir watched her wade out of the pool, then glanced at the elf beside him as he turned abruptly away from the view beneath. Looking down, Haldir could see that Raven's skirt clung to her legs, the fabric transparent even in the starlight. He rose as she stretched out on the moss below them.
Raven sighed, unable to control her shivering. The air was warm, but the wetness of her skirt drew out any warmth she had. She sat up, curling into a small ball as she rested her head on her knees.
"So you did not mind the water after all," Haldir said from behind her.
She leaped to her feet, trying to see him, but he was just a shadow among the trees. Then he stepped out into the moonlight, his silver hair reflecting the starlight.
"I knew you were out there." She pulled the wet skirt from her legs.
He stepped closer. "I would not leave you alone. Although perhaps my guardians will have hard time not looking at your transparent state of dress."
Raven gasped, looking down at her skirt. "It is dark!"
Haldir chuckled. "Raven, have you not learned that we can see as well at night as we can during the day?"
Raven gasped, her eyes widened in anger. "You knew that would happen, yet you threw me into the pool anyway!"
Haldir reached out, pulling part of her skirt aside to reveal her bare legs. "I am sure they appreciated these as well. They had an excellent view from the trees, "he said as she trembled.
She reached out, her palm smacking his cheek with a crack that echoed in the silent forest. She looked up as she heard a gasp above them.
Haldir stared at her for a moment in shock, then his expression hardened as he reached out, grabbing her wrist. She cried out in fear as he pulled her against him. "No one touches me unless I allow it, and if you dare strike me again, I will throw you over my lap and spank you like the child you are."
She tried to pry his fingers off her wrist. "It is your own fault, you snotty elf! Who do you think you are? I was only trying to entertain you and you insult me!" Continuing to try to twist from his grip, she kicked at him, cringing when her toes complained.
Haldir stared at her in amazement. "Snotty elf? What does that mean, mortal? You have been playing games with me since we met. I am tired of your childish ways," he said, releasing her.
Raven clenched her fists as he stepped back to the edge of the pool, frowning at her. "Games? Is that what you think I was doing?" She stepped closer to him. "Childish? I am a grown woman! I do not play childish games, and yes you are arrogant, ill mannered, overbearing and a hundred other things I cannot think of at the moment!" she cried as she hurled herself at him, taking him off-guard. She tackled him at his hips and he swore as he lost his balance, gripping her arms as they fell backward into the pool.
Haldir hit the pool, refusing to loosen his grip on Raven's arms, and twisted to stand, hauling her out of the water. He lifted her until he could gaze into her eyes.
"And now what are you going to do?" he said softly, his eyes glittering with suppressed emotion.
Raven smiled. "I am not going to do anything, but you are going to kiss me because you've wanted to do it all night and are too stubborn to let go of your arrogant, domineering, high handed-"
She got no further as he pulled her to him, his lips claiming hers in a passionate kiss that would have left her knees weak if she were standing. She sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck as he kissed her again, his lips crushing hers as he pulled her tightly against him.
Haldir let her go, watching her warily as he struggled to control the wild impulses flooding his mind. He straightened, his eyes narrowing as Raven drew closer to him.
"I think this game will end here, young Raven," he growled as she stopped short, staring at him in surprise.
"So I am young now. You cannot tell me that I have not affected you."
Haldir reached out, stopping her from coming closer. "Nay, I cannot deny you assault my senses every time we are close. But I will not allow it to overcome my reason. I think perhaps it is good that we have returned to Lothlórien."
Raven frowned. "So you will stay away now? My presence is too much of a temptation for you?" she asked, watching Haldir's expression. "I am sorry if I pose too much of a distraction for you, March Warden."
Haldir reached out, grabbing her arm. "Raven, listen to me. I have lived for centuries. I am an elf and elves are immortal. I will not enter lightly into a relationship."
Pushing past Haldir, Raven waded out of the pool and wrung the water from her skirt. "So you will live forever, and I would be just a moment in your lifetime." She sighed. "What would you do if I were immortal like you, Haldir? Would that change things?" she asked and began to push her way back through the forest.
Haldir waded from the pool, striding to catch up with Raven as she turned the wrong way. He lifted her into his arms as she struggled.
"Put me down, Haldir. I can find my own way back!"
"Would you like to be immortal, Raven?" he asked, gazing down at her.
She stared up at him for a moment. "I would if it meant that I could be with you," she whispered.
He did not answer, but strode rapidly through the wood until the lights of the clearing began to twinkle through the trees. He looked down at Raven as she curled into his chest, shaking his head as he skirted the clearing, keeping to the shadows until he was in front of Raven's tent. Then he set her on her feet, but gripped her wrist as she tried to turn away.
You have bewitched me," he said in a low voice. "I cannot go any further with you, and you must not tempt me." He frowned as Raven looked up at him through her eyelashes, her eyes glimmering with moisture. "I do not wish to hurt you," he added. "But I fear what lies inside my heart."
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