Title & Chapter Number: A Murder, A Witch and The Elf 7/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: MIddle Earth
Rating: PG-13 right now may progress to NC-17 later
Disclaimer:
Warnings: Death, Angst, Magic...
Betas: Fireheart
Cast: Haldir/Oc
Timeline: Present AU
Spoilers: This is my first fic. I only own my Oc's. Haldir and others belong to the J.R.R.Tolkien estate.
Summary: A witch seeks revenge on the one who killed her mother, but someone from beyond decides to teach her that love not revenge is the real way.
Notes: Thanks to Cristine for her help and wonderful Beta job. I hope to improve as the story moves on.
Chapter Seven
Orophin and Silvy talked quietly as they walked to the hall. Silvy patiently tried to explain what it was like where she came from, much to Orophin's delight.
Orophin felt as if he were a child again, listening to the elders telling tales of old.
Silvy was happy that Haldir's brothers' were not like him at all. She smiled at the thought, then remembered the letter in her dress. "Orophin," she asked quietly, as she pulled him to a stop off to the side of the path.
Orophin looked down at her and smiled, "Yes?"
"I have a letter for your brother Haldir, but he won't speak to me, I'm afraid. Could you please pass this along to him for me?"
Orophin nodded, knowing that once his brother had set his mind to something, there was little one could do to change it. "Of course I will. I know how my brother can get sometimes, so I understand completely how he's acting. He's done it to me a number of times."
Silvy smiled again and let Orophin lead her into the main hall, while asking her about cds and movies. She tried to keep up with his questions, but became flustered when she was brought to Lady Galadriel's table.
To Galadriel's left sat her husband, Lord Celeborn, to her right was Haldir, who frowned slightly, and to his right was Rumil who smiled brightly.
Orophin helped her into her seat across from Haldir, then he took the empty chair beside Rumil. Silvy looked around; she felt slightly uncomfortable in the room, as though everyone's eyes were upon her. She looked around the table once again and spotted Caranheledwen at once. They smiled at each other as Caranheldwen took the empty seat beside her.
"Do not worry child. They are merely curious about you and your unexpected arrival. They will not harm you," Galadriel voice sounded quietly in her mind.
Silvy relaxed slightly and gave Galadriel a small smile.
Galadriel smiled at her and rose from her seat. "Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to the feast held on behalf of our newest friend, Sarafina Celeste DeSilva." Galadriel turned to her and motioned for her to rise.
As she rose slowly, her cheeks flamed brightly. She made a half bow as the applause and murmurs of greetings spread through out the room.
Galadriel motioned for everyone to be seated, and the room fell into silence once again. "Eat everyone, and be merry. Dancing, singing and story telling will follow in the adjacent rooms." There were murmurs throughout the full dining hall as everyone began to eat.
Silvy watched as platters were set before them; steaming veggies, roast meats, fresh hot bread and butter and wine. Silvy began to make her plate, watching how everyone else did. Orophin took rather large heaping portions, where as Rumil took a more dainty serving. Haldir was somewhere in the middle, taking enough to be sure he was filled but not too much. As she studied him, she saw that he was now wearing a black tunic with silver stitching and his hair had only a single braid with everything else falling about his shoulders in a silver mist. Silvy looked down at her plate as Haldir's eyes rose to meet hers.
Haldir could feel her eyes upon him and wondered if she had received his gift.
They looked up at each other, eyes catching and holding for a moment before dropping their gazes down to their respective plates.
Haldir couldn't help his grin as he realized she was wearing his gift. *I am glad she likes it. It suits her perfectly. She'll never have to know why I choose ruby and emerald.* He took a forkful and began to eat slowly, turning to his brothers for conversation.
Silvy turned her attention back to Galadriel, Celeborn and Caranheledwen, half-heartedly listening to the conversation, wondering if Haldir had received her note yet. She reached out for the bottle of wine so she could pour herself some but stopped when she felt warm fingers meeting her own on the neck of the bottle. "Excuse me, I'm sorry," she began to say but stopped as she felt the connection spark and flow up her arm. She looked up to see Haldir's surprised eyes looking back into her own.
"I'm sorry," he began to mumble and removed his hand, effectively killing the connection.
Silvy stared at him for a moment before pouring herself a half a glass of the fruity smelling wine. She held the bottle out to Haldir, "Here you go."
Haldir took the bottle, carefully avoiding any contact with her fingers. Silvy felt a bit crushed by this but said nothing as she went back to eating. Soon the dinner plates, platters and glasses were removed only to be replaced by fruits, cakes and mulled wine.
Galadriel couldn't help but notice Sarafina's obvious discomfort and made to do something about it. "What is wrong my child? Is the food not to your liking perhaps?"
Silvy shook her head minutely, "No milady, I just feel out of place. Listening to everyone speak in elvish, I just feel...lost."
Galadriel nodding understandingly, "Do not fear Ai'aer. Soon you will be speaking elvish fluently and have many friends, then you shall not be lonely anymore."
Silvy nodded, and smiled for the first time that evening. She turned to Caraheledwen and struck up a conversation over fruit and mulled wine. They talked quietly as Haldir did with his brothers.
"So you each met her today?" Haldir asked his brothers quietly.
Rumil and Orophin nodded as each began to explain their encounters with the beautiful human.
It was Rumil who spoke first. "She had been sitting by herself in the middle of the wood. I took a seat beside her and scared her half to death, then we struck up a conversation. She was lost and had been looking forthe library, to which I showed her the way. The funny thing was, she recognized me from yesterday, and she knew I was there. She then preceded to me about the feelings she had here, the living energy flowing through everything. It surprised me immensely that she could feel the spirit of the wood when so many others are completely clueless."
Orophin nodded, "She is unlike any human I have ever met. I scared her too Rumil, but she forgave me and promised me to save me a dance."
"Me too," Rumil chirped happily.
The brothers continued to talk about Sarafina, as Haldir looked from them to her. She was still in conversation with one of the Lady's handmaidens, which gave Haldir the opportunity to study her without interruption. Her skin was like marble but bit darker than his own, showing that she spent some time out in the sun. Her hair had been brushed smooth from its earlier wild curls (which he would have preferred) and she was wearing the circlet. *She likes my gift* he thought, and couldn't help the small grin that crept across his lips.
Conversation continued quietly, voices rising and falling in laughter. Soon, all plates were removed and wine goblets were refilled as everyone made their way to the next room.
Caranheledwen took Silvy by the arm and leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Do you know that Lorien Brother's eyes have not left you all evening. I do think you have bewitched them, even stoic, prideful Haldir."
Silvy gave a small smile, her cheeks filled with heat as she looked behind her to see Rumil and Orophin wave at her while Haldir looked at anything else but her. It gave Silvy small pleasure to know that she had some effect on Haldir, but whether it was good or bad she could not say. She looked at Caranheledwen and snickered, "It seems I have gotten their attention haven't I? Can you tell me anything about them?"
Caranheledwen looked down at her for a moment before saying anything. "I can not tell you much, for much of it is of a personal nature. I can tell you this though, Haldir is the oldest with Orophin in second and Rumil in third. Haldir, tends to choose duty over happiness and fun, where as his brothers are never ones to pass up an opportunity to pull a prank or tell a joke. Rumil is also highly talented in singing and poetry, which you may get to see tonight, while Orophin is talented in metal craft. Come let us go dance the night away."
They picked up their speed and entered the dance hall just as the band began to play the first song. Caranheledwen looked around for a moment before smiling as she spotted Carnegwathion standing with Haldir and his brothers. He waved at them and motioned for them to come over and chat with them.
Caranheledwen looked back at Silvy, waiting for her approval. Silvy nodded, making Caranheledwen's smile larger. They weaved their way through the crowds, finally coming to stop behind Carnegwathion. "Good evening Carnegwathion, Haldir, Rumil, Orophin. I am sure you all know Lady Sarafina?"
The three brothers nodded while Carnegwathion turned and took Silvy's hand in his. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you Lady Sarafina. I have heard much about you from Rumil and Orophin," he told her while bowing over her hand and brushing it with a light kiss.
Silvy couldn't help but smile, "It is also good to meet you. May the blessing of the gods protect and watch over your union." Both lovers blushed but gave her thanks for her blessing.
Haldir listened to Sarafina as she spoke with the two lovers, blessing their union. It surprised him that a human would want to bless something they knew nothing of. He grimaced as he watched Rumil step closer to Sarafina and pulled her off to the side.
"May I have this dance milady?" Rumil asked quietly, laughing lightly at the blush that painted her cheeks.
"Of course, but I know not the steps, so I will follow your lead."
Rumil nodded and swept Sarafina out onto the dance floor, where they were lost in the crowd.
Orophin watched them for a moment before turning to Haldir and pulling out the note. "Haldir, this is from Sarafina. She wanted to give it to you herself but was unsure whether you would speak to her or not, so she bid me give it to you." Haldir took it and unfolded it, reading silently.
Haldir,
I extend my deepest apologies to you. I was unaware of the insult I caused you and your people, for where I come from you are only a myth, long forgotten in the world's history. You have every right to be angry with me but please do not hate me. It was never my intention to offend you, only to state what I believed was the truth at the time, but now I see the real truth. I ask only for your forgiveness and nothing more. You can even avoid me forever if that is what pleases you but please do not hold my ignorance against me. I await your reply, if you should not want to reply then I understand.
Sarafina
Haldir reread the note, taken aback by simply yet beautiful apology. No human had ever apologized for utterance of disbelief in the elvish culture, yet this woman was begging for his forgiveness in a matter in which they were both at fault.
He sighed and placed the letter within his tunic, turning his attention back to Orophin. "Thank you. I will give her the answer myself."
Orophin saw his brother turn to look out at the dance floor, watching Rumil swing Sarafina around quickly, making her laugh. He couldn't help but grin as he saw the look in his brother's eyes now and as he had read the letter. He could only wonder what she had said to make him look a bit happier than before. He shook his head and smiled when Rumil and Sarafina slowed to a stop in front of them. Silvy was panting slightly, cheeks flushed with laughter and mirth. Orophin stepped forward and bowed low, "May I have the honor of the next dance, Lady Sarafina, or would you prefer a rest?"
Sarafina shook her head, she was having much too good a time dancing to stop. "Of course I would love to dance with you Orophin, simply lead the way."
Orophin held out his hand, smiling as Sarafina grasped and lead him out to the dance floor.
"She is a wonder Haldir. Never have I met another human or elf for that matter, who laughs so easily but gives off such power at the same moment," Rumil told him quietly while sipping his wine.
Haldir completely ignored what Rumil was saying as he watched the couple glide by.
Rumil grinned at Haldir, knowing exactly why he wasn't listening. He elbowed him in the ribs, earning a glare, which he promptly ignored. "Why don't you just ask her to dance? It won't hurt you to give up a little of your pride for such a small thing as a dance."
Haldir glanced back at Rumil before turning his attention back to the floor, "I could not, it is not..."
Rumil's grin grew larger at Haldir's lack of conviction. "Just go and ask her, I am sure she would not deny you a dance. In fact, I am very certain she would welcome it."
Haldir turned to Rumil, "Do you think so?"
Rumil nodded and looked out to the dance floor, making his grin grow wider, if possible.
Haldir followed his eyes and was surprised to see their Lord Celeborn sweeping Sarafina from Orophin's arms and into his own.
"You might want to wait for the next dance Haldir," Rumil snickered quietly.
Orophin made his way over to them, amusement shining in his face. "Haldir you must dance with her next. She is a wonderful partner, catching on quickly to any step you show her, and she doesn't bat her eyes and flirt like the other females do."
Haldir nodded and continued to listen to his brothers talk about Sarafina while he watched he dance and laugh with Celeborn.
Soon though, the dance was over. Celeborn and Sarafina walked up to where the Lorien brothers stood conversing. Celeborn was flushed but happy, "You are an excellent dancer Ai'aer. You learn very quickly."
Sarafina bowed slightly and took the cup of wine that Rumil handed her, "Thank you, milord. I love dancing, it makes you feel free of the world, if only for a moment."
Celeborn nodded in agreement, "Well, if you will excuse me, I must go and set my wife free for a moment." They all bowed and watched him walk to his wife, who held out her hand and smiled.
The band stopped playing for a moment, and then began to play a slower, waltz like tune.
Sarafina stepped forward and would have asked Haldir to dance if a tall, white-blonde she-elf hadn't pushed her way through.
"Haldir," the she-elf purred softly, "come and dance with me."
Sarafina watched as Haldir gave her a sickened look, "No thank you Aelin-uial. I was actually going to ask Lady Sarafina if she would care to dance with me." Haldir looked to Sarafina a slightly pleading look in his eyes, "May I have this dance with you Lady Sarafina?"
Silvy couldn't help but smile as she took Haldir's hand, starting the familiar connection, "Of course I would love to dance with you Haldir. If you would excuse us." Silvy walked past the she-elf ignoring her angry gaze as Haldir swept out onto the dance and set them in position.
The beat started slowly, as the males danced around their partners. She blushed slightly as he bowed before her and motioned for her to mimic the steps he had just preformed.
Keeping her eyes on Haldir, Silvy jumped, twirled and bowed before Haldir as he had done with her. He gave a slight nod before taking her into his arms as every couple began to slowly dance in a circle. Blue eyes looked down into deep green as the beat sped up slightly, making them pick up their pace. As the dance continued, everyone watching the dancing couple would have thought they were lovers. The way their bodies moved in perfect harmony, each never missing a step.
Celeborn and Galadriel watched the couple, well aware of the feelings flowing between them. "Galadriel, tell me, that is our ever stoic Haldir dancing with Sarafina as if he had not a care."
Galadriel nodded and leaned back against Celeborn's chest as his arms wrapped around her waist, "Yes it is malamin. Don't they make the most charming and beautiful couple you have ever laid eyes upon?"
Celeborn nodded, watching as the other couples stopped to watch Haldir Sarafina glide across the floor, lost in a world of their own making. Celeborn whispered softly into her mind, "Ahhh...young love. Do you remember how it was for us?"
Galadriel's smiling voice answered back, "How could I ever forget?"
Haldir and Silvy were completely unaware that the other couples had long since stopped dancing with them. They continued to spin and move smoothly until the music came to stop. They were both breathing heavily, sweat glistening on their foreheads. The connection seemed to strengthen between them as they continued to stare into each other's eyes.
Dimly, they heard applause and shouts of encouragements from the crowd. They turned away from each other to face the mass of people, both of them blushing brightly. Haldir leaned down and whispered, "Ahotule ainye meneltanner tirien."
"What does that mean?" she asked quietly, not understanding a word he said.
He didn't answer, instead taking her hand and leading her out, leaving her no choice but to follow him. He led them through the brush, almost ignoring Silvy's questions and protests. He burst through a large grouping of brushes and pointed upwards.
Silvy followed his fingers and inhaled when she realized what he was pointing out. The night sky was filled with stars, some brightly blinking like beacons to lost travelers, others shone dimly with barely enough light to be seen. "Oh Haldir, it's beautiful."
Haldir smiled as she walked through the glade, staring up into the sky with awe. "I know. I often come here when I am in need of peace and quiet."
Silvy nodded, beginning to spin in a circle making the stars spin with her as she offered her thanks and praise to the Mother Goddess for the beauty of the night.
Haldir watched as she slowly came to a stop and sat down on a large out-cropping of rocks by the small stream that ran though the hidden glade. He strode over to where she sat and took a seat behind her. "I received your note, Lady Sarafina."
Silvy turned back to him, watching him with careful eyes, "Sarafina or Silvy is fine. I'm glad Orophin gave it to you."
Haldir face itched to grin at the hopeful yet worried expression gracing her features.
"I thank you for your apology, although it was not needed. I trust you also received my letter of apology?"
Silvy relaxed and sighed softly as she answered him, "Yes. I don't know how I can thank you for what you've done for me. It meant more to me than you could ever realize."
Haldir looked at her as Ithil shined his light down upon her, "You are more than welcome La.Sarafina."
Silvy smiled down at Haldir as he caught himself calling her lady. "So Haldir if I may be so bold, how old are you and your brothers?"
Haldir grinned at her question. Normally, it would have irked him to be asked such a question, but coming from her, he found it amusing. "I am the oldest with Orophin behind me by 800 years and Rumil behind him 400 years. As for our age, I myself have lived for 5 millennia." Silvy eyes widened at this, but she knew better than to refute what he was saying. "Wow. What is it like to have lived for so long?"
Haldir shrugged his shoulders elegantly, "It is no different I suppose than living for a shorter amount of time except we don't have to rush anything. We have all the time and use it to our full advantage. You mentioned in the forest yesterday that your mother died recently, may I inquire about her?"
Silvy looked down upon Haldir and saw no mockery or amusement, "You really want to know about my mother?"
Haldir nodded and jumped up upon the rock, taking a seat besides Sarafina. "Yes I would like to know about her, if you would permit me to know of course."
Silvy looked at him for a moment longer before taking a deep breathe, "Alright, I'll tell you about her."
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