Title & Chapter Number: Nienna 6/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, places, plots, etc., created by the masterful J.R.R. Tolkien in book-land or movie-verse... they're just too wonderful for words. Those that I make up, however, are my own.
Warnings: None
Betas: None
Cast: Haldir/OC
Timeline: TA AU
Spoilers: None
Summary: An A/U… She was said to be one of the greatest beauties on Middle Earth, or so he had heard. Haldir will soon discover for himself what awaits him by the sea...
Notes: I do love feedback and suggestions, so if anyone has anything to say, please feel free to say it, via the board, or by email. Constructive criticism is most welcome…it's how we improve ourselves after all, but flamers, please beware, I can get pretty mean when riled!
Thank You: And definitely not to be forgotten, are the wonderful people who strive to make your story as wonderful as you want it to be. A big thank you to these two people, my beta pals, Mo and Julie!!! You're the absolute best, for without your inspiration and encouragement, this story might never have taken its wings and flown!!!
Chapter 6 - Harbor Masters And Picnics…
Admiring the sharp contrast of the vivid blue waters against the stark whiteness of the city, Haldir was awestruck by its sheer beauty and tranquility. Below the rocky-laced cliffs, high tide lapped at the golden shoreline, its misty spray rising into the morning sunshine, casting a kaleidoscope of shimmering colors upward. Countless waves slowly rippled toward land, white-capping and crashing against the beach before finally dissipating into a fizzle of creamy foam and disappearing beneath the grains of sand.
To his astonishment, Haldir discovered that no matter how many times he visited the seashore, he always felt a renewed sense of excitement and celestial closeness enfold him, luring him, as if he were feasting of its visage for the very first time. Perhaps it was the ever-changing vitality of the water that he found so peaceful and far-reaching. Powerful salty bodies, magnificent and godly in their creation, like the open palm of the Valar.
Today, on the fourth day since their arrival, they were to travel by boats to the other side of the island for a picnic lunch, and to explore some of the isle's more remote surroundings. Haldir had risen early, looking forward to spending time in the island wilds, away from the constant pomp and pageantry of Ciranian royal society at the palace. Being confined indoors much of the time was too stifling for the likes of him, a march warden and a guardian of the woods, and he longed to be at one again with nature.
As the party of elves, royalty and nobility alike, descended toward the docks, Haldir walked to the left of his Lady, flanking her between his body and that of her husband, Celeborn. King Cirdani and a subdued Princess Nienna had since joined them, and walked beside Celeborn, along with the king's second charge, Rana. Haldir could not help but notice how the princess seemed to scour the shoreline, as if looking for someone, although he briefly wondered if it might have instead been her way of avoiding him.
At the loading ramp, more Ciranian wardens waited by several large, flat-surfaced boats, each warden clad in water blue tunics, gray leggings and black boots. Judging by the sentinels' dress, they were different from those who guarded the city itself; these were the ones who kept watch over the island's shorelines, he heard the king say.
A tall, broad-shouldered elf moved out from the center of the wardens to greet the royal party, his eyes quickly flitting toward Princess Nienna as he approached, though his gaze did not seem to linger on her. He was powerfully built, with a long, confident stride, and massive, muscle treaded arms, swinging slightly by his sides. Across his back hung his quiver, with a large, exquisite bow resting on the strong point of his shoulder, its length reaching to his knees. Near his waist, his left hand rested on the hilt of a jewel-encrusted sword and scabbard, their elegance a testament to his high rank among the Ciranian armies.
Like the others, he was dressed in sea blue and gray, but across his shoulders, he wore a silvery blue hooded cloak, clasped together at the neck by a sapphire medallion. His hair, dark and silky, hung freely, almost to his hips, pulled away from his face by only one braid down the center of his back. As with most Ciranian's, his smooth skin was sun-touched and creamy, contrasting sharply with vibrant violet color of his slanted eyes, framed by long, dark lashes. His long, slender nose and full, determined mouth exuded almost an air of aristocratic refinement, yet hard masculinity.
Haldir watched the elf approach the king, bowing his head, his right hand moving to rest against his chest in greeting and reverence. Then to Haldir's surprise, King Cirdani repeated the gesture, before moving forward to take the elf by the arm with friendly familiarity, and pull him to his chest in a brief hug.
"Your Majesty," the elf said, again tilting his head slightly forward, "it is good to see you again."
"Ah, Varyar," Cirdani replied, "it is good to see you as well. I do hope you plan to join us back at the palace for a few days. We have sorely missed your presence at the festivities."
Varyar smiled. "Yes, indeed, Sire, I am looking forward to spending a few days getting acquainted with our fair Lórien kin, and," glancing at Haldir, he added, "participating in the upcoming hunting and weapons challenges."
Cirdani laughed jovially. "Well, my fine commander, we look forward to it as well." Then, turning back to his guests, he said, "My Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, I would like to introduce you to the backbone of Ciranian security. Varyar," he gestured to the elf with his hand, "the esteemed Harbor Master and Captain of Cirana."
After another brief glance toward a smiling Nienna, Varyar stepped forward, bowing low to the Lady and her Lord; his head remaining humbly tilted until addressed by the Lórien sovereigns, as was proper.
"Our greetings, Captain Varyar," said a smiling Galadriel from beside her husband, her beautiful eyes studying him closely.
Nodding, Celeborn added, "I see Cirdani also employs an able-looking captain. Mayhap this is why no enemy has ever breached the shores of Cirana."
"Of course it is!" The king said proudly, slapping Varyar on the shoulder. "Varyar here has guarded my shores diligently for nigh on two centuries, and never once has he let me down." Reaching out, Cirdani took Galadriel's hand, and began to lead her aboard one of the boats. "Now, we should make haste, Milady. The other side of the island is a treasure to behold, and I would not want you to miss any of it."
Varyar continued to stand beside his king, ready to offer his assistance, if needed, but as soon as Cirdani and the Lady, followed by Lord Celeborn, boarded the boat, the Harbor Master moved to shore, and headed toward the guard post. Haldir watched as Varyar and Princess glanced at one another, seeming to communicate with their eyes.
Though curious, Haldir resumed his role as Captain of the Galadhrim, and returned to the shore to help his own charges assist with the rest of the elven party. As several elves passed him, loading the sailing vessels, Haldir paid little attention to their faces, only offering his assistance to the ladies as they boarded. In the midst of it however, the glimmer of Nienna's white iridescent gown caught his attention when she appeared to be moving away from the crowded fold of elves, toward the beach.
The dark beauty seemed to shimmer against the filmy brightness of her gown and sunshine overhead. Her unbraided hair was as black as pitch, cascading wildly down her back in loose and untamed, shiny curls, swaying seductively with the movement of her hips. Around her neck hung a dainty mithril chain, with one teardrop emerald dangling between the full swell of her breasts. The gem sparkled like the vivid green jewels of her eyes, eyes the likes of which he had never seen before, their color, deep and clear, entrancing and bewitching, easily capturing the unwary beholder in their snare.
Suddenly, Haldir felt someone grab his hand and hold it tightly to draw his attention. Beside him stood Valkana; her hand wrapped around his, her thumb drawing a lazy circle in his palm. Blue eyes meeting his, her lips upturned invitingly, she purred, "Might I impose on you, my fine March Warden, to assist me into the boat?"
"Of course, Lady Valkana," he replied politely. He took her gently by the elbow with his free hand, and carefully guided her aboard the boat, his attention still drawn to where Nienna had gone as he glanced back to shore.
"Captain Haldir, would you care to join me?" Valkana said, squeezing his hand again. When he turned to her, she smiled and gestured to one of the benches lining the edge of the flat surface boat.
"My apologies, Milady Valkana. A tempting invitation it is, but King Cirdani wishes to make haste to the other side of the island, and I must offer my assistance," he said, once more looking toward the city, over the mix of dark and golden heads. He suddenly felt Valkana's hand shift in his own. She was craning her neck to see what held his attention. A frown covered her beautiful face, and her bottom lip jutted out in a shameless pout. Intrigued, Haldir followed her eyes, and saw the object of her discord, Princess Nienna.
Haldir watched the princess as she quietly made her way toward the guard post at the end of the dock, stopping only to look over her shoulder toward her unsuspecting father. Quickly rounding the corner of the building, away from the king's view, she suddenly smiled and moved forward out of sight. Though he knew not why Haldir felt compelled to follow her; the Harbor Master having gone in the same direction only a few moments earlier. Leaving Valkana standing on the boat, Haldir hurried his steps across the sandy beach to follow the princess.
Staying well enough behind to remain inconspicuous, Haldir meandered his way through the elves waiting on the boats. From his new vantage, he observed the Harbor Master standing beside the door, as if waiting for the princess. Opening his arms, Varyar welcomed her into his embrace, and to Haldir's surprise, without hesitation, Nienna ran to him, allowing him to swallow her up, swinging her around in a most undignified, if not intimate manner. In kind, wrapping her arms about his neck, peals of laughter spilt from Nienna as she held tightly to him, burying her face in the crook of his neck. Varyar's face broke into smile, holding emotion most evident to Haldir, as that of adoration and perhaps even love.
After a moment, he put her firmly back on the ground, still holding her by the shoulders, he bent to kiss her cheek, then reached to push a wisp of hair behind her ear, his hand lingering, caressing her face.
From behind the large base of the city's iron gates, Haldir stood watching, suddenly feeling as if he were intruding on a private moment between lovers, he quietly made his way back to the boat where the royal party waited.
The king had become agitated, bellowing loudly about where on Middle Earth his daughter had gone, looking expectantly to his second command. Just as Rana dutifully moved to go in search of her, the princess reappeared, walking beside Varyar, the distance between them now respectable and formal in its appearance.
As she made toward the boat, Haldir instinctively stepped forward to help her aboard, but instead Varyar held her hand, stepping in alongside her.
As soon as the Harbor Master was on board and Nienna took her rightful place beside her father, the boat pushed away from shore. However, instead of Varyar immediately taking his place by the vessel's bow, he sought the attention of a beautiful noble lady with similar features. Haldir had not noticed her before, but she sat in the coveted seat beside the Ciranian Royalty, and seemed quite familiar with both the princess and the king.
Varyar's countenance puzzled Haldir. The Ciranian elf seemed almost tearful and yet joyous, tenderly sweeping his hand across the noble lady's cheek, staring at her visage almost painfully loving. The lady elf mirrored the tall elf in appearance and actions, placing her arms around him, pulling him toward her. "Oh, my precious son, I have missed you so," Haldir heard her say.
~*~*~*~
The ocean's current and the strong arms of the elven sentinels pushed the boats to their destination quickly. Under mighty elms, on a downy cushion of soft grass and fragile flowers, the elves laid out a feast fit for any king, and all gathered about laughing and talking merrily, eating their fill. During the picnic, Haldir noted that Nienna sat with both the noble lady and her son, Varyar, and that for the first since he had seen her in the guards' lounge, she seemed to easily smile and laugh.
Finally, when the sun hung directly overhead, indicating mid-day was upon them, at Rana's suggestion, the male elves moved to the remote archery field, used for purposes of shore guard training for the wardens who were stationed far away from the city. Displaying their fine skills with bow and arrow, including swordplay for the more daring, the two realms quickly developed strong camaraderie and good-natured competition.
Haldir had chosen not to participate, but instead supervised his own wardens, noticing more times than not, the Harbor Master looking in his direction. Like Haldir, his emotions were masked behind an impassive expression, and Haldir wondered if Nienna had shared with Varyar regarding Haldir's lack of dress that morning outside his quarters. He certainly hoped not.
When the last arrow was launched, and the last of the elves made their way back to the ladies, who were still happily chatting in the flowery meadow, Haldir chose to stay behind. The lure of the woods proved too much to resist, and since he was restless, he made his excuses to take a brief walk.
Here, the trees did not grow as tall and majestic as in the Golden Wood, but they were nevertheless beautiful in their own way, he mused, as he ran his hand along the rough bark of a native tree, known only to this warm climate island. Around him, the sweet scent of exotic plants and flowers assailed his senses, while above him, a thick canopy of green, glossy leaves shielded the dirt from the sun.
Deeper into the lush forest he quietly strolled. Haldir had only meant to take a short walk to explore his surroundings before returning back to the others, but his mind had offered him no respite from the fair Princess Nienna, or the earlier encounter he had spied between her and the Harbor Master. What was the true nature of their relationship? Were they lovers? Did she love Varyar as he so obviously loved her? And why was it of interest to him?
For days Haldir had watched the princess without her knowledge. . . studying her. She could appear both mystical and most certainly, unattainable to one such as he. Her countenance both puzzling and enticing, Nienna presented herself as a shroud of great mystery and fiery attitude. She was unlike any other he had ever known; the stories of her great physical artistry were indeed fact. For if any elf maiden could rival the Lady in beauty and grace it was this haughty, aloof, and most enchanting female.
Yet strangely enough, she was also an open book of pain and sadness, heart-wrenchingly beautiful, but he did not sense that she truly gleaned any joy from life or from the presence of others. Except, perhaps, the Harbor Master.
He suddenly scowled, wondering what was wrong with him. He had lived for nearly two and half millennia, and never once had his mind been so occupied by another. And why her? She had shot him with her arrow, had spoken very few words to him, and had shown him even less attention, but she intrigued him in a way that he could not yet fathom. She was a complicated, challenging presence.
Haldir's thoughts suddenly changed from the princess to his dream that night before, the one he had had so many times before. She had come to him again, a body without a face. Her dress, as elegant and seductive as her dance, and on the sharp blade of her lower hipbone a marking. . .
The shape of a teardrop. . .
Was the maiden in his dream real? Or was she merely the devilry of his imagination? Never did she speak, but she felt so real, that Haldir was certain he could reach out and touch her. . . that he could smell her scent in the air he breathed. What was her significance? Was she the one?
Without realizing it, he found himself standing at a small peak overlooking the grassy meadow where the elven party gathered. In the short distance, he could hear the distinct crash of waves below the rocky knoll, and along with it, the freshness of ocean spray permeating the air. The ground beneath his feet, sandy and loose, seeming devoid of the ability to grow and sustain life, yet the lush landscapes told him otherwise.
Turning his face heavenward, above him, the treetops had opened up, allowing light to finally reach the forest floor and warmth to veil his sensitive skin. The sun seemed to burn brighter here than anywhere else in Middle Earth, and the heated air seemed thicker and less cool as it infiltrated his lungs.
Suddenly, a beautiful elven song penetrated his ears, rising up from below. In the meadow, the elves reveled in each other's company, their melodic voices joined in a slow, easy harmony as they settled themselves for a while.
Starting on his way again, Haldir passed a small mountain stream winding its way down the slope of the hill; a secluded trail lying almost hidden, stretched along beside it. As he followed the twist and coil of the small stream, his ears quickly honed on the much louder sound of rushing water beyond the small clearing ahead.
What he had not expected to find was Nienna sitting alone by a pool of the bluest water, her gown pulled up to her knees, and her feet dangling in the cool rim of the pond. She leaned back on the soft heels of her hands, her face pointing skyward with her eyes closed. His breath caught and held in his lungs.
To those of the court, she was the proper lady of Ciranian royal society, their princess. Yet to him, a mere visitor to their fair lands, she was so much more. He believed he had glimpsed the true Nienna, and in her, he saw an intoxicating presence, more comfortable with common elves than those of her high arch blue blood. To all others, a perfected, practiced vision of purity and grace perhaps, but to him, unmistakable sadness and wistful despair. Haldir suddenly looked away. He could not help but feel ashamed at his brash, inappropriate behavior toward her.
For days she had gone to great lengths to avoid him, always careful never to linger anywhere he might be able to approach her. He had wronged her, disrespected her, and he could certainly understand her reluctance to forgive him. But, as he watched her at that precise moment, alone in the forest, he could not resist the opportunity to at last address her and mayhap, rectify his wrongdoing.
"You should not be this far away from the others, Milady."
Surprised, Nienna looked up from her reverie and turned to meet the icy eyes of the March Warden. So stunned was she, that she found herself unable to speak for a moment, wondering how he had managed to sneak up on her. Then, to her frustrated embarrassment, as always when he was near, her thoughts turned to that morning outside his chambers when he made his intentions abundantly clear. Even now, she felt her cheeks heat, recalling his nakedness and her own shameful reaction.
She prayed that he could not sense her discomfort at his very presence, squaring her shoulders and narrowing her eyes, she attempted to mask her nervousness behind her usual haughty façade. "And why, pray tell, would you care, Captain Haldir?"
"Your Highness, there are many dangers in the wilds," he replied, his eyes flitting over her bare legs before returning to her face.
"Dangers?" she laughed. "You are mistaken, there are no dangers in my father's realm."
Shaking his head, he moved a little closer, so near in fact, that the scent of his male body wrapped around her. He smelled of the springtime woods after a fresh, dewy rain.
"No fortress is completely safe," he said seriously. "Not even that of King Cirdani."
She raised her chin in anger, yet she did not defend her father. "It is not the dangers of the wild which concern me, but instead those dangers which linger inside my own father's citadel since the arrival of certain elven kin, and a certain Galadhric Captain!"
"Nienna. . . Your Highness," he corrected himself, "I have been meaning to speak with you about my display the other morn."
She raised her brows haughtily. "Oh? Has the March Warden not humiliated me quite enough already?"
Studying him closely, Nienna thought she saw a glimmer of shame in those beautiful eyes, so clearly avoiding her own. The moment drew out, silent and tense, until finally he looked at her, his expression somber and dare she think embarrassed?
"I meant not to humiliate you, Princess Nienna. My behavior was inexcusable, and I wish to ask for your forgiveness, though I am quite certain I do not deserve it." His words appeared sincere, though spoken through his usual air of arrogance, and Nienna realized how difficult they must have been for him to say, the proud elf he was.
For a moment she contemplated, unsure if she was yet ready to pull down the comfortable barrier of her anger. Her natural inclination to protect herself had become nearly infallible, and she was not so blindly accepting. But still, though she knew very little of this Captain of the Galadhrim, his pride resonated more powerfully than the light of day itself. Dare she trust him? Dare she chance her instincts when they had led her astray more times than she could count?
"Your Highness," Haldir said. "I cannot express to you how embarrassed I am by my earlier actions. I am utterly and truly ashamed."
Despite her desire to shield herself, Nienna smiled, feeling her defenses give way, even if only a little. Her sulking and brooding over the last few days had made her realize that she, too, had provoked him, just as he had her.
"I forgive you, Haldir of Lórien, for the blame is not entirely yours to carry," she finally said. She had toyed with the March Warden, even stoking his anger and short temperament to wrath, and as badly as she hated to admit it, she had enjoyed the game they had played.
Yet, as he stood before her at that precise moment, large and powerful, as imposing as he was honorable, he seemed relieved and more at ease, at last gracing her with such a rare, charming smile. Chills raced from the bottom of her spine, to the top of her head, splintering all coherent thoughts from her mind.
"Would you care to join me?" she found herself asking, sliding farther down the rock to make room for him.
"If it pleases Your Highness, then yes, I will join you." Haldir sat down beside her, but he remained quiet, seeming to study their surroundings with ever-watchful eyes.
"You may take leave of your watch duty. There truly are no dangers here, which could bring us harm, Captain Haldir," Nienna said, tilting her head so that she could see his face more fully. "These shores are well guarded."
He reached out with his hand, and with long, elegant fingers picked up a few flat rocks, throwing them in the water, seeming to ponder her words, but remaining nevertheless silent, and most probably unconvinced. She smiled, admiring the fine warrior and valiant protector.
A soft breeze picked up, carrying the sweet scent of the trees on it, gladdening her heart. Nienna's eyes scanned the small glade surrounding them, though looking at nothing in particular. "I like to come to this meadow every time I get the opportunity," she said dreamily, absentmindedly treading her foot through the water. "This pond stays unbelievably warm, even on cold days and nights. Varyar says that it is fed by an underground spring."
At the mention of the Harbor Master, Haldir turned to her, his mouth upturned and smiling. Her breath caught in her throat. Never had she seen a living creature as beautiful as he was. In the mid-day sun, his eyes had taken on a darker, more vibrant hue, reminding her of an angered, turbulent sky, and she swallowed, wondering if he could read her thoughts merely by looking at her.
A few strands of Haldir's silvery hair, flailed about his face; his skin, smooth and milky, and his bone structure, proud and regal. He had the markings of royalty. Suddenly, a tendril fluttered across his mouth, drawing her attention to the fullness and richness of his lips. They seemed to beckon kisses from her. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought of such intimate caresses from the March Warden's mouth. The eroticism that it invoked burned her.
"Do you always come here alone?" he asked, turning away to skip a small stone across the water, small ripples fanning outward wherever the rock bounced.
Nienna blinked, not yet fully comprehending his question. . . until he looked at her expectantly. "I, uh," she stammered, "usually, yes."
He nodded thoughtfully, but remained silent, leaning back on his palms as she had done earlier. So large he was, sitting beside her; his body nearly double the bulk of her own, Nienna felt a strange safe peacefulness wash over her.
"Varyar is the only other who knows of this place," she continued, her delicate fingers smoothing over the tiny stone she held, "and now you." She suddenly became flustered when his eyes narrowed and fell to her hand, almost as if amused by her nervous fidgeting.
He leaned closer to her, and she could feel his sweet breath flit across her face. "Should I feel honored, Princess, that you would share your special place with me?" he asked, his tone tinged with smooth seduction that had lured many to his bed.
Her heart fluttered, and she swallowed again, her cheeks heating, but whether from anxiousness, embarrassment, or irritation, she did not know. "Share my special place with you?" she finally asked. "Have you forgotten that it was you who found me, Captain?"
Haldir nodded nonchalantly, turning away from her as his mouth twitched. "So I did, but," he looked at her again with a lazy grin, dipping his shoulder to playfully nudge her, "you did invite me stay."
Allowing the small pebble to slip through her fingers, Nienna drew a sharp breath, forgetting any anger or irritation she might have felt. "Well, it was the proper thing to do, since there are many dangers in the wild," she said softly, her eyes drawn to his mouth.
Nienna glanced up to find Haldir watching her intently. His eyes had gone from turbulent, to strangely calm, almost a dreamy shade of deep bluish-gray. Her heart quickened suddenly, her gaze drawn back to his lightly parted lips.
Haldir once again leaned closer, his eyes, too, had shifted to Nienna's mouth. . .
Closer and closer he moved toward her, until she could practically feel the warmth of his body against her own. . .
Her heart pounding beneath her breast, Nienna's pulse raced wildly, her blood pumping furiously through her veins, anticipation growing at a fevered pitch. He wanted to kiss her! He was going to kiss her! But, should she dare let him?
Everything around her became hazy, all that seemed real was the slow motion of Haldir's body. . . his mouth moving so close to her own. The soft curve of his lips. . . she could almost taste them. And she realized that, yes she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to shower her with his ravenous caresses. She wanted to experience the most intimate of kisses with him.
Closing her eyes, she leaned toward Haldir, her breath hung in her lungs, and her body trembled of her desire. . . waiting. . . waiting. . . and wanting. . .
Suddenly, the sun fell back on her face, bright and warm, and she reopened her eyes.
He was gone. Nienna twisted around, confused, looking behind her, her eyes widening as she caught the last glimpse of his retreating form as he disappeared in the trees.
He had left her sitting alone, her body pulsating with a need that only he could supply. . . and he just walked away as if she were nothing!
Nienna's hands balled into tight fists and her cheeks flamed a deep crimson, and though she knew they had been alone, she looked around anyway as if someone might have witnessed her humiliation. How could she have let this happen? She knew better! No longer was she a child! She had begun to trust him, and he made a fool of her! Had it only been a game to him? Had she only been a game to him?
Furious, Nienna kicked her foot, forgetting that they were sunk almost knee-deep in the pond, water flying in all directions, drenching her gown, angering her even more. Picking up the ends of the soaked garment, she slipped her shoes back on and stalked from the meadow cursing Haldir, his begetting day, and his parents for conceiving him!
Who wanted to kiss the haughty March Warden anyway? Certainly not her!
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