Title & Chapter Number: Nienna 8/?
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!!!
Credit for the Ciranian royal insignia belongs to the two wonderful minds of Patty and Bev of Haldir Lovers! They so freely offered up their help, offering inspiring ideas to my dilemma, and I wish to greatly thank them!
Chapter 8 - Secret Passages and Sweet Kisses…
As they neared the courtyard gates of the Royal House of Cirana, Nienna slipped her arm from Haldir's and grasped his hand, urging him to follow. She led him beyond a small thicket of flowering bushes to a nearly obscured path of white cobblestone, lazily meandering its way from the fortress grounds.
"Where are we going?" he finally asked, for although he acquiesced and allowed her to lead him at will, his face reflected confusion and intrigue, and perhaps a faint glimmer of amusement.
"You will see," she teased, her heart skipping and tumbling wildly in her chest; no elf had ever looked at her in quite the same manner as this March Warden of Lothlórien. Mistrusting her ability to speak without babbling, Nienna refused to elaborate any further, and instead tugged his arm in an attempt to pull him along behind her.
Suddenly he stopped, drawing her back toward him until she faced him fully. "So, Milady wishes to play coy with me," he said, his beautiful grey eyes boring into hers.
Tilting her head, she smiled sweetly. "Simply because I choose not to answer your question, does not make me coy, Captain. You must learn to be more patient."
"I must learn patience? Have you forgotten that I am a March Warden of Lothlórien, Princess?" he drawled proudly. "One does not guard the borders of Lórien for weeks on end without having an abundance of patience."
Nienna gazed at him with contrition, fearing she had genuinely offended him. "Of course, Haldir. I meant no insult. Please forgive me." She laid her hand on his arm, and at once felt the power of the muscles beneath.
He looked down at her hand, then his gaze returned to her face. "There is nothing to forgive," he said quietly. "Now, what is it that you wish to show me?"
"Come, it is this way." She took his arm to draw him forward, but still he resisted, clearly desiring an explanation from her first. "Please," she beseeched, adding, "I have something I wish to share with you, and I do not wish to explain it just yet."
He studied her face as though trying to ascertain her thoughts, then smiled suddenly. "Very well, Nienna. You may keep your secrets. " He gestured for her to lead the way, and this time he followed.
~*~*~*~
She led Haldir beyond the vegetable and herbal gardens to the orchards and ponds lining the hillock, ignoring the curious stares of the groundskeepers, who stood seemingly fascinated by the passing of their princess and the visiting March Warden.
Underneath a twinkling canopy of shade and dappled sunlight, large evergreens solidly rooted themselves upon a foundation of limestone, and within them, the air was filled with the sweet, calming sounds of nature.
Conversation had faded to a newfound, comfortable silence, and they soon discovered themselves simply enjoying the tranquility and peacefulness in which nature provided them. Not so high above, on the swag of a gnarled branch, a mother bird fluttered its wings, feeding its nesting chicks, while a gentle wind lazily sifted through the forest, carrying with it the smell of fresh, dewy pine, dampened soil and spicy island blooms.
Near the edge of the forest, the rush of wind grew more prominent, and the sea's tides louder and more distinct. The path began to fade with erosion and little use, disappearing onto nothing more than a scant, narrow ledge, high above the churning waters. The blanched rock beneath their feet glistened of a pale crystallized sheen of sea salt, powdery and loose, slick and dangerous to all but the sure, unfaltering steps of an elf.
Around them, a soft mist permeated the air in a fine, cool plume, dampening their skin and teasing their heightened senses, while several feet below, the sea grew rougher and more ferocious, slamming into the rocky shore with crushing force.
They had descended from the majestic perch of the royal fortress in but a short while, though from this particular vantage, the land and water around them appeared virginal and unconquered; its natural defense barriers had always ensured to smote any enemy that might desire to breach the island.
"Here we are." Nienna turned to Haldir and released his arm. "No one knows of this passage except Father, Rana and myself. . . and now you," she added almost shyly before sliding her small, lithe body between the rocks. Using her slight weight, she nudged the heavy wooden door open and peered inside, keenly aware that Haldir stood close behind her.
Reaching to pick up the hem of her skirts, she felt Haldir's hand on her shoulder, his strong fingers staying her. She turned to him once more, question in her eyes, but he only shook his head and moved past her, gently easing her out of his way. His intention was clear; he would enter the darkness first.
"Though you know the way, I would not have you enter before me. The way could be dangerous," he explained, his voice as deep and commanding as his rank as Lórien's Captain of the elite Galadhrim. "You will follow behind me."
Smiling, Nienna watched as he disappeared inside the darkened entryway and quickly gauged his surroundings. His distinct male scent wafted about, reminding her of how very different he was from her – and how very dangerous that combination could be. Her insides warmed at the thought, and when he turned back to her, she blushed, realizing that she had been smiling at his backside rather foolishly.
Though she fought the overwhelming urge to divert her eyes from his, she did not. And to her relief, he appeared not to notice her momentary stupor, instead beckoning her forward with his hand, seemingly satisfied that no danger lay in wait.
Once again, she picked up the cumbersome skirts of her gown, and entered the secret passage, pausing only long enough to allow her eyes to adjust to the darkness of the cavern. Even in the near pitch, her sense of sight and smell were keen, as well as her unfaltering memory. "Come, Haldir," she said, praying that he would not see how inflamed her cheeks were. She slipped her hand into his and tugged, urging him forward.
For the second time Nienna met with resistance, turning to find Haldir firmly rooted in place. Unwilling to budge, his gaze held a serious glint; resolute and unbending, he still meant to lead her, no longer trusting of their surroundings.
"I said that I would lead," he reminded her a bit sternly.
"There are no dangers here, my fierce one," she replied, "for I have traveled this passage many times, and I have never met with harm." Nienna smiled, attempting to convey reassurance, yet still he hesitated. "Please, Haldir, will you not allow me to show you my home?" she beseeched.
He looked at her, his expression unreadable, as always. With a slight tilt of his chin, he finally acquiesced and permitted her to move to the front of him – but not before stopping her once more. "I will allow you to lead, Nienna, but you will stay close to me," he warned.
"Aye, as you command, I will," she replied in earnest.
Along the dank passages they walked in silence, her steps sure and precise, while he moved stealthily and at the ready. She felt his strong warrior presence, and could not help but glance back at him, noticing that his eyes were aware, scanning the area around them. Once more that strange warmth returned to her insides, only this time, she felt an odd, yet most welcomed sense of peace and security. In his presence, no harm could befall her, and for the first time in all her long years spent alone and unwanted, she felt wonderfully safe and protected. . . and perhaps even desired.
A sweet happiness suddenly filled the hollowness of her heart, and she could not help but smile up at him, which he met in kind. Unbeknownst to anyone, for weeks she had watched and admired him, and now today, she truly cared for him in a way that she did not yet understand. She knew not what would become of them, if anything. He would after all, leave one day soon and once again she would be alone.
As quickly as happiness swept through her, dread crept back in and her smile faded into thin air.
~*~*~*~
Deep inside the palace, one level below the common floor, the homey scent of freshly baked breads and cooked meats filled the corridors.
Nienna smiled, inhaling deeply, at once recognizing the familiar scents and sounds of the kitchens. "As an elfling, I used my time alone in these passages when my father was occupied elsewhere. The castle has many levels below ground, some of which I have never visited and bear no knowledge of," her voice then took on an ominous tone, "and some I greatly fear and never desire to see." One such floor housed her father's dungeons.
"Your father allowed you such free reign?" Haldir asked incredulously, his breath warm against her cheek. "These halls are no place for one to wander alone, much less a child."
"Most days, he cared not to know where or how I spent my time," she replied, a little bitterly. "But to answer your question, I was forbidden to explore the citadel unaccompanied. It was only on rare occasion that I was permitted to accompany Rana to my father's cache hold."
Saying no more, Nienna silently reflected on those visits to her father's treasure trove, nestled safely in the bowels of the might structure; the only part of the palace truly guarded by his dead-eye sentinels. . .
~*~*~*~
Through the twisting maze of richly laden chambers, she had seen chests and crates filled to the hilt of her father's riches. Inside each sparkled priceless gems of every imaginable color. She followed Rana closely, her tiny hands tightly gripping the hem of his cloak as, without fail, he had led her to the farthest and deepest room – to Cirana's finest, most prized crown jewels.
In this room, she had felt the haunting lure of her mother's jewels; an air of curious, yet familiar mystery shrouded heavily about, drawing her like a moth to flame. On tiptoes, Nienna gazed at the priceless bobbles, though never daring to touch for fear of sullying them. Sadness had mercilessly gripped her heart, twisting and coiling, and it had always been in these dark moments that Rana would discover her.
With loving hands, the handsome warrior would carefully gather her mother's most favored circlet, and on bended knee, set it upon her head, across her tiny brow. Smoothing her cheek with the gentle touch of his fingertips, his expression a myriad of varying emotions; sadness and tenderness, understanding and compassion, and even bitterness and anger. Though young, Nienna had known that he read her thoughts and felt her great, constricting pain. . .
~*~*~*~
"What draws your thoughts, lovely one?" Haldir suddenly asked, pulling her from her reverie.
"It is nothing," Nienna replied, finding herself unable to bear the weight of his gaze at that particular moment, she quickly looked away – ahead of them. "Come, it is this way."
The clank of pots and pans, and the never ceasing chatter of the cooks and servers filled the dark passage, growing louder then quieter as she and Haldir moved silently along the darkness.
With unhindered steps, the princess proceeded, for she knew the deserted corridors well, and covered a large distance in a short amount of time. Climbing one flight of stairs to the castle's common floor, she counted the number of steps until she met a crossway in the passage leading in three different directions.
"This is the way to my father's throne room, and those stairs there," she gestured in the opposite direction, "will take you to the servant and guards' quarters below." She smiled slyly, adding, "I use this passage when I visit the guards' lounge, and no one is the wiser, except for Rana, of course." She smiled before turning straight ahead. "And this way will lead you to the royal apartments above," she added, pulling him forward once again.
True to his word, even in the safety of the upper level of the palace, Haldir remained close, his thumb gently massaging the top of her hand, constantly drawing her thoughts to him. . . his nearness. . . and the kiss in the glade.
Even in the darkness, Nienna blushed profusely at the mere thought of his mouth touching hers. She had shared a few kisses before him, but his had lit a wildfire that only he could extinguish. No words formed in her mind to describe the overwhelming desire kindled deep within her soul, wanting more, literally aching with need. She shuddered. Her body had reacted in such a way that she could not fathom; the sweet, rhythmic tempo pulling her as tight as a string, assailing her senses almost violently. In his eyes, in his arms, in the safety of his body, in his ecstasy, and in his very essence, she had found herself drowning. . .
Suddenly, her conscious thought reminded her that she was in the dark passage with Haldir, and that he had stopped walking and was pulling her back toward him. With no time to react or to ascertain what was happening, she burned as his fingers slid along her cheek and across her lips. Had he been reading her thoughts? Had his been the same as hers? Nienna's mind reeled from his nearness and his boldness, yet her heart skipped and quivered beneath her chest, rejoicing in anticipation that he would kiss her again.
His warmth told her that he was moving closer, and without hesitation, she raised her face to meet his. The slight touch of his fingers increased as his hand slid beneath the thick tendrils of her hair and his lips covered hers once more, first gently and then more demanding, and like their first kiss, she eagerly responded.
In the blackness of the passage, away from the possibility of any prying eyes, his touch was less restrained and bolder. His hands moved down her body, across her arms, to her hands, and to the soft curve of her hips, where his fingers dug into her flesh, trembling and yet firm in their touch and demand.
Leaning against him, Nienna opened her mouth invitingly, and his tongue quickly sought hers, plundering the hot moistness thoroughly and completely.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they allowed themselves to be swept away by the kiss. The moment stretching longer and longer, their touches, less teasing, now became bolder and more daring.
This time, however, it was not Haldir who broke away, but Nienna. Her control weakening, her body hummed sweetly of its appreciation for the tall elf warrior.
As in the glade, he stroked her cheek, his eyes turbulent and his touch gentle. With infinite care, he kissed her once more, though a kiss not exactly born of passion, but rather of a different nature – sweetness and tenderness.
"Should we continue?" he whispered, his fingers tracing the soft fullness of her bottom lip.
"Continue?" Nienna asked in confusion, her mind trained on the feeling of his hand against her mouth – to the eroticism of it.
He suddenly bent low, garnering her attention. "Continue on down the corridor," he said gently. A small twinkle shone in his eye.
"Oh." Nienna blinked. Her ability to think coherently returning at last, she blushed, realizing her error. "Yes. . . yes, of. . . of course, Haldir. Yes. . . it is this way." She gestured, smoothing the skirts of her gown in an attempt to ignore his slight smile. What must he be thinking behind that thoughtful stare?
~*~*~*~
Holding his hand, Nienna pushed through the heavy woolen tapestry, momentarily shielding the secret entry from his view before stepping into a large chamber.
The room smelt of age and isolation. It was a part of the palace many years since forgotten. . . by most.
"These apartments belonged to my mother and father," Nienna said, "long ago closed off and forgotten – left as they were the day my mother passed." She released Haldir's hand and walked a complete circle around the room, her hands reaching to touch, but never quite making contact. "Dariena said that Ada could never bear to return to them after her death, so he ordered the doors permanently locked."
"His pain was great indeed." Haldir approached her, and caressed her cheek softly. "'Tis a loss that most of our kind do not survive."
She smiled weakly. "I used to come here often when I was a child." Reaching out, she ran her hand along the great white marble mantle. "I had wished to feel some semblance of closeness to her in these rooms," she said sadly, "but it never came."
Again, she took his hand in hers, and led him to a grand dressing room.
In a small alcove sat a beautifully carved vanity table still covered with toiletries, jeweled mithril brushes and combs, and several glass containers, which Haldir surmised to contain scented oils. Above the table hung a heavy, gilded mirror, though dusty with time and lack of care, still breathtaking nevertheless.
Down two entire walls, rows and rows of ladies gowns hung with care, while another wall shelved nothing but matching slippers. The fourth wall graced with three large wardrobes, their color and intricate carven designs matching that of the vanity table; their open doors revealing several sleeping shifts and robes.
Nienna led him through another doorway into a large bathing room. In a windowed nook sat a large sunken tub of white and gray-veined marble, across its cool stone edge lay a heavy woolen drying cloth, still crumpled from its use. Haldir felt a strange sadness, instinct telling him that none other than Queen Ardana herself had placed the towel there.
The next room they entered was the bedchamber. Here, the walls were not the stark whiteness he had seen in the other rooms, or in his own quarters, but were covered in heavy wall tapestries of red and gold. The ceiling, coffered and trimmed of gold inlay, bore a shocking, but complimentary, contrast to the bold colors of the room's walls. Beautifully gilded crown molding along the ceilings and wall base completed the opulent richness of the room, and brought out the gold of the tapestries, while the floor, like the rest of the palace, was constructed of the island's white marble, with several woolen rugs strewn about.
A large canopied feather bed sat upon a raised wooden platform. Still rumpled with use, its covers shifted heavily to one side with two distinctive indentations upon the pillows, bore yet another painful reminder that tore at Haldir's heart.
The last room she led him to was a nursery. The walls, unlike the bedchambers, or the rest of the palace, were painted of beautiful murals depicting various scenes and backdrops of old elven children's tales. Strewn about the floors, upon the tables, wardrobe, and various shelves lining the walls were cloth animals. The ceiling above his head, painted of the nighttime sky with the moon and stars, including the brightest, the star of Elendil.
Haldir's breath hitched when next he spied a beautifully carved cradle of dark, finely glossed wood. Above the small bed, hanging from the twilight ceiling, a dainty mithril circlet with dangling, hand-hued sapphire-gemmed dolphins, an amber moon and sparkling diamond stars.
He suddenly heard Nienna sob almost painfully. He turned to her at once.
"I am sorry, Haldir," she said, her eyes watery. "I should not have brought you here." Her voice was strained. "It is just that I never had a mother and it saddens me." She looked away.
Haldir smiled tenderly, brushing his finger lightly across her lashes, catching the salty moisture before it could roll away. "I, too, have lost," he replied softly, cupping her face. "My parents were taken from me many, many years ago. If it were not for my brothers' need of me, and the love and grace of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, I would have followed."
She reached up to cover his hand with her own, gazing deeply into his grey eyes. "I am truly sorry, Haldir. I did not know."
"It was long ago, and I choose not to dwell on it." He drew her close to him and held her. "Although, the pain is always there."
Nienna leaned into his embrace, laying her head against his shoulder, the sweet curves of her body seeming to fit with him so perfectly and completely.
"Thank you, Haldir," she murmured at last, pulling away only far enough to meet his eyes. "It seems we have much in common."
Haldir gazed down at her face. "Perhaps." Then his mouth found hers once more, and he kissed her for a long while, and with great tenderness.
~*~*~*~
In his private study, King Cirdani pushed aside the last stack of parchments, and leaned back in his chair, looking expectantly at Rana, who sat at the ready across from him. "How goes it for the competitions and hunt?"
"Preparations are being made as we speak, Sire," the king's second in charge replied. "Arrangements for the archery and sword competitions are now complete, and the scheduled hunt is nearly done."
"Very good." Satisfied, Cirdani nodded, folding his hands in his lap. "That is at least two fewer worries for me."
"Sire?"
Sighing, King Cirdani arose from his chair and began to pace the room, stopping in front of the terrace, his royal robes snapping in the strong late day breeze. "Lady Galadriel wishes me to allow Nienna to travel back to Lothlórien for a visit."
"Are you considering this request?" Rana asked curiously, also rising to his feet.
Cirdani turned a raised brow to him. "One does not dismiss the Lady of Light without some thought, Rana. Of course I have considered the request, but. . ." The words trailed away.
"Sire, perhaps it is not my place to say, but I truly feel no harm will come to her. There are no finer warriors than those of the Galadhrim. And when she is ready to return home, our finest can retrieve her."
"No," King Cirdani said simply, his attention drawn out, beyond his terrace doors. "I will not have my only child traveling across Middle Earth while such peril runs rampant, Rana."
"But what of the Lady's request? As you said, one just does not dismiss her without thought."
Cirdani turned. "I have indeed considered her request," he looked away, his gaze falling upon The Ardana docked in the bay, "and I will still decline my daughter's leave. She will stay here in Cirana where I can watch over her and protect her."
Rana moved closer, standing beside his king. "Sire, please forgive me, but I so fear that Princess Nienna wilts here; that if she is confined too long, we might lose her."
The king scoffed, turning to the tall elf, his brow knitted in irritation and disbelief. "My daughter fares just fine. She is taken care of here, and as I said, I will not consent to her leaving the island. It is far too dangerous, and I simply will not take the risk." His voice grew harsh. "I refuse to have her meet the same fate as her dear mother."
Rana looked down. "Aye, your majesty. Please forgive me."
Cirdani returned his attention to the view outside his window. "How many will Varyar bring with him?"
"A full regimen, Sire." Rana shifted uncomfortably. "Do you think it wise to leave the shoreline so unprotected? The northern post is vulnerable to the mainland, especially this time of year when the waters are so calm."
Waving him off, the king walked out on the balcony. "Rana, come and look." Rana did as he was bidden, and joined Cirdani to overlook the city. "This," the king gestured elegantly, "is paradise, free of all undesirables, including danger. Never have these shores been penetrated by any enemy. Never have my people walked in peril and fear." He turned to look pointedly at the tall elf. "And never shall they."
"Of course, Sire," Rana said, bowing his head in humble apology. "I suppose 'tis my visits with the Galadhrim March Warden which has me at odds." He looked out toward the tall mountain peaks in the distance. "Though the One Ring has not yet been discovered, Haldir tells me that the shadow grows stronger with each passing day, and that soon no place on middle earth shall go unscathed by its evil touch."
Cirdani sighed worriedly. "Let us hope, Rana, that we are far enough from its reach."
"Indeed, Sire. Indeed."
~*~*~*~
In the residential hall of the royal quarters, Nienna and Haldir walked quietly side by side; the lengthy corridor showcased beautiful mural landscapes, which to his surprise, differed greatly from the rest of the abode.
King Cirdani and Nienna did not share the same floor as the visiting royal chambers he and the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel occupied, but instead, a beautiful crystal staircase lead them to the next level above.
Set high in the citadel, the long, majestic hall, the most magnificent that he had seen thus far, boasted tall, sturdy columns lining its edges, each resting upon great, gold inlayed pillars. Anchored into a glass-dome ceiling several feet high at its apex, hung three towering grand chandeliers, and the walls of the corridor were lined with richly painted murals and glistening gild.
Underfoot, polished white marbled floors heralded the Ciranian royal crest – a rounded mithril globe, in its center a ruby gemstone phoenix and a white, pearl carven stallion, and cast over the mithril was a mighty blue sapphire dolphin. In his studies of the elven city, Haldir knew that the phoenix represented fire and eternal life, while the stallion meant strength and grace, and the dolphin stood for nobility and knowledge.***
>From below, Haldir could hear the band strumming a quiet tune in preparation for the night's festivities, warming their instruments to sweet, harmonizing perfection. Within moments, however, a high note was struck and the music began.
To his surprise and dismay, they had yet to encounter one guard along the royal passage. Was Cirdani so confident in his elves' abilities to guard his borders, that he felt no need to ensure the safety of himself or his only daughter? Had living untouched by the enemy's hand left him so soft and unawares? Haldir bit back his unease, and instead focused his attention on the beautiful vision beside him. . .
The glass overhead cast Nienna in a warm ethereal glow, and his eager eyes traveled the length of her perfectly formed body. Her dark hair hung freely about her shoulders and back, contrasting greatly against the simple gown she wore.
Such sweet kisses they had shared; a most unexpected gift indeed, but not an unwelcome one. Never had he tasted such honeyed lips as hers; he only wished he could taste the rest of her, for she was everything her legend had said, and more.
He pushed aside the thought as he realized they had stopped at the end of the hall, and stood facing two large, elegantly carved doors.
"These are my rooms, Captain Haldir," Nienna said, her eyes locked with his. She wore a rather teasing smile, though what it meant, he did not know.
He smiled. "So I suppose I am to release you to the care of your maidens?" She nodded. "Then I shall look forward to our next meeting, Nienna." He took her hand in his and raised it to his mouth, pressing his lips to the soft skin. "I thank you for your kisses."
Her cheeks suddenly flushed and she looked down as if embarrassed.
"Sweet Nienna," he cupped her chin with his hand, his thumb caressing and gentle in its touch, "do not turn your face down. I did not mean to embarrass you."
Slowly, she raised eyes that were at once innocent, and yet knowing, and in the splendor of the moment, she smiled a smile that made his heart turn over. "Thank you, Haldir," she said softly.
He moved closer, his eyes drawn to her mouth. Unable to resist such temptation, he would take only one more kiss, if she allowed it.
The moment their mouths touched, he felt a quiver run through her body, and without hesitation, he deepened the kiss, her instinctive reaction to his touch nearly fraying his senses. And as before, the kiss quickly grew passionate and molten, the heat between them spreading and consuming, stoking his most primal arousal to a fiery blaze.
For some reason this moment stood apart from the others, as though meaningful in some way, and he felt himself being carried away to a wondrous new heightened ecstasy. Yet all too soon, the kiss ended, two heated flames reaching, searching for each other, her honeyed touch becoming no more than a memory that would linger in his mind. . .
He bowed, striving to gather himself, and after regarding her once more, not daring to look for too long for fear of his control and resolve waning into thin air, he walked away, barely resisting the urge to look back to see if she was watching him.
~*~*~*~
Nienna sat at her mother's wishing well, enjoying the brisk early evening air. In her hand, she turned a smooth stone over and over, but made no move to pitch it into the water. Instead, her thoughts rested on Haldir and the gentle words and kisses, both sweet and passionate, that they had shared. Reverently, and without conscious intention, she ran her other hand along the flat edges of the well's wall.
"I have been looking for you," came a familiar voice.
Startled from her thoughts, Nienna looked up to meet the warm, violet eyes of the Harbor Master, a large, powerful warrior, yet a gentle, honorable elf. "I am sorry, Varyar. I told no one where I was going."
"It does not matter, Nienna. Have you forgotten that I know of all your special hiding places?" A broad grin tugged at his lips. "You cannot hide from me, even if you tried."
Nienna smiled. "Indeed." She slid farther down the bench, and patted the seat next to her for him to sit. "Although, I would never hide from you, my fair warrior."
Laughing, Varyar sat down next to her, reaching out with long, elegant fingers to trace the outer edges of the wishing well, mimicking her earlier actions. As was his habit, his eyes scanned the horizon ahead of them, always observant and cognizant of their surroundings. "'Tis a beautiful place here – one of my favorites," he said. Regarding her silently, he reached for her hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss.
Again she smiled, touched by his sweetness, and yet noticing the spark of interest held in his eyes, left unspoken and dangling between them. "What are you thinking?" she asked as the moment stretched on uncomfortably.
He continued to study her closely, his smile seeming to grow almost catlike. "Something is different about you," he remarked.
Nienna shifted under his scrutiny, knowing how mischievous and relentless he could be when seeking information. "I do not know of what you speak, Varyar," she said quickly. "Your eyes deceive you is all."
"Nay, my eyes are as true as rain," he said, "and they tell me there is something different about you." He gestured toward his cheeks, his fingers grazing over his skin. "You have a certain glow. . ." he seemed to search his mind for words, "and a freshness I have not seen in a good long while."
"Stop your teasing this instant, Varyar!" she demanded, feeling her face heat with embarrassment.
He laughed and leaned in close to grasp her chin, peering at her for a long, lingering moment. "Ah yes, Nienna, I see that a burden has been lifted from your heart. Your eyes tell me so."
Nienna's breath caught. It was one of those rare occasions when, as if she were looking upon Varyar for the first time, she could truly appreciate what a beautiful elf he had become since reaching his majority.
In the pale moonlight, Varyar's eyes had taken on an even darker hue, reminding her of angered, stormy night sky – a world of knowledge residing in that vibrant stare. Like all Ciranians, his smooth skin held a warm creaminess brought about by long years beneath the sun, slightly darker than that of most elven realms, yet no less flawless. Fanning about his handsome face, his black hair glistened like finely spun silk, while his full, luscious mouth invited the most wonderful conversation, laughter, and even the sweetest kisses. Varyar had ensnared numerous hearts with that beautiful smile and those amazingly expressive eyes.
"Nienna. . . Nienna!" he said, snapping his fingers in front of her, startling her back to reality. "Where has your mind gone this fair evening?"
She ignored his question. "Are you excited about the competitions on the morrow?"
"Of course I am," he replied. "It is not every day one gets to pit one's skills against the Galadhrim's finest."
"I suppose not, although I have all the confidence in the world that you will fare just fine."
Varyar laughed, yet still seemed to be studying her quite closely. "I know what it is that you are trying to do." He kissed her hand once again. "You are trying to change the subject."
"I most certainly am not," Nienna protested, her eyes narrowing when Varyar merely nodded his head; he still scrutinized her, yet remained silent. It had long been his way of obtaining information from her, and she knew it.
They sat in silence for a few moments, neither willing to say a word; it was an old battle of the wits between the two. Finally, when she could take it no longer, she turned more fully toward the handsome Harbor Master, her brow a little furrowed.
"Are you ready to tell me what has your thoughts this eve?" he asked.
Sighing, Nienna looked down for a moment, steeling her resolve. "What do you think of Haldir?"
Varyar leaned back, looking rather surprised. This was obviously not what he had expected her to say. "Why do you ask, Nienna?" His voice had taken a more serious tone now, seeming to match the change in his countenance.
Nienna swallowed, well aware that he was not happy with the direction of this conversation. "No reason really," she said. "It is only that he and I have talked on occasion, and I find him to be rather interesting."
Varyar's brows arose in alarm, and he took both of her hands in his own, placing them upon his knees. "Now you listen to me, Nienna," he said sternly, "this Lórien Captain is not one to be trifled with –"
"Trifled with?" she repeated. "I do not – "
"Allow me to finish, Nienna," Varyar commanded, his demeanor reminding her of Haldir's at the passage entrance earlier that day. "He is well used to female company, and is very experienced. You, on the other hand, are innocent to the charms of such a seasoned elf."
"What are you saying, Varyar?"
He sighed, and Nienna could clearly see that he was warring within himself. "Very well, Nienna, for your own good, I will tell you exactly what I am saying," he replied. "An elf like Haldir of Lórien has no desire to take any maiden as a companion for any purpose other than the slaking of temporary needs. I've seen his type. Long weeks and months on the border, away from civilization. He is a creature of solitude, far more accustomed to war duty than prospect of love and family, and I would be very willing to wager that this is the way he prefers it."
"Perhaps you are mistaken about him," Nienna tried to protest.
Varyar sighed loudly. "You know my words are true, Nienna!"
Nienna looked down, unable to hide the sudden wave of disappointment coiling around her delicate heart. "You need not say more, Varyar. I understand. Duty comes first for him at all times, just as it does for me."
The Harbor Master shook his head sadly. "I do not tell you these things to hurt you, but I merely warn you. Your heart has already had to endure so much pain, and I genuinely fear for you, should you continue these associations with Captain Haldir."
"Associations? You make it sound as though I am carrying on with him!"
"No! That is not my intent at all," he replied. Varyar smoothed an errant strand of hair behind her ear. "Nienna," he said tenderly, "I do love you so." With that, he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, the moon shining through the treetops to silhouette their bodies.
"And I truly love you, Varyar," she replied tearfully.
Gently, he drew her back, looking into her eyes. "I beg of you, please stay away from him. He will hurt you, Nienna, and I could never bear it such a thing to happen." When she opened her mouth to once more protest, he shook his head. "Nay, hear me and hark my words." He kissed her lips lightly, then her cheek, and lastly her forehead, pulling her into his arms at last. "Stay away from Haldir of Lórien, I do not trust him. I do not trust him at all!"
~ Previous Chapter ~
~ Library Main ~
~ Author Index ~ Character Index ~ Title Index ~
~ Hall Of Fire ~ Gallery ~
~ Links ~ Shops ~ Map ~ News ~ Rules ~ Lists ~ ~
This page is in no way affiliated with New Line Cinema or Tolkien Enterprises, and no profit is being made.
The information contained herein is NOT to be used to spam or in any other way harrass its members. Be advised that abuse of this site will not be tolerated, and the appropriate legal action will be taken.
Hall-Of-Fire.Com v.4.0, Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 by Cristine Cook-Fireheart. All rights reserved. This web site may not be reproduced in any form, except as occurs in normal browser caching, without express written permission from the author.
Website by Infinite Connections Design.
