Haldir and Alexa arrived at the festival just as Lady Arwen began to sing. Her beautiful, clear voice floated throughout the air, and seemed to charm everyone who was listening. Alexa watched Arwen in surprise. She did not realize that Arwen was in Lothlòrien. She had not seen her since her last visit to Rivendell. Her mind wandered to thoughts of her father. She missed him terribly, for it had been a great time since she had last seen him. She sighed. She would see her father soon, for she was intending to travel back home next week. Her mind returned to the present as Arwen finished her song and began walking towards them.
“Good morning,” Arwen greeted warmly. “It is good to see you again, Haldir.” She smiled brightly at Alexa. “Alexa, you look lovely. If only your father could see you like this!”
Alexa smiled. “Indeed. How are you, Arwen? I did not realize that you were here visiting Lothlòrien.”
“I arrived just yesterday. I am staying here for a time.”
Alexa nodded, but their conversation was interrupted, for Haldir’s brothers were walking towards them. Rumil was wearing a dark red tunic with gold trim and black pants, and Orophin was wearing a dark green tunic with silver trim and black pants. Both had on dark blue capes that were identical to Haldir’s.
“Good morning, brother,” Rumil said. He smiled charmingly at Arwen. “Arwen, you look more beautiful than ever,” he said and kissed her hand. His eyes widened as he looked at Alexa. “My lady, you look absolutely lovely,” he told her and kissed her hand as well. Alexa felt somewhat odd as Rumil kissed her hand. She was not accustomed to allowing just anyone to touch her. However, she smiled at him, for she realized that his kiss was just a custom.
Orophin smiled kindly at Alexa. “It is true, my lady. You do look beautiful,” he told her.
She smiled faintly. “Thank you.”
Haldir leaned over to her. “It is as I told you, dearest, you are radiant,” he whispered into her ear. She smiled at him and returned her attention to the company, which had begun discussing the festivities. Her eyes drifted to Orophin, and she frowned slightly as she saw him staring intently at something. She followed his gaze, and saw Lalaith standing a short distance away. She smiled slightly and leaned over to Haldir.
“I will return in a moment,” she whispered into his ear. He gave her a puzzled look, but she simply smiled and walked over to Lalaith. Lalaith turned as Alexa approached.
“Good morning, Lalaith. You look lovely,” Alexa greeted.
Lalaith smiled. “So do you. I knew there was an Elven lady in there somewhere,” she teased.
Alexa grinned as she watched Lalaith’s gaze continue to shift between her and Orophin. “Please come join us Lalaith.”
Lalaith glanced at Orophin and blushed. “I would very much like to.”
Alexa gave Lalaith a reassuring smile, and they began walking over to the group of Elves. Everyone smiled and greeted Lalaith warmly, except for Orophin. He simply stood there stiffly and stared at Lalaith. Lalaith glanced at him shyly.
“Good morning, Orophin,” Lalaith greeted softly.
“Lalaith,” he replied tensely.
The company glanced uncomfortably between the two of them, but fortunately, Rumil broke the silence.
“What marvelous music! Arwen, would you honor me with a dance?” Rumil asked and offered his hand to her.
“It would be my pleasure, Rumil,” she replied as she took his hand. The two of them left the group and began their dance.
Alexa gently nudged Lalaith. Lalaith glanced at Alexa, and then over at Orophin. She blushed painfully and lowered her eyes.
“Orophin,” Lalaith began, her voice wavering slightly. “Would you like to dance?”
Orophin stared at her for a moment before his mouth curved into a shy smile. “I would love to.” He took her hand, and they joined the other dancing couples.
Haldir arched a brow at Alexa. “What was that about?”
Alexa grinned at him. “It is a long story.”
Haldir studied her as she watched Orophin and Lalaith dance. He saw her smile slightly as they laughed. ~Perhaps she would like to dance,~ he mused. He grinned and touched her shoulder lightly. She turned and looked at him questioningly. He bowed and extended his hand to her.
“My lady, may I have this dance?”
She stared at him, her eyes wide. “I would love to, but I….” her voice trailed off. She lowered her eyes. “I do not know how.”
He smiled and tipped her chin. “I will show you.”
She gave him an uneasy smile. “As you wish. But I must warn you, you will probably have very sore toes by the time we are finished.”
He grinned. “I have tough toes.” He offered her his hand. “My lady.”
She took his hand, and he led her to the dancing area. He held her close, and they slowly began to dance. He smiled tenderly as he watched her face. Her brow was wrinkled in concentration, and she was intently watching her feet. He pulled her closer.
“Just relax. You are doing well,” he whispered.
She looked up at him. “I will try. I just do not want to step on your feet.”
He gave a soft laugh. “You are not going to hurt me, Alexa. Just relax and follow my lead.”
She nodded, and he could feel her relax slightly against him. She did step on his toes a few times, but he ignored it. He did not want this dance to end, for he loved having her in his arms. Unfortunately though, the music did indeed end just a few moments later. They stopped, and she gazed up at him.
“How did I do, Haldir?” she asked.
“Magnificently,” he replied, and lightly kissed her cheek. He smiled at her. “Are you hungry, love?”
She nodded. “I am famished, Haldir.”
He smiled and took her hand. They walked over to the banquet and joined their friends in feasting and merriment.
* * *
The day continued on with more dancing, fellowshipping, and merriment. As night fell, the Elves began to disperse and return to their homes, except for those few that had had too many glasses of miruvor. They seemed content to sleep where they fell, much to the amusement of everyone.
After bidding everyone good night, Rumil escorted Arwen to her talan, and Orophin escorted Lalaith to hers. Haldir and Alexa walked slowly back to her talan. She glanced at him and sighed heavily.
“You know that I am leaving next week, Haldir,” she said.
He glanced at her. “I know,” he said softly.
They continued walking, neither one uttering another word, until they reached Alexa’s talan. They walked up the stairs and stopped in front of her door. Haldir took her hands and looked into her eyes.
“Did you have a good time today?” he asked.
“Yes, I did,” she replied softly. “Did you have a good time, Haldir?”
“Yes. The festival was most enjoyable.” He gazed into her eyes. “I especially enjoyed being there with you,” he said huskily.
“I enjoyed being there with you as well, Haldir,” she said softly.
“I am going to miss you, my love. Our time together is always so brief,” he continued, his voice thick with emotion.
“I know. I am going to miss you too, Haldir.”
They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment, neither saying a word. Haldir reached up and gently tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. He looked into her eyes, and saw his own longing mirrored in them. He leaned down and gently kissed her. She placed her arms around his neck, and he pulled her closer. The kiss slowly deepened and became more passionate. He ran his fingers through her hair and felt her shudder. She pulled him closer and began lightly caressing his neck. After a long moment, he released her.
“I should go,” he whispered.
“Yes, you should,” she replied and kissed him again, more passionately than before.
He pulled her close, unwilling to release her. He lightly ran his tongue along her lips, begging entrance into her mouth. She opened her mouth slightly, and allowed his tongue to enter. She moaned and began tracing his tongue with her own, causing him to moan in pleasure. After a moment, he lightly broke the kiss and began to kiss her neck. He could feel the pulse hammering in her throat beneath his lips. He returned to her mouth and pulled her closer against him. They continued in the kiss for a long while, until they both drew back. They were both trembling violently and breathing heavily. Haldir gazed into her eyes. They were wild and dark and… hungry. Just like he knew that his were. Her lips parted, and he almost kissed her again, but he stopped himself. He knew that he needed to leave before he could no longer do so.
“Good night, my love,” he breathed.
“Good night,” she whispered.
He kissed her lightly and left. He walked down the stairs, and began heading for his own talan. He ran a shaking hand through his hair, and tried to calm his racing heart. He now knew that she loved him. He could feel it when he kissed her, when he felt her racing pulse beneath his lips. His heart began to soar, but then fell as he remembered that she was leaving. He sighed heavily. He loved her so much, and he wanted to be with her. Every time that she left, he felt like his heart was being torn from his chest. He sighed. ~One day, very soon, I am going to remedy that,~ he thought. ~One day, I am going to have her with me forever.~
