****

Haldir had decided that there was nothing more he could learn on the eastern marches. It was determined that the men had not been there the day before the attack. So, they were there deliberately. Yet, the question begged, why? It was a wide spread ‘fact’ that the Golden Woods was cursed. Few who ventured there ever returned, and no humans were known to have come out unscathed. It was a well-earned reputation, perpetuated to insure there were no intrusions into the sanctuary of the Lord and Lady. If rumours told about Imladris proclaimed its beauty and graciousness, then those whispered of Lórien spoke of dark doings and evil beings. It was feared on a lesser scale than Mordor; yet spread greater apprehension than did Moria. Most knew the evil of Moria, yet Lórien looked deceptively peaceful and inviting.

Haldir stood discussing their findings with Celedien. The last two weeks had been spent going over the accountings given by those involved. A search of the menÂ’s bodies gave no indication where they had originated. Mixed clothing and the differing races had only served to cloud the findings. It seemed senseless: the whole incident. Two wardens were dead and three younglings injured; who, he added, did not belong out there. The only person with any clue as to the identity of the men and not been asked. Ela had been overlooked as a witness.

Celedien looked at his superior.

“It has always been a requirement that the trainees for the guards do turns on the marches. You know that. You had no problem sending your brothers out here. They were younger yet.”

“I should never have sent them together. That was a mistake I will not make again.”

“It is that girl.” Celedien shook his head. “I knew there would be trouble. I told Orophin I did not feel easy about her being here.”

“It has nothing to do with the girl. They were not ready. I do not believe they take their responsibilities seriously enough.”

“If they were not ready, do you think they would have acquitted themselves as well?” Exasperation edged around the captain’s words. Did Haldir not see that it had nothing to do with their training? “And I have seen all of them with weapons. There is no fault in their training or abilities. It was a matter of bad timing and ill luck.”

“I do not believe in luck.” Haldir turned around, surveying the area once again. “I will leave you your command, Celedien, and not fault you on the events here. It was not by your choice they were here. You showed due caution and care…”

Celedien turned back towards the woods at the look on HaldirÂ’s face. Seeing the subject of their earlier comments, and glancing back at the other man, he realized it had much to do with the girl. She was riding down the road with an ellon he did not recognize. As he was dressed in Ranger garb, Celedien deduced that this was one of Lord ElrondÂ’s sons. He had heard they were in the city. The two of them were a striking contrast; she with her light copper and gold hair and paler than normal skin, and he with his ebony hair and his skin lightly tanned. And, he towered over her slight stature.

Haldir waited until they had ridden up to them.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked, looking up at her.

“Captain Celedien,” she said, ignoring his question. “This is my brother Elrohir. He agreed to see me safely out here.” The tall, dark elf dismounted and nodded his head at the captain.

“What are you doing out here?” Haldir asked again, a trifle irritated.

“I am bored with sitting at home. I wanted to take a ride.”

“I do not want you out here.”

“Do I need your permission? I gained Lord Glordinel’s. I feel that is sufficient.”
“It is not. After what happened, do you not realize this is no place for children?”

For all the irritation in his voice, Elrohir could sense an underlying concern.

“Is that how you view me, as a child? In another week, I will mark my majority. What will you have to say to me then?”

“I will have to say you are still a child. I happen to know of the deal you made with Elrond. You cannot fall back on that claim now.”

“Well, at least I have his permission to finish my training.”

“That will not happen. You will have to content yourself with the city guards. That is as far as it will go.”

She looked down at him, scrutinizing his face.

“What do you fear?” she asked softly.

“I fear nothing. You proved you are not mature enough to be here. You did not obey orders. You disobeyed a direct order. You cannot do as you please for self-satisfying reasons. That is not the way of a warden or a warrior.

“Self-satisfying reasons? Is that what I did? How odd. I would have thought it would be more satisfying. I feel curiously bereft of accomplishment. Perhaps the near loss of a comrade diminished the emotion. On the other hand, maybe it was the blow to the head. That always seems to disturb the equilibrium of my life. You would think by now I would be used to it. I am sure it had nothing to do with a fallen friend.”

“Obeying orders it the first and only commandment.”

“It is? Remind me of that when it is your hide that requires disobedience to save. I shall think the matter over seriously as you painfully bleed to death.”

“It will not be an issue. I will not allow myself to be put in that position.”

“Yes, your immortality and arrogance will stave off anything this world can possibly throw at you.” There was a strange gleam in her eyes. “While you anticipate the tens of thousands who march against all, it will be a bee that is your downfall. Think hard on that. No man, not even an elf can stand alone against the odds. Strength comes in numbers; yet, can one make a difference.”

“From where does this come?” he asked curiously.

She shook her head slightly and the gleam disappeared.
“Pay me no mind,” she laughed. “It is simply the ramblings of a child’s mind. I think it time to return home. I will see you tonight, March Warden. Elf, there is no need to accompany me back. I know the way.” Nodding to Celedien and the others, she turned her horse, never having dismounted, and started back.

“That was unsettling.” Elrohir watched her leave.

“And it has happened with increasing frequency. Not that you would notice if you did not know her.” Haldir sighed. “Another report to the Lady.”

“I have some things that require my attention,” said Celedien. “If you will excuse me.” He nodded to Haldir and Elrohir.

“He is the captain out here?”

“Yes. A very good man. He receives all the trainees. He trained both my brothers and me. It is close to the city should something go wrong, as it did. He is concerned that things went so badly. His concern is not misplaced. All will be more cautious next time.”

“Was it your idea to send them out here?”

“No,” he answered sharply. “Lord Celeborn said they must be given the same opportunities as all potential wardens. And Orophin and Rúmil had no small part in the argument.”

“Haldir.” Elrohir reached out and touched his shoulder. “How long have we known each other?”

Haldir looked him in the eyes.

“For many years.”

“Then I ask this as a friend. Is there any reason you did not want them out here?”

Haldir paused. Looking out at the eastern plains of Rhovanian, he found he could not put into words what he felt.

“We have too few young ones to risk them here. Meliel and Ela should not have been here. If they want to play warrior, let them do so in the city.”

Elrohir stared at him.

“Do you really believe that? That has been their dream for too many years. Moreover, I do not mind pointing out that it is because of you Ela wants it. She knows she can never be a Ranger. However, she has always held out hope that she could serve on the wards. If you refuse her, there is the possibility that she will go elsewhere. Lórien is not the only realm in need of bows. Thranduil would not turn her away. She would find a place in the Grey Havens. If she chooses, Lady Elestra has even offered her a home in the Hidden Havens. And, do not think for a moment that Ada would not welcome her back. It near broke his heart to send her away. There is also the possibility that if you push her hard enough, she will seek out her mother’s people. My father has already been warned not to let that happen. It will not go well for her to return there. Therefore, you had best make up your mind what you will tell her. She intends to bring it up tonight.”

“Do you realize that I have had trouble from your family ever since my first trip to Imladris? If it was not the two of you following me, it was Arwen. Now your father has found yet another to plague me. Why is that?”

“You irritate too easily,” Elrohir laughed. “It was always too much fun.” He sobered. “However, you may have noticed that it is not the same with Ela. I am not sure she ever was a child. The innocence was torn from her too early. I sometimes feel her soul is as old as is mine. And, if you think binding her to her arrangement with my father will work, you are sorely mistaken. Her life has been spent working as far around the edges of obedience as she can without actually crossing the line. She managed to outflank you before; she will do it again. Your arrogance is no match for her determination.”

“I believe you give her too much credit. She has never disobeyed any here. Until two weeks ago.”

“Think hard. Has she ever actually been told no to anything she wanted? She wanted to come here. It may not be the way she wanted to come, but she is here. She wanted her ears pierced. They are. She wanted to be a guard. She managed that. Even with her weaker abilities, she still can hold her own. I think you will be hard pressed to find an instance when she did not get what she wanted.”

“She wanted to go to Mirkwood, for some unfathomable reason. She did not get to go.”

“Yet. Lord Erestor warned Grandfather not to underestimate her. I think that is exactly what you do. I have noticed in the past few years that she does not think as an Eldar. In addition, if you look at Meliel, you will find the same true of her also. They have brought much of their other heritages into their being, Meliel from her Edain upbringing outside of Lórien, Ela from the peculiar abilities given her by both parents. You expect them to act and behave as proper elf maidens. I am telling you that you will get nowhere on that tack.”

“Then what would you suggest, giving them free rein to do as they please? And who will that benefit? It will not stand them well in the future. And they do have a future to think to.”

“I suggest that you temper your judgment. Stop treating them as children, and remember what it was to be young and fired for a cause. Remember when all you thought on was the present. Meliel’s future is set. She has only a handful of years before she can wed. Ela has known hers for many years. She waits, and will do nothing to jeopardize what she wants. You must exercise patience. If you do not, she will leave. And, I promise you this. Friends or no, you will answer to me if that happens.” He turned to his horse, leaving Haldir to think on what he said. He mounted, shaking his head at the thick-skulled mentality of males. Of course, that did not include him.
****

All the way back to the city, Ela went through the reasons she did not like the March Warden. She went through his stated reasons for not allowing her to do as she wished. Then she went through the arguments she had prepared to get what she wanted. When it came down to the bottom line, she knew she could not win. However, that would not stop her from making his life miserable. No, if he was going to win, she would make him work for it. Besides, she knew that in the end, she would triumph.

Smiling now, happy with the results of her musings, she rode on, nodding at those who acknowledged her. Most knew who she was, but few knew her other than by name. Some knew her by rumours. Ela shook her head. Deladrieng was one determined woman. However, Ela assured herself, the woman had a lot to learn about determination. There was a reason Ela had seldom been told no. She knew how to pick her battles. More importantly, she only fought when she knew she could win.

Reaching the city, she rode around to the entrance used by the guards. She dismounted in front of the stables and started to unsaddle her horse. She waved away the stable master, who moved to help her. It would not help her argument one bit if it was reported that she would not even care for her own mount. Besides, she loved the smell of horses. They had a dusty warm aroma that was comforting. And, other than her cat, her horse was the only being totally devoted to her. No one else could ride him. Del had thought her joking one day when she told him this. He had not raised himself in her estimation by testing her out. She had just looked at him, sitting in the mud, and cryptically remarked in a cool voice how like Caldelen he was. It had taken a conversation with Elldar to understand the comment. Even Del had noticed her contempt for him raised a notch that day.

Putting away her things and turning her horse out, Ela started home at a slow jog. She decided that with the headaches gone, she could start training again. Turning onto the wide road through the city, she picked up her pace. Lost in her thoughts, she did not hear the footsteps behind her. She gasped as strong arms grabbed her about the waist and swung her around.

“Elldan,” she gasped, “put me down! What will people think?”

“That you can actually laugh and have fun?” he said, laughing.

“I am training. Now I will have to start over.”

“Where is my brother?”

“I left him on the fences with the March Warden. With any luck, he will knock some sense into Haldir’s head. When is Ada coming?”

“They should be here any day. I am on my way to visit with Arwen. Would you like to come?”

“In the garden or the trees?”

“She said the garden. What is the difference?”

“It takes an official summons to get me in the trees. However, I will go to the garden with you. Do I have time to clean up? I love the smell of horses, but I know not everyone else does.”

“I can spare ten minutes or so. Is that enough time?”

“Yes, but do not tell Rúmil I can do it that quickly. I would not want to sully my reputation for keeping him waiting. It would not do for him to become too complacent.”

He accompanied her home. Entering the house, she called to Gariel.

“I guess no one is home. I will be quick.”

He nodded, picking up a book she had left in the family room. Wandering down the hall, he called out to her.

“How are things between you and Rúmil?”

“Fine, and none of your business. Why?”

“Just curious. He seems a little too easygoing for you.”

She stuck her head from her room.

“What do you mean by that?”

“It is just that you are… how shall I put this, strong-willed. He does not seem the type that would draw you.”

“Oh, and what ‘type’ do you think should draw me?”

“Someone strong and used to controlling situations.”

“Did you have anyone in mind?” Her voice had taken on a quiet tone.

He pretended to read the book.

“Not really, at the moment. I was just making an observation.”

“Really? And who planted this thought in your mind? Ada?” She paused. “Yes, he would. If Ada wants to know something, he may ask me.” She drew back into her room. “Furthermore, I do not appreciate the two of you raking about in my personal life. I have enough of that from other quarters.”

Elladan looked up from the book long enough to smile at the closed door.

“And you will find that book easier to understand if you could read Dwarvish and would hold it right side up.”

Frowning, he glanced down at the book. How could you tell right from wrong side up? He closed the book as she came from her room.

“It is just as well that Orcs are not too subtle. You are not very good at this.” She grabbed two apples from a basket on the kitchen table. Tossing one to him, she took a bite out of the other.

They walked silently towards the gardens.

“It is not what you think,” she said. “Rúmil and I. You may tell Ada that.”

“How do you know what I think?”

“It is on your face.”

Elladan said nothing.

“Come on, I will race you.” She took off without more warning. Even with the several seconds it took him to register what she had said, he had no trouble overtaking her.

“You have gotten faster, but still not fast enough.”

“I know,” she replied. “That is why I have to be better with the bow. I cannot outrun the enemy, so I had best be able to outshoot him.”

“From all reports, you do not need to run. Elrohir says that you are deadly.”

“I will not be if I am not allowed back on the fields. It has been two weeks. Even Elldar is allowed there for a short while. I did not even get a chance to try the new sword. And, if a certain person gets their way, I may as well take up cooking for a living. And we all know how high on my list of priorities that falls.”

They entered the gardens and made their way towards the bower. Entering the cool darkness, Ela saw Arwen and her grandmother at the far end. She walked to them and gave the Lady a slight bow, nodding to Arwen. She admittedly had never felt the same closeness to ElrondÂ’s daughter she enjoyed with him or his sons. Arwen made her uncomfortable. Not in anything she had ever done, yet, Ela found it hard to be at ease around her. She was graceful and beautiful in a way that Ela did not feel. Although they lived in close proximity, their lives were very different. ArwenÂ’s was taken up with the Lady and Ela spent much of her time with Glordinel and Unimandil. It did not leave much time for socializing. Still, she knew that if needed, Arwen would be there for her, as she would for the older ellith.

“How are you feeling, Ela?” asked Galadriel.

“Better, thank you. I went riding today. I rode out to the eastern marches. I spoke to Haldir. Remind me when the time comes why it should be worth my effort to save his worthless hide.” She turned as another entered the bower. “Lord Celeborn,” she said, bowing.

“What was that about my March Warden?”

“Just that an arrow could not possibly injure him. His hide is as thick as his head.”

“I may assume that he said no, yet again.”

“You assume correctly. I am struggling to understand his reasoning. So far, it is just the usual ramblings about a child’s place. And, I know that there are two ellith not much older than I to the south and one to the west. That more or less deflates his argument, do you not think?”

“You will have to take that up with him.” He turned to Elladan. “I came to tell you that a courier arrived this afternoon. Elrond is a day out. He requests that you and Elrohir meet him at the wards, with Arwen if she cares to make the trip. And if Glordinel agrees, you also, Ela.”

“I am not worried about Lord Glordinel. As long as I feed him, he will agree to anything. Maybe you should ask the March Warden.” There was just a trace of uncharacteristic bitterness in her voice. At a look from Celeborn, she sighed. “Do not mind me. He seems to bring out the worst in me. Besides, if I am not allowed to go, I have plenty to keep me busy. I am behind in my work with Lord Glordinel.”

“Well, I would enjoy a ride,” said Arwen. “When do we leave?”

“Tomorrow morning,” answered Elladan.

Ela sat back and listened to the banter between Elladan and Arwen. It had been five years since they had seen each other and had much to discuss. Galadriel rose and walked to where Ela sat.

“Would you walk with me?” she asked.

“Certainly. It will not require a sojourn into the trees, I trust.”

“No,” said the Lady, laughing. “Only through the garden.” She led the girl away from the others.

“How are the headaches?”

“They have disappeared. And the nausea. I do not feel the overwhelming emotions anymore.”

“Do you feel anything?”

“I can sometimes catch things if I really concentrate. Your March Warden is very upset with me. Elldan and the Elf are fishing for something. I can feel them. Casual feelings, no.”

“Good. After your birthday celebration, when you are ready, come see me. We will work on your control. Then, when the bars come down again, you may be more ready to handle it.”

“I will. And thank you.” She walked silent for several moments. “May I ask a question?”

“You may.”

“Do many have this ability?”

“Not anymore. The need for speaking so intimately is past. It is a trait that shows up from time to time. Apparently your father had it. I do not know of your mother. It may be she had some ability that was passed on to you.”

“You know more than you say. Can you not tell me?”

“I cannot at this time. I made a promise. You would not have me break it, would you?”

“No,” she grinned. “Are you allowed to tell me, if I ask?”

“If you ask the right question, then I will know it is time to tell you. However, this is not a game. You cannot ask questions hoping you will find the right one. It is for your own good that it is the way it is.”

“I understand.” She suddenly glanced around, realizing how late it was. “I must go! I promised Gariel I would be home for supper. It is almost that time. She does not know I have returned. I do not want her to worry.”

“Then go, child. Give her my regards.”

“Thank you, Lady. I will.” She hesitated. “Will you and Lord Celeborn come next week?” she asked, shyly.

“We have only been waiting for an invitation.”

“I was not sure whether or not to tender one. I know you are both busy.”

“Never too busy to celebrate. Now, run home.”

“Goodnight, then,” she said, bowing.

Crossing the bower, she stopped and bid the others goodnight. Running all the way home, she arrived before Haldir and Orophin.

“There you are!” exclaimed Gariel. “I saw your clothes and knew you were back. And the missing apples.”

“I apologize, Gariel. I went with Elldan to see Arwen and tarried to speak to the Lady. I hope I did not worry you overmuch.”

Gariel laughed. “Not at all. I knew you had returned. And, Glordinel brought back the basket. It is not empty. Here.” She handed the basket to Ela. Inside was a small bottle of lavender oil, her favourite.

“Oh, he did not have to do that! And I am the one who gathered the lavender. I had no idea why he needed it.”

“Well, now you know.”

“Do I have time to run to his house before supper?”

“If you do run, and hurry.”

“I will be right back.” She walked from the house, and then ran when she reached the road. Approaching his house, she ran up the steps and called out his name.

“What is it?” he called, coming out on the porch.

“Lord Glordinel,” she said, nodding. “I wanted to thank you for the oil, and ask if it is possible that I ride north tomorrow. Lord Elrond is arriving and has asked that we meet him. But only if you say it is acceptable.”

“You are welcome. But that is a long ride. I am not sure it is wise to travel that far so soon.” He winced at her crestfallen face.

“I understand. Will you need me here tomorrow? I can come early.”

“That will be fine. I am sorry. I just do not want anything to jeopardize your recovery.”

“I will see you tomorrow then. Do not forget to eat supper.”

“I have already eaten. Go home and eat.”

He smiled to see her run back up the road. He hated telling her no.

Ela came around the corner of the house just as everyone was sitting down. She took her place and started filling her plate. She glanced around.

“Where is your brother?” she asked Orophin.

“He said something about appointments.”

“Hmmph. More likely he said avoidance.”

“What?”

“He knew I was planning to speak to him tonight. I think he is avoiding me.”

“He will come later. He did have appointments.” Orophin was not sure he cared for this change in the relationship between his charge and his brother. They had always been civil to each other, even pleasant, but they were becoming more confrontational. He would like to have put it down to Ela’s age, but that did not explain Haldir.

She nodded, but did not seem convinced. Ela listened as Elldar recounted his day. It seemed that she was not the only one tugging at the bit. Del was sent home from the fields, yet again. Unimandil did not want him there until Glordinel allowed it. Unfortunately, he did not appear to be taking it as well as Ela. Elldar laughed, recounting the look on DelÂ’s face at being told to vacate the training area. She found it hard not to sympathize with him. It was difficult to sit while others moved past you.

Finally, tired of waiting, Ela stood and started stacking dishes. She took the pile she had in and began washing them up. Gariel came in with more.

“He will come,” she said.

“Yes, but I think he does not want to talk to me. He was not happy I showed up today. I know he is not angry, but he is reluctant. It makes me wonder why.”

“That is something that will have to be worked out between the two of you. Meanwhile, did you try on your dress?”

“No. Would you like me to now?”

“If you do not mind. I promised Lindelen I would make sure it fit. Go, I will finish here.”

Ela dried her hands and went to her room. Looking around, it struck her, not for the first time, how small it was. She could have had much larger quarters living with Arwen, but she did not mind. Everything in this room was hers. Sitting down on the bed, she picked up the cat.

“Cat, life has been good here, has it not? You have grown fat and lazy. I knew you would not be happy in Imladris. I am glad the Elf brought you here.” He regarded her with large golden eyes. “Yes, I know the trip was not easy for you, but you have had things fairly easy. You are fed and sleep in a bed. What more is there?” She grinned as he started purring. “I have to try on my dress now. The only saving grace will be that the colour will irritate Rúmil. And since I know Meliel has chosen green that will irritate him even more.” She put the cat back on the bed.

Unbuttoning her tunic halfway, she skinned it up over her head. Tossing it into the basket beside the door, she turned to the dress hanging from a hook near the ceiling. It was beautiful. The blue would match her eyes and her earrings. She carefully slid it over her head. Settling it on her shoulders, she went out into the kitchen for help.

“Gariel, I cannot reach the buttons…” She stopped when she saw Haldir was the only one there. He had been filling a plate with leftovers. He stopped at the sight of her. The dress had slipped slightly from her shoulder. He had seen her in a tunic and trousers for so long; he had forgotten what a dress looked like on her. It was startling. The pale skin of her shoulders contrasted sharply with the deep blue of the dress. He could make out the freckles dancing down from her shoulder. The gentle swell of her chest was just visible where the dress had dipped. Moving his eyes lower, he smiled.

“That will look more stunning with shoes and no trousers,” he said.

She glanced down. Grinning sheepishly, she looked back up at him.

“I suppose. Just a moment.”

She ran back to her room. Swearing mildly, she fumbled with the buttons on her trousers. Kicking them off, she went back to the kitchen. He had not moved.

“Better?” she asked, holding the dress up around her shoulders.

“It will be. Come here.” She went over to him and turned around. He reached down and started with the bottom button. It lay in the small of her back. Working his way up her back, he shuddered, thinking how hard it would be to remove the dress. He stopped. What was he thinking? He finished quickly.

“There,” he said gruffly.

She turned at the tone in his voice.

“Is something wrong?” she asked.

“No. I think Gariel is waiting for you.” He turned back to his plate.

Shrugging, she went out to the garden.

“Oh, that is lovely!” exclaimed Gariel. “But how did you button it?”

“I managed,” she said, dryly. “Does it look all right? Do you think Rúmil will like it?” She did not see that Haldir had followed her out. Therefore, she did not see the frown on his face. However, Orophin did.

“I think he will like it very much,” replied Orophin, looking at his older brother. This was a turn he had not expected. What was in his eyes? Irritation? Something else? This could be fun, or cause such trouble he did not want to contemplate it.

“The dress is beautiful, Ela. Maybe you should put it away now. You do not want to get something on it.”

“Yes, Orophin.” She turned and went back into the house. Gariel excused herself and followed.

Orophin stared at his brother. Finally, Haldir noticed.

“What?”

“What are you doing?”

“Concerning what?”

“Concerning Ela.”
“I am doing nothing.”

“Then why are you fighting her so hard?”

“She does not belong out there. Her upbringing did not prepare her for life on the marches. It is a hard life.”

“It is not like she is a pampered lady. She has had the same life as Elldar, Meliel and Del. Yet you do not refuse them. Why?”

“It will not happen. That is the end of the discussion. If that is all you want to talk about, I will take my leave. I have preparations to make for tomorrow.” He stood and walked away. Orophin thought to stop him, then decided he needed time to cool down. He hoped it would not take long.