A Difficult Bride

Chapter 2

Galadriel, Celeborn, and Haldir sat in Thranduil’s private chamber. “So you wish for my daughter to be a guest for the next season my Lady?”

“She has never seen our vast city. I think she would enjoy her time there.” Galadriel looked to Haldir, “It would certainly give her time to get to know the elf she is to marry.”

Thranduil laughed. “I knew there was more to this.” The King nodded his head, “Yes. I think that would be a splendid idea for her to see more of Middle Earth. This is a most convenient time as well. Legolas had promised he would allow her to ride to Gondor with him when he takes his leave in a few days to accompany Aragorn and Alcazar. However, I think he has changed his mind for her to travel openly with only three to protect her. The Uruk- hai have been moving more rapidly around our forests these days. She will be devastated of course, so I think perhaps this visit to your city would raise her spirits.”

“When will he tell her this?” Celeborn asked.

“Oh he is telling her now I am sure. She will not be pleased.ust ust hope he doesn’t give in to her whining and foot stomping. He can never say no to her. He is not strong to her ways as I am.”

The Lord, Lady, and March Warden rolled their eyes.

The King gulped his wine, “No, a trip to Gondor is too perilous. She will visit your city.”

“She will need an escort Thranduil.” The Lady’s tone was sly.

“Yes, well Legolas will not be able to bring her. I suppose I shall have too…”

“We leave tomorrow. Why not send her with us? We have several wardens here to escort us. Our March Warden would be more than happy to provide your daughter with the escort she needs.”

Thranduil laughed again. “You try harder than I do to marry her off.”

Galadriel laughed, “She is a delightful little elleth! I would enjoy having her reside in my lands as the wife of my March Warden. Perhaps some of the havoc she wields for Lord Elrond would bring laughter to our lands.”

“Very well then Galadriel, I thank you and Celeborn for the invitation and I happily entrust my daughter to you for the next few months as a guest of your city. Haldir?”

“My Lord?”

“Would you be kind enough to fetch my daughter and bring her here?”

Haldir bowed, “It would be a pleasure my Lord.”

Thranduil’s brow shot up, “Indeed?” Haldir grinned and took his leave.

#

He could not wait for the elf maiden to hear the news. He hurried out of the castle to find her. He did not have to search long for he heard her whines and followed the sound. He found her in the stables with her brother.

“But you promised next time you went I could come!”

Legolas sighed, as if he had repeated himself several times, “Mina, I have told you! It is too dangerous at this time. And you have never ridden so far and we would have to travel quickly. I do not think coulcould make the journey.”

“But I have thought of nothing else since you have been gone! What am I to do with myself why you are away?” She said in a huff.

Haldir found this most amusing and wondered if she would try these antics on him.

Legolas grabbed his sister’s hand, “I swear to you, when we go with a larger party to protect you, I will take you to see the white city.”

She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and sad. “Do not give me that look sister, you know I cannot hold when you look at me that way.”

“I think that is the idea.” A cold voice boomed from the entrance. Legolas smiled upon seeing his friend. Wilamina’s face fell into a frown.

“You wish to ride with me this afternoon Haldir?”

“Perhaps another time Legolas, as I have been sent by your father to bring your sister to him.”

Legolas grabbed his sister’s hand and gave it to Haldir, “Then by all means Haldir, take this maiden from my sight before she gets her way yet again!”

She scowled at her brother as Haldir dragged her from the stable. Legolas and Haldir both chuckled at the struggling she-elf. “Let go of me! I am not a puppy! I do not need to be led!”

Haldir ignored her. She began hitting his hand with her tiny balled fists. “You cannot drag me around my own home. Let me go! I will tell my father!” She shrieked at him as they passed Aragorn and Elrond, both man and elf shaking their heads.

“What a pair they will make.” Elrond said as both burst into perils of laughter.

Orophin and Rumil were also walking toward Elrond and Aragorn giggling at the sight of the big elf dragging the shrieking Princess of Mirkwood behind him.
Haldir however was not amused. He stopped and whirled around on her. “If you do not stop struggling Lady, I will carry you to your father in a not so dignified position.”

She guffawed, “You wouldn’t dare!”

He merely shrugged and hauled her over his shoulder in one swift movement. This infuriated her. She shrieked even lo, ca, causing the man and three elves to stop in their tracks and look back once again.

Legolas stepped out of the stable, his hand coming to his face. “She will never learn.” He grimaced, while everyone laughed robustly at the screaming, squirming she-elf over the shoulder of the big elf.


When inside the castle, she quieted down. She was mortified and did not want the house elves to come running. She still struggled against his hold and finally out of patience, yanked the March Warden’s hair hard.

“Ouch!” He snapped, grimacing as he removed her small hand. “You should not have done that Wilamina.” With that, his free hand came down hard on her upturned bottom, the slap echoing of the walls. She cried out from the sting as it had hurt fiercely with the thin material of her dress.

She reached out for his hair again, but he sat her on her feet, holding her at arms length. His eyes narrowed, “If you yank my hair again, I shall sit down in this chair, pull you over my knee and you will receive the spanking you have so sorely needed. Believe me; you would not soon forget it.”

She glared at him, “You can not do that to me! I am a Princess. I out rank you, March Warden. My father would have your head if you touched me in an undignified manner.”

He sneered and stepped toward her. She shrank away from him as a wicked grin crossed his face. “But you will not be under the protection of your father much longer, love. You will be my wife. Perhaps I shall save the pleasure of spanking that delectable little bottom of yours for when we are married?”

She swallowed hard and her eyes brimmed with tears, “You are a despicable, mean elf and I will never marry you!” She turned on her heels and ran from him.

A pained expression crossed his face. This wooing was not going as planned. He looked up to the ceiling in exasperation! < Eru deliver me from these silly, simpering little elleths>

He decided he would speak to his Lady about it when they reached Lorien. He turned and walked back to the King’s study.


#

Anna stroked Wilamina’s hair as she cried. “He is mean and cruel! Why would my father have me marry such an elf? He never smiles and all he does is yell at his wardens. He never finds anything funny. I will be miserable married to him!”

“Maybe his bark is worse than his bite. I think he is an honorable elf. He would not hurt you.”

“He said he would spank me!” Fresh tears were falling into her pillow.

Anna grimaced, “But you did pull his hair, Mina.”

“Anna, he would not put me down! I am the Princess of Mirkwood and I out rank him in my father’s home He was supposed to do as I told him”

Anna grimaced. She was a young elleth herself, but quite a bit older than Mina. Sometimes she forgot just how young and childish her dear friend could be. Anna clicked her tongue and tried to change tactics.

“Perhaps it will not be so bad. Your father loves you and would not give you to an elf that is cruel to you. Do you not think Haldir handsome?”

“No! He is vile!” Wilamina cried hard, rolling over to look at her friend. “Oh Anna, it is not just Haldir. I don’t want to marry an elf that will take me from my home. I do not want to leave father or Legolas.”

“But Mina, Rumil is dear to you. Would you leave our home for him?”

Mina wiped her eyes, “Nay Anna. He is dear to me, but I could not marry him! I could not leave father! Legolas is never home. Who will take care of father if I leave?”

Anna kissed her friend on her forehead. “Do not despair, all will be well.”

“I just do not think it fair that my father choose my husband. He has never insisted Legolas marry! He would marry me off to this elf that I do not even know because of his prominent status. There will be no love between us.”

Mina choked back a sob, “I cannot bear the thought of his hands on me, on my body, when there is no love. All of my life I have heard the many tales of how the valor would always lead an elleth to her true love. Some elves were lucky enough to have mated souls! The one elf that was chosen to be bound to another forever before they were even born. Their souls burning for one another, their lives melting into one.”

Mina wiped her eyes and sighed deeply, “That is what I want Anna. That is the love I want. I want a soul mate. I want an elf that is consumed with his love for me, as I would be with him. I want a gentle elf. One I can laugh with, play with, sing too, and walk with. I want an elf I can share my heart and body with. I want a husband who can find simple pleasure in coming home to his wife and children.”

Mina rolled back over onto her stomach, her face buried in her pillow, her cries soft now. “I shall never have it Anna. My own father has seen to this when he promised me to that cold Warden.”

There was a soft knock at the door. “Go away!” The Princess screamed. The door opened slowly and her father entered.

“What is this, child? Why do you cry? Why is your heart breaking?” Wilamina sat up and looked at her father. Her eyes and nose were red from her crying.

“Will you leave us Anna?” The Princess asked. Anna bowed to her and then the King and left.

Thranduil sat down beside her on her bed. He wrapped his arms around his daughter. “Now, tell me what this is about. Why did you not come to me when I called?”

“Father…r vor voice was barely above a whisper.

“Yes child.”

“I am begging your mercy. Please do not make me marry the March Warden. I am frightened of him.”

Her father laughed softly, “Why are you frightened of him?”

“He is cold and harsh. I will be miserable with him. I do not love him.”

“You are being childish and silly. Love will come. You will see, if you open yourself to it.”

“I do not even know this elf! Why him father? Why not someone from our own lands?”

He squeezed her to him. “All will be revealed tu sou soon daughter. You must trust my judgment. I would never give you to someone who would mistreat you. You are my heart! I love you more than my life.”

His finger wrapped around one of her curls. How was he going to break this to her? “Daughter, I do see your reason. You do not even know this elf. The Lady and Lord of Lorien desire you to be their guest. Since Legolas will not be able to take…”

She pulled away, her color gone from her face. “You will send me away?” Her eyes were horrified at the thought.

“I am not sending you away. I am merely sending you for a visit to a lovely city you have never seen before. You enjoy traveling. You will make new friends and enjoy this visit. You like spending time with the Lady Galadriel and she desires your company. As her guest, you could take the time to get to know Haldir. You will see he is not what you think he is.”

Wilamina stood, playing with her fin as as she did as a child. Her face was still drained of color. She turned her back to her father. He stood and hugged her shoulders.

“You told the Lady only this morning that you wished to see her home. She will be disappointed if you do not come. Legolas cannot escort you. The Lord and Lady leave tomorrow escorted by their Wardens and Sentinels. You will leave with them and spend the next season with them. I will visit you soon, of course, as will Legolas. Anna will accompany you.”

“Father?”

“Yes daughter?”

“Is there no one else you would let me marry? If it is for status, Lord Elrond’s sons are…”

“I do not marry you off for position! Do you not think I love you more than that? No Mina. My mind is made up. You will marry Haldir. He is the elf for you.”

He hugged her to him; she was stiff in his arms. “I will send Anna in to help you pack. Do not dread this daughter. You will enjoy yourself if you allow yourself too.

The King sent Anna back into his daughter’s room. He frowned as he heard the sobs coming from her. He began to doubt his decision again. No! He shook his head. He knew this was right. He would trust what he had seen. He strode from her room and the sounds of her cries grew faint as he walked further down the hall.

***


The sun had just risen over King Thranduil’s lands and the Lord and Lady were already on their horses, surrounded by their sentinels. The Wardens were to lead the party as well as guard the rear. Legolas had put his sister’s trunks on the wagon. He was worried about her. She was despondent and afraid. He only hoped she would drop her defenses enough to enjoy the marvels and beauty of the Lady Galadriel’s city.

Orophin lifted Anna onto her horse. His hands lingering a bit at her waist. She blushed as their hands touched.

Legolas hugged his sister tightly to him. “If you cannot bear it, send for me and I will come and get you.”

She looked into his eyes, hers full of tears, “You would come for me brother?”

“Of course, you are my sweet little sister.” Legolas stroked her cheek as he spoke to her.

“You are all I have then.”

“Nay, you have father and Anna.”

“Yes, I have Anna but our father’s heart I do not hold. He leaves me in the hands of a cruel elf. He does not care of my hearts desire or my fear of this elf.”

“You are wrong Mina. You are wrong to fear Haldir. He is a hard elf, a battle hardened elf, but he is not cruel! He will cherish you if you would only let him. You will see, darling sister.” He kissed her cheeks and hugged her tightly again.

Her father strode over to her. “No kiss for me daughter?” She smiled weakly and kissed her father on his cheek, grasping him to her tightly.

“I will see you soon daughter.” He hugged her, picking her up and sitting her on the horse beside Galadriel. The horn was blown and they were on their way.


***

Haldir’s scowl had been firmly set since they had left early that morning. Rumil and Orophin had been trying to pry out of him wwas was bothering him.

“Brother your face is even more dour than usual? How is this possible? What troubles you?” The youngest brother asked.

“Nothing! Quit bothering me with your constant chatter!”

“It be the little maid, methinks, that has our dear older brother in such foul spirits, Rumil.”

“Perhaps it is her adoration for me that bothers you brother?”

Haldir glared at Rumil who lifted his eyebrows up and down. As hard as Haldir tried to fight it, a small smile slide across his face. His smile faded and he sighed.

“No Rumil, it is her fear of me that darkens my spirits! I have never had a maid gnashing her teeth at the thought of becoming my wife. It is most disheartening.”

“You overwhelm her. You try to intimidate her. How is she supposed to respond to you?”

“Am I expected to put up with her foolish tantrums? Am I expected to come running to her when she crocks her little finger at me as her brother and father do?”

“Do you not expect that of her?”

“That is different!” Haldir snapped. Orophin smirked at Rumil.

“Why is it different brother? Because she is but an elleth?”

“Yes Orophin, that is correct.”

“So you will not consider your wife your equal?”

“I will love and protect her, as it should be! And she will obey me, as it should be.” Haldir glared at his smirking brothers, “I do not try and smother her. I only desire to make her happy. She will be mine and I will not have her stomping her little foot and poking that delicious little bottom lip out any time I ask her to do something that a wife is expected to do for her husband.”

The two younger brothers laughed heartily as Rumil slapped the elder on the back, “Ah brother, you know much about the ways of war, but you are sorely lacking when it comes to the ways of elleths!” Haldir jerked his horse’s reigns and rode ahead of his giggling brothers, scowl set firmly on his face.

***

The night came all too slow for Anna and Wilamina, who were not use to this long of a trip.

“When will we reach your city Lady?” Anna asked.

“In two days travel, young one.” Galadriel answered. She glanced at her husband, both watching Wilamina. She had been silent the entire day, except to tell Rumil no thank you when he offered her food.

The March Warden gave the signal to stop for the night. Wina ina started to slide of her horse, but Galadriel grasped her arm gently, “Wait for the sentinels to put up camp.”

So Mina waited, absolutely exhausted, her bottom numb, her back in searing pain, and she was hungry, but she had no appetite for food. She only wanted to sleep.

When the camp was made and fires built, Lord Celeborn slide off his horse and lifted his Lady from hers. Rumil lifted Wilamina off and much to the dismay of Orophin, Anna also. Orophin scowled at Rumil, who snickered at him.

Wilamina stumbled a bit. Her head was hurting and she was a bit dizzy. She was going to sit anywhere she could find a spot, but Lord Celebron took her arm, “You and Anna shall camp with the Lady and I.” Mina nodded as he led her to the most protected area of the camp, both sentinel and Wardens stood guard.

She did not look up when she heard his voice speaking to his Lady. Galadriel had invited him to sit and rest by the fire with her and her hnd and as warm ale, lembas, cheese, and dried fruit were passed around the camp.

Mina ate nothing. She had simply curled into a ball on the hard ground with a blanket around her. Her head was in Anna’s lap. Anna stroked her Princess’s hair as she read softly to her, a book of elfish fairy tales that was a favorite to them both.

Haldir was angered even more by the fact that he knew her feelings were because of him. He found his heart falling because he could not comfort her as Anna or Legolas could. He found himself jealous of his own brother’s friendship with the elfin maid.

“Are you well March Warden?” His Lady’s voice light as she looked at him, the side of her mouth quirked upward.

“She loathes me!” He snapped softly. “She would rather starve than be bound to me!”

“Oh Haldir, do not be so mellow dramatic. She does not eat because her heart is heavy. She will feel better when she sees our home. She is barely a woman Haldir. You must learn to be patient with her. She will not outgrow these tantrums she throws over night and you cannot expect her to behave as one of your wardens! She is spoiled, yes. She is very childish, but she has much joy to offer our home and much joy to offer you!”

Galadriel studied his face a moment before continuing.

“You must be firm with her, but you must be gentle also. You have a reputation of being a very hard elf and you are hard, my dearest Captain. You are battle hardened! You are an excellent guardian with a heavy weight upon your shoulders. You brood Haldir. She is a free spirit. She is a happy soul. There is much you could learn from one another.”

“She will not speak to me!”

“She will if your words are gentle.”

“She desires my brother.” His words venomous.

“She does not desire Rumil. I believe she knows he is promised. She only enjoys his friendship. She once entertained a crush for your brother, but it is no more. I think you would be surprised at what her heart desires.”

He sighed, “And what does she desire?”

Galadriel smiled gently, “What any young elfin maid desires and dreams of. Have you never taken the time to read about young love Haldir? Have you never listened to the songs and tales of old about love and romance? Do you never listen to Rumil’s poetr
H
Haldir grimaced at the thought of his brother’s poetry.

“You should watch Rumil with Mina Haldir. Perhaps you would get a few ideas on how you could talk to her. Why don’t you ask her if she is comfortable or perhaps if she needs another blanket?”

Haldir glanced at Mina who was now sitting up. Rumil was with her and had actually gotten her to eat something. Galadriel’s gaze was stern. There was to be no argument about it. Haldir sighed deeply and stood. Galadriel grinned mischievously at her husband who shook his head in amusement.

Haldir came to where Rumil and Mina sat.

“Rumil! Why are you not watc the the roads?” Rumil looked up at his brother with an amused grin. Mina was frowning again. Rumil slowly stood and took Mina’s hand, “Alas sweet maid. We must part ways for my boorish brother has barked yet another command at me.”

He kissed her fingers softly, “I shall carry a vision of you in my head Lady as I watch these roads to keep my night from drudgery and torment.” Mina’s hand went to her mouth as she giggled softly, blushing under Rumil’s gaze. Rumil turned to see the all-familiar scowl of his elder brother.

Rumil leaned close to Haldir and whispered, “And that dear brother is how one woos a sweet young maiden!” Rumil turned on his heals and strolled away singing loudly as he went. Mina watched him go with a dreamy look in her eye. Haldir cleared his throat and she snapped her face up at him.

“Yes March Warden?” Mina’s tone was curt.

Haldir matched her tone, “I came to inquire on your needs for the moment.”

Galadriel and Celeborn grimaced, “He came to inquire? Inquire? By the Valor, will we ever get him married, wife?”

“Give him time husband. This is new to him as it is to young Mina. Our dear Mina is but an innt mnt maiden who has lived her whole life being guarded and protected by father and brother. What does she know of the world? What does she know of the ways of love? Haldir is not used to dealing with maids such as her. Mina has never known a lover. He cannot speak to her as he would the many she-elves he has brought to his bed. It would frighten her. He must move cautiously with this youngling.”

Wilamina folded her arms across her chest, “Have you come to ask me how I fare, March Warden?’

His lip quirked, “Aye Lady. How fare you?”

“Well enough I suppose. I am cold. My back hurts. The ground is hard as a rock. Anything else you wish to inquire upon?”

He sat down beside her and grinned sheepishly, “Nay Lady Wilamina. I think I grasp your meaning. You are miserable!”

Her brow burrowed at her behavior. The Lord and Lady had been kind in their invitation and she was being hateful.

“I am sorry. I am not miserable, just uncomfortable.” He was taken aback by her apology.

“It is quite alright Mina. You are not use to this form of travel and we have a long way ahead of us. I think once we reach the Golden Wood you will feel differently.”

She smiled warmly at him, “I am sure that is true.”

***


As the night wore on, most of the camp, with the exception to those on guard duty had bed down for the night. Haldir had gotten Anna and Mina extra blankets to use as padding for the ground. While everyone slept, Haldir and Mina continued to talk.

“Tell me of your travels Mina. Where has your brother taken you?”

“I haven’t been many places. My brother takes me when he can, but he is always gone for so long. He rides with his good friend, you know, the little dwarf Gimli and Aragorn most of the time. I have been to Rivendell many times. It is like a second home to me! Lord Elrond is like my Uncle and Arwen is like a sister to me. I’ve always wanted a sister. I hope one day my father will find another elleth to bind with him. I know he is lonely, though he would never admit it.”

“Perhaps he will and you will get the sister you desire.”

She smiled again, “Perhaps.”

Mina tugged at her fingers absentmindedly, “The most exciting place that I’ve been to was the shire, to visit the hobbits when Gandalf came to visit Mirkwood last harvest. My brother accompanied him and I got to go along. The hobbits are a lively, happy bunch. They have many tales and songs so different from ours. That is really the only traveling I have done. I wanted to go to Gondor badly, but that will have to wait. I’ve never been to Rohan either. I thought I might like to see a dwarf city someday.”

He was surprised that she would want to see a dwarf city. He certainly couldn’t imagine a more dismal place to visit.

He shrugged, “We will pass the plains of Rohan on our way to the Golden city. You will not see much, but it will be a enough for you to say you have seen Rohan.”

She laughed lightly. It warmis his heart to make her laugh. She seemed much more at ease with him. She had let her guard down a bit and she leaned into him when she spoke. She looked at him intently.

“ Haldir?”

His heart leapt when she spoke his name. She chewed her bottom lip, which of course drew his attention to her lovely little mouth.

“Have you killed many?”

He blinked, surprised at the question. It seemed to come out of the blue. She scooted closer to him as if to tell him a secret.

“You were at Helm’s deep weren’t you?”

He nodded, not really wanting to remember how he almost lost his life that day.

“Aye sweet maid I was.”

“It was horrible wasn’t it?” There was a deep sadness in her eyes as well as fear.

“Yes. Hundreds were struck down that day. Mostly men, but many elves as well.”

“Were you afraid?”

He suddenly felt very vulnerable with her now. He looked into her eyes. He saw nothing but innocence and wonderment. If he wasn’t already in love with this elleth he certainly was now.

“Yes tithen aras, I was afraid.”

“Would you tell me about the battle?”

Again he blinked, taken a back. “Why do you wish to know about such things?”

“I ask Legolas to tell me about it. I know it was such a dark time. I remember being so frightened when the Uruk-ha came through our lands. My brother was gone and then my father left to lead our sentinels and wardens against the dark army. I had never felt so alone before. I was afraid my father would die.”

She sighed and closed her eyes a moment fighting back tears, “We hadn’t heard from Legolas in over a month and then my father left me alone. I just want to know about this darkness, this ring that nearly destroyed Middle Earth and took my family from me. Legolas will not speak of it. He says I do not need to hear about such things.”

There was that adorable bottom lip poking out. He longed to lean over and take it into his mouth.

“And he is right Mina!” She started to protest, but he put a finger to her lip, “I promise little one, when the memory is not still so fresh and painful, I will tell you all you want to know.”

A smile broke across her face. That seemed to please her. She looked around the camp and yawned. Her eyes were glassy from weariness. She shivered again.

“Would you like to lie against me Wilamina? It would help cushion your body.”

Her head snapped back and regarded him. He could not read her expression and he hoped he had not just ruined all he had accomplished.

“Well, alright.” She said softly.

He pulled her against him, lying back on the blankets that made her bed. She lay against him, her head on his chest, her body cradled against his arm. He pulled the blankets around the both of them. She soon stopped shivering as his body was shielding her from the cold. Within minutes she was fast asleep. He listened to her soft breaths as he felt her chest rise and fall in rhythm to her breathing.

She snuggled against him in her sleep, pushing herself even closer to him. He turned on his side, pulling her body against him, wrapping an arm around her, holding her as she slept. He allowed himself to steal a kiss but only from the top of her golden head before closing his eyes, the soft sounds of her breathing bringing him into his own sleep.


Mina awoke slowly early the next morning before the dawn. She was still very ti but but at least she had slept some. She tried to sit up, but could not move. She felt as if she were being weighted down by something. It was then that she noticed the March Warden was still sleeping beside her. His arm was wrapped tightly around her waist and one of his legs was thrown over her. She was deliciously warm against him. She struggled to turn herself in his arms to regard his face as he slept.

She had to admit to herself again that he was indeed a handsome elf. He was very handsome. She found herself even staring to like him a bit. She bit her lip, smiling as she pulled at a stray hair across his face. He groaned and swatted at her hand as if she were a bug. She tugged again, stifling a giggle.

“Oh!” She squeaked, putting her hands to her mouth as one angry eye opened to glare at her. She burst into giggles then.

“Mina, we still have a couple of hours to sleep. I suggest you use them wisely.” He snapped.

She put her hand to her forehead and saluted him, “Yes sir March Warden.”

He grinned and squeezed her to him, “Now you are learning, Melamin.”

She frowned. “I’m not going to follow your orders. I am a Princess and can do what I please!” She snapped playfully.

The eye still glared at her before softening in amusement, “Mina, nin meleth, if you do not hush and go to sleep, I will kiss you.”

Her face flushed and she closed her eyes, burying her face in his chest. She felt him rumble with light laughter. “You will have to have your first kiss sometime love.”

She shook her head no against him. “I will prepare you for it. Listen to me Mina, when we reach the Golden City, I shall give you a kiss in welcome.”

She shook her head no again, her face still buried against his chest. He laughed, “Go to sleep melamin.”


#


Mina and Anna decided to walk beside their horses for a whto gto give their bottoms a break. They had ridden non-stop since the early morning and it was now late afternoon. Once again Haldir gave the command to stop for rest and to eat. Anna and Mina were both becoming more excited the closer they got to the Golden Wood.

The two elleths had sat down with Galadriel to have some food and drink when Haldir and Celeborn approached rapidly, stern expressions across their faces.

“Galadriel, our scouts have spotted a rather large party of Orc and Uruk-hai bearing down on us quickly. You, the Princess, and her hand maiden must move to the brush and hide yourselves.”

Galadriel nodded and stood. Mina and Anna followed her. “Come along younglings, we must hide.”

Galadriel took Mina and Anna’s hand and pulled them into the brush with her. The sound of the Warden’s un sheathing their swords was frightening. The horses dug at the ground, sensing something was about to ensue.

Mina could hear Haldir’s hard voice barking orders out to the elves under his command. Mina felt a wave of fear wash over her, but not for herself. She was surprised to feel such worry over this elf she had so adamantly swore she detested.

Lord Celeborn was now armed and climbed upon his steed to follow behind Haldir as they rode out to meet the approaching enemy.

The silence that followed was maddening as the elf army rode out of sight. Only a few archers stayed behind with the elleths, standing guard high above them in the trees. Soon, there was a rumbling sound. It had started out as if it were far in the distance, but soon it sounded closer and closer. Anna and Mina huddled together, crying out when the war cries of the Uruk-hai could be heard.

“Quiet!” Galadriel hissed at them both. All at once a volley of arrows came whizzing past the she-elves from every direction. There were sounds of metal clanking and cries of pain.

Mina buried her face against Anna as the girls held each other tightly. The sounds of the battle were terribly horrifying. Mina did not dare look up. Arrows hit the tress above them, dead Orc and Uruk-hai lay on the ground in front of the brush, and there was blood everywhere. Mina suddenly wished her brother were there with her. She cried out for him in her mind.

After what seemed an eternity to the elleths, the sounds of fighting began to scatter. The volleys of arrows were now only a few here and there.

Mina felt Galadriel’s hand touch her arm, “Come child. It is over. We are safe now.” Anna stood and pulled the Princess up with her. Both elleths were still trembling as they walked out of the brush.


The smell of the dead orc was sickening. Mina had to force herself not to wretch at the sight of the disemboweled enemy. No elf lay slain, only a few wounded.

Mina looked at Galadriel who stood regal and unyielding at the sight around her. What a figure of strength and power the lady of the Light must be to her pe. Mi. Mina suddenly felt very much like a silly frightened child for not being able to match the Lady of Light’s bravery. She was ashamed of her fear.

Lord Celeborn approached, followed closely by Rumil and Orophin. Celebron slid from his horse and took his wife in his arms, “Are you well, my love?”

She smiled and cupped his face, “Of course, A’melindo.” Rumil leapt from his horse and approached the trembling maids.

“Are you well Princess? Anna?”

“We are frightened Rumil. We have never seen such as this.” Anna answered her voice weak.


There would not be any warning or time to prepare for what happened next. Mina happened to look up and see the creature coming, sword held high as it ran toward the Lady Galadriel.

“Now you die, elf witch!” It hissed at Galadriel. Mina jerked away from Anna and reacted the only way she could. Rumil had notched an arrow, but it was too late. Wilamina screamed at the orc and threw herself in front of Galadriel.

“No!” Wilamina screamed, her eyes determined as the orc brought the blade down, dragging it across her side and abdomen instead of the Queen’s. The Princess was sure she heard Galadriel cry out and she thought she had not been quick enough to save the Lady.

Everything began to fade around her. She heard the thump of the orc hitting the ground as Rumil put an arrow through its face. Mina was aware that arms were around her as she was sliding to the ground. She could hear sobbing around her.

She too began to cry because she thought the Lady of Light had fallen. But then she noticed a throbbing pain coming from her own body. It was a sheering, blinding pain and it burned like fires of Mordor. She instinctively reached down and felt the sticky, wet substance that covered her. She brought her hands to her face to see her crimson stained hands. Her eyes rolled back into her head and darkness claimed her.

Galadriel clutched Mina to as she cried softly for the little Princess, while Orophin had to hold Anna as she wailed loudly for her fallen friend. Haldir approached on horseback. He heard the crying and came forward to see what had happened. Rumil grabbed his brother’s arm.

Haldir’s voice cracked with emotion, “What is it brother?”

Rumil swallowed hard, “It’s the little Princess…she…”

Haldir shoved Rumil away from him and knelt beside Galadriel. Galadriel was moving her hands over Mina’s body, muttering ancient elfish healing chants, slowing the blood flow of the massive wound.

Haldir then felt the Lady of light’s hand upon his, “Lift her up Haldir and put her into the wagon.” Galadriel’s voice was full of emotion. Haldir’s stomach lurched. This was one of the few times he had seen his Lady cry. He feared the worst for his Mina.

Haldir lifted Mina gently off the ground and laid her in the Lady’s wagon. Galadriel climbed into the back of it with her, along with two of her personal healers. Orophin held Anna tightly against him as she struggled to follow them into the wagon.

“Nay Anna, you must leave them in peace. The Lady will heal your dearest friend.” Anna began raining blows on Orophin’s chest and stomach with tiny balled fists trying to free herself from his grasp.

“Let me go to her! Let me go Orophin! I demand you release me!” Her cries came out in broken sobs. He grabbed her wrists and pulled her into his embrace as she fell against him sobbing.

TBC...