The Crux of the Problem

Disclaimer: (In the spirit of Crimson Starlight)

Glorfindel, Haldir & Shana: *three-way kissing*

Trina: *stomps in* Where the hell did my elf… *checks out action on futon*

Glorfindel: *breaks away from kiss* Yes?

Trina: *throws herself into middle of group* Oh HELL YEAH!

Legolas: *walks in, mouth drops open*

Erin: Hey, have you seen Glor…. *mouth drops open* Damn.

Legolas: *…..*

Erin: Well that answers that question. *drags Lego out of room* They need some privacy. Shanastay owns nothing other than her OCs.

Legolas: *craning neck looking back* You sure they don't want some help?

Erin: *whaps elf* Positive.

Legolas: *rubs head* OW!

Chapter 13: Change of Plans

"NO!!!" Janessa stated again vehemently.

Haldir turned his head, blinking several times to clear his vision.

"No. Not gonna happen," Jan stated again.

It took several moments for the Marchwarden to reorient himself, having been so unceremoniously pulled from his very pleasurable daydream. He was still sitting, nose buried in Janessa's hair, his arm around her waist, hand gripping her thigh, perhaps a bit too hard. His own heightened state of arousal had not abated in the least.

Celeborn seemed to be the only one aware of Haldir's lapse of awareness, smirking knowingly at the younger elf. Under his liege's unwavering gaze the Marchwarden could not prevent the tips of his ears from turning that tell-tale shade of pink, indicating a certain measure of embarrassment on his part at being caught so obviously distracted.

The Lorien lord merely raised one eyebrow in a facsimile of Haldir's trademark expression before visibly returning his attention to the ongoing conversation.

"…was your idea!" Galadriel was currently arguing.

Janessa sighed audibly, "I know!" The redhead frowned, trying to ascertain some way of getting Galadriel to understand why she had seemingly lost her nerve.

Celeborn chose that moment to interject, pulling another bottle of wine from what appeared to be thin air. "Perhaps some more 'liquid courage' is in order?" the elf offered suggestively.

Much to Haldir's relief Janessa waved off the proffered bottle, placing her hand over the top of her glass. "No, that is not the issue." The redhead again heaved a heavy breath, blowing a stray ringlet back off her face. Inspiration suddenly, clearly striking, Jan focused her gaze on the Lady, visibly concentrating.

This is what I am afraid of… Janessa sent before providing Galadriel with a mental image of a 21st century night club in full swing, the strains of The Humpty Dance thumping through, and bodies writhing, grinding, rubbing and clashing in a manner that to an unfamiliar eye would appear to be a mass orgy.

But…

Janessa cut her off, changing the scene to the dance floor at her back, the same song throbbing, but now the only dancers were herself and Galadriel, shortly joined by Celeborn and the Perendhil twins. At Galadriel's frown Janessa changed her mental focus to the surrounding crowds, expressions of surprise and disgust more than clear.

That is one potential outcome, the Lady conceded.

No, it is the probable outcome, Jan corrected. At the very least I would lose what respect I have managed to gain on this eve. Your people expect that kind of behavior from an "uncouth human," and the twins are notorious for doing things for the sheer shock value, but you acting in such a manner would simply be too much. Your attire has "pushed the envelope" as it is.

Galadriel's brow furrowed, her lips pursed.

I can just envision the elvin fashion trends we've started. Jan waved her hand, shaking her head at the same time. "N'uma."

Both males were watching the exchange with increasing curiosity, two sets of brows approaching hairlines as Janessa clearly denied Galadriel something.

Look, it was one thing horsing around behind closed doors but, frankly, elvin society is not ready for "freaking." Wishing to reassure the other female Jan continued, The rest of the plan is still a "go."

The Lorien lady gave this a moment's consideration before conceding, "Perhaps you are right. That would have been a bit much for one night."

All their attention now focused on the two females, Celeborn spoke up first, "Oh, do go on. Just what would have been too much?"

As Janessa seemed about ready to tell them Haldir cut her off, "Milord, there are some things, as males, we are better left not knowing…" The Marchwarden merely shook his head at the enigmatic smiles the two ladies were sporting at his comment.

"Sooo…." Galadriel started.

"Soooo… shall we go to phase two?" Janessa queried.

"Absolutely."

"Lord Celeborn, you do remember your lessons, yes?" With a rakish grin the elf caught her meaning and nodded. Jan pried Haldir's hand from her waist and rose from her seat. At his questioning look she extended her left hand. "Shall we dance?"

That trademark eyebrow heading skyward the Marchwarden allowed himself to be lead back toward the band, admiring the view for all he was worth. The supple fabric of her dress clung to her curves in all the right places, those enticing curves being exactly what was on his mind.

The musicians in question were just finishing a set, recognizing the unmistakable redhead's approach for the respite it represented. The group could not help but smile at the human, a couple of them wondering idly if she intended to serenade them again. When she retrieved her music machine that question was answered.

Janessa set up the CD player and speakers, selected the appropriate disc and snapped it into place. She hit play before returning to the dance floor where Haldir waited for her. The only other couple present were Lorien's rulers, the other elves having drawn back to see what was to come.

The woman caught the eye of the elder of the two Peredhil twins, giving a miniscule shake of her head to indicate to Elladan that the previous plan had been scrapped. She did however mouth the word, "two" to him so he had an idea of what was coming. She smirked to herself as she could almost see the gears turning in the raven-haired elf's head as he quickly puzzled out what she meant.

As the sound of drums began to emit from the player Janessa's eyes met Haldir's as a smile began to grow on his face, the elf having recognized Jo Dee Messina's Born to Fly.

I've been tellin' my dreams to the scarecrow
'Bout the places that I'd like to see
I said, friend do you think I'll ever get there
Ah, but he just stands there smilin' back at me

The Marchwarden pulled her close and as the guitar picked up smoothly launched into the country two-step she had taught him just recently. Over his shoulder Jan could see the other couple following suit.

So I confessed my sins to the preacher
About the love I've been prayin' to find
Is there a brown eyed boy in my future, yeah
He says, girl you've got nothin' but time

The redhead didn't fail to miss the smirk on Haldir's face as he listened to the song, effortlessly leading her into a turn.

It did not take long before many of the elves present were tapping their feet and joining in the dance, led by an exuberant pair of half-elvin twins.

But how do you wait for heaven
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know, that you were born, you were born to fly

The Marchwarden led her into another turn, pulling her close to whisper, "I've already found heaven," and brush his cheek against hers.

Janessa blushed as she managed a wink, the lyrics not lost on her partner.

…I keep starin' down the road
Just lookin' for my one chance to run…

Haldir caught the look and answered her silent challenge, "You ran to me."

Jan started, almost missing a step, taken by surprise at the simple statement of what she realized was a fact. She had run to him. Shaking her head at the elf's never-ending audacity she let herself get lost in the feeling as she was whirled around the dance floor.

…So how do you wait for heaven
And who has that much time
And how do you keep your feet on the ground
When you know that you were born
You were born to fly fly fly fly…

During the pause between songs an elf Janessa recognized from the archery range stepped up to cut in. Hearing the beginning of the next song, Haldir declined to relinquish his hold on her, knowing the significance of Garth Brooks' Wrapped Up In You to the woman in his arms.

"Next song," the redhead promised the now frowning elf as Haldir whirled her away, keeping her as close to him as was possible without tripping them up.

How do I love you?
Well let me see…

And Jan could see clearly in the Marchwarden's eyes, the look of supreme contentment on his face, the casual and sure way he held her, his relaxed body language, just how much she meant to him. She was amused to feel the gentle brush of Galadriel's mind as the Lady used her as an impromptu translation program.

… Every now and then
When the world
That we're living in is crazy
You gladly hold me and
Carry me through
No one in the world
Has ever done
What you do for me
And I'd be sad and lonely
If there were no you…

She could understand why he had been hesitant to relinquish her for this song as he softly began to sing along, his voice sweet and deep and low, loud enough for just her to hear in close proximity. I never much figured Hal to be a Garth Brooks fan. Go figure. The serenade was unexpected and incredibly beautiful, bringing tears to her eyes that she quickly blinked away.

Literally wrapped up in each other Haldir was momentarily surprised when the previously rebuffed other elf returned to hold Jan to her promise. Interestingly enough the song that was starting was Squeeze Me In, a Brooks duet with Tricia Yearwood.

The redhead smiled and winked as the dark-blonde elf whisked her away, the Marchwarden choosing another partner and rejoining the dance, the couple unable to keep their eyes off of each other for very long.

Jan was forced to turn her attention fully on her dance partner as she was nearly tripped by the elf, suddenly realizing why she remembered him from the range. The elf in question was undeniably considered the worst archer in Lothlorien, seeming to have inherited all the grace of a, well, human.

After nearly being tripped twice more Jan laughed lightly and swiftly turned the tables, taking the lead and directing his steps. Arenel, she finally remembered his name, did supremely better with her leading. He seemed to take direction much better than giving it and she led him into two turns that he managed without tripping over hers or his own feet.

Arenel was positively beaming by the end of the song and Jan could not help but wonder if no one else had ever been willing to do the role reversal he obviously needed to get the steps right. He just needs some direction. She mentally shrugged. Some people are just meant to be followers.

As a result when, ears burning, he asked if he could continue dancing with her, she graciously accepted, remembering how the other elves had sometimes laughed behind his back at the range. Understanding just what it was like to be the "odd man out" she was more than willing to keep leading, relishing the look of pure enjoyment on the elf's face as they danced to Rascal Flatts' Mrs. Steven Rudy.

The pace and beat of the song was slow and regular enough that about halfway through Arenel felt comfortable enough to take back the lead. The elf laughed out loud, pride coming off him in waves as he did so seamlessly, taking her around the floor several more times. He was so exuberant that he had finally gotten it, he swept in to plant a swift peck on her cheek.

Janessa couldn't help giggling at the rather gangly elf's antics, throwing a wink and a smile to the Marchwarden when she caught Haldir's annoyed gaze in passing.

As Del Amitri's Roll to Me began playing Arenel became bolder with the faster beat, leading her first through several turns before trying his hand at a spin. Unfortunately he pushed his newly acquired skill a bit too far and spun her out, only to lose his grip on her hand, Janessa spinning into the elves around the edge of the dance floor.

All except one elf moved back to give her room to regain her balance, that one elf stepping forward to catch her in strong arms, easily righting her. Murmuring her thanks, Janessa looked up into the face of her savior, only to pale visibly, her face falling, eyes wide with apprehension.

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Bwahahahahahaha!!!! Another evil cliffie! I assure you, the rest of the story has already been written. I am merely waiting to actually get some REVIEWS to post the rest. You know the deal. You give me reviews… I give you updates!