A Difficult Bride

Chapter 3

Mina slowly opened her eyes, her eyes lids fluttering as she tried to focus them. She was aware that she was lying in a very large bed. She just didn’t know how she got there.

“You are awake! Oh Mina, I was so afraid for you!” Mina turned her head slowly to see the smiling, tear streaked face of her friend Anna.

“Where am I? What happened?”

“We are in the Golden City. You were brought here after you were injured. Do you not remember what you did? You saved the Lady Galadriel.”

Wilamina could not believe it, “I saved the Lady? Me?”

“You stood in front of her when the Orc was bearing down on her. You moved in front of her just as it swung its blade. You were stabbed instead of the Lady.”

Mina pushed herself up, wincing from the pain in her side and abdomen.

“Be careful Mina, you lost a lot of blood. We were afraid that you were going….” Anna looked away as her eyes filled with tears again. “Oh Mina, I thought you were going to die! The Lady and her healers were with you for three days before the fever broke. They say the blade was poisoned.”

Mina pushed the covers away from her and swung her legs over the side of the bed, wincing from the jolt of pain that racked her body. Her tiny feet dangled over the floor. She put her hand to her head waiting for the dizziness and nausea to pass. She stood, steadying herself on Anna.

“What is the city like Anna? Is it magnificent?” Mina’s voice was weak, but she longed to see this fabled city.

“Oh it is! It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I can’t wait until you are better and we can explore it.”

“That won’t be for sometime Anna. Mina’s injuries were grave.”

The Princess and Anna turned to see the March Warden standing beside the door with his arms folded across his chest.

“Oh! We did not hear you come in.” Anna blushed. Haldir smiled and approached them.

“Obviously, little maid.” Mina became all too aware that the March Warden’s gaze swept over her body, which was scantily covered by a thin, pale gown. His cold blue eyes met her angry blue eyes. A grin broke over Haldir’s face. “What are you doing out of bed Mina?”

“I want to see the city.” She turned back to the window. “You sir should knock before entering an elleth’s room.” She snapped.

He chuckled softly, “Mayhaps I should but you will have to forgive me. I am not in the habit of knocking before entering my own talan.”

If it was possible for Mina to becomler,ler, this did it. She glared at Anna who swallowed and shrugged nervously.

“Why am I at your talan?” She demanded, causing her blood to rush. She put her hand to her head grabbing Anna for support. Haldir was at her side in an instant, scooping her into his arms.

“Put me down you bully!”

“I intend too, but on the bed where you belong until you regain your strength.” He laid her gently on the bed.

Mina narrowed her eyes, her arms folded across her chest as she pouted furiously. “I repeat, why am I in your talan Haldir?”

“Because I wanted you here. I told the healers to put you here and that I would see to your comforts and care.”

She glared ahead at the wall in front of her. Haldir looked at Anna and motioned for her to leave. Anna looked torn, but there Hre Haldir gave her made her scoot out the door as quickly as she could. He smiled as he watched her go before turning his gaze back to Mina.

“That was very brave what you did Wilamina. Your father and brother will be very proud when they hear of your bravery.”

Mina’s face fell. Her eyes darted around the room as she tugged at her fingers.

“Mina, tithen aras?” He reached out and took her hand in his. She looked at him, tears filling her eyes.

“I’ve never seen a battle before. I was so frightened. I thought we were all going to die.” Her voice was husky as she spoke.

“You should be proud Mina. You saved our Lady’s life.”

She didn’t look at him. Her bottom lip trembled. She was struggling not cry. He moved to sit beside her on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. She turned into him, allowing him to comfort her. He stroked her hair, waiting for the dam to break and it did. She began to cry hard. Her body trembled against him.

“Shh, Hun nin, you are safe now. Do not cry.” He held her until her tears subsided, his tunic now ed ted through to his chest. He pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and handed it to her. She wiped her face and her nose.

“Thank you.” She told him in a stuffy voice. Her eyes and nose now swollen and red from her tears.

Haldir felt this an appropriate time to remind her of the kiss he promised her, when there was a knock at the door. Before he could respond, the door was shoved open and in strolled his youngest brother.

“My sweet maid, I am overjoyed to see you awake and well! I have brought you gifts to raise your spirits.” Rumil smirked at the scowl and smoldering eyes his brother was gifting him with.

Rumil gave her a deep bow and pulled a huge bouquet of flowers from behind his back. Mina’s hands went to her face as she gasped.

“Oh Rumil! Violets! My favorite! Thank you so much, they are lovely.” Mina took the flowers from Rumil, clutching them gently to her and inhaling their sweet scent. Haldir was furious with his brother and stood to face him.

Rumil grinned widely and winked at him, brushing past him to sit beside Wilamina. “Ah, but there is more sweet maid.” And he presented her with a beautifully wrapped box. She looked at him in question as she took it.

“What is this Rumil?”

“Why it is chocolate My Lady. Have you never heard of this delicacy?”

“I have heard of it. I tasted some a long time ago when Arwen’s husband brought her some for a gift. She told me it was the ways of his people to woo their women with flowers and treats such as these.” She looked into his face and smiled warmly, “Thank you so much Rumil!”

She leaned into him and kissed his cheek. Rumil caught the flash of hurt that crossed Haldir’s face. Rumil stood then and bowed again to Wilamina.

“I will leave you to rest now. You must regain your strength, for ill bll be time for the Harvest festival soon, and our Lady gives the most magnificent feast!” Rumil motioned for Haldir to follow him out onto the terrace.


***

“I am sorry if I have upset you brother.”

Haldir’s eyes narrowed, “You did it on purpose! Is there more to this attention you shower her with? What of Camilla?”

“I only meant to brighten Mina’s heart for I knew you would not think of something as simple as even bringing the maid flowers! There is no more y puy purpose. I adore Mina, but she is not mine. Camilla is mine! Wilamina is yours and I would not cross that line even if I were not soon to be bound to Camilla. I do not seek to best you brother. I try to make you think.”

Haldir sighed deeply and leaned against the rail. “You are right Rumil. I did not even think to bring her flowers.” Haldir looked intently at Rumil, “This is so new to me brother. I am absolutely at a loss when dealing with Mina. I don’t know what to say to her that will not anger her or frighten her. I do not know any of these sweet words you speak to her. I do not know what will make her happy!”

Rumil gave his brother a sympathetic smile, “It is not difficult to look to your heart Haldir. Wilamina looks inside her heart every day. She is young and she is a romantic.” Rumil stepped closer to his brother, trying to emphasis what he said to him.

“She is still young enough to where romance is all she looks for in the elf she will marry. She has had servants all of her life tending to her needs. She has never had to learn to sew or cook or clean. To her, being married will be as it is in the fairy tales her nanny elleth read to her. She will be swept of her feet! You Haldir do not fit the part of the Prince. She will learn to be a wife in time, but you must allow her the initial fantasy.”

Haldir rolled his eyes. Rumil chuckled, “Haldir, brother, I know that seems utterly ridiculous to you. Sometimes I find it ridiculous myself, but Camilla is also a romantic at heart. You would be surprised at the fulfillment and joy you will get doing things that make her happy and make her feel desired! She would do so for you.”

Rumil’s eyes narrowed and he lowered his voice, “ I wonder brother, if the wooing of this maiden is more of a competition for you? Do you truly desire to marry this elleth?”

Rumil was surprised at the expression that fell over Haldir’s face. He had never seen such warmth in his eyes and such a yearning. “I will admit Rumil that the thought of wooing and taming this elleth’s temper was most enticing to me, but it is more than that. When I first laid eyes on her, descending down the stairs with her brother…something stirred in me that I have never felt before. I never thought I would feel it, especially from a silly young elleth, but I…” His voice wavered as he closed the space between himself and Rumil.

He grasped Rumil’s arm in a strong grip, “I cannot be without her. She has consumed my thoughts, my dreams, and my very essence. I am afraid Rumil. This frightens me. I feel…I feel like my very life is in this girl’s hands. If she were to refuse me…” His voice cracked with emotion.

Rumil grabbed Haldir’s shoulders, “You should feel such joy over this! Now you know what it is I see when I look at Camilla. She steals my very breath. I have never felt such vulnerability in my life. You feel this way too. That is what frightens you brother. You are in love! No longer is the life you lead enough for you. Change comes and it is terrifying you. But you cannot fight this. You must allow this to happen and you must make it happen for Mina.”


***


It had been a week since Wilamina had awakened from her injuries. Haldir had moved Anna into his talan, much to the dismay of Orophin, to keep Mina company.

Wilamina sat staring the the window longing to see more of the city other than the only view she had been allowed to see since arriving.

Anna was busying herself with both Haldir’s and Wilamina’s laundry. As Anna opened to door to leave, Mina called to her.

“Can I come with you Anna?”

Anna blinked in surprise. “I am only going to do the wash.”

“Can I not come with you? I think I shall scream if I cannot leave this talan, even for a little while.”

“But what of Haldir? He says you are to stay inside until the healers say you are strong again!”

“Is Haldir my King? Nay, he is not. I have done nothing but eat, sleep, and lounge around in this talan suffocating! I need some air or I shall go insane! Besides…” She said standing and walking toward Anna.

“Haldir is not here is he? He will be gone all day drilling his wardens. I will be back long before he returns!”

Wilamina took one of the baskets of clothes from Anna and followed her to the washing waters. Mina was unaware of the strange looks she was getting from the Lorien elves as she passed them tugging laundry in her arms. Anna was well aware of the looks however and kept her face toward the ground blushing. The elves of Lorien found it most odd that the Princess of Mirkwood would be toting laundry with her handmaiden.

As the two maids came closer to their destination, they crossed paths with the Lord and Lady of the wood, taking a stroll through their city.

“Wilamina, I was not aware that my healers had released you.” Galadriel towered over the small Princess, a stern look on her face. Mina did not see the amusement in her eyes.

“I…they…” Mina drew a deep breath. “I have not been released yet. Please do not send me back to the talan. I am so tired of being trapped in there. I have been here a week and have only now been outside! I am much stronger, I promise! Don’t be angry with me!”

Galadriel laughed softly, “Nay little one, I am not angry with you. Although, it was not right of you to leave without informing my healers before hand. I understand you wish to see a new city. But you must not over exert yourself. What is this bundle you carry?”

Mina smiled weakly, “Laundry.”

Celeborn chuckled now, “Laundry! The Lady of Mirkwood is now doing her own laundry? I must say your father would find this most amusing!”

Mina frowned, “I’m not a helpless ninny without skill My Lord! I wanted to help Anna. I have allowed her to do enough for me. I think it is time I help her.”

“Oh but Mina! I have never been resentful…” The Princess silenced her friend with her hand.

“I know you have not. I wish to help you now and I will do this! You will speak no more of it!”

Anna bowed her head to Mina. Galadriel took Mina and Anna’s free hand and squeezed gently, “Well I think it is wonderful! And no Mina, we know you are not a hess nss ninny. I do not think my husband meant that.”

Mina blushed, “I am sorry for my tone my Lord.” Celeborn smiled down at her, “No offense was taken my dear. But you must admit it is most amusing to see a Princess in her regal attire lugging a laundry basket through my city.”

Wilamina’s smiled slightly anddeddded. Galadriel released their hands, “Run along then. We will keep you no longer from your chores.”

***

It was nearly nightfall when Haldir returned from the practice fields. He knew Wilamina was tired of being cooped up and he thought he might take her for a short stroll to the Lady’s gardens.

When he entered his talan, he could feel it was empty. The place seemed cold and distant. He realized then how much it meant to him to come home and have her waiting there for him. His brow burrowed. Where was she? How long had she been gone? Why did she insist on being obstinate?

He turned and stormed from the talan in search of her. His mood was dark and it became even darker when he heard the voice come toward him from behind the mellyrn tree.

“Good evening March Warden.” The sultry voice of the she-elf caused his blood to run cold. He turned to face her, his face a mask of anger.

“Why Haldir, love, this is not happiness to see me is it?”

The tall she-elf now stood before him, her body nearly touching his. Only Haldir’s eyes glared down at her as she was almost his exact height. A smirk played across her face.

“I am not your love!” He snapped, moving passed her to walk on.

“Ah yes! The little Mirkwood Princess now has your heart. How….charming.” Her voice was milked with false sincerity.

“What do you want Lea? Just save me the trouble and tell me now, because I have no time for your foolishness!”

Lea chuckled softly and stepped to him again. She traced his cheek with her finger. He caught her wrist in an iron grip. He knew he was hurting her, but she made no show of it on her face. She only smiled wickedly at him.

“And what makes you think I want anything except to inquire on your well being?”

His grip tightened even more and this time she winced with pain. He returned her evil grin and shoved her away in disgust.

“I know you well enough to know my welfare is the last thing you came to inquire upon!”

“You are right Haldir. That is not the only reason. I com come to meet your soon to be bride. Many elleths have wondered about this girl who could tame our March Wardens heart. I am most interested to meet this maid and offer her my…friendship.” Her eyes were dark and dangerous.

Haldir had her shoulders in a painful grip in an instant, “You stay away from Mina! If I see you near her, if you even speak to her, nay if you even speak of her, you will wish you had already passed through the hall of mandos!”

He shoved her roughly away and strode from her. Her eyes narrowed, “Oh you will be sorry for your words my love! Most sorry! As will your new elleth!” She hissed under her breath and stormed away.


It did not take Haldir long to find Mina and Anna. Many Lorien elves were still speaking about the Princess doing the chores of her handmaidens. Haldir’s anger was now directed toward Lea, not Wilamina. A new feeling came over him as he closed in on the two elleths, a feeling a fear for Mina.

Both elleths were soaked to the skin, giggling, and slapping water at one another. Wilamina’s beautiful blue gown was ruined. It was covered with mud, soap, and water. Haldir allowed himself a few moments of amusement watching the two of them and several other elleths who were the Lady’s handmaidens playing in the water. It had been too long since he had enjoyed himself in such a way. The burdens of his office weighed heavy on him at all times.

He stepped from behind the brush and cleared his throat, causing an up roar of squeals and giggles of embarrassment from the elleths. Many of them scurried from the water all too aware of how their clothing clung to their wet bodies. The elleths that left the water jerked their laundry baskets up, bowed to him, and ran away laughing.

Wilamina and Anna stopped splashing looklooked to the lagoon bank. Haldir stood with his arms across his chest with a very stern look upon his face. Wilamina matched his gaze as she waddled over the water to stand in front of him.

“I see you found me.” She said coolly.

“I did indeed Mina.” He could not help the grin that crossed his face. She struggled to remain composed, but started to laugh in response. He shook his head.

“Wilamina, your dress is ruined! What would your father think?”

She laughed lightly which caused chills to rush over his body. She climbed from the water to stand in front of him. She seemed unaware of how the dress clung to ever curve of her body. Her breasts swelled at the top of the gown and her nipples stood erect from the cool water and night air.

“My father is used to such. He would simply have me another dress made.” She continued to watch him and noticed that his attention was not on her face. She looked down at her body and saw what had his attention. She wrapped her arms around herself and glared at him. His eyes returned to her eyes as his lip quirked upward.

“Would you care for my cloak, My Lady?” He removed it and held it out to her. She jerked it from his hands and turned to wrap it around her. She stomped away from him when she heard him laugh softly. Anna bit her lip to keep from laughing as she climbed from the water.

“We should get back Mina.” Anna said picking up one of the baskets. Mina bent down and picked up the second.

“I will accompany you both back if you do not mind.” Anna smiled widely at the Warden.

“Of course not Haldir.”

#

Much to the dismay of Mina, Anna had changed quickly and left to meet Orophin for dinner. He was preparing a special meal for her and she was most excited to get there. This meant Mina would now be alone with Haldir.

Haldir prepared dinner for he and Mina while she dried herself and changed clothes.

Mina came into the kitchen where Haldir had set out freshly baked bread, cheese, fruit, and ale. She seemed surprised.

“Did you not think I could cook?” He asked.

“I did not know you could do anything but be a Warden.” She snapped.

“There is much you do not know of me Wilamina.” His voice was low and husky. She shivered involuntarily. A grin slid over his face.

“I believe I made a promise to you nin mell.” She looked at him horrified as the memory of the promise came to her. “I told you upon entering the Golden City that I would welcome you with a kiss.”

He stepped toward her and she backed away. He continued his forward assault as she backed herself into a wall. She tried to move but his arms went on either side of her, blocking her escape. Her blue eyes were wide as she looked up into his face.

“Come now Mina. It’s only a kiss. A harmless little kiss. You told me not that long ago that you were an adult now. Surely a kiss would cause you know discomfort.”

She looked down to the floor, her face crimson. She trembled slightly. He gripped her chin and forced her to look at him.

“Why are you afraid? Do you think I would hurt you?”

She shook her head no and tried to pull his hand away.

“You will answer me Wilamina!” He snapped at her.

She slowly looked into his eyes. She thought she would die of embarrassment. She knew he would laugh at her. She felt so stupid and realized she was nothing but a child. Who was she kidding? She was spoiled and childish. What could he possibly want from her? She would not make a good wife for this elf.

“I..I am not afraid. I just…I’ve never…and…” She sighed deeply, “You enjoy making me feel foolish don’t you? You are hateful.”

He cupped her face in his hands and forced her head up, “I do not desire to make you feel foolish Mina. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you have never kissed before. I have not always known how.” His lips brushed for forehead gently, “I think you are precious.”

She frowned, “You think I am still a child.”

“Not a child.” He lied, “ But a young, inexperienced maid. And I do not just mean physical inexperience, but by the ways of the world. There is a difference and there is no shame in it! I do not mean to seem hateful to you Mina.”

She looked back at him. There was no mocking in his eyes, only gentleness and warmth. “You will not laugh at me?” She asked softly.

“No I will not laugh at you. However, you test my reserve Mina. You know my feelings for you. You are not so innocent that you do not know I desire you. You must at least grant me the right to your mouth.”

She smiled slightly. “Ah, so you do know what power you hold over me than nin meleth. Will you allow me this kiss?” He asked.

She swallowed hard and nodded. He smiled slightly, leaning his head closer to hers. She closed her eyes and tried to turn her head. He chuckled softly and forced her face back to his.

She gasped when she felt his soft, gentle lips brush hers. Slowly she opened her eyes, which was what he was waiting for. His mouth closed over hers, sending a jolt of warmth through her body. He coaxed her lips a part slightly, gently sucking that delectable bottom lip into his mouth. He was pleased to hear her sigh softly in response.

She became bold and slid her hands up his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, crushing her against him. He flicked his tongue over her bottom lip and she parted her lips even more so. She stiffened slightly when she felt the gently intrusion of his soft warm tongue.

After a brief moment, he was rewarded with a moan din hin her throat and he took this as an invitation, pushing his tongue even further into her warm, sweet mouth. His tongue snaked around hers. She wasn’t sure how to respond at first. Her arms were still trapped against his chest, but she could reach a lock of his hair to twist around her finger.

She gave it a gentle tug, which caused him to growl playfully at her. She smiled against his mouth. Slowly she began to mimic what he did with his tongue. The kiss became more natural to her as she became bolder in her response to him. Soon, their tongues were battling for dominance.

Haldir was on fire with her touch. Having her soft body pressed against him and her sweet mouth captured by his, he forgot for a moment her inexperience. He pushed her back against the wall, kissing her deeper, and more aggressively. His mouth left her lips and found it way to her soft neck, kissing and suckling the skin gently. He pre int into her body, groaning as he pushed into her.

Her eyes snapped open wide as something very large and rock hard pressed into her belly. She began to push on his chest as fear began swelling within her.

“Haldir…” Her voice was a breathless whisper.

He only groaned, still pressing into her, sucking the skin of her neck. She was struggling with feelings and emotions she had never felt before. What he was doing to her felt delicious, but she was frightened by this desire he had for her. It over whelmed her. She pushed harder on his chest.

“Haldir…stop…please…you’re frightening me.”

Heppedpped when he heard her small voice. He looked into her eyes, wide with fear but also with desire. Her face was flushed and her lips swollen from his attentions. His breathing was ragged and his eyes smoldered with want for her. He forced himself to move away from her.

“Forgive me. I should not have let it go this far. I did not mean to frighten you.”

They stood in silence, tension thick in the air around them. Finally she spoke, “I am tired. I think I was out for too long.” She brushed passed him and walked into the bedroom. He followed her.

“It was too soon for you to go out Wilamina. You will stay here tomorrow and rest. Do not argue with me. Just do as I say.”

Her eyes narrowed briefly, but she nodded in agreement. “Can I at least go and sit in the garden?”

“Alright, but only the garden. Do not make me have to search for you.”

He turned and left the bedroom. She watched him go. He looked sad and tired. She felt terrible about him giving up his bed for her. He spent many a night on the hard cold ground and now he slept on the hard floor of his talan with only a few blankets to cushion his body.

She bit her lip in thought. After what had just happened, dare she ask him? She slid out of her dress and into her white lace nightgown. The light in the living area went out. She knew he had lain down. She walked slowly across the bedroom floor and peaked into the living room. She did not see him in the darkness. She strained to see him by the light of the moon, but saw nothing.

“Did you need something Mina?”

She jumped and whirled around. He stood behind her smiling widely.

“Oh! You scared me!” She frowned at him as he chuckled softly. “I was just…I thought maybe just for tonight you would let me sleep in here and you could have your bed back.”

He folded his arms over his now very naked chest. She forced her eyes to stay at his face. His eyes twinkled in amusement.

“And why would you want to sleep in here?”

She was trying to be thoughtful and he was teasing her. She glared at him.

“I thought it would be nice to sleep out on the veranda tonight. You could have you bed back. I know you’re not comfortable on the floor Haldir.”

“It is too cool for you to sleep on the veranda. However, if you are so worried about my comfort…”

“I was just…” His hand went to her lips to silence her as he continued, “If you are so worried about my comfort, I would be more than happy to share the bed with you. It is large enough for the both of us to rest comfortably. You are tiny and do not take up space.

“Do you think that is wise? I don’t mind sleeping on the blankets. It is a lovely night and…eeeeeeeck!” She shrieked as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He plopped down on it with her in his lap. She wiggled, trying to get away from him.

“I will not attack you Mina, unless you want me too. But I will warn you pet, if you do not desist in your movements on my lap, I will not be responsible for what I do to you.”

She froze and glanced into his lust filled eyes. She could already feel his hardness pressing into her bottom. He released her begrudgingly and she scooted to the other side of the bed. He laughed at her shyness and crawled under the blanket. If she were shy now at lying in be beside him he could only imagine how she would react to knowing he had just come from taking care of his initial arousal of her. She stared at him a moment not sure what to do. He laughed even louder.

“Wilamina, go to sleep! I’ll keep my hands to myself, I promise.” She glared at him and stuck her tongue out at him before crawling under the blanket herself. She jerked when his arms came around her waist, pulling her back against his body. He chuckled at her tenseness.

“What have I told you about poking your tongue out Mina?”

She twisted her head to look at him, frown firmly on her sweet face. He leaned his head down and kissed her nose.

“Go to sleep Mina.” She turned back around with a huff and closed her eyes.

#


Try as she might, she could not go to sleep. She kept thinking of her first kiss. She had dreaded it so, but now all she could think of was how she wished he’d kiss her again. She bit her lip again, smiling to herself wondering what it would be like to lie in his arms for hours and just kiss and…. maybe touch?

She found herself wondering about the many he had kissed. She frowned as a twinge of jealousy struck her. How many had he loved? She turned in his arms to watch him sleep. She could barely make his profile out in the moon.

“Haldir?” She whispered softly. He did not answer. She could tell by his breathing he was asleep. She gently tugged at his hair.

“Haldir…” He swatted at her hand. She suppressed a giggle.

“Haaalllllldddiiiirrrr” She called softly. Again, the angry eye popped open to glare at her. Her hands went to her mouth to stifle her giggle.

“Do you wish to be spanked Mina?” He snapped.

She huffed and pinched his arm, “Do not be hateful! I want to ask you something.”

He sighed and rolled his eyes, pushing himself up onto his elbow to look at her. She was picturesque. Her head lay on the pillow, her golden hair flared out around her sweet face. Her beautiful blue eyes looking up at him, sparkling under the light.

“What do you wish to ask me Mina. What is so important that you refuse me sleep.”

“How many lovers have you had?”

He blinked at her in surprise. This is why she had woken him up? Another exasperated sigh escaped his lips. He could not even begin to tell her the number. In his youth, he had bed almost every unattached maiden within the Golden Wood. He had many a maid at her father’s own Kingdom of Mirkwood. He had broken many hearts at Rivendell as well. He looked back into the innocent eyes, how could he tell her, thousands he had had? He clicked his tongue before answering.

“I have had many.” His tone was matter of fact.

“How many is many?” She pressed.

“More than I can give a number too.”

A smile slid across her face, “Have you been with Arwen?”

He laughed at this question. “Aye Mina, as your brother has.” The smile fell from her face and she looked thoughtful for a moment.

“Have you had Anna?”

He blinked again in surprise. “Why are you asking me these questions?”

“We are to marry. I think I have a right to know.”

“Oh now you are speaking of our marriage. I thought you did not wish to marry me. What was it you told me?” His voice rose in pitch to mimic her, “You are a horrid, despicable elf and I shall never marry you!”

She pinched him again, “Ow! Desist you little runt!” He grabbed her wrists as she tried to pinch him again. He was delighted at her playfulness. She had been so frightened of him before and now she lay next to him in bed with only a scanty cotton nightgown to hide her from him.

“I have no choice in marrying you. Both you and my father have made that very clear to me. I am only trying to know you better.”

He pulled her hands to his mouth and kissed the fingers softly, “Nay Mina. I have never had Anna.” His eyebrow quirked, “I have had your handmaidens Silvia and Chloe the last time I visited your father’s home. You were but a small child then.”

“I knew you had Silvia, though I did not know of Chloe. She always seemed to prefer your brothers.” She teased. His eyes narrowed.

“As you prefer my brother Rumil?”

She frowned, “I do not prefer Rumil. He is my friend.” She put her hand to his cheek, “Do not be jealous.”

He started to tell her he was not, but that would be a lie. He took her hand in his and squeezed it. He searched her face. There was a reason behind her questions.

“Why do you wish to know these things? What are you thinking Mina? Tell me.”

Her face flushed slightly. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling him against his chest. She buried her face against him. She had grown to make a habit of doing this when she was embarrassed or shy about something she wanted to talk about. He squeezed her to him, kissing her on top of her head. Oh how he loved this young elleth.

“What is it? Mina? You keep reminding me you are an adult elleth now. So you must behave like one. Communication between two adult elves is the basis of an adult relationship.”

“I am afraid…I just…what if….”

“Mina I am tired! Do not dance around with your words, speak!”

“What if …you are bored.” He pinched his lips together to keep from laughing. He did not want to embarrass her aore ore that what she already was. He grimaced; her temper had not gotten any better since they had been together either.

“How could I be bored? You are but an innocent babe. I will have many years to teach you in the art of lovemaking. Now, will you go to sleep?”

She nodded yes still hiding her face against his chest.

He wondered how long she would lie against him like this and was pleasantly surprised when he awoke the next morning to find her snuggled against him sleeping soundly.


#


Mina spent all of her morning and most of the afternoon in Lady Galadriel’s garden. She spent hours taking in its beauty, the different smells and textures of the flowers and plants. Wilamina had also enjoyed a few books. It had been a long time since she had felt such peace and contentment. She had promised Haldir that she would only stay the morning, but she could not make herself leave the serenity of the Lady’s garden.


Wilamina was so enthralled with a certain book that she did not notice the soft light that now radiated around her. Galadriel stood watching the little maid with much amusement. Finally Galadriel cleared her throat. Mina jerked slightly.

“Oh! My Lady! Forgive me, I did not see you!” Wilamina stood and bowed to her. Galadriel laughed softly and sat down on the grass, pulling Mina down with her.

“I must read this book when you are finished Mina. I wonder how long I would be standing to wait for you to notice.”

Mina blushed and looked away. She closed the book and hid the title with her hands. Lady Galadriel’s eyebrow quirked a bit.

“Mina? More mischief? What is this book that you hide from me?”

Wilamina kept her gaze to the ground. Galadriel pressed.

“Are we not friends, sweet maid?”

Mina looked into the Lady’s face and smiled sheepishly.

“It is a book about…lovers.” Her eyes fell downward again. Galadriel bit her lip to keep from laughing.

“I see. Well Wilamina that is nothing to be embarrassed about. You are to become a wife soon and will need to know of such things.”

Mina squirmed a bit, uncomfortable talking about this. She cleared her throat looklooked up at the Lady.

“Do you wish to speak to me about something My Lady?”

“I wish for your company Mina. I have scarcely seen you since you have been in my city. You promised to spend some time with me and I noticed you have not heeded the word from my healers and have been about all over the place!”

Mina blushed again, averting the Lady’s eyes. Galadriel studied her fa moa moment. She wondered what reaction her news would bring.

“I have sent Haldir into the lands of Rohan to lead a scouting party. There has been word of Orc raiding parties throughout our lands again. He will be gone for 5 days.”

Wilamina’s face fell. Galadriel noticed the disappointment and concern on her face. She smiled inwardly, very pleased at Mina’s response.

“While he is away, I was hoping that you and I could spend time together in my garden.”

“Yes, Ladwoulwould like that.” Mina’s voice was soft. “When will he leave, My Lady?”

“Oh, he left this morning.”

Mina stood immediately and her hands flew to her hips, “But he did not even say goodbye!” She snapped.

Galadriel could not stop her smile, “What’s this Mina? One might think you had actually grown to like our March Warden.” Mina huffed and folded her arms across her chest. The bottom lip made its appearance.

Galadriel stood and took Mina’s hand. “Come, we will have some food together.”

As the two she-elves left the garden toward the castle, neither one seemed to notice the angry eyes that followed.

“So Haldir. You left your new little wench all alone! She is quite a beauty. I see why you desire her! She is very much like her brother! I have tasted him! Perhaps I shall taste the sister as well!”

Lea laughed wickedly as she turned and left the garden.

TBC...