Life's Path

Title: Life’s Path
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: NC-17 (later chapters)
Genre: romance
WARNING: Adult themes, sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of
this story.
Feedback: Yes please!
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.

Chapter 3 – Caras Galadhon

Annis took a deep breath for there were no words to describe how she felt looking upon Caras Galadhon. Her heart soared at the sight as she absorbed the beauty before her. The trees seemed to shimmer with a radiant light. The city was built in and around the trees. She could see many spiraling staircases and bridges.

Haldir watched her face light up. He admired how her eyes sparkled as if there were gold running through them. He turned to his brothers and nodded his head. They knew what to do.

“Annis, welcome to our home. We must go now while Haldir takes you to the great Lady Galadriel. We will meet again soon.” Rumil said turning to leave with Orophin.

“Princess it is time we go and meet the lady.” Haldir turned to show the way.

Annis followed in awed silence, looking at everything and everyone not noticing the many eyes upon her. She also failed to notice that her movement had gone from a walk to a mere few steps. She was shaken from her awe inspired trance by a strong hand on her arm.

“Come at this rate the Lady will have left these shores before you meet her.” Haldir said with a rather amused look on his face.

“I am so sorry. It is just so….I don’t know how to explain how it feels to be here.” Annis struggled with her words.

“You will have plenty of time to look around. Now is not the time.”

Haldir guided her up some stairs towards a bright palace where she could see 2 figures emerging. Her heart beat faster as she realized that it must be Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. At the bottom of the stairs he bowed his head as the couple descended. Annis followed his actions and bowed too. She felt a hand touch her chin raising her face gently.

“Welcome Annis Princess of Gondor. I am Lady Galadriel and this is Lord Celeborn. You are most welcome here.” Galadriel smiled sweetly at Annis. “Too many years have passed since we have had our family here.”

“It is an honor to meet you both and to be greeted so kindly. I thank-you for giving me the opportunity to come and learn your way of life. I hope I can bring pride to you both.” Annis was struck by Galadriel’s beauty and poise.

“Have no fear of that, for you have brought us great pride and happiness by just being here. You look so much like your parents. I see many traits of them in you.” Celeborn spoke for the first time.

“Thank-you my lord.” Annis felt intimated by the power coming from Celeborn and was not sure what to say. Much like Haldir he had an arrogant air.

“I know you are weary from your long journey. I have arranged a talan for you.” Galadriel turned to her right and called forward a young elf. “This is Elgaria. She will help you settle so please ask her for anything you require. We will meet again tomorrow.”

“Goodbye my lord and lady.”

Annis bowed and turned to follow Elgaria who was motioning for her to follow. Haldir also turn to follow her but was stopped when Galadriel called his name.

“Haldir, may I have a moment of your time?” Galadriel asked as she and Celeborn climbed the stairs.

“Of course my lady.”

“How was she?”

“How was she my lady? How do you mean?”

“Was she strong on the journey? Did she whine? How was her emotional state?

“My lady she is indeed strong, slightly nervous but yet not scared. She kept up with barely any problems and possesses many elfin qualities. I feel she is eager for her life to begin here.” Haldir was confused because surely with her powers Galadriel could see all this.

Galadriel looked at Celeborn and smiled at the reaction Haldir was giving her. If she didn’t know better she would say that he was slightly taken with Annis.

“That is good to hear Haldir. I thank you and your wardens for bringing her to me. I am looking forward to watching her grow into who I believe she can be.”

Haldir bowed and departed towards his talan when Galadriel called him once again.

“March Warden…you may want to take that pack you carry to the rightful owner.” Galadriel said with a laugh to her voice as she turned and entered her palace with Celeborn behind her.

Haldir grimaced to himself and departed the way Annis had left.

******

Elgaria moved quickly through the city not allowing Annis time to look around. Elgaria stopped at a door and opened it.

“Here you go Princess of Gondor.”

Annis entered the talan, which was bigger than her room back at Minas Tirith. It contained a sitting area with a balcony and small kitchen. A bedroom was located off the sitting area. Walking through the sitting area she stood on the balcony and admired the view.

“Please call me Annis. This is perfect and the view is beautiful.” She turned and noticed the young elf staring at her. “What is wrong Elgaria?”

“I am sorry. It is just your hair is so beautiful. You are the first….err…”

“You can say it half-breed. I am use to the word.” Annis laughed gently at her companion.

“I wasn’t thinking that. You are the first outsider I have ever met. I have never left these woods. I have always heard of the beautiful white city of Minas Tirith and dreamed of going there.”

“What a pair we make! I have dreamt of this place and you of my home.” Annis laughed.

“Well I will promise to show you my home if you share with me tales from yours.” Elgaria looked at Annis with a hopeful smile.

“I would like nothing better.” Annis sat down in a chair.

“Oh you must be tired! Here I am just rambling on. But there is one thing you must tell me!”

“What is that?”

“How was your journey with the 3 brothers? You are the envy of many females here. Oh any journey, no matter how long or tedious, would be great with Rumil!”

“Rumil is not the one I wonder about.” Annis looked at her new friend. “What about Haldir?”

“The March Warden? He is an elusive one. Though if he offered himself to any female she would take him but many who have chased him have been left behind.”

“So he has no one special here?”

“So much interest in Haldir! Did Rumil not interest you?”

“Rumil was nice but Haldir is…. I don’t know - different.”

“Aye or as we like to say, arrogant!” Elgaria laughed. “Now you should change and get some rest. The lady is expecting you tomorrow.”

“Oh no!” Annis said as she looked around. “Haldir still has my pack!”

“Do not worry. I know where his talan is. I will fetch it and be right back.” With that Elgaria turned and rushed out.

Annis took her cloak and over-tunic off. She looked around and smiled it was starting to feel like home already. Sitting down she pushed her boots off, wriggling her tried toes and undid the lacing on her leggings. She then got up taking her leggings off not noticing the shadow at the door. Turning around to put the leggings on the chair she saw Haldir at the door.

Haldir saw the door to the talan open and walked in. He was greeted with the sight of Annis taking her clothes off. He watched her appreciating the show he was getting. When she turned around and saw him, she was in nothing but her under-tunic, which barely touched her upper thighs. His eyes could see her ample breasts through the flimsy white material.

“Sorry to interrupt but you left this with me.” Haldir said raising an eyebrow and held the pack out to her.

“Do you enjoy walking in on people without knocking?” Annis managed to spit out. Forgetting she was in only her under-tunic.

“The door was open which in Caras Galadhon means it is alright to enter.” He moved so he was leaning on the wall still holding her pack out.

“Maybe so but you know that I am just arriving and should have been more courteous!”

“Forgive me, my lady.” Haldir bowed to her mockingly.

She walked towards him and went to grab the pack. He deliberately moved it to the other hand causing Annis to come face to face with him. He could see her eyes sparkling with anger and he smiled smugly. He could feel her breath on his face and felt his elfhood start to wake up.

Annis stood facing Haldir not knowing how she felt. Mad for his rudeness or excited at being so close to him. She went to grab the pack and again he moved it. Now she was just mad.

“Stop toying with me Haldir and give me my pack now!”

“Manners! I thought you were a princess of Gondor.”

“If I was to act like a princess than I would be screaming that a strange being was in my room!”

“That is true. But you are in my land and should use your manners.”

“Haldir March Warden of the Galadhrim Warriors, would you be so kind as to please let me have my pack back.” Annis asked with a fake sickly sweet voice.

“See was it that hard?” Haldir stepped forward and handed the pack to Annis.

“Thank-you!!” Annis turned and placed the pack on the chair with the leggings.

“Is there anything else you may require before I depart?”

Haldir had moved closer to Annis. He wasn’t sure what he was feeling. Lust? Desire? Feelings he had long forgotten. He just needed to be close to her.

Annis looked at Haldir trying to read his face for a sign of what he was thinking. His eyes gripped her and they stood looking at each other. Haldir reached out and touched her face; gently letting his fingers trace her jaw line. She swallowed deeply trying to calm her heart down before it broke thru her chest. Her skin was warm from his touch. He started to lean into her. She closed her eyes waiting for his lips to touch hers but they never came. Her eyes were jolted opened by another voice.

“I am so sorry Annis. I could not find Haldir so I brought one of my nightdresses…” Elgaria’s voice faded away at the sight in front of her.

Annis broke away from Haldir finally noticing she was in just her under-tunic. She had completely forgotten her state of dress! She quickly grabbed her cloak and wrapped it around her.

“It is alright. Haldir brought me my pack.” Annis managed to say. Feeling her face turn a bright red.

“Well I can see that you are in good hands with Elgaria so I will bid you both a goodnight.” Haldir said calmly and without embarrassment. He then disappeared out the door.

Elgaria looked at Annis and smiled.

“Here take my nightdress. I now know why you were asking so many questions about Haldir. It seems he has an interest in you.”

“Nay, he was just bringing my pack and we were arguing over the fact that he entered without knocking. He said the door was open.”

“Oh I am so sorry! I must have left it open when I rushed out.”

“No I am not blaming you. It is he who needs to learn some manners. Now I thank you for everything but I need to rest now.”

“Of course. I will come by in the morn and we will eat before your meeting. I bid you good night.”

“Good night Elgaria. Thanks for being my first friend here.”

Elgaria smiled widely and left. This time making sure the door was shut. Annis walked to the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. She replayed what had just happened between Haldir and herself. She lay back and smiled. Would they have kissed? Did he actually want her? Her head was swimming with thoughts. She got up and put the borrowed nightdress on. She climbed under the covers and let sleep take her.

As Haldir walked from Annis’ talan, he reflected on how stupid he had been to give into his lust and to almost be caught by a handmaiden was even worse. He entered his talan, took his outer tunic off and sat down. The image of Annis in only her flimsy tunic floated in his mind. He felt his elfhood waking up again. She was beautiful he could not deny that. He sighed to himself and prepared for bed. He got under the covers and closed his eyes. Annis filled his mind. Her eyes, hair, body and those breasts! He tried to shake the image from his mind. Thinking of tasks he had to tend to tomorrow, wardens he must train. But as sleep took him Annis wormed her way back into his dreams.

******

A stream of sunlight roused Annis from her sleep. She stretched her rested body and got out of bed grimacing when she smelt how dirty she was. Looking around she noticed there was no water. She thought about going to see if she could find some water but decided against it. Knowing her luck she would get lost and then be late for her meeting. She heard a knock with a familiar voice and Elgaria entered Annis’ talan.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well?”

“Oh yes very well thanks. But I do have a request before we go eat. Do you think I may go and bathe?”

“Of course. That is why I am early. I thought you might wish to cleanse yourself. Come follow me. I have linens to dry off with.”

With Elgaria leading, Annis looked around still feeling overwhelmed at the beauty of everything. They came to a circle of trees not far from her talan. She watched as Elgaria walked into them. Annis walked up slowly and then saw that there was a small drape covering an entrance. She pushed through and saw Elgaria undressing next to a beautiful crystal blue pool. Annis looked around worried about being seen.

“Come now. We must be quick so we can eat before meeting the lady.” Elgaria noticed Annis’ hesitance. “Don’t worry, the males do not come in here. They respect our bathing place just as we respect theirs. Now the same can not be said if you decided to bathe in one of the rivers or lakes.”

Annis undressed and approached the pool. Gingerly she dipped her toe into the water and was surprised at how warm it was. Annis immersed herself and Elgaria handed her some soap. Annis washed herself feeling refreshed as the sweet smell of the soap drifted in the air. After finishing they got out drying themselves on with the linens. Elgaria finished and changed back into her clothes. Annis looked at her dirty pile of clothes and dreaded getting back into them. That would defeat the bath completely.

“Elgaria, are there many elves about at this time in the morning?”

“No not many. Why do you ask? Oh no you’re not thinking…”

Annis didn’t reply. She made sure the linen was wrapped about her tightly, scooped her clothes into her arms and left the bathing area. She peeked around the drape and saw no one. Quickly she headed up the path towards her talan. She heard Elgaria laughing and turned to look at her, not noticing the corner coming up. Her clothes flew out of her hands as she hit something, knocking her to the ground. Dazed she grabbed the linen to make sure it was still on and looked at what she had run into. Before her stood a very amused Rumil.

“I have asked for many things in my dreams but never have any of them been granted until today. I have always wanted a beautiful naked elleth to bump into me. Today is going to be a good day.”

“I am not naked! I have a linen on.” Was all a very embarrassed Annis could get out.

Rumil was enjoying looking at the damp linen clinging to Annis’ body. He felt a stirring in his desires. He reached out his arm and pulled her up causing her body to crash into his chest. He felt her attempt to pull her arm away but he didn’t let go. Their eyes met and he moved in for a kiss. But she moved her head causing him to kiss her cheek.

“That was not what I was hoping for! It happens so different in my dreams.” Rumil pouted a bit.

“Well, this is not your dream! Now why don’t you help me gather my belongings so I can get back, change and still make my meeting on time.” Annis started to pick up her clothes.

Keeping his eyes on Annis, Rumil smiled and gathered the belongings that were near him. Once gathered he handed her belongings back.

“Here you go. And maybe for being such a gentle-elf, you would see fit to having a drink with me tonight?”

“You will have to wait and see. For I do not know what the day holds. I would hate to give you my word and then break it.”

Rumil moved even closer again. Smiling broadly, enjoying the game they were playing. He touched her hand and leaned closer whispering into her ear:

“I wouldn’t mind. For then you would owe me and I think I would enjoy knowing you owe me.”

Elgaria turned the corner to see the 2 elves close together. She couldn’t believe her eyes. First Haldir and then Rumil!

“Ah Elgaria. I think you had better pay a little more attention to your new charge here. Letting her run around in wet linens tempting us innocent elves! Remember tonight or you can just owe me!” With that he turned and continued on his way.

“How do you do it? I have been here my whole life and never got as much as a smile from either brother. And you are here less than a day and have both of them!”

“No I don’t! Haldir has no interest in me and Rumil well I think he is reading into things a little more than he should.” But Annis didn’t believe her own words and couldn’t help smiling to herself.

Upon entering she swiftly changed into a pale green dress, braiding her wet hair with matching ribbons in it. Taking a quick look in the mirror satisfied she turned and left with Elgaria leading the way to the dining area.

They entered a spacious building with many rows of tables full of fruits and breads. The fresh bread made her mouth water. Not many of the tables were occupied and Elgaria chose a table towards the back of the room with no one at it. Annis looked around and saw a group of elves all dressed as the brothers had been. They were laughing and talking loudly.

“Ah, that is the wardens table. They must be getting ready to go out on patrol. That means the March Warden will be coming in soon.” Elgaria noticed where Annis was looking. And smiled broadly as she mentioned Haldir’s title.

Annis felt her face get hot knowing that Elgaria was teasing her. Annis busied herself with getting some fruit and bread from the center of the table. She didn’t hear any footsteps behind her but she sensed someone. Looking up she saw Elgaria with a silly smile on her face and turned around to see Haldir standing behind her.

“Good morning Haldir. I hope you are well.” Annis tried to keep calm and controlled. Trying to read his emotionless face.

“I am well. I hope you are rested from your journey.”

Haldir looked at Annis keeping his professional face on in front of his wardens. But it did not stop his eyes from roaming over her. She was different from the young lady he had escorted in. For now she was more feminine. The dressed emphasizing everything he had noticed before. He heard his wardens laughing loudly and turned to join them.

“I hope your day is enjoyable. Now you must excuse me.” Haldir walked towards the table, which grew quiet as he approached.

Annis couldn’t help but watch as Haldir walked to the table. She loved to watch him move. The table of wardens got up with him in the lead and departed the dining area. She turned back to Elgaria who was looking amused at Annis.

“You have set your sights high. The March Warden. But I think if anyone has a chance you do.”

“I do not want him! I was just looking at the beautiful room.” Annis couldn’t believe the silly statement that came out of her mouth.

“Ah the room. I am sure you were looking but I feel it was not the room that had your attention.” Elgaria smiled and ate her breakfast.

Annis just smiled back, knowing that she was not going to be able to keep lying to Elgaria. After finishing Elgaria guided her towards the palace.

“Elgaria, may I ask a favor?”

“Of course.”

“Please do not mention last nights incident to anyone or for that matter this mornings with Rumil.”

“Do not worry I would never do that. Being a handmaiden for Lady Galadriel has taught me many things. The most important being discretion. Anyway, I would never want to hurt my friend that way.” Elgaria smiled and hooked her arm through Annis’. “Come now. We must not keep the lady waiting.”

******

They entered a beautiful garden and saw Galadriel sitting on a bench reading a book. She looked up and smiled broadly. Elgaria left them alone.

“Annis, you look well rested. It seems my city agrees with you.”

“Yes my lady I feel much better. Thank you for the beautiful talan. I feel at home already.”

“Good. Well let us walk through your new home. And maybe we will find something that will peak your interest and that you would like to pursue. We have many callings. Healing, sewing, baking, just to name a few.”

And with that Galadriel took Annis through Caras Galadhon. Showing her many sights. Pointing out the different industries that Annis could try. Many hours passed as they walked, talking about many different things. Annis felt at ease with Galadriel even though she was the great lady, she was so easy to talk to.

“We will soon have lunch but I have one last stop to make. I promised Celeborn I would stop by to see him. Come now.”

Galadriel lead Annis towards a clearing from which much talking and banging was coming from. Upon entering Annis saw many elves, some were sparring, others practicing marksmanship. But what really got her attention was the fact that there were females in warden tunics. She saw Galadriel walk to where Celeborn was standing and followed her. Celeborn turned to Annis:

“Ah Annis welcome to the training area. You seem intrigued. Have you never seen warriors practicing?”

“Oh yes but never have I seen females included. You have female wardens?”

“Yes of course. Here one is given a position based on talent not sex. We are all equal.”

Just then Rumil came up to Celeborn. He smiled at Annis.

“My lord and lady. Annis what a surprise! You know Annis here says she is quite a marksman.” Rumil said looking at Annis with a cheeky grin.”

“Really? Why Annis the way you just talked it sounded as if you had never used any weapon.” The lord said looking at Annis quizzically.

“Oh my lord, Rumil is exaggerating. I have used weapons before to include a bow but I never said I was a marksman. I said quite the opposite. My statement was that I would pale in comparison to the skills of the wardens.” Annis replied shooting an angry look at Rumil who was standing with a smug look on his face.

“Well, there is only one way to settle this-Annis will shoot for us.” Galadriel said.

“Oh I can’t right now. My bow is at my ta”
”

“Oh you can use mine. Here!” Rumil shoved his bow at Annis.

“I am hardly dressed for this.”

“Oh come now Annis. Surely a dress will not hinder you?”

“Well…”

“Come then it is settled. Just a couple of arrows.” Galadriel said as she sat on a bench.

Annis stood shocked for a minute. Rumil grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the archery range.

“This is not fair Rumil! Why are you trying to embarrass me? What have I done to deserve this?”

“Maybe you should have said yes this morning to my offer.”

“But I never said no either.”

“Ah word games. Afraid it is too late for that. Here we go. Fire at will.” Rumil said with a self-satisfied smile, handing Annis an arrow from his quiver.

Annis gave one last look at Rumil hoping the daggers she was shooting him would make him feel sorry for what he was doing. Looking around she saw not only the lord and lady, but also the wardens had stopped and were watching. Annis groaned to herself. Just what she needed to make a fool of herself! Taking a deep breath Annis put the bow into position though it was not very comfortable with a dress on. Putting her eye on the target she released the arrow, watching it fly to the center of the target. She turned and smiled at Rumil. He was smiling back.

“Ah maybe beginners luck. Here have another!”

Annis took the arrow and once again hit the center of the target. She couldn’t help but feel smug. She looked around and saw looks of approval on the faces of the wardens.

“I didn’t expect anything different.” Rumil took the bow back and gave her arm a squeeze.

“I do believe that we have found your calling Annis.” Lady Galadriel said. “Celeborn would that be alright with you?”

“I am not the one to ask. Haldir would be the one to ask.”

Annis turned to where Celeborn had looked and saw Haldir standing by the entrance. How long had he been there? Annis suddenly realized how much she wanted him to say yes. She wanted to be a warden! Now here was her chance.

Haldir turned to face his lord. He was not too happy about what he was being asked and felt put on the spot. He had watched Annis shooting the 2nd arrow. She did have talent. But it took more than marksmanship to be a warden. The newest training class for wardens was halfway over. And no matter who Annis was she must be able to pass the tests.

“My lord, she would have much training to catch up on for my newest class is halfway through. We both know the tests at the end can be hard even for those who have received all the training.”

“I will help her!” Orophin stepped up from where he had been sitting.

“Me too!” Rumil quickly stood next to Annis.

“March Warden. I am not asking for any favors here. I will earn my place. But please may I be given a chance?”

Haldir looked at Annis, who looked directly back at him. She stood so strongly causing him mixed feelings. He knew that she had the talent but then a secret part of him didn’t want her to be a warden. For being a warden would make her off limits to him. He had always given himself an unwritten rule never to be with an elleth who was a warden. Galadriel’s voice broke his thoughts:

“Haldir, I do not want to interfere for it is your decision but what she asks is fair. And since both your brothers have so gladly offered to help….”

“Aye my lady it is a fair request. Annis, if this is what you desire than I will allow you to join the class. You have until the new moon before the final tests. I suggest you work hard and take this seriously.”

“I plan on taking this very serious Haldir.”

Haldir smiled slightly at Annis’ determination. Then turned and walked to Celeborn. Upon talking quietly they left the training area together.

“Ah little one, I hope you are ready for this!” Orophin grasped Annis’ arm and smiled at her.

The other training wardens came over to introduce themselves. So many names! Annis’ head was swimming. But one warden did get her attention. He was the last to come up and was quieter than the rest. Varro had sandy blonde hair and big brown eyes. His demeanor was very soft.

“If you need any help please do not hesitate to ask. I am quite strong at agility.”

“Thank-you. I hope you don’t regret offering your help because I think I will need as much as I can get.”

“I would not have offered if I did not expect you to ask.” His smile was broad and friendly.

Annis heard Orophin call the trainees to the edge of the training area. She watched them depart the training area. Rumil was the last to leave and gave Annis a wink. She smiled and couldn’t believe that she was going to be with them soon training. I am going to be a warden!

“Annis, come now. Lets go to my garden and have some lunch.” Galadriel’s voice broke her thoughts.

Upon arriving in the garden Annis saw lunch was waiting for them. She sat down and took some fruit.

“I have a confession Annis. I didn’t really need to see Celeborn. I sensed that being a warden was a calling you would happily pursue. Though Rumilped ped me without even realizing it.”

Annis looked at the lady and laughed. Galadriel looked so guilty.

“So I take it you are not upset?”

“How could I be upset my lady. You speak the truth. I have always wanted to be able to defend my people. I thank you for giving me the chance.”

“Ah, I have gotten you in the door. Now it is for you to make it into my wardens. Haldir can be strict and tough for he only takes the best. And you have a disadvantage of not being raised here. There is much you need to learn. But I think I can help. Follow me.”

Annis followed Galadriel into a beautiful library. It’s walls full of ornate bookcases carved into the tress themselves. Galadriel walked around gathering books. And came back to Annis.

“My library will always be open to you. Here take these and read them. They will help provide you of knowledge that we are given at a young age.”

******

Annis walked back towards her talan, her hands full of books and her mind starting to fill with doubt. Could she really do this? As she neared her talan, the top books started to slip. She tried to adjust them but it was too late and she watched as they hit the ground. Sighing she bent down to pick them up. A hand touched her shoulder. Looking up she saw Varro holding a book out to her.

“Twice in one day. I am starting to feel very lucky.”

“Nay it should be me saying that. First you offer help and now here you are.”

“History. Having problems with sleeping? Because this will help.” Varro laughed upon seeing the titles of the books.

“Ah you forget that this is all common knowledge for you but for me it is all new. Now I know the history of Rivendell but that is not going to help me much.”

“Very true.” Annis saw Varro’s eyes focus on something. “Well now I will bid you goodnight for you will need rest if you are to start training tomorrow. Come and have breakfast with us.”

Annis watched as he left quickly and turned to where he had been looking. She saw Haldir standing just looking at her.

Haldir had turned the corner and was greeted with the sight of Annis and Varro. He knew of the elf - a strong fighter although very quiet. This was the longest he had seen the elf talk and to Annis! He felt a wave of anger coming on and took a deep breath. He approached Annis.

“You should take his advice and get some rest.”

“You were listening to our conversation?”

“You are in the open and voices do travel. Here let me take a few of the books.”

“No I have them thank-you.”

“That is not what it looked like to me since you were picking them up from the ground. Now let me take a few.”

“Thank-you.” Annis muttered as Haldir took the top books from her.

“Ah from Galadriel’s private library. I see she is helping you with your training.”

“And what is that suppose to mean? Do not fear Haldir for I will earn my place on your patrols. I ask no one for any favors.” She walked quickly, angry at the comment he had made.

“I am sorry. I did not mean it that way. I know that you will not have help because that is not the way it works. It doesn’t matter who wants you in the wardens. Everyone is treated the same.”

They approached her talan. Haldir strode pass her and opened the door. Annis walked in and set the books on the table and Haldir followed suit. He looked at her. Her eyes clouded with anger. God she was beautiful. He walked closer to her. Wanting to take her in his arms. Then the sane part of his mind reminded him that now her status had changed. She was off limits.

Annis was angry for his comments even though he had tried apologized. She watched Haldir’s face trying to figure out what he was thinking. She could see his expression change. For one second she saw a look of relaxation but his old stoic expression came back quickly. What did he think of her is all she wanted to know.

“I will leave you to rest. Good night.”

“Good nigh…”

Annis didn’t even have time to finish her sentence before the door shut. What a frustrating elf he was. Annis muttered to herself as she took her hair out of the braids. She heard a knock at the door and ran to it hoping Haldir had come back. Instead Rumil holding a jug of wine and a very silly grin greeted her.

“I thought we could celebrate.”

“There is nothing to celebrate yet. For I have not done anything.” Annis wasn’t really in the mood for this. “Any way I am still annoyed at you for putting me on the spot.”

“Ah come on. I did you a favor! Now you have a chance to prove yourself. If I wouldn’t have done that you could be getting ready for a busy day of baking bread.” He laughed pouring the wine and handed Annis a glass.

“Thank you. Just this one glass and then I must rest.”

Another knock echoed through the talan just as Annis was taking a sip. Annis opened the door and smiled as Orophin entered the talan.

“Evening. I thought you would need this for tomorrow.” He handed her a training wardens uniform.

“Thank you so much. Come in. Your brother is already here. Please join us for a drink.”

Rumil did not look happy at the invite but still poured his brother a glass. The three talked easily about many things until Annis yawned loudly hoping the brothers would get the hint.

“Ah that is our cue to leave brother.” Orophin slapped Rumil on his back.

“One more glass? Anyone? It is still early.”

“Thank you both so much but I do need to sleep.”

Orophin grabbed a reluctant Rumil and bid Annis a goodnight. Rumil managed a quick wink before he was pulled out the door. Annis laughed and closed the door behind them. She quickly retired for the night knowing that the next few months were going to be hard and very testing.