A Difficult Bride

Title: A Difficult Bride (Chapter 4-5/11)

Rating: NC-17

Beta: Dinah

Author: Isadora

Warnings: Adult situations

Disclaimer: LOTR not mine! They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien estate. Please don¡¦t sue, I write only because I enjoy it.

Summary: Haldir still attempting to woo an innocent maiden. He¡¦s still having a hard time

Chapter 4

In the end, the March Warden was gone from the Golden City for 3 months. After scouting and vanquishing the large raiding party of Orc that traveled toward the city of Edoras, Haldir was summoned to the borders of his beloved home to guard prd protect from rumors of several mortal raiding parties which had been plundering and burning villages along their path.

Mina had not been pleased to discover he would be gone for so long. She had only just become truly comfortable with him and desired to know him better. To keep herself occupied while he was away, she endeavored in many new activities and hobbies that her father or brother would never have allowed her to do were she at home. She had found herself very grateful for the Lord and Lady¡¦s invitation to Caras Galadhon. Mina was awakened to whole new world around her and was now being given the chance to grow and mature.

She had spent much time with Orophin and Anna who had taken Mina under their wing and taught her how to prepare meals. Mina had not realized all that her father¡¦s cooks sometimes undertook and had a new appreciation for them. Orophin was surprised to see how Mina enjoyed cooking and did not mind being dirty in the least. In fact, she and Anna would often make very large messes for the fun of it, giggling and throwing flour and sugar at one another.

Mina had always enjoyed embroidering, the one thing her father seemed to allow her to do without much hassle and asked Galadriel if she could spend time with the Lady¡¦s seamstresses in order to learn how to sew. She had secretly always desired the skill to make her own clothing. She simply loved to try out new fabrics and patterns. Galadriel of course allowed Mina¡¦s request.

Mina had been sent word of her brother¡¦s upcoming visit and wanted to prepare a gift for him that she would make by her own hand. Galadriel¡¦s head seamstress, Lawenda had overseen the young Princess¡¦s endeavor to make her brother a crimson colored cape, made from the finest velvet to keep him warm during his travels. It had taken Mina most of the three months to finish it, but she had and she had done so on her own.

However, not all of Mina¡¦s new endeavors were to the liking of Orophin who had stayed to keep watch over young Mina while his brothers were away. It would seem the Princess had always wanted to learn swordplay and had a keen interest in archery. He had been most dismayed to discover whom Mina had chosen to be her teacher for these new skills.

Orophin watched Mina with the tall Rivendell elf. He had tried to no avail to get Mina to stay away from Lea, but Mina had wanted very much to learn how to use a bow, but her brother had refused her lessons. Orophin gave an exasperated sigh. Much of Mina¡¦s difficulties with relationships were due to the over bearing protectiveness of her father and brother. He wondered if the reasoning behind her frequent tantrums and sharp tongue were due to a deep-rooted desire to prove herself. Perhaps in rebellion she found some form of freedom, sort of her own protest against the two who loved her so.

Mina simply refused to listen to anything she did not wish too. She was so determined to learn how to protect herself, she had refused to heed Orophin¡¦s warnings, and so he and two other chosen wardens were constantly guarding Mina, much to her dismay.

Lea stood over Mina, her arms wrapped around the smaller elf, critiquing her grip and stance. Mina was concentrating very hard and trying her best to hit the target more than once. Mina notched another arrow and released it. She squealed with glee when it hit the target square in the middle.

Lea laughed, ¡§Very good, little Mina!¡¨ A chill raced down Mina¡¦s spine. She hated it when Lea called her that. Mina could almost feel there was a hidden threat behind Lea¡¦s tone. She ignored her inner warnings, wanting desperately to show her brother she could do this upon his upcoming visit.

Mina turned to look up at Lea and noticed Orophin and two other elves watching her intently. A scowl crossed over her face. Lea looked at what caused Mina¡¦s expression and grinned broadly down at her. ¡§I see you have your body guards, little princess. Do you not mind being treated thusly?¡¨

Mina glanced at her, ¡§What do you mean Lea?¡¨

¡§I thought you had come of age Mina. Yet you are still treated as a simpering little girl child. I do not know if I would be so forgiving. But I suppose if Haldir controls your movements while h her here, he will do so while he is away.¡¨

Mina glared up at Lea, ¡§Haldir does not command my movements Lea!¡¨

Lea looked amused, ¡§Indeed little Mina? I could have sworn he had forbid you to even take a walk around the city without a proper escort. And you are a Princess, I must say I find that most interesting that you would allow someone of lesser station to order you about.¡¨

Mina scowled again and looked back at Orophin. Lea clicked her tongue and smiled again, ¡§If you are in control of your own movements, why do you not order Orophin and his watch dogs away from you and leave you in peace?¡¨

Mina frowned. She had thought of telling Orophin to go away, but knew he probably would not. She wondered if Lea was testing her or goading her rather. Mina knew that Lea used to be Haldir¡¦s lover. She felt strangely threatened by this knowledge.

Mina also greatly admired Lea¡¦s strength and skill and did not think Lea would allow any male to boss her. Mina sighed heavily and walked slowly over rophrophin. He smiled gently at her. He knew what she would ask of him.

He put his hand to his heart and bowed his head, ¡§Greetings little Princess.¡¨

¡§Orophin, I do not need a shadow. Must you follow me everywhere I go? You are worse than my brother! Even he does not fuss so over me!¡¨

He glanced at the other 2 wardens, an amused grin on all their faces. ¡§ I know that is folly dearest Mina. Your brother hovers over you as if you were still a babe. But I am afraid I must shadow you my Lady when you refuse to heed my warnings.¡¨

Her brow narrowed, ¡§You do not think me capable of protecting myself.¡¨

Orophin paused before answering and then grimaced when he had not choice but to tell her the truth, ¡§Nay Mina. I do not think you capable of protecting yourself against the likes of an elf like Lea. You are not equipped to handle someone like her.¡ She She glared at him, ¡§And what is that supposed to mean?¡¨

He shrugged, ¡§You are too naive and innocent.¡¨

Orophin expected one of her tantrums or perhaps the bottom lip to make an appearance, but was surprised when he saw the flash of hurt and a droop in her self-confidence. Her shoulders actually fell slightly. Mina turned without another word and walked away from Orophin. He frowned to himself. He had held off sending word of Mina¡¦s latest activities to his brother in order not to worry him. Haldir could not leave the borders until the Lady called him home, so why put yet another burden on his shoulders? He knew his brothers were due back any day now and would be glad for it to be so. He did not trust Lea in the slightest and feared her intentions toward the Princess.

¡§I am done today Lea. I will meet you tomorrow morning.¡¨

Lea bowed her head to the Princess. As Mina walked away, she did not see the sneer that crossed Lea¡¦s face. Her gaze then turned to Orophin who glared at her with dark eyes. She chuckled loudly and walked from the field.


###


Rumil watched his brother out of the corner of his eye with an amused look upon his face. He had never seen his brother so taken with a female before and never imagined him to fall so hard for one so young and childish. Haldir had little patience, yet he had been most gentle and very lenient toward the Princess¡¦s behavior. He never believed he would see the day that Haldie hae haughty, the brave and mighty Captain of the Guard would fall in love.

He could not blame him though. Wilamina was absolutely lovely and she was a happy young elleth. She was playful and full of mischief. What seemed to draw his brother to her and what made him care for her so is that despite all of the ugliness of the world, Mina seemed untouched by it. Of course she had been well protected from it, but it was good to know that the innocence of youth was not completely destroyed.

Haldir sighed heavily beside his brother. Rumil¡¦s lips quirked. ¡§Do not despair brother, you will see your love within the week.¡¨

Haldir glared at him, ¡§And what makes you think my mind is on her? I am not like you brother and waste my time with words of poetry and thoughts of giggling love sick females!¡¨

Rumil stared at Haldir a moment before both chud. Hd. Haldir plucked at a fallen leaf beside him. ¡§My patience wears thin Rumil. I would take her as my wife now were it not for her hesitations.¡¨

¡§How do you know she does not desire the same brother? Have you ever asked the maid when she desires to wed or have you simply ordered her to appear in your bed at a certain date?¡¨

Haldir snorted, ¡§She already shares my bed!¡¨

Rumil¡¦s eyes snapped open in surprise, ¡§Truly? You have tumbled the maid?¡¨

Haldir¡¦s eyes narrowed at Rumil¡¦s choice of words, ¡§Of course not! Do you think me an uncouth beast? I respect her feelings and her status! We simply share the bed to sleep in.¡¨ A long frustrated groan pushed passed his lips, ¡§But I swear she will undo me soon enough if I must wait much longer. I have spent many a night in the ice-cold water of my washbasin whilst she slept oblivious to what she does to me! I am stunned I am still able to notch an arrow without my hand cramping from overuse!¡¨

Rumil laughed heartily at his brother¡¦s frustration. Haldir had to laugh to at his own misery. ¡§You have taught Mina nothing then?¡¨

¡§She has her her first kiss, several kisses, but that is all she will allow me. She is shy and frightened of going further. She knows nothing of the ways of love. I have never meet a maiden, innocent or not who did not even understand the concept of joining.¡¨ He shook his head, ¡§I believe her father and brother hinder her as much as they protect her.¡¨

¡§Surely she discuses such things with Anna?¡¨

¡§Nay. I have asked Anna this myself. She has touched the subject with Mina, but says the Princess blushes furiously and refuses to speak of it. Although Anna seems to think she often wonders of such things. She has seen Mina with such books in her possession before.¡¨

Rumil yawned lazily and shrugged, ¡§You have been gone from her for a long time. She probably lays awake at night with her small fingers to her lips remembering your kisses.¡¨

He peeked a quick look at Haldir who frowned at him. Little did Rumil now how close he was to the truth.


###


Mina walked slowly back to the talan she shared with Haldir. Her anger toward Orophin was leaving her fast. Once again her mind was on the elf that was to be her husband. She absentmindedly brushed her fingers across her lips remembering her first kiss with him. She had been so frightened and now she felt so silly for fearing such a wondrous thing. She bit her lip as she giggled, ignoring the questioning stares of the elves she passed as she walked.

Mina sighed and wondered how much longer he would be gone. She missed him terribly and wanted to surprise him with a hot meal upon his return. She thought he would be pleased to know he would not starve now when they married. She had become quite a good cook over the time he had been gone from her.

Several laughing she-elves passed the Princess, nodding in greeting. She watched them pass and wondered if Haldir had been with any of them. She frowned as a twinge, actually, more than a twinge of jealousy surged through her. She did not want to know of the elleths who had shared a taste of her soon to be husband.

She stopped walking and turned back towards the females and watched them as they disappeared around several talans. She nodded to herself. It was time she stopped being so ridiculously silly and acted as the adult she strived to be. She marched purposefully toward the talan Anna now resided in and hoped Orophin was not at home. It was time she and her dearest friend had the talk she had been avoiding for many years.

Mina would lay awake in bed that night remembering the exotic figures she and Anna had looked at during their talk. She could feel the warmth spread through her body. She had never dreamed there were some many positions and so many different ways to make love. She wondered if Haldir had tried all of them and once again felt the twinge of jealously thinking of the many elleths who had enjoyed his favors. Mina giggled at herself and shook her head.

Mina would finally find sleep this night, but her dreams mimicked her thoughts as she slept.

###


Lea paced the floor of her talan. She was pleased she had won Mina¡¦sst ast and she had made her feel foolish today using one of Haldir¡¦s own brothers. Mina had been angry with Orophin, not Lea. She nodded to herself and chuckled at how easy it seemed to be to manipulate the Princess. She was nothing more that a naive little fool. How could Haldir possibly want to spend an eternity and cross to the undying lands with one so fickle and childish?

The first part of her plan had been laid. Mina trusted her. Now all Lea needed to do was to shake Mina¡¦s trust in Haldir. She grinned ly. ly. Perhaps she could make her fear him. She was fairly certain Mina knew nothing of the ways of love. She would use this knowledge against her. She would begin to plant the seed tomorrow at Mina¡¦s archery lesson.

***

Haldir and Rumil had been called back the very next day with several other wardens after their replacements had arrived. Haldir left his fourth Lieutenant in command to wait for the arrival of Orophin, Haldir¡¦s second in command. Both brothers wondered why Orophin had not accompanied the wardens to the border, but assumed it was the wishes of the Lady he remain behind for whatever reason.

After Haldir left his Lord and Lady with his report, which he gave a bit more hurriedly than he normally did, much to the amusement of his King and Queen, he hurried down the city path to his talan. He had thought of nothing else while he was away.

He longed to see her sweet face and hold her in his arms. He missed her little tantrums and that succulent bottom lip poking out when she did not have her way. That is one thing he hoped she would never out mature. He had to grin at himself for the way he was acting. He felt like a schoolboy again chasing after a childish crush. When he fels chs cheeks redden and noticed the smirks of several elves in passing, he reverted back to his March Warden persona, which won him the chuckles of several. Apparently he fooled no one.

Upon reaching his talan, he swung the door open a bit more excitedly than he meant to knocking one of Mina¡¦s plants to the floor and stepped inside. His face fell. He knew he immediatly that she was not there. His home seemed empty and cold. His heart sank just a bit. He had wanted her to be here waiting for him when he returned. He had not even said goodbye to her before he left. Of course he thought it would only be for two days and that was difficult enough.


He turned when he heard footsteps approaching. The step was light, he knew it was a female, but it was not Mina. Anna jerked when she saw him standing in the doorway.

¡§Oh! Haldir! I did not expect you to be here. You scared me!¡¨ She laughed warmly and hugged him in welcome. He was surprise the the gesture, but appreciated it. He hugged her back.

¡§I am glad you are well March Warden. I may also assume Rumil is well?¡¨

¡§Aye lady, he is well. Where is Mina? I had hoped she would be here.¡¨

¡§We were not expecting you for two more days Haldir. I am sure she would have been here waiting for you had she known.¡¨ She smiled at the surprised look on his face that Mina would actually want to wait for him. Haldir gave her a small smile.

¡§Then where is the Princess?¡¨

¡§Mina goes early every day to the archery fields now. She has been doing so since you left.¡¨

His eyebrows quirked in surprise. ¡§Archery fields?¡¨ He chuckled softly, ¡§Why on earth would she go there.¡¨

¡§Oh she is taking lessons. She has always wished to learn the skills for archery and swordplay. Her brother always refused her. She has found a teacher here within the golden wood and she is quite good for a beginner. I went to watch her just the other day and I was most impressed with her.¡¨

Haldir smiled inwardly. So there was more to his Mina than meets the eye.

¡§I hope mytherther is not too harsh with Mina. Orophin is not the most patient of instructors.¡¨

Anna laughed softly, ¡§Nay Haldir. Orophin does not give her lessons. Although he spends every waking moment on the field with her when she is having her lessons. He watches her most keenly. I do not think he approves of her choice in teachers.¡¨

Anna¡¦s words did not sit well with Haldir. If his brother felt she needed to be guarded thusly while he was away¡K.

¡§Who is instructing her then?¡¨

¡§A very skilled she-elf. She in not of these lands, I believe her to be from Rivendell. Her name is Lea. Do you know her? Is she one of your wardens?¡¨

Anna yelped when Haldir gripped her arm in a painful and desperate grip.

¡§You must stay away from Lea, Anna! Never go near her do you understand me!¡¨

She trembled slightly and tried to pull away.

¡§Haldir you are hurting¡K¡¨

He shook her as he spoke, ¡§You will obey me Anna! Never go near Lea do you understand?¡¨ She nodded her head rapidly. He released her and stormed away. Tari rubbed her arm and turned to run with tears brimming her eyes. She nearly fell backward when she hit a brick wall of a body, but Orophin grabbed her to steady her.

¡§I was just coming to see you Anna. Did you forget we were to take a picnic¡K¡¨ He stopped when she looked up at him and she saw she was distraught.

¡§Anna, sweetling, what has happened?¡¨

Anna did not want to tell him his brother had upset her. Orophin saw the bruise on her arm. He cupped her face.

¡§Anna who hurt you? What has happened?¡¨

¡§Haldir¡KI have never seen him so angry. He asked me where Mina was and I told him. It made him furious.¡¨

Orophin¡¦s eyes narrowed. How dare his brother manhandle her? Then the realization of why Haldir was angry hit him.

¡§He has gone looking for Mina?¡¨ Orophin groaned, ¡§I should have sent word to him so he would have been prepared. I am sorry Anna, but I must leave you fow. Gw. Go to my talan and wait for me there.¡¨

¡§Is he angry with Mina?¡¨

¡§Nay tithen ares, he is not angry with her. He is afraid for her. I should have put a stop to this. Now I must stop him from doing something foolish in his anger. Now go and wait for me. I shall return shortly.¡¨

***


¡§Very good Mina!¡¨ Lea praised Mina as she landed the target for the 3rd time in a row. Lea patted her arm gently. ¡§You are getting stronger Mina. Soon you will be able to use a larger bow.¡¨

Mina smiled widely, ¡§When do you think I will be ready Lea?¡¨

Lea laughed, ¡§Impatient aren¡¦t you little Mina. It will not be long. Perhaps only a few more days.¡¨ Lea¡¦s expression changed to one the unnerved Mina. Lea grasped her hand gen but but firmly. ¡§I wonder little Mina, if your dainty little hands will mind the calluses that might form.¡¨

Mina tried to pull her hand back, but Lea tightened the grip. She stared at Mina with a look Mina had seen in Haldir¡¦s eyes many times, a look of sheer lust. Mina swallowed hard when she saw the lust in Lea¡¦s eyes directed at her.

¡§You are very beautiful Mina. Despite your unfortunate small size, you are lovely. More lovely than that brother of yours.¡¨

Lea stroked Mina¡¦s hand. Mina was becoming afraid. Lea had never acted this way before. She had often made Mina nervous, but she had never behaved this strangely before.

¡§I hope Haldir remembers what a delicate little flower you are sweetling. I hope he in gentle. Haldir can sometimes forget himself when he is lost in his lust.¡¨ Lea¡¦s eyes swept over Mina¡¦s slight form. An evil grin slide over her face, ¡§You are small Mina. Haldir swallows you with his broad form. I only hope he does not hurt you too badly on your wedding night.¡¨

Mina¡¦s eyes widened, ¡§What do you mean Lea?¡¨

¡§Haldir is shall we say, well endowed in every aspect of his form little Mina.¡¨ Lea released Mina¡¦s hand and shrugged nonchalantly, ¡§I have had many lovers before Haldir and his size was still uncomfortable for me.¡¨

Lea bit back the smile that wanted to free itself at the horrified expression of Mina¡¦s face. Lea yawned lazily, ¡§Some positions were not as bad as others. Though some were painful even to me. Especially the more erotic positions. Haldir has never been satisfied with only the one entrance. He prefers to sample them both.¡¨

Mina went pale, ¡§You mean he wanted too do that?¡¨

¡§Haldir enjoys that immensely little Mina. Why do you look so scandalized? Many elves enjoy making love in that fashion. It is how males make love with one another. It is no so strange I don¡¦t think. Once you can get passed the initial pain, it can be quite pleasurable. Of course, one as small as you and one as large as he, it might take a few times before the pain passes for you.¡¨

¡§I would never do that!¡¨ Mina shrieked. Lea¡¦s grin was evil as she leered at her.

¡§You will if you marry him little Mina. You will be his wife and subject to whatever he pleases of you.¡¨

Mina¡¦s eyes brimmed with tears. ¡§Why are you saying these things? I thought you were my friend.¡¨

Lea laughed lightly, ¡§Oh Mina I am your friend. That is why I am saying these things to you. I am trying to prepare you. You sweet maid are out of his league.¡¨ Lea leaned down to Mina¡¦s eye level, ¡§He will eat you alive princess.¡¨

Lea¡¦s gaze rose as did she and her face fell into a light smile.

¡§Good morning March Warden.¡¨

Mina whirled around to see Haldir approach. The rage on his face was plainly evident. Mina shuddered slightly. Haldir now stood in front of Mina, towering over her. Haldir¡¦s fury nearly got the best of him when she shrank back against Lea and Lea dared to put an arm around her as if to protect her from him. Haldir reached out and snatched Mina from Lea¡¦s grasp. His grip was painful to her.

¡§Go to the talan now and wait for me.¡¨ His voice was dangerously low.

Mina swallowed, ¡§Have I done something to upset you?¡¨

He glared down at her, ¡§For once will you obey me without constant questioning! Go now! Do not make me tell you again!¡¨ He shoved her roughly toward the gate.

Mina glanced back at Lea who held a neutral gaze. She quickly walked away from Haldir and broke into a run when she passed the gates. She ran into Orophin.

¡§Mina are you alright?¡¨

Mina was pale and trembled slightly. ¡§Something is wrong with Haldir. I do not know what I could have done to anger him so.¡¨

Orophin squeezed Mina¡¦s shoulders. ¡§It is not you he is angry with Mina. You should go to his talan and wait for him. He will explain everything to you when he is finished here.¡¨

Orophin walked into the practice field. Haldir heard Orophin approach from behind. Lea¡¦s gaze fell to his brother. With lightning speed Haldir launched himself at Lea, back handing her hard to the ground. Lea was dazed, but refused to allow him to intimidate her. She wiped the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand as she stood smiling at him.

¡§Have I done something to offend you Haldir?¡¨

She yelped in surprise when he grabbed her throat and squeezed, cutting off her air. She struggled against him.

¡§Brother no!¡¨ Orophin yelled and flung himself on Haldir. It took all of his might to pry Haldir¡¦s fingers from Lea¡¦s neck. Lea stumbled backward and gasped for air.

¡§If you ever come near Mina again, I will see you receive 100 lashes on your back delivered by my own hand! Do not push me Lea! I would just as soon kill you as to look at you. It is only the mercy of my Lady that stays my hand!¡¨

He whirled away and walked out of the field. Orophin looked briefly at Lea before following after Haldir. Lea snarled in anger after them, grabbing her bow off the ground.

¡§Your little bitch will pay for that March Warden! She will pay dearly!¡¨


***

Mina sat trembling on the bed when she heard him enter. She listened to his heavy footsteps and the clank of his scabbard hitting the floor. She could tell by his movements he was still very angry. Before he entered the bedroom, he took several slow deliberate breaths. He knew she was already confused by his actions and he had probably frightened her to death in the process.

He released the last breath even slower and entered the room. She sat huddled on the bed, trying to look normal for him. The fear he saw in her eyes betrayed her true feelings. He sighed and approached her, kneeling down in front of her to take her small hands in his.

¡§I am sorry that I frightened you Mina. It was not you that my anger was directed at.¡¨

Mina licked her dry lips. His gaze fell to her lips as her tongue slowly moistened them. He had the strongest urge right then to pull her into his arms and kiss her thoroughly. His gaze rose when she spoke, ¡§You are angry I was with Lea, why? She is my friend.¡¨

His eyes narrowed, ¡§She is not your friend Mina. She means you harm! She is a wicked elf! I would have her banished from here if I could. I may have it done yet. You must promise to stay away from her. Do not question me in this, just do as I say.¡¨

Mina frowned, ¡§You always expect me to just follow your orders blindly. I am not stupid. I am capable of understanding if you would bother to take the time to speak to me instead of barking orders at me.¡¨ Her voice was soft and betrayed her hurt feelings.

He grabbed her to him, holding her tightly against him. ¡§It was my fear of seeing you with her that made me raise my voice to you. You must trust me when I tell you she will try to hurt you. I cannot tell you why I forbid you contact with her as of yet. I only desire to protect you Mina. Please, do not argue. I will tell you everything soon.¡¨

Mina was not satisfied with his response, but she was too weary to argue. She relaxed in his arms realizing just how much she missed having them around her. She buried her face against his chest trying to block out the horrible things Lea had said to her about him.

He realized she had something on her mind that either bothered her or embarrassed her. He could only imagine what Lea had said to her while he was away and he still had no idea just exactly how much time she had spent with Lea. He was angry with Orophin for allowing it, but he was also grateful to him for watching over her while he was away.

¡§What is it Mina?¡¨

Mina stiffened a little in his arms, ¡§She told me things about you.¡¨

Haldir held her away from him. She looked down and he forced her chin up to face him.

¡§What things? I can see what she said has upset you.¡¨

Mina frowned and flushed slightly, ¡§Please do not make me repeat it.¡¨

He watched her a moment trying to search her face.

¡§Are you afraid to be alone with me Mina?¡¨

She looked at him then and swallowed, ¡§Nay. I do not think you would hurt me though you do sometimes frighten me with your temper.¡¨ She dropped her head and her voice,
¡§I just wish you would not get so angry all of the time.¡¨

His lips tightened. His temper had frightened away many a maid throughout his lifetime. He knew he was already an intimidating figure due to his broad stature and as many of his comrades had told him, he was a hard elf.

¡§Mina, Wilamina, look at me. Sweetling, I do not mean to become so angry. Sometimes I just feel things with such furosity and it is not always easy for me to release them, but know little one that I would never hurt you. If we are to marry, you must learn to trust me. You have to believe that you are safe with me and how precious you are to me.¡¨ He cupped her face again, ¡§Mina, do you feel nothing for me?¡¨

She held his gaze. ¡§Of course I feel something for you. I have grown to care deeply for you.¡¨ He was surprised she answered him so quickly.

¡§But you feel no love?¡¨ She could hear the emotion in his voice. She looked at him. He could see the color flare on her cheeks.

¡§I ¡KI love you. I just¡Kyou overwhelm me sometimes. You make it so I cannot breath.¡¨

Haldir¡¦s heart leapt. She loved him! She did indeed love him. His heart swelled and felt as if it would burst open. He had been so afraid she would reject him. He had been afraid she would find him despicable. So he overwhelmed her. So what? Did he not have a right to the intensity of his feelings for her? She would just have to learn to deal with how it feels to be loved so.

She blinked in surprise when he jerked her to him, standing up with her in his arms and twirling her around. She stumbled slightly when he finally sat her on her feet. She burst into giggles as he spun around the room in front of her.

¡§Have you taken leave of your senses March Warden? Shall I call the Lady?¡¨

She shrieked when he tackled her to the bed and squealed loudly as he tickled her mercilessly.

¡§Haldir¡Kstop it¡K.I cannot breattop top it¡K¡¨

He rolled of her laughing and pulled her against him, her arms trapped against his chest.

¡§Do you know how long I have waito hto hear you tell me you loved me Mina?¡¨

She blushed again and looked down. He kissed her on the top of her head. She pushed at his chest, ¡§I was very angry with you when you did not even say goodbye.¡¨

His eyebrow quirked, ¡§I did not know you would care Mina. How could I know when you still swore you loathed me so?¡¨ His eyelashes fluttered playfully and once again his pitch of voice rose to mimic hers, ¡§I shall never marry Haldir the Haughty¡K.¡¨

Her eyes narrowed and she pinched him on his arm. He winched.

¡§Now you have done it Princess. You shall suffer my wrath¡K¡¨ Once again he rolled on top of her and tickled her mercilessly. She screamed and laughed, squirming underneath him. Being away from her so long had been extremely frustrating on his person and now that he had the princess squirming and helpless underneath him, his lust once again rose. He took pity on her and rolled of her again, pulling his tunic down further to hide why he truly released her.

He propped himself on his elbow to watch her as she got control of her breathing. She was so beautiful to him. Her golden hair was sprawled around her face and her cheeks were flushed with color. He leaned down and kissed her softly on her lips. The smile fell from his face and he looked at her intently.

¡§I love you Mina. I shall always protect you and I shall always cherish you. You must promise to be mine for all eternity. You musve yve yourself to me completely. I will have all of you, my love. And I will be yours for always.¡¨

He took her hand and kissed her fingers, ¡§Tell me Mina. Tell me you are mine.¡¨

Her han hand stroked his cheek, ¡§I promise to be yours. But you must promise to stop being so bossy!¡¨

He chuckled, ¡§I will not be bossy as long as you do nothing foolish!¡¨

She huffed and smacked him playfully on the arm. His arms snaked around her then while he placed soft fluttery kisses around her face. ¡§Tell me again Mina.¡¨

¡§I am yours March Warden.¡¨

¡§Mine¡K¡¨ He growled softly as he kissed her fully on the lips. She would have answered him had it not been for his soft velvety tongue sending her into a blissful oblivion.


***

Thranduil sported a grin of absolute delight as he read the parchment that had been delivered only moments before. His advisor stood looking at him with slight concern. His King looked down right giddy.

¡§My King? Are you well?¡¨

Thranduil laughed heartily and slapped him none too gently on the back, ¡§I am well Lenwe„S. We must make haste! Come my old friend, you shall accompany me for the joyous occasion. We must make ourselves ready for travel. We shall leave tomorrow morn for the Golden Wood.¡¨

¡§What joyous news is this, My Lord? Has your daughter accepted the March Warden?¡¨

Thranduil laughed again, ¡§Aye she has at long last! She has finally seen sense. I am relieved my friend. She was so distraught when she first left for the Golden City. It was difficult for me to not embrace her to me and once again allow her to have her way. I am glad to have stood firm against her sweet face for once in her life. The March Warden is a fine elf! I am most pleased he will be my son in law! I would have her with no other elf!¡¨

Lenwe„S shared in his King¡¦s joyous news and went to make the preparations for the trip to the Golden Wood.

TBC...