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 4 – Training

The next morning Annis awoke and dressed swiftly in the trainee tunic. Upon entering the dining hall she saw Varro who looked up and waved for Annis to join him. He was sitting with other trainees some of whom she remembered from yesterday. She walked over and joined them. The conversation was easy and Annis was surprised at how accepting they were of her. She had been worried that some would resent her being able to join halfway through but on the contrary they were eager to help her.

After eating they departed to the training area. Annis felt her stomach start to tighten as it neared. Though Varro had attempted to describe the training routine, she was still a bit worried of what was to come. Upon entering Orophin called her over and proceeded to issue her equipment. He handed her a bow, sword and daggers.

“Are you ready for this Annis?”

“I haveer ber been so ready in my life for anything!”

“Today we will be sparring. How much experience have you had? And please be honest.”

“I have had a little but not much.”

“Varro, please coere.ere.” Varro approached them. “Varro, I want you to team with Annis today. Please note that her experience is limited. I am not saying go easy but be aware of her limits.”

“Aye Orophin. Come Annis, let the training begin.” Varro smiled broadly.

They lined up next to the others and started to spar for what seemed to be hours. Annis’ arms were sore from the weight of the sword. Varro was tough but fair. She could tell he was holding back but not too much. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the other trainees and wondered if she would ever be at that level. She heard Orophin call for a break and was glad to sit down, listening intently as Orophin lectured about body position and tactics. She felt like a sponge absorbing everything he said. After the lecture they continued to spar. She took everything she had heard and applied it to the sparring. Her confidence grew as the day went on. Before she knew it the sun was setting causing the trees to have a reddish glow. That was the signal that training was over. The others broke off and left are area. Annis was picking up her pack when she heard movement behind her and saw that Varro was standing by her.

“How do you feel after your first day?”

“The truth?”

“Yes the truth.”

“Very tired! But yet content and happy.”

“I will tell you something. After my first day of sparring I went to my talan, lay on my bed, and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I was sore from head to toe.”

“I feel so behind you all. I wonder if I can really catch up.”

“You are not as far behind as you think. You can spar well. You have marksmanship. I would think your strength is what you will need to build up.”

“Thank-you. I think I needed to hear that.” Annis smiled at Varro. He was a handsome elf.

“Come lets go eat and then maybe if you have any energy we can study a bit of history. I think I need a bedtime story.”

Annis walked with Varro to the dining area. Laughing as he told her tales of training mishaps. They ate with others who had nothing but praise for her skills. Annis looked around content with her new friends. After eating they walked to her talan and hit the books. A knock interrupted Varro as he discussed a battle. Annis opened the door to see Elgaria.

“I didn’t see you at dinner so I brought you some food.” Elgaria said holding out a basket.

“Oh you shouldn’t have. I ate earlier. We must have missed each other. But please come in, Varro and I are just studying.”

“I do not want to interrupt.”

“Nay, you are a welcome relief. I think I was boring Annis. History can be quite dry.” Varro said getting up from the table and started to gather his things.

“Varro you do not have to leave. Why can’t we all go for a walk? Elgaria has promised to show me around and you can continue to bore me with some history.” Annis said looking at the two of them hopefully.

Both agreed. As they walked around Caras Galadhon, Elgaria and Varro talked about their home with pride. Each sharing stories about their childhood and the mischief they got into. Annis smiled as she slowly was pushed behind them and their attention fell to each other. She slowed down and let the two of them continue without her. They made a handsome couple she thought before she turned and walked back the way she had came. She sat down on a bench and closed her eyes, enjoying the silence and the sweet air scented with flowers. A noise caused her to open her eyes and saw she was not alone; a shadow loomed behind a bush.

“Who is it?”

“Hummm we will have to work on your senses. I have been here almost 5 minutes.”

“Rumil! Why are you hiding in the shadows?”

“I was enjoying watching you relax. You looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Is there any place that I may get a few moments of peace?”

“Well we can go to your talan and have some peace.”

“I meant by myself.”

“At least let me accompany you back.” Rumil looked at her with pleading eyes.

“Alright, you may walk me back but nothing more. I really do want some time alone.”

“You have my word.” He said as he bounced forward, looping his arm through hers.

Annis sighed to herself. Rumil was not going to give up easily. She looked at him and wished she had feelings for him. Things would be so much easier. Rumil did much of the talking as they walked. As they approached her talan she unhooked her arm and walked to the door.

“Thank-you for your company. Now I bid you goodnight.”

“Is that all? I was hoping for a little more than a goodnight.”

“Rumil, I already told you I wanted to be alone.”

“I know and I understand. I was hoping for more than words for our goodnight.”

Rumil stepped closer he was truly handsome. His hair shining from the lights around them making it seem there was a halo above his head. But as she looked at him, her mind wondered to Haldir. Wishing he was the one who had walked her home and that he was asking for more. Rumil lent in closer to Annis. She felt his breathe on her cheek. She looked away trying to get the door open. Rumil pulled her closer, his lips meeting hers. Annis put her hands onto his chest trying to push him away but he pulled her, pinning her hands between them. His tongue licked her closed lips trying to get entry. Annis opened her mouth to plead for him to stop RumiRumil took that as an invite to kiss her deeply. She could feel his hand roaming her body and wiggled to break their embrace. Finally he broke the kiss and looked at Annis with a smile.

“That was more like it. Now I can bid you goodnight.” Rumil turned and walked away.

Annis stood watching his figure grow smaller. He had no idea that she did not like his embrace and kiss. She shook her head in disbelief and entered her talan. She looked at the books still opn thn the table but had no desire to read them. She entered her bedroom and lay on her bed thinking about Haldir and Rumil. She wondered if Haldir knew of his brother’s desire and that was the reason he was avoiding her or maybe he just didn’t desire her as she hoped he would.

******
The Days flew by for Annis. Each day she gained ground on the other trainees. She avoided being alone with Rumil and thankfully he didn’t seem to sense her avoidance. She had seen Haldir a few times but he did not have much to do with the training, for being the March Warden kept him busy enough. And Annis was glad that her training kept her mind busy and found little time to dwell on Haldir.

Her nights were taken up by studying with the two lovebirds. Varro and Elgaria grew closer with each day and Annis was happy for them. Varro was her closest friend in the wardens. He challenged her and was pivotal in her catching up. And as the new moon approached quickly, her confidence was growing stronger. She knew deep in her heart that she could and would pass the tests.

******
Haldir sat on a bench looking at his home. He had been watching with interest to Annis’ training. He did not make it known when he watched the trainees; instead staying in the shadows. He noted that Annis’ body was even stronger and leaner from the training. He loved to watch her determination as she trained. She had gone from a lady of Minas Tirith to a warden. No longer did she need a ladder to climb a tree. It was bittersweet for Haldir. For a huge part of him still wanted her for himself and not in the wardens. He sensed someone approaching and turned to see Rumil behind him with a very comical look on his face.

“What brings you out brother and why the silly grin?”

“Ah Haldir, I have decided to let my desire for Annis be known. I want to her to be mine and mine alone.”

“But you know that 2 wardens should not be with each other.” Haldir said gruffly hoping it masked his anger at his brother’s statement.

“There is no such rule. That is something that is advised but not forbidden brother. I have thought long and hard about this. Now if you will excuse me, I must go to the training area before she leaves.”

“How do you know she is there?”

“I must confess brother that I have watched and know her like the back of my hand. She always stays behind to work on sparring on this day.”

Rumil turned and walked away from his brother not seeing the rage on his face. Haldir watched his brother walk away and then realized that he had his fists clenched tightly by his sides. Rumil and Annis? He could not accept it! He needed to walk, to clear his mind.

******
Annis was working on the fundamentals of using the sword for if she lacked in any area this was it. She heard a cough and turned to face Rumil.

“Rumil! What are you doing here?”

“We must talk Annis.”

“Talk? Talk about what?”

“Us.”

“Us? What about us? Is there a us?” Annis replied very confused.

Rumil approached taking the sword from her hand, letting his fingers stroke her hand.

“That is what I want, for there to be an us. Surely you know how much I desire you. I have given you space but it has killed me. I want us to be together.”

“Oh Rumil. I wish things were different…”

“Don’t worry. I know what you are thinking and there is nothing written that 2 wardens cannot be together. We will not patrol together that is all. Though the thought of you and I alone on a flet…”

“Rumil please listen to me!” Annis grabbed his hand “I am so sorry but I do not return the feelings you have.”

“But the kiss that night. You can not deny that you wanted it and even maybe something more.”

“You are wrong Rumil. I wanted you to stop. I care for another and I cannot be with you. Oh I am sorry. I wish I felt different. Any elleth would be happy to have your attentions.”

“But not you.”

Rumil looked at her, his face showing the disappointment he was feeling. Annis step towards him and kissed him gently on the cheek.

“Rumil, my heart longs for someone else. Though there is room in my heart for a friend.”

“If that is all you can offer me, then I will gladly take it. He is a lucky elf, who ever he is. I hope he knows what a treasure he has.” Rumil took her hand, kissed it and turned away.

Annis watched him leave retrieving her sword from where he had placed it.

“I too wish he knew what treasure awaited him.” She said to herself.

Sighing she started to continue her exercise. But was again interrupted by a voice.

“Annis, I am glad I found you.” Varro walked in.

“I thought we were not studying until later Varro.”

“That is why I am here. I have a favor to ask of you. I was wondering if you would mind not studying tonight. I wanted to take Elagria out to the lake.”

“Oh of course you should go! I actually can say that I will not miss studying tonight.”

“Thank-you so much. I have been promising to take her for so long.”

Varro walked over and hugged Annis before wng ong out of the training area.

******
Haldir walked slowly thinking about what Rumil had said. What if she said yes? Could he handle seeing Rumil and her together? He would have no choice. He had no right to be mad or jealous. Haldir looked around and noticed he had walked towards the training area. He saw Rumil approaching with a long face. Haldir tried to keep his face neutral, knowing that things had not gone to plan.

“Rumil, what happened?”

“She ed med me down.”

“Turned you down? Why?”

“She says her heart belongs to someone else. Now if you excuse me, I am going to my talan and partaking in a bit of healing via a wine jug.” Rumil turned and left his brother.

“Her heart belongs to someone else. But who?” Haldir wondered to himself. He found himself drawn to the training area to see if she stilstill there. He gasped when he saw Annis hugging another elf. “Varro of course! They are always together.” Haldir felt his heart beat fa. H. He watched as Varro left and Annis continued to practice.

******
Annis put all her energy and thought into her exercises. She closed her eyes and became one with the sword feeling the power. As she swung the sword around she heard it make contact with another piece of metal. Her eyes jerked open to see Haldir standing in front of her with his sword drawn against hers.

“It seems you must still work on your senses.”

“I believed myself to be alone.”

“Ah, so when you are on patrol and all alone will you shut your eyes and block everything out.”

“That will be different. I will be alert to any danger then.”

“As a warden you must always be alert for trouble. We are never really off-duty.”

“Yes March Warden. I will remember that. Thank-you.”

Annis pulled her sword to her side and stood looking at Haldir. She had missed him. His arrogance, his power, his body. She suddenly smiled to herself as a thought ran through her mind.

“What do you find so amusing?”

“So do you never get distracted in battle?”

“Of course not.”

“Ah, so may I make a request?”

“Of course.”

“May we spar? I would like to see how I am doing and would be thankful for any pointers you may offer me.”

“Spar? Alright.” Haldir replied, glad to spend some more time in her presence.

They both assumed the position to start sparring. The first strike filled the air with a metallic sound as their swords made contact. Haldir was a strong fighter and she was finding it a challenge to keep up with him but she managed. At first Haldir moved swiftly with Annis matching him strike for strike but soon her body tired. Haldir’s blows were becoming overpowering and felt herself being pushed backwards towards the wall. With one last blow Haldir managed to knock the sword from her.

They stood face to face both breathing heavily. Annis looked straight at Haldir and leaned in letting her lips find his. Slowly letting her tongue lick his lips. She saw his eyes close and heard his sword hit the ground. Feeling his arms starting to move around her body she took her chance to prove a point to him. She swept one leg under him, knocking his legs from under his body. She watched as he fell to the ground with a loud grunt.

“What game are you playing at?” Haldir said looking at Annis, his eyes hot with anger.

“I am proving a point. You talk about concentration and how you are never distracted. Well, since you are laying on your back and I am still standing, I would say you were distracted.” Annis smirked at Haldir turning to retrieve her sword.

“Playing games little one?” Haldir said as he got up, dusting off his clothes.

“No…not games. Just proving that even a March Warden can be distracted.”

Annis put her sword away and grabbed her pack. Before she knew what was happening she felt a huge weight on her back and her face hitting the ground. Then she was rolled onto her back and came face to face with Haldir who held her hands over her head.

“Another thing you need to learn is never to turn your back on your foe.”

“We were done fighting.” Annis said as she wiggled underneath Haldir.

“Did we end? I do not remember a bow or hand shake?”

“Now who is playing games?!”“Gam“Game? This is no game. Do you plan on kissing orcs on patrol to win a fight?”

“Not at all. My plan was to show that even you could be distracted.”

Annis looked up at Haldir who looked rather smug as he sat straddling her. He had her legs pinned, leaning over her as he held her arms up. She tried to move again but to no avail, his haill gll gently onto her face tickling her cheek.

“So how long do you plan on holding me here?”

“Why? You not comfortable? Because I find my seat rather comfortable.”

“Well, I would hate for you to consider me a complainer but my arms are rather tired from this position.”

Annis looked up hoping he would take mercy and let her arms down. As he slowly released her arms, she felt him shift his weight just enough for her to kick her legs out and use her arms to push him off her. She swiftly rolled onto him and tried to hold him down. But he managed to get his hands free.

“I have to agree with you this is quite a comfortable seat.”

“And I don’t see why you were complaining.” Haldir pushed a piece of her hair back behind her ear.

Annis smiled and looked at Haldir, letting one of her hands touch his face tracing his jaw line. He looked so handsome. He inhaled slightly and leaned his face into her hand. His hands found their way to her hips and held her on him. She slowly lent down wanting to taste his lips again. Her lips met his and gently kissed him. She pulled back looking at his face for a reaction. He smiled and said:

“I am right thinking you are not trying to distract me this time?”

“Well you are already on the ground so what do you think?”

“I think I want to taste your lips again.”

With that he grabbed her head and pulled her close to him again. Their lips met and he pushed his tongue in her sweet tasting mouth. Their tongues played together as his hands slowly rubbed her back, pulling her closer as the kisses got deeper and more passionate. She could feel his elfhood awakening beneath her and slowly grinded herself on him.

Haldir inhaled deeply as she did this. He slowly rolled her so she lay next to him. He broke the kiss and looked at her. She smiled back at him her eyes full of desire. Suddenly his head snapped he rhe right and he jumped up. He lent over offering his hand to Annis who looked at him with confusion but accepted his hand.

“We will not be alone in a minute someone is coming.” He said, suddenly coming to his senses.

“Haldir, why not come back to my talan.”

“I can’t. I mean…I would like nothing else but it is not to be. We got caught up in the moment and I am sorry but we can not be together as we desire.”

“Why not?

“You are to be a warden. It will not look right the March Warden involved with a subordinate.”

“Why do you worry what other’s think? I know you would not favor me over others. But if you are truly worried we can keep it a secret. Nobody needs to know.”

“Nay, other’s will sense it. I am truly sorry Annis. We are not meant to be.”

“You can’t do this to me Haldir! I can’t keep playing this game. Each time we meet we take our passion further.” Annis said as anger started to boil up.

“Please Annis don’t be mad. You must understand.”

“Haldir you can ask many things of me but that is not one of them. If that is truly how you feel then I will respect it but how I feel about your decision is not for you to ask.”

Annis turned swiftly leaving the training field. She almost ran Orophin over and did not even stop to apologize. She held her tears back until she reached her talan. Once in the safety of her home she let the tears of anger flow down her cheeks. Haldir’s words echoed in her ears and the taste of his lips lingered on hers. How could he deny the feelings they had together. She had felt how much he wanted her. She lay down and closed her eyes wishing that sleep would take her but instead the night was filled with visions of what had happened between herself and Haldir.

******
Haldir watched Annis leave the field, his heart heavy with regret. Orophin entered and Haldir immediately went into March Warden mode. Orophin brought with him news that bands of orcs were getting bolder andger ger in numbers. Haldir was glad to talk to Orophin about defenses and patrols, anything to get his mind off Annis. After talking to Orophin for nearly an hour, they parted company to their respective talans. Haldir’s mind went back to the scene in the training field with Annis. He played it over and over. He flinched when he remembered the anger in her eyes. He tried to convince himself that what he did was right but somewhere in the back of his mind a voice told him he should have listened to his heart. He tried to shake that small voice. “It was not meant to be, I am the March Warden.” He said aloud but somehow his voice betrayed his true feelings.