The Crux of the Problem

Disclaimer: (In the spirit of Crimson Starlight)

In the living room…

Glorfindel: *toying with stereo*

Shana: *walks in, spots Glory, runs over* You're back!

Glorfindel: *pulls Shana into arms* I didn't realize I'd left.

Shana: *pouts* You haven't been around for the last couple disclaimers.

Glorfindel: Ah. *kisses Shana* Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?

Shana: *considers* Ok.

Tal: *hiding around corner with Erestor, murmurs* All together now… Awwwww.

Erestor: *rolls eyes* Shanastay owns nothing and receives no monetary compensation. Now I don't know about "other" forms of compensation…

Tal: *whaps Erestor on arm* Be nice.

Erestor: Now what does that tell you?

Chapter 6: The Dance

Janessa allowed her gaze to drift over the rest of the attending elves, easily picking out the dark-haired Perendhil twins. She inclined her head slightly as the two broke into wide, knowing grins, elbowing each other.

Janessa let her gaze return to the fair Marchwarden, where his expression had returned to its usual unreadable state. Only his eyes expressed his desire and mild annoyance? at her and Galadriel's choice of attire. She knew full well they were causing quite a stir with their exceedingly unconventional appearances. That was the intention.

As they reached the bottom of the staircase, Galadriel made a sweeping motion, indicating the festivities should continue. Janessa then led them over to where their males were standing. The ladies stopped before the two.

Haldir and Celeborn bowed low before Celeborn reached out and took Galadriel's hand from Janessa. Celeborn spared the red-head a glance, winking at her as he turned to his Lady, a positively shit-eating grin growing on his face.

Janessa waited until she had Haldir's full attention. When he finally turned back to her one brow sardonically arched she proceeded to shock him speechless again, both brows propelling skyward. Janessa performed a curtsey the likes of which he had never seen before.

Check this out! Only the very corners of her mouth turning up, Janessa shifted her weight onto her left leg, turning her foot slightly out. She drew her right foot in front, pointing the toe and sliding the foot forward. She bent her left knee, that leg now entirely supporting her weight, and slowly dropped down toward the floor, her right leg extending out in front of her. Her left hip turned out while her arms extended out to her sides slightly helping her retain her balance. She dropped slowly until her backside touched her left heel, right leg fully extended, arms curved out to her sides.

She looked into Haldir's eyes before executing the final move of the sequence. Dropping her eyes, she let her breath out and bent at the waist, bringing her chest down to her outstretched leg, turning her face to the side against her skirt, arms now fully extended. She held the position for a breath before slowly reversing her movements, bringing herself back to a standing position.

Not once did her balance waver. She had successfully executed the traditional high society debutante debut curtsey wearing seven-inch-heeled, thigh-high platform boots. She couldn't keep the smile from her face, knowing full well she had given Haldir a good look down the front of her bustier. As he was the only elf she was facing, she knew no one else had received the same view.

Haldir's jaw dropped for the second time that evening as he watched Janessa flawlessly perform a sequence of movements he knew would even challenge an elleth. Where in Middle Earth did she learn to do that? It then struck him. She didn't learn that in ME. She never ceases to surprise me. He closed his mouth as he realized the position she ended in essentially prostrated her before him. He was about to reach down and draw her back to her height when she moved of her own accord, slowly standing up to face him, an amused smile on her lips. Valar! How he wanted to take her and carry her off to his talan then and there. Now is not the time, he reminded himself, shifting slightly on his feet.

Janessa looked into Haldir's now calm countenance, annoyed that she wasn't getting more of a reaction from him. What do I have to do to get a rise out of you? Oh, wait. Already accomplished that. Janessa's eyes sparkled with merriment as she regarded the silent Marchwarden.

Haldir turned slightly away from her offering her his right arm, which she immediately stepped forward to take, resting her hands on his arm above the elbow. Haldir drew his arm back against his side, drawing her to him with it. Haldir sighed as he felt the reassuring pressure of her left forearm against his side.

He could feel her gaze on him as he led them over toward the buffet table; deftly maneuvering her leather satchel so it hung by its straps from his left wrist. Janessa caught his movement and stopped them with a gentle pressure on his arm. Haldir stopped, turning toward her, a question in his eyes.

Janessa reached across Haldir to grasp the straps of her satchel, removing it from his arm. She brought her eyes up to his, making contact before turning her gaze to the table where Galadriel now sat. Looking back to Haldir, she saw he understood her silent request and changed their destination.

The pair arrived at Galadriel's table where the Lady graced them with a sparkling smile that lit her eyes. The Lady bid them join her and Janessa placed her satchel on the table. The two females shared a knowing glace before Janessa turned to go to the buffet with Haldir. She started when she realized Haldir was holding a chair out for her, indicating she should sit. She opened her mouth to protest and closed it quickly, surveying the, don't question me look on the Marchwarden's face. Shrugging lightly she sat gracefully, letting the guardian push the chair in.

Janessa smiled up at Haldir before turning her attention to the Lady across from her. She almost jumped; barely restraining her reaction in time as Haldir gently drew his fingers through the length of her hair and down her bare shoulder. She was surprised at the affectionate gesture because he seemed so determined to remain aloof. She turned her head to watch him withdraw to the buffet, finally taking the time to appreciate the way the clothes she had chosen made the already striking figure even more so.

Janessa looked back at the sound of Galadriel's light laughter, knowing the Lady could easily read her. "You know Haldir has never been one for public displays of affection," Galadriel said by way of explanation. "That move, touching you, was positively scandalous by his rigid standards. Good job with that curtsey. If you could have only seen the look on his face as you completed it."

Janessa smiled widely at the observation. "I have a good idea. Celeborn was much more obvious in his appreciation of your appearance," she observed waggling her brows suggestively.

Galadriel laughed again, waving dismissively. "Everyone knows he's a randy old elf. He usually hides it better though. Then again, why shouldn't he appreciate the way his wife looks?"

"Very true," Janessa answered. "There is no question as to his position in this land, while there are those who would have Haldir's if they could."

"You are more perceptive than most elves would admit. You are unusual for a human," Galadriel observed, considering the human before her yet again.

Janessa inclined her head accepting the compliment for what it was. "I am unusual for a human from this world, which we both know I am not of."

"Yet by your own admission there are few like you in your own world."

Janessa sighed, "There are quite a few with equal aptitude and ability, yet few of those who could have and would have survived the horrors I've experienced." She shivered involuntarily.

"Enough of this. This is a happy occasion, and we have yet to reveal the fullness of our plans…" Galadriel trailed off as Celeborn and Haldir returned, the Lorien lord still sporting that shit-eating grin.

Don't think anything could wipe that smile off his face, Janessa observed.

There is one thing… Janessa caught the Lady's stray thought and the knowing look on her face and could not help laughing along with her, leaving the two males looking decidedly bemused.

Haldir placed a plate before Janessa before inquiring, "Plans?"

Janessa and Galadriel dared a look, turning to the two males chorusing, "That's for us to know and you to find out!" then deteriorating into girlish giggles.

Janessa looked down to survey her plate, wrinkling her nose at what she saw there. She glanced accusingly up at the Marchwarden, catching Celeborn's amused expression. Haldir was the picture of innocence as she practically glared at him. "I'm sorry, did I miss something? Have I been put on some sort of restrictive diet?"

Haldir's brows rose in apparent surprise. "I get more than enough exercise every day that I can eat whatever I like!" Janessa accused, motioning toward the array of only fruits and vegetables Haldir had brought her. She looked across the table noting Celeborn had not made that mistake with Galadriel. The Lady and her Lord had averted their eyes at the beginning of the discussion.

Janessa swiftly stood with a sigh, pressing a hand down on Haldir's shoulder to keep him from rising. She added a kick to the same shin she had nailed earlier for good measure and headed off to the buffet.

Celeborn observed Haldir rubbing his offended shin as he watched Janessa walk away, appreciating the view. "I told you she…" The Lorien Lord stopped short at the scathing expression on Haldir's face, returning to the plate before him as Galadriel tried to hide a smile in her napkin.

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Janessa strode toward the buffet table, smiling at the elves she passed that she recognized. She was suddenly brought up short as the indomitable Perendhil twins appeared before her and began speaking, alternating back and forth.

"Since we know he…"
"…hasn't said anything yet, let us be…"
"…the first to tell you…"
"…you look absolutely wonderful!" they finished together.

Janessa had to laugh lightly at the two elves who could always bring a smile to her face. "Thank you Elladan, Elrohir," she spoke, pointedly looking at each one indicating they hadn't fooled her by swapping hairstyles.

Both twins' grins widened as they each took one of her hands and led her to the buffet. Their excitement was infectious as they went back and forth telling her about the last time they had attended this festival in Lothlorien.

They relinquished Janessa's hands as they arrived at the buffet, Elladan pushing a large plate into her waiting hands. The two kept her between them as they made their way down the table alternately pointing out various dishes and piling her plate high with delicacies they thought she would enjoy.

The twins had made it a point of divining her likes and dislikes as soon as they had decided to lure her to their bed. That having failed they resigned themselves to her friendship, reveling in the fact she willingly and often proactively took a role in their never-ending pranks. Janessa had revealed herself to have a sharp mind and be a more than able accomplice.

She could always figure out a cover story that wasn't a lie, but wasn't the full truth either and pull it off with aplomb that no elf could ever legitimately accuse her of lying. She actually refused to lie as a rule, regardless of the consequences. This had proved very useful at first when upon being asked she told the asker exactly what they were looking for … only to be disbelieved! No one could believe some of the things she openly admitted to, until they realized, that was entirely the point!

After that tactic was revealed, Janessa proved herself an able evader with no one save Legolas and eventually Haldir able to locate her. The first used their link while the second simply had no second in tracking ability. The twins swore up and down Haldir would actually use his nose and sniff her out. It drove the red-head crazy at first that someone other than Legolas could find her and often faster than the Prince.

Elrohir looked over Janessa's head to Elladan speaking in Sindarin, "Remember the time Haldir found Janessa up that tree…"
"…and brought her back over his shoulder screaming curses in 15 different languages?" Elladan finished as Janessa brought her hand up between the two, snapping her fingers.

Both twins looked at her as she spoke, "Now children, you know it's not polite to speak in another language around a non-speaker." Now looking appropriately chastised, she continued, "Besides you know full well I understood everything you just said," before turning away.

Elladan spared a quick glare at his brother.

They quickly followed Janessa, apologizing and asking her forgiveness. She stopped, regarding the serious looks on their faces for a moment then breaking into a smile. "You know I can never stay angry with you two. I'm sure I did present quite the humorous picture slung over Haldir's back cursing in languages even your father had never heard. I didn't even know I remembered them until that moment."

The two raven-haired elves laughed heartily at being had so easily by their friend. They stopped when they realized she was regarding them with a smile they knew all too well. Elrohir spoke up quickly, "Is it Haldir? What do you wish us to do to him?"

Janessa laughed lightly. "No my dears, it is not a prank per se I need your assistance on. More like just some general help." Their full attention captured, the twins were all ears. Janessa continued, "You remember those dancing lessons I gave you?"

Now Elladan quickly spoke, "Which ones? The…"

Janessa cut him off with a motion. "You will know which ones as soon as you hear the music. I just wanted to be sure you remembered. I'm thinking… sandwich. You get my drift?"

Two sets of dark brows rose at the isolated word, nodding in sync.

"Alright. I will look for you at the right time then. Now I must get back before Haldir has kittens."

Janessa walked away as the twins deteriorated into snickers.

"Haldir…"
…kittens!"

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Haldir had barely touched his food, as he only had eyes for the fiery red-head who had been captured by the Perendhil twins. What do they want? He knew Legolas was sure to have told them to keep Janessa far away from him and would be beyond annoyed at their obvious failure.

He watched the three for a while, at one point moving to stand only to find a restraining hand on his arm. He looked over to Celeborn who shook his head, speaking quietly, "They are her friends. Whatever their motivation, you cannot deny her their company. Besides, she has successfully eluded their charms thus far. Why would that change tonight?"

Only slightly reassured, Haldir relented, catching Galadriel hiding yet another knowing smile.

The Marchwarden looked up at Janessa as she returned with a heavily laden plate. As she passed him she brushed a hand lightly across his shoulder and up his neck to trace the tip of his ear for the barest second. Haldir knew she wouldn't miss the shiver that ran through him as her hand left his ear. Valar woman! You know exactly how to undo me.

He continued to watch her as she pushed the plate he had brought her aside replacing it with the new one. Janessa looked at him, made eye contact and winked before lifting her fork daintily and digging into the feast before her.

She ate with obvious relish, clearly taking the time to enjoy the various flavors of each dish she had sampled. Celeborn, amused by Janessa's open enjoyment commented, "Enjoying the best Lorien has to offer?"

Janessa finished her mouthful, carefully placing the utensils at 10 and 2 o'clock before answering. "Milord, everything is simply wonderful!"

Celeborn smiled at her enthusiasm, waving dismissively. "I am glad. Now stop calling me that. It's simply Celeborn. Such a close friend of my beautiful wife need not use such titles."

Galadriel looked at her husband with approval as Janessa inclined her head in accession.
Haldir simply raised one brow before returning to his repast. Finally registering how much Janessa was putting away he opened his mouth to protest.

Janessa picked that moment to cross her legs, bringing her left foot into gentle contact with Haldir's calf. She proceeded to run the curve of the front of her foot up and down the back of Haldir's leg, effectively silencing him.

Mildly annoyed at being so easily thwarted, Haldir silently slid his chair closer to hers. Two can play this game. As he retrieved his fork, Haldir's left hand came to rest on Janessa's knee, caressing through the leather of her boot.

Smiling lightly Janessa redoubled her efforts as Haldir's hand slid higher to her exposed thigh. They finished their meal in quiet competition, listening to the elvish musicians plying their craft, never realizing on the other side of the table Galadriel and Celeborn were playing a similar game.

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Once everyone at the table had eaten their fill, Janessa lifted her gaze to Galadriel's noting with amusement the slightly glazed look in the Lady's eyes and the gentle upturn of her lips. Meeting Janessa's eyes Galadriel inclined her head imperceptibly, indicating the next phase of their plan should be put into motion.

Janessa dropped her right hand to Haldir's wrist, her fingertips trailing along the back of his hand. She laughed inwardly at the way Haldir's eyes drifted shut for a moment, his gaze still turned toward the musicians. That impeccable control of yours slipping a bit?

The Marchwarden had grown quite bold in his hand's exploration of Janessa's leg and had moved between her crossed thighs, heading steadily north. Janessa gently twined her fingers with his, removing the wandering hand and uncrossed her legs.

Haldir turned to face her as she stood, a question evident on his face. Janessa smiled reassuringly at the proud elf, winking as she reached forward to retrieve her leather satchel containing the CD player.

Janessa's movements brought her corseted breasts level with Haldir's eyes and the elf took the moment to appreciate the way the leather dress clung to her curves. The last time she had worn the ensemble he had not been in a position to fully appreciate how alluring she looked.

Noticing where Haldir's gaze currently rested Janessa shook her head slightly. If I wasn't already aware of it, you just made it amply clear you are definitely a breast-elf. Knowing there was nothing puerile in his gaze, only frank appreciation, Janessa allowed the appraisal.

Haldir started slightly as Janessa brought her face level with his. Bent at the waist, she was giving him another splendid view down her bodice. The guardian's gaze was torn away from the view when Janessa gave him a fleeting kiss on the lips. His customary stern expression was replaced with a slight smile as he watched her stand and head toward where a group of elvish musicians had been entertaining the crowd. I can't believe she just let me get away with that.

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Janessa approached the musicians just as they completed a lilting piece. The group paused as she approached the lead musician and explained that the Lady wished for them to enjoy the food and festivities while she provided the musical accompaniment for a time. They looked at her skeptically for a moment, spying the satchel in her hand. After a moment's consultation they acquiesced, nodding their thanks as they made their way over to the buffet.

Galadriel stood from the table as Janessa set up her CD player and mini speakers. Taking her husband's hand the Lady drew him up and led him out to the open area before the musician's stands. Everything ready, Janessa hit play and turned to find Haldir standing a scant few feet away.

Galadriel drew Celeborn close as the gentle sounds of a piano harmonized with a guitar and some stringed instrument filled the air and Haldir strode toward the waiting woman. He bowed slightly, extending his hand. Janessa took it without hesitation, finding herself pulled to the proud elf as the gentle voice of Richard Marx filled the air around them.

Just when I believed I couldn't ever want for more
This ever changing world pushes me through another door

Haldir opened his mouth to speak, but she pressed a finger against his lips, closing her eyes as they moved slowly to the music. Her request was clear. Listen.

I saw you smile
And my mind could not erase the beauty of your face
Just for awhile
Won't you let me shelter you

Janessa opened her eyes to find Haldir gazing at her with smoldering intensity. Other elvish couples had moved to fill in the dance floor around the two couples.

Most of the Lorien elves, not knowing Westron, could not understand the words of the singer, but they were captured by the unusually haunting melody and unfamiliar instruments. From the looks on the two couples faces the elves ascertained the song was of a romantic nature.

Hold on to the nights
Hold on to the memories
I wish that I could give you something more
That I could be yours

The Perendhil twins looked on with a mixture of growing unease and sympathy. They had discussed how culpable they could be held in Janessa's being with Haldir and come to the conclusion that it was something beyond their control.

Elrohir looked at his twin, "You know this…"

"…isn't our problem. Yes, I know." Elladan considered the pair before them. "If it is even really a problem," both twins bore identical expressions and arched brows as they considered the thought.

The music's pace increased slightly with the singer's questioning uncertainty.

How do we explain something that took us by surprise
Promises in vain, love that is real but in disguise

Janessa and Haldir were completely oblivious to their surroundings, lost in the music, the words and each other.

What happens now
Do we break another rule
Let our lovers play the fool
I don't know how
To stop feeling this way

Haldir's right arm wrapped around Janessa's waist, her left hand on his shoulder, he clasped her right hand with his left. Haldir pulled Janessa closer; Janessa bringing her left hand around his back, molding her body to his, she tucked her face into the curve of his neck as he dropped his head to rest his cheek against her forehead, their clasped hands pressed to his chest. Eyes closed the pair moved with the music, the embrace incredibly intimate for the notoriously publicly cold Marchwarden.

The tempo picked up further, a hint of desperation entering the singer's voice

Hold on to the nights
Hold on to the memories
If only I could give you more

Haldir's grip on Janessa tightened imperceptibly, his brow furrowed for a split second as he lifted his face to place a light kiss on the top of Janessa's head. They remained in that position, Haldir breathing deeply of her scent.

In his evident eagerness, the singer's pace increased, his words tumbling over themselves

Well, I think that I've been true to everybody else but me
And the way I feel about you makes my heart long to be free
Every time I look into your eyes, I'm helplessly aware
That the someone I've been searching for is right there

The voice soared with the revelation, evincing pure joy.

Haldir nudged his chin against Janessa's head, prompting her to turn her face to his. The two simply gazed into each other's eyes, not a word spoken, yet clearly communicating understanding.

Hold on to the nights
Hold on to the memories
I wish that I could give you more

Glancing over his dancing partner's shoulder Elrohir caught the look passing between Haldir and Janessa. Catching his twin's eye, he motioned with his chin toward the molded pair.

Waaaaooooooohhhhhh

Elladan observed the silent pair before looking back to his younger brother. He shrugged with one shoulder as if to say, you're surprised?

Hold on to the nights

As the music faded away Haldir did not relinquish his hold on the fiery female. Another song began softly with the muted notes of a piano.

Desree's haunting voice soared over the room accompanied by stringed instruments. Janessa could close her eyes and just picture the statuesque black woman standing at a microphone, a quartet behind her, arms extended, entreating the audience to feel the weight of her words.

Pride can stand a thousand trials
The strong will never fall
But watching stars without you,
My soul cried.

Haldir saw something akin to desperation flash across Janessa's eyes before quickly disappearing.

Heaving heart is full of pain,
Oh, oh, the aching.

Haldir poured every bit of feeling he could into his gaze. Please, Melamin. I will not leave you. Believe in me. Trust me.

'Cos I'm kissing you, oh.
I'm kissing, oh.

Haldir took his cue from the song, dropping his lips to hers, capturing her in an infinitely sweet kiss that spoke volumes words could never express.

Celeborn had followed the same prompt himself, kissing Galadriel in such a way that brought goose bumps to her exposed arms.

Touch me deep, pure and true
Gift to me forever.
'Cos I'm kissing you, oh
I'm kissing you.

The chime-like sounds of the piano accompanied by the strings wrapped themselves around the dancers, bringing a sense of peace as couples all over the room embraced their beloved.

Completely unmindful of their surroundings Haldir deepened the kiss, pressing Janessa against his hardened length as they swayed with the lilting notes.

Where are you now?
Where are you now?

To those that understood, the singer's voice spoke of loss and undying love.

'Cos I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you, oh, ohhhh!

As the last note drifted away Haldir released Janessa's lips, his grip on her relaxing, both inhaling deeply to regain their breath. They had eyes only for each other.

The two were pulled from their revere by the sound of applause. Janessa and Haldir looked around to find themselves the center of attention. On all sides elves were gazing at them with approval, applauding the blatant display of affection.

Janessa looked back at Haldir, registering the fact he had not relinquished his hold on her, nor had he reverted back to his usual neutral gaze. Janessa could not help but smile back as she gazed into his clearly content countenance, a light blush gracing his cheeks.

Haldir surprised her further by dropping his head to kiss her again under the obvious gazes of many elves who had never before seen this side of the intimidating Marchwarden. Clearly the guardian had a heart after all and was wearing it on his sleeve this eve for all to see.

*************

Hold On To the Nights by Richard Marx
Kissing You by Desree