Shattered Light

A/N: Haha! It's been a while, but here's the first chapter that focuses mostly on Haldir and Erestor. There will be more of them, promise; they might even get their own story in the future (one of the only pairings I haven't yet devoted a whole story to). Hope you all enjoy, reviews are more than welcome. And as always beta read by Ilye; thanks sweetie!


Chapter 9: Apples, Cream and Bathwater

The smell of cinnamon and baking apples was the first thing Erestor noticed when he left his rooms the next morning. It was not so much the smell of baking that startled the advisor, for the kins ons of Imladris were always filled with the scents of pastries and desserts being made. It was the fact that the baking was occurring so early in the morning; the cooks rarely baked anything sweet for breakfast. The morning meal normally consisted of cheeses and fresh fruits, occasionally freshly baked breads when Elrond requested such. To Erestor’s knowledge, there was no such request for this morn, and the cooks most certainly did not use cinnamon for baking bread.

Finding the scents both curious and inviting, Erestor made for the kitchens in order to investigate who was up and what they were doing. Expecting to find a maid or two present, or perhaps one of the cooks, the dark-haired elf was most unprepared for the sight of Haldir bustling about the kitchen. The silver-haired warden was dressed in a plain tunic and leggings of dark blue and black; a white apron completed the ensemble. The silver hair was braided and tied away from his face, hanging down his back in one thick plait almost to the hips. Haldir was busy at a counter, whipping something creamy in a bowl and completely oblivious to Erestor’s presence. The advisor decided to remain silent whilst he watched Haldir cease whisking, dip a finger into the bowl and taste his work.

“More sugar,” the warden whispered to himself before adding the proper amount of the white grains. Erestor was surprised once again when Haldir reached for the sugar correctly, bypassing the container alt alt in his way.

/So he has experience in the culinary arts,/ Erestor thought to himself. /Who would have thought the arrogant March Warden of Lórien knew his way around a kitchen?/

He watched in amazement as Haldir finished with the bowl before moving to the hearth; the Lórien Elf paused long enough to grab something to protect his hand before retrieving a tray that had been baking over the fire. No less than a dozen small pastries, delicately shaped like mallorn leaves, steamed on the tray, giving off a delightful scent of cinnamon and spiced apples. Erestor continued to observe the other Elf whilst Haldir bustled about, cleaning up the utensils he had used and putting them away whilst the pastries cooled. The Lórien Elf was about to spread the cream over the pastries when Imladris’ chief councilor decided to finally speak.

“I’m astonished you know your way so well around the kitchen, March Warden,” Erestor said in a teasing tone as he leaned against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. “I never thought your skills at baking could rival that of our cooks.”

So startled was he to be found, the bowl slipped from Haldir’s fingers as he jumped at the sound of Erestor’s voice. A smattering of sweet cream escaped the bowl as a corner of it hit the table, flying into the air before raining down on the unnerved March Warden. Erestor couldn’t help but laughthe the sight of Haldir, white fluffy cream on his face and the most adorable startled expression on his face.

“Er…Erestor?” Haldir stuttered, quickly wiping his face clean, missing a spot on his nose, as he blushed a dark crimson. The blush intensified further when Erestor stepped forward, gathered the cream on a fingertip and took a taste.

“You are good in the kitchen.” The dark-haired Elf watched in amusement as Haldir wrinkled his now clean nose before proceeded with what he was doing, spooning the remaining cream onto the pastries and spreading it about. “Just what are you doing in the kitchen so early? You could have just asked the cooks to prepare this breakfast for you if you so craved it.”

“It’s not for me,” Haldir remarked without looking up. “My youngest brother is a finicky eater; he refuses to eat anything for breakfast unless its sweet, spiced and made of apples. Besides, this is something our mother used to make; she would not forgive me for giving someone else the recipe. Not even Lady Galadriel knows how to make this tart, though rest assured she has all but begged me for it.”

“And, pray tell, if Rúmil so desires such a breakfast, why isn’t he here to make them?”

“Everything tastes better when someone else makes them,’” Haldir said, mimicking the younger Galadhrim perfectly with a slight scowl on his face.

“You do know that typically baking is reserved for the women?”

Haldir gave Erestor an ‘I know that’ look, but shrugged his shoulders as he put away the bowl. “There’s still the small matter of my mother refusing to relinquish her recipe.” Setting the tray by a window to cool, the March Warden wiped his hands clean before divesting himself of the apron, replacing it on the peg he had taken it from. “Please excuse me, councilor; I need to change before the morning meal.”

“Of course, March Warden.” With a nod of his head, Erestor stepped aside to allow Haldir to pass. He watched the silver-haired Elf disappear down the corridor, his dark gaze fixed upon Haldir’s retreating back. /Just who are you, Haldir of Lórien?/

~~~~~~~~~~

“I’ll thank you kindly not to use me as a way to seduce Erestor!” Rúmil nearly shouted at his elder brother in the empty dining hall before slipping the last bite of an apple tart into his mouth. He chewed in indignation whilst glaring at Haldir, who merely rolled his eyes and ignored the amused chuckle from Orophin.

“For your information, muindor,” Haldir retorted after taking a sip of tea, “I was not trying to seduce anyone. If you weren’t so finicky in your eating habits, I wouldn’t have been in the kitchen this morning in the first place.”

“Oh please, Haldir,” Orophin said. “I remember when you were barely to my knees and sneaking in to watch Nana making the morning meal. You’d always demand the oddest things for breakfast, so you shouldn’t be calling Rúmil a finicky eater.”

Instead of replying, Haldir merely glared at both his brothers, who sat grinning at him from the other side of the table. He would have said more, but at that precise moment, Lindir, the twins and Legolas decided to join them for the meal.

“Is there something amiss?” Lindir asked, sitting next to Rúmil as Elrohir claimed the seat to Orophin’s left. Elladan and Legolas decided to seat themselves next to Haldir. “We could hthe the three of you speaking from within the corridor.”

“Nothing of particular importance,” Rúmil remarked whilst his hand darted out for another tart. “Haldir was just telling us about his…momentous time in the kitchens this morning.”

“Oh?” Elladan’s curiosity was quipped as he leveled his gaze on his brother, who returned Elladan’s arched eyebrow stare. “And, pray tell, what happened this morning, Haldir? Anything particularly noteworthy?”

Haldir choked, spitting out the tea he had been sipping. He scowled at Rúmil, but the young Galadhrim feigned indifference as he continued on with his breakfast, one finger twirling a lock of Lindir’s hair affectionately. “No,” Haldir finally said after composing himself. “Nothing noteworthy, not at all.”

“I beg to differ,” Orophin mumbled, earning a confused look from his lover. Elrohir didn’t have a chance to comment as Haldir quickly stood after finishing his tea and left, saying something about the training grounds. All save for Orophin and Rúmil looked after him in confusion.

“I wonder what is bothering him,” Legolas said as the servants came and began preparing breakfast for the elves.

“’Tis nothing,” Orophin replied. “Haldir becomes moody occasionally. It is nothing to worry about; he will be his old self within the next day or two.”

Lindir thought otherwise but chose not to comment as the gathered group began to talk amongst themselves. Rúmil caught the concerned look in his lover’s eyes and bestowed a gentle squeeze to Lindir’s hand.

“Do not worry for Haldir, melethron,” the youngest Galadhrim whispered. “It is his own problem to deal with, and we can do naught but support--and tease--him about it.” Rúmil gave the white-haired elf a reassuring smile, which Lindir returned, before the pair turned back to the conversation before them.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Erestor?”

It was late in the afternoon with the evening meal fast approaching. Erestor had spent most of the day organizing some misplaced books and scrolls in the library. He had been alone during that time, save for lunch when he found himself in the company of Elrond, Thranduil, Glorfindel and Celeborn. Afterwards the advisor had once again retreated to the solitude of the library. Now, with Arien just beginning to make her descent, he was about to leave when Celeborn entered.

“Yes, Lord Celeborn?” Erestor said to the silver-haired lord whilst giving a deep bow.

“I cannot seem to find Haldir anywhere,” Celeborn replied looking rather perplexed. “Orophin had told me Haldir visited the training grounds earlier, but now he is no where to be found. Would you kindly search the manor for him?”

“Aye, and I shall tell him you wish to speak with him when I do.”

Celeborn inclined his head with a smile before leaving the library. Erestor remained a moment, collecting his thoughts as he wondered about the silver-haired March Warden.

/Most of the sentries go to the baths after a day of training or duty,/ Erestor mused to himself. /Perhaps I shall find him there./ Nodding his head in silent affirmation to this thoughts, Erestor promptly left the library and headed for the bathing area.

~~~~~~~~~~

Indeed Haldir had headed for the baths after spending the morning and the better part of the afternoon practicing with sword, bow and knives. The breakfast conversation with his brothers had annoyed him, but Haldir found it iculicult to stay angry with Orophin and Rúmil. After all, the brothers had shared Haldir’s secret of loving Erestor for years, never telling another soul.

Covered in sweat and dirt, Haldir had instantly sought out the baths the sentries shared after stowing his things in his room. With towel and robe in hand, the silver-haired March Warden wandered past the numerous marble pools until he found one that was secluded and unoccupied. Stripping off his soiled clothing and placing it in a basket for washing, Haldir slowly immersed himself into the warm water, sighing as it touched his skin.

Working slowly so as to enjoy himself, Haldir removed the braids from his hair before soaking the silver strands to be washed. Once the silver mane had been cleaned, he focused on his skin, scrubbing off the dirt and sweat until the alabaster skin underneath was revealed. Sighing deeply, he leaned back in the chest-deep pool and closed his eyes, savoring the moment of quiet and solitude.

That was how Eresfounfound him, silver head leaning back against the marble tiles, eyes closed and a soft smile on the pink-tinted lips. The dark-haired Elf drew in a sharp breath at seeing the March Warden’s beauty, something he had never taken note of before. He stared for some time, mesmerized by the way Haldir seemed so at peace with his surroundings. Erestor continued to stare even as Haldir opened his eyes and stood from the pool.

Finding Erestor watching him when he had turned around nearly unbalanced Haldir, both physically and emotionally. Not knowing what to do now that the person he loved was staring at him in all his glory, Haldir did the only thing he knew how to do: he forced down the blush that threatened to appear, replacing it with a half-sultry, half-arrogant look. Tilting his head to the side, he stared at the robe he had discarded, the garment somewhat out of his reach.

“Kindly hand me that,” Haldir said to Erestor, pleased that he was able to keep the embarrassed tremor from his voice.

Erestor nodded slowly at Haldir’s request as he took a step closer; kneeling, he gathered the robe in his hand before rising and holding it out. He kept his eyes fixed on Haldir’s face as the silver-haired Elf stepped out of the bath and accept the robe, slipping it on before reaching for the nearby towel to dry his hair. “The color red suits you,” Erestor said in a small voice.

Raising an eyebrow, Haldir looked at at the crimson satin robe he was now wearing. “I suppose it does, though it is not a color I fancy too much.”

“I would imagine not. A Galadhrim must prefer greens and grays to keep from being seen in the woods.”

“Aye, that we do. Was there something you needed?”

The question caused Erestor to jump as he remembered Celeborn’s request. He nodded once, looking up to meet the other Elf’s gaze as he spoke. “Lord Celeborn would like a word with you before the evening meal begins. He is waiting and askf I f I would kindly find you.”

Haldir nodded, discarding the towel along with his clothes once his hair had been sufficiently dried. “Thank you, Erestor.” With that, the March Warden gave the advisor another nod before leaving the baths.

Erestor watched the retreating sentry, a long, slow sigh leaving his lips. /You are most intriguing, Haldir of Lórien. I think I might just be falling for you./ A smile began to tug at the corner of Erestor’s lips at such a thought, which he found he didn’t mind so much. With a slight shake of his head, he left the baths and headed for the kitchens to oversee the preparations for the evening meal.

TBC...