The Crux of the Problem
folder
-Multi-Age › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
14
Views:
4,199
Reviews:
96
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
14
Views:
4,199
Reviews:
96
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
The Uncaged Bird
Disclaimer: (In the spirit of Crimson Starlight)
Shana: *peeks into living room*
Glorfindel: What ARE you doing?
Shana: *jumps* Don't DO that! I'm gonna put a bell on you!
Glorfindel: No you won't.
Shana: *eye roll* N-E-Way the coast is clear.
Glorfindel: *eyebrow*
Shana: Erin and "Thandy" were having a snog-fest on my living room floor.
Glorfindel: *both eyebrows* Snog-fest? Oh dear. What IS it about your living room floor?
Shana: *shrugs* Beats me.
Glorfindel: *pulls her into room* Let's find out…
Shana: Eeeppp!
Erin: *around corner* Muahhahahahaha! Shanastay owns nothing and no one. Good enough? Later! *waves as she walks out*
Chapter 9: The Uncaged Bird
Back to where the party left off….
Haldir gently broke off the kiss, aware of all the eyes upon them. Far from being chagrined, the Marchwarden seemed rather proud of himself. I shall not hide what I feel for you. An idea suddenly struck him. I wonder if she will be willing?
The guardian dropped his head to whisper his request softly in Janessa’s ear. The redhead’s eyes widened as she stepped back, shaking her head mutely, Haldir almost losing his hold on her.
“Saes,” he asked again softly, realizing the level of the woman’s apprehension.
Janessa’s eyes silently pled for him to ask anything but that of her. Galadriel’s voice in her mind made her protests moot. Please young one. We would be honored if you gifted us thusly. I was unaware you hid such talent.
Janessa closed her eyes, sighing in resignation. She answered the Lady, I would not call it talent, but as you wish. Janessa opened her eyes to glare lightly at Haldir, promising him payback later.
The Marchwarden smiled back softly, trying to convey his confidence in her. He released her from his embrace and the woman slowly made her way to stand on the musicians’ dais. She closed her eyes again, taking several calming breaths, considering her options before deciding. Her choice made, she took a final deep breath, letting her arms drop to her sides.
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
As her voice rose over the gathered crowd, Janessa brought her arms up, out to her sides, then to clasp over her heart as she opened her eyes, searching for Haldir’s.
For the break that will make it OK
There's always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
She let her arms drop back to her waist, and then brought one hand up in a fist, slowly unfurling it out in entreaty to her audience.
I need some distraction or a beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty
Janessa’s voice caught for a bare second before she continued.
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
Janessa’s eyes found Haldir’s and she extended both arms in front of her in a silent rhetorical invitation.
In the arms of the Angel
Far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
She swept her arms wide as her voice soared, drawing her closed hands back to her chest again.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
Janessa paused for several beats, following Sarah Maclachlan’s haunting voice in her head. She tilted her head back, eyes closing again as she continued.
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting
Janessa opened her eyes again, looking out over the crowd before finding the Marchwarden’s gaze, hands dropping to her sides.
You keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness
Oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
Haldir was as enthralled as the gathered crowd at the lilting melody Janessa spun around them. Her song spoke of loss, yet hope and it caused his chest to constrict almost painfully at the thinly veiled despair.
In the arms of the Angel
Far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
Janessa spread her arms out to the sides again, bringing them around to her front before curling them to her chest as she gave in totally to the song, Sarah singing duet in her mind.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
In the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
The redhead searched Haldir’s gaze, her arms coming to rest, hands crossed over her chest.
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
Janessa held the final note for a moment, letting it fade away to silence. She gazed with apprehension out at the quiet gathering, reading shock on many of the faces before someone toward the back started up a rousing applause.
The woman blushed profusely at the appreciation, reddening further as the twins led calls for an encore. She looked back to Haldir, deciding in that moment what song she wished to regale them with. Time for you to blush my dear. She waited for the clapping to quiet before launching into a favorite song by Sarah Evans.
Janessa locked eyes with Haldir and refused to relinquish her hold. She reached out toward him, sweeping her hand up over her head, a sweet smile gracing her lips.
Lyin' here with you
Listenin' to the rain
Smilin' just to see
The smile upon your face
Haldir realized with a start that Janessa intended to serenade him there before all of Lothlorien. Pushing back any reservation at her decision, the Marchwarden lost himself in her words, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of scarlet.
These are the moments
I thank god that I'm alive
These are the moments
I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
The redhead swept her hands back to her chest, then down and out to her sides, her gaze never wavering from the powerful elf before her.
Lookin' in your eyes
Seein' all I need
Everything you are
Is everything to me
Her voice soared, the emotion clear in the notes.
These are the moments
I know heaven must exist
These are the moments
I know all I need is this
I've found all I've waited for yeah
And I could not ask for more
Can it be? Dare I hope she has made her choice? She seems to be declaring for all here to hear that I am the one. Is this really happening? Haldir reached down with one hand and pinched his leg painfully. His eyes widened slightly. This IS real. I’m NOT dreaming.
Janessa’s voice rang out clear and loud as she belted out the powerful lyrics.
I could not ask for more than this time together
Could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true yeah
Right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you
Here with me (yeah)
The redhead reached one hand out to Haldir, and then brought it back to her chest.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a surreptitious look, simultaneously sharing the same thought, She made her decision.
These are the moments
I thank god that I'm alive
These are the moments
I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for yeah
And I could not ask for more.
Janessa poured every bit of feeling she had into the song, smiling slightly when she caught the Marchwarden pinching himself.
I could not ask for more than this time together
Could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true (yeah)
Right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be (oh)
Here with you
Here with me
The woman’s singing was dynamic, drawing even those who could not understand the words under the spell. All present felt their spirits lifting, save for one unnoticed form toward the back.
No, I could not ask for more
Than this love you've gave me
'Cause it's all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
Celeborn held Galadriel to him throughout the redhead’s serenade, the Lady’s back pressed against his front, both elves pleasantly surprised at Janessa’s previously hidden talent. While she sounded nothing like an elf, her voice was sweet nonetheless, the pure emotion behind the words overshadowing any flaws in the performance.
No….
Yeah…..
No, I could not ask for more
Janessa quickly stepped down, taking Haldir’s hand as the group of elvish musicians returned to their places, quietly murmuring their thanks for the break and their appreciation of her impromptu recital. The redhead blushed furiously, graciously accepting their praise though she did not feel she deserved it.
She closed her eyes as Haldir pulled her to him, placing a gentle kiss against her forehead. “Thank you,” he murmured softly. “That was enchanting.”
Janessa moved to protest only to hear other voices around her agreeing with the Marchwarden. If it was possible she turned an even darker shade of red at the unbidden praise. Thoroughly embarrassed she leaned into Haldir’s embrace, tucking her face against his neck. She felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled at her sudden shyness.
As the band started up again, the guardian drew Janessa away from him and led her back over to Galadriel’s table where the Lord and Lady were already seated. He held her chair for her once again, before settling next to her. Moving his chair over so it was flush against hers, Haldir gently pulled her to his side, the woman’s head tilting to rest against his shoulder.
Janessa looked across at a smirking Galadriel, projecting her thoughts to the Lady, If we’re going to go through with our plan I’m going to need some liquid courage. That little recital just ate up every bit of wherewithal I had left.
One of Galadriel’s brows rose in a mockery of Haldir’s signature expression. Liquid courage?
Janessa rolled her eyes. Liquid courage. Alcohol, spirits, Murivor, wine! Anything that can induce inebriation. I am NOT gonna be able to pull this off completely sober.
Both of the Lady’s brows shot up at the description, two male faces exchanging confused looks at the silent conversation that was clearly taking place. Galadriel turned to her husband, a slow smile growing on both their faces before Celeborn nodded and stood, heading off on the-Valar-knew what errand.
Haldir decided to ignore the women’s exchange, instead opting to revel in the feeling of Janessa’s form pressed firmly to his side, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. He turned his head, burying his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply of the scent of vanilla and leather.
He looked up as Celeborn returned, producing a dusty bottle with a flourish as well as four crystal goblets. The Lorien Lord swiftly poured out the blood-red liquid, passing two glasses to Janessa and the guardian.
Janessa reached forward, sipping lightly at the liquid, a smile growing on her face at the taste. “Dorwinnian wine! Celeborn you scamp! Where DID you get this?”
The Lorien Lord’s answer was a conspiratorial wink as he took a draught of the strong liquor. Haldir scowled as the mystery liquid was identified, reaching to take the glass from the woman. Janessa dodged, his hand, instead finishing the entire glass in one swallow before holding it out to Celeborn for a refill, much to the Marchwarden’s chagrin.
Janessa returned Galadriel’s amused look, Perfect. Though I am going to have one HELL of a hangover tomorrow. He he.
Haldir groaned inwardly, silently observing that it was going to be a long night if events so far were any indication of what was to come.
******
Arms of the Angels by Sarah Maclachlan
I Could Not Ask For More by Sarah Evans
Shana: *peeks into living room*
Glorfindel: What ARE you doing?
Shana: *jumps* Don't DO that! I'm gonna put a bell on you!
Glorfindel: No you won't.
Shana: *eye roll* N-E-Way the coast is clear.
Glorfindel: *eyebrow*
Shana: Erin and "Thandy" were having a snog-fest on my living room floor.
Glorfindel: *both eyebrows* Snog-fest? Oh dear. What IS it about your living room floor?
Shana: *shrugs* Beats me.
Glorfindel: *pulls her into room* Let's find out…
Shana: Eeeppp!
Erin: *around corner* Muahhahahahaha! Shanastay owns nothing and no one. Good enough? Later! *waves as she walks out*
Chapter 9: The Uncaged Bird
Back to where the party left off….
Haldir gently broke off the kiss, aware of all the eyes upon them. Far from being chagrined, the Marchwarden seemed rather proud of himself. I shall not hide what I feel for you. An idea suddenly struck him. I wonder if she will be willing?
The guardian dropped his head to whisper his request softly in Janessa’s ear. The redhead’s eyes widened as she stepped back, shaking her head mutely, Haldir almost losing his hold on her.
“Saes,” he asked again softly, realizing the level of the woman’s apprehension.
Janessa’s eyes silently pled for him to ask anything but that of her. Galadriel’s voice in her mind made her protests moot. Please young one. We would be honored if you gifted us thusly. I was unaware you hid such talent.
Janessa closed her eyes, sighing in resignation. She answered the Lady, I would not call it talent, but as you wish. Janessa opened her eyes to glare lightly at Haldir, promising him payback later.
The Marchwarden smiled back softly, trying to convey his confidence in her. He released her from his embrace and the woman slowly made her way to stand on the musicians’ dais. She closed her eyes again, taking several calming breaths, considering her options before deciding. Her choice made, she took a final deep breath, letting her arms drop to her sides.
Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
As her voice rose over the gathered crowd, Janessa brought her arms up, out to her sides, then to clasp over her heart as she opened her eyes, searching for Haldir’s.
For the break that will make it OK
There's always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
She let her arms drop back to her waist, and then brought one hand up in a fist, slowly unfurling it out in entreaty to her audience.
I need some distraction or a beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
Let me be empty
Janessa’s voice caught for a bare second before she continued.
And weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight
Janessa’s eyes found Haldir’s and she extended both arms in front of her in a silent rhetorical invitation.
In the arms of the Angel
Far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
She swept her arms wide as her voice soared, drawing her closed hands back to her chest again.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
Janessa paused for several beats, following Sarah Maclachlan’s haunting voice in her head. She tilted her head back, eyes closing again as she continued.
So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting
Janessa opened her eyes again, looking out over the crowd before finding the Marchwarden’s gaze, hands dropping to her sides.
You keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference
Escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness
Oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees
Haldir was as enthralled as the gathered crowd at the lilting melody Janessa spun around them. Her song spoke of loss, yet hope and it caused his chest to constrict almost painfully at the thinly veiled despair.
In the arms of the Angel
Far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
Janessa spread her arms out to the sides again, bringing them around to her front before curling them to her chest as she gave in totally to the song, Sarah singing duet in her mind.
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
In the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
The redhead searched Haldir’s gaze, her arms coming to rest, hands crossed over her chest.
You're in the arms of the Angel
May you find some comfort here
Janessa held the final note for a moment, letting it fade away to silence. She gazed with apprehension out at the quiet gathering, reading shock on many of the faces before someone toward the back started up a rousing applause.
The woman blushed profusely at the appreciation, reddening further as the twins led calls for an encore. She looked back to Haldir, deciding in that moment what song she wished to regale them with. Time for you to blush my dear. She waited for the clapping to quiet before launching into a favorite song by Sarah Evans.
Janessa locked eyes with Haldir and refused to relinquish her hold. She reached out toward him, sweeping her hand up over her head, a sweet smile gracing her lips.
Lyin' here with you
Listenin' to the rain
Smilin' just to see
The smile upon your face
Haldir realized with a start that Janessa intended to serenade him there before all of Lothlorien. Pushing back any reservation at her decision, the Marchwarden lost himself in her words, the tips of his ears turning a deep shade of scarlet.
These are the moments
I thank god that I'm alive
These are the moments
I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
The redhead swept her hands back to her chest, then down and out to her sides, her gaze never wavering from the powerful elf before her.
Lookin' in your eyes
Seein' all I need
Everything you are
Is everything to me
Her voice soared, the emotion clear in the notes.
These are the moments
I know heaven must exist
These are the moments
I know all I need is this
I've found all I've waited for yeah
And I could not ask for more
Can it be? Dare I hope she has made her choice? She seems to be declaring for all here to hear that I am the one. Is this really happening? Haldir reached down with one hand and pinched his leg painfully. His eyes widened slightly. This IS real. I’m NOT dreaming.
Janessa’s voice rang out clear and loud as she belted out the powerful lyrics.
I could not ask for more than this time together
Could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true yeah
Right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you
Here with me (yeah)
The redhead reached one hand out to Haldir, and then brought it back to her chest.
Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a surreptitious look, simultaneously sharing the same thought, She made her decision.
These are the moments
I thank god that I'm alive
These are the moments
I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for yeah
And I could not ask for more.
Janessa poured every bit of feeling she had into the song, smiling slightly when she caught the Marchwarden pinching himself.
I could not ask for more than this time together
Could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true (yeah)
Right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be (oh)
Here with you
Here with me
The woman’s singing was dynamic, drawing even those who could not understand the words under the spell. All present felt their spirits lifting, save for one unnoticed form toward the back.
No, I could not ask for more
Than this love you've gave me
'Cause it's all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
Celeborn held Galadriel to him throughout the redhead’s serenade, the Lady’s back pressed against his front, both elves pleasantly surprised at Janessa’s previously hidden talent. While she sounded nothing like an elf, her voice was sweet nonetheless, the pure emotion behind the words overshadowing any flaws in the performance.
No….
Yeah…..
No, I could not ask for more
Janessa quickly stepped down, taking Haldir’s hand as the group of elvish musicians returned to their places, quietly murmuring their thanks for the break and their appreciation of her impromptu recital. The redhead blushed furiously, graciously accepting their praise though she did not feel she deserved it.
She closed her eyes as Haldir pulled her to him, placing a gentle kiss against her forehead. “Thank you,” he murmured softly. “That was enchanting.”
Janessa moved to protest only to hear other voices around her agreeing with the Marchwarden. If it was possible she turned an even darker shade of red at the unbidden praise. Thoroughly embarrassed she leaned into Haldir’s embrace, tucking her face against his neck. She felt his chest vibrate as he chuckled at her sudden shyness.
As the band started up again, the guardian drew Janessa away from him and led her back over to Galadriel’s table where the Lord and Lady were already seated. He held her chair for her once again, before settling next to her. Moving his chair over so it was flush against hers, Haldir gently pulled her to his side, the woman’s head tilting to rest against his shoulder.
Janessa looked across at a smirking Galadriel, projecting her thoughts to the Lady, If we’re going to go through with our plan I’m going to need some liquid courage. That little recital just ate up every bit of wherewithal I had left.
One of Galadriel’s brows rose in a mockery of Haldir’s signature expression. Liquid courage?
Janessa rolled her eyes. Liquid courage. Alcohol, spirits, Murivor, wine! Anything that can induce inebriation. I am NOT gonna be able to pull this off completely sober.
Both of the Lady’s brows shot up at the description, two male faces exchanging confused looks at the silent conversation that was clearly taking place. Galadriel turned to her husband, a slow smile growing on both their faces before Celeborn nodded and stood, heading off on the-Valar-knew what errand.
Haldir decided to ignore the women’s exchange, instead opting to revel in the feeling of Janessa’s form pressed firmly to his side, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. He turned his head, burying his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply of the scent of vanilla and leather.
He looked up as Celeborn returned, producing a dusty bottle with a flourish as well as four crystal goblets. The Lorien Lord swiftly poured out the blood-red liquid, passing two glasses to Janessa and the guardian.
Janessa reached forward, sipping lightly at the liquid, a smile growing on her face at the taste. “Dorwinnian wine! Celeborn you scamp! Where DID you get this?”
The Lorien Lord’s answer was a conspiratorial wink as he took a draught of the strong liquor. Haldir scowled as the mystery liquid was identified, reaching to take the glass from the woman. Janessa dodged, his hand, instead finishing the entire glass in one swallow before holding it out to Celeborn for a refill, much to the Marchwarden’s chagrin.
Janessa returned Galadriel’s amused look, Perfect. Though I am going to have one HELL of a hangover tomorrow. He he.
Haldir groaned inwardly, silently observing that it was going to be a long night if events so far were any indication of what was to come.
******
Arms of the Angels by Sarah Maclachlan
I Could Not Ask For More by Sarah Evans