Scenes from Christmas

Title: Scenes from Christmas - A Wild and Crazy MisAdventure of Haldir and Bronwyn.
Author: ZeDrippyVessel
Type: FPHet
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: PG
Warnings: Pink and fluffy Christmas cheer with excited Elflings. Spans different Christmases. If this squicks you, I'm so freaking sorry! (NOT!)
Beta: Alex
Disclaimer 1; I'm not Tolkien, I don't pretend to be the Great one, I didn't sell this, yada yada yada. My OC's are mine.
Timeline: After LOTR, specifically during EV - around chapter 27 or 28
Summary/Notes: Snippets from several Christmases/Winter Festivals celebrated by Haldir and Bronwyn, their family and friends, in Rivendell. Here is no plot, no story here, nada. Simply small glimpses here and there.

Dedication: This WAS going to be dedicated to Julie, list mum at Haldir Lovers - something pink and fluffy for her to remind her that I can write such nonsense, however, in the last 12 hours, she has deemed me a warmonger and trouble-maker and has commanded to write yet another installment of Grima fun. Grima is sooooo dead!

SR - Sleigh Ride: Mitchell Parish, LeRoy Anderson 1948
CS - The Christmas Song - Mel Torme

***

It'll nearly be like a picture print by Currier and Ives
These wonderful things are the things we remember all through our lives

CS

***

Winter in Rivendell was exquisite, the woman thought to herself. She stood on the balcony of her and her husband's suite of rooms and looked over into the moonlit gardens. Each plant was blanketed with a pristine layer of snow and clear ice coated the leaves and trunks of the trees. Lost in the beauty, she forgot that she was standing in near zero temperatures and paid little heed to the tingling of her body.

Her husband was not so absent minded.

She jumped, startled, when the warm quilt wrapped itself around her and she leaned back into the strong, familiar embrace of her husband.

"Thank you, Cormmin." She brought her arms up around his, her eyes never leaving the beauty of the moonlit scene before her. "I was not paying attention."

"You never do, Baraermin." Haldir's voice was a rumbly whisper in her ear, heated breath, caressing her neck. "You would catch your death of cold if someone did not take care of you." He snorted playfully. "Small wonder how you survived before the Valar gifted you to me!" He stared into the garden. "So what is it you find so fascinating out there?"

Bronwyn smiled as the Elf's hands began to canvas her body, stroking, stoking the flames. Ah, most definitely the temperature was going up and there would be no sleep anytime soon for her. "I was just taking in the beauty of the snow covered flowers. Once the children awake in the morning, its perfection will be marred." Visions of excited Elflings churning up the snow graced both of their thoughts before the two finally moved off to their bed and the tenderness of each other's body.

***

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing
Ring ting tingle-ing too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

SR

***

"Haldir, Bronwyn is acting strange."

The tall blonde Elf-Warrior's eyes slid to the Silver Lord.

"Baraermin always acts strange. What is so different about now?" He tried to be nonchalant, but he knew what Celeborn was talking about.

"Secretive. Sneaky. She is mumbling strange words."

"Do you recognize any of these strange words?" Haldir's eyes slid back into the woods, searching for game.

"One word over and over... Christmas." Celeborn's eyes had returned to the foliage as well and his voice lowered to a whisper. "Does that mean anything to you?"

"I believe..." and with the pause of breath, he loosed his arrow, bringing down a large racked hart, "it has something to do with her time's Winter Festival Celebrations."

The two Elves stood over the fresh kill. "This was a fine kill, Haldir." The younger Elf nodded in thanks. "A winter mereth? That would be wonderful!"

***

Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling "You Hoo"

SR

***

"Who the hell invited Thranduil for this years' winter festivities?" Haldir glared at his wife. Two arguing lordly voices rose from the common room and Bronwyn rolled her eyes.

"It was not me! Do you honestly think I want to traipse all over the house in high heels?" Haldir's eyes glanced to the stilted boots she wore with her leggings. "It is damned uncomfortable!" She looked at the Elf next to her. "Rumil? Do you know who invited that... that..."

"Aye, Lirimaer. I know who."

Silence. Both Haldir and Bronwyn looked at him expectantly. Waiting...

"Well?"

The look of dejected irritation was hard not to miss. "Celeborn invited him! I think he wanted someone to argue with. He misses lording over Lorien. He misses Galadriel. He misses a lot of things and Thranduil will give him a run for his money. "

"Not to mention, someone to chew on."

The sounds of smashed crockery could be heard and the squeal of a frightened Elleth rose on the air.

"Haldir!" Bronwyn rounded on her husband and for once, he retreated a step in fear. "If they destroy the children's decorations or gifts, I will tan both their hides, Lord, King or no!" Her eyes narrowed and she steeled her backbone, tucking hands in her elbows.

Haldir knew it was a no-win. He looked at his brother and friend, Heridil. "Well, let us get this over with."

Heridil's eyes were squeezed shut. "Must I?"

"There are three gifts under that tree with your name on them, that my children slaved over to make for you!" Bronwyn spat. "If you wished to open them in one piece, you coward..." Rumil and Haldir winced for their friend, "you will hie into that room and tell two certain over-grown brats I have had enough and if they do not settle down, they will have their Christmas dinner alone in their rooms!" She glared at the threesome. "Oh, never mind! I'll do it myself!" She turned to leave.

"N'uma!"

"No, Baraermin!" Haldir grabbed his wife. He looked at his horrified friends. "We will take care..." more smashing sounds and gratefully Rumil and Heridil began to head in the appropriate direction, "of it. Now."

Silently, in a rush, the three Elves ran down the hallway.

She smiled wickedly watching the retreating Elves.

"Elladan? Elrohir?"

Two dark heads peered around the corridor.

"Those two battling Orcs have done their jobs well and granted us a few minutes of peace. Care to help me wrap some gifts?"


***


Tiny tots with their eyes all a glow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

CS

***

"I do not wish to go to sleep! I want to see Santa Claus!"

An imperious red-headed Elfling stood in front of his sisters, hands on hips, staring up at his mother and ada.

"Sanna Clause! Sanna Clause!" his sisters chimed in.

"Santa Claus does not come when Elflings are awake. Only when they are asleep!" Bronwyn looked down at her son.

"I do not think there is a Santa Claus!"

Bronwyn turned to her husband.

"My love..."

Haldir stepped from behind his wife, deadly intent in his eye, fixed on his son...

The child turned an ashen shade of grey. "My apologies, Mama." and with that, he turned and ran to his room, feet slapping on the floor.

Two little Elleths watched their brother in disgust. The more courageous of the two looked up at their Ada, who was now looking down at them.

"Beckett is a scaredy cat!"

***


Everybody knows a turkey and some Mistletoe
Help to make the season bright

CS

***

"Beckett! You Warg! You stole my turkey leg!"

The Redheaded Elfling looked smugly at his youngest sister. "Anselm? What makes you so certain it is YOUR turkey leg?" He waved the particle of food in question at his sibling.

"It is simple! It was on my plate and you had none and now mine is gone and you have one!"

"Ah." He bit into the offensive hunk of meat. "But it is in my hand and in my mouth, so you have no argument!"

The tiny Elleth opened her mouth to protest vehemently and loudly, but was quickly hushed by the tall Elf next to her.

"Anselm. The nice thing about legs is they always come in twos." He laid the mate of Beckett's drumstick on her plate. Anselm scowled at her platter.

"Heridil. That is your turk..."

"I have discovered I would prefer a different cut of the bird. You enjoy your drumstick." Anselm blushed under the gaze of the young Galadhrim.

He was so handsome when he smiled.

***


Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap let's go
Let's look at the snow
We're riding in a wonderland of snow
Giddy-yap giddy-yap giddy-yap it's grand
Just holding your hand
We're gliding along with the song of a wintry fairy land

SR

***

"Morgoth's Chains, if I never hear the words ‘giddy-up' again, ‘twill be too soon!" Celeborn lay in the floor, amidst torn wrapping and toys scattered everywhere. In the midst, lay three Elflings; Anselm sprawled on the leg of Heridil, Faeowynne was sound asleep in the lap of a snoring Rumil, Beckett lay on the floor on his stomach, knees tucked under and bottom in the air. " I swear to you, Haldir, you might be the Guardian and Shield of Tel' Lindar, but you should Maras-ride your own Elflings!"

"Oh shut up!" Haldir laughed. "You love it, you know you love it."

"I am too old for this!"

Bronwyn was curled in Haldir's protective embrace. "You do not know how I wish I had a camera. We could blackmail him forever."

Haldir kissed the top of his wife's head. He wanted her desperately, but her exhaustion was great and she would desperately need her sleep tonight. "Brighten up, my Lord. It could be worse."

"How?" Celeborn rolled over with a groan.

"They could be riding on your feet, asking you to screech like Godzilla!"

***

Our cheeks are nice and rosy and comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be

SR

***

"Pssst! Haldir! Wake up!"

Haldir shut his eyes. "Nay. The sun is not up yet. We have only been at reverie for less than three hours! I refuse..."

"The children will be stirring shortly and I would not have them find us naked!" He felt her pull away from him and soon, a pair of sleeping pants hit him in the face. "Saes, Cormmin!" Haldir grumbled about inconsiderate Elflings who do not respect closed doors and slid into the silky pants while his wife pulled a warm embroidered gown over her head.

She crawled back into bed and things were blissful for a few hours.

Before the sun rose, three Elflings were piled in their bed.

Haldir had removed his hand from Bronwyn's breast just in time.

***

There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy
When they pass around the coffee and the pumpkin pie

***

"I cannot eat another bite!" Haldir was grateful for the loose robes he wore today, as he leaned back.

"But, we have apple pie... ice cream..." Bronwyn waved the still warm pie under his nose.

A single, elegant eyebrow shot up.

"I think I can make a little room..."

***

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if Reindeer really know how to fly

CS

***

"Beckett! Anselm! Faeowynne! Listen! Santa is on the roof!"

Haldir stood in the doorway and motioned out the door with his hand. Sure enough, the sound of sleigh bells could be heard jingling from the regions above them.

All three Elflings made a mad dash for the door.

"Wanna see reindeer!"

"Santa Claus! Where is Santa Claus?"

Beckett looked up at his Ada.

"There are no such things as reindeer. And even if there were, they could not fly!"

"My love?" Haldir nodded to Bronwyn.

"Oh, there are such things as reindeer, my most beloved Ion..."

"I am your only son!"

Despite his rudeness, the room was enveloped in a wintry Scandinavia scene, antlered reindeer pulling people in bright sleighs. The girls ‘oohed' and ‘aahed'. Beckett finally gave in and Haldir took the children to bed.

"Psssst! Tithen Aras!" Celeborn's head peeked over the ledge. He had a string of sleigh bells in one hand. "May I please come in now? It is cold out here in the snow!"

Bronwyn nodded and the Elf Lord deftly swung down from the tiled roof, shaking snow from his robes. "I thought Elves were impervious to cold?"

Celeborn stopped in mid-brush and stared at the woman, aghast.

"They were lying Wargs!" He resumed dusting the cold flakes from his clothing, "So, how do reindeer fly?

"Magic duuuust!"

Oh.

He snatched her in a quick embrace. "Care for a quick warm-me-up?"

"You are such a perverted Old Elf!"

"Oh yes. That is why you love me!"

***

Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing
Ring ting tingle-ing too
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

SR

***

"Mama! Faeowynne has gone too far!"

Bronwyn opened her eyes to see an angry Elfling standing in front of her. She pulled the covers up, so he would not see his father's hand on her breast

"Now what?" she asked sleepily. Haldir had pressed against her backside and she elbowed him roughly to rouse him. He grunted and blearily focused on the irate youngster.

"Faeowynne decided we were waiting too late to suit herself, so she took upon herself to open everyone's gifts and came to tell us what we received!"

Both parents were immediately wide awake.

"She did what?"

They could hear Anselm sobbing down the hall. Soon, the sound of tiny feet could be heard and the blonde Elleth vaulted into the bed.

"She opened my pressies! Mean, mean Faeowynne opened my pressies!"

Beckett smirked, his ‘I told you so' snark on his face.

The guilty one stood in the doorway, her new bow in one hand. "I did not want to wait anymore. You are all sleepy heads!"

Haldir narrowed his eyes as he rose from the bed.

Faeowynne never opened anyone's presents again.

***

There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs we love to sing without a single stop
At the fireplace while we watch the chestnuts pop
Pop! Pop! Pop!

SR

***

"Surely Rumil, you can open your mouth wider than that!"

Rumil glowered at Heridil, taking in a giggling Anselm by his side.

"What are we doing again?"

"Tossing roasted nuts into your mouth! Open up!"

***


And so I'm offering this simple song
From kids for one to ninety two

CS

***

Bronwyn took in the scene before her. She and Haldir sat, her between his legs, in front of the large tree, homemade ornaments dangling from loaded branches. Wrapping paper lay everywhere and the smell of sweetmeats, steamed vegetables, roasted venison and poultry, and pastries lingered in the air.

They were the only ones awake.

Celeborn had finally stopped grousing about playing with the children and was snoring lightly. Gifts lovingly purchased during trips that year and made by hand, had been taken to rooms, staked nearby, or lying nearby.

New bows and blunt tipped arrows for Beckett and Faeowynne; a new bisque doll with a complete wardrobe, loving sewn for Anselm; board games for children and adults alike; playing cards for Heridil and Celeborn, illustrated by Rumil; new parchment, art supplies for the same Elf; rich clothing, ear jewelry for Celeborn and Haldir; brocades and child - made vases and statues for Bronwyn...

"Baraermin?" he whispered in her ear. "Look. There is something else under the tree."

Bronwyn squinted in the direction he pointed. "No, that's just an ornament..."

No it wasn't. It was tiny wrapped box, hanging under the bottom branch. She had to crawl on her hands and knees, but she reached the dangling box and popped it from the branch.

"I wonder who this is for." She turned the box from side to side. "It has no name..."

"Open it." he whispered in her ear...

She made quick work of the tiny box, removing the wrapping and opening...

"Oh, Haldir..."

Inside were two rings... one was a gold band, a single row of diamonds surrounding it. The second was ornate, made of mithril, encrusted with garnets and sapphires. Gently, he removed the opened box from her hand and detached the rings.

"I always felt bad that I was unable to give you a proper Elven betrothal and marriage ring when we married. I was also curious about your wedding customs and have had many long dream talks with Duncan." Bronwyn's throat caught when he mentioned her beloved child's name. He took the ornate ring and placed it on her right index finger. "This is a symbol to the entire Elven World that you are my beloved and are bound to me." She noticed that he wore an identical one on his right index finger. As he slid the ring onto her finger, he repeated the vows he made to her when they married.

"I would give forever..."

She cried just as sweetly as she had the first time he had said them to her.

He then plucked the plainer band from the box. "Look inside, Baraer. The inscription..." He handed the ring to her and she squinted in the fading light at the writing on the inside.

"It will not say ‘One Ring to rule them all', will it?"

Haldir smiled. "N'uma."

Slowly she made out the tiny words, written in the Common Tongue.

My Fiery One. My treasure, my air, my greatest jewel. Forever. Haldir of Lorien.

Bronwyn's hand went to her mouth, tears filling her eyes, as he slipped it on her left ring finger.

"I promise to love you, honor you, and cherish you, as long as I have breath and even after. I will never leave you or forsake you..."

The ring he wore on his left hand was a plain gold band, mate to hers.

As she turned to press herself into his chest, he whispered, "Your other ring. It has the same inscription, only in Sindarian."

"I love you, Heru en Cormmin. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you, Baraermin, M'aelamin."


***
Even though it's been said many times
Many ways
Merry Christmas to you.

***

Merry Christmas and a most joyous holiday to all.

Zee, HalMuse, and SnapeBaby