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Continuation: Fifteen Years in Lothlorien	By : Ertia Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 5034 -:- Recommendations : 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.

Chapter List
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NOTE: This is the continuation of my "Fifteen Years in Lothlorien". I'd love to post a link to it in the read only archive, but I can't even get INTO the freakin' read-only archive. Every time I try, it timeouts. It's taken over half an hour just to get LOGGED IN to post this. I'm hoping that they're working on the usability of this site, because right now, it's USELESS!

Okay, on a more positive note= if Adultfanfiction.net continues to be unusable, I will start posting Fifteen Years, as well my Firefly "Collection" at my Ripway site. I just don't want to give up on Adult Fanfiction without a fair chance, because this site and it's principles are something that I really believe in.
Disclaimer: Not my garden, I just play in it. Ah, but isn't it full of such lovely
flowers to play with?
Oops! MORE HET, well, after a fashion. Not so sexy chapter, this...

Now, before we continue- a VOTE! Is Haldir really bad? Or just misunderstood?

giggles maniacally
When last we saw our intrepid hero, he was visiting Illiene in the healing ward. Blaming Haldir for her injuries, he pushed the Marchwarden and yelled at him. Sometimes, our intrepid hero is not the brightest courtesan in the Wood. We join him now as he returns to the Main Hall while reflecting on his careless actions! Will Celeborn forgive him? Is Haldir really a nasty vicious Elf? Will I run out of chocolate before I get the next chapter finished? Read on for these answers, and more ...
CUE CHEESY SOAP OPERA MUSIC
Fifteen Years

Chapter 23: Storms in the Mallorns

Legolas made his way back into the dining hall. He reminded himself as he went that he was a prince of the Greenwood, and that meant facing his duties, however unpleasant. As he walked, he rehearsed his words to Lord Celeborn. "My lord, my sincerest apologies. I pushed your March Warden and spoke disrespectfully to him." "My lord, I wanted to plant my fist in your arrogant March-Warden's high and mighty nose, but I settled for pushing him instead." "My lord, I yelled at your March Warden. May I challenge him to a duel and cut his thick head from his neck?"
By the time he reached the dining hall door, he was much calmer. At first glance, it seemed little had changed since his departure. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn still sat at their places, and Galadriel was chatting with Lanthiri, seemingly unconcerned, while beside her, Celeborn was listening politely.
As Legolas came to his side, he realized that Haldir was at his usual seat. Although a full plate sat before him, he was not eating, but was sipping his wine as his clear eyes traveled the room. Occasionally he would nod and raise his cup in greeting to another Elf. He did not look towards the head table, and Legolas was uncertain if that was a fair omen. It could mean that Haldir was also in some disgrace for his part in Illiene's injuries.
Legolas refilled the Lord and Lady's goblets, his heart in his throat. That he was in fierce trouble, he had no doubt. Now that the heat of his anger had faded, fear was slowly building in it's place. But why should he not be angry? To harm a Courtesan was against the code of conduct! Haldir had broken a code far deeper than that of a Courtesan defending one of his own!
Celeborn set aside his goblet, and gestured to Haldir. "Sarnlass, you will accompany to my chamber. Galadriel, melleth?"
The Lady nodded but did not halt her conversation. It was obvious that whatever Celeborn wanted had been decided ahead of time. Legolas swallowed down his fear. Celeborn was a hard, but fair, master. Surely he could not be blamed for defending Illiene? He knew, however, that he had been cautioned to use wisdom when dealing with the March Warden. Hanging his head, he stood and followed Celeborn from the dining hall. From the periphery of his vision he saw Haldir rise and follow them out.
Haldir caught up with long strides, taking his place on Celeborn's left and there was silence as they made their way to Celeborn's chambers. Ever silent, his gaze hooded, Celeborn opened the door and gestured them into his chambers. Moving to the table, he seated himself, gesturing for Haldir to do the same. Raising his hand to Legolas, he dropped it sharply in a signal that was not to be misunderstood.
Legolas dropped to his knees, head bowed, hands behind his back. Shame flushed through him as he heard Haldir uncork the wine bottle and fill their goblets. Were he not shamed, he would have been doing the pouring, standing proudly behind Celeborn's chair. He felt his cheeks burn as the humiliation of his misjudgement burned through him.
"Haldir?" Celeborn's voice was quiet power, and had Legolas been looking up, he would have seen Haldir's cool expression waver beneath it's strength. "This evening you bring complaint against my Courtesan to my ears. Sarnlass has been warned of courtesy towards you. I ask you now, what boon would you recieve for his actions against you?"
There was a long silence, made longer by Legolas' realization that he did not dare breathe. As his heart pounded, his lungs began to burn with the air held within behind his clenched teeth. At last, Haldir spoke. His tone was surprisingly reasonable and Legolas longed to look up to see his expression, to read his thoughts that he did not put into to words. He did not dare, and had to make due with the words that came to him.
"Your Courtesan, My Lord, seems to me to be arrogant, and above his station." Haldir took a sip of his wine. "That I would forgive. Yet, this night, he laid hands upon me and pushed me from my place at Illiene's bedside."
There was a long pause and Legolas could guess that Celeborn had raised his eyebrows, wondering exactly what had put Illiene into bed in the first place.
"I assure you, my lord, that I am blameless in the matter of her injury. But you must ask her yourself for the details. I will not add impetus to the winds of gossip that blow about this city." There was another moment of silence, and Legolas could imagine Celeborn nodding.
Surely he did not believe that lie? That Illiene's injuries were some accident? How could she possibly have come to such harm without someone intending her injury? Legolas seethed, but forced himself to focus on Haldir's voice.
"As I was saying, I would see him punished for his insolence." Haldir paused, there was the sound of his goblet returning to the table, "However, My Lord, I confess I want nothing more to do with him. Keep him away from me, and I shall be pleased to let this entire incident pass without comment. Illiene does not deserve scandal attached to her name, and I shall not be the cause of such."
Celeborn shifted, sipped his own wine. "Very well. Rest assured that I will see him punished. I doubt he will repeat his mistake."
Haldir nodded and Celeborn continued. "Tell me, Haldir, how do you fare with your own Courtesan, Feanal, is it? He's a comely lad."
"Comely, perhaps. And as untrustworthy as the rest of them." Haldir said bitterly. "Still, he's obedient enough, I suppose. When he's not breaking things unwarranted."
There was some slight amusement in Haldir's voice and Legolas cringed a bit, although he had begun to breathe again. His punishment would not be left to Haldir's choosing, and he was certain that he could face whatever Lord Celeborn devised. His knees were beginning to ache from the hard wooden floor, but he held his place, listening to the conversation as it turned from Courtesans to the current political situation.
"When the men arrive, we shall meet with them at the Western Outpost." Celeborn said calmly. "They will not know how much damage has been done, and we shall not give it away. Is there word from R�mil and Orophin?"
"Nay, My Lord. You will hear as soon as I have recieved word." Haldir sat quietly for a moment. "Truthfully, I begin to worry. I would think they would have sent message by now."
"They will send word." Celeborn replied calmly. "Ever Orophin is cautious. He will not send word until the men have agreed to come to trade."
Haldir's cloak rustled as he stood. "Of course. I trust them to do what is best."
Celeborn rose as well and walked Haldir to the door. "As I trust you, March Warden. We still have decisions to make before they arrive, perhaps the delay is Valar sent."
They said their farewells and the door closed. Legolas heard the latch click into place and took a deep breath to steady himself.
"Rise, Sarnlass, and face me." Celeborn's voice was cool.
On his feet, Legolas faced the Elf Lord, his eyes downcast, hands still clenched behind his back. He could still feel his face blazing with his shame and he did not dare to raise his gaze to the Lord's face.
"Tell me, Sarnlass, why the one thing I have cautioned you against, you did not heed?"
Legolas shook his head. "I was angry, my lord, and worried for Illiene. It is no excuse, I know, and I am..." he nearly choked on the words, "at your mercy."
Celeborn nodded slowly, his form utterly still. Legolas only blinked once before the flat of Celeborn's hand landed against his cheek, snapping his head backwards. He dropped his left leg behind him, catching his weight and remaining upright. The single slap was more denigrating than a full beating would have been. He felt the imprint of Celeborn's hand on his face; a stinging bitterness that insulted his heart and mind, exacerbating his shame.
Celeborns left palm connected with his other cheek and he rocked back with the blow. No more than he deserved, he thought, bitterly. He hung his head and waited.
"This will not continue." Celeborn's voice echoed in his ears. "When you see Haldir, you will turn and walk the other way. If he is in the dining hall, or in these rooms, you will remain utterly silent and still except at my command. Am I understood?"
"Yes, hir nin." Legolas replied, feeling tears burn in the corner of his eyes. Celeborn's anger wounded him, but his disappointment was a more severe blow.
"If I hear of any disrespect towards him, in any manner, be it word, deed, or so much as a single look, you will be transfered immediately to the South Borders. I'm sure Santgalas will be most willing to take you to hand."
Legolas did not reply. He felt cold, and disheartened. He'd just been so angry, and after all, was it not the place of the Warden to keep Illiene safe in his care? How had she been so injured? Certainly he never should have pushed Haldir, but surely Celeborn could understand why he had done so?
"You will return to your room and remain there until I come for you." Celeborn snapped out, and Legolas found himself bowing in respect and turning for the door quickly before the tears that threatened could fall. As his hand fell across the latch, Celeborn spoke again.
"Sarnlass, your desire to protect Illiene is admirable, but I am her lord and master, as I am yours. It is my place, and Galadriel's. No others." Celeborn's voice softened slightly. "Go to your room."
Legolas obeyed, going immediately and shutting the door. He was weary, as tired and worn as he had felt that morning. Slowly, he brushed out his hair. Longingly, he twisted it into a single braid and stood looking in the mirror. In the lamplight, the face reflected back to him was his own, although his eyes burned brightly with frustration and sorrow. He had become unused to braiding his hair, and he knew that if Celeborn were to enter the room now he would be punished for that as well. He could not bring himself to care.
There was an ache in his chest, and he laid down on his bed, curled his arms around himself and looked out the small window at the stars above the trees, letting them sooth him to sleep.
The sound of his door slipping open awakened him and he rolled over, surprised to find that it was early dawn.
"Shhh. Did I wake you?" Illiene closed the door and tiptoed to his bedside.
"Illiene? Should you be up?" Legolas pushed himself upright and took two steps to meet her. Her head was bandaged where it had been cut, and there was a nasty black bruise across her cheek. Her arm was bound and tucked into a sling around her neck.
"I couldn't sleep there any longer, so Beregar told me I could return to my own bed." She looked critically at him. "Well, you are still alive, at least! I was worried sick about you. I thought certain Haldir would have you flogged, or worse. I didn't...oh! Oh! I don't know what I thought might happen."
Legolas sighed and sat back down on the bed. "If I treat him disrespectfully again, I'm to be sent to the Borders."
Now he looked critically at Illiene. "Illiene, will you tell me what happened? Haldir would not speak of it, but claims innocence."
The dark haired elleth laughed lightly, sitting beside Legolas on the bed. "Haldir was a champion, Sarnlass! He had every right to be furious, but you should have seen his face when he...Oh but let me tell the whole story!"
Legolas nodded and Illiene settled herself more comfortably against his pillows, cradling her wounded arm to her chest. "Haldir sent for me, as you know, and by the time you finished with me, thank you very much, I was fair to boiling over! When I arrived at his talan, he was there, as was Feanal. And that's when, Oh..poor Feanal! You must promise not to breathe a word of this...but of course you wouldn't... as I was saying, it wasn't for himself that Haldir wanted me but for Feanal! That poor lad hasn't had a decent bit of anything since coming to 'Lorien! I've never seen Haldir's place looking so clean and tidy! That was remarkable, but that's beside the story."
Illiene had to stop for breath and Legolas stood and poured her a cup of water from the pitcher on the table. She sipped it carefully before continuing, trying to control the laughter that was bubbling in her voice.
"You see, Haldir seems cold, but he's not cruel, not really. And he knows Feanal has needs, and desires, just like all of us who chose this path! So I get there and he tells Feanal that he's called me for him and that he'll leave us alone for an hour or so. Well, I was surprised, of course, but Feanal, he's handsome, mind you; just gives me the most stunned look! So I turned it on for him, and turned it on strong. I think I was practically glowing.
"Suddenly, Valar only know, we were half naked, kissing right in the middle of the room. Then Feanal grabs me in those strong arms of his and turns me over the table. I was insane for him by then and he just flips my gown up and takes me from behind. Fast and hard and ...oh... you probably don't want details... but the next thing I know, there's the sound of splintering wood! Then I'm laying in the middle of what's left of the table, with poor Feanal right on top of me, and my arm is hurt terribly and there's splinters everywhere!"
Now Illiene started to laugh harder. Legolas shushed her softly and begged her to continue.
"Well, I don't think Haldir had gotten all that far away. He must have heard the table break, and my scream and Feanal's shout when it did. If I hadn't been in so much pain and poor Feanal hadn't been in shock, I can't tell you! And the look on Haldir's face when he saw what we'd done! Sprawled half-naked on the floor and his table turned to kindling. Oh, I wouldn't trade all the mallorns in the woods for it!
But he picked me up, quick as anything and twice as gentle, and carried me off to the healers, comforting me the whole time and telling me I would be all right, that he would take care of me. Just as though I were an elfling with a scraped knee! After all that, I think Feanal is all right. A few splinters, probably." Illiene was still laughing and Legolas looked at her in disbelief.
"So, that is what he meant by his comment about Feanal breaking things." Legolas said slowly.
"I suppose so." Illiene sniffed and sat up straight, her expression sobering. "I would have told you at the healers, but they were setting my wrist and it hurt so badly, I couldn't think straight. You attacked Haldir before I could speak."
Legolas waved her words away, seared with guilt for blaming Haldir now that he knew the truth. He spoke sadly, "The fault is my own. I lost my temper like a spoilt elfling. I was just so eager to be angry with the March Warden. It was my own foolishness, Illiene."

She smiled at him. "Will you come down for breakfast?"
Legolas shook his head and poured himself a cup of water. "I cannot. I am confined to my room."
"Like a naughty elfling deserves." She said with a smile, standing up and making for the door. "I'll sneak you something to eat later, I promise."
"There's no time, Illiene." Celeborn's voice spoke urgently from the doorway as the door was pressed open. The Elf Lord wore a leather battle jerkin over his tunic and trousers and he was buckling his swordbelt into place. "Sarnlass, dress, gather your weapons, and meet me in the forecourt. War is marching on Lorien."

ta da!
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Sorry! I can't see all your lovely reviews to respond to them! But thank you so much for reading and for sticking with AFF through these past few months!
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Continuation: Fifteen Years in Lothlorien