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Arlothiyenne: A Tale of Destiny	By : phatangelbaby Category: +Third Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 2421 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings or its characters, Tolkien is their Owner. Only Borrowed for a bit..No monies are made from this work of fiction. Arlothiyenne is MINE

Chapter List
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Chapter Twelve: Visions and Training Day!

Awake to new day....

A knock came the following morning.

Arlothiyenne was still in her reverie, but was slowly opening up her eyes for the day. She groaned hearing the knock upon the door. She felt the presence of the her two handmaidens out side and called out to them, “Come in ladies!”

She heard the door open and two set of feet padded into the room. Arlothiyenne sat up, rubbing the tiredness from her eyes. She felt stiffened, and achy, but why she did not know. She had been restless in her dreams, and realized that fact had to be the reason. Leaning against the head-board of her bed, she gazed out the window, and saw the sun had yet to rise. What she would not give, to just lay here and sleep.

She rubbed a tired hand over her face again, once she put her hands down, she noticed the two elleths in the room with her. Both were in a flurry of motion, going about gathering up clothes, towels, and sitting food on the table to help her ready for the day. 'How could they be so energetic this morning?' Was her thought's only questions.

Lucinda, being nearest her, her hands full of towels, looked up and smiled, but her face fell when she saw the tiredness behind Arlothiyenne's eyes. “My Lady? You alright?' she asked concerned. She laid down the bundle of towels and reached out to touch Arlothiyenne's forehead. “Did you not sleep well?” she asked.

“I did, but it was restless. I feel tired and anxious. I start my physical training with Haldir this morning.” she said pulling her knees up to her chest, she stifled a sudden yawn.

Lucinda pulled her hand back, looked down at her and frowned. “Would you like us to inform the healers? Perhaps they will have something for you.”

“No, I shall be fine. A bath and food should help, perhaps a strong tea.” Arlothiyenne said throwing back her covers and swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

“I shall get the tea.” Lucinda said taking her leave, and walking from the room.

Arinel grabbed the towels and entered the bathing chamber, but for only a moment. Walking back into the bedchamber she smiled and spoke. “We have brought these clothes for you, Lady Arlothiyenne.” She had turned and grabbed a parcel from the dresser. “The Lady had them tailored for you last week. They are your measurements and should fit you well. There are leggings, tunics, under tunics and soft boots.” She unwrapped the contents of the parcel and laid them out upon the bed. Four Tunics, four leggings, two pairs of boots, and several under tunics. Arlothiyenne looked at the clothing. The Tunics were all made of soft materials, light for movements and soft pastel colors. She ran an appraising hand over them.

“These will do fine. Thank you, Arinel.” she commented, just as the door to the bedchamber opened, and in scurried Lucinda carrying the cup of warm tea. She handed it to Arlothiyenne, and stood waiting for her to comment. Arlothiyenne took a drink and closed her eyes to revel in the feel of the warm liquid draining down her throat. “Oh, this is good. I detect a hint of mint, thank you Lucinda.”

Lucinda smiled and turned to enter the bathing room to ready Arlothiyenne's bath. Arlothiyenne stood up, walked over to the table and looked down at her breakfast. All her favorite things. Light as she liked her breakfast. Fruits, cheeses, and toasts, topped off with passion fruit juice. Arlothiyenne ate the food, and by the time she was done, she was feeling a little more awake than she had been.

She went into the bathing room, and pinned up her hair, humming a happy tune. She was not as anxious as she had been about her upcoming training as she had been. She removed her night-clothes, and dipped one toe into the water, then the other.

She sat there immersed in the perfectly warmed water, the smell of lavender salts permeated through the air of the room. She leaned back against the tub and closed her eyes. Her feelings toward Haldir was an enigma to her. She had always carried a flame for him, she realized, even as a small child, but now she was older, it had deepened considerably so. He was so handsome, kind, and extremely protective of her. It made her feel alive to be around him.

Her mind drifted the dinner the night before. Her heart sang at being with Haldir and his brothers. How she loved them all. Haldir accepted her abilities quite well and seemed to enjoy them as much as she did.

Her dreams came back to her, the vision of what had played out, began to cloud her thoughts. What did they mean? Were they just dreams, or were they things that would happen? She felt the feeling of dread come upon her.

In her reverie, she saw a blinding light, that seem to fill her mind, she opened her eyes to find that it was there as well. The light softened, and in the light, came a voice. Then a figure stepped forward. The feeling of warmth, love and comfort came forth from the light and surrounded Arlothiyenne. The figure was that of a female.

Her hair shined as silver, her eyes the color of indigo, her full mouth came to a soft heart shape. She was tall, and beautiful, dressed in a pure white gown, adorned with diamonds. Her ears delicately pointed. Arlohtiyenne was afraid to move, her eyes never leaving the beautiful Elven female.

“Hello Arlothiyenne,” she spoke softly, reaching out to touch Arlothiyenne's cheek, her smile warm, and lovely, “I am Varda, Queen of the Valar, fear me not child, for since your birth, I have been with you. You have brought us all great joy. I sense your turmoil, I understand it well. I have a task for you, pennath. Tonight, all your fears, and curiosity, will be laid to rest. Tonight, at sundown, you must meet your mother in the glade of her mirror. Only when you look upon the waters will you have the answers you need.” The vala stopped smiled again, and ran a hand over Arlothiyenne's cheek. “You have learned much in the short time back with your people, more is needed for your time of Destiny fast approaches. Learn well, learn fast. The time to come will be rough, and vigorous for you. The shadows are growing quickly. But fear not, for we the Valar is with you.”

Arlothiyenne took in the Lady's words, but she needed to know one thing more. She sat forward, and looked into the Lady's indigo eyes. “I understand what you say, my lady. But there is something else, that is curious to me. What is this, I feel for Haldir? Why after all this time, does it feel so strong?”

Varda smiled again, and placed a finger to Arlothiyenne's lips. “ Shush, my child. That along with all other questions should you have will be answered. Haldir is a noble, fine elf and warrior. He has found favor with us. Now, peace be still, your strength be restored, it is time for you to continue your lessons. Look for me again, I shall see you soon.”

Arlothiyenne found herself being shook awake, she started and looked around, and found Arinel shaking her shoulder, and Lucinda looking down worried. “My Lady! Thank the Valar, you are alright. We have been trying to wake you for nearly an half an hour. We must dress you, Haldir has just arrived to escort you to the field.”

Arlothiyenne looked around, she shook her head to clear it, feeling her strength restored. Lucinda held out the towel for her and Arlothiyenne took it and wrapped it around her. Within moments she was dressed, her hair plaited and braided down her back. Arinel laced up her boots. She walked out the door and into the living area, butterflies began their fluttering.

Haldir.....

Haldir stood there, his hands clasped behind his back, looking upon her bookshelves quite interested. For an elleth, he had not expected to find such books in her talan. Rows upon rows of books, ranging in subjects of war. Techniques manuals, Weapons dictionaries, Arts of War, the complete volume set on Arts of Engagements: The Do's and Do Not's. All of them he knew by heart. They were the books he used to instruct his pupils and wardens. The Basis of his tactics. Celeborn knew them all as well, and had probably sent them to her. His eyes drifted away from the book shelves to the bedchamber door, when he heard Arlothiyenne emerge.

His heart skipped a few beats, as he watched her stride gracefully into the room. Her hair done up in a single braid, that started near the front hairline, and weaved its way down her back. She wore new clothes, commissioned by the lady no doubt, for the stitching was the style of the lady's own person seamstress. She looked just like one of his wardens, but more dainty, more refined. The style of the tunics and leggings were uniform issue, but with only a couple major differences. The materials, and the pastel colorings. It was the Lady's way, he figured to set her apart from his other pupils. But he did not care, she looked beautiful in them.

He smiled warmly. “Arlothiyenne, finally glad you emerged. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to be training today.” he said lightly.

“I fell back to sleep in the tub this morning. Sorry to have kept you waiting. I am ready now.” she said clasping her hands in front of her.

He turned and looked back to the shelf then to her. His lips lifted on one side to give a bit of a smirky smile. “I Love you collection of books. I think every volume of fighting is here. I did not expect it.” he said laughter behind his voice.

She laughed lightly. “Well a girl has to be prepared. Ada knew what books use during your training and had them all brought here weeks ago. I read them all at least twice. Does that please you?” she asked her eyes not fully meeting his.

“Aye it does. That is admirable in a pupil. Are you ready now?” he said walking over to her.

“Yes. As I ever will be.” She said nervously, why she felt thus, she had no idea, this was Haldir, one whom she trusted above all. “It has been many centuries since I practiced, I am a little nervous.” she admitted.

Haldir leaned over and picked up a large parcel. Turning back he smiled. “Nonsense. Once an elf picks up a weapon once in their lives, they never truly forget it. You were able to wield on against the orc. You can do it again.” he said confidently. He held out the parcel for her to take.

It was big, and looked heavy, but found it surprisingly light when she took it. She looked at him oddly. “What is this, Haldir?” she asked looking at him curiously.

Haldir did not speak, and only nodded for her to continue. She turned around and laid the parcel on the dining table behind her. Haldir moved to stand next to her. Gingerly, Arlothiyenne began to unwrap the parcel and gasped when she saw the contents.

Before her laid a sword, bow, and a quiver of arrows. They were aged but shined like new, the years of wear and tear evident. Arlothiyenne looked at Haldir, her eyes full of question, and wonder. Haldir smiled down at her, then looked to the three items lying there. “These were mine and my brother's old weapons. The sword was mine, commissioned by my real father when I first began training as a warden. The bow was Orophin, one he had made himself, and was the template for all the designs of bows here in Lorien. The quiver was made by Rumil, after he had lost his first one.” he stopped and watched as Arlothiyenne ran a loving hand over them. “We all wanted to give you new ones, but decided that these would hold more merit with you, considering they have ties with us. We had them cleaned and restored for your use in training.”

She looked up, her eyes filled with tears threatening to fall, she wiped away stray, and smiled. “I love them. I will cherish them always.” she said hugging him.

“I am glad. They will serve you well, we know it.” he said hugging her tightly.

She pulled away, and picked up the quiver and began fumbling with putting it on, but Haldir reached out and began to show her how to adjust it.

After placing on the sword's belt, and the bow to her back, she looked at him. Smiling she spoke, “So do I look like a warden of Lorien?”

Haldir chuckled. “Hardly. You may have a uniform in the style of one, but certainly not like a warden.” he smiled again, warming her heart, and kissed her forehead. “You are more beautiful.” he looked out the window and saw the early morning sunrise, and turned to her. “We must get started, daylight is wasting. Shall we?” he asked holding out his arm for her to take.

She took it and they began their short trek to the training field, not fully aware of what they would find.

The Training Field.....

Arlothiyenne's mouth fell open at the sight. The whole training area was covered with spectators. All of Lorien she suspected. Her nana and ada stood just at the end of the path and looked at her with Haldir. Haldir did not seem affected by the audience, but Arlothiyenne felt a little out of sorts with all those eyes upon her. She felt a slight panic.

Her eyes shot daggers in her mother's direction, her heart questioning why. But her mother only smiled warmly. “Fear not my daughter. I know you wanted this to remain closed, but word reached all that you were to train with the March warden.” her mother's voice rang out in her mind.

“But you agreed that my trainings would remain secret. I am not ready for this.” Arlothiyenne protested.

“Aye, it was, but word has reached all that Lorien has a princess, and tomorrow night it will be official. We thought they should see you as not just a princess, but also a warrior. There is not harm, in exhibitions. Worry Not, daughter, no one will judge you, only support you.” Her mother's eye slowly went to Elrond, and Gandalf who had approached, they bowed to the Lady, and continued with Erlond's children behind them.

Arlothiyenne, feeling a little out of elements, accepted the news, and continued to follow Haldir to the sidelines.

Archery.....

Orophin was in charge of the archery section of the training. Haldir was the best, but Orophin was second in the field.

Haldir had chosen him for his keen intellect and timing. Thinking that it would best benefit Arlothiyenne in the learning. Haldir felt, that even though she was greatly out of practice, Arlothiyenne would remember the skills she had learned from him as a child. So her training was more of a memory inducer.

Haldir stood behind Orophin and Arlothiyenne, watching for any errors and to give more instruction.

Orophin started by placing arm-guards on Arltohiyenne's left wrist, a detail he remembered for two centuries ago. Arlothiyenne was right-handed. Orophin stepped behind her and adjusted her footing and placing her arms in to the proper position. He took encased her in his arms, and showed her the proper way to load the bow. Which Arlo, remembered from when she was younger.

“Now, take the bow like this,” he said shifting the bow flat ways, “Hold it flat as you are loading. It is for better control.” Arlothiyenne complied with the movements. Orophin saw she had the concept and smiled. “Good. Now hold the bow with your left hand, and take an arrow out of the quiver with your right.” He said then showing her again, where to notch it. “Now, take the notch and fit it to the string, and align it with your left finger on the handle.” Arlothiyenne did as he instructed. “Good. It is coming back to you?”

“Yes, I have this part. Now refresh my mind, what next?” she asked. She felt the eyes of all on the sidelines resting on her, her nerves began to fray a little. “I do not think I can do this with everyone watching.” she commented.

“Ignore them, sister. Now focus.” he whispered the command softly. Arlothiyenne smiled as his breath tickled her ear. She giggled.

“Alright, I will.” she whispered.

Orophin let go the playful banter, and continued in his teaching. “Now, once the arrow is resting on the string and under the comfort of your forefinger, it is time to grip it, like this.” he said taking her first and middle finger of her right hand placing them on either side of the arrow's notch. “Once it is secure at the notch, turn the bow straight up and down, still securing the end with your finger to the bow, begin pulling the string back. Like this.” he said.

He stood to her right side, and help to guide and position her arms up. “Make sure to keep the string close to your face, without touching your cheek. Remember if you do, and it grazes you, it will cause a nasty bruise.” he warned. He tipped her right elbow out, and then moved to her other side to straightened her left arm out. Once her arms were in the proper state, he smiled at her, seeing her steady calm. “Good. Now, I want you to pull back the string as hard and as steady as you can.” he said going back to her right side making sure she had the arrow position just right on her cheek. She did, and he moved back to her left side, leaning to speak to her.

“That's good, now place your sights on the arrow, see how straight it is? Let you eyes follow the arrow. Close your left eye, and gain focus on the target. Do you see it?” he asked following her gaze. Her focus was steady. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Haldir move to her right side, but just over her shoulder and far enough where she could not get distracted. Haldir's eyes were studying her position, and inspecting.

“I see it, Phin. How do I know when it is time to let go?” She asked him, her strength in her arm began to force her to shake a little, but her focus was clearly on the target. Haldir moved forward and placed a hand to her shaking arm.

“Arlohtiyenne, relax, or you will not shoot it straight. You shake because you are nervous.” Haldir said calmly, but stepped away from her.

She bit her lip, willing herself to relax, and to keep her focus. Soon she found the strength to stop the shaking and waited for Orophin to continue.

Orophin's eye rested on the target, and then he answered her. “You will feel when it is time. Remember, you must bring your arms, the arrow, and bow up in unison. But only slightly. When you look upon the target, focus on the middle. Remember, the arrow must travel up, before it falls. So when your position your arrow, it must be slightly above the target in your line of sight. Do you understand?” he asked.

“Yes, position the arrow slightly above the target in line of sight, then let it fall. Yes, I see it.” she said as she began to bring the bow up. How it happened she was not sure, but felt it was time to let go. She pulled the string back a little more, then let it go. She watched the arrow travel up slightly, and began to fall back down. She held her breath in anticipation on what would happen. The field was silent, until the arrow struck the target and hit dead center. Her eyes bulged wide seeing the impact, she let out the held breath, and felt joy creep up. She had done it! She smiled and looked at Orophin who had a stunned look on his face.

The crowd on the sidelines erupted in to a loud applause, many whistled at her success. She felt so happy, she grabbed a hold of a stunned Orophin and hugged him. “I did it! I did it!” she said happily.

Haldir came to their side and clapped. “Very good, Arlo. I believe you have stunned my brother senseless. You see it took him many, many tried before he hit his first dead ringer. A job well done.” he embraced her lightly. “But I wonder something. Can you do it again?”

Arlothiyenne, feeling quite proud of herself, looked at him sideways, smiled and shook her head. “I do believe I can. It is all coming back to me. What do you say, Orophin? Shall I try again?” she asked.

He looked at her smiling. “Yes, let's us do it again. But this time, I will observe you.”

Arlothiyenne returned to her position, holding her bow, she reloaded. She looked to find Orophin watching her diligently, in all her movements. She held the bow high, taking the aim again, and looked to Haldir and Orophin who both smiled, and nodded. Her eyes found the target, and focused on it. Raising her bow slightly, she waited for the right time, and let it fly. Again with accuracy, the arrow traveled up, then back down striking the target dead center again. She lowered her bow, and heard the crowd erupt into an applause again.

She turned to the crowd, found her parents, Elrond, and Gandalf smiling at her pleased by her repeat success. She beamed from ear to ear, feeling proud of herself. She turned again, and repeated her position many more times, each arrow hitting the target near center.

Elladan, Elrohir, and Rumil approached after the fourth or fifth time she struck the target, boasting on the fact that she, from their point of view, was much better than the prince of Mirkwood, Legolas. She shook her head, and spoke to the three. “No, I am not better than he. I am a novice. Stop saying such a thing.” she told them.

The three did not listen, and helped with gathering her arrows. Orophin said that for a first time teaching he thought he done well and hugged Arlo and told her what a good pupil she was. Haldir placed a hand to her shoulder. “I believe this portion is over.” he looked to Rumil. “Baby brother, I believe it is you turn with hand to hand combat.”

Rumil smiled. “Indeed. But be warned, sworn sister, you will not defeat me, for this is my specialty.”

“You may be right on that.” she told him as she handed her bow and quiver to Orophin as he walked from the field.

N/A: Sorry so long people...lot going on here. Had to split the Original Chapter ten into two chapters. I found so far that in the re-vamping I have added three new chapters...UGh..

Next up....More Training, and Wagering prices..

PLEASE review..it is food for my soul.
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Arlothiyenne: A Tale of Destiny