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Vaniel, My Heart	By : Sienna Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 5721 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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
- 14
- 15
- 16
Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work. Original characters are part of the story and owned by the author.

Vaniel, My Heart
by Sienna Dawn

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Chapter 14 - A Night in Bree
The Prancing Pony was near empty that night, much to Haldir's and Elladan's relief. They had been prepared for the usual racouous level of activity and noise. Yet, it was still considered winter to Men and none save a hardy few took up travel anywhere until the ice had retreated. And so, few came to the Pony to drink or stay the night. Still, there were the regular patrons inside, and these immediately turned to appraise the unfamilar visitors.

As is the instinctive reaction of a warrior, Haldir stepped in front of the company, shielding them with his body should there be an attack. His experienced eyes scanned the room in moments, fixing in his memory where each window and door was, the direction of the stairway to the upper level, as well as the expression of the men and women inside. He saw no threat and relaxed.

Turning briefly, Haldir whispered the all's well to Elladan and stepped aside. The tall grey-eyed elf walked toward the barkeep, who was slowly wiping the bar counter, watching the females with undisguised admiration, a thing not lost on Haldir. He realized that while no life-threat was apparent here, there were other dangers hiding in the shadows of this place. Dangers for the females. Yet, there was no other village within leagues, and two days spent camping in the open was more than he knew the two human travelers could risk without being affected by the chill winds that still blew from the Misty Mountains.

"Good night, proud Sir," came the voice of the barkeep, as he leaned toward Elladan.

"Good eve to you." Was Elladan's reply.

"We have fresh rooms ready for the likes of thee....we don't get many elves, anymore." The barkeep nodded toward the company.

Elladan leaned against the counter. "I have need of three resting rooms, for the night. What is your price?"

The barkeep tucked the rag into his waist and considered before answering. These elves looked important. Like as not, he'd probably have no boarders until well after Spring thaw. "Twenty pieces in total, for three resting rooms."

Elladan nodded, knowing the price was ridiculously high but wishing to avoid drawing any attention. Placing the twenty gold pieces on the bar counter, he added, "This includes a hot meal for seven." His grey eyes gazed calmly at the barkeep.

"Seven?" exclaimed the barkeep, rubbing his chin. "Why proud Sir, I as only count five of you." His rheumy eyes came to rest squarely on Aladwyn.

Elladan, seeing the object of the man's admiration, straightened and blocked his view. The barkeep was forced to look back at Elladan, "There are two sentries outside." Elladan's voice was calm and still.

The barkeep's shoulders slumped and he wiped a sweaty hand on the rag at his waist. Seven of 'em in total, he thought to himself, and elves to boot. The barkeep's gaze fixed on Haldir and with a wince realized the tall elf was silently watching him back with a look that did not seem exactly friendly. The barkeep thought to himself, warriors from the looks of 'em. He realized it was best he'd not argue the point of money any longer.

"Foine, Sir. Sit anywhere as you like and a hot meal will be brought to you." With a final look, the barkeep swept his hand over the counter and turned to fetch their meal.

Haldir had already called in the other two elves outside and the company selected a long table. Silently they were served their meal and silently did they eat. Yet, they were conscious of the stares and whispers about them, the elves hearing every single word spoken by the human patrons as these surged around the bar counter and conducted what they believed were private conversations.

Aladwyn, her eyes fixed on the drinkers, hissed at no one in particular, "What do your elf ears tell you they are saying?"

Vaniel ignored the question as did Haldir and the others. It was Elladan who answered. "We are the topic of their conversation." Pointing to her plate, he added, "Now, finish your meal and we rest for we must be off tomorrow at first light of dawn."

With a frown at her food, Aladwyn returned to her meal, but several seconds later, turned to Haldir, "Have you been here before?" Her eyes fixed on the elf's face.

Meeting Aladwyn's gaze, Haldir answered, "Twice before." Raising his cup to his lips, he drank, aware that the human woman was carefully surveying him. Quietly, he returned the cup to the table, and fixed his attention on the food in his plate.

But Aladwyn's curiosity had been piqued.

Nodding, Aladwyn reached for her wine cup, licking her lips before taking a sip. "Alone?" She raised the cup to her mouth and drank, while her eyes were still fixed on Haldir's face.

Haldir felt his ears burn at the insinuation and shook his head, although his eyes were calm. He returned her stare with an indifferent look. "In times of war one does not frolic for even a night. Beside, I was searching for someone." He allowed his eyes to linger on the woman's face so that she could see the indifference he felt for her wiles.

But Haldir's silent warning did not deter Aladwyn. With a little smug smile at Haldir, she turned her attention to Vaniel instead.

Aladwyn set the cup down and turned to look at Vaniel, who had remained silent throughout the entire exchange, quietly eating her dinner, but shocked at the brazen manner in which Aladwyn spoke to Haldir. Now she felt the human female's eyes burning on her face. Yet, she resisted the temptation to raise her eyes and challenge Aladwyn. Instead, she heard her throaty response.

"Ah yes, your search for the Lady Vaniel."

At this Elladan broke in, "If everyone has finished their repast, we must retire." Standing, he waited for the others to rise.

The barkeep was instantly alert, "The resting rooms are beyond the stairs, three doors to your right. Choose as you will between you, for they are all fresh."

Elladan nodded a thank you and headed for the stairs as the others followed, with Haldir bringing up the rear. Climbing slowly, Elladan's sharp gaze pierced the dimly lit stairway and he half turned to the others while ascending the steps, "Aladwyn and Vaniel, you will take the middle room. Haldir, myself and Eodwyn the first chamber, and the last for Ramion and Nithoniel."

When they reached the top of the stairs, they saw a narrow corridor with four doors on the left and three to their right. Walking in this direction, they separated, the elven sentries heading toward the last door as Ramion opened it and Nithoniel stepped inside to secure the room. Lighting a candle from the ones that lined the corridor, they nodded the all's well signal and proceeded to check out the other two rooms, while Elladan and Eodwyn waited in the corridor close to Vaniel and Aladwyn, as Haldir took watch of the stairs. Once all the rooms had been cleared, Vaniel turned her eyes toward the room she was to share with Aladwyn. She was not looking forward to this at all and judging from the human female's face and grim expression, neither was Aladwyn.

Elladan wished them both a good night and strode toward the chamber he was sharing with Haldir and Eodwyn, while the latter followed him. Only Haldir remained, his warrior's instincts making it difficult for him to leave the others unguarded. As he watched the women enter their room, he caught a brief sight of Vaniel while Aladwyn slowly closed the door, a sensual smile playing about the human female's mouth. Shaking his head, Haldir slowly walked to his chamber.

Aladwyn had closed the door gently after giving Haldir one of her most practiced looks, the kind she knew would melt the heart of any man. But she saw that he only glared at her and she sighed, "Well, he is not a man, after all."
Vaniel turned and frowned, what was the woman saying? The Westron that she knew she had almost forgotten, although she could make out brief sentences and phrases.

Glancing at Aladwyn, Vaniel spoke in her native Sindarin, "Is all well, Lady Aladwyn?"

Aladwyn's eyes focused on the elleth before her, "Aye" she replied in Sindarin, much to Vaniel's relief, "all is well."

Striding into the center of the room, Aladwyn gazed at Vaniel, "Which bed do you want?"

Shrugging, Vaniel chose the one closest to the window.

"Well, then," said Aladwyn, " 'tis time we take our rest, although elves sleep little, do they not?"

Vaniel frowned and nodded, "We rest our minds."

This drew a laugh from Aladyn, "Really?" She began to remove the outer tunic she wore and pulled it over her head. "Is that what you do when that extraordinarily magnificent elf is around? Rest your mind? What a waste." Aladyn dropped the tunic on the edge of the bed and then sat so she could remove her boots.

Vaniel had moved to her bed and was also removing her outer tunic, when Aladwyn's words caused her to pause. Not fully understanding the woman's meaning, her golden eyes darkened and she turned to gaze at Aladwyn. "I am afraid I do not understand your words."

Aladwyn had removed her boots by then and was kneeling on the bed, reaching for the heavy blanket. Wriggling inside the wide bed, she loosened her hair and let it fall about her shoulders. "Have you ever....?" Aladwyn began but stopped herself short when she saw the expression on Vaniel's face.

At the sight of the woman's hair, Vaniel had turned her face away, feeling that this intimacy might be a sign of familiarity with human females, but she found it disturbing. Yet, she had heard the woman's question and shook her head, "Have I ever what?" Vaniel asked, half-afraid of what the question might be.

Aladwyn lips widened into a grin, "Nothing...I don't think you'd even know what to do with it anyway."

She wiggled deeper into the blanket, drawing it to her chin and watching Vaniel silently.
Aware that the woman was watching her intently, Vaniel sat on the bed and began to remove her own boots. When she answered, she managed to make her voice appear normal although she had realized too late what Aladwyn's insinuated reference meant, "I manage," was all she said. She lowered her lashes, and gave Aladwyn a sidelong glance. She saw the woman's face take the information with disbelief which quickly turned to disappointment and a little envy. Satisfied, Vaniel pulled the coverlet off the bed and snugled beneath it. This drew a comment from Aladwyn.

"What? Do you not use the blanket?" She saw Vaniel shake her head. "Then, gives it here, as I am chilled."

Silently, Vaniel gathered the blanket off her bed and brought it to Aladwyn. Close up she could see the female's features more clearly and saw that they were nearly flawless. Walking back to her bed, she saw Aladwyn lean over and blow out the candle that was the single source of light in the room.

But from the darkness Aladwyn still had the last word, "Rest well, Vaniel o Imladris, mayhap dreams come true for all of us tonight."

Vaniel frowned and watched the woman as she wriggled about in bed and then turned on her side. Her own thoughts were jumbled as she tried to make meaning of the conversation that had just taken place. She knew that Aladwyn was trying to get at something, but what?

Turning her eyes toward the window, she bade her mother a silent goodnight and leaned against the soft pillows, her eyes open but soon unfocused.

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- 14
- 15
- 16
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Vaniel, My Heart