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Hunters' Moon by Mirasaui Hunter's Moon - the next full moon after the Harvest moon. Once the leaves of autumn have fallen and the crops harvested, hunters can easily see their prey by the moon's bright light. Chapter One: "Sing us a song, Lindir," Orophin and Rúmil asked of the Imladris minstrel. He was visiting Lothlórien and they had taken a liking to him. "Sing us a song of the Mallorn leaves." The minstrel to whom they spoke was sitting on a low stone wall that bordered the courtyard fountain, enjoying the mild breeze that whispered through the leaves of the great mellryn. Lindir cleared his throat and plucked a few notes on his harp before his lyrical voice began to sing one of his favourites.
Soon
as the leaves heard the wind's loud call, Dancing
and whirling, the little leaves went;
The brothers waved Lindir good-bye, watching as he walked off with the dark-haired elf. Orophin sighed. "I wish Haldir liked Lindir as we do, he is really very nice and sweet." Rúmil sighed too. "Whatever could have happened between the two? Lindir will not say and you know Haldir, pulling information from him is almost impossible. The other guardians are just as close-mouthed. Do you think they had a fight of some kind on the journey here? Haldir will not even tolerate my mentioning Lindir's name!" Unbeknownst to the two brothers, Lindir was expressing the same sentiments to his friend, Geliron (2). "One minute Haldir was friendly, and the next, he would hardly speak to me. I cannot understand what I did to deserve such treatment?" Lindir sighed. "I knew it was folly to come here. He will never look at me in that way." "We have another week, Lindir, do not give up hope. If I had it in me, I would knock sense into the marchwarden. He does not know you, Lindir otherwise he would fall for you as you have for him." "Oh, Geliron, you are such a tease. Just because your Haltholon (3) loves you so much, you think it easy to woo another. How can I have a chance with Haldir when he goes out of his way to avoid me?" The elf in question was heading to the talan that he shared with his younger brothers. He had not long ago returned from Imladris, where he had for the first time, fallen for an elf and fallen hard. "Why did Lord Celeborn send me to Imladris?" Haldir muttered to himself. "If he had not, this never would have happened. I can no longer control myself around Lindir." He put his head in his hands. The whole journey back to Lothlórien had been miserable for Haldir. Every time he had looked at the one who had captured his heart so quickly, his body betrayed him. To make matters worse, the lovely elf had tried his best to become Haldir's friend. Lindir rode beside him the first few days out of Imladris, and set his bedroll next to Haldir at night. In the evenings, when they sat around the campfire, Lindir had always wished to sit next to him. Haldir had not been able to stand it; just having Lindir near had made his heart beat fast and his palms sweaty. He did not want to be friends with Lindir. What he wanted was to sweep the elf off his feet and carry him into the bushes and ravish him! All those nights in Imladris, Haldir had sat in the Hall of Fire listening to Lindir's lovely voice, looking at Lindir's lovely face, dreaming of Lindir's sensuous body. It had not been so at first, but after the day he saw Lindir in the bath, Haldir could think of nothing else. He remembered skin as white as the finest porcelain, cheeks and lips of rose, and a cascade of snow white hair that drew Haldir's eyes down to a firm, taut backside and long muscled legs. How a seemingly delicate musician had such a finely muscled and sleek figure had Haldir perplexed, until Glorfindel told him that Lindir was a runner. "Ah, Haldir, but he is fast. Lindir is the hands down winner of almost every race held in Imladris. When he was a youngster, he ran all over the place, no one could catch him." Glorfindel had smiled at the memory. But then Glorfindel had told Haldir that Lindir was off limits, and if Haldir had any intentions of bedding the minstrel, he would have to deal with Glorfindel's wrath. Haldir, of course, had no intentions of tangling with the ancient warrior. An angry Glorfindel was frightening and dangerous. So, he had turned his charms on other elves less desirable. After all, he had a reputation to uphold. But no matter how he tried to put Lindir out of his mind, he could not. And then, Lord Elrond had told Haldir that he would be escorting the minstrel to Lothlórien. And Glorfindel had given Haldir another strict warning before he left -- hands off. Haldir punched his fist into a pillow on the sofa. Lindir had one week left in Lórien. Surely he could avoid the elf for seven more days. That is, if Lindir would only stay out of his dreams. Haldir's eyes were red from lack of sleep. Every time he closed them, he saw pale pink lips and innocent blue eyes staring back at him. Lips that were only meant to kiss, eyes that beguiled and beckoned. Not to mention other parts of Lindir's body that were ever so enticing. The door banged open and his brothers walked into the room, singing an -- oh so familiar -- tune. Lindir had sung the song about the leaves over and over on their trip to Lórien and it had taken Haldir days to get it out of his head. "Must you two always sing that confounded song?" Haldir snapped at Rúmil and Orophin. "But we only learned this song today, Haldir," Rúmil looked at his older brother in confusion. Then he smiled. "Lindir taught it to us. I do not know what you have against Lindir, Haldir; he is a sweet elf and much fun to be around. Why do you go out of your way to avoid him?" "If you like him so much, Rúmil, why are you here talking with me, and not fawning after Lindir? Could it be the elf finally realized how annoying you two can be?" Haldir glowered at his brothers. "What is your problem, Haldir?" Orophin shot back. "You have been a thorn in our side ever since you returned from Imladris, and you treat Lindir as if he had the plague. What is the matter? Did you try to bed him and he refused you?" Orophin laughed, knowing Lindir was not the kind of elf that would attract Haldir in that way. Haldir preferred more experienced lovers, not an innocent like Lindir. Orophin waited for Haldir's customary snort and smirk, but was surprised when a slight blush crept over his brother's cheeks before he reacted in the expected manner. Haldir crossed over to a corner and picked up his bow and quiver. "I am heading for the practice field if you need me. I cannot stand listening to your musical voices another minute." With that, Haldir stomped out of the Talan, banging the door shut. "Whatever his problem is," Rúmil said, increasingly annoyed at Haldir's manner, "I hope he is over it soon." "Rúmil," Orophin said thoughtfully, "Did you see Haldir's face when I asked him if Lindir had refused him? Haldir blushed, just for a moment, but I saw it." Orophin smirked. "If I did not know better, I would say Haldir has fallen for Lindir. Never have I seen Haldir blush at the mention of someone's name." Rúmil looked at Orophin as if his brother had grown horns. "Haldir and Lindir? Never. Lindir is not the type that attracts Haldir. Why...you actually saw him blush?" Orophin nodded, grinning. He punched Rúmil in the side lightly. "I think Haldir is in love." Rúmil laughed till he thought his sides would burst. "Oh, this is going to be fun, watching Haldir in torment. Do you think we should try to help him?" Orophin
twirled a lock of hair around his finger, a habit he had when he was
thinking. He grasped Rúmil's arm and pulled him over to the sofa,
"I have a plan." The two sat together whispering for the better
part of an hour.
Sindarin words or phrases used in this chapter: 2. Geliron - name meaning
happy/lucky one, one who makes others happy. Gelir = merry, happy; [Ambar
Eldaron le Monde des Elfes (World of Elves)] French translation by Milly.
Guardians of Lorien: Haldir, Orophin, Rumil by Mirasaui Chapter Two: Haldir stayed away from the main paths in the city, he did not wish to run across Lindir. He did not wish to see anything that reminded him of Lindir. Soon the week would be over and so would his time off. When Lindir was on his way back to Imladris, Haldir would be working the northern border. He had half a mind to ask Lord Celeborn to let him go there now, but then he would have to explain his reason and Haldir was not sure if he could come up with an answer that would satisfy Celeborn. His lord was very astute. Haldir sighed. If this was love, he wished no part of it. The feelings he had for Lindir had turned his world upside down. Haldir of Lórien, hiding from an elf! Haldir kicked at the ground, sending grass and dirt flying. Why now, why Lindir? He was so busy feeling sorry for himself, that he did not hear the voices at first, but when the irritating laughter of Tilliel (1) carried across the meadow, his eyes narrowed. Tilliel, she was the last person he wanted to see right now. The elf was beautiful. She had long, thick, silver hair and large, sky-blue eyes, but she knew it, and she went after her prey like a hawk. If Haldir had a reputation for bedding half the elves of Lórien, Tilliel had the same for teasing. Usually, wherever she was found, there would be a crowd of admirers. Haldir turned to steer clear of Tilliel, when he saw whom she was with. Lindir! What was Lindir doing with Tilliel? Haldir frowned and began to walk in their direction. Actually, began to creep in their direction, using all his skills as a guardian to sneak up on the unsuspecting elves and spy on them. With the stealth only one such as Haldir could possess, he lightly jumped up to a tree branch and began to work his way through the treetops to the one that Tilliel and Lindir were sitting under. Then he settled into a comfortable spot and shamelessly watched and listened. "Your voice is lovely, Lindir," Tilliel said softly, there is not an elf in Lothlórien who can bring tears to my eyes, but your song this afternoon did. Of course, the history of Beren and Lúthien is sad, but you made me feel as if I was Lúthien, weeping for my love." Tilliel grasped Lindir's hand and ran her fingers over his. "The hands of a musician, your fingers are long and slender. I watched them as you plucked your harp, Lindir. Did you know that when you sang, your face mirrored the emotions in every line? I could see Beren in your eyes. At the time, if I had truly been Lúthien, you would have found me at your feet. What do you think of that, Lindir?" Tilliel stared into Lindir's blue eyes, and Haldir felt an insane urge to jump down from the tree and strangle her. He gritted his teeth and waited to see Lindir's reaction. "I am pleased that you liked my singing, Tilliel," Lindir replied, absentmindedly patting her hand. He was surprised that such a lovely elleth would take the time to compliment him on his performance. He had noticed Tilliel, of course. She was the type of female that a male could not help but notice. She had many admirers; they flocked around her like bees to honey. In fact, Lindir had not thought she was interested at all in his music, for she had wantonly flirted with almost every elf present during the concert, that she now singled him out was somewhat flattering. "Did you have a reason for bringing me here, Tilliel?" Lindir asked, "You did say you wished to ask me a question." "Oh, yes, Lindir," Tilliel said breathlessly, her lids lowered over her lovely blue eyes, her long lashes almost brushing her rosy cheeks. "I am heading the decorating committee for the dance, and wondered if you would like to help us?" Lindir smiled. "I would be glad to help, Tilliel, but I do not know much about decorating." Tilliel touched a strand of Lindir's hair and smiled shyly at him. "We had thought to gather some of the night flowers and use them for decoration. Would you come with me tonight and help harvest the blossoms? It is not hard work, and the flowers are truly beautiful in the moonlight. If you have never seen môrellothas (2) under a hunters' moon, you will be pleasantly surprised." Haldir could not believe his ears. Tilliel was anything but shy. Tilliel was flirting with Lindir! What possible interest could she have with *his* minstrel? Lindir was not Tilliel's type at all...or was he? Haldir frowned. The same could be said of him, and Lindir had touched something deep inside his heart, what if Lindir had the same effect on Tilliel? Haldir held his breath, so as not to miss Lindir's answer. Lindir pondered Tilliel's question. He did not really wish to gather flowers with the elleth. He had planned to visit Rúmil and Orophin and ask them where he could find Haldir. With only a week left to spend in Lothlórien, he was determined to at least befriend the elf, even though he wished for so much more. It hurt that Haldir avoided him. Lindir had thought that Haldir showed an interest in Imladris, but that must have been wishful thinking on his part. And now, Tilliel waited for an answer. He did not wish to hurt her feelings, besides, he thought miserably, Haldir would most likely not wish for his company anyway. One night spent gathering flowers for the dance would return some of the hospitality that the Lórien elves had shown him. "I would be glad to help, Tilliel," Lindir replied. "Tell me where you and your friends are to meet and at what time, and I will be there." "It will just be you and I, Lindir," Tilliel smiled sweetly. "I will call for you, if you do not mind, and in appreciation of your assistance, why, I will prepare dinner for us before we leave. Nothing fancy, just a simple meal with a bottle of wine. We can dine on the balcony of your room and enjoy the view of the hunters' moon. It will rise early and is so beautiful at this time of year, low as it is on the horizon. I will come by shortly after dusk." Tilliel kissed Lindir's cheek. "Thank you, Lindir, for your offer of help." And with that, she was off, her walk that of a self-assured young maiden, a very beautiful one at that. At the kiss, Haldir felt the hair on the back of his neck begin to rise. Tilliel was preparing dinner for Lindir and would serve it on Lindir's balcony while they watched the hunters' moon? Tilliel was doing more than flirting with Lindir, she was in outright pursuit! Why Haldir would not stand for that, he would.... What am I thinking! Haldir caught himself just in time. I came here to avoid Lindir, and now I react to a silly bit of flirting from Tilliel, of all elves! Haldir rolled his eyes. Let her have Lindir, if she wants him. That will only help my plan. He took a long look at Lindir as he still sat under the tree. Again, he felt emotions war within him. But, he fought hard against them, and silently moved back through the treetops, heading once again to his talan. Rúmil and Orophin stared at Haldir as he shovelled down his supper in record time. "Is there somewhere you need to be in a hurry, Haldir?" Rúmil asked, "Or did they not feed you in Imladris. I have never seen you eat my cooking with such relish." Haldir answered around a mouthful of food. "Yes, I am hungry. For once in my life, Rúmil, I did miss your baked chicken. The food in Imladris was rich and I was not used to it." Orophin almost choked on his wine. Rúmil was the worst cook of them all and the chicken tonight was so overcooked he could hardly chew it. The day Haldir truly missed Rúmil's cooking was the day Orophin would turn in his bow. But wisely, Orophin decided to keep quiet. He glanced at Rúmil, but his brother was playing innocent also. Rúmil and Orophin watched with more astonishment as Haldir drained his wineglass then rose from the table and placed his plate in the sink. He hurriedly washed it then picked up his bow and quiver and moved toward the door. "Where are you headed with your bow, Haldir?" Orophin asked, "Did Lord Celeborn call you back to duty?" "No," Haldir replied, as he stepped outside, "I am going to do a bit of night hunting." Rúmil and Orophin looked at each other as soon as Haldir had gone and burst out laughing. "Night hunting!" Rúmil snorted. "That is the lamest excuse I have heard Haldir use in a long while." Orophin
nodded, hardly able to speak. When he finally caught his breath, he
winked at Rúmil. "It seems our plan is working, brother,
our friend must truly be keeping Lindir entertained!"
1. Tilliel - name (feminine) meaning
horn, point. Horn = till; Daughter, girl, maid = iel [Ambar Eldaron
le Monde des Elfes (World of Elves)] French translation by Milly. Author's note: For the purpose of this story, I wished a night-blooming flower that would prosper in the autumn season. I did not find such in Tolkien's Middle-earth. So, I chose a flower that grows on our earth, the Epiphyllum, and took the liberty of placing it in Lothlórien. Orcyhd Constyne provided an appropriate Sindarin name. Thanks, meldis, for your help. The Epiphyllum of earth is a beautiful white flower that blooms only at night (from midnight to dawn) in the months of August through December. For a picture and more information, see: http://www.netasia.net/users/charleskeng/flower.htm |
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