Married To An Elf
Part 9
Posted: October 26, 2007
Title: Married To An Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë
Summary: A revelation from Haldir leaves Lothvaen floundering.
*****
“How do you feel this morning?”
Lothvaen winced slightly as he moved. “A little tender,” he admitted.
“Methinks we went a little far last night,” Haldir responded, gently kissing the scribe on the forehead.
“But I wanted you to…”
“Shhh.” Haldir placed his finger on Lothvaen’s lips, silencing him for the moment. “As much as we both enjoy what we do, one can sometimes have too much of a good thing.” He gathered Lothvaen closer to him, stroking his hair. His hand stopped, however, when he felt something wet on his chest and, to his horror, he saw that Lothvaen was crying. “Pen-velui? What is it?”
Lothvaen shook his head, not trusting himself to speak. To him, it was Elrohir all over again. He had really hoped that Haldir would be different, especially as he was more than willing – in fact, enthusiastic – to do anything that Lothvaen desired.
“Please, pen-velui, tell me!” There was such concern in Haldir’s voice that Lothvaen finally raised himself and looked at the Galadhel. “You no longer wish to continue with our ‘games’,” he said, the flatness of his voice belied by the tears that were still flowing freely down his face.
Haldir closed his eyes briefly, and then reopened them. “Nothing could be farther from the truth, pen-velui. But you are more than just a little sore, you are hurting. No,” he said firmly, watching as Lothvaen began shaking his head, “do not deny it, pen-velui.” He drew Lothvaen back down and tenderly wiped away the tears. “Trust me, pen-velui, I have no intention of stopping our ‘games’. All I want is to give you the chance to recover. Would you be willing to hold off, at least for one day? That is all I ask.”
Lothvaen thought for a moment, and then nodded. “All right,” he whispered. “At least for a day.”
The Galadhel smiled. “Good. And do not be afraid to tell me when you are hurting too much, pen-velui. What we do is supposed to be enjoyable, but it stops being that when unwarranted pain is inflicted. I do not want to hurt you, pen-velui; I care for you too much.”
“You do?”
“I do,” Haldir affirmed. “In fact, I know I will find it very hard to leave you when it is time for me to return to Lothlórien.”
“Oh.” Lothvaen’s voice was small, and Haldir’s heart skipped a beat.
“Is something wrong?” the Galadhel asked cautiously.
“Wrong? I…no…no, nothing is wrong.” Lothvaen tried to keep his voice casual, but Haldir was not deceived.
“There is something that disturbs you, pen-velui. Is it because I said I cared for you?” Haldir paused for a moment, and then said, “Or is it because you do not care for me?” There, the words were out, and Haldir found he was holding his breath, waiting to hear what Lothvaen would say.
“Of course I care!” Lothvaen burst out, raising himself once more to look at Haldir. “’Tis just…I just thought…I mean, I *do* like you…”
“But to you I am just an elf with whom to while away the time. I understand. I thought…” Haldir shook his head. “Never mind what I thought.” He rolled away from the scribe and stood up.
“Haldir…” Lothvaen began, but then his voice trailed off. Haldir’s back was rigid as the Galadhel reached for his leggings, and the scribe watched helplessly as Haldir quickly dressed himself and let himself out of the room without once turning back.
*****
Elvish translations:
Galadhel – tree elf
pen-velui – lovely one
*****
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