To Rescue An Elf 1

To Rescue An Elf

Part 1

Posted: January 4, 2008
Title: To Rescue an Elf
Series: To Love An Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë
Type: FCS
Characters: Haldir/Lothvaen
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: The characters portrayed are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien. No profit or such is made from this.
Beta: Aglarien
Author's Note: The prompts used were: 14 Aug 2007 – ‘genius’; 28 Oct 2007 – ‘document’

Summary: Lothvaen is embarrassed.

*****

Celeborn looked down at the elf that lay sprawled inelegantly on the floor and stifled a sigh. “Lothvaen, would you *please* go and take your robes to one of the seamstresses so they can be shortened?”

“Diheno nin, híren,” the hapless elf said, feeling more than just a little embarrassed. It was the second time this week that Celeborn’s new scribe had tripped over his robes in his rush to do his lord’s bidding.

Celeborn took a final look at Lothvaen before turning away and going back to his desk. “When you have had a chance to pick yourself up from the floor,” he began, not bothering to hide his irritation, “please take this to the messenger so that he may return to Mirkwood. *Preferably* walking, and not running as seems to be your wont. I take it you can do that?”

“Yes, híren. Of course, híren,” Lothvaen babbled, struggling to get up off the floor without making more of a fool of himself.

“Very well,” Celeborn sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

“I am not normally so clumsy,” the scribe said apologetically. “I am used to my robes being a little long, but every so often I forget, and I trip.”

“Nevertheless, it would be safer if you had them shortened. I do not think Haldir would appreciate if you fell over the side of a talan.”

“Oh…I had not thought of that.” Lothvaen’s face paled at the thought.

Celeborn looked at the young elf before him, wondering – not for the first time – what it was that Haldir saw in Lothvaen. True, he was proving to be an excellent scribe, but a genius Lothvaen was not. Yet Celeborn had not missed the looks Haldir and Lothvaen gave each other when they thought no one else was looking, and saw between them a genuine bond. He stared down at the document lying on his desk. “On the other hand,” Celeborn decided, “I suggest you visit the seamstresses now with all your robes. I will take this to the messenger myself.”

“Are you sure?” Lothvaen asked hesitantly.

“Yes, Lothvaen, I am sure,” Celeborn said patiently. “Now go. Haldir returns later this afternoon; I am sure you wish to…prepare for his return,” he said a little dryly, noting with some amusement at how the scribe’s face flushed.

“Hannon le, híren,” Lothvaen managed to say. Then the scribe carefully lifted the hem of his robe and left, leaving Celeborn ruefully shaking his head once more.

“I still find it hard to fathom that Haldir’s soul-mate is a scribe whose wits seem to be more scattered than the leaves on the ground,” Celeborn seemingly said into the air.

“You misjudge him, melethen.” Galadriel glided silently into the room to stand next to her mate, a gentle smile on her face.

Celeborn smiled at her in return. “As always, you see much more than I. But I do see that Haldir is happier than I have seen him in a long time, and if Lothvaen is the cause of such happiness, then I am more than content. Our Marchwarden has been alone for far too long.”

“He has indeed,” Galadriel said musingly. “But, as with all things, timing has a purpose. There are difficult times ahead, for both of them.”

Celeborn’s gaze became concerned. “What have you seen?” he asked quietly.

“As you well know, the mirror shows many things, melethen. Even I do not know if what I see will come to pass, for there is always more than one ending. However, I must confess that I have a deep sense of foreboding.” Celeborn took Galadriel’s hand in his and squeezed gently, not knowing what he could say. Meanwhile, the Lady’s gaze was thoughtful as she watched Lothvaen’s careful progress to the talan he shared with Haldir.

*****

Elvish translations:

Diheno nin – forgive me
hannon le – thank you
híren – my lord
melethen – my love

*****

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