Butterfly- Chrysalis

Ela shook out her damp hair. Sitting before the mirror in her small room, she combed out her hair. It was cut it so that it came only to the small of her back. Deftly plaiting it into two braids that were then wound around her head, she finished and went to the wardrobe, pulling out a simple brown dress. Her gown for dinner was already in her old room at her father’s house. She went out into the kitchen. Elestra stood waiting for her.

“Are you ready, child?”

“Yes, grandmother. Shall we go? Elrond will be pacing as it is.”

“How was your ride?” Elestra could not resist a little prodding. Ela had returned, alone, from the stables.
She had said nothing about what may have happened up the mountain.

“It was… interesting. I rode with Cabel as far as Sunrise Peak, and then came back. The horse finally told
me his name. What happened here while I was gone?”

Elestra picked up her cloak. Turning back, she studied her granddaughter. The girl was giving nothing
away. Sighing, she reached for the door.

“Nothing,” she finally said. “The day was quiet and peaceful. Come, your father is waiting.”



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Dinner was uneventful. Haldir spun for them tales of Lothlórien and Glorfindel regaled them with songs of
long ago. While all laughed and enjoyed the telling, Ela was quiet. Her thoughts were back on the mountain. What
she had felt confirmed her suspicions. There were feelings there; but did he know that yet? If she pushed, would he
draw back?

“Ela!” She heard her name, and from the tone, it was not the first time he had said it.

“I apologize, Ada. Did you ask me something?”

“No, child, you just looked very pensive.”

“I suppose I am just tired from the ride this afternoon.” She took the arm he offered after pulling out her
chair. Glancing at her dress, he knew why she loved the blue so much. It set off her eyes and sat well against her
skin. He playfully tried to brush the freckles from her shoulder.

“Do not think I have not tried that. It does not work,” she said, laughing. She let him lead her to the Hall.
Dalgren had already poured drinks for everyone, including just tea for her.

Ela sat back and drank her tea, just listening to the music played under the conversation. With everyone’s
attention on the topic, no one noticed her slip out to the terrace. She stood in the moonlight staring up at the stars. It
was the first time in over a week that the thin, hazy clouds had not hidden the heavenly lights. She did not turn at the
presence joining her.

“Beautiful, are they not?” His soft voice was barely above a whisper.

“All the more for their shyness this last week.” She turned and leaned against the railing.

He was silent. She could feel his hesitation as he prepared himself for something.

“What did you mean earlier, that you had waited for the moment?”

“I meant, I have been waiting for you to make up your mind. Did you ride all the way here just to deliver
messages?” He struggled to hear her words.

“No. Do you suggest what I hear you suggest?” His tone was only slightly condescending. He did not
appreciate that she was taking the initiative.

“I do. Do you have objections?”

“Have you considered the difference in our ages? What you are thinking is not an easy step.”

“Are you saying that it would not work, that I am too young? Hmm, how old was Celebrian when she met
Elrond? And Galadriel when Celeborn came into her life? If age is your only argument, you had best come up with
another.”

He saw she was not going to let it go. He looked into her eyes. They seemed to glow with a light of their
own. Before he could think more on it, he leaned down. There was no resistance. Ela settled back against the railing. The first touch of his lips sent a current through her that she had felt only twice before. The few seconds seem to last for hours. As he pulled back, she could see his eyes locked on hers.

“Well?” she asked, holding her breath.

“Not bad, for a girl.” He managed to hide the smile from his lips, but it was there, in his voice.

“A girl? A girl!” she said, slightly menacing. “You think I am a girl?” She pushed him aside and made to go
back into the house. As she passed him, he grabbed her arm and swung her around to him. The second kiss was as
passionate as the first had been chaste. To his surprise, he found her just as insistent. An overheard conversation
from years ago confused him as to who was in charge.

Pulling back, she looked at him. “Was that the kiss of a girl?” she whispered.

When he could speak again, he had questions. “What of you and Rúmil?”

“We have both told you that it would never happen. You were the only one unable to accept it. We are
just friends. Better than most, perhaps, but nothing more.”

He sat down. “How long have you felt this way?” His voice was barely audible.

“Do you remember when I came to live here, and you shouted at me for touching you? I loved you from
the time we met. Maybe not as now, but I was always drawn.”

“But, all the disagreements, the arguments. What of them?”

“Well, I was a child. And later, I knew you would win most of the arguments, but I was not about to make
it easy.”

They sat there for many minutes. Finally, she stirred.

“What of you? You have said nothing yet.”

“Things in Lórien are not the same since you left. Had any asked why, I could not have told them.
However, now, I think I can answer. I have had much time to think. I have missed you. And, you…have you thought
this through?”

“What is there to think about it? I have always known what I want. It was just a matter of waiting until
you were ready.”

“Have you considered your heritage? What of your mother’s people? You yourself have said they will insist you return. Moreover, do you not think you can make a better alliance? Thranduil is still hoping you will consider his son.”

“Legolas? Sorry, but I have made up my mind. That is, unless you are disinclined. In which case, I
suppose the Indrel would welcome me back.” Her light, teasing tone belied the apprehension she felt. What if he did reject her? She was suddenly terrified to find out the answer.

“The Indrel will never get the chance. I am not sure if love is the right word for how I feel, but you do draw
me.”

“Would you give yourself the chance to find out? You have always been so careful, Haldir. You never take
risks. Is love not worth the risk? I know of your mother and your fears. I am not your mother. I would not desert you or your children. You will never have to fear that.”

“How…?

“Do you not think Rúmil knows how you feel? We did not spend all that time together pretending. We
talked. It is not as if it was any secret. I asked the Lady. She was very kind and gentle explaining what happened.
You have nothing to fear.”

He looked up at the mountain. He looked back into her eyes. Those blue eyes.

“You understand what our life would be like?”

“I grew up around that life. I am rather observant. If I am not allowed the marches as a warden, you will
surely allow that I may be there as a healer. Glordinel has no need of me in the city. That is my one request. Do not
deny me.”

“I cannot deny you anything,” he whispered. “Will you exchange rings with me?”

“I thought you would never ask. Of course I will. However, this is the easy part. You still have to talk to
my father.”

“There you are!” Elrond strode out onto the terrace. Haldir smiled softly to hear Ela’s mild curse. He leaned back to see what developed.

Putting on a smile she did not feel, Ela turned to Elrond. “I am sorry, Ada. Did you miss us?”

“Only just now. You were so quiet during dinner. Ah, the stars, they have finally come out.” He stood
staring at the sky.

Elrond stood. He was well aware he interrupted something; and he could guess what it was. He sighed
softly. It is time, I suppose, he thought, to talk to the both of them. It seemed she truly was destined to follow this
path. He looked toward the heavens, praying silently that it was the correct way.



~*~*~*~*~*~





Long after all the guests had departed, Haldir went to the library. He had seen Ela and Elestra home, and
then returned to the house on the hill. He had one purpose: this needed settled. He did not think that Elrond would
bless any arrangements between them. Ela was too well placed among her own people. On the one hand, all those
she knew were well aware of the Indrel’s stance towards the Elves. On the other, even if she chose to downplay her parentage, there were those who would not. Moreover, and he realized he was running out of hands, he, of all
people, knew that once Ela had made up her mind, there were precious few who could convince her to change it. The girl had a knack for getting her way. Even to her detriment.

Knocking at the door of the library, Haldir entered at a word from its occupant. He went in to find Elrond
seated at his desk. A quick glance showed the ever-present Erestor standing at a window, studying the mountain
behind the house. This was not going to be as easy as anticipated.

“Lord Elrond?” He managed to sound calm, though his heart was racing and his mouth dry.

“Yes, Haldir. You wanted to see me?” Elrond laid the papers he had been shuffling to the side. He did not
want to have this conversation. It reminded him all to well that none of his own children had come this far in any
relationships. It was odd that the youngest of his charges would be the first to arrive at this point.

“I have come to speak to you about Ela.” He stopped, not sure what to say.

“I spoke to her several days ago. She knew you would come.”

“It seems she knows my heart more than do I. We discussed a future. Ela is ready to settle down and
wishes an alliance between our houses. I have come to ask your advice.”

“In what matter?” Elrond could not resist a mild teasing. If this man wanted his cousin, he would have to
earn the right.

“I do feel something for her, although I am not sure it is the same as what she feels. I know that I have
missed her being in Lórien. My unease lays in the importance her mother’s people place in her. She is noble born. Will she be happy with me?”

“Haldir, have you ever known her to not know her mind? She told me she was ready and that you would
be asking. Now, are you asking?” Elrond kept his face straight. It was interesting to see the Marchwarden at a loss
for words.

Haldir glanced around the room, his gaze lighting on Erestor, Elrond’s closest friend and his advisor. He
knew that not only would Elrond have something to say, but so would the man who had taught Ela much in her years in Imladris. She still held him in very high esteem, asking his advice on many matters. Haldir had no doubt this matter would warrant his input. Not only would he need Elestra’s approval, but he would require it of these two, also. And, should either of them say no, Ela would show intense disapproval, but would not disobey either of them. He was sure… Well, fairly sure. He decided that he did not want to find out who would win such a battle.

“I am. Lord Elrond, Lord Erestor, I seek an alliance with Lady Elrénia, daughter of Dorlandad. It is my
intention to wed her. Do you approve?”

He waited for the arguments and list of reasons why they would say no. He knew that he had Lady
Elestra’s approval, but he was not sure why she gave it. He knew how Ela felt. He had spoken to Lord Celeborn and spent many hours with Lady Galadriel. She had tried to prepare him for what could be a difficult joining, but could not explain why. It seemed she had promises to keep to Ela. It baffled Haldir, but as the Lady had encouraged him to pursue this course, he would trust her judgement. Even his youngest brother had been supportive; well, it was more like relieved that he had finally come to his senses. Only Orophin seemed reticent. He was not sure what caused it, but Gariel had laughed it away and said that it was simply over protectiveness.

“You know that I have come to love Ela as my own daughter.” At Haldir’s nod, Elrond continued, “I would
not want to see anything hurt her, ever. As I am sure Galadriel has told you, there are hard times ahead for her. She will need someone strong and true to guide her through the trials to come. Are you that man?”

“She believes that I am. If she believes in me that strongly, how can I not also believe? There is nothing I
would not do for her. Nothing I would not do to protect her.”

Elrond looked over to Erestor. At his slight nod, Elrond turned back to Haldir.

“Then, as Ela has stated her desires, as have you, I give consent. Who will stand for you?” When the
answer came, Haldir realized that this had been discussed and already decided.

“My Lord and Lady have graciously granted me the honour of standing for me.”

“Then tomorrow I will see the both of you. Get some rest, Haldir. You look ready to fall over.” It took a
moment for Haldir to realize he was joking. He nodded and left the library, closing the door behind him.

“Well,” sighed Elrond. “It is done.”

“Yes, it is,” agreed Erestor. “Now, how do you let go?”

“Indeed,” returned the Lord of Imladris. “Indeed.”



~*~*~*~*~





Haldir was up early the next morning. He carefully dressed in his spare uniform. He knew that the
occasion warranted much finer attire, yet he had always shunned the robes and finery that so suited others. He was
not about to change now. Checking the mirror one last time, he walked out of the room. Treading with his
characteristic silence, he moved down the stairs and through the house. It seemed he was the only one up. Letting
himself out onto the terrace, he fairly skipped down the outer stairway. The house across the valley in sight, he settled into the ground-eating pace that served the Galadhrim.

The walk gave him time to think on many things. There were many preparations to make. They would
need a house. Suddenly, the conversation with Rúmil concerning living among the trees came back. He chuckled to
himself at the thought. He had sworn never to wed. Now, he had taken a step that would be most difficult to retrace, had he wanted to do so. No, his thoughts looked to the future. He had not lived with a woman since his mother’s fading. He had often wondered what it would be like. Oh, Orophin seemed to thrive from the experience, but he was of a different mettle than either of his brothers. A sudden notion struck him. If they wed, there would be children. Would he act as sodden as Orophin? The idea made him uncomfortable. Children were well and fine, in their place, but he envisioned the future child-free; at least for a long while. There was no need to rush into anything.

His reverie was disrupted by the realization that he had arrived at her house. Would she demand as grand a house in Lórien? Talans were simple affairs. And Gariel’s house was not much more than a talan on the ground, albeit a bit more substantial. Surely she would not expect the finery that adorned her father’s house, would she? The thoughts swirling around in his mind faded as he stepped up on the porch. The swing was a nice touch. He could see them sitting there after a long day’s labours, satisfied from a good meal. He stopped. Ela could not cook. He had tasted her efforts. Bland and simple was the only thing she did well.

He was brought back to the present by the opening of the door. He forgot all of his fears when he saw
her. She was wearing a simple dress of light blue. It did not go quite to her feet. Good. He remembered her opinion of clothing. She had chosen a dress that was not, in her estimation, formal. It would suit, but only for day use. He was reassured by her choice. Somehow, he realized that she wore it for him; to set him at ease. Why did he doubt her, or himself?

“Good morning,” she said. “Have you eaten? We were just sitting down. Grandmother must have known
you were coming, she set the table for three.”

He shook his head. “I would like to join you, very much.” He followed her into the large living room.
Glancing around, he noticed that although every thing was finely made, there was nothing superfluous in the room. The large sofas were grouped around the fireplace and there was a small gaming table across the room. There were
shelves that held quite a few books and a cabinet he knew contained liquors. Besides a large worn carpet on the floor, there was nothing else. He was relieved. No finery to transport back to Lórien.

The dining room showed the same sparseness. The large table and chairs were the centrepiece of the
room. Along one wall was a large cabinet for dishes. It contained a set of expensive dinnerware brought from the
western seacoast, a present from Elrohir and Elladan for her housewarming and fortieth birthday. A low serving stable stood against another wall contained flatware from Gondor. A fine set of silverware she had traded for; Haldir had brought it himself, while in the southern kingdom on business. The outside wall was made of glass and let in the
afternoon sunlight.

Haldir went into the kitchen where Elestra was pouring tea. She glanced up as he came through the door.
Something in the look he gave her set her at ease.

Ela waited until he had pulled her chair out, then sat down. Picking up her napkin, she indicated that he
should start eating. Half-way through emptying his plate, he made an off-hand comment on the quality of the food.

“Thank you,” Ela said softly.

Looking up in surprise, Haldir said, “You cooked this? When did you learn to cook?”

She grinned at him. “I do not spend all of my time at Melkin’s or reading. Dalgren figured as I was in her
kitchen so much, I might as well learn something. Trust me, it was not easy. I had less trouble delivering twins last
year than learning to bake bread. I had the punching part down; it was the timing and baking that seemed beyond
me. Cooking is just not one of my better skills. I am better at getting the coney than I am at preparing it for a meal.”

“It seems I have much to learn about you. Maybe I have the wrong Ela. Where did you hide that
headstrong child?”

“Oh, she is still here. I have just replaced rebellion with prudence and biding my time. And my time will
come. Are you sure you are up for it?”

Elestra quietly sat back and observed the two of them. She had seen it years ago; they did suit each
other. Ela had a fire that smouldered deep below the surface. When it erupted, it would be a volcano. Haldir had the strength to help her contain that fire. He would be the only one she would let control her; and it would be through love, not will.

Ela was more like her grandfather than she was anyone else. Elestra could see that; the careful preparations for the future; the desire to help others; the determination to set right wrongs. Moreover, maybe Dorlandad was more like his father than she had realized. He had taken great chances, wedding Ceria. Risk all for another and paid the ultimate price. Elestra felt that she could finally withdraw, knowing her son would someday join his parents. She missed the love of her life. Three thousand years had not diminished the emotions she still felt when dwelling upon her early years. She fervently prayed that Ela would know that same joy; and that it would last far longer than had her own.

Haldir grinned back at Ela. “I have fought Orcs and Men. Do you think I am not up to it?”

“Well, you have managed quite well, so far.” She examined her fingernails, nonchalantly.

“Get up,” he said, laughing. “We have an appointment with your father.”

“Did you speak with him last night?” she asked. His smile dimmed a little at her sober tone.

“I did.” He ran his hand down her cheek, the first sign of physical attraction he had ever shown her. “You
have no need to worry. If this is what you want, then you will have it.”

“And what do you want?”

“Truthfully?” At her nod, he continued. “I find that the idea is growing on me. Maybe it is something I
wanted but never aspired to attaining.” Both had forgotten Elestra, and neither noticed her quietly withdraw from the room. For an eternity, they gazed into each other’s eyes. A bell tolling from the village down the valley broke the spell.

Haldir stood, taking Ela’s hand and pulling her up. Leaning down, he kissed her gently.

After a moment, she grinned and said, “I hope you plan to do better than that in the future.” She turned
and left for her bedroom, leaving him standing. She could hear him chuckling behind her. Oh, she thought, could she
wait a whole year?


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