#marchwarden of lorien

[earthlybeam]

Lindir and Haldir reacting to being called baby girl?

It’s a habit of mine to just call anything I find adorable that😭

…😈

Haldir, lindir version below.

🏹𝓗𝓪𝓵𝓭𝓲𝓻

You’re standing beside Haldir on one of the elegant bridges overlooking a gently flowing stream. The soft glow of the moon filters through the golden leaves, casting silver light on his finely chiseled features. He stands as he always does—tall, composed, radiating an air of elven pride that makes him seem untouchable. But tonight, you decide to push the limits.

“Baby girl,” you say, just loud enough for him to hear. Haldir stiffens immediately. His sharp, ageless eyes narrow as he turns his head slightly toward you, his silver-blond hair shifting with the movement. There is an almost imperceptible twitch at the corner of his lips—disbelief, irritation, and something else entirely unreadable. “What,” he says, voice clipped, “did you just call me?”

You fold your arms, biting back a grin. “Baby girl.” For a moment, there is only silence. The stream continues its gentle murmuring, and the distant voices of elves singing float through the air. But Haldir? He simply stares. His brows furrow ever so slightly, and his lips part as if he wants to speak, yet no words come. “Are you unwell?” he finally asks, tilting his head, voice laced with suspicion. “Nope,” you reply, smug. “Just felt like it suited you.”

Haldir blinks slowly, as if trying to process the sheer audacity of your words. His hands are now clasped tightly behind his back—a clear sign that he is restraining himself. His jaw tightens. Then, to your utter surprise, he exhales sharply through his nose, something dangerously close to a scoff. “I am Marchwarden of Lothlórien,” he states firmly, as if reminding you of his dignity. “I have defended these woods for centuries. My name is spoken with reverence. I do not answer to… baby girl.”

You nod, as if considering this. “Fair point.” Then, after a beat “Baby girl.” His composure finally cracks. He turns fully to face you now, the bridge’s moonlit rail between you both, his piercing gaze burning into yours. “Cease this nonsense at once,” he commands, but there’s a flicker of something—embarrassment? Amusement? You tilt your head. “Or what? You’ll arrest me?” A muscle in his jaw twitches. “That,” he says darkly, “can be arranged.”

At this, you laugh. Haldir huffs—actually huffs—before turning away sharply, his silver hair swaying with the motion. He mutters something under his breath in Elvish, too fast for you to catch, though you swear you hear the word insufferable. As he strides away, you call after him, voice sweet and teasing “Goodnight, baby girl!” Haldir does not look back. But even in the moonlight, you don’t miss the faintest flush at the tips of his ears.

🎻𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓻

The evening air in Rivendell is crisp, the silver light of the stars casting long shadows across the stone walkways. You and Lindir sit on a balcony overlooking the waterfalls, a peaceful silence between you. He’s been reading aloud from a book of poetry, his melodic voice weaving through the night like a song.

You sigh contentedly and lean closer to him. “You know, you’re really something else, Lindir.” He glances at you, amusement flickering in his bright eyes. “Am I now? And what, pray tell, makes you say that?” You grin and rest your chin in your hand, studying him. His dark brown hair catches the moonlight, his delicate features impossibly elegant. “You’re just… perfect. All graceful and poetic.” You pause dramatically, then smirk. “Such a baby girl.”

Silence. Lindir’s head tilts ever so slightly. His brows furrow, his lips parting as if he must have misheard you. “I… beg your pardon?” You can’t help the laugh that bubbles up at his utterly bewildered expression. “Baby girl,” you repeat, emphasizing it. “You heard me.”

His fingers tighten around the book in his lap, and he blinks a few times, as though struggling to process what just happened. “That is—” He exhales sharply, his usually composed demeanor unraveling at the edges. “That is not— I do not believe that is an appropriate title for me.”

“But it fits you so well,” you tease, leaning in closer. Lindir straightens his posture, as if physically trying to distance himself from the words. “I am an esteemed minstrel of Rivendell,” he declares, his voice just a touch higher than usual. “Not— Not a ‘baby girl.” You raise an eyebrow. “You sound awfully defensive for someone who’s not a baby girl.” His mouth opens, then closes. Then opens again, but no words come out. A faint dusting of pink graces his pale cheeks.

“I— This is absurd,” he finally mutters, shifting in place, visibly flustered. He tucks a strand of silver hair behind his ear, avoiding your gaze. “Utterly ridiculous.” You smile triumphantly. “I’m keeping it.” “No, you most certainly are not,” he huffs, turning his face away, but not before you catch the way the corner of his lips twitch—just slightly. Oh, he secretly enjoys the attention. He’s just not about to admit it.

[the-lady-auri]

Finished commission for a regular of their new LOTR elf, Nínel, a Marchwarden of Lothlorien. Finally figuring out this lined mixed with painted style properly I think.

[craig-parker-cravings]

[whitegoldtower]

I think one of my favourite things about Haldir is that looking at all the other elves, they’re kiki. Looking at him? He’s a bouba elf.

The other elves are all super skinty with sharp features n shit, and even though I love that too…

When Haldir rocks up with his soft features, a little extra cushioning and the possibility of there being a bit of a tummy and some thick thighs under that armour?

I am a feral creature, crawling through the tv screen to get to Lothlórien. I want him to fold me and not stop until I’m pretzel shaped. I am a man unhinged and I need the thicc elf sat on my face tyvm.

[the-elvenprince]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Holy Haldir! 😍

[handmaidofvarda]

I made a digital painting of my favourite Marchwarden, Haldir of Lorien. Artwork made with Procreate.

[kat651]

Emotion (Haldir x reader)

Word count: 1591

You had been in lorien for a little over a year when you found yourself falling hard for the marchwarden. You tried your best to hide your feelings, not wanting him or anyone else to know. It seemed to work quite well until one day…

You heard a horn and looked up to see the elves returning from patrol, Haldir in the lead as usual. He looked exhausted and grumpy. Well, more grumpy than usual after a day of work. You frowned and went over to greet them as they came closer.

As you neared, Halidir didn't exactly smile, but his face did lift a bit when he saw you. You greeted him by bowing your head and extending your hand from your heart. A common elven greeting. He nodded, acknowledging your greeting. 

After a moment of hesitation you joined him as he made his way back to his chambers. “Long day,” you asked softly as the two of you walked. 

Haldir nodded. “The goblins are getting bolder. They attack more often and in larger numbers. They have drawn too close to our borders… im afraid we will have to double our efforts, get more of us out there to fight them back into the mountain where they came from.”

You frowned. “It must be tiring, fighting to keep all of lorien safe.”

Haldir nodded, agreeing with you.

“What if you found a way to seal off the exit? Trap the goblins inside?” you asked.

“We tried, they have more than one way out of that mountain… i fear they may end up hurting someone before we have a way to remove them.”

“Have you brought this to the council?”

He nodded. “They are working on a solution.”

You frowned and walked in silence for a moment. 

“Haldir?” you asked, unable to bear not knowing any longer.

“Yes?” 

You let out a breath. “Does it bother you that I walk with you every day? If you would prefer to be left alone with your thoughts i-”

Haldir gently cut you off. “No, mellon, it doesn't bother me at all. In fact I look forward to your happy greeting after a tiring day.”

You smiled. “Oh, i'm glad, i was worried i was bothering you.”

“And where would you get an idea like that?” haldir asked.

You shrugged. “People talk…”

“Well, don't pay them any attention, they are wrong.”

You smiled and stoped outside his door. “Well, i guess i come to bother you tomorrow,” you said in a joking manner.

Haldir did not laugh.

You turned to leave when he grabbed your hand, causing you to pause and turn, looking at his hand and he let go of yours. You immediately took notice that his gloves were completely worn through, causing small blisters to begin forming from the use of his bow. “What is it?” you asked, looking up and making a mental note that you should make him a new pair of gloves before his hands got any worse.

He shook his head. “Oh, nevermind…”

“I- ok…” you said, turning to leave. “You know where to find me if you need anything,” you said as you went back to your workbench to start on those gloves.

.-.-.

You rose earlier than normal and put on a cloak to shield you from the morning cold. You then snatched the gloves you’d spent all of last night making before running out the door, hoping you had gotten up early enough. 

You ran quickly through lorien, determined to stop Haldir before he left for patrol. You saw the group leaving and ran faster. “Haldir!” you called as you ran.

Hearing his name, Haldir paused and turned to see who was calling him. When he saw you his confusion escalated. You were a night owl, not an early bird. He feared something was terribly wrong. “y/n is everything alright?” he asked, walking over to you as you paused to catch your breath. 

You nodded and smiled shily, holding out the gloves to him. “I uh…” you took another breath, trying to ignore the group of elves watching you. “Yesterday i noticed your gloves were worn so i-i made you a new pair,” you said, trying hard not to blush. 

Haldir smiled and gingerly took the gloves. “Thank you, y/n…” he said.

You smiled up at him. “I hope they fit…” you said softly.

Haldir slipped them on and nodded. “They do…”

You tried to stifle a yawn but failed. 

Haldir chuckled. “Go back to bed, y/n,” he said softly.

You nodded and waved as you went back the way you had come.

Once you were out of earshot, Remli spoke up. “She likes you,” he said as the group began walking again.

Haldir stopped admiring the gloves and looked up. “You think?”

“And by the looks of it you feel the same,” Ferin said, joining the conversation. 

Haldir colored and cleared his throat. “I do not,” he said. “What would give you that notion?”

“Haldir the two of you see each other every day, she goes out of her way to greet you when you get back from patrol, and just a moment ago you were looking at her as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world,” Remli said with enthusiasm. 

“And can we acknowledge the fact that she blushes every time she sees you?” Ferin added.

“You should ask her out.”

“Yeah, just imagine it.”

“No, I will do no such thing.”

“Why not?” they asked in unison.

“My duties lie here, not wondering whether y/n may feel the same or not.”

“Oh so you do like her?”

“I didn't say that.”

“You just said you couldn't worry about whether she felt the same or not…” Ferin said.

“I did?”

“Yes!”

Haldir was silent.

“Just pay attention to the way she acts next time you see her.” Remli said. “Maybe invite her inside for once.”

The day seemed to pass in slow motion for Haldir. Every minute felt like an hour. 

When the patrol did finally come to an end, Haldir sighed with relief and walked a little faster than normal. At this point he was desperate to see you. 

You sat at your workbench, carefully working on a saddle when you heard a horn blast. You jumped to your feet and ran out the door you didn't want to be late.

When you arrived, everyone was making their way home. Except for Haldir, he stood, clearly searching for someone. You realized with a flutter of your heart that he was looking for you.

You gently tapped his shoulder and he turned around. “I know I'm late, I'm sorry…” 

Haldir smiled softly. “It's alright y/n…”

You tried to fight the blush growing on your cheeks.

This time Haldir did notice it and his smile widened. He offered you his arm, something he seldom did which caused the blush on your face to grow. You shyly linked your arm with his.

“Thank you again for the gloves, they did wonders.”

You smiled. “Well i- i couldn't just leave you to get blisters all over your hands now could i?”

Haldir smiled, Feren and Remli were right, he did love you and it was quite evident you felt the same.

Once the two of you arrived at haldir’s chambers, you stopped outside his door as usual. 

Haldir opened the door and asked you inside, you blushed and accepted his invitation. 

“Just give me a moment to change out of this and ill be right back,” he said, disappearing around the corner. 

You stood, surprised by how welcoming the room was. You smiled and looked around there were a few random items scattered among the books he had on a shelf. You walked closer studying the items with curiosity. 

Suddenly, there was an arm around your middle which caused you to gasp. “You startled me,” you said softly.

There was no answer. 

“Haldir?” you whispered softly, curiosity in your voice.

He gently turned you to face him before he pulled you to his chest, wrapping both arms around you. You stood stiff for a moment before letting yourself relax into his embrace. You tried to remember ever seeing Haldir show anyone affection. You failed. 

“y/n,” he whispered. 

“Yes?”

He released you from the hug but let his hands rest on your hips. He then leaned forward, placing his head between your collar and jaw. “I love you,” he mumbled.

You blushed madly and put your arms around him. “I love you too,” you whispered, placing a kiss on his head. “I have for quite some time…”

He lifted his head and gently placed a kiss on your cheek. “May I court you?” he asked softly.

You nodded, tears filling your eyes. “Yes…”

Haldir tilted your chin up and slowly leaned down, pressing his lips gently on yours. 

You melted into the kiss and lifted your hands to his hair before pulling him a little closer. 

Haldir pulled away but allowed his forehead to rest against yours. “It took Remli and Ferin’s teasing for me to realize just how much i love you.” 

You smiled. “Mmm, you must remind me to thank them for that…” you whispered.

Haldir chuckled. “Your just as bad as they are,” he teased, kissing you again. “Goodness, your more addicting than wine from mirkwood…” he whispered in your ear.

You were now a very deep shade of red and you knew it. 

Haldir kissed your nose. “ I love you… don't ever forget it…”

[earthlybeam]

Could you do the manpread with haldir, Halsin and Glorfindel pls 🙏🏻? Thanks

They both so flawless sexy! 🛐🥰❤️🫶✨ Glorfindel, Haldir version below

☀️𝓖𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓵

The gentle breeze of Rivendell whispers through the open balcony, rustling the silken drapes as Glorfindel lounges gracefully on a cushioned bench. His golden hair gleams in the afternoon sunlight, loose strands falling over his shoulders as he sips from a delicate goblet of wine. His posture, as always, is noble—poised and dignified, his long legs crossed with effortless grace. You, however, have something mischievous in mind. Leaning in closer, your voice takes on a flirtatious lilt, a teasing smirk curving your lips as you drop the bait. “You know… I find it incredibly attractive when a real man does the manspread. There’s just something so undeniably sexy about it.”

Your gaze flickers meaningfully to his legs, then back up to his face, daring him to take the challenge. You see the flicker of surprise in his deep, knowing eyes before they narrow with something unreadable—an amused glint, perhaps, or the beginnings of a challenge of his own. He exhales a short chuckle, setting his goblet aside with slow deliberation. “Is that so?” His voice is like warm honey, rich and smooth, but there’s a touch of wry amusement lacing his words. “A real man, you say?”

His brow lifts slightly, as if questioning whether you truly believe he needs to prove himself. There’s no offense in his expression—only intrigue, perhaps a flicker of playfulness. For a moment, he debates keeping his usual elegant stance, just to see your reaction, but then you add— “But if you’d rather sit like a lady, then by all means…” Your voice is all but dripping with challenge, and that’s when you see it—that glint in his eye, the unspoken oh, you think you’re clever, don’t you? And just like that, Glorfindel moves.

With the fluid grace of a warrior, he shifts, stretching out his long, powerful legs as he leans back against the cushions. His thighs part wider, his arms spreading casually over the back of the seat, exuding effortless confidence. The motion is unhurried, deliberate, and commanding. He doesn’t just do the manspread—he owns it, as if he’s always sat this way, as if it was never a question. And yet, there’s a knowing smirk curving his lips as his piercing blue gaze locks onto yours.

“Better?” he asks, voice edged with velvet amusement. It’s impossible to ignore how good he looks like this—broad shoulders relaxed, powerful frame taking up space in a way that is both natural and dangerously alluring. The sheer confidence in his expression sends heat prickling up your spine. But Glorfindel isn’t one to let a moment slip without turning the tables. Tilting his head slightly, he studies your reaction with an almost infuriating amount of satisfaction.

“You seem flustered,” he muses, feigning innocence. “Was this truly what you wanted? Or are you regretting your boldness?” There’s a tease in his voice, a challenge. The air between you hums with a different kind of tension now, his presence utterly magnetic. He leans in slightly, dropping his voice just above a whisper. “I wonder,” he continues, “how else would you like a real man to sit?” His smirk deepens, waiting for your next move.

🏹𝓗𝓪𝓵𝓭𝓲𝓻

The dim glow of the Lórien lanterns casts a soft light upon the silver-clad Marchwarden as he sits upon a carved wooden bench, his posture as composed and upright as ever. Haldir is ever the image of elven grace—legs close together, back straight, movements precise. He is, as always, utterly refined. Perhaps too refined. You tilt your head, a slow, teasing smile curling your lips as you lean closer, voice dropping to a sultry murmur.

“You know, I find it incredibly attractive when a real man sits like one.” Your eyes flick meaningfully downward, and then back up, holding his gaze. “The manspread—it’s just… undeniably commanding. You must understand why it’s so appealing, don’t you?” Haldir, at first, does not react. His icy blue eyes assess you with that ever-perceptive, unreadable stare, as if weighing the very nature of your words. But there is a flicker of something—subtle, but present. A quirk of a brow. A barely-there shift of his shoulders, as if uncertain whether to regard this as jest or challenge.

“Manspread?” he repeats, voice smooth as river stones yet carrying a note of perplexity. “I am unfamiliar with this term.” Your smile widens, and with a slow, deliberate motion, you part your own legs just a little—just enough to illustrate your meaning. His gaze follows the movement, before flicking back up to meet yours once more. There is a glimmer of realization, and something else—mild amusement? The faintest flicker of offense? It’s hard to tell. “Ah. I see.”

You lean in, emboldened by his attention. “So, will you do it for me?” You let the request linger in the air between you, heavy with playful suggestion. “Or are you too… proper?” Haldir’s lips press into a thin line. His fingers curl slightly at the edges of the bench. For a long moment, he simply studies you, his gaze sharp and assessing—as if determining whether this is a challenge to his dignity or something else entirely. Then, deliberately, his posture changes.

It is not an exaggerated shift, not an overt display—but there is a measured parting of his legs, just enough to widen his stance, just enough to shed some of that rigid formality. His arm drapes casually over the back of the bench, his fingers tapping idly against the polished wood. It is not quite human-like manspreading, but it is something—a silent acquiescence. A concession made with intent.

His eyes meet yours again, and there is something dangerously knowing in his expression now. “Is this to your satisfaction?” he asks, his voice edged with something unreadable—challenge, amusement, perhaps both. You inhale, pulse quickening at the sight, and nod. “Much better,” you murmur. A slight smirk ghosts across his lips, fleeting but there.

“Good.” And yet, the way he holds your gaze now, the slight, deliberate way he adjusts his position further, tells you one thing he knows exactly what he’s doing, as he adds, “Or shall I sit like a woman?” He knows exactly what he’s doing now. And he’s waiting—watching—just to see how you react. A slow smile curled your lips. “Much better.” Haldir held your gaze a moment longer before letting out a quiet scoff, shaking his head. “You are insufferable,” he murmured, though the ghost of a smirk played at the corners of his mouth. And yet… he did not move back.

[elentarial]

For the first sentence game. Sweet preferred, please. If you don't mind visiting this character, that is. :)

"Celebrían watched snowflakes drift from the darkening sky like falling stars and smiled, then frowned; they still were not home and it was growing cold."

She had the utmost faith in her father’s marchwardens; Haldir and his brother Orophin were competent and brave. They would lead their small party safely through the mountain passes and back to Lorien. Still, she felt something was not as tranquil as the gently falling snow suggested, and her mind wandered back to the warmth of the Hall of Fire. Oh, how she longed to be back there, basking in the warmth of the stone pit, blue and silver flames dancing. Celebrían was so consumed in dredging up memories that she failed to notice the approaching rider and nearly flopped inelegantly off her mare when a gloved hand reached out. 

“You left this in Imladris. I thought to return it to you before you crossed the mountains again.”

[wareagleofthemountain]

Long Story…

Summary: Orophin and Caladwen have a little adventure.

Caladwen leapt from tree branch to tree branch, sharp green eyes fixed on the ellon beneath her who was currently plodding along the muddy path pulling a cart behind him. The chilly air nipped at her fingers and the earth was left dampened by the recent rainfall. The rivers of Lorien were at their most productive, flowing fast and running deep. It had been Orophin’s idea to set off towards the creek bed and try to pan for gold as all the recent activity would have no doubt stirred up the sediment which lay below the water.

“Could use a little help here.” Her brother in law grumbled, the wheels of the cart having gotten caught in the mud for what must have been the fiftieth time that day.

Caladwen grinned, swinging upside down on a Mallorn limb by her ankles. “What’s wrong? The big, strong Marchwarden Orophin having a hard time?”

“I’ll show you a hard time, you elfling!” He smirked, muttering a hushed command to the tree she was hanging from, a vine promptly slithering out to fling her off.

“Oof!” She sat up from the bush she’d landed in, scowling at the smug face staring back at her. “Real mature.”

“You had it coming.” His eyes sparkled with mirth and he extended a hand to help her up. “Alright, let’s get the shovels. Again.”

Caladwen chuckled. “I love how you bought these with the intention of digging up rocks in the creek, but all we’ve done with them so far is excavate our cart from the mud.” She reached out and retrieved the two items in question, both Warden-grade shovels struggling not to bend under the thickness of the mud and already caked in grime.

“I’m just glad Rumil reminded me to grab them when I was headed out the door this morning. Nearly forgot.” Orophin panted, chucking away his third scoop of debris into the tree line.

“Eru forbid ‘tis one of us who should get caught in this stuff. It’s like quicksand.” It was now Caladwen’s turn to take up pulling the cart loaded with mining supplies, the elleth noticing the fatigue in Orophin’s arms.

“If the bounty in that river is half as plentiful as the dwarves say, the mud will be worth it.” Orophin was known to frequent bars run by dwarves, as he claimed they lead to more interesting stories to tell at the end of the night. Though his brothers certainly stopped finding this habit of his amusing after the time Orophin had come scrambling home in the early hours of the morning, hurrying to lock the door and constantly looking over his shoulder. As it turns out, the young fool had been so caught up in his cups that he’d spent all of his gambling money at the bar. And dwarves, especially the very greedy miner Orophin had played cards with that night, do not take kindly to not receiving their winnings. The dwarf spent two hours banging on their Tallen door and shouting curses at the ellon inside about what he was going to do if Orophin didn’t pay up. Haldir ended up having to foot the bill that night, and in turn Orophin earned a very long lecture about responsibility the next day as well as being put on paperwork filing duty for the following week to teach him a lesson.

But did that experience deter the willful ellon from returning to such establishments? Of course not!

“Haldir thinks we’re mad carrying on out here in the cold like this.” Caladwen’s heart clenched, already missing her husband. She thought back to Haldir’s soft blue eyes gazing up at her as he knelt to tie her boots this morning, draping his rainproof cloak over her shoulders as she walked out of the door. Even now she could feel his warm breath ghosting over her pointed ear, and hear his voice making her promise to stay safe in its usual gruffness. It made her long to be in his embrace once more, Caladwen focusing her attention on her fea to connect with the ever present reassurance of their soul bond. It was like having her skin kissed by the thin reys of the sun on a warm summer day; not overpowering, but just enough to feel its comforting presence.

“I’m sure he’ll warm up to the idea when we bring home the gold!” Orophin puffed his chest out confidently, and Caladwen could see that he had no intention of leaving the creek without his treasure.

Both elves stopped and turned to each other when they saw the steep slope that lay before them, terrain dotted with boulders and trees. It was the only way to get down to the water they realized with a shared sigh. Now, had it only been the two of them, this hike would have been no trouble. But unfortunately, there was no way they could make it down while pulling the cart.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Orophin gave her a sly wink.

“No. Come on. No! Orophin!” Caladwen was now seated in the cart, Orophin standing behind it with his feet ready to give him a running start.

“It’ll be fine.” He assured her.

“Famous last words!” The elleth protested. “How are we even going to get it back up here when we’re done?”

“Meh, that’s our future selves’ problem.” Was the last phrase Caladwen heard before her world became a blur of colors zipping by as they rolled down the cliff, Orophin having pushed off and now sitting behind her. “Lean left!” He commanded between gritted teeth, struggling to throw his weight around enough to guide the direction of the cart.

“Look out!” Caladwen’s eyes went wide, seeing a huge tree only a few feet in front of them. “Need a plan here pilot!” Her voice was panicked, but also agitated by his lack of response.

They held their breaths and leaned in the opposite direction, just barely grazing the tree. Orophin was the first to burst out laughing when the shock wore off, Caladwen joining in with shaken hands.

“Woooo! Take that! We rule this mountain!” Orophin threw his head back, howling their victory.

“Uh… Orophin?” Caladwen’s shaking again.

“Oh no…” His eyes fall on the ledge in their path, approaching too fast to react. “Brace for impact!”

Instinctively, Orophin moved to cover Caladwen’s body with his own, wrapping around her to break her fall as the two were ejected from the cart. The wood splintered as it hit the ground below.

Orophin landed on his feet, carefully lowering her to the soil. “You okay Cali?”

“Yeah, I think so…” She panted.

“Haha! See? Told you we’d make it.” He patted her shoulder as he walked off to scavenge for their mining supplies which were now strewn about all over the bank. Eventually, everything was retrieved, and the wide array of tools Orophin managed to procure for their trip was truly impressive; old kitchen pans with holes poked into the bottom of them to act as sifters, a pick to scrape mud and moss off of potentially valuable rocks, and the aforementioned shovels. Lastly, each elf brought a pack filled with food, fresh water, and plenty of space to take home any treasures they might find. They eagerly leapt into the cold water, standing about waist deep as they began digging for handfuls of rock to sift through.

Caladwen stifled her laughter as Orophin nearly face planted trying to walk in the stream, his boots so close to getting sucked off of his feet by the mud. “You good?”

He immediately picked up on the sarcasm in her tone, gathering a clump of slimy moss from the end of his shovel and holding it in front of his face with a wrinkled nose. “Ewww… think fast!”

The elleth yelped as it landed in her already messed hair, overbalancing and landing in the stream. Sputtering, she scrambled to her feet.

“You look like the creature from the Black Lagoon.” Orophin chuckled.

“Who eats troublesome lads like you!” She couldn’t help but splash him to even the score.

Not having any luck in their current position, Caladwen decided to branch off and sift in a shallower section of the creak by the bank, perching atop a rock outcropping. Her eyes lit up when they caught sight of something interesting in the bottom of her pan.

“What is it?” Orophin’s ears pirked up.

“Not gold, but look at this beautiful wild clay!” She exclaimed, holding the chunk of clay, a marbled combination of orange and purple, up to him. “This would be perfect for making jewelry beads!” She set about collecting as much as she could, even happening upon a few patches of yellow clay, and wrapping the material in damp cloth before placing it in her bag. Orophin, for his part, was not able to locate any gold but collected a few unique small fossils embedded in rocks.

He was the first to notice the darkening skies, having learned through all his years as a warden that it would be unwise to travel given how intense the rainstorms have been in case of mudslides. “Let’s tuck in for the evening. I saw a cave about half a mile upstream.”

XXX

Caladwen and Orophin were eager to put their supplies down once they reached the mouth of the cave. The cart had been broken in the crash, leaving them to carry their tools along with the heavy packs. Caladwen built a fire and they left their cloaks and boots to dry by it, nibbling on lembas and relaxing in a soft patch of moss by the warmth.

“I’m bored.” Orophin groaned, apparently unable to withstand the lack of activity in the last five minutes.

“Hmm…” Caladwen tapped her chin thoughtfully, eyes wandering over the stalactites on the roof of the cave. “Want to play a game?”

“I’m listening.” He rolled over to face her.

She picked up two sticks from the surrounding area, dipping them into the charcoal and water mixture that had collected in puddles in the darker regions of the cave, creating a quill of sorts. “It’s called three line. You draw three arbitrary lines and the other person has to create a picture out of them.” She demonstrated by scribbling three lines on the cave wall, Orophin quick to follow. They switched places and proceeded to begin to craft an image using the abstract lines they were given.

“There. A masterpiece!” Orophin said ostentatiously as he unveiled his work.

Caladwen squinted. “What is it?”

He swats her playfully, his face a mask of mock offense. “A slice of cake!” As if it was obvious.

“Did it get run over by a horse?” She quipped.

He laughed. “Don’t blame me, they were your lines.” He leans over, looking at her drawing. “A sun?”

“You got it!”

Their night was filled with laughter, paining the walls with round after round of three line until they drifted off to sleep.

XXX

They must have been quite the sight, coming over the hill caked in mud and carrying supplies that were even dirtier.

“What… happened to you two?” Was all Haldir could muster as he leapt down from his watch tower to meet them.

“Long story…”

[craig-parker-cravings]

[craigmania]

“I don’t think I suit blonde, but the wigs were these spectacular things which were $15,000 worth of human hair. I was always aware that if I fell over and damaged the wig, it cost a lot more than I did. 😬" - Craig about Haldir's wig. [X]

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Modern day santa Haldir 🎅 🎄

[cclumsyart]

Haldir of Lórien

[lordofthegoldenflower]

A bit of the tension that had settled across Glorfindel's shoulders eased with that permission. Though he would still technically be defying his Lord's orders, he had permission to leave. That was all he needed to feel a bit of relief. He may be riding into potential battle, but he would also be going to his love's side.

"Send word with the messengers to the Marchwardens in Lorien," he said reasonably. "If we all leave together, we will save some time and be able to travel together for a bit of the road, that will make it a bit safer for all of us. I am thinking perhaps two days? Or do you think I can find volunteers quicker than that?"

“  i’m alone.  and it’s my own fault.  but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.  ”

(@silvercrowned - apparently I’m just in the mood for angst lol)

"Why don't you tell me what makes you feel this way, Celebrian? Perhaps there is something I can do to help you."

@silvercrowned