to love someone else

Chapter 2: Stargazing

Aerin released the hand of the March Warden as the vast expanse of night met her vision. Under the trees of Lorien, there were nights where not even the moon could break through its protective embrace. But out here, in the wild lands of men, she could see the unobstructed view of the stars elves held so dear.

"These are the very stars that guided me here when the Orcs..." Aerin trailed off, unable to finish. And the usually stern March Warden stepped up beside her, a comforting hand resting on her shoulder.

Aerin had first met Haldir just after her mother had been attacked by orcs and left in a terrible state. Her father was in a poor state too just after hearing the news so Aerin was sent with her sister Arwen to say here in Lorien with her mothers parents, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel for a while.

"The danger is gone now. The great eye of the south has been vanquished by the smallest of men. You need not worry."

"Will you tell me of them?" Aerin asked quietly. It was a small request. The March Warden had insisted on the voyage to the end of the trees in an attempt to get her some fresh air. Only, it seemed to be for a greater purpose.

"That is why we've come. If you intend to stay in Lorien after the war, that even if we want to deny it.. will eventually come, you must learn of the stars and what they mean." He stepped closer and though the night was warm, it seemed even warmer with him standing so close to her. "The one to the west, just over the one twinkling in the winds, is Daugion, named for a great warrior many years ago-"

"Daugion," Aerin repeated softly. And Haldir paused, glancing to her with a small twitch of his lips. But Aerin took no notice as she stated at nature's lights.

"He died in battle, protecting Lorien from the wrath of Sauron." Aerin listened intently, trying to imagine the Elven warrior the elf spoke of. "The same night of his death, was the first time this star shone. It is said that Erû reincarnated his soul so that he may live forever watching over the forest of his Queen."

"My mothers mother?" Aerin questioned. "Yes, Lady Galadriel of Light." He seemed to be even closer as her eyes darted to another. "There is The Star of Ered Luin. It is said to be for the dwarves that have been displaced in the last few centuries. A star to guide them to their new homeland."

"Ered Luin," Aerin murmured.

"Then there is Miril Min." But he offered no explanation as he pointed. But Aerin did not need one. It was the star that had led her to the forest. There was no way you could not recognise it. "Miril Min... And what does that mean?"

"My Shining Jewel." He was much closer than Aerin remembered and she flushed as he did not seem to be glancing to the star, but instead to her. Aerin glanced at him curiously, and a soft smile was lighting his face up to be far brighter than the star that outshine them all.

"No star has shone brighter in this forest than you." "Haldir?" Aerin asked quietly, surprised. The elf rarely spoke of personal matters, as he seemed to distance himself from her. "What are you saying?"

"Then I would be honoured to spend my days with you." Aerin stepped close enough that she was nearly touching and her fingers touched his jaw lightly to angle his head closer to hers. "I would be like Daugion if I could. And watch over this forest in my afterlife, so that I may see you prosper and live as you were intended. These past years may not have been the merriest of my time, but they have been undeniably the most intriguing. And I can see my future years being warm and full of love."

His voice was but a whisper, but Aerin heard it louder than anything in the clearing. "Miril min." And his kiss was unexpected, yet warm and welcomed. And as she pulled away, she couldn't help the cheeky smirk that mirrored the one he wore when he thought of a good comment.

Aerin remembered that moment every night, wanting to relive it each time.