Author's Notes
Thanks to all those still faithfully reviewing after my extended absence!
I really appreciate your support **insert hugs**
I've really enjoyed writing this chapter; beginning to illustrate the differences between Andúnil's two 'suitors' and their respective romancing techniques.
Laureline; Don't worry, Haldir wont have it easy!
Hmm, but then neither will poor Erestor...

Chapter Thirteen: Froggy Went A Courtin'

"Enter," came the sound of a voice from inside the study. Glorfindel went in quietly and made certain to shut the door behind him. The sight that met his eyes was nothing short of perplexing.

"Whatever are you doing Counsellor?" He demanded, warily scrutinizing the odd selection of tomes that Erestor was stacking neatly on his desk.

"Research," replied the dark-haired Elf.

Glorfindel frowned and strode forward to get a better look at the titles. "My friend, I cannot imagine what sort of research you are doing that would require so many volumes of romantic poetry."

The Counsellor ignored this baiting remark and began to methodically sort through the reading materials, organizing them into neat piles.

The Golden Lord plucked one of the tomes from the desk and held it up. "Have you ever even read a volume of romantic literature before?"

The Counsellor fixed his friend with a haughty glare and snatched the stolen book from the other's fingers. "Nay, now kindly refrain from interfering with my filing process, if you wish to be of service you may return to the library and collect more samples."

Glorfindel clasped his hands behind his back and frowned. "I shall, if indeed you will explain to me why you are doing this research of yours."

Erestor did not look up as he replied. "I am going to court a maiden and I require preparation for the procedure."

For a moment there was only stunned silence as the Golden Lord fixed the Counsellor with an amazed stare. Slowly his expression of surprise melted into an amused smile. He regarded his friend carefully, so busy with the precious piles of books. There were few moments he could ever claim Erestor to be naive in any matter, but it would seem that for all his learned ways, the Counsellor was still left ignorant in some aspects. It was both sad and strangely endearing.

"Erestor, who is this maiden you fancy so greatly that you would go to such trouble?" Asked Glorfindel kindly as he seated himself next to the desk.

"I fancy no one, but I have agreed to do this and I intend to do it to the best of my ability, as with any other challenge set before me," came the curt reply.

A memory surfaced in Glorfindel's mind. "You have accepted the maiden Lirinwen's request?"

"I have," agreed the dark-haired Elf.

"I must admit I am astonished, I had not thought you would," Glorfindel frowned, "why ever did you accept?"

"The Sons of Elrond made me an offer I could not refuse," came the cryptic reply.

"I see," replied the Golden Lord. But truly, he did not see at all, the entire affair was most bizarre. "Would you care for some advice in the matter?" He added at length.

The Counsellor was silent for a moment, but in due course he straightened and fixed Glorfindel with his attentive stare, "I would be grateful for any good counsel you have to offer me."

~ * ~

Haldir knocked impatiently at the door of the modest little home, irritated with himself for agreeing to this. At length he heard soft footsteps and the door was opened to him, revealing a face as clearly written with irritation as his own.

"Captain, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?" Was the venomous question.

"I have come to take you for a walk, Madame," he replied frostily.

Andúnil's anger began to fester under the surface of her emotions. So now she was a pet that needed to be taken for walks? Narrowing her eyes the maiden kept her voice as neutral and polite as she could manage. "I am afraid I must decline, Captain, I am currently engaged in a project."

It was Haldir's turn to narrow his eyes. He didn't care at all for disobedience, especially after the bother of having to come all the way down from the Halls. Who did this maiden fancy herself to be that she refused him? "I must insist that you take a walk with me, your project will wait for you," was his terse reply.

Certain that her ears were beginning to pinken as her ire rose, Andúnil otherwise maintained her composure. Why could a day not pass peacefully without having to suffer the presence of this infuriating Elf? And what did he mean by showing up at her home in all his presumptuous glory to make demands of her? The least he could have done was ask politely!

"My project does not care to wait my lord, my apologies, but I must truly decline," she insisted.

Haldir drew himself up to his full height and stared down his nose at her. "I do not recall asking you to walk with me, I recall informing you that you will walk with me, unless you would deny your Captain?" Insufferable female! Why could she not simply submit? It was the fool's own fault he was forced to be stern with her!

Andúnil reached back and ripped her mantle from its peg, she jerked it over her shoulders and slammed her door behind her, never once taking her eyes from him. So he wanted to walk did he? Fine! "Are you certain this is wise Captain? After all, an Elf in your delicate condition should probably be resting indoors," it was a cruel thing to say, but she relished the look of horror that crossed his face.

"I am much improved, Madame, I assure you," he growled, thrusting out his arm for her to take.

Gingerly she accepted the apendage and the warden steered them towards a garden spot. Silence hung between them as they strolled. Round and round the little garden they went, saying nothing as each stewed in their own indignant thoughts.

"I must question why my Captain has brought me to this place to make circles in the grass, for I was certain such a forceful summons would have a greater purpose," spoke up the maid at length. She ignored the clearly incensed look he shot her.

"Is it not apparent?" He demanded. Really, was she so dense that she could not see he was courting her? Did she think he made a habit of wasting his afternoons walking about in the greenery with sour-faced maidens?

"I am afraid that it is not apparent, at least in my estimation," she snapped back.

Haldir stopped abruptly and looked down at her. "I am courting you," he announced demurely, the tone of his voice gave Andúnil the distinct impression that he was expecting her to be grateful, "are you not aware that strolling in gardens is a common practice in matters of pursuit?"

"Sweet Elbereth!" She exclaimed as she released his arm and jumped back, "whatever has possessed you to do such a thing?"

"As is usual, Madame, it was a certain regard for your person that has 'possessed' me to give you my attentions," there, what maiden didn't like flattery?

"Well perhaps I do not desire your attentions!" She spat back, crossing her arms defiantly.

This possibility had not yet occurred to the warden. Haldir frowned deeply, there could only be one explanation. "You are still distressed from my unappealing visit on the night of the festival," he declared.

Andúnil arched an eyebrow. So now he presumed to know her mind?

"You must believe that I am most contrite for my behavior, I greatly regret the distress myself and my brothers have caused you good lady," he took a deep breath, "your forbearance does you credit." He finished. Apologies had never been his forte, but he was confident that one had been as good as any other.

Andúnil's ire had settled into annoyance. As audacious as the fellow was, at least the apology appeared genuine. "I thank you for both your regard and your contrition Captain," she replied quietly, "but I do not desire to be pursued, I am sorry if this disappoints you in any fashion, but I assure you I cannot be swayed in the matter," that said, she bowed her head to him politely and hurried back towards her home.

Haldir watched her go in confusion. Had he just been set down? Lirinwen would not be pleased by this turn of events, and he feared she may threaten to abandon her end of their bargain. That simply would not do. Surely there must be a way to approach this stubborn Elf-maid! Haldir refused to be deterred.

~ * ~

There was a knock at the door.

Andúnil answered it with trepidation. Haldir better not have followed her. Pale blue eyes met her gaze, and instantly all sense and self-composure melted away.

He bowed to her and smiled. "My lady Andúnil, forgive my intrusion," spoke the Golden Lord.

Elbereth help her, she would have forgiven him anything at that moment. Dressed casually in white with his glorious hair pulled back from his face, he looked both angelic and sensuous. Andúnil's stomach began to flutter.

"No!" She replied quickly. Glorfindel raised an eyebrow and the maiden blushed. "You are not intruding that is," she corrected.

His smile broadened. "I am glad to hear it, but just the same, I will not keep you long."

Andúnil laughed nervously. "You may keep me as long as you wish!" The moment she'd said it, she regretted it.

If the Golden Lord was amused at her expense, he did not show it. "You are very kind," he replied, "I still regret that we were not able to dance at the festival, and thought I might entice you to join me for the evening meal, if you do not have other plans."

Andúnil knew at that moment that she was grinning like a fool. "Join you for the evening meal?" She squeaked, "I would love to!"

"You do me great honor, good lady," he bowed and swiftly captured one of her shaky hands for a brief kiss, "until anon."

Andúnil could not help the gasp that escaped her lips when he kissed her hand. Courteously he did not commented on it. She returned his farewell with a wide-eyed nod, and hoped he did not think her too foolish. Her skin burned where he'd touched her, but it was wonderful, and for the first time in many centuries, she had to restrain herself from squealing like an excited elfling.

~ * ~

"So you see my friends, Orophin and I have been greatly abused and naturally we seek retribution," explained Rúmil.

The twins, sitting far across the room with kerchiefs tied around the lower half of their faces, listened wide-eyed to the amazing tale.

"As yet we are not enough in possession of ourselves to make anything of the situation, but we would hope you will assist us in this matter," added Orophin.

The twins glanced at each other, Elladan nodded to Elrohir and the latter addressed the Lórien brothers with a hidden smile. "We will do this for a small price."

Rúmil had expected the ultimatum. "You may keep any remaining liquid."

The twins grinned behind their kerchiefs. "Consider it done," they announced in unison.

Promptly, Orophin keeled over, unconcious for the third time that hour alone.

~ * ~

Evening had fallen on Caras Galadhon, and though Andúnil found herself sitting primly at Glorfindel's table, she was greatly displeased. Apparently Erestor had also been invited to join the Golden Lord for supper, though it seemed an odd thing to the maiden.

Glorfindel was polite and accommodating, and between the three of them, it was he that ended up doing most of the talking.

The maiden accepted her plate with nervous thanks, certain she was once again smiling foolishly in the Golden Lord's direction. The once she chanced a glance at the Counsellor, he wore an expression that betrayed mild irritation. Andúnil wondered at this, did he object to her presence?

"Oh my, this will not do!" Exclaimed Glorfindel suddenly. Two pairs of eyes regarded him in question. "I regret I have run out of iceberry, we shall have to drink something less palatable," he explained with a frown.

Erestor jumped up, startling the maiden. "Do not be troubled, I have yet a bottle or two in my suite, I shall fetch one," with that said, he turned on heel and strode hastily from the room.

Glorfindel smiled at the retreating form of his friend. "He is so very obliging, is he not?"

"Indeed he is my lord," squeaked Andúnil. How was it she never ceased to feel the awe incited by this Elf's presence? Prolonged time in his company had done nothing to diminish or disuade the fluttering and nervousness she felt when near to him. It was most disconcerting.

"I feel I must apologize for not mentioning I had invited Erestor to join us my lady, but it was his wish to be here when I told him you had accepted," spoke the Golden Lord. He watched her reaction carefully; a demure smile, plenty of blushing. This was not going as he had intended, he was beginning to question the validity of inventing some excuse to leave them alone. His presence appeared to be distracting her.

Erestor paused in the center of his study. Something felt...odd. Carefully he scanned the room with a critical eye. Nothing appeared amiss. Yet, he could not shake the uneasy feeling in the air. The Counsellor frowned and moved over to his wine cabinet, from which he retrieved a bottle. Taking one final glance about his rooms, he retreated, determined to pass it off as fancy.

Glorfindel broke into an overly cheerful grin as the Counsellor returned. "Ah, Erestor, wonderful!" He exclaimed, taking the bottle from his friend, "have you yet tried our iceberry vintage my lady?"

Andúnil replied that she had not as the Golden Lord poured them each a goblet of the pale, purple drink.

"A toast?" Offered the exuberant blonde, he smiled at the maiden, "to your sister and her bethrothed, may they find every happiness in their union!"

Erestor and Andúnil raised their glasses to this toast, and all three took an appreciative sip from their cup. Suddenly Andúnil felt herself beset upon by a great nausea, the muscles in her hand relaxed of their of volition and the goblet feel from her grasp. She noted both Erestor and Glorfindel crumple in their seats as she tumbled into the dark of unconciousness.

Erestor experienced a brief moment of self-congratulations for his keen senses that had earlier warned him something was amiss, then pitched sideways.

Glorfindel felt twinge of frusteration, this would surely not serve to amplify the maiden's affection for the Counsellor, then he slid forward off of his chair and under the table.