Author's Note: I do not own any of the characters or places that are related to the Lord of the Rings. I only wrote this for my and other's own pleasure.
*All words in italics represent sentences spoken in the Elven language*
Love's Immortality
Rain poured down hard along the land of Middle Earth, and there were yet to be any signs of clearing. Elven riders galloped across the hills outside the borders of Southwestern Mirkwood. They had recently departed from the Woodland Realm from which they had brought a message to the King Thranduil who dwelt there. They now rode swiftly back to their own home: the woods of Lothlórien.
Although the rain could be blinding, the Elves saw clearly into the distance with their keen vision. Their sensitive ears kept alert for any sounds of something more than raindrops.
They rode on for what seemed like hours in the cold wet weather, however, they had only traveled a mere mile from the borders of Mirkwood. And it was as they came to be at the most two miles, the leader of this group of Elves saw something he did not like.
Pulling on the reins, which attached themselves to the halter of his horse, he held up his hand to command the others to copy his actions.
"What is it, Haldir?" One of the soldiers asked as his own horse stopped next to that of his leader's.
Haldir, the leader of this pack also happened to be the high march warden of Lórien. His light blonde hair hung past his shoulders, half of it pulled into a tight braid and a single thin braid hung behind both of his pointed ears. His face was stern, yet very proud as his deep blue eyes scanned the sight that stopped him in the first place.
"Evil," was his only reply to his companions.
The horses were commanded to move cautiously forward as all six of the Elves prepared their bows and took an arrow from the quivers on their backs.
Haldir listened carefully, but even the hearing of an Elf would detect that the only thing to be heard was the sound of the rain pounding the earth beneath them.
As they went closer to the scene, they found the body of an Orc, a hideous creature that descended from tortured Elves, with a dagger in its back.
"A battle has taken place here," Haldir told the others. He jumped off his horse with ease and studied the body. "A Man blade."
"I wonder who was victorious," one of the others said.
"The Orcs," the march warden said as he pointed to other bodies in the area.
There were only a few, and that summarized the situation with two possibilities: the entire group of Men was killed, or their party continued on leaving the corpses.
"Haldir," called one of the Elves from a few feet over. "There is a woman here and she is still alive!"
Haldir and the other quickly rushed over. He knelt down next to her and haphazardly picked up her limp body so she would talk. "What has happened?"
She opened her eyes, which seemed to be very shallow. But even in the darkness of the day Haldir could see a ray of hope sparkling in them as she looked upon the golden-haired Elf. "They attacked us," she whispered. It was obvious that her strength was diminishing and her life was soon to be over.
"We were bringing her home…her father's…" she struggled to continue.
"Who? Who were you bringing home and to where?" came Haldir's demanding voice.
"Please bring her to her people in the forest…don't let her die." At first Haldir thought the woman had died, but her eyes opened again and looked at him pleadingly. "Her father's people can protect her better than I. Please bring her there."
Haldir said a short Elvish prayer as he rested the dead body on the soddened ground. Her words had made no sense to him at all. There were no other signs of life for miles other than that of his own group.
And then he heard a small cry only a few feet from where the woman lay. He rushed to the source and was completely appalled at what he found. A small child wrapped in wet blankets squirmed around on her back as she cried from the cold and rain.
"A child?" One of his own asked as they too came upon the child.
"We cannot leave her here, if it was the mother's wish to bring her to safety," another reminded.
Haldir hesitated before kneeling down to scoop the babe in his arms. And to his total amazement, the child's cries could no longer be heard. Her blue eyes looked up at his own with tears and raindrops trickling down her face. And to bring even more shock into his mind, he noticed that she was of Elven heritage for her ears were like his.
"Check to see if the mother is Elven," he commanded to one. The answer of no came to his ears. Haldir continued to stare at the child, but finally his senses came back to him.
"We will return to Mirkwood at once!" He said as he hurried himself back to his horse. He mounted the animal carefully while still holding the small Elven child in one arm then drawing his cloak around him to shelter the child from further rain.
The arrival of Haldir and the other five was very unexpected in Thranduil's house. The guards of the Realm led them to the king with questions of their own from the sight of Haldir hiding something from beneath his cloak.
The king permitted him admittance. Haldir alone followed the Elven king inside the halls of his house.
"What is it that you have discovered that you hide beneath your cloak?" the older Elf asked.
Haldir pushed away the fabric, revealing the child who remained silent. "We came upon a group of Men that had been slain by Orcs. The women believed to be the mother of this child told us in her dying breath that she and her people were bringing this child to her father's people. What is odd is that this child is of the Elven kind."
King Thranduil studied the features of the child as she squirmed uncomfortably in Haldir's arms. He sighed and paced the room for a brief moment before turning to the Lórien Elf. "The child may remain here. The journey to your own home is far to long for a child of such age." He paused a moment and put his hands behind his back. "I will find a suitable she-Elf who will raise her as her own child." He motioned for Haldir to follow him up a staircase to a second floor.
They walked down an open hall-like bridge to another building where three or four she-Elves were busy sitting around painting.
"Jelleth," the king summoned and the tall, blonde Elf came forward bowing to her king. "I ask of you to pause a moment from your painting to feed and properly cloth this child. I will decide after where she will go from there."
Jelleth nodded her head slightly and turned towards Haldir to take the baby from his arms. For a brief moment, the Lórien Elf felt a sort of possession towards the child and hesitated before giving her to the waiting she-Elf.
Before leaving the king's quarters, Thranduil rested a hand on Haldir's shoulders and smiled. "That was a very noble thing to do," he commented. "That child will be thankful in the future when she learns that you saved her life."
"I hardly did such a thing, my lord," he responded.
"Saving the life of another is very noble, Haldir."
As they walked to the entrance, Haldir was stopped once again by the king's voice. "It is only fitting that you name her seeing that you found her."
Haldir stopped cold, his mind thinking of so many odd things at once. He had never been asked such a question. He thought for the longest moment before the first name to come to mind rolled from his tongue. "Anitra."
The king smiled. "The name of your mother. I'm sure she would be proud if she still dwelt amongst us in Middle Earth."
Haldir gave a final bow before he set out for a second time from the Woodland Realm and this time promising himself that they would not stop until they reached the borders of Lothlórien.
Time changed yet a little in two hundred years. Evil forces still remained a threat as they harbored further into South Mirkwood; however, the Woodland Elves were still out of harm's way
Two hundred years passing seems a rather long time to one of a mortal life, but to an Elf, it means life has just begun. However, the two-hundredth birthday of any Elf was important for it was the day they were seen as a young adult in the eyes of others.
.
One Woodland Elf in particular was very blissful today, for it was her 200th birthday. She stood around the height of five feet six inches, which was a tad smaller than that of other she-Elves. However, it could be expected, for she also had the blood of Man running through her veins.
This Elf's hair was long, (for it reached her waist), and dark for a Woodland Elf being that of a dark brown. Her eyes were blue as the ocean and were as youthful as could be. Her delicate features portrayed her to be more an Elf than that of a child born from a human mother.
Young Anitra journeyed through the trees that surrounded her home in the Woodland Realm. Her long pale blue dress flowed with her sleek movements like that of an angel. Her feet brought her up a flight of stairs to a landing where another Elf sat reading a book.
"Greetings, Legolas," she said to the other.
The older Elf looked over his book with similar blue eyes and fine blonde hair. He smiled to the visitor and stood up bowing slightly.
"It is I that should bow to you," Anitra replied with a laugh as he kissed her hand gently.
"Ah, but today is your 200th birthday, and even a prince of the land should respect such a special day." He invited her to sit with him as he lounged back into his seat extending his legs to another chair that was turned for this very purpose.
"Is the book good?" Anitra asked. Whenever she saw her friend, the Prince of Mirkwood, she would ask this very question if he was in fact reading. And his answer would always be the same.
"Of course—" he paused for the briefest of moments, "—it is not."
Anitra laughed. "It seems you should choose more carefully when you're in the library, prince."
"And that is coming from a mouth which rarely utters the words from a book."
"I happened to have read twice the amounts of books that you have in my lesser years."
"How do I manage to over look that?" was Legolas' answer.
The two would commonly go about a conversation like this. They had known each other since Anitra was brought to the kingdom 199 years ago.
As the time slipped by, Anitra had sat back and relaxed in her chair to watch the leaves of the trees blow with a small summers breeze. Her mind wondered to various things, such as the dinner that was being held in her honor that very night to the wonderful people in her life and then to something that she thought of more often than not: exactly how she came to be here.
Anitra knew that it was not right to ask Legolas such a question, but she felt more comfortable around him to ask these types of questions.
"Legolas," she said quietly.
"Hmm?" he replied turning a page of his book.
"Please tell me how I came here."
Legolas looked up from his reading and studied her serious expression. "I do not think I should be the one to tell you, Anitra."
"I must know. It has been kept from me all these years who my parents really were and why so many are unsure if I belong to the Woodland Elves. I know you know. Surely your father has told you, seeing that he was the one to place me with Jelleth."
Legolas closed the book and sat on the edge of his seat as he thought of the right words. "Well, the only knowledge that I have of your heritage is that you were found amongst the sight of a dozen people of human kind. The woman thought to have been your mother told one of the Elves that she was bringing you to your father's people where you would be much safer than with her. That very Elf who heard this from your mother's mouth found you and brought you here for it was closest.
"My father took you from that Elf and gave you to Jelleth who agreed from then on to raise you as her own child, which she did if I am not mistaken."
Anitra remained silent for a few moments while his words repeated quickly in her head. "It is common knowledge that my mother was human and my father was an Elf. It's a shame no one knows why she felt she had to bring me here."
"Dark forces move in quickly, Anitra," Legolas told her. "Where you were could have very well been in danger and your mother saw it best to bring you here amongst the safety of the Elves."
Another moment of silence passed them by before Anitra asked her next question.
"Who was the one that brought me here?"
"My father never told me his name. All I know is that he resides in Lothlórien."
During the dinner, many Elves congratulated Anitra on her birthday. The entire party was filled with laughter and delicious foods and Elvish wine. There was a time when they danced and a time where they mainly dined, but nonetheless Anitra enjoyed herself immensely.
The story of her journey to Mirkwood was forgotten; until, that is, she met with Jelleth after the party.
"I'm very proud of you," Jelleth had started the conversation.
"And I owe it all to you, Jelleth." Anitra sat down on a cushioned stool as she brushed her long hair. "Jelleth, I must ask you."
The she-Elf turned to the younger one with a puzzled look. "Something is on your mind, I've noticed. What has been troubling you?"
Anitra felt terrible that she would even mention something like this, but heart desired to do this action more than anything at this moment. "I would like to meet the one who brought me here. The Elf that talked to my mother and who had fulfilled her dying wish."
Jelleth seemed quite concerned at the words she had just heard. She sat down on Anitra's bed and looked at the beautiful face of the girl she raised. "Why do you ask such a thing now?"
"I've waited, hoping that one day someone would come along and tell me that they were the one to bring me here. I'm not really sure why my heart desires this, but I know that this is the only chance to hear about my mother for no one else would know."
Silence overtook the room. Finally Jelleth took Anitra's hand in her own. "He lives in Lothlórien, which I might remind you is a five day journey from here."
"Please. Let me go. I will find someone who would go with me."
"The one you seek is named Haldir," King Thranduil told Anitra, as she was about to depart from the Woodland Realm with Kardel, who agreed to take her to the woods of Lothlórien. "I wish you the best of luck."
"Thank you, your majesty," she bowed to him as Legolas came towards her.
"Good-bye, Legolas," she said with a small smile. She gave him a large hug, which he returned without hesitation.
Anitra said her goodbyes to Jelleth along with her friends. Mounting the horse and taking up the reins, Anitra followed Kardel towards the outer walls of the Woodland Realm Kingdom and into the forest of Mirkwood.
The journey was no doubt long and tiresome. Anitra had never been on a horse for so long in her entire life and she was starting to feel the stress on her legs. Kardel also wasn't the easiest person to ride with, however he himself had lived many years in Lothlórien and was well known there.
On the fourth day of the ride, Kardel became very worrisome. It wasn't normal to come across a sword with fresh blood on it.
"We must be very cautious," he told her continuously.
They rode for several hours without a single rest. Anitra could feel her stomach begin to growl with hunger and her head started to hurt. She was praying that this trip would be worthwhile and this Haldir is still around.
"Stop…"
Anitra quickly pulled the reins and Kardel took hold of his bow and an arrow. "What is it?" She whispered to him.
Her question was quickly answered. The loud growls of a dozen Orcs were closing in, and fast.
"Get out of here!" Kardel yelled at her.
"What about you?"
"I said go! Continue the path and you'll find the woods—they're close now!" Kardel pulled the reins of the horse to the right and used his heels to command the horse to get going at a high speed.
Anitra didn't know what to do. She watched the Orcs coming over the hill and she knew she didn't stand a chance of defending herself. The young Elven girl spoke quickly to her horse in her native tongue and rode to the forest.
She had never been on a horse that was running so fast. The wind was blowing her hair wildly and she could feel it tugging at her dress and scrapping her face. It was an invigorating moment, indeed.
Almost there, she thought to herself. She knew that once she reached the border she would be safe. She could be safe already, but she was too afraid to look back and possibly see the dark and hideous face of a monster.
Nearly the moment the horse's hooves touched the ground that circled the trees it came to a slow canter. The young she-Elf was amazed at the beauty of these woods. Each plant seemed to shimmer a gold and silver tint from the sunshine that poured down from above. A fresh fragrance filled Anitra's nose and she immediately fell under its spell of warmth.
However, during her moment of tranquility, Anitra didn't notice a swarm of Elves surrounded her. They each wore the same tunics and cloaks and held a beautifully crafted long bow with an arrow aimed towards her.
The horse came to a complete stop; nudging its head up and taking a step back at the sudden movements of the Elves.
Anitra looked around nervously at the Elves, each who stared her down and waited for her to make a wrong move. But the only movement she made was turning her head to face forward when another Elf came through the circle of bows.
The Elf was tall and very handsome, with long silver-blonde hair that hung past his shoulders and his blue eyes stared at her intensely. He stood up very straight and proud, and his face seemed stern.
"Speak now, or suffer the consequences," he said in a smooth and soft voice, although she was able to sense that he was very serious. "What business do you have in these woods?"
Anitra looked at him nervously and was afraid to answer.
The sound of heavy hooves caught everyone's attention, except for the Elf that had spoken. He kept a firm watch on Anitra.
"Forgive the intrusion," Kardel said. He seemed to be a little short on breath. "I told her to continue forward to the safety of your home."
"And why do you ride so close to the borders?" The Elf asked.
"Anitra has come seeking someone from her past who dwells in these very woods," Kardel answered nodding his head towards the girl.
The Elf stared at her for the longest time before waving his hand to signal the others to lower their weapons. Anitra let out a deep and silent sigh.
"I ask you to dismount your horses. They will be tended to," he said and looked at two others that stood next to him. They nodded and took the reins once the riders' feet were on the ground.
"Now," the Elf started. "Whom do you seek and what is your reason?"
Anitra felt that if she started to speak words would still fail her. She was intimidated by this he-Elf and knew that every move was an act of judgment. Finally, she spoke, "I have come to meet the one called Haldir."
The march warden knew of what she wanted before she even spoke it. The name was what told him who she was and why she was there.
Turning to Kardel he said, "You will follow me." Then he took a step forward, his shadow draping over Anitra. "I will take you to Haldir." With that he turned quickly and continued on foot, Kardel following them.
Anitra followed the Elf up and over a small hill where they arrived in a darker place only with the silvery lights that illuminated the area. He pointed in the direction where Kardel could clean up and rest after his battle, and told Anitra to come with him.
They walked up several flights of stairs that circled an extremely tall tree and stopped on a platform that over looked the entire area.
The Elf stood for a moment in silence only giving Anitra the view of his quiver full of white-feathered arrows that was strapped to his back. When he turned, he seemed just as arrogant as before.
"You seek Haldir for the mere fact that he took you to Mirkwood when Orcs killed your mother," he said as his right eyebrow rose slightly.
"You know him well then," Anitra spoke quickly with a sound of joy in her voice.
"That would be because I am the one you wish to see. I am Haldir of Lórien."
Anitra could feel her lips part a small bit and her mind was reiterating what he had just said. She could not believe that this Elf was him. Haldir.
"How," she started, her mind still swimming with excitement and wonder. "How did you know it was me before I told you anything?"
"Your name," he said not moving from his current spot. "Kardel spoke of it and I immediately knew who you were, for I was the one who gave you that name. It was only fitting that someone named Anitra came looking for me."
Anitra didn't know what to say. He was very smart and resourceful, she could see that already. But there was something about his body movements that told her to be careful.
"I will have dinner brought to you and a bed made. It will be up to my Lady on how long you are welcome here," he said and started to go back down the stairs.
"Wait!" Anitra called after him. He paused and turned half around. "Why won't you let me talk to you?"
"There is nothing to talk about, Anitra. You saw the one who brought you to Mirkwood. What more do you want from me?" Haldir continued down the stairs, Anitra following after him.
"But you are the only one that saw my mother! The only one that knows the entire story by heart for you were there! Please, I beg of you not to turn me away."
"I am not turning you away for you were never here to turn away. Your mother died telling me of you and that is all. I do not remember her face, nor do I care to at this moment."
"Why are you afraid to talk to me?" Anitra asked before thinking it over in her head first.
Haldir turned quickly around to meet her face to face. "I am not afraid of anything." He looked at her with cold eyes and then turned away once again.
"The Lady Galadriel will speak with you when she is ready. She will decide when it would be time for you to return to your home."
Anitra silently followed Haldir through more trees and up another hill. When they came to a clearing, she noticed a large group of trees huddled together, and that seemed to be their destination. She once again had to climb flights of winding stairs up to an area where she was to meet Galadriel.
Anitra had heard of the Lady of Light, but never had the opportunity to meet such a well-known she-Elf. It would be an honor indeed.
"You will wait here," Haldir commanded and then disappeared up more stairs.
Anitra was looking around at the beauty that surrounded her. Although she loved her home in the Woodland Realm, Lórien was a lovely and magnificent place to see.
It was some time before small footsteps were heard descending steps. Anitra turned her head to see a glimmer of light and then a tall and beautiful Elf walking towards her.
Lady Galadriel stood before her with very long golden hair and a remarkable white dress. Her face seemed friendly and very wise.
"Welcome to the woods of Lothlórien, Anitra of Mirkwood. Haldir has told me of your coming," she spoke gently.
"My lady," Anitra curtsied. "I know not of what to do now. I came to see someone and they have decided to ignore my presence."
Galadriel smiled. "Do not trouble yourself with Haldir and his ways. He does mean well."
"But he does not care."
"My child, he cares more than he lets be known. Haldir is a very secretive person. He will talk to you in time and I'm sure a strong friendship will blossom before your time here is up. And I do welcome you to stay as long as you would like."
"Thank-you," Anitra said. Then she thought for a moment. "When will I have the chance to speak with him again?"
"Haldir is a march warden of the woods. He and others guard our borders against any evil that might try to force their way through. All in do time, my child." Galadriel's smile brought comfort to Anitra and she settled with the answer, although it was not straightforward.
Two days passed, and Anitra found great pleasure in her stay. There were many Elves whom she had become acquainted with. She told the ones who had never seen Mirkwood and the Woodland Realm of her home, and they did the same for her. Every night there seemed to be a large dinner for all who wished to attend, although the two nights that Anitra ate at these dinners, Haldir was nowhere to be seen.
It wasn't until later that she saw him. He happened to have come up to her while she sat on a marble bench next to a fountain shaped into the form of a fairy.
"I ask for your forgiveness on my harshness towards you upon your arrival. I spoke out of line to a lady," he said still showing the haughty expression on his face.
"You are forgiven," Anitra answered with a small smile looking up at him from her seat.
"Would you be interested in a walk before I return to my duty? Then we may talk about what you came for."
Anitra agreed, but was slightly surprised that he did not offer a hand to assist her to her feet like most would. It was a few moments before either spoke for the moment felt a little awkward for both.
"So," Anitra started, glancing up to him to see that he paid her no eye contact. "How long have you lived here?"
Haldir looked at her with amusement.
"Sorry," she quickly said. "That was a silly question."
"I understand," he said with a small smile. "I was born and raised here."
They came to a deserted spot. It was a small courtyard entered through a stone arch. There was a small fountain against one of the walls and ivy bombarded almost every inch of the four walls that surrounded the courtyard.
Anitra stopped walking and turned to Haldir. "Tell me what happened that day?" She said in a barely noticeable pleading voice.
Haldir sighed and walked a few steps ahead of her and then faced her. "I and five others were leaving Mirkwood to return home. We found the bodies of a few Orcs and the people that were your mother's company.
"One of my Elves found your mother was still alive. When I went over to her I tried to get her to speak of the incident. She would only talk about getting her child to its father's home where she'd be safe from danger.
"We found out that your mother and her people were attacked on their travels. Why they were going to Mirkwood, no one knows. When we discovered you and saw that you were of Elven heritage, it was apparent that the reason they picked Mirkwood as a safe-haven was because of your father who must have been Elvish. I carried you in my own arms to King Thranduil and from there you were taken in and raised among the Woodland people." Haldir looked for any sign of expression Anitra might give to his story.
Anitra had expected almost every word. But now that she knew everything, she didn't quite know why she came out here now. It was in a way worthless. Haldir told her everything he knew; yet she probably could've been able to ask Thranduil to tell her the story.
There was only one more thing she could think of to ask him. "Why did you give me the name you did?"
Haldir was silent for a moment as she studied her. Then he raised his head a little and said, "It was my own mother's name."
Anitra felt honored, but yet she didn't feel like talking about this anymore. What must he think of her?
She took a seat on a bench that was surrounded by ferns. "You must think it was really foolish of me to come all this way for those few words you said."
Surprisingly, Haldir smiled and joined her on the bench. He didn't look at her, but rather outward towards the ground. "I don't find it foolish. I have been running from my past almost my entire life."
Anitra looked up with curiosity. "Forgive me for intruding on your personal life, but what do you mean?"
"My father was killed in battle. It is unclear if it was from an ax belonging to an Orc or a Dwarf."
"Dwarf? This must have been long ago. The Elves have not spoken to Dwarfs for centuries."
"Yes, it was long ago. However, many had told my mother that he was being too noble and proud for his own good. They had said he went needlessly into a brawl and it killed him," Haldir explained. He let out a sigh and looked straight ahead.
"After hearing such news, my mother was in grief for the rest of her days. She stayed with me until I was old enough to take care of my brothers and myself, but the thought of all three of her sons following the footsteps of her dead husband was too much for her to bear. She departed for the Grey Havens the day after my 418th birthday and I have not heard from her since.
"Even now some mock me and say that I am too proud for my own good and the older ones that knew my father say that I will suffer the same fate. I refuse their words, of course, and try very hard to prove myself to them."
Anitra couldn't believe what she was hearing. Now she understood what Galadriel was talking about. "I'm so sorry to hear this. I feel terrible for asking."
"It is something I have to live with. I have learned to deal with it, so it really isn't a bother anymore." Haldir stood up and paced for a moment before resting his eyes on the young maiden before him. He smiled at her youthful beauty and was glad she came so he could lay his eyes on something so breathtaking.
"I will admit something to you," he said with a small smile. "I did not want to hand you over to Thranduil when I brought you to Mirkwood."
Anitra gave him a questioning look.
"I felt that I'd be leaving you in a world you were still unfamiliar with, much like my own mother did. However, the journey from Mirkwood to Lórien is much too far for a young child like you were. I had no other choice."
Anitra stood up and reached her hand to his face and caressed his cheek. He didn't move an inch, but let her do what she wanted. "Thank you for telling me. Your secrets are safe with me. And from what I hear, I think you have become a wonderful person."
Haldir practically forced himself to not smile and to keep a dignified expression. He took her hand in his and swiftly brought it to his lips, laying a gentle kiss on her fingers. He let her hand slip away as he moved backwards and then left the courtyard to return to his duties at the borders.
Anitra looked at her fingers and could feel a sensation growing in her heart. She knew that she was starting to grow much more than just fond of Haldir.
The sun rose over the lands much like it did every day. Lothlórien was a sight to behold during sunrise. Morning dew scattered every leaf and it glistened in the rays of the sun. Birds would chirp or the sweet voice of an Elf singing was carried through the air to make way for another day.
Anitra awoke this morning to find that her heart ached from homesickness. She so wanted to return to the Woodland Realm to see her friends once more. It wasn't that she didn't like Lothlórien. No, it was more that she loved it so much she feared that she would never return to her childhood home.
Dressing in an off-white dress and braiding the top layers of her long hair, she set out for something to eat.
Upon entering one of the large dinning halls, Anitra found that Haldir was speaking in their native tongue to Kardel, the one who escorted Anitra to these woods. She paused her footsteps so that she may hear what they were saying.
"I did not know that she would stay here for so long," Kardel was saying. "I must return to Mirkwood. There are evil creatures that my kin are being forced to fight so that our homes may stay safe."
"And you propose to take Anitra with you," Haldir responded. "That is her decision to make."
"If she wants to go home with someone to protect her, then she will come with me."
Anitra let out a small cough as she stepped into the room. She smiled at both Elves and went to the table where a large bowl of fruit was centered.
Kardel gave Haldir a look before descending upon the young she-Elf. "Lady Anitra, I have been called home by King Thranduil. I leave within the hour, and I would like to know if you would be at my side on the journey."
"I heard your words you spoke only a few minutes ago," Anitra said turning a pear over in her hands. "I will go only because I would not like to impose on another to do the job of protecting me."
"It would be an honor to escort you back to Mirkwood, milady," Haldir said stepping up on her other side. "You would not be imposing."
"I'll go today. I do miss my home and friends and it would be nice to see them again." She got up and left the room without further words.
"I hope you're happy," Haldir said and briskly walked away clutching the sword at his side.
Like stated, Kardel was leaving within that hour. The horses they used to come were ready to ride when the two Woodland Elves came out. Haldir led the small group to the horses. Kardel went ahead and checked his saddle out of habit. Anitra, on the other hand, waited a moment to speak with the Lórien guardian.
"I will miss you," she said a tear streaming her face.
"Do not shed worthless tears for me, milady. Our paths will cross again," the march warden replied. His thumb reached over to catch the falling tear.
Anitra took these last few seconds to stand on the tips of her toes and let her lips meet Haldir's. He did not jump back, but rather let the kiss linger for a few moments before he took hold of her shoulders.
"Thank you for everything, Haldir of Lórien," said Anitra and she went towards her horse.
Haldir gave her a small boost into the saddle and handed her the reins. "I shall lead you to the edge of the forest."
With Haldir in front, and a small group of Elves behind, the horses slowly walked over the soft ground of the forest. The trees were becoming less dense as the approached the outskirts of the woods.
"This is where I leave you," Haldir told them. "Good luck on your journey home."
Soon the two horses broke into a gallop and the Lórien Elf watched with sudden sadness dwelling in his heart.
"We should be there in four days if we keep this pace," Kardel said with joy. He seemed to have wanted to return more than Anitra when she awoke that morning.
However, the young girl was disappointed she did not take Haldir's offer. She would much rather see his back before her than that of one who was indifferent about her company.
But her thoughts were quickly shattered.
Out of nowhere Kardel fell off his horse as if he deliberately jumped. And as Anitra soon found out from the arrow sticking out of his chest, he did not do this on his own.
A howl in the distance could be heard and Anitra's keen sight picked out a small group of Orcs heading her way with swords and bows raised in the air.
At first she wondered why Orcs would be out in the daylight. But it soon occurred to her that storm clouds had quickly moved overhead and a loud boom of thunder rumbled in the distance.
"Kardel!" Anitra yelled down, trying to hold her horse steady. "Kardel! Get up!" But it was no use. He didn't move and she was left alone. Only one word came to mind as she fought with her horse's fright: "Help!"
The horse started to rear slightly as the sound of the Orcs drew closer and Kardel's horse galloped away.
Meanwhile in the forest, Haldir slowly moved back into the trees with the other Elves. He felt terrible that he didn't confess his new feelings to her. Perhaps she would have stayed.
"Help!"
Stopping quickly, Haldir listened through the rain. It was unmistakably Anitra's cries. "We must turn back!" He ordered the others as his legs swiftly carried him over logs and rocks and through the trees. Please don't let anything happen to her…he thought.
The Orcs were at her now. They seemed to be tempting her to run away as they surrounded her terrified horse. Growls and hisses came from all of their mouths as the seemed to be laughing at their catch.
But just as one started to advance with a raised sword, he fell down into the mud. It was a miracle that an Elven arrow pierced the monster's back and more followed.
One of the Orcs slashed at the horse, which reared up uncontrollably into the air and fell with another blow. Anitra was thrown off and looked into the yellow eyes and terribly ugly face of the so seeing victor.
To Anitra's great delight, however, someone's sword connected with the Orc's arm and it hissed in pain.
"Anitra, hold onto me!" Haldir commanded as he kneeled down to pick her up. Just as she was to wrap her arms around his neck, the Orc jumped on the Elf's back in an attempt to strangle him.
Haldir fought with it for a brief moment, twisting his body around to loosen the grip that clutched him. Finally it was thrown off and Haldir slashed its neck with his sword.
Still holding the blade in his hand, he retried the rescue and picked the young girl up. He yelled something to the others, which Anitra wasn't paying attention to; she was too busy crying in Haldir's chest as he carried her back to the forest.
The Elf did not stop his sprint until they were back at the clearing inside one of the Elven structures atop a tree where it was much warmer and dry.
Anitra was placed on a bed and Haldir feel to his knees next to her, although she did not let go of his neck. Both were soaked, their clothes clinging to their bodies and their breathing was quick and short.
"You're safe now," Haldir's soft voice rang in her ear. "They cannot get us here. My Elves are taking care of the remainder of them as we speak."
"I didn't see them! We didn't stand a chance!" She cried into his shoulder. "I've never been so scared. I thought I was going to die."
"I would not have let that happen, my love."
Anitra looked up suddenly with tears pausing at her eyelids. "What did you say?" She studied his face looking into his blue eyes and noting the small smile that crept along his mouth.
"I did not want you to go, Anitra. I have grown very fond of you—and I couldn't bare to see you leave me on such short notice."
"Really?"
"Yes," Haldir chuckled.
As Anitra brought him back to her for a large hug, her eyes swept over a gash in his arm. "You've been wounded!"
"It is nothing that will not heal. I shall live," he joked while caressing her face with his hand.
"No, you must have it looked at—" Anitra's words were cut short when his lips seized her own. Forgetting about the wound completely, Anitra wrapped her wet arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his drenched hair.
Haldir pulled away and stood up. "You must rest. I will have someone bring you dry clothes." He walked away, leaving Anitra feeling loved yet confused at his sudden departures.
Anitra didn't even realize how late she had slept until she heard voices outside her door. She sat up and looked out into the day to discover that the sun was in the south—it was far into the afternoon.
Hastily getting up she noticed that she was no longer in the soaking wet attire she had been the previous day. She must have changed at some point, but did not know it.
The voices caught her attention once more. Opening the door slowly, she saw two Elves standing at the edge of the talon holding a bow in the hands. They seemed to be talking about nothing important, but Anitra noticed that Haldir was not amoungst them.
"Excuse me," Anitra said as she took a few steps closer. They turned to her with a smile.
"Do you feel better, milady?" the one on the right asked. He was similar in size and color to Haldir, but that was often the case of Elves of Lothlórien.
"Yes, thank you." Anitra looked around to see if she had missed the one she sought. "Where is Haldir? I much desire to speak with him."
"Haldir has gone on a scouting trip for the remainder of the day. He will not return until well after night fall," said the other Elf.
"Oh." Anitra suddenly remembered about the day before. "Where is Kardel? Is he alright?"
The two Elves looked at the other and then back to the she-Elf before them. The Elf on the left spoke again as he brought his hand up to his forehead and then back down to his chest. "Kardel is dead, milady. He did not survive the battle."
"Forgive us, Lady Anitra," said the one on the right.
Deep down, Anitra had known before she awoke. She saw Kardel fly off the horse's back and lay motionless on the ground. "Thank you," she said and returned to her room.
Anitra couldn't help but blame herself for Kardel's death. After all, she was the one that wanted to come to Lothlórien in the first place, and if she weren't being so selfish, then none of this would have happened.
Yes. None of this would have come to pass. Meeting Haldir, the one Elf she was beginning to have deep feelings for, would never had passed her mind twice if she had just stayed home.
Anitra spent the remainder of the day wondering around the woods near the clearing she had been brought to by Haldir. So many thoughts polluted her mind at the moment she didn't know what to pass and what to think about.
Finally at dusk she made her way back up the rope ladder and onto the flet where two different Elves stood. The others had gone home for the night.
"Is the lady hungry?" One offered her pointing to some food that was set on a table towards the side.
"Thank you, yes I am." Anitra was offered to sit down while they took a few things and presented them to her on a silver plate. She ate quietly by herself keeping an eye out for Haldir, who was nowhere in sight.
"How long does a scouting take?" she asked suddenly breaking the silence.
"Depends on what they have to look for and where they must go," said one of the Elves who did not look up from his plate.
The second, on the other hand, glanced up to her with a small smile on his face. "You speak of Haldir," he stated. "He is due back within the next few hours. There is no need to worry, rarely does one come back wounded or further."
Anitra wasn't too convinced with his last comment, but she chose to ignore it nonetheless.
After she ate, Anitra returned to the ground and wondered along a flat path that led to a small creek. She found a rock and sat on it while looking at the moon's reflection in the water.
She did not know how long she had been looking when a voice was heard over the steady hoot of an owl.
"Its not always safe to be out here alone at night."
Anitra grinned from ear to ear. She stood up and looked at Haldir who stood before her in his usual black and gray attire. He must have just returned for his bow was still in his hand and his quiver was still fastened to his back, along with his sword at his side.
"It is not very polite to sneak up on a lady, sir," Anitra told him.
"Nor is it not polite to stand absentmindedly in front of someone who has been worried about them all day," Haldir answered.
Anitra really didn't know what to say next. She stepped up to him and gave him a hug, which he graciously returned. His hand crept up to her chin and held it up to cause her to look at him. Her blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight and he wanted nothing more than to place kisses all over her beautiful face.
Haldir leaned down cautiously and kissed her gently. To his pleasant surprise, Anitra leaned up and deepened the kiss holding his head in her hands while he held her back. Not even the loud flutter of wings from an owl overhead stopped them, nor did the sudden rustling of leaves when a gush of wind swept by.
After long moments of the same passionate kiss, Haldir broke it as easily as it started. "Come with me," he said with a seductive-type smile.
"Where are we going?" Anitra asked as Haldir held her hand tightly and led her forward.
"You shall see!" He said. He started to break into a steady jog, although he made sure to let her keep up before he ended up dragging her by the arm. "Almost there!"
They were now running along the river that flowed through the heart of Lothlórien—the River of Anduin. Anitra couldn't possibly figure out why he was in such a hurry.
Abruptly they stopped next to large rocky hill that seemed to go up very high and the water here seemed very deep.
"What's so important?"
"You shall see," Haldir said. He unfastened the buckle of his quiver-belt and gently placed it on a rock, then removed his sword and it joined the arrows along with the bow. Next he pulled the cloak off over his head and let it fall to the ground and finally he removed his boots.
"What in the world are you doing?" Anitra asked as she watched him perform this task. "Are you going crazy on me?"
"I suggest you take your shoes off," Haldir suggested. "They don't feel very comfortable while walking when they're wet."
Anitra looked at him oddly, but was rendered speechless when he dove head and hands first into the water. She stepped up to the water's edge and looked down into the water, but saw nothing.
Haldir's head poked through the surface and he treaded the water with his arms and legs. "What's the matter?" he said lightheartedly. "Its only water!"
"Only water? Do you not remember what time it is? It must be freezing!"
"You're not afraid, are you? Do you think I'd lead you into something I felt was dangerous? Or do you have no trust for me whatsoever?"
Anitra smirked and pulled her shoes off and stuck her toe in the water to test its temperature. She felt much better to find that it wasn't ice cold like she had thought. She waded into the water and swam next to Haldir who still waited patiently.
"Hold tightly onto my hand and take a deep breath," he told her as he extended his hand beneath the water's surface.
Anitra easily found it and they went under together, each taking the deepest breath they could.
The two Elves swam quickly and gracefully through the water, Haldir leading the way towards a band of rocks. At first Anitra though they were going to swim straight into the solid wall, but the shadows atop were hiding a secret: a hidden cave in the hill of rocks.
Anitra followed Haldir to the surface and they both quickly gasped for air. They were now treading water in this cave settled in the river.
"This is so amazing," Anitra commented looking at Haldir. However his sights were on other things. "Look up," he told her.
Anitra did so and what she saw was something only to be seen in dreams. The walls and ceiling of the cave shimmered with whites, blues, and purples. Each ripple of the water changed the shapes of the colors and they sparkled even more.
"This is so beautiful, Haldir! Its nothing less than miraculous!"
Haldir must have found a rock to stand on because he effortlessly pulled Anitra into his arms and was no longer treading the water. She wrapped her arms around his neck for support and looked deeply into his eyes.
"This is nothing compared to your beauty," he whispered. "You are more beautiful than the fairest of flowers."
"Its not polite to lie," Anitra replied in similar tone.
"Who said I was lying?" At that moment he kissed her mouth and ran the back of his hand over her cheek and ear. "I love you."
It wasn't long before the two Elves emerged from the waters of the River of Anduin. Anitra shivered from her wet clothes clinging to her body. Haldir smiled and wrapped his gray cloak around her.
"You'll be cold as well," she told him as he did this.
"I have been in worse conditions in my life, milady. I shall be fine until I return to my flet." Haldir slipped his boots back on and picked up his weapon gear.
Anitra and Haldir walked side by side until they reached a clearing where a good many of the march warden Elves lived. It was well past midnight now, and everything seemed completely quiet.
Anitra agreed to wait for Haldir as he climbed up into the tree to his living quarters to change into dry clothes. When he emerged, he carried something small and white in his hand. When he held it up it was clear that it was a flower. To be precise, it was niphredil—pale white flowers that are only found in the Golden Wood.
Haldir tucked the soft flower stem behind Anitra's right ear and kissed her forehead.
They walked hand in hand now to Anitra's guest flet and invited Haldir to come up with her, (although he waited outside while she changed).
They didn't talk very long. Most of the time was spent sitting on a bench with a high back and arms that was made out of smooth white branches. Haldir was used to staying awake throughout the night, however Anitra had found it very hard indeed.
"Rest your eyes," Haldir whispered.
Anitra smiled with a slight yawn. "I'll fall to sleep if I do."
"Then sleep," he replied bringing her head to rest on his chest.
Anitra couldn't fight the fatigue any longer. She tried her best to let it take her over slowly as she listened to the steady beating of Haldir's heart and took in the scent of trees on his clothes, but the moment her eyes closed she had fallen into a deep sleep.
Haldir smiled when he noticed. He gently picked up her hand and placed a small kiss on her fingers. He too relaxed his eyes while still holding her hand in his own.