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Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own Haldir, nor Lothlorien, much to my chagrin. All of Arda belongs to Tolkien!


The war with Sauron was over, the men worked to rebuild as did the elves. There were stray packs of the horrid servants of Sauron still roaming Middle-Earth and it was amongst a group of these that Gandalf was met with the surprise of his life. While raiding a small orc cave Gandalf was met with the tattered chained form of a small girl. Her clothes, what was left of them, was all black, she wore no shoes but wore chains on both ankles, wrists, and around her neck. Put on edge Gandalf approached the girl, why was she chained thus so? As he neared he noticed her body covered in bruises and cuts, cursing her realized she had been subjected to more than his stomach wanted to handle. Kneeling in front of the young girl he was met with the palest skin he had seen, lifting her chin he cursed more noticing the youth of the girl he guessed was no older than 16 in human years. He was startled when the translucent eyelids began to flutter open, he sucked in a breathe at the sight before him. Framed with dark long eyelashes eyes of molten silver that seemed to pulse her very life. For a moment Gandalf thought he was looking at the moon, they drew him in. Before he could ask her anything, the girl's eyes were suddenly fearful and he felt a strong rush of energy throw him back to the wall. Looking up startled he saw a defiant look set upon the girls face, only then did he notice the bodies around the girl. Dozens of bodies, all of orcs. This girl, this battered child, had killed them with what he surmised was akin to some form of magic. So it was with the war with Sauron over, that the Black Wizard was found, a gift Gandalf called her and thus he named her Antiel.

"Ada, are they close?" A female elf asked her dark hair fluttering in the wind, her blue eyes scanning the horizon. The ellith stood tall and regal beside her father he held similar appearances and two identical ellon. The ellith had high cheekbones and full lips, she was nothing short of beautiful. The ellon she referred to as father stood beside her his full height only inches above his daughter. Like his daughter he had high cheekbones and dark hair braided back. His deep grey eyes looked toward his twin sons who also shared the deep hair color of the family.

"Yes, Arwen they are near. Their horses ride swiftly, they have passed the border, Glorfindel leads them in." The father's voice was quiet yes, but held a sense of authority filled with wisdom beyond his youthful appearance. As he said this horses rode in a white horse leading with an ellon of golden hair. Behind him were two identical horses each holding, one holding the Lord of Lothlorien the other holding it's Lady. Behind them was a small group of Lothlorien wardens, clothed in deep grey and green. On the ladies right rode a tall Lothlorien soldier of stern demeanor, his silver blonde hair was braided back into the warrior braid and his stormy-grey/blue eyes watched his surrounding carefully and calculating.

The father was the first to walk down the steps to greet the visitors from Lothlorien. "Welcome, Celeborn, Galadriel to Rivendell. Gandalf brings the Black Wizard as we speak." The elven Lord walked toward the party his arms open in invitation, his grace unmistakable.

Lord Celeborn was the first to dismount, with a swiftness that did not surprise the other Elven Lord. His silver-blonde hair was held back by no braids, his deep blue eyes kind and full of old wisdom. Walking over to his wife he responded, "We had feared they would have gotten here first. What has Gandalf told you about the Black Wizard?" Helping his wife dismount with great tenderness, Lord Elrond felt his heart constrict with grief for his departed wife.

"All that you know, I know nothing more. It is curious, what was a wizard doing chained in an orc cave. Did he not have the strength to break free?" Once the Lady was safely dismounted the wardens began to dismount themselves. Their lithe bodies easily sliding off the horses as attendants took them to the stables. Adjusting their bows and swords the wardens gathered behind the Lord and Lady with one, in the lead standing beside the Lady.

"We shall find out soon," the Ladies smooth voice breathed out, turning her head to Haldir she added, "March Warden. We are safe, you have all done your duty. Rest and recover, the trip was a tiring one I am sure." I would like for you to stay Haldir, they will be arriving soon. Nodding his head to his lady he dismissed his warden and followed his Lady up the steps to welcome Mithrandir and the Black Wizard.

"How are you my children?" Lady Galadriel asked as she settled herself in between Elrond and Celeborn. Behind them stood Haldir and Glorfindel who stood on guard and ready unsure if this Black Wizard was a danger.

"Very well Grandmother, how long will you and Grandfather be in Rivendell." Arwen stepping forward until she was beside her father.

"Not long I fear, we must return to Lothlorien there is still much to be done." Galadriel answered looking at her granddaughter a small smile upon her lips.

"The war ended a hundred years ago and peace is finally in Lothlorien, the people have taken our rule with grace and acceptance. Yet, there is little word from Greenwood, we had told young Prince Thranduil, King Thranduil that should he need any help after the untimely death of his father that we would be more than willing to help however it seems he has closed himself and his people off from the outside world. I had heard that he has just welcomed a son into the world." Lord Celeborn commented looking to his left as his twin grandsons walked to his side.

"Fear not grandfather-" "If the King should ever need help he will call to you or father." The twins commented together.

"Elrohir and Elladan are correct my love, you worry were there is no need. Your heart is kind." Lady Galadriel said looking to her husband lovingly.

"They approach." Lord Elrond commented turning all the attention toward a lone horse holding two on its back, one cloaked in grey the other in black. The horse ran swiftly reaching the edge of the steps quickly. Gandalf looked at the elves present and nodded perceptively before dismounting. The figure in black did not move, did not speak, did not reveal their face. The first things the elves noticed was the small stature.

"Come Antiel, do not fear." Reaching hands out the elves watched shocked as two white, obviously female arms reached out toward Gandalf who helped her dismount.

"Antiel! You mean to tell us the Black Wizard if a female. Mithrandir, why did you not tell us sooner?" Elrond breathed out shocked and horrified. What the orcs could have done to a female, dismayed him beyond belief the remembrance of his broken wife coming back to him after being held captive by orcs.

"Ah yes I was going to, when the time was right. Which seems to be now" As Gandalf said this all eyes turned toward the small female who was completely covered by the black cloak. Paying no mind to the high elves present she turned her attention to the horse were the elves noticed two small furry creatures sat. Upon closer look the elves noticed it to be a small black fluffy puppy and black kitten. Noticing the look Gandalf added with a cough. "Ah yes, they were in the cave with Antiel when I came upon her. They do not leave her side and she does not leave theirs." The two animals quickly jumped toward Antiel who caught them effortlessly, the force of the animals causing her hood to fall and her cloak to open revealing her.

All the elves stared wide-eyed at the girl in front of them. A girl! Covered in bruises and cuts her clothes torn to barley cover anything. "Mithrandir." Galadriel breathed out horrified. Gandalf let his head fall in sadness.

"Forgive me I should have warned you, Antiel does not speak out loud, or she has yet to, and she is in need of a change of clothes." He said motioning to her battered body and clothes. Noticing all attention on her Antiel turned her head toward the elves her silver eyes piercing through them, indeed they were pulsing. Looking at each in turn Antiel took note of the elves before her eyes stopped on a tall silver haired elf with story eyes who stood in the back his eyes wary but pure.

Hello. Antiel commented in his mind making the elf in question almost stop breathing in surprise. Her voice was soft and pure, she was a child he thought raging. What do they call you?

Haldir. He thought back hoping she heard him. The girl tilted her head thinking.

Haldir? You speak the common tongue, and elvish. She added thinking, what does my name mean. Gandalf gave it to me.

Haldir cleared his throat aware that everyone noticed their conversation. It means gift.

I see. Haldir noted her voice though beautiful seemed devoid of emotion.

Gandalf coughed catching the attention of those around him, Elrond quickly saying, "Arwen my dear will you take Antiel and find a change of clothes for her. None of her wounds seem dire, we can treat them later. If you notice anything though call for me."

Arwen nodded and stepped forward gracefully her hand extended, "follow me Antiel." Antiel looked at Arwen's hand then at her face.

"Go Antiel she will do you no harm." Gandalf commented gently. Antiel looked to her savior and nodded her head letting her animals down and reaching to grasp Arwen's hand. Arwen held in a gasp when Antiel grabbed her hand, the girls hand was ice cold and shaking slightly. Looking into her eyes Arwen noticed deep inside fear, the girl was indeed terrified. Arwen began the trek to her chambers were she hoped they would be able to find something suitable for her to wear. The girl was much smaller than Arwen, average height for a human female she noted. Hearing the sound of soft pitter behind her Arwen turned to see the puppy and kitten following closely behind Antiel.

Walking through the corridors Antiel observed it, the peace and quiet. She was not found of being this out in the open but accepted it, she felt no prominent evil closing her eyes she found the dark, they were far and were not rushing to her. She observed bright around the boarder, looking around she felt and saw the vibrant lives of the pure creatures her. Letting a small smile go across her face she followed behind Arwen. Looking at the tall elf Antiel noticed her body surrounded by a small blue/white light. The world Antiel saw was very different than what anyone else saw. She could see the life auras of every living creature; plants, humans, elves, orcs. The world was a bright rainbow to her, she could tell Gandalf meant her no harm based of his white/grey aura. Every living thing Antiel noticed had a slightly different aura, she was curious of Galadriel and Celeborn's. Their auras were opposite, their aura's were duel color where Galadriel had a yellow/white close the edges a white/silver, Celeborn had a white/silver close with white/yellow edges. Both of their auras also seemed to blend the middle and edges and also blend with each other. It was strange, Antiel thought of asking, perhaps at dinner. Yes she thought, dinner would do.

Antiel followed Arwen into a large chamber, walking toward what Antiel assumed was a trunk of clothes she looked down at her own clothes. Arwen bent over the trunk digging through piles of clothes, some slightly dusty. "These were my old clothes, my favorite, you are smaller than I. Hopefully one of these shall fit you. Ah." Arwen pulled out a dark blue dress with a wide scooped neck, the sleeves long and billowing. It looked as if it would fit Antiel well. "Follow me."

"Mithrandir, why did you not tell us the wizard you came upon was female?" Galadriel questioned sitting beside her husband. They had entered a small room where the party planned on eating dinner. Elrond sat at the head of the table, Celeborn to his right, Galadriel one more down. Gandalf sat on Elrond's other side the seat next to him empty for Antiel. On the other side of Antiel's seat sat Haldir, across from Haldir would have sat Arwen. The twins at the end of the table.

"At the time I thought it not pertinent, I have spoken to her and she replies sometimes in my mind. She is strong, that was all I thought important. I have been unable to find how she found herself in the cave and to the extent that she was hurt." Gandalf stated leaning on his folded hands.

"Perhaps the orcs sensed the magic and wished to use it to their benefit, hoping to torture submission from her." Celeborn commented taking a small sip of his wine.

"That is likely, the orcs have become desperate since Sauron's fall from power." Elrond observed leaning back in his chair a hand on the bridge of his nose. "She is young though, I think it best she stay here for a protection."

"She is of course welcome in Lothlorien." Celeborn added looking to Elrond. "Though perhaps it best she stay here for a period, I do not believe she knows much of the world and Erestor would be good to teach her."

Elrond nodded his agreement, "yes I thought that best too. She does not speak elvish does she?"

"I am not certain." Gandalf commented thinking.

"I believe she does not." Haldir commented his face controlled and reserved. All eyes turned to him, he was sometimes uncomfortable being allowed in to situations such as these. Do not worry Haldir, when your parents sailed Celeborn and I took you and your brothers in as our own sons. Though you did a wonderful job of raising your younger brothers without our help, you are sons to us and as such deserve a spot. Lady Galadriel soothed. The table was silent urging Haldir to continue. "When we met Antiel she spoke with me briefly in my mind."

"Ah that is an honor, she only speaks to me when I ask her a question. She is reserved with her opinion and thoughts." Gandalf remarked watching the March Warden carefully.

"She asked me what my name was and what her name meant. I told her it meant gift." Haldir commented looking to Gandalf.

"Yes, I named her that when I met her. I could see that she was a gift from the Valar." Gandalf added looking out to the setting sun. "Those animals that are with her too, they are not normal animals as she is not a normal human. In fact I am not certain she is human." The sound of soft footsteps approaching caused the heads to turn toward the entrance were Arwen walked gracefully in.

Haldir watched as Antiel walked in his breathe catching in his throat. The dress Arwen picked was the right length and size it fit her body like a glove, the only problem being that this dress was for Arwen when she was younger and not endowed which Antiel certainly was. The dress clung to her body like a second skin but the neckline was a tad too low for the size of her breast which a sizable amount was out. Haldir realized that she was certainly not a child, as she walked toward her seat he quickly stood and pulled her chair out for her.

Thank you. Her voice rang in his mind. Pushing her chair in, he nodded before sitting down at his own spot turning his head upon the sounds of two small animals. Looking down he noticed to small balls of fur with blinking eyes that pleaded to him for attention and food. Antiel looked over and removed her hands from her lap the two immediately jumping up. Elrond was about to comment when he noticed both animals sit in her lap and curl up. Reaching a hand down Antiel began to pet both of them, a small smile on her lips.

"Antiel," Galadriel spoke gaining the young girl's attention, "how did you find yourself with the orcs?" Silence hung in the air as all eyes were on Antiel, Galadriel and Elrond attempting to search her mind.

I do not know. She voiced into Haldir's mind. Looking over at Antiel Haldir raised a brow, she wanted him to speak for her?

"She says she does not know, she cannot remember much she has been with the orcs nearly her whole life. She remembers a small farm with an elderly couple who said a beautiful elf brought her to them. Then the orcs were there, attacking and killing. She was frightened and tried to help the elderly couple, the orcs saw this and grabbed her. They wanted her for her power." Haldir stopped and looked over at Antiel to see tears in her eyes

I tried to save them. She whispered into his mind. I could have but the orcs took me away before I could help. A couple of years of being with the orcs I started to think if I did what they asked they wouldn't hurt me anymore. Antiel cut off the tears falling, then this pretty elf brought me the kitten and puppy. She said the kitten's name was Cristiel and the puppies was Thandion.

"She named your animals sword and shield." Haldir commented out loud curiously. Upon sensing the curios eyes he continued to translate. "She has been with the orcs for so long she thought of doing what they wished to stop the pain, an elf, most likely the same that brought her to the elderly couple, brought her the cat and dog naming them Cristiel and Thandion."

"I see." Elrond commented deep in thought his brow furrowed. "They knew of your power, what is it? To what extent does your magic reign?" At once all eyes were on Haldir waiting for him to translate.

"It is hard to explain." Haldir started, he went then to explain the best he could how she could see aura and manipulate them. He went to explain how she used this to sense enemies, she could tell them where all evil lies. She had attempted briefly with the elderly couple to use their aura to heal them but was unsuccessful.

Haldir. I wish to learn the ways of the world, the culture the languages, the peoples. I want to know how to heal. Antiel pleaded to him. Haldir looked down to the pleading face of Antiel an overwhelming need to protect her as a sister he surmised taking over.

"Lord Elrond, she wishes to know of the world and all that comes with it, the people, language, culture. She also wishes to learn how to heal." Haldir added his face still impassive his emotions in tight control.

"Of course, it will be our pleasure to provide this. She is free to all Rivendell has to offer." Elrond answered nodding his head before looking to Antiel kindly. "You are always welcome here young one."

Haldir, I do not understand those two's aura and the serious ones. The two powerful one's mix with eachother, the serious one is mixing like the two power one's do but there is no other that his mixes with. Antiel commented curiously.

Haldir attempted to explain her question to those present before answering, "I believe she the aura she sees is our fea. Perhaps the reason that Lady Galadriels and Lord Celeborn's mix is due to them being fea mates. Lord Elrond whom has a fea mate also tries to mix with Lady Celebrian's though her absence means it cannot." The elves looked to Antiel amazed that she could see such a thing.

"I had thought that what she saw was simply the purest essence of the creature, the reason for elves she sees mixing is due to the fea bond you share. She has seen humans and theirs does not mix, does it?" Gandalf questioned looking to Antiel. Shaking her head negatively Gandalf nodded. "The orcs most likely wished to use her to seek out the enemy, to find us when we are at our most unprotected."

Haldir, tell them. . .

Haldir looked to Antiel amazed before nodding, "Lord Elrond." The elf in question looked to Haldir curious. "Antiel can sense your connection with Celebrian through your auras. She can tell you this with the utmost certainty that Lady Celebrian is flourishing and happy in the Undying Lands. She says it pulses with contention and longing, she awaits your reunion. Parts of Lady Celebrian's aura is also with Lady Arwen, Lord Elrohir and Elladan and with your my Lord and Lady." With that Antiel stood tired from the day and travel, nodding her head in farewell she left the room Cristiel and Thandion hot on her heels. The table sat silently as Antiel left the news she told sinking in before Lord Elrond cleared his throat a few tears filling his eyes. The grief in his heart lifted with the knowledge that Lady Celebrain was safe, he had worried she would be unable to survive the trip to the Undying Lands her heart unable to handle the anguish.

Lord Elrond bowed his head toward the door Antiel just left through, "thank you." He whispered.

Antiel wandered through Elrond's garden letting the aura of the plants provide a soft glow which lead the way. She sensed him before she heard him, walking quietly behind her. She wondered briefly what he wanted but decided he would say. "It is late Antiel, if I may, I will show you to your chambers. Lord Elrond has already looked into seamstresses for dresses for you." Antiel looked up into Haldir's eyes. He was strange, that much she knew. She could not figure him out, he meant no harm to her she knew that she could tell his pure soul by his aura. He was stern and serious, she assumed he would be gruff yet he treated her as if she was a fragile porcelain doll falling off a shelf.

You are kind to me. She commented

"I am not an uncivilized person Antiel." Haldir responded leading the way out of the garden.

That is not it.

"No I suppose not," looking down at her from the corner of his eye he added, "my parents sailed when I was young. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn took my brothers and I in. I could not have asked for better foster parents. I was already a warden old enough to make my own decisions, my brothers though were still young." He paused looking up to the stars. "I decided to try to raise them myself, I of course depended on the Lord and Lady more than I realized back then, either way you remind me of them. You remind me of my brothers after my parents left; scared, alone, cautious. You needn't be, Lord Elrond and his children will treat you like their own so long as you are here and after you leave they will worry for you. You are safe now, safe and protected." Haldir stopped short at a pair of large double doors. They were made of stone which vibrated its satisfaction on being made doors. Haldir bowed low and placed a small kiss upon Antiel's hand, "sweet dreams little sister.