Disclaimer: Remember, this is INSPIRED by Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy (book and movie form) but but it is A/U in many, many ways, so if you are a Tolkien purist please know this before you read. This story happens well before the Fellowship begins. As always, feedback is welcome but please be balanced...

Any Elvish language used here is based upon Tolkien's language, and used with permission from the Tel'Mithrim. For so graciously allowing me to use their language in my story, they have my sincere thanks and appreciation. To learn more about the Tel'Mithrim and the Grey Company, please visit their web site: w w

Rating: PG-13

Before I begin, I do want to thank Evenstar Elanor and Mercury Gray... when I first wrote "Sword of Lorien," I had a few ideas running around my head for an offshoot story. Their feedback helped shape what is becoming "The Rekindled Flame." So for their thoughtful insight, I thank them both.

Now, on to the story...

The Rekindled Flame

Chapter 1: A New Wind

"You seem troubled, Rumil." Galadriel's voice was warm, gentle as it wrapped around him. Rumil looked up and smiled, despite his troubled thoughts.

"I fear for my brother, Haldir," he answered. "He has not been the same since he returned from war. Since Maranwe."

Galadriel paused. She, too, worried. Haldir, the Marchwarden of Lothlorien, was complicated. He presented an image of cool detachment, even arrogance to the outside world, but the Lady of the Golden Wood knew that Haldir was an Elf of deep emotions, even if he kept them hidden from others' eyes. The loss of his feahoon – his 'spirit-heart' or soul-mate in the tongues of Man – had devastated the Marchwarden.

"His grief troubles me as well," she said, and it was the truth. Haldir had found Maranwe, his feahoon, on the field of battle, only to have her die in his arms minutes later. Since his return to Lothlorien, the Marchwarden had held tight to his grief, sharing it with no one, mourning in silence and in solitude.

"He cannot continue like this." Rumil looked at Galadriel, hoping she would have the answer.

"That is for Haldir to decide," she answered. "If he chooses to heal his heart alone, we cannot force him to do otherwise, even if we wish it. Have faith, Rumil. The Valar have ever watched over your brother, trust that they will not forsake him now."

It wasn't the answer Rumil wanted, but he kept silent.

Weeks blended into months and the months quickly flowed into years much as a stream will join an ever widening river until it meets the vast expanse of the ocean. As the years passed, Haldir's sorrow did begin to abate. If he spoke of his heartache to anyone but the mallorn trees, he did not say, and as the sorrow seemed to fade, he turned again to his brothers for companionship.

One evening, after dining together in Haldir's dwelling the three walked out on the platform. Haldir took another drink of his wine and looked up at the sky. The light of the moon filtered down, making that mallorns glow and sparkle. He reached out and gently touched a branch. The woods of Lothlorien were part of his soul.

"I've heard," said Orophin, "that Elves from Dol Amroth will arrive soon. Is this true, brother?"

Haldir nodded. "It is. The Lord Celeborn has relations there and one of his cousins comes to dwell here in the heart of Lothlorien."

"Surely an Elf from Dol Amroth will whither in the Golden Wood," said Rumil. "Even with Elven eyes, you cannot spy the sea from even the tallest tree here."

"Indeed, but from what I have heard, this Elf pines for the forest as much as her other kin yearn for the sea." The Marchwarden shrugged. "Even so, we will not see her when she arrives."

"No?" The brothers asked the question in unison.

Haldir frowned at them. "Have you forgotten that the Lady Galadriel sends us to Imladris two days hence? You are both a disgrace to the Archers of 'Lorien if you cannot remember the Lady's commands!"

"Ah, be not so strict, Haldir!" said Orophin. "We are enjoying good wine on a fair evening. My duties are far from my mind right now..."

"My duty is never far from mine."

"And that," said Rumil as he raised his glass, "is why you are the Marchwarden, dear brother, and not one of us."

"'Lorien would be overrun with Dwarves within days if either of you were left in charge." Haldir downed the rest of the wine in his glass as if that would erase the thought from his mind. Both of the brothers laughed, and Orophin took the wineskin and filled all three glasses again.

As duty required, Haldir, Rumil and Orophin bid farewell to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, before leaving Lothlorien.

"May the Valar watch over you all," said Galadriel. "Travel swiftly and bring our love and greetings to Lord Elrond, and especially to my granddaughter, Arwen."

"As you wish, Lady," answered Haldir. "We will return in time for midsummer."

She watched them go with a smile as Celeborn looked from the three warriors to his Lady. "You watch with more than fondness, my Lady. Are you troubled?"

Smiling, she turned and held out her hand to Celeborn. "Not as troubled as I once was." She said nothing further and Celeborn knew she would not share more, at least not now. He had learned long ago that Galadriel said only what was necessary and no more.

"Your cousin shall arrive soon," she said, changing the subject.

He smiled. "I will be pleased. I have never met Islarenei's daughter, Runevalas. I hope she is like her mother... News of Islarenei's death saddened me greatly; I had always been fond of her."

"Well, from what has been said, Runevalas has always had her mother's love of the woods and has pined for them greatly. I think she will find much to her liking in Lothlorien."

Celeborn heard an odd note in Galadriel's voice but she continued to look at some birds as the darted in and among the tree branches, saying no more. Three weeks later, Runevalas arrived in Lothlorien to the welcoming embrace of her kin.

"You look a great deal like your atara mother ," said Celeborn.

"Thank you, cousin," Runevalas said with a smile. "I find that to be a great compliment, as I always thought my mother to be quite lovely."

"Indeed she was," said Galadriel. "You have only been in the Lothlorien for scant days, Runevalas. What think you of our fair wood?"

The young woman looked around her with an almost child-like wonderment in her eyes. "I had seen the woods before, even been in them, near my home in Dol Amroth, but I never knew they could be so beautiful... or feel so welcoming. It feels like a new spring wind. It has exceeded all of my dreams."

Galadriel smiled. "It makes my heart glad to hear you say so. I think you will find the Golden Wood affects the heart in many profound ways."

Well, that's the start. Mercury, if you're reading this, the postings won't come as fast and furious as they did with "Thunderstruck." LOL. Please read and review...