Fate
By Ladybug
Summary: Haldir was fated to die at the Battle of Helms Deep… or was he? This is a story of what happens when love steps in and changes the course of ones destiny (and corrects a terrible wrong done to the best elf ever). Please R&R.
Disclaimer: I own no one, but Anya. Cantehoon is a village of my own making. All other characters belong to Tolkien, thank God, for he didn't see the need to kill off Haldir. ;-)
Author's Note: I wish to give special thanks to Sindel for her suggestion of the Sindarin. Yes, I was clueless (still am, but that is a whole different story. lol). I have gone back and revised the first two chapters to include the Sindarin language as well as throughout the rest of the story… which, btw, is already completely written. I just have not had the time to go through all of it yet and make the corrections my dearest beta – Jenn – gave me. I did want to note, however, that there are quite a few words, i.e. how, you, has, soul, etc. that are not listed in the Sindarin dictionary (rather frustrating). So, I have taken the liberty of selecting words from other languages to fill in. I hope this does not offend any Tolkien fans.
Also, thank you all who have R&R'd my story so far. I'm glad you all like it (even with some minor errors such as doodlebug pointed out – thanks for letting me know!).
And lastly, a
big resounding thank you to my beta, Jenn!
Thanks for all your help! *smooches*
Rated R
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Chapter 1
Helms Deep - before the big battle"I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have come," Aragorn smiled as he led Haldir down a wide passageway.
Haldir could not help but smile in return. Despite the graveness of their situation, Aragorn's enthusiasm was addicting. "We came as quickly as we could. I feared we would not arrive before the orcs."
Aragorn clapped him on the back as they entered a very large hall where mainly women and small children milled about. "They are preparing to go below into the mountain for safety," he indicated with a nod of his head. "We have been forced to call upon any male that can hold a sword - young and old."
Haldir looked about and nodded, his lips set in a grim line. "It is unfortunate that a young child must face the horrors of battle, especially the battle we must fight."
"Come," Aragorn tugged on Haldir's sleeve not wishing to dwell on such unpleasantness at the moment. "We must go prepare."
Haldir started to turn and follow his friend when his eyes caught sight of a young woman across the room. She had a quiet beauty, elegant and graceful. Her hair was a rich dark brown, pulled back to hang over her shoulder in a single long braid. Her clothes were those of men, torn and dirty; they hung on her small frame, effectively hiding her womanly curves. Her face had smudges of dirt here and there, but it did not detract from the beauty he saw beneath.
She was attending a mother and infant, a large canvas bag at her side. Her touch was gentle and kind, as she seemed to speak soft encouraging words to the small child.
Haldir could not take his eyes from her. Never in his long life had a woman struck him so deeply upon first sight, especially a human woman. Yet… there was something familiar about her. Something he could not quite bring to mind.
"Who is she?" The question was asked so softly that Aragorn almost did not hear it.
Following the direction of the elf's gaze, he saw the woman of whom Haldir spoke. "She arrived late last night, alone. Her name is Anya and she hails from the lands of Gondor."
"She is…" Beautiful… he finished in silence.
Aragorn waited for Haldir to finish his thought, but when it came apparent he would not, he continued, "She is a healer and has been working nonstop since she arrived. I do not think she has even stopped to sleep or eat."
Haldir frowned his disapproval. "She will drop from exhaustion," he murmured noticing the graceful way she moved.
Just then, she rose to her feet, her canvas bag in hand. She smiled down at the mother and child, said a few words then turned to leave. Her gaze came up to see where she might be needed next then froze when they locked with his.
Kif anann nin gur dartha an inti? (How long has my heart waited for you?)
Without conscious thought, the Elfish words slipped silently from his mind into hers. He couldn't have stopped them if he'd tried, for it was his heart and soul that cried out to her now, recognizing that she was the missing piece in his life.
Nin nafs irif i calad ned intu, gwedhi gur la min. (My soul recognizes the light in yours, binding our hearts into one.)
The words seeped into her skin, into her bloodstream to race to her heart where they wrapped around her, warming her soul. For a long moment they stared at one another, seeing no one else, as time seemed to stand still. Nervously, she gave him a shy smile and was rewarded when his blue eyes softened with warmth and the hint of a returned smile. Then Aragorn leaned towards him.
"We must go, Haldir."
Haldir blinked, breaking the spell that seemed to have been cast upon the woman and himself. Holding her gaze for a moment more, he nodded his head to her in acknowledgment then with a tightening of his jaw; he turned and followed Aragorn from the room.