30 years later
If it hadn't been apparent on whether Antiel was mortal or immortal it was apparent now. For the first five years in Rivendell Antiel aged slowly before stopping, she looked around twenty human years and had not changed since then. She looked much like she did when Gandalf had found her but more mature now. Over the past thirty years Antiel studied endlessly with Erestor in the library, learning all different cultures and people. She and Lassiel had grown to be best friends, Antiel no longer wearing only black and now spoke Quenya and Sindarin along with the common tongue and Dwarvish fluently. Arwen had indeed taught her to fight with a sword, while the twins taught her two use a bow. Glorfindel took over were Haldir had left off in hand-to-hand, no orc would dare approach the wizard now. Her favorite past time had been learning how to heal with Lord Elrond, the basics were easy it was when his elven magic came into healing that they started to differ. That had been why it had taken so long before planning on visiting Lothlorien, Antiel's way of healing with her magic differed so greatly. They finally decided it best for her to travel to Lothlorien to learn to control her magic better with Lady Galadriel.
So it was thirty years later that Antiel found herself walking down the now familiar corridors, Cristiel and Thandion close behind, her lilac dress flowing behind her in the wind. She was meeting with Lord Elrond to discuss final arrangements for Arwen and her travel to Lothlorien. Walking through the door she greeted Elrond warmly before seeing his twin troublemakers, as she enjoyed calling them, sitting in the room a glint in their eyes and a frown on their faces. Rolling her eyes she commented, "and what did you two get caught doing this time?"
Elrond chuckled and shook his head before answering, "does not matter now. Now, Antiel are all your preparations made?"
"Of course, everything is packed and the attendants have it packed." She answered smoothly before gracefully sitting in a chair folding her hands in her lap.
"You are certain you have forgotten nothing?" Elrond asked a mischievous glint in his eyes. Antiel frowned recognizing the look.
"No I do not believe I have forgotten anything."
"Nor anyone?" A voice inquired behind her. Antiel turned to see her closest friend walk in the room a trunk in hand. Elrohir and Elladan quickly took it and left, wary of the look their father gave them. Standing quickly Antiel smiled hugging her friend who must have returned just today from her adventures.
"Lassiel you are back! I feared I would have missed you, how was Greenwood?"
"I would not miss you dear friend for the world and it was lovely. I must admit though I missed you too much to stay." Lord Elrond strode forward to greet Lassiel.
"You are sure, they will be leaving shortly, you will have no time to rest." He commented looking worriedly at her. Antiel paused surprised.
"Lassiel you are joining us? Truly?" Antiel asked happily.
"Of course Antiel, you did not expect to go to Lothlorien without me?" Lassiel asked her green eyes shining.
"Yes, your things are packed from the last trip and other items you requested have been procured. Let us head the horses shall we, the party will be eager to leave." Lord Elrond ushered the girls out and down the hall listening to their happy chatter. Once in view Antiel ran to Arwen who she told the news to who smiled and laughed with them. Looking over at the three girls Elrond felt a surge of fatherly love, for Arwen his own daughter, Lassiel who he took care of upon her father's death from orcs, and Antiel. Surprised did not cover the shock he felt looking at Antiel and remembering the small scared girl brought to him 30 years ago. He watched as his sons lead the party in the front, the three girls behind them and Rivendell guard of twenty surrounding them. With a prayer to the Valar he sent them off.
So it was nearly twenty days later that Antiel found herself looking upon a majestic sight. Before her stood tall the trees of Lothlorien, their auras bright and happy, they seemed to sing their happiness. Searching through the forest she found many wardens and the one she had missed. Gripping her pendant she peeked out from under her hood toward the others. Arwen was smiling her hood hardly covering her face, Lassiel's eyes were wide, of all the places she had visited Lothlorien had yet to be one. Antiel wished her friends could see Lothlorien how she saw it, absolutely beautiful. As they drew closer Antiel felt her heart begin to race, would Haldir be happy to see her. He had called her little sister but three elves now called her that and she had never thought of Haldir as an older brother. His fea called to her that she knew but not in the brother/sister way he seemed to think, though she was unsure of her own feelings. As the entered the forest Antiel felt the presence of the wardens watching them, once they were a distance in the wardens dropped from the trees their arrows facing the ground.
"We have been expecting you, children of Elrond." Haldir greeted stepping forward. Antiel was startled, it seemed that her memory did not due him justice. Was he always that tall? Were his shoulders always so broad? His face always such a perfect epitome of masculine beauty? "We have prepared fleets for your party to rest, we will keep watch. In the morning we will start the trek to Lothlorien." Attendants came forward and held the reigns of the horses as the soldiers dismounted. Elrohir and Elladan quickly clasped arms with two wardens who looked too similar to Haldir to be anything other than his brothers. Haldir strode forward to Antiel's horse, Elrohir quickly helping Arwen down while one of Haldir's brothers helped Lassiel down. Pulling her hood back Antiel smiled at Haldir.
"Hello Haldir." She whispered out. Reaching up he touched his pendant which still hung around Antiel's neck.
"It has been long, Antiel. You look well." He commented placing his hands on her waist lifting her off the horse easily. As he set her down she looked away flushing, noticing that most everyone was watching her including his brothers. Cristiel and Thandion jumped from the horse staying close to Antiel.
"Thank you." She replied blushing. Grabbing her hand Haldir led her toward the tree fleets.
"Come, I shall show you where you will be staying."
"Will Lassiel and Arwen be staying with me?" Looking over his shoulder he nodded.
"Of course."
The wardens watched open mouths as their March Warden walked passed the Evenstar and focused solely on the girl with the silver eyes. They were surprised by his gentile with her, and could not help but gawk as he walked away with her chatting as if nothing happened.
"That's Antiel for you." Elrohir commented as he set Arwen down. Giggling into her hand Arwen pushed her brother.
"Oh hush, they have not seen each other for nearly thirty years." Arwen commented.
"I would like to see him call her little sister now." Lassiel added walking toward Arwen chuckling Orophin right behind her.
"Who was she?" Orophin asked curiously, he had not seen his brother act so.
"She is the Black Wizard." Elrohir commented strolling toward the fleets.
"We know not the extent of her power, only that she is strong." Elladan finished following his brother.
"Thirty years ago Haldir called her little sister, he was very worried when she was attacked by orcs. He taught her hand-to-hand." Lassiel added smiling to Orophin.
"That would perhaps explain our brother's sudden change when he returned thirty years ago." Rumil commented as he ushered Arwen and Lassiel to the fleet.
"What change?" Arwen asked curiously.
Rumil coughed uncomfortably, "well sometimes relationships outside of bonding occur." He trailed off unsure how to finish.
"He cut off his bedmates." Orophin helped. "We inquired as to the reason, when you are a bachelor warden and return one often seeks out certain comforts."
Arwen nodded not as surprised as Rumil and Orophin had thought she would be. "Yet he returned from Rivendell and cut all ties. I do not believe little sister covers his feelings for our dear sister. Does it Elrohir, Elladan?" Arwen asked nodding to Rumil as he helped her up to the fleet.
Haldir had been anxious as he watched the party travel through the forest, immediately he picked out Antiel. As he signaled the wardens to drop down he was well aware of the looks he would get. His brother had been curious as to his change when he returned. It was not that he did not seek the comfort from the boarders but that it was not comforting any longer, the girls were not right. Too tall, their breast too big, too small, their tone to harsh, the biggest problem all of their hair was too light. It was ten years after he returned that he reflected on his feelings for Antiel, he believed her his younger sister but he paused wondering. As she pulled her hood down and he welcomed her he knew, he did not feel for her as a brother should a sister. When she greeted him he thought his heart had skipped a beat, he had not remembered her voice right. She was not who he remembered, she was more; more beautiful, more graceful, more lovely. As he led her up to the fleet she filled him in on all that he missed. She had matured over the years, and Eru he missed her.
Once Antiel entered the fleet she looked around curiously, it was simple four walls to block out the cold of the night. Haldir noticing her looking commented, "it is simple. The ones in the city have more worry not." Antiel nodded before wandering out onto what seemed like balcony for the room, sitting down she let her feet dangle off the edge watching as Arwen and Lassiel talked with Haldir's brothers. Haldir followed her and sat next to her one foot on the edge the other dangling. Leaning onto his knee he observed the wardens, well aware they had been shocked by his behavior. All of his wardens respected him this he knew, many of them unfortunately also feared him. He who was the commanding officer whose skills were unparalleled, yes he was fearsome. Seeing him being so gentle with a female in public none the less. He chuckled already knowing the rumors that were sure to circulate.
Antiel looked up at Haldir curiously, "what?" Haldir looked down at her, Antiel could not place the look in his eyes. Leaning against her Antiel closed her eyes, this was peaceful. Yes there was the slight rustle of the wardens but Antiel could not deny the peace of mind she felt in Haldir's presence.
"It is nothing Antiel." Haldir commented placing an arm around her waist securing her.
Antiel sighed contently, "I have missed you Haldir."
"Aye, Antiel I have missed you also." Haldir looked down at the female in his arms to see her fast asleep, the trip having caught up with her.
"Haldir!" Rumil yelled from the ground.
"Hush Rumil." Haldir commented barely louder than a whisper. "Antiel is asleep. Orophin would you prepare bedding for her." Gently lifting her Haldir carried her inside the fleet setting her down on the produced bedding. "Thank you Orophin." Haldir nodded toward his brother. "Everyone, get sleep, tomorrow we leave for Lothlorien.
Antiel awoke before the sun looking around she noticed Lassiel and Arwen fast asleep in the fleet, Cristiel and Thandion curled up on the cover. Closing her eyes she sensed Haldir awake and quietly stood waking her animals. Walking onto the balcony she was met with many wardens of Lothlorien who looked at her curiously before nodding watching her every movement. Looking over the edge she noticed Haldir gathering supplies before sensing her stare and looking up. Holding his arms open he dared her, giggling softly she jumped off the fleet. She could feel the wind rush by her before Haldir caught her and swung her around before Cristiel and Thandion jumped off landing in Antiel's arms.
"What happened to the scared little girl?" Haldir asked holding Antiel close.
"She decided to get stronger." Antiel replied her arms locked around Haldir's neck. Haldir smiled nuzzling her hair, breathing out deeply. The sound of a clearing throat caught both of their attentions. Setting Antiel down gently Haldir straightened his tunic.
"Are we ready to move out Rumil?" Haldir asked his tone authoritative. Rumil responded with a cheeky smile and a hardly suppressed chuckle.
"Yes, we all await you and Antiel here." Rumil commented his stance still at salutation. Haldir nodded his hands clasped behind his back.
"Very well, let's move out." Antiel followed behind Cristiel on her shoulder Thandion in her arms. Looking over at Rumil she smiled small. Quickly walking beside her he commented.
"So you are the famous Antiel. I am Rumil" He said languidly.
"Famous?"
Rumil laughed lightly, his blue eyes sparkling freely, "yes very famous. You see my brother here was very different when he returned to Lothlorien thirty years ago and my other brother and I find out now that we can thank you for that."
"I did not know he changed." Antiel paused smiling to Arwen who walked with her brothers and Lassiel who came to walk on her other side, "why thank me?"
"Our brother was quite the tyrant before he met you. He was stern and strict." Orophin commented coming up on Lassiel's other side smiling at her.
"Strict and stern? What type of military leader would he be if he wasn't strict? Besides so long as being strict and stern saves lives why should it matter? Haldir has a heart of gold deep down and he cares for everyone, perhaps he does not show it as openly as others but that does not mean he is any less kind." Antiel admonished loud enough for everyone to hear. Rumil ducked his head smiling.
"True." Orophin smiled, brightly, he was the more open than Haldir with his feelings and was happy that someone was able to see past Haldir's walls to the true him. Antiel stopped suddenly causing the whole party to stop, Haldir eyes widened and he walked to her quickly.
"What is it Antiel?"
"An orc attack, on your eastern and southern border, they are closing in quickly. They will be at your border by nightfall, Haldir they are attacking were your points are weakest." Haldir sucked in a breathe yelling out orders before Orophin interrupted.
"Haldir they will not reach the southern border in time, they will hardly reach the eastern border." Orophin stated worried, "by horseback perhaps but the horses cannot run full speed in this terrain." Haldir began to pace, cursing.
"You think I do not know this, I do brother! What other choice do we have?"
"Haldir. Thandion can do it he can reach them in time he is quick he will not tire." Antiel said looking at Thandion, Rumil and Orophin sharing a look behind her back.
"The wardens will not know why he is there." Haldir stated pacing before pausing, "and you are not going!"
"They will if you are with him. He could take you to the east border to warn them then run you to the southern border. He will let you on his back." Antiel stated hugging Thandion to her chest. "I want to help you protect your people." Haldir paused looking at her grabbing her face with his hands.
Taking in a deep breathe he nodded. "Thank you. Orophin you are in charge, make sure they enter Lothlorien safely." Haldir stated not taking his eyes off Antiel.
"Of course brother." Orophin stated a hint of hurt in his voice. Antiel nodded before putting Thandion down and letting his run a distance away. Her magic began to pulse and Thandion began to grow. Antiel could hear the sounds of surprised murmurs amongst the Lothloriens who had not seen her power before.
Haldir quickly strode over to Thandion before climbing onto his back. Antiel looked at them a tight smile on her face, "he will listen to you." Haldir nodded and mumbled to Thandion who sprang forward with a deep growl in a large bound running off to the eastern boarder. "Be careful." She whispered as they left her line of sight.
Orophin nodded his head before starting the party up again, "let us go. We will need to be quick and silent." The party began to move forward again with a new found respect for Antiel. Rumil placed a comforting arm around her back.
"Come little sister, otherwise Haldir will beat us to Lothlorien." Rumil teased gently. Antiel looked up at Rumil and smiled nodding her head.
By time the party had reached the gates of the city Antiel had kept an eye on Haldir and Thandion. They had warned the wardens and hardened the defenses in time, Haldir was nearing the gates himself on Thandion. Lady Galadriel awaited the party smiling as they entered the city. Orophin quickly strode forward and spoke to Lord Celeborn who quickly frowned. They began to whisper to each other, everyone present taking notice. Orophin and Celeborn quickly left up the stairs to their fleet whispering to each other. Elrond's children quickly went with their grandmother to their fleet.
"Antiel, Rumil has offered to show us to our fleet while we are here. He said we are going to share." Lassiel added smiling brightly. Antiel looked to Lassiel then back at the gates.
"I'll wait until Haldir arrives, he will be back soon. Does he know where it is?" Antiel asked still watching the gate. Rumil watched Antiel amazed, this was what Haldir deserved. Rumil nodded and ushered Lassiel away. Antiel closed her eyes and focused on Haldir watching his aura get closer to the gate. The sententials on duty looked at Antiel curiously as she stood there waiting.
Letting a small smile form on her lips Antiel's eyes fluttered open as Haldir and Thandion came into view. Haldir rode up to the gate Thandion's breathe showing in the night air. Jumping down Haldir was knocked off balance by a small wizard running into his arms. Haldir looked down at her dark hair and wrapped his arms around her. "Am I late?" Haldir asked softly.
Chuckling into his chest Antiel looked up at Haldir, "yes. Very late, Rumil already took Lassiel to the Talan we are staying in."
Moving the hair from her face Haldir rested his forehead on Antiel's, "I trust you met no trouble."
"No, Orophin just went with Lord Celeborn to discuss the attack on the border." Thandion came around and nuzzled Antiel's hair panting slightly. Antiel looked back at Thandion and let her magic flow through him shrinking him back down to his puppy form.
"Right. I will show you to your Talan then I must talk to Lord Celeborn." Antiel grabbed his open arm and began to walk with him looking around at the magic of the elves all the while. "Are there any other threats Antiel?"
Antiel shook her head catching Thandion in her arms. "No, they quickly retreated once they realized your defenses were not weak there but in fact very strong." Haldir and Antiel strolled through the city, everything seemed the same to Antiel but Haldir knew where he was going. Stopping short Antiel sensed Lassiel in the Talan above them.
"This is it. I must be going Antiel." Kissing Antiel on the hand he backed up. "I shall see you tomorrow."
"Will you show me around tomorrow?"
"Of course. Sleep well Antiel."