Part: 8
Rating: Strong R
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Characters: Just about every other elf that Tolkien created that's in the
LoTR books and movies.
Warning: descriptions of wounds
Disclaimer: All known characters are owned by the great Tolkien, all others
are of my own creation.
Beta(s): Marta, Kazzy, and Vi
Timeline: 80 years before LoTR and extends to post RoTK events
Notes: I want to thank Marta, Zee, Mal, Kay, Suse, Phyllis, Vi, Novedhelion, and Dorothy for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be what it is today.
This story follows the movieverse.
Summary: With no memory of a possible alliance with Mirkwood, an elleth,
lone survivor of a devastating attack, is brought to Rivendell. This is her
story.
Once the small group crossed the bridge across the Bruinen they were surrounded by the life of the valley. For a short time Arianel watched Haldir's back, she did that so she would not freeze in terror. They are here. I have nothing to worry about, she continually thought to herself. The trail eventually turned in front of them and she was able to look back at the quickly disappearing valley.
When she could no longer see the buildings or river her sense of safety completely disappeared, and she started shivering. Even with the knowledge that Rúmil was right behind her did little to assuage her fears.
"We will guard you, Arianel. Do not worry," Rúmil said quietly.
The words seemed to have little effect on her. Each flutter of leaves and gust of wind made her jump slightly.
How will we be able to get her to Lórien safely in this condition, Rúmil wondered. He sighed, One day at a time, he answered himself.
Some time later he realized she had stopped shivering. When the horse sidestepped slightly he noticed that she had dozed off to sleep. He figured being as wound up as she was was physically exhausting and her body was reacting to the tension. She was still asleep when they stopped to rest the horses. Orophin was about to say something when Rúmil stopped him with a hand.
"She is very scared and tense," Rúmil said quietly, not wanting to wake her just yet.
"I hope she's not like this the entire trip," Orophin murmured while looking over to Haldir.
When they started moving Arianel woke up. She really didn't get any rest at all when she dozed off. "When are we stopping?" she asked quietly.
"In a few hours."
"Where's Haldir?" she asked when she realized it was Orophin that had taken the lead.
"He is behind us."
Arianel nodded while letting a shiver pass over her. When they finally stopped for the day her shivering seemed to be more under control than when they had started. Rúmil dismounted then backed up so Arianel would have room to dismount. When she touched the ground her legs gave out on her somewhat before Rúmil caught her.
"I am sorry," Arianel bowed her hair in embarrassment.
Rúmil gave a slightly roguish grin. "Have no fear milady."
Easy for him to say, she thought to herself as she managed to get her feet securely under her.
After Rúmil helped her get situated he joined his brothers in setting up their camp. With three of them working they got the pallets and eventual fire started so they could prepare their evening meal.
Much later, they head a lone wilf howl off in the distance.
Rúmil thought it would be easy. He had not seen her in her nightmares before, that is until now. He just did not know what to do with Arianel. He had no practice either, since he was the youngest of the three. Whatever Rúmil tried would not work. Arianel was completely oblivious to her surroundings and whimpering with fear.
Finally he looked up to Orophin, Haldir was on the other side, tending the horses. "I do not know what to do. She will not calm down. Could you at least try?"
Orophin looked at the two with a dubious expression on his face. "Thriniel's never been like this, so I wouldn't know what to do."
"Saes?" Rúmil looked up hopefully.
"All right," Orophin sighed as he sat down beside his younger brother. Pulling Arianel into his arms, he whispered kind words. When another wolf howled, she grasped at him whimpering again while seeking safety.
"I cannot do this, brother. It is too uncomfortable for me," Orophin looked to Rúmil, his emotional state clearly written in his eyes.
Rúmil nodded, and then looked over to Haldir. Orophin's gaze followed.
"I will ask him," Rúmil spoke quietly as he stood and walked over to Haldir.
"Brother?"
"Yes?" Haldir finished brushing the last horse then turned around.
"Could you. . ." the younger elf nodded towards Orophin and Arianel.
Haldir closed his eyes. "I will try, though I do not guarantee it will work."
Rúmil nodded.
"Have Orophin bring her over here." Haldir settled against his saddle.
Orophin brought Arianel over and help get her settled. Haldir silently pointed to his bed rolls.
Nodding in understanding, Rúmil brought them over and quietly unrolled them. He let Haldir take care of everything else.
Haldir could feel her shivering in terror. "You're safe, Arianel. I promised Elrond that nothing will happen to you when I'm at hand," he spoke gently.
"Scared. . ."
"I know, and it is all right to be scared. Everyone gets scared at some point in their lives."
"Even you?"
Haldir hesitated a moment, "Yes, Arianel. Even me."
"When. . .were you scared?"
Haldir thought for a moment about what he had gotten himself into. He never told anyone about this time. Only Celeborn and Galadriel knew what had happened and his reactions. What was different is that he wanted her to know about this.
"Haldir?" Arianel whispered.
The sight of Rúmil and Orophin deciding on something momentarily distracted him. The two wardens were discussing who would take the first watch. It took him a moment to realize that they were not expecting him to join in. "What?" he asked, forgetting the question momentarily. "Sorry. . .I remember when I was very, very young I was very fearful of the silence." Haldir paused at her quiet sobbing. "What is it?"
"I can't remember why I'm scared."
Haldir had a pretty good idea why she was scared. When she calmed down somewhat it was enough to let her descend into reverie. It had been a hard day for her, but this trip was only just beginning.
When Rúmil and Orophin changed the watch Haldir called Orophin over.
"Is she?"
"Yes she's asleep. I need you to set up her pallet."
Orophin nodded then moved back to gather the blankets that were still packed on the horse Elrond supplied and quickly set up the pallet beside Haldir. Placing a hand on his older brother's shoulder Orophin gave him a small smile then moved off to his own pallet.
Once Orophin had moved away Haldir settled her down and draped the blanket over her. Seeing that she had not woken he moved away and settled down to rest for the rest of the night.
............
As the days and then weeks passed the small group traveled down the west side of the Misty Mountains looking for one of the passes they would use to get across the rugged mountainous terrain. Arianel seemed to be calming down while gaining strength. It was a big step when she first commented that she wanted to ride by herself. Since that time they would all switch positions. Even though she was riding by herself now, she still had nightmares, though not as bad as the first night.
Haldir stood at the edge of the camp looking out. Since late in the previous day he had the feeling they were being followed. Whatever it was, was doing a very good job avoiding being seen.
"You sense it, too?" Orophin whispered.
"Aye. Since yesterday we have been followed. I do not know if it is good or bad." Haldir nodded.
"We need to be extra vigilant," Orophin answered.
Haldir nodded and turned back to the center of their small camp. He didn't want to let Arianel know about it, it would only make it worse for her.
TBC..................