There is one small instance of coarse language in this chapter, just a heads-up. Enjoy!
Chapter 14:
Faenelin snorted and stretched her neck, her ears flopped sideways in bliss as I scratched the underside of her neck with a stiff brush. Laughing, I leaned against her shoulder, putting all of my strength into giving her a good scratch. Despite the chilly air outside, the grey mare had managed to work up a sweat during our workout, thanks to her winter coat. I had seen much worse, of course. The horses back home practically turned into woolly mammoths when November rolled around. I smiled, thinking about how I used to come in from a winter ride cold, hairy, and smelling of horse sweat.
At the thought, I felt my heart ache. I missed Eclipse so much that sometimes it was a physical pain, my lungs restricted and my eyes stinging. Tired, I stopped brushing Faenelin's neck, much to her disappointment, and stepped back to look at the mare. Age had been kind to her, and despite her slightly hollowed back and thinning tail, she was still a sight to behold. She had been a light in the darkness since arriving in Middle Earth, and I was unable to forget how grateful I was to be able to spend time with her.
Picking up a soft brush, I began to run it along her neck, smoothing down the sweaty hair that I had ruffled up with the hard brush. While I brushed, I allowed my thoughts to wander. While Faenelin had helped me in every way that she had to offer, there were still many things that I longed to do. None of the horses here had been trained to jump anything bigger than a log, and as I would ride through the fields where the hay grew in the summer, I wanted nothing more than to jump as I had back home, so many years ago. It was strange to feel this way, as I had never even wanted to ride all that much since Eclipse's death.
"Eclipse," I murmured to myself as I pulled the brush away from Faenelin's smooth coat. The mare cocked an ear back, curious as to who I was talking to. Despite the years, the name rolled off my tongue easily, and I smiled sadly. "I miss you."
The pinto gelding had been much more than a horse to me. He had been my best friend, and often, my only friend. I had been quiet and reclusive all throughout middle school, slowing going separate ways with my childhood friends. It wasn't that I wanted to be rid of them, it was that I suddenly felt the need to be alone, away from the gossip and often accidentally hurtful comments that my friends made. They meant well, but I chose to leave them nonetheless. Eclipse become the one whom I could share all of my secrets with. But all that has changed when he had died.
I choked back a sob as I realised that I had begun to cry, silent tears trickling down my cheeks. Wiping them away in annoyance, I took a deep breath to compose myself and started to tidy up the grooming supplies. Giving Faenelin an affectionate pat on my way out, I closed the stall door behind me and made my way to the tack room. After leaving the grooming kit on the shelf in the tack room, I glanced out the window.
"Shoot!" I hissed as I took note of where the sun was in the sky. Turning, I darted from the room, and jogged through the barn, not wanting the startle any of the horses by running. As soon as I was out the stable doors, I broke into a sprint.
I had spent far more time with Faenelin than I had originally allowed for. It was already nearing 6 o'clock, and as I ran through the streets I hoped that I wouldn't be too late. I was blind to the curious looks that I got as I raced through the city as fast as my legs could carry me, thankful that the streets were not busy. I would have pushed past elves if I had needed to, but I was glad that I didn't have to. I arrived at the clearing a few minutes later and came to a stop, leaning forward with my hands on my knees as I caught my breath. My eyes scanned space, hoping that I had made it on time. The area was not empty, and I searched each blond head until I found the one that I was looking for.
"Ah! There you are!"
I jumped and spun around as I felt a hand clasp my shoulder. Clenching my fists, I stared up at Haldir.
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop sneaking up on me like that?" I exclaimed, my heart racing. Haldir chuckled and removed his hand from my shoulder. Unable to be mad at him, I reached up and wrapped him in a hug, squeezing him until I heard him gasp slightly through his laughing.
"I was beginning to fear that you had forgotten," he teased as I released him from my grip. I looked away sheepishly, raising a hand to the back of my neck.
"I lost track of the time. I was at the stables," I explained, looking back up at him, hoping that he would not be sad to hear this. To my relief, he simply chuckled.
"You made it, nonetheless, and that is what matters."
I nodded, glad that he seemed to be back to his usual lighthearted self. The past week had been… odd. Ever since the moment we had shared outside of my flet, our conversations had been somewhat awkward. Not so much in an uncomfortable way, but in a way that made me feel like there was maybe something going on between us that neither one of us was ready to admit. Today, though, the tension was gone.
"So, I suppose that I've already made you late," I said with a half-hearted grin. I really didn't want him to leave again, especially after he had only been back for a week.
"Well, yes, I suppose that you have," Haldir said with a grin, before glancing over my shoulder across the clearing.
"I wouldn't want to make you any later than I already have. I'll see you in three weeks," I replied with my best smile as I wrapped him in another hug, this one shorter and less tight. Pulling away, Haldir smiled.
"See you soon, mellon-nin," he nodded, turning away with a smile. I nodded in return and watched until his grey form has disappeared amongst the trunks of the mallorn trees.
It was going to be another long three weeks.
After seeing Haldir off, I decided that it was way past time that I grabbed a bit to eat. I arrived at the dining hall right on time for dinner, and the grand room was packed full with elves. The atmosphere was cheerful, and I welcomed the sounds of friendly chatter as I got my supper.
Knowing that it would probably be pretty difficult to find a table to sit at by myself, I began to search for Rúmil and Orophin, the two faces that I felt comfortable sitting with. If Raina had not been working, I would have gladly hunted her down, but I knew that she was busy during dinner. Furrowing my brows, I scanned the tables, pursing my lips as I realised that they weren't in the room. That's kind of weird. They're always here at dinner time.
Shrugging my shoulders as I recognised a few of the other guards sitting together at a table near the edge of the hall, I figured that they would be better company than a stranger and made my way over to join them.
"Hello, may I join you?" I asked as I stepped up to the table. One of the elves, who I recognised from the feast, looked up at me and smiled.
"Of course, Lady Christa. Please, do have a seat," he said, pulling the chair beside him out and gesturing for me to sit down. I took the seat gladly, placing my plate down on the table and pulling the chair in.
"Forgive me, but I cannot seem to recall your name," I said guiltily, glancing to my left at the elf. He chuckled before replying.
"Imrathon, my lady," he replied warmly. I nodded, trying to file the name away in my brain in hopes that I would remember it.
We exchanged some small talk before I dove into my meal, only now realising how hungry I had been. After I had finished, I placed my utensils on my plate and turned to face Imrathon, electing to ask the question that had been on my mind since sitting down.
"Have you any idea where Rúmil and Orophin might be?"
"They have left for the border. Haldir did not tell you that he was to join them? His brothers have been on patrol for a week already."
"Oh. No, he didn't tell me that," I nodded in understanding as I thought about his words. Great, now I know next to no one here. I felt guilty about the thought, sitting next to a perfectly good meal buddy, but despite his friendliness, Imrathon had a way to go yet before I could consider him a friend. "Thank you, Imrathon. It was lovely talking with you," I smiled as I stood up and gathered my plate.
"You're welcome to dine with me whenever you like," he replied with a bright smile.
As I walked back to my flet, I allowed myself to brood over the fact that I was going to be lonely for a little while. Oh calm down, there are so many worse things that could be happening to you right now, but you complain that you're going to be lonely. With a huff, I began to climb the stairs to my room. Why did all three of them have to go at the same time? I wouldn't even have minded if it was just Orophin here.
With that thought, I slowed in the middle of the flight, furrowing my brow pensively. It was terribly unusual for all three of the brothers to be deployed to the border at the same time. Haldir had told me that, since they were all in separate patrols, their shifts did not often intercept. And to make the matter even more interesting, Imrathon had said that they were all at the border together.
"Wait a minute…" I mumbled to myself as my thoughts wandered. "No way."
The pieces fell together perfectly. The time of year, and the three brothers all leaving for the border, added to the heaviness that Haldir had expressed he was feeling on his heart. The Fellowship will be arriving soon! I couldn't help but grin at the thought. Haldir would be accompanying them back. Maybe I would get to meet them! Picking up my pace again, I hurried to my flet. I had already been anxious to get into the warmth of my tub and relax, but now I was giddy with excitement as well.
The days dragged by, each feeling like it would never end. I slept in late most of these days, electing to go for my runs in the afternoons. The few mornings that I did manage to get myself out of bed before midmorning were spent with Faenelin at the stables. The rest of my time was spent at the archery range, practicing at increasingly farther distances. I had managed to get past the temporary roadblock that had been causing me trouble, and had progressed another 30 paces backwards since then. Though still nowhere as talented or as capable as the other elves at the range, I always left the range feeling proud of myself.
The days had grown too short to do much during the evenings, so I took to retreating to my room for some relaxation time every night after having dinner. Imrathon proved to be good company, but still I longed for the more familiar friendships of Haldir and his brothers. A long and toasty soak in the bath would help to draw out the stress that liked to settle of my shoulders during the day, but still not a moment passed that I wasn't thinking about my family back home.
I had tried my best to see the positives of the situation, and though they were few and far between, I found that they helped a little.
"At least I'm alive," I said to myself as I finished washing up one night. Pouring a basin of warm water over my hair, I wrung it out and stepped out of the tub. Warding off the chilly air with a towel that I had placed near the fire, I smiled. Yes, it could be worse. I had a way back, I just had to be patient. If I could just wait it out, and figure out what the heck was meant by the "Quest" that I supposedly had to accomplish, I would be just fine.
After I had patted myself dry and dressed in my nightgown, I sat down at the vanity and picked up my hairbrush. As I combed through my damp tresses, an odd sensation came over me. Stopping mid brushstroke, I glanced out the window to my right, staring into the night. Trying to ignore the strange feeling, I finished detangling my hair and set the brush back down on the vanity. And then the feeling was back again, nagging at my conscience. I couldn't help but feel that something was amiss, so I stood and wandered over to the window.
Tentatively, I opened it up and peered downwards, clinging to the window sill as I stared down through the bows. I knew there was something down there. I couldn't see it, but I knew that I wasn't on edge for nothing. Suddenly, my eyes widened in excitement, and I found myself rushing towards the door. Yanking on my boots and cloak over my nightgown, I hurried out the door and made my way as quietly as I could along the wooden surface. The Fellowship is here! I know it!
I couldn't hide the grin that was plastered to my face, but my legs felt like jelly with nerves at the same time. I tried to tell myself not to be silly. I certainly wasn't going to be meeting them tonight! Not in my nightgown, at all costs. No, tonight I was going to have to be sneaky. With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I hatched a plan. Tiptoeing down the flight of stairs that led to Lady Galadriel's and Lord Celeborn's chambers, I stopped about halfway down and peered up the the smooth trunk of the great tree. That wouldn't do. Scanning the branches above my head, I turned and ran back up the stairs and back to my room. Flinging open my window, I swore to myself that I wasn't losing my mind. Unable to convince myself, I took a deep breath and pulled myself onto the window sill, swinging my legs around so that they were dangling outside.
"Oh, what am I doing?" I asked myself, trying to not look down. Gathering all of my courage, I reached down with my foot until I felt it touch the branch that I was aiming for. Okay, here we go. Sliding slowly to the edge of the sill, I grasped the window tightly as I came to stand on the thick branch. Taking a steadying breath, I let go of the window and took a tentative step forwards.
The branch was thankfully a good two feet wide, but its bark was extremely smooth and I feared with every step that I would go plummeting to the ground. After getting the hang of where to place my feet, I picked up my pace bit by bit, until I was quickly making my way across the branch. My next challenge came when I reached the end of the branch. I knew which way I had to go, and looked at the next branch a few feet below the one that I was standing on.
Now, I will admit that in hindsight, this was probably the stupidest risk that I ever could have taken. Had I been a smart, sensible person, I would have turned back then and there and just gone to bed. The Fellowship could have waited until morning. But, as it were, I was not about to be sensible. I jumped.
My foot slipped as it landed on the branch, and my heart dropped into the pit of my stomach as I felt my body fall towards the ground. Instincts kicked in just in time, and I was able to close my arms around the branch. Groaning, I clung to the branch for dear life as it bounced up and down slightly before stilling.
"Holy shit!" I hissed into the night, my heart beating a mile a minute. Good job, you idiot. You've nearly killed yourself! I allowed myself a moment to catch my breath and calm down, before mustering all of my strength to pull myself back onto the top of the branch. Not daring to try and stand up without a support, I shimmied all the way to the tree's trunk and used that to pull myself back up into a standing position.
I continued on at a slower pace, electing to climb down and up, rather than attempting to jump again. When at last I saw the shimmering lights of the Lord and Lady's lodgings, I felt like singing. I treaded even lighter now, afraid that I would be heard by one of the many keen pairs of ears below me. Hardly daring to breath, I tiptoed to the trunk of the tree and clutched it tightly as I lowered my gaze. I nearly passed out.
There, standing in the mystical blue lights, I counted 8 figures of different heights and builds. There they are! The actual Fellowship of the Ring! I was over the moon. Crouching down, I watched as they were approached by Galadriel and Celeborn.
Though the Fellowship had their backs to me, it was easy to tell who each figure belonged to. To the far left stood Boromir, his build solid and his locks a deep red-brown. Next to the Lord of Gondor stood two small figures, one dirty blond and one brunet. Easily, these were Pippin and Merry, respectively. Two more small figures stood next to them, Frodo with the dark hair, and Sam, with the light brown hair. A slightly taller yet far stouter Gimli stood next to the Hobbits, and beside him, Aragorn. He stood proudly and held a regal air, though it was not hard to tell that he was weary. Finally, there was Legolas, tall and lithe, with silvery blond hair that reached his mid-back. So he is blond. I was immediately drawn to his bow, which was fastened to his back. Though simple in design, it stirred excitement within me. Here I was looking at quite possibly the best archer in all of Middle Earth! And the future King of Gondor! The One Ring is down there, in the hands of a tiny hobbit! And Boromir… I shivered, trying not to dwell on his imminent death.
As I settled myself down, I tried to listen to the conversation that was taking place below me, but as I did, the gathering began to break up. Aw man, I have the movie's script down for this scene! That was supposed to be my big break! Standing up as silently as I could, I watched with curiosity as the Fellowship was led back down the stairs, until they were out of my sight.
And now we have to go back… I turned carefully and peered at the branches before me in the darkness. Now that I lacked the same encouragement for haste, I picked my way carefully through the trees. Once I was sure that I was out of sight, I decided to stop risking my neck and jumped down as quietly as possible onto the nearest platform. I landed with a soft thud, but overall was pretty pleased so far with my sneaking ability.
Smiling proudly, I started to make my way back towards my flet, more than ready now for a good night's rest. My positive demeanor didn't last long. I nearly jumped out of my skin as I heard footfalls right behind me and felt a hand on my arm. Spinning around, I resisted the urge to scream in fear as I took in the form standing before me. Thankfully, I quickly recognised the person as Haldir, and covered my mouth with my hand.
"Just what might you be doing out here?"
I lowered my hand and giggled shakily, catching my breath before I answered him.
"I thought that I had been caught," I laughed, running a hand through my damp hair. Haldir raised an eyebrow, asking for further explanation. "I… uh…" I didn't really know what to say, since I couldn't exactly let on that I had know about the arrival of the Ring all along. Suddenly remembering that I was wearing my sleeping clothes. I pulled my cloak tighter around me, hoping that he hadn't noticed my lack of decent clothes.
"I saw you, you know," Haldir said with a grin. I blanched before realising that he somehow wasn't angry with me.
"And… You're not mad?" I squeaked, still unsure that he had really seen me up in that tree, or if he was just teasing me because I wouldn't tell him why I was out here. Haldir shook his head.
"Nay. I will admit, I was quite worried when I noticed you perched in that tree. I did not know that you knew how to climb," he replied, cocking an eyebrow.
"Well, actually that's a funny story," I started cautiously, rubbing the back of my neck with one of my hands. Haldir continued to look at me, waiting for me to explain. "I've never climbed before, I just, ah… I didn't want anyone to know that I was watching." I cringed internally. That was quite possibly the worse explanation that I could have given him, but it was the best that I could come up with on the spot.
"And so you decided to attempt this feat at such a perilous height?"
I steered my gaze downwards to stare at my feet. I know it was stupid, but no one was supposed to know! I bit my lip. I had nothing to say in response, nothing to say in my defense, because I knew that I had done something worth being scolded for, and I wasn't about to deny it.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled into my chest, cheeks burning in shame. I felt Haldir rest his hands on my shoulders and I dared to risk a glance at him. His face was stern and yet not unkind. In his eyes I could see that he had truly been afraid for my safety. It was almost as bad as when I had awoken in the healing wards to see him sitting beside my bed. Unable to see him in such a state, I stepped forward and hugged him tightly, burying my face into his cloak. He hugged me back for a moment before breaking away.
"You are forgiven. However, you must promise me that you will stop making these irresponsible decisions."
I nodded stiffly, my throat dry. Only now that I was being berated did the gravity of what I had just done hit me. I had made a rash decision out of pure selfishness, and had very nearly died. I almost died. I swallowed, trying to get rid of the scratchiness in my throat.
"Now, care to explain to me why you were wishing to spy?"
I could have died right then and there as his piercing stare pinned me down. I had no choice, I couldn't say nothing. Haldir knew me too well, he would almost certainly be able to tell if I was lying.
"I couldn't sleep, and so I went for a walk. I noticed those… strangers and was curious." I hoped with all my might that Haldir would believe my sad excuse for an explanation. To my relief, he nodded when I had finished, seemingly believing my fib.
"Very well," he said simply.
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, unsure if I should say something else or not. The chilly night air had begun to bite at my skin, and though the cloak was helping to ward off the cold, it was not meant to be worn over nothing but sleeping garments. I shivered involuntarily, unable to hide it any longer. This seemed to break through Haldir's icy wall of silence, and he immediately softened in expression.
"Mellon, you should have dressed warmer," he said as he wrapped an arm around me and offered me a warm smile. I smiled in return through my chattering teeth as he pulled me close and started to usher me back towards my flet. I still felt terrible that I had worried him so, but I was happy to see him smiling once again also.
"I will admit that I did not intend on being outside for so long," I replied, leaning deeper into his embrace, the warmth of his body helping to calm me down.
As we walked in the direction of my lodgings, I reflected on what I had just seen. The Fellowship had arrived in Lothlórien, and Haldir had left his post on the border to escort them into Caras Galadhon. I wondered if they had been blindfolded as they had in the book, or if they had simply been allowed to walk into the city. I knew I couldn't ask such bold questions, but I just couldn't help but wonder. I also allowed myself a moment to think about my relationship with the Marchwarden who was presently walking me back to my flet. When had we become so close? I couldn't pin a date to it; our friendship had been evolving ever since I had arrived and he had shown me around. But now, as I wore the cloak he had given me, and walked wrapped in his warmth, I couldn't help but feel like there really was something more growing between us. I realised that I was smiling at the thought, and regrettably had to bit my lip and force it away, reminding myself that if I was to leave, I couldn't be falling for Haldir.
To my relief, we arrived at my flet a few paces later. Opening the door for me, Haldir ushered me inside before closing the door behind him. I lit the lantern that hung by my bed and sat down, offering my friend another apologetic smile. Haldir smiled back more genuinely before deciding that the fire needed poking.
"Haldir, who were those people?" I asked, deciding that it was probably best that I ask about the travellers. After all, I had been spying on them, and it would probably seem strange if I wasn't at all curious about the strange group. "You told me when I first arrived that it is rare to allow travellers into Caras Galadhon."
"They have come to seek refuge from the dangers of the road. The Lady says that one one them carries a heavy burden. I know not what this burden is, but their presence brings unease to my heart. It is probable that they will be staying here for a while, several weeks, though of this I am not sure."
I nodded, debating internally whether or not to question him further on the delicate topic. After thorough thought, I spoke up again.
"It would seem that I am no longer the only mortal in Caras Galadhon."
Despite my heavy consideration before opening my mouth, I realised as soon as I had spoken that my observation was actually pretty false. Haldir caught this immediately and laughed, leaning back into his seat. I turned away and sighed at my own forgetfulness, though a smile was on my face.
"Though you are more belonging the race of the elves now than that of man, I suppose your observation is still correct," Haldir smiled, his eyes twinkling in the blue light of the lantern.
"They aren't all men, though. There are shorter ones…" I remarked innocently. Despite knowing that they were going to be short, the hobbits had been remarkably smaller than even I had expected. Gimli had been roughly as tall as I had guessed, but the hobbits really did seem to be nothing more than small children.
"Aye, there are four hobbits. Halflings, they are called by most." He paused before adding, "and a dwarf."
I couldn't resist a chuckle at Haldir's genuine distaste for Gimli. Haldir did not seem to appreciate my finding it funny, and gave me a cool look.
"We do not welcome the dwarves here in Lothlórien, nor are they welcome in any of the elven realms in Middle Earth."
I thought briefly about questioning him for the backstory on the matter of Durin's Bane, but thought better of it as I realised that Haldir's hatred of the dwarves was strong. Feeling that it would be better if we just dropped the topic of conversation completely, I quickly searched for something else to say.
"There is also an elf with them, is there not?" I asked, leaning forward to prop myself up, my elbows on my knees. Haldir nodded and relaxed slightly.
"Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm. Though none will speak of their errand, I know that it must be of heavy import if Thranduil of Mirkwood has appointed his son to represent the elven race."
Oh if only you knew. It was harder than I thought to resist the urge to fill him in on the information that he didn't know, and I had to think carefully of my words before speaking. I was now beginning to grow tired of this talk, and chose my last question carefully. My eyelids had begun to feel heavy and I was trying my best not to yawn, but I felt that I needed to question Haldir on every member of the Fellowship.
"Who are the men?"
"Aragorn, son of Arathorn, of the Dúnedain Rangers, who is known to the elves of Lothlórien, and Boromir of Gondor. In Aragorn I see a noble man, and yet this man of Gondor I feel is ill news. His eyes reveal a haunted soul, and though I fear no immediate threat from him, I do not doubt that his future will be dark."
I marvelled at his words, truly amazed in this moment at the wisdom of the elves. I knew exactly what was in store for Boromir, and the fact that Haldir has all but predicted his death based on a look in the man's eyes was pretty hard for me to comprehend. Deciding that I was getting too tired to discuss the Fellowship any longer, I shifted and sat up straight on my bed and allowed myself a yawn. It was much larger than I had anticipated, and when I was finished, I chuckled.
"I think that I'm ready to sleep, mellon," I said, rubbing my eyes as sleepiness hit me hard. I heard Haldir chuckle softly before raising from the chair.
Flopping down onto my back, I yawned again, watching as Haldir quietly pulled the chair back over to its corner before coming over to my bedside to pull the covers up over top of me. The gesture caught me off guard, but I didn't object. I was too sleepy, and besides, I didn't dislike the fact that he was tucking me in. In fact, the thought kind of made me feel warm and fuzzy. I smiled sleepily up at Haldir, eyelids half closed.
"All right. Good night, Christa," he said softly, tucking the covers in up under my chin. Then, before I could even reply, he leaned in a planted a gentle kiss on my forehead. I felt my cheeks flush and my heart flutter as he pulled away, before silently slipping from the room, closing the door behind him.
I drifted off to sleep within a matter of moments, listening to the crackling of the fireplace and with a smile on my face.
Ooooh things are really starting to heat up with Christa and Haldir! I know that a lot of you have expressed your concerns for poor old Haldir, but rest assured that I have a plan that will have everything working out for the best! I hope that you all enjoyed reading this chapter. I would love to see your opinions and hear what you thought, so please leave me a review! Thanks for reading, we'll be meeting the Fellowship in the next chapter, so be on the lookout for that as I will have it up as soon as I find the time to write it ;) I'm also trying to get into a more consistent posting schedule, I'm thinking Thursdays or Fridays.
-Eru