Welcome back to To Be Forever Faithful. It's been awhile; I admit it.
Sorry, but I'm a busy person! I just got back from our band and choir trip
to Branson, MO. If you ever get the chance to go there, go! It's great!
Well, onto the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Tolkien Enterprises or Lord of the Rings.
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To Be Forever Faithful
By: Ponytail Goddess
Chapter 14: Understanding
Extremely weary were the soldiers who trudged back home in the dark of the night. Belegwen led them home, following the ever-glowing trail through the trees of silver leaves. Thankfully there had been little action during her three days out there. The only problem, in fact, had come from a few lost Edain who had tried to wander into the lady's wooden realm.
They had not been troublesome either. Belegwen had simply given them the directions they needed and then they set off in the other direction, simple as that. Over and over, Belegwen mentally thanked the Valar for the relatively easy time. She was not sure if she could have handled anything more.
After much toil and travel, she spotted the blue glow of the Eldarin capitol ahead. Smiling slightly, she came to a halt and turned to address her exhausted group. "You are now dismissed from your duties. Go and rest well." She said softly, then rotated around and headed to the stairway that would lead her to the lord and lady so that she could give them her report.
Much time seemed to pass as she slowly put one tired foot in front of the other and she slowly ascended the spiral staircase delicately. Her mind was overflowing with aimless thoughts. What had happened while she had been away? Was Rumil ok? And Haldir? Had the two resolved their differences? Were they going to get through-
"Marchwarden Belegwen, what tidings bring you up here on such a gloomy night?" Came the soft voice of Lady Galadriel from behind her. Gingerly, she turned around and looked the lady in the face. She had not realized that she had reached the top of the staircase. How long had she been standing and staring out into space?
"I am here to report, ma'am." She replied at once, giving a slight bow to honor her elder's presence. "Our guard shift had very little action. The only beings we encountered were a few mortal men who were lost. We sent them on their way with directions to their destination."
"Well done." The lady stated, turning away from her to look out upon her lands. Belegwen turned away and prepared to make her exit, when the lady spoke once again. "Come hither, dear Belegwen."
Belegwen turned again and faced the lady who had not moved from her previous spot. Slowly, Belegwen walked up and stood by her side as she had been instructed. "What do you wish of me, my lady?" She asked calmly, looking into the darkened night sky of Middle Earth.
Lady Galadriel's deep eyes caught hers for a moment, then she looked out again, this time raising a dainty arm with her index finger pointing into the great beyond of her land. "Do thy eyes witness the shattered heart out there, way beyond in the burial grounds?"
"Yes, my lady." She replied, seeing the man from afar. It was poor Haldir, kneeling upon a new grave that could have only been that of Orophin's. Before she knew it, a tear came rolling down her cheek, for she had missed the services.
"Noble Orophin was buried just this morning. However, Haldir refuses all of my offered comforts. I do worry about his well-being. If this continues, I fear he shall find himself in the cold halls of Mandos much before his time due to his grief."
Now curving to face Belegwen, the Lady of Light continued. "Understanding is what he seeks. Speak to him, for only you comprehend his true pain."
Upon hearing this, Belegwen shut her eyes and took in a deep breath as memories of pain resurfaced in her mind yet again. She knew quite well that if she did not go and fetch him tonight, he would be stay out there all night. Perhaps even longer.
"Very well then, my lady."
"Thank you." Galadriel stated. "Oh yes, and be prepared to take another guarding shift tomorrow. I have little trust in the leader I sent out tonight and I would like you to resume duty in the morning."
"Yes ma'am. Goodnight, my lady." Belegwen replied, trying desperately to hide her disappointment about the double shift from the lady who had done so much for her. Slowly, she again hauled her feet over the stairs, wishing that she could sleep.
Deep down though, she knew she would not be able to do so with Haldir out by his brother's grave. He would probably need someone to speak with, though knowing him, he would be quite stubborn about it.
And so through the cool night Belegwen marched, on and on towards her destination. She walked under the silver-lighted trees and into the very heart of the forest. All was quite silent around her, other than the wind's occasional swish through the clumps of leaves on the trees. After many steps she could hear the soft swirling of Nimrodel's waters. She traveled by its wondrous side for many steps, until at last she knew she was close.
The amount of trees started to dwindle as she approached the clearing. Crisp, knee-high blades of grass and beautiful wild flowers started to softly rustle around her as she entered the meadow of the deceased. The wind blew around her, almost whispering to her about all who had been at one time that lied here presently.
Then she saw him, standing up tall and true. His dark shadow cast down upon the fresh plot of dirt that his sad eyes rested upon. She wondered if he sensed her presence. "Haldir?" She softly questioned, her eyes now wide with worry.
Belegwen frowned when she received no answer. Tentatively, she reached out and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Come, you need some sleep." She stated while taking ahold of his arm and attemptimg to pull him free from his spot. However, his feet seemed to be firmly planted into the ground and moving suddenly did not seem like an option.
"I need my brother." He whispered angrily, then yanked his arm from her grasp and took a seat in amongst the tall blades of grass. "You know not what I need."
"But-"
"Leave me now."
"Haldir, I-"
"I said leave! You do not understand!" He stated in a tone that was quite close to a yell. With this stated, Belegwen's eyes enlarged with rage and no longer realizing what she was doing, she grabbed his chin with one of her strong hands and clasped it tightly. Falling to her knees, she glared into his surprised eyes.
"Oh, but I do understand Haldir. Then I was simply a happy child returning home from school. I called for my parents and brother, but they did not come and greet me as usual. I entered that flet and I saw them, Haldir. I was only 29 Haldir, but I saw them. I saw the blade marks upon their fair skin and I saw their cold blood in a puddle all around them. No words or gestures can possibly describe how I felt when I shook my father's limp body and he responded not! Nothing can!!! So before you say that I do not understand, think of who you are speaking to!!!!!" She cried out, tears welling up in her eyes. Quickly she ripped her hand from his chin, trying to resume her angry state, but to no avail.
Then, Belegwen was not quite sure how it happened, but she found herself in his strong embrace, and he was sobbing upon her shoulder. Gently, she wrapped her arms around him as she blinked away her tears, leaving them unshed. She had finally gotten through to him and they had both finally found some understanding.
Just as suddenly as before though, another surprise hit her as his cool lips found hers and gently kissed hers. All time seemed to stop for Belegwen as she felt the soft tingling sensation upon her lips. Seeking the comfort that he was obviously receiving from the closeness, she too joined in and they both felt the world's pain and loss fall away from them for just a few seconds.
But finally, it all ended and she found herself staring into his dark eyes with her hands gently cradling his cheeks. "Never forget that I understand." She stated, then parted from him, rising to her feet in a slightly shaky manner. "Come, for you need time and rest to heal thy weeping heart."
Nothing more was said, but he followed her directions with his mind obviously somewhere else. She wrapped her arm around him to support him, as his legs were much shakier than hers. A few times they had to stop, as he would collapse with fits of tears. Eventually though, the two made it to the top of the stairs, and he into his rightful bed where his weary soul could find a dark and dreamless sleep and perhaps a bit of relief from his tension.
Belegwen, however, was so filled with uncertainties and uneasiness that sleep never befell her that night.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There's another chapter! Please feel free to tell me what you think. I'll try to update soon. Believe me, this story is far from over! Have a nice day!
-P.G.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Tolkien Enterprises or Lord of the Rings.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
To Be Forever Faithful
By: Ponytail Goddess
Chapter 14: Understanding
Extremely weary were the soldiers who trudged back home in the dark of the night. Belegwen led them home, following the ever-glowing trail through the trees of silver leaves. Thankfully there had been little action during her three days out there. The only problem, in fact, had come from a few lost Edain who had tried to wander into the lady's wooden realm.
They had not been troublesome either. Belegwen had simply given them the directions they needed and then they set off in the other direction, simple as that. Over and over, Belegwen mentally thanked the Valar for the relatively easy time. She was not sure if she could have handled anything more.
After much toil and travel, she spotted the blue glow of the Eldarin capitol ahead. Smiling slightly, she came to a halt and turned to address her exhausted group. "You are now dismissed from your duties. Go and rest well." She said softly, then rotated around and headed to the stairway that would lead her to the lord and lady so that she could give them her report.
Much time seemed to pass as she slowly put one tired foot in front of the other and she slowly ascended the spiral staircase delicately. Her mind was overflowing with aimless thoughts. What had happened while she had been away? Was Rumil ok? And Haldir? Had the two resolved their differences? Were they going to get through-
"Marchwarden Belegwen, what tidings bring you up here on such a gloomy night?" Came the soft voice of Lady Galadriel from behind her. Gingerly, she turned around and looked the lady in the face. She had not realized that she had reached the top of the staircase. How long had she been standing and staring out into space?
"I am here to report, ma'am." She replied at once, giving a slight bow to honor her elder's presence. "Our guard shift had very little action. The only beings we encountered were a few mortal men who were lost. We sent them on their way with directions to their destination."
"Well done." The lady stated, turning away from her to look out upon her lands. Belegwen turned away and prepared to make her exit, when the lady spoke once again. "Come hither, dear Belegwen."
Belegwen turned again and faced the lady who had not moved from her previous spot. Slowly, Belegwen walked up and stood by her side as she had been instructed. "What do you wish of me, my lady?" She asked calmly, looking into the darkened night sky of Middle Earth.
Lady Galadriel's deep eyes caught hers for a moment, then she looked out again, this time raising a dainty arm with her index finger pointing into the great beyond of her land. "Do thy eyes witness the shattered heart out there, way beyond in the burial grounds?"
"Yes, my lady." She replied, seeing the man from afar. It was poor Haldir, kneeling upon a new grave that could have only been that of Orophin's. Before she knew it, a tear came rolling down her cheek, for she had missed the services.
"Noble Orophin was buried just this morning. However, Haldir refuses all of my offered comforts. I do worry about his well-being. If this continues, I fear he shall find himself in the cold halls of Mandos much before his time due to his grief."
Now curving to face Belegwen, the Lady of Light continued. "Understanding is what he seeks. Speak to him, for only you comprehend his true pain."
Upon hearing this, Belegwen shut her eyes and took in a deep breath as memories of pain resurfaced in her mind yet again. She knew quite well that if she did not go and fetch him tonight, he would be stay out there all night. Perhaps even longer.
"Very well then, my lady."
"Thank you." Galadriel stated. "Oh yes, and be prepared to take another guarding shift tomorrow. I have little trust in the leader I sent out tonight and I would like you to resume duty in the morning."
"Yes ma'am. Goodnight, my lady." Belegwen replied, trying desperately to hide her disappointment about the double shift from the lady who had done so much for her. Slowly, she again hauled her feet over the stairs, wishing that she could sleep.
Deep down though, she knew she would not be able to do so with Haldir out by his brother's grave. He would probably need someone to speak with, though knowing him, he would be quite stubborn about it.
And so through the cool night Belegwen marched, on and on towards her destination. She walked under the silver-lighted trees and into the very heart of the forest. All was quite silent around her, other than the wind's occasional swish through the clumps of leaves on the trees. After many steps she could hear the soft swirling of Nimrodel's waters. She traveled by its wondrous side for many steps, until at last she knew she was close.
The amount of trees started to dwindle as she approached the clearing. Crisp, knee-high blades of grass and beautiful wild flowers started to softly rustle around her as she entered the meadow of the deceased. The wind blew around her, almost whispering to her about all who had been at one time that lied here presently.
Then she saw him, standing up tall and true. His dark shadow cast down upon the fresh plot of dirt that his sad eyes rested upon. She wondered if he sensed her presence. "Haldir?" She softly questioned, her eyes now wide with worry.
Belegwen frowned when she received no answer. Tentatively, she reached out and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Come, you need some sleep." She stated while taking ahold of his arm and attemptimg to pull him free from his spot. However, his feet seemed to be firmly planted into the ground and moving suddenly did not seem like an option.
"I need my brother." He whispered angrily, then yanked his arm from her grasp and took a seat in amongst the tall blades of grass. "You know not what I need."
"But-"
"Leave me now."
"Haldir, I-"
"I said leave! You do not understand!" He stated in a tone that was quite close to a yell. With this stated, Belegwen's eyes enlarged with rage and no longer realizing what she was doing, she grabbed his chin with one of her strong hands and clasped it tightly. Falling to her knees, she glared into his surprised eyes.
"Oh, but I do understand Haldir. Then I was simply a happy child returning home from school. I called for my parents and brother, but they did not come and greet me as usual. I entered that flet and I saw them, Haldir. I was only 29 Haldir, but I saw them. I saw the blade marks upon their fair skin and I saw their cold blood in a puddle all around them. No words or gestures can possibly describe how I felt when I shook my father's limp body and he responded not! Nothing can!!! So before you say that I do not understand, think of who you are speaking to!!!!!" She cried out, tears welling up in her eyes. Quickly she ripped her hand from his chin, trying to resume her angry state, but to no avail.
Then, Belegwen was not quite sure how it happened, but she found herself in his strong embrace, and he was sobbing upon her shoulder. Gently, she wrapped her arms around him as she blinked away her tears, leaving them unshed. She had finally gotten through to him and they had both finally found some understanding.
Just as suddenly as before though, another surprise hit her as his cool lips found hers and gently kissed hers. All time seemed to stop for Belegwen as she felt the soft tingling sensation upon her lips. Seeking the comfort that he was obviously receiving from the closeness, she too joined in and they both felt the world's pain and loss fall away from them for just a few seconds.
But finally, it all ended and she found herself staring into his dark eyes with her hands gently cradling his cheeks. "Never forget that I understand." She stated, then parted from him, rising to her feet in a slightly shaky manner. "Come, for you need time and rest to heal thy weeping heart."
Nothing more was said, but he followed her directions with his mind obviously somewhere else. She wrapped her arm around him to support him, as his legs were much shakier than hers. A few times they had to stop, as he would collapse with fits of tears. Eventually though, the two made it to the top of the stairs, and he into his rightful bed where his weary soul could find a dark and dreamless sleep and perhaps a bit of relief from his tension.
Belegwen, however, was so filled with uncertainties and uneasiness that sleep never befell her that night.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
There's another chapter! Please feel free to tell me what you think. I'll try to update soon. Believe me, this story is far from over! Have a nice day!
-P.G.