The Journey
Part: 28
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 and sexual situations
Disclaimer: All known characters are owned by the great Tolkien, all others are of my own creation.
Beta(s): Marta, Novedhelion, 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, Kika, Becky, Dorothy, and Rashida for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be what it is today.

Sindarian speach is shown with " "
Westron speach is show with ' '

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.

Chapter 28

The sound coming from somewhere inside the hall easily woke Tiniwen up. She pulled on with haste her gown and tied her modest robe around her. Opening the door she quickly went through and searched the area to find the room the rest of the travelers were occupying. When she found them she pushed her way through the group. It was one of the halflings that was in some sort of trouble. In her view it seemed as if he were just coming around.

"Let me care for him," she whispered to Gandalf.

The maia nodded and backed up a few paces back and let the elleth healer take over the care of the halfling. Kneeling down, she easily scooped the small creature up in her arms and carried him over to a more secluded place in the room. There she settled down and tried to let him know through her abilities that he would be all right.

For some time the periannath didn't move. 'I am a fool,' he said quietly.

Tiniwen blinked her eyes in surprise. 'Now, why would you say that?' What she had seen of him, he seemed so full of life and curiosity, which made his statement bothersome.

'Because, I always do everything wrong, and get in trouble for it.'

Tiniwen shook her head. 'You are here for a reason. All of us are here. Like Lords Aragorn or Legolas, you have a role to play during this time of war.'

'I wish I never saw it.' He sniffed. 'And I wish I wasn't so curious.'

'Listen to me. Never think bad of your curiosity. That is a part of who you are. Gandalf may seem angry at you, but he is very distracted right now. I know you have seen Gandalf before the war, correct?'

Pippin nodded miserably into her shoulder.

'Was he angry at your curiosity then?'

The periannath raised his head to look at her with mournful eyes. 'No. He rather enjoyed it.'

'Just know this, he was angry at you because he was scared. He does not want anything bad to happen to you.' Looking up she saw Aragorn moving towards her.

"How is he?" the Ranger asked as he knelt down beside the two.

"Frightened."

We all are, Aragorn thought to himself.

oOoOo

The travel was slow going. They were moving as fast as the slowest members of the group. It was a seemingly odd group of armored Eldar and Edain. The journey they took, brought them northeast of Rohan and up past the southern end and to the west of the Misty Mountains. Each day they traveled more and more obviously wounded elves had the strength to ride on their own. There was no words spoken between the two groups, for words were not needed. The Rohirrim would be eternally grateful for what the Eldar did for them.

It was only in the last day that Haldir had forced the issue and had decided to ride one of the horses offered on his own.

'How much further, Warden?'

Haldir turned slowly to look at the one addressing him. He had not thought to ask his name, and the Rohirrim had not offered it either. 'Soon.' His voice sounded strained to himself.

The horse lord nodded then eased his horse in a slightly different direction letting elves surround their wounded leader. When they came over the last ridge, the group gave a collective gasp at the scene before them. Obviously Lothlórien had been attacked at the same time as Rohan was. The whole outer edge of the forest was charred, and bodies of orcs and wargs were strewn around as if they were playthings. Reaching out, Haldir searched for the Lady's presence, hoping against hope that Caras Galadhon was still standing. When he felt her presence he then reached out for Arianel. It was the same as before, she was there, but not much more.

Shaking it off he raised his hands to his mouth and sent a bird call. He knew the Rohirrim would be wary of entering the charred outer portion of the Golden Wood. Within minutes several elves appeared and lead several of their own horses out into the clearing.

'Thank you,' Haldir nodded towards the Rohirrim that had spoken to him earlier. He leaned forward to dismount but suddenly found his vision swimming. Before he completely lost his balance he felt hands steady him and help him get his feet back on the ground. Maybe I pushed it too much, went idly through his mind.

"Captain."

Haldir turned slowly, clinging to consciousness with everything he could. "Amolith," he let his head hang down for a moment while he closed his eyes.

'Thank you.'

Haldir slowly looked up to find Orophin addressing the riders. With a quick nod the Edain whirled their horses around and moved quickly in the direction they had just come.

When they were alone again, the Lórien wardens on guard were finally able to see how few had made it back from Rohan.

"You are welcome to stay here and rest," Amolith addressed the Imladris wardens. The others gave general answers as all the injured elves were helped onto the horses.

"Come, we have more horses prepared." Amolith turned and whistled a call deeper into the forest. Moments later several more elves appeared and lead more horses towards where the small group was.

"What happened here?" Rúmil asked as he looked around at the charred outer remains.

"Orcs." Amolith grimaced. "Lord Celeborn organized the wardens and, as you can see, took care of the situation. We just haven't had the elves to burn the dead."

Rúmil looked back to the devastation wondering if he were hearing things correctly. " - Haldir?"

Rúmil turned back to Amolith, furrowing his brow in confusion. He opened his mouth wanting to let the warden know he didn't hear what was said, but Amolith raised his hand and repeated his question, "I said, how is Haldir?" The younger elf had turned to look towards the senior warden.

"He is alive. That is all that matters."

Amolith nodded while he turned his attention back to the elves that were preparing to head deeper into the forest and eventually the city, leaving Amolith and about half of the others to stay and guard the outer fences.

The deeper they traveled into the forest the signs of the battle were less in frequency. By the time they reached the gates of the city all hints of any previously fought battle had all but disappeared. Haldir perked up somewhat and blinked his eyes when they entered through the gates.

"Brother, we are home."

"Home?" Haldir shook his head. Arianel, where are you? I can feel you, but not.

Before they could move deeper into the city the wounded were waylaid towards one of the healing tents leaving the rest to disperse into the city. When Orophin helped Haldir into one of them they found a few elves that were still there recovering from their wounds from their own fighting, but several of the pallets were empty. With a groan Haldir eased down on one of them, though he dare not lay on his back, the pain was still too great for that.

"What happened?"

Orophin turned and looked at the healer standing just inside the entrance.

"Helm's Deep is what happened," grumbled Orophin. Straightening, the warden moved over towards the newcomer before speaking with a quiet voice, "Eäryn."

The healer sighed, "How bad was it?"

"You do not want to know." Orophin closed his eyes. He knew the images would forever be burned into his memory.

"Brother?"

Orophin turned to Rúmil with a questioning glance.

The younger elf's voice was subdued, "I have to go."

"I know. You do not have to ask."

Rúmil nodded and slipped out of the tent, still clutching the stained gray cloak. When the elf was gone Orophin explained while shaking his head, "Elaldur has journeyed to Mandos."

Eäryn nodded slowly as he moved over to Haldir's side. Kneeling down he gently touched the bandages on the wardens back, searching to see how damaged the elf was. "An elf's work," he commented somewhat distracted.

"Aye, Master Elrond had a group of his healers travel with us to Rohan." Orophin placed a hand on his brothers shoulder while turning to look at the blond healer.

"He is lucky. They were the ones that were able to do the most good. Edain healers have no idea how to care for one of our kind that has been injured as gravely."

oOoOo

Legolas let his eyes wander around the great Rohirrim Hall. The gold decorations glinted dully from the light that came through the side windows. He had seen Aragorn wander out of the hall earlier with a bowl, no doubt to eat his meal in peace and away from Eowyn's cooking. Turning his attention back to the occupants of the hall he found he couldn't blame the ranger for his need for solitude. The Golden Hall seemed to be bursting at the seems with all the activity around. There was no sign at all of the celebrations from several nights past, for almost all benches and tables had been stored and the floor swept clean. Few tables were left, and those were placed off to the side. Theoden king was using one of them at the current time to see to the recovery of his kingdom. His advisor, Gamling was there with him.

Letting his eyes continue on he found a figure huddled off to the side deep in the shadows. Gandalf had left, what seemed like so long ago, with the youngest of the Haflings, Pereguin Took. Everyone was worried about the events that forced Gandalf to take the actions he did. The question was Theoden. If Gondor did call for aid, what would the Rohan king do? He had stated clearly that he would not help Gondor. Shaking his thoughts free, he found himself wandering over to the lone figure. It was Tiniwen. Looking at her, he found her just as lovely, maybe even more so, than their shared night a few days ago. For a second an image of her laying naked below him flashed in his mind as she moaned in passion. Blinking his eyes he somehow forced the image from his mind as he looked at her closely. For a moment he thought she was avoiding him. The thought of her not wanting his company felt like a hot fire poker going through him.

"My lord?" her voice was quiet.

Legolas hesitated before moving closer to her. "You do not need to call me that."

"You are Thranduil's heir," was her answer. She seemed to gather her thoughts before continuing, "I apologize for my actions several nights past. It will not happen again."

Legolas's eyes widened slightly at her words. I do not want it to end like this, he thought. Moments later another thought startled him, What do I want?

"It is as much my fault. I started it." He looked down at her, she still was not quite looking at him. "And. . ." he looked away for a moment not knowing how to put to words what he wanted to say. Looking back he found she had finally looked up to him, tears in her eyes. It was at that moment he realized just how much it took for her to push back from him. "We will find a way." For a moment he wanted to gather her in his arms and rain kisses over her face and neck, but somehow resisted the temptation. The open spaces of the hall were too great and there were too many curious eyes to see their actions. It was unbecoming an elf of his rank, though most of the Rohirrim did not know they had an elven prince in their midst, albeit a young one. His rank demanded that he not be too blatant for his feelings for another, especially one of the fairer members of his race. If he were in his father's halls he might have the luxury of being more open, but not here. Here he was in a strange land with mortals surrounding him.

Tiniwen's mouth opened up to say something when the doors to the Golden Hall burst open and Aragorn's frantic voice echoing through the large space as he ran towards Theoden. 'The beacons of Minis Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid.'

Everyone seemed to stop and turned their attention to Theoden. The minutes that followed seemed to stretch out forever, not knowing what the Rohan king was going to decide. Though he tried to hide it, Legolas could see the dilemma Theoden was facing, and how he was going to answer it.

'And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim.' With Theoden's answer both relief and grim determination flowed through the Great Hall. Suddenly the room burst into controlled chaos as people went in every direction. Soon a clanging bell could be heard faintly coming from the outside.

"Tiniwen?" Legolas asked her quietly, wondering what she might do.

"I do not know if I should accompany them. I fear I have worn out my welcome as it is." She shook her head as she stayed seated.

He took a step closer as he lowered his voice again, "I would like for you to come with me."

Eventually she nodded then looked over his shoulder. Narrowing his eyes, Legolas turned around and found Aragorn crossing the hall towards them.

'Come, Legolas.' The ranger looked over to Tiniwen and nodded to her. Breaking eye contact the two long time friends walked towards the doors.

Now alone for the time being, Tiniwen looked down at her hands. After a couple of moments she stood up and walked towards the doors.

Tiniwen had no horse, she came on foot initially, but she was given one for the time being. Speaking softly to the animal, she quickly gained its trust and mounted the animal. Looking to the front of the column she searched for Legolas, not knowing exactly where he was. A flash of pale blond hair with a shorter individual behind the individual let her know where he was. Letting a small smile cross her face she urged the horse forward and joined the growing column of riders. She had no idea where they were going, but that was all right. She would go where she was needed.

Two days later Tiniwen looked up to the mountain before her and shivered. Death emanated from it. Pushing it from her mind for the time being, she followed the Rohan king's entourage up the side of the mountain to a rather large ledge. From there she found they could easily see down into the valley below and the riders that had heeded their king's call. Tiniwen found the closer she came to the mountain, the more tangible the feeling of death was. So much so that even the mortals around her were feeling it.

"Dimholt," she mumbled when she heard Legolas's explanation to his companions. She thought about that while heading over to the tent she was offered when she arrived at this place. It was somewhat small, but she had no need for anything more elaborate. All she wanted was a place to sleep for the coming nights. These last two days she had not seen Legolas except by glances at the front of the columns. Sometimes she wondered if he even knew she had come with them. She eventually decided that he did have to know about her presence even if through only rumor. Reaching up, she touched the edge of the tent flap before her. Estel was going to go under the mountain, she was sure about it, and there was nothing she could do to change his mind. Legolas would go with Aragorn, not out of obligation, but because of friendship. Gimli, she was not so sure of.

Eventually Tiniwen found herself standing behind Legolas with a cup of water. Coming beside him she handed it to him. "My lord."

"Thank you." He gave her a ghost of a smile while accepting the drink.

Nodding to him she turned and moved back towards her tent.

"Why did you decide to travel with us to this place of death?" his voice surprised her for a moment.

Tiniwen stopped and turned around slowly, reminded of his words back in Edoras when he first addressed her there. "Because I feel that I will be needed before the end." She gave him a ghost of a smile, recalling her earlier words when they stood outside the Golden Hall in Edoras.

"Please, I do not want you to go." Legolas shook his head. Reaching up a hand, he brushed a stray piece of hair out of her beautiful face. "I could not bear it if anything happened to you."

"What about me? Have you forgotten about that? What will happen to me if you go to Mandos?" Her voice cracked as she looked down. "I - - I think I have fallen in love with you."

"I know." He hesitated for a moment, feeling his heart sing in ecstasy, though he knew could not show it to anyone else. He had to hide his feelings for her from everyone but her. "I feel the same way. I love you."

Tiniwen looked up back into his eyes and gave a very slight smile, though her eyes spoke volumes. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Do not worry, everything will work out in the end, if not here, then we will be together in Valinor."

Tiniwen shook her head then pulled away. "I do not know."

Legolas's eyes darkened slightly "Later."

Her eyes lingered on his for a short time as a small smile graced her face again. Giving him a slight nod, she turned and walked to her tent and retired for the night.

Much later she heard rather than saw the tent flap open and then close. Pulling out of reverie she let her eyes adjust to the dim light. Legolas stood there before her with a slight smile on his face.

"Lirimaer," his voice was low as he moved across to the low pallet. Sitting up, she wrapped her arms around him when he sat down on its edge.

"Lirimaer, you must realize this. If we join. . ." He found her mouth and gave her a sensuous kiss.

"I know," she mumbled in his mouth. "We need to be extremely careful."

Legolas pulled away from her and gave a deep breath. "I need you, but now is not the time for binding. If we are bound and anything happens to me, I fear you will be drug with me to Mandos."

"Nay. Now is not the time." She stopped as if realizing what he just said. "Binding? You wish to bind?" Her eyes went wide with surprise that quickly changed to joy.

Legolas ran his hand through her hair. He knew his eyes echoed hers, but he also knew he would need to hide it for now. "Yes. I feel as if I will not be whole without you." He pulled her close and gave her another sensuous kiss.

Tiniwen melted into his ministrations and moaned as his hands started wandering. This particular joining would be glorious, but tough at the same time. "I need you." she mumbled into his mouth. Stripping down he literally pounced on her in his need. Their joining this time was slow and sensual, but their last few moments were as intense as their first joining. The release that came out of it was deep and bone melting, sating them almost completely with it. They both worked hard to keep from joining mentally, and it worked this time. Next time Legolas wasn't so sure. Never before had he wanted to join mentally as much as he wanted to with Tiniwen. He also knew next time he would not be able to resist it from happening. Next time, if there was a next time, it would be real and they would be bound.

oOoOo

Tiniwen woke to the sound of the tent flap being flung open and being alone on the pallet. In the dim, early morning light she gasped and pulled the blanket up to her neck, acutely aware of her current state of undress. 'Who are you?' she asked the strange Rohir that stood before her with clothing and armor in his arms.

The rider turned to look back, seemingly to make sure the tent flap was closed, then took his helmet off.

The long blonde hair and feminine features that emerged surprised her. 'Eowyn?' Tiniwen's eyes went wide.

'You do not want to be left behind, do you?' Eowyn asked as she dumped the armor and weapons at Tiniwen's feet.

'Maybe.' The elleth shook her head.

'There is a horse ready for you, should you decide to come. If you do, you need to conceal your hair and ears.' Eowyn put the helmet back on, turned on her heels, and left the tent.

Tiniwen looked at the clothes in front of her. She knew she was in a quandary. Legolas wanted her to stay safe, but she desperately wanted to be with him wherever he was. Eventually her love and want of him won out. Making sure the tent flap was closed she let the blanket slide from her and she reached for the clothing before her.

TBC...