Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the Tolkien estate or New Line Cinemas. All elves and people of Middle Earth belong to Tolkien. Any movie scenes are owned by Peter Jackson and new Line Cinemas. All Original Characters are mine as is the plots and any facts, not in book or movies, are mine and mine alone. This piece is a work of fiction. No money is being made from this work of fiction.

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Road to Rohan

Hurtful feelings...

The party rode until the sun was just on the horizon, readying itself for a night of slumber. They found that camp had already begun being set up by Legolas, Rumil and Orophin. The fire started and the smell of rabbit stew cooking on the open flames. They stood up, seeing the others arrival and made their way to greet them all. Gandalf inquired as to where Arlothiyenne was. Legolas told him that she was bathing in a small stream just outside the camp beyond the boulders to the south.

Haldir never spoke to anyone, keeping to himself. His mind, Gandalf felt, was full of turmoil dealing with the events of the day. Being such an arrogant elf, his heart would need time to adjust. The old wizard looked to the others and saw they were wearied, but the events from earlier that day, still weighed heavily on their consciences. To remedy the confusion, and break tension, Gandalf felt that it would be cleared, once Arlohtiyenne told her story, so he made his way to where she was to speak to her.

It was not long after he left the camp, that Gandalf found her. Sitting upon a small boulder, her hands combing out her long wet tresses. She was silently weeping as she did it. It pained him to see her cry, to him she was like his own child, his heart broke. She looked up, her silent tear gleaming in the rays of the moonlight. She looked out upon the plains. He silently approached her. Once he was near her, he spoke softly, "Little Dove, why do you cry?" he asked.

Arlothiyenne, hearing his familiar voice, reached up without looking at him, and wiped away her own tears. "Everyone thinks I am a traitor. Now knowing who I am, what I am. They hate me. I have betrayed them, but not because I wanted to." She sniffled a bit.

Hearing her words, he understood them. He walked over, and sat upon the boulder next to her. Taking one arm, he wrapped it around her shoulders and gave it a gentle squeeze. "They do not hate you. All that is needed is an explanation. They only know a small part of it, if you tell them, they will understand." he told her to assure her fear, stroking her hair to comfort her.

She thought on what he said. Perhaps he was right, maybe they would understand her reasoning for not telling. She leaned her head upon his shoulder. "You may be right, but I am still fearing what I have done, has lost at least one. He is my heart, Gandalf. We are connected, if he rejects me, I shall fade." she told him.

He knew exactly who she was speaking of. Haldir. He squeezed her again gently, then pulled back to look down at her. "He loves you, Arlothiyenne. Did he not tell you this, when you asked it?" she shook her head sadly. He smiled at her, and hugged her again. "He is meant for you, Arlothiyenne. That bond is stronger than any other, he knows it. He does feel a bit betrayed, but in his own arrogant way, he is dealing with it. This is a minor set back is all, give him time." He looked down at her again. "He has loved you since the moment you arrived in Lorien, two hundred years ago. That love, you both share, is deeply embedded. Now dry those tears and come back to the fire, you have a task to perform." Arlothiyenne looked at him, knowing what he meant. She had to tell them everything.

"If you think that it will help I will do it. I have nothing else to lose." she said sadly and putting on a smile for her old friend.

By the Campfire...

Arriving back at camp, Arlothiyenne and Gandalf found everyone was gathered around, chatting among themselves, smoking pipeweed, and telling stories. But upon seeing her, they all stopped the tension resuming from where it had left off. In a nervous attempt to break the ice, she smiled at each. Legolas, who seemed to be the only one that was not affected by the knowledge, nor casting judgement, scooted over and patted the ground beside him for her to sit. She took the seat offered and listened as Gandalf started speaking to all of them.

"Since Isengard, there has been some tensions building. It is time to have all of you take a moment and listen to Arlothiyenne's side to it all. Perhaps, you all will see why she had to do what she did." He turned and sat next to King Theoden who looked over to Arlothiyenne waiting for her to begin.

She stared at the fire a moment trying to figure out how to start. It only took a moment for her to find them, took a deep breath and began her tale. She told them of her parents origins, the reasoning behind the Valar's reasoning for taking the power from her father and giving it to her. Told them of why it was important she keep it secret until the right time. During the tale, she began to notice that the tension was beginning to fade, and understanding took its place. But the one person among them, she cared for the most, seem to be fighting something within himself. Haldir. It pained her to have him look away from her. But she hardened herself, he just had to deal with it. Her voice rang out filling the ears of those around the fire. "You see, it was not my choosing to hide this from all of you. It was the will of the Valar, who thought it best to be kept secret, until it could not any longer. I understand you all feel as though I have decieved you, but it was necessary. All I ask is for you all to please forgive me." she said finishing up on her explanations.

Having heard enough, apparently, Haldir stood and walked from the camp without so much as a second glance. Arlothiyenne's heart fell, knowing that he seemed out of sorts. She tried looking into his mind, contacting him, but he had somehow blocked her.

Having heard the tale, the hobbits seemed to let it slide, and began asking her questions, but Pippin seemed to be in thoughts about it. He finally shrugged it off and admitted out loud, "Well, that explains a lot." Everyone looked at him, smiled and continued speaking among themselves, trying to include Arlothiyenne, but she did not allow herself to get caught up in the conversations. She kept staring in the direction Haldir had went. After a while, she began to feel tired and excused herself. She wanted to be alone, contemplate what she was to do next. But deep down, she wanted to be alone.

Legolas...

Legolas saw her leave, knowing in his heart exactly what it was that was aching her heart. That stubborn marchwarden, always seemed to shut people out when he was trying to figure something out. His normal way of dealing with things, was torturing Arlothiyenne. She needed him like the air she breathed. He had to talk to them, help them with this. He stood, excused himself and took off to follow Arlothiyenne.

To comfort a friend...

He caught sight of her just before she made it to her bedroll. He began to jog to her calling out, "Arlothiyenne! Wait, please stop." he told her. She seemed to stiffen at his voice, then turned to face him.

"Legolas?" she said to him. It seemed this day, beside Gandalf, he had been the only other one that was not changed by the knowledge of who and what she was. She smiled. "Is something amiss?" she asked him.

He stopped in front of her, looking at her fully. "Yes, there is. You. I sense something is greatly troubling you. What is it?" he asked as concern washed over him.

She hated it, Legolas had the abilities to sense things. The one time she wanted to hide from her feelings, be alone, he just had to call her out. It was in his good nature to care about those around him. She huffed out an annoyed breath and looked up at him. "I cannot hide anything from you can I?" she looked away, the emotions and tiredness of the day began to make her weary. "Truthfully, I am tired, but my heart is aching right now. The others have seem to understand things better, but the one person I need to have next to me, is not here." She told him, tears began to gather at the corner of her eyes. She sniffled some.

Seeing her cry, made him sad. He understood, all too well, the bond two hearts could have. He had seen it in his father's eyes with his mother. Truth was, his mother, was not his father's true mate, but his father loved her just the same. Their bond had been strong until the day she died many millennias ago. But his thoughts were broken, when he heard her began to cry again. The sadness Arlolthiyenne's heart felt, began to take her over, and in an attempt to hide it, she turned from him. He wanted to help her, to comfort her. He reached out, turned her and pulled her to him. He held her tightly, stroking her hair and shushing her.

As she openly sobbed into his chest, he soothed her, speaking an old elven calming spell similar to the one, he and Haldir used on her before the battle of Helm's Deep. It worked. She pulled back from him and looked at him. "You are such a good friend to me." she said to him, hugging him quickly. He still felt her pain, it loomed like a cloud before the rain.

"Arlothiyenne, you must tell me how you truly feel. It will do you much good, if you did. Please tell me." he urged her.

She looked at him, pulled back some, and bit her bottom lip. "It is everything. My powers. The chaos Middle Earth is under. What I had-" she stopped as if to gather herself, "what I had to do to day. The way all of you felt after, and now Haldir. I am at a loss as to what to do about it. He will not speak to me. He barely looks at me.

He had known it before she openly said it. Haldir was the what was causing the problem. Haldir is just trying to sort out how to deal with such news. You are thinking that what he heard about today, you being a traitor's granddaughter, that he will want nothing to do with you, and that he hates you. Am I correct?" he asked looking at her.

She did not speak, and only shook her head. He continued. "I do not think you are correct on it. He is meant for you, Arlothiyenne, and you for him. His heart only feels wounded, because you did not tell him. He is a protector, and like all protectors, they feel they need to know everything in order to fully do what is needed. I assure you, he will see the light. Just you wait and see." he said hugging her lightly.

As Legolas hugged her, he caught movement just outside the camp, near the pitch of the night. The soft glow of the campfire illuminated the person there. It was Haldir, who was looking at he and Arlothiyenne, hugging. He made not motions, did not attempt to call out, just turned and walked back out into the darkness.

Legolas pulled away looked down at her. "Now it is time you rest. I shall speak to Haldir, so worry not." he placed an arm about her shoulder and led her to the bedroll. He waited as she lie down, covered up and adjusted her pack beneath her head. He smiled at her, bowed his head and left to find Haldir. He had a bone to pick with him.

Haldir sees...

Legolas found Haldir not long after leaving Arlothiyenne, sitting upon a boulder, playing with his sword, twirling it around in the dirt making soft circles. He was deep in thought. Legolas, seeing his mellon in such a state of thought, approached silently.

Haldir knew who it was that came to him, and did not have to glance up. He hardened himself knowing what his friend would say. Flatly he spoke, "Is there something wrong, Legolas?" His eyes never left the point where the blade was on the ground, still twirling it around.

Legolas still approached the boulder, as a cat that stalked into a room, silent and smoothly. He realized the only way to open Haldir up and help the situation was to be blunt, and forward. "Yes, Haldir, there is. Arlothiyenne is in a terrible state." he said to him, not happy about the way he had left her. He came to the side of the boulder and sat down.

Haldir looked up and out onto the moonlit plains before him for a moment, then turned to him. His eyes showed no emotion, and was as blank as a clean slate. "Aye, I saw it. Is she alright?" he asked showing a hint of care.

"Yes, but her heart and soul are aching, afraid that you hate her." he told him in a clipped tone.

Haldir's head shot to the Prince's direction, hearing his words, then closed his eyes in pain. He looked away ashamed of himself for how coldly he had treated her. Legolas saw the arrogance, the aloofness leave the stubborn Marchwarden. He was humbling himself. "I do not hate her, Legolas. Far from it, if anything, I love her more." he admitted.

Legolas hearing his words, did not understand, but he continued on with his hardened self, trying to hold onto his calm. "Well, if you love her so much, then why in Mordor, do you not talk to her? Find out why she did not at least let you know." he was a little perplexed now by the whole thing. He continued, "Haldir, do you have any idea what your arrogant nature is doing to her? You say you love her more, but your action speak otherwise." He pointed out.

Haldir knew he was right, he had treated her poorly since the tower. He regretted it, but still he held fast to why he was upset. "I am hurt that she did not feel right about telling me the full story. How can I protect her, if I do not know all the information?" He asked.

Legolas looked at his friend, honestly he spoke, "Haldir, she did not want to keep it from us. She was commanded not to tell. You heard her at the fire side, the whole story. I, for one, completely understand why it was held from all of us. If the information about her fell into the wrong hands, she would be in danger. Your silence, and unwillingness to talke to her, is paining her, and that, my friend, makes me upset with you." he admitted to him, still holding his tongue from full anger. He closed his eyes and calmed himself, "Haldir, you have to let it go, forgive her. If you do not fix this, she will grieve and fade, and if she does that, so will you. You two, are meant for each other, Faer mates. You are duty bound to be with her in all things." he reached out, after watching Haldir's face go from arrogance and aloofness, to sadness. He pitied the Marchwarden, but he was his friend, and he knew that Haldir valued bluntness.

Haldir seemed to choke up some, then looked at Legolas with eyes filled with pain and uncertainty. "I know. I would die to protect her. Tell me, How do I fix this?" he pleaded.

"Go to her. Let go of your own doubt, stop thinking on how you feel and focus on her. She is the one with the weight of the world on her shoulders. Tell her how you feel." he said urging Haldir on.

Haldir felt doubtful, he replied to Legolas's words. "What if she wants nothing to do with me?" he asked. Legolas did not know how to answer.

Haldir spoke, emotions poured out with his words. "You know, when she first arrived in Lorien, I had held her in my arms while taking her to the nursemaid." he looked at Legolas who sat there only listening. He continued his story, "I looked into her tiny face and knew. Just knew that she was different, that my heart was tied to her. For several years after her arrival, she brought joy to my family's lives. Most specially, mine." Haldir's sadness came as he kept talking. "When she left and was lost, a part of me went with her. For two centuries, I thought of nothing but her, buried myself in my work, and finally, the months prior to returning to Lorien, I dreamed of her, wondered. The Valar must have pitied me, because there she was before me, older, more beautiful. It was seeing her face in my dreams, and then right before me, that the innocent love I had for her as a child, grew instantly into something. I do not want to lose her." he said looking down, a small tear threatened to fall. He placed his head in his hands shaking as he wiped away the emtion.

Legolas pitied him, placed a comforting hand to his friend's shoulder. "Then the answer on what to do is right before you. Go to Her." he said urging. He patted his shoulder. Brightened up his mood, "I will take your watch. Go to her, soothe her soul and yours." His soft command received some hesitation. He gently pushed Haldir's back forward, urging him to get on with it. "Go, Haldir." he said again.

"You do not mind, mellon?" Haldir said arching his brow, hoping that he meant it. The urgency came to be with her..

"No I do not mind, go on. She is lying down." Legolas smiling glad he had finally gotten the stubborn Marchwarden to listen to reason.

Haldir gathered his weapons and stood. Legolas placed a small smile to his lips and nodded his head. Go! He mouthed. Haldir walked in the direction of camp. His heart racing to be near her.

Pep talk with Gandalf...

Legolas had left her there, but as she laid there, she found that sleep would not come. Her thoughts strayed to the day's events, she was only slightly relieved that the others had somewhat forgiven her, but this thing with Haldir caused tears to come. How could he close himself off to her after he had told her that there was nothing she could ever do to cause his heart to change? She felt hopeless with the situation. How she would love to have her mother there to comfort her. It was in that wish, she felt her mother's presence with her, warmth and love enveloped her, then the brush to her mind.

"I feel you pain, my daughter. Fear not, for he has seen and will come to you soon." Hearing her mother's words brought some measure of comfort to her.

Then she heard someone approach her bedroll from the back. She hiccupped and stiffened as she felt a gentle hand to her shoulder. The person behind her was not Haldir, as she had hoped, but Gandalf. "Arlothiyenne, you are crying?" he inquired.

Looking over her shoulder, she found him kneeling beside her, his eyes kind and concerned. She sat up, and drew her knees up to her chest, circling them with her arms. "A little, but I am alright." she sniffled again, then continued, worry and a little hint of dread in her voice, she asked. "How did everyone truly take my explanation?"

He smiled at her. "Very well. So well, in fact, that they are concerned for you right now. They all sense that your heart is troubled and wondering what it is that is ailing you." He patted her arm, reassuring her more. "I shall tell you now that they were all a little worried as to why it was not revealed, who you were before, so they could protect you better, but understand. All trespass has been forgiven. Legolas you know has accepted it, and has taken it upon himself to help mend the barrier between you and Haldir. He is with him now." he said warmly smiling at her, then wrapped his arm about her shoulder. "He will listen, and accepted it. I know, and deep down, you know it as well."

"Perhaps he will. I just wish he would talk to me." she said sadly, looking down at her feet.

"He will." he looked up just then and nodded into the direction over her right shoulder pointing to a figure coming toward them. "That looks like him coming now." Arlothiyenne's gaze shot in that direction. It was him, walking slowly toward them. She turned her body away slightly, still afraid to see him fully. The old wizard kissed her forehead then stood to leave. Butterflies gathered in Arlothiyenne's stomach as Haldir approached wondering what he would say to her.

Burying the Hatchet...

Haldir came to stand next to the bedroll, nodded to Gandalf and bowed his head slightly, in respect to the old wizard. Gandalf, now standing, nodded back, smiled and left them there in peace. When Haldir was sure that Gandalf was out of earshot, and out of sight, he sat next to her, close enough that their elbows touched, but far enough that their hearts cried out from the distance. Silence came like a thick blanket for what seemed an eternity. They never looked at each other, or acknowledged one another.

Finally, Arlothiyenne broke the monotonous silence by letting out a labored sigh. "Haldir, do you find me disgusting for being that traitor's granddaughter?"

Hearing her words, Haldir's head shot in her direction, shock on his face. 'Surely she did not think that!' his mind screamed. He felt disappointed that she did not tell him and little hurt, but disgust...no. He shook his head and replied most earnestly, "Absolutely not! I was shocked that you did not tell me, but I am most definitely not disgusted. How could you even think that?" He looked at her trying to see her eyes, but she had turned her head. He had to know what was behind those auburn eyes. Reaching out, he placed his forefinger to her chin and turned her to face him. "Arlothiyenne, please look at me." he softly commanded. "Please." he pleaded.

She turned to him, her eyes glistened in the soft firelight. Haldir saw the tears and immediately felt guilt. She said no words to him, the pain in her eyes was clear to him. He scolded himself on the inside for the arrogance and selfishness he had caused her. He spoke softly, his eyes never leaving hers, "I am sorry for causing you pain. Please forgive me." he whispered.

Arlothiyenne gazed into his eyes, saw his sincerity and truth there, she melted inside. He looked sow vulnerable. She reached up and placed a hand to his cheek, he leaned into that hand. When she spoke his eyes softened more. "I am sorry for not telling you sooner. I had no choice but to keep it from all of you. Haldir, I trust you most of all, but I could not speak." Her voice was sad, she sniffled on last time.

All the anger and upset he had felt earlier, seemed to melt away. He looked at her. To assure her, he pulled her into and embrace then kissed her head. Shushing her, he spoke, "Shh. It is alright, I understand it now, but you must keep me informed if I am to fully protect you. If it something you cannot tell me, just tell me so next time." He reached out and took her hand in his.

Arlothiyenne looked down at his hands and new tears began to fall, but not the tears of sadness, but of relief. Haldir hated seeing her tears, and reached for her quickly pulling her to him. She did not resist him, and buried her face in his chest taking in his scent. It calmed her greatly. He stroked her hair, and spoke to her softly. "Do not cry, my love. You have not lost me, nor I you." Hearing him, she looked at him as he smiled down at her. She smiled softly back, all the tension now gone. The fatigue of the day was now taking a toll on her. He saw the look. "Arlothiyenne, you are tired and weary. Lie down here and rest, my love." he said as he urged her to lie back on her bedroll. "I shall leave you to sleep." he told her.

To his words, she reacted as if in a panic, grabbing for him afraid he would never come back. "Please do not leave me." she said in a harsh whisper.

"Shhh, alright, my love. I will return, but I must get my bedroll. I will not be gone long." he said as he caressed her cheek smiling sweetly down at her. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. Haldir got up and walked to get his packs.

He returned to her side, she was near sleep. He looked down at her and began rolling out his bedroll. He situated himself upon his bedroll, and close beside her, he laid on his side facing her.

Knowing he was near, Arlothiyenne scooted closer to him placing her face into his chest. A lock of his hair hung down from his shoulder. She reached up, taking the lock between her fingers and caressed it. So silky and smooth it was, and yet so comforting. She relaxed more as the relief and tiredness took over.

Haldir pulled her closer and listened to the sound of her breathing. Placing his arms about her waist, he held her tightly, possessively and protectively close. Soon he felt her breathing calm more and knew that sleep had taken her. He kissed the top of her forehead. "Sleep well, my love, I will be here when you wake." his eyes grew heavy, but leaned his head close to her ears, "I love you." he whispered.

She heard his words in her subconscious mind and smiled at them. He saw that smiled and felt more at peace. He closed his eyes and found his reverie with the woman he loved in his arms.

N/A: Phew, that chappie is done...and the last of the revamp chapters...now on with the chapters from scratch..Bear with me folks, RL is hectic and I will make updates as soon as time permits...BTW, I have officially entered to of my stories into the MEFA Awards. Arlothiyenne: A Tale of Destiny and A Breath Away...Wish me luck...Fingers crossed..

Next up...In Rohan