Author's Note:
Warning: Concepts contained in this chapter includes semi- hitting scene.
Guest: Indeed, they finally made it! Thank you for the review ^_^
Im not lost yet: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. There are grammar errors through the story! Eventually, the chapters will be edited. As far of the punctuation, it has been used fair. Yet, there could be few spots here and there that need editing too. Really glad you like the idea, i hope you can read the rest. And criticism is always welcome. It helps to improve ourselves, and editing the story. ^_^
Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters, places, names, etc (only the OC). It all belongs to J.R.R Tolkien and Peter Jackson.
~ Chapter Fifty Four: Haldir's Outburst ~
The blue sky vanished between the mallorn trees, that were dancing to the sounds of the forest. The sun rays were less brighter, revealing that the day had grown old. After their overwhelmed 'encounter', Legolas and Ethir were finally striding back. Their declaration of Love hours earlier, it seeped into their blood and paralyzed their brain. Silence rose against their skin like poison. But each had fallen inside their own silence.
Ethir's face was one of awkwardness, not even hurrying to save her feelings, to fill the void with a non statement of appreciation. The void was a cruelty she inflicted unintentionally, but had she been aware she would not have cared one iota. Not because, she was indifferent or fell out of love. That was not the case. She was in love, deeply and madly in love with that 'annoying Ellon'. Yet, reality kept reminding her that such an union would still be difficult. He was a noble Ellon, royal even. And she was just a messed up 'half-Elleth'. To place in an even state as to claim, part of her was the bloodline of Haldir; an Nandor (only a half one) and her rest of her was Sauron's Bloodline. She picked her eyes off the gravel with the weariness of one who is fatigued with the seriousness. She was dragging her legs through the solid ground, as her mind wheeled on.
The silence caressed Legolas skin like a cool spring breeze, smoothing his soul, taking away his jagged edges. It had been one hell of a rough day. And it would not get any better. Loving Ethir was the easy part, finding a way to be together was the hard one. The Ellon had to talk with Haldir as soon as possible. It was the hardest task, he ever overtook. He shivered only at the idea, to tell the Marchwarden of Lothlórien the truth. The difficult part was not to admit that he loved her. Actually, that was the easy part. Legolas, knew were his heart lie. He was not scared, to confess his deepest thoughts. What was troubling him, was their bond! Haldir, would never allow his niece to take off with an Ellon on an unknowing adventure. And Legolas, could not promise anything for now. He had not talk with Ethir, to see were she was standing. He had not talk to his father. He was not sure, if he would end up following his path as the prince of Mirkwood or the path of a lost warrior traveling realm after realm.
The silence of the waiting made her blood as cold as the autumnal air. Bereft of any wind the leaves outside hung limp until they fell of their own accord, there was no whispering noise or rustling. She could feel the uneasiness on the air, as much as Legolas could. They were almost reaching the main area, and their minds were troubled and confused.
"Lle desiel? (Are you ready?)" Legolas suddenly paused and asked her. His slender elfish figure stood straight facing her. "Amin dele ten' lle! (I am worried about you!) Amin merna quen lle. (I wish to speak with you.)"
Ethir stopped and turned towards him "Amin nowa ikotane! (I think so!)" she admitted honestly. "Manka lle merna! (If you wish!)" she added.
Legolas stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her, letting her rest against his chest "Melamin! (My love!)" he whispered under his breath "There are few things about Elves you may not know."
Ethir cut him off "You are worried about Haldir!" she spoke at once. She lift her eyes and gazed at him "Honestly, I am glad I have family Legolas. But Haldir's opinion, will not affect mine." she blurred out .
"Ethir we have to deal with other obstacles first, Haldir and Ada are the last of those." the Ellon explained, as he rested his arms still around her.
"Right, Thranduil. For a second I forgot about him!" she said in annoyance. "Legolas, I know. We are not living in a tale. You are the ElvenKing's son, and even bonding with me sounds like a bad joke. Even if we would find a way to unite. I don't believe that either, Haldir or Thranduil would allow it. And, I am a wicked soul. I would never obey. Yet, I cannot ask you to drag yourself in anything like that." Ethir clarified.
Legolas cast her a serious look "Was you mind riling into such thoughts, Melamin! (My Love!)" he murmured apologetic as he softly leaned closer and kissed her forehead. "Your uncle and My Ada, should not worry you. I will deal with them. First, we have to figure out what we want. And before that, you have to know."
"To know what?" she questioned "Haldir and Thranduil, will always worry me. It is not only your problem to deal with. It's mine too!" she voiced up.
Legolas could not resist a smile. It were those little things that Ethir would say or do, that would made the difference. She would never let him, alone carry any burden. He was aware of that. How could he even think, not to band with her. He was a fool, not to admit it. He wanted this union to happen. He wanted Ethir bond with him. "Ethir, we... I mean for us Elves, sex and marriage are one and the same. You should already know that Elves usually have only one partner?" he pointed out.
She nodded tilting a bit her head in confusion. She knew a few things about elves, how pure they were and how deeply they would love. She figured out that bonding, had a different meaning to Elves than humans. But she did not know anything further. "Legolas, there is no other mate for me. I would never..." she said, as he interrupted her.
"Of course not! That was not my point of view. I wanted mostly to explain you about Elves' bonding. Before we decided anything. You see, Ethir it is that with bodily union that we achieve marriage. Because of that union ofour Fëar (souls if you wish to call it), that occurs when Elves marry, we do not divorce or have multiple marriages. In simple words, our Fëar are united. I will not say, we share a soul. I found always that explanation creepy. Each of us, have still their own 'soul' but we are connected. And If It's a pure and strong connection, we may end up even feel what the other one is feeling. Lle rangwa? (Do you understand?)" Legolas uncovered, waiting for her response.
Ethir blushed and lowered her gaze. She softly giggled at his words. "I understand, Legolas! You scared me, earlier! I thought it was something really bad!" she admitted. "And you can go through this, letting me know every single time what you are feeling?" she teased him.
"Do not take it lightly. You have always, loved your freedom. Since, the first day I met you, you kept reminding me that. I just wish you know everything, before you agree in anything, that you may regret later!" the Ellon serious told her.
Ethir sighed "You could never take away my freedom, Legolas! Of all the people, you always respected that. You respected, who I was. You still are! I would not lose anything, while being with you. I would gain! Yet, again how about your freedom and pride?" she fired him back.
"There is no freedom or pride, that could be lost in the name of love. I know exactly what am vowing for. But you are still young. If you were a full elf, you had to be 50 years old to be thought mature enough to bond with someone. That your reached adulthood already, you have to thanked your father's bloodline. Or better I should thank him!" he responded with a smile on his face.
"And you think, I was clueless when I barely showed you my feelings. I want to bond with you Legolas. That union could never scare me off. Yet, I am not sure if that is even possible. You know, I never follow any rules. For me, it could be easy done. But, that is a different story with the ElvenKing. I fear that this time, he will haunt me down. And I cannot blame him. I involved his only son, in my messy life." Ethir spoke her truth. She wished, she could act indifferent and tell him that they could not bond. Yet, she could not. Those feelings inside of her, were slowly burning her.
"Melamin! (My Love!) I only needed to know, your answer! We figure out the rest. First, we need to inform the Marchwarden. Let's hope he will not slay me!" he said in agony.
"Really now, are you scared of Haldir. I will talk with him!" he tried to calm him down tapping his back.
"No! We should talk with him together. I am not scared of him!" Legolas said stiff "Yet, make sure he is unarmed when we talk to him" Then he softly gave her one more kiss. On of those that lifted her on her tiptoe asking for more. "Now, Let's go meet him!"
The trees were veiled in the lightest of mists, their trunks somber brown with sable cracks that gnarl the bark. It was already late evening, when the couple stormed into the Marchwarden office. They were told, that he was waiting for them there. The chamber had wide windows and could be found in the last floor of a mallorn tree. He had summoned his brothers, Rúmil and Orophin. Gimli and Tauriel, were also sitting inside the room.
Legolas walked in, as he was dragging Ethir with him. He was holding her hand softly, and did not released it. He suddenly found himself in the middle of the room. He was only expecting to meet with one uncle, now he was facing two more. And his friends did not make it any easier. All gazes were turned on them. Legolas stood his ground, and softly placed himself in frond of Ethir, in a protective way. Like he was shielding her from the outcome.
"Why are you both late?!" Tauriel asked him as she pointed at Haldir.
"That our brother allowed our niece to meet with you, did not mean you had to occupy her for so many hours Prince Legolas!" Rúmil shouted at him.
Ethir rolled her eyes. It was surreal, she was called niece by an Ellon she was seeing the first time in her life. She was about to share her mind, with him. Yet, Legolas softly kept her behind him. His hand was still holding hers, almost forbidden her to get involve.
"First, I had to talk with your niece. Forgive me, If I overused her time. Reuniting with her after so many years, you all would wish to speak with her." Prince of GreenWood answered back. His voice was soft and low, he was not pushing through things. It was clear Legolas wanted to have a serious talk with them. And he would not leave until he would. "However you see it, we have cleared things now and forever. I summoned your niece, and we had a long talk. We should share the results of our decisions."
"Fair enough then. Let us hear your decision!" the Marchwarden of Lórien wanted to know out of curiosity. He was glaring at Legolas. He would never forgive him. The day he planned to reunited his family, he had to spend it in a meeting, that would surely not end well.
Ethir tried once again to by-pass Legolas, but he pulled her once more behind him. Legolas was a responsible Ellon. He would never, drag Ethir to clean up his mess. He was there, to reveal the truth, to ask for permission, and to deal with the consequences.
"Let me hope that Ethir will not pay too dearly for mine boldness. It burns my heart. Yet, I can only be clear and honestly with you." Legolas stood tall and uttered clearly "Marchwarden of Lothlórien You may already know that your niece and I are close friends. As long as, this quest was upon us, I have slowly to get close to this 'wicked girl'! Slowly, I found out how important she was to me. Not only as a friend, but something more. It took me a while to realize it, that she won my heart. And my heart is hers."
Haldir, was still glaring at Legolas. He already waited him to reveal that much. But not that fast and clear. On the other hand, Rúmil and Orophin, were baffled. They never seen Ethir and Legolas together, have only heard stories form Haldir. Yet, both of the Ellon find it an honor. An Elven Prince fell in love with their niece. There was nothing wrong with that. They only feared, how the couple could be bonded and if the ElvenKing would accept it. Gimli and Tauriel, were listening astonished. 'Legolas in love and admitting it' was a sight they have not foreseen.
"You are bold enough Prince of Mirkwood, to announce inside my land such a truth. When it comes to that, you are daring and full of pride like Thranduil himself. Finish, your fearless words nevertheless." Haldir yelped as he was ready stand up.
Legolas remained calm, he never allowed Haldir insult to mess with his mind. He was there to ask for permission to bond with Ethir. And he would see it done. Ethir was already furious. The only reason, she had not attacked Haldir was because Legolas had grabbed her arm and kept her still behind him. His grasp was rough, and he would not allow anyone to cut their talk. Even if it was Ethir. When her turn came, she could tell part of her story. Now, he was doing the talking.
"I should be honored, that you can see part of the power of the ElvenKing in me." Legolas responded back not losing his calm and strength "Before our talk overtakes another path, I would ask for you permission to bond with Ethir. Their is not another Elleth suitable for me. And I can be sure enough, There could not be another Ellon for her! What say you?!"
Silence filled the room. Legolas, words were short and on point. Haldir did not predicted such a fallout. His yaw dropped as he stood up, irritated. In all his long years, he never remembered being so angry at an Ellon before. Even when his own sister told him, that she was bonding with Aldar. He was not angry at Ethir, but with Legolas.
"The son of Thranduil is pushing his luck today. How do you want me to response in this madness. Why would I let my niece to betrothal to the son of the ElvenKing. His kingdom is now darker than it use to be. Even if it was settled, there is always a battle you have to fight and protect your borders. I would never wish to see my niece live in such a place. She was already through enough darkness, Legolas! Also, you think Thranduil, will accept this union?" Haldir stated very sincere.
"My Ada has caused enough issues all this years, I note that clearly between the lines of your words Haldir. I always assumed you viewed me differently. Perhaps, I was wrong. I cannot assure you, about the ElvenKing's reaction. I admit, I will ask for his acceptance. Yet, I will bond with Ethir even with out it. If we stay in Mirkwood or not, it is not decided yet. But my homeland, isn't as despicable as you describe it. Darkness overtook our lands, but the Elvenking and our people trying the best to fix the damage. I care for your niece. I would never drag her into any harm!" he forecast "Or at least not in any danger, she could not deal with!" he noted with a smirk on his face.
Rúmil and Orophin, disagreed with their brother. They found it more than luck, that the Prince of Mirkwood could married their niece. It was really a great deal. And since both agreed, why would they want to stand between their happiness. Ethir, kept struggling behind Legolas. She tried to interrupt him many times, but he was ignoring her. He stood in front of her, keeping her tight and secured behind him. Legolas, understood clearly Haldir's worries. His Ada caused many issues with the other Elven realms. It was only after the battle of the five armies, that the Elvenking had softened.
Haldir dashed off, until he was facing him. His eyes glared at the prince "Should I remind you, how many times Thranduil dishonored us? How many times, we were ignored? He only cared to, keep himself and his keep safe. Nothing else mattered, outside his own realm! Legolas, even If I would allow my niece to be with you! I cannot allow her to have any connections with Thranduil. If he ever crossed our lands, there are punishments for his ignorance. What will you do? Accept your father's punishment, only to be offered my agreement for your bond with my niece!" Haldir shouted clearly getting everyone's attention.
Legolas knew exactly, how the other realms talk about his father. Thranduil's pride and selfishness caused many conflicts. He was not a bad ElvenKing, yet he was a dark one. He was trough enough darkness. And when he was fighting with Evil, with his father no one else helped. His words were always harsh. And specially between Haldir, there were many clashes. To see the argument end, the lady of light allowed a punishment. If Thranduil would ever cross Lothlórien, he would have to withstand those. Of course, that punishment was announced ages ago and it was forgotten. Only, Haldir recalled it now. Mostly because he was angry and did not believe that Legolas could really love his niece. The Marchwarden of Lothlórien, found it impossible. Legolas, a royal Elfin. Who grow up, as a Nobel elf, with so much brightness. Would be drawn to his niece. A half elf, with such a dark past. If it took him to use any method possible, to prove that the prince was daydreaming.
"Those are actions that happened ages ago! You know the ElvenKing, has offered his alliance and help through the years. Once, he was wrong! Yet, he even send his own son for your last quest. Haldir, if that is not good enough. I will receive the punishment that was cast in my Ada's name. I will accept all of it!" Legolas voiced up pinning his gaze against Haldir.
"No, you cannot!" Ethir cried out as she finally escaped his grip. She pushed herself between him and Haldir. "Haldir, we are serious. I know, it sounds too soon! But, those are not feelings that we found out recently. We burned through them. And we are sure. Asking your permission, was actually Legolas idea. I could simply bond with him, here and now. So .."
"Hush, Ethir!" Legolas uttered as he tried to pull her away "I will accept all of it!" he concluded. Ethir was struggling against him, calling him not to go through such foolish agreement.
"All right, then! If you are so serious, Let's go through it!" Haldir announced with a harsh tone.
"Wait, laddy! Before, we cause any misunderstanding. What kind of punishment are we talking about here?" Gimli cut them off serious. His friend could be in love, and accept anything. Yet, he would not just agree to see anyone punish his friend.
Tauriel, suddenly appeared next to Legolas, after Gimli did. "We cannot allow that! To touch the Prince!" she added securing the distance between Haldir and Legolas.
The Ellon turned and faced Gimli and Tauriel "Do not dare interfere in this." he ordered with a harsh tone. Haldir could listen the ElvenKing's power in it. His tone only turned softened when he turned to Ethir "Please, Let me deal with it!" Then he softly pushed her against Tauriel "Make sure, she will not cut us off!" he ordered and faced away. "Sii' (Now!) Haldir, let me receive that punishment and let us end this conflict." Legolas agreed.
"All right! I will see the punishment done. Rúmil bring the wimp! Seven were the lashes asked to be given to Thranduil. Less will be his pride after this!" Haldir clarified still angry.
"Haldir, we do not really have any wimps!" Rúmil replied as serious as he could. Elves never used wimps, not even for their horses.
Ethir rolled her eyes, as she was struggling to free herself. "Haldir! You possible cannot! You will not!" she yelled loudly.
Yet, the Marchwarden of Lothlórien grabbed Legolas and turned him around. The Ellon faced a pillar that was in front of him. He found the punishment ridiculous. He has seen his Ada, even Tauriel torture Orcs. Yet, never they used wimps. Serious, would Haldir now go through this. He leaned his body against the pillow, and his arms wrapped around it.
"Tauriel!" Legolas suddenly called.
She already, understood what he needed. The Elleth rushed out of the room, only to return with a lash on her hands. There was always a wimp, hanging against her horse saddle. She tossed it over to Haldir. And stepped back, next to Gimli and Ethir.
Rúmil and Orophin stepped also back, shaking their heads in disbelieve. They already imagined the scene, after the ElvenKing would find out about the incident. He would arrive and decapitated their brothers head. "Valar reason our brother!" they both murmured.
Haldir grabbed the wimp. Honestly, so many centuries in battles, it was the first time he was using it. He walked closer to Legolas, who just stood there waiting. Act, that made him more angry. Legolas was kinder, more gentler and brighter than Thranduil. Yet, sometimes he could be colder than his own father. Like, at that point, he was not weary or scared. "If you do not want to dirty your tunic, you should lose it!" the Marchwarden of Lothlórien noted.
The dazzling Ellon, simply unbuttoned his tunic and stripped it off. It felt against, the wooden floor next to him. He gazed over his shoulder at Ethir, clearing seeing her being worried. Yet, she remained in her spot. They had reached, already that point of understanding. If Legolas would ask her, she would listen. Or she would try too. Gimli, after all was still holding her tight. The dwarf only paused his actions, because his friend asked him. But he was not sure, how long he would allow this fiasco to take place.
His pain came like a sudden squall out at sea. A sudden lash cut through his fair skin. Then a second came pounding down with absolute brutality. He bit his lips, not allowing any sound to escape his lips. A third one followed and he let out a strangled scream and feel blood over his lips he had just bitten through in vain attempt to keep quiet. He almost cursed under his breath, as Haldir was not going ease on him. On more lash dragged across his already bloody and marked back.
"Five!" commended Haldir as he paused for a brief of a second. He noticed, he overdid it. He knew Legolas, was nothing like his father. He actually, thought him as a friend. He should be more than happy, if his niece would end up with such a noble Ellon. How could his anger over the ElvenKing mislead him.
Legolas, was trying his best not to lose his balance. He gazed once again over his shoulder at Haldir. He observed the Marchwarden of Lothlórien's confusion. He was about to call out Haldir, to finish with it (he was only putting in more agony with his delay). Suddenly, he felt two hands wrapped around his waist, holding him close. Ethir, freed herself and rushed between him and Haldir. The dwarf was about to smack Haldir in the head. Those were serious lashes.
She glared back at Haldir, supporting Legolas against the pillar. "You have done enough!" she hissed, letting her dark aura show. She was done obeying. "Stop it now, Haldir!" she clearly shouted at him "Or go on and wimp me too. I am not going to stand down, any longer!"
Legolas grabber her hand softly and tapped it gently "Dina, Ethir! (Be silence, Ethir!) Let him finish!" he requested. He leaned against the pillar, as Ethir tighten her arms around his waist. She was helping him to keep his balance. Her upper part of her gown was filled with Legolas blood. And she was glaring at Haldir.
The Marchwarden of Lothlórien stepped back shaking his head. He threw away the wimp. His mind spun in the horror he had just unleashed. "Goheno nin, Legolas! (I am sorry, Legolas!" he stated and walked over offering his hand to help him stand. "What madness run through me!" Haldir acknowledged.
Legolas turned around. He accepted his offer and placed his arm around Haldir to support himself. "Áva sorya, Haldir! (Don't worry, Haldir!)" the Ellon mumbled weary "I hope we are done now with all the punishments. And do I have you permission to bond with Ethir?" Legolas asked once more.
"You never needed my permission Legolas. I am honored that you even went through the logic to ask me. And how did I repay you? With this?" Haldir accused himself. "Goheno nin, Ethir! What have I done!"
Ethir grabbed Legolas tunic and placed against it his back. She glared at them both "You both are mad! Haldir, how could you do that! And Legolas how could you just agree!" she sniffed and tried not to act like a child. She had seen more violence in her short life, still those five lashes had taken years from her away.
Gimli and Tauriel, joined them. "They are fools, lassy! Next time I will knock some reason in their head!" Gimli cried out.
Legolas was brought in Ethir's chamber. They decided not to involve any healers. If other elves would find out, that such a punishment took place. Everyone would be in trouble. Ethir cleaned Legolas wounds and bandaged them. The Ellon needed some rest, after his harsh afternoon. And they were left alone to rest. Gimli, had a long talk with Haldir. Clearly, threatening him if he would ever do such an nonsense again. The rest of the night, Gimli and Tauriel spend it talking about the pair. They were taken by surprise, when they heard Legolas asking for permission to bond to Ethir.
Legolas and Ethir, only showed up the day after. The Ellon was doing much better. His wounds were not serious, yet he would have fie scars to remind him that day. He and Ethir, talked and they agreed to spend few days in Lothlórien. She had just found her uncles, her crazy uncles. They should spend time together. Legolas did not want to leaver her on her own. Gimli and Tauriel agreed to stay too.
That's how their days in Lothlórien went on...
((Next Chapter: 55))
'Ada' == Father
'Ellon' == Elf or He-Elf
'Elleth' == She-Elf
More than anything, thank you for taking the time to read this!
Quick Note: Next time we will see how they will spend their days in Lórien
