Welcome back to TBFF! Thanks for putting up with that cliffhanger—you know how much I love those! I had to get one or two more in before the end of the story, lol. My thanks go out to Addy White, PrettyRecklessLaura, and mystarlight for reviewing the last chapter!
I apologize for how long it took me to get this chapter up. I have had to switch from teaching in person to teaching online this month and it's been a very stressful transition for me. After spending 8+ hours online each day at school, it's hard to spend even longer on a computer at home working on a fanfic. My eyes and brain get surprisingly tired after that much time staring at a screen, so this has been a very slow-going project for me. Sorry for the delay!
This chapter was supposed to be the final one, but it has turned out much longer than anticipated, so I am going to split it into two chapters instead. Expect Chapter 59 to be the final chapter; Chapter 60 will be the Epilogue.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Lord of the Rings or Tolkien Enterprises.
ooOoo
To Be Forever Faithful
By: Ponytail Goddess
Chapter 58: Reunions
Halendil smiled as he watched his parents from several paces away. He was so incredibly happy that Cirdan was right! His naneth had slept for nearly two weeks straight, giving his family the biggest scare they had experienced during his 74 years of life. This had been worse than the pond incident, as Halendil had not realized his naneth might drag his adar with her while she faded away until after they boarded the ship.
Indeed, his adar had started to look worse for wear during their first few days sailing across the water. Both he and Rumil had grown worried that if Belegwen passed away, she would take Haldir with her and they would have to wait thousands of years before they could see them again in Valinor. Fortunately, it had not come to that.
He and Rumil had taken turns watching over Haldir after he refused to leave Belegwen's side for anything other than the most basic of needs. His adar had sat next to her bed, holding her hand and staring at her forlornly for eleven days before a change had occurred. On their eleventh day at sea, Halendil had went into the room at the break of dawn to check on his parents, only to find the room vacant. Uncertain of what had happened overnight, Halendil had immediately rushed around searching for his adar and naneth, automatically fearing the worst.
However, it was unnecessary, as he had stopped in shock and did a double take when he saw them both on the deck together, very much alive and surprisingly well. More impressively, when he had shouted "Naneth!" in surprise, she had turned from looking at the water of her own volition and smiled at him, waving him over into the strongest hug he had gotten in years. The magic of the Undying Lands had already started to restore her and now, seven days later, she seemed stronger and more aware of herself than she had been in a long time.
"She looks great, does she not?" He heard a voice say from his righthand side. Halendil brushed some of his loose silver hairs away from his face as he turned to see Rumil standing next to him, also admiring Belegwen's renewed health. "It is a pleasure to have her back to normal. It has been decades since she looked so healthy."
"Indeed." Halendil agreed. While his family had chosen not to tell him about what was happening with his naneth in Caras Galadhon, Halendil had still been aware that something was wrong with his naneth long before the pond incident. His adar had never seemed panicked or overly upset by it though and so he too had assumed everything would turn out alright in the end.
And it had.
Halendil smiled, then looked away as his parents shared a kiss on the deck. There was a growing part of him that yearned for such affection from an elleth and he hoped that perhaps someday he too would share a close connection with an hervess of his own. During his entire youth, Halendil had listened to elves talking about how lucky his parents were to be connected thusly, as they were bonded more closely than most married couples in Lothlorien. Not all elves were gifted as they were; for goodness sakes, they could even finish one another's sentences at times, as if they were twins instead of husband and wife! Halendil wanted that same closeness with an elleth too!
After sighing while he thought back to the sparse number of unmarried ellyth in Caras Galadhon, a flicker of hope suddenly ignited within his mind. Perhaps his mate was waiting for him on the shores that were just beginning to come into view-
A hard thump on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts. "Shall we roll some dice to pass the time?" Rumil asked him, dangling a small black pouch in front of his face that was very familiar at this point. There were not many things to do on the ship, so Halendil had played dice with Rumil and some of the other wardens multiple times a day for the last three weeks.
"I think I will be content to never play dice again, or at least for another century, once we arrive upon the shore." He replied, but obediently followed Rumil over to a small table with a few chairs sitting around it. He was certain his uncle would not take no for an answer. Once the two ellyn were settled in their seats, Halendil looked Rumil in the eye and asked a question that had been lingering in his mind as his golden-haired uncle dumped the dice onto the table.
"Rumil, Cirdan told me that word was sent ahead of us to Valinor so our relatives will know that we are coming. Who do you think will be waiting for us when we arrive?" He asked curiously, uncertain of whom he might meet once they were on dry land again.
"Well, it is hard to say. I feel fairly certain that your adar and I will see our parents there, since they made the choice to sail long ago. Our brother Orophin is unlikely to be there, as I have heard it can take thousands of years to be released from Mandos' Halls." Rumil replied, then shook a few stray hairs out of his face. The winds were abundant as they sailed through the unending dark waters and all of the elves on board were looking rather windblown on a daily basis.
"What about naneth? Will there be anyone waiting to see her?" Halendil asked quietly, uncertain if the answer would dredge up any painful memories for his naneth. He thought perhaps it would be better for her not to hear the answer, though when he looked up from the dice he saw she had indeed heard, as both she and his adar were approaching them. When her fingers gently rested on his shoulder and her blue eyes met his own, Halendil knew the question had not been offensive.
"You are always welcome to ask about family, my sweetling. I do not have an answer to your question though. My family met their fates in Arda over three millennia ago, so it is possible they will be there, but they could also be lingering in the Halls of Mandos. We will have to see when we get there." Belegwen answered as she sat down in the chair next to him with a wishful smile on her face. For her sake, Halendil hoped she would get the surprise she was longing for.
"Even if they are not," she continued slowly, "I believe there will be several other elves we know there. With Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel reuniting on the shores, I am certain there will be many from Lothlorien present to take part in such a momentous occasion."
"Yes, I would anticipate quite the crowd. It might take us a while to find those who have come to meet us." Haldir replied as he sat down next to Belegwen, setting his hand atop hers. He had hardly let go of her since she awoke; his adar was absolutely enthralled with his hervess now that she was back to normal.
Excitement started to blossom in Halendil's heart as he slowly admired his beloved family members one by one. He had vague memories of the Lady of Light and was excited to meet her once again. He also thought it would be fun to meet several members of his parents' families, many of which he had heard stories about regularly during their time in Arda. He knew that for both Haldir and Belegwen, seeing their adars once again was an exciting prospect; one they were both eagerly awaiting.
"A new life awaits us," he thought to himself as Rumil shoved the dice into his hand, efficiently reminding him to take his turn. "I cannot wait to see what events unfold tomorrow!"
ooOoo
"Are you ready meleth?" Haldir asked as he watched Belegwen buckle Nimrodel to her side in front of the full-sized mirror in their tiny room. He walked behind her and gently set his hands on her shoulders as they both stared into the mirror.
Belegwen was lovely as ever. Rumil had done her hair that morning, pulling the top and sides back with several tiny braids and weaving them into a headband of twisted braids, which reached from the back of one ear all the way over her head to the back of the other ear; the remainder of her unbraided hair spilled into a shiny silver waterfall that reached all the way down to her hips. Her small form was clad in her warden's attire, as was he. Both were wearing their leaf pins clipped to the tops of their collars, as was expected while in uniform. Haldir noticed Belegwen's pin was slightly lopsided and carefully reached around her with one hand and adjusted it until it sat perfectly in place.
Though they were wearing the same clothing they had donned for thousands of years, today it felt different. Lord Celeborn had announced before their journey west that he planned to release all of the remaining wardens from their duty upon reaching the shores of the Undying Lands, which meant this was the final time Haldir, Belegwen, and every other warden would wear the familiar attire.
Today the outfit signified the end of an era and their entry into a big unknown—what they would do after no longer being needed as wardens. This had led to uncertainty amongst the ranks, for most of the wardens had served for several centuries or millennia and very few had done any other job. Haldir and Belegwen felt this distinctly, as neither had ever pictured themselves doing anything else.
Valinor was a land of peace and plenty though. Such protections were no longer going to be necessary in the west and all the remaining wardens would need to find new professions. Rumil had spoken cheerily about taking up his woodworking again, as he once had before becoming a warden. Halendil had expressed interest in learning the craft from his uncle, who was entirely willing to take the young ellon under his wing.
Haldir had not taken much time to think about the future though, as he had spent the last few decades worrying about Belegwen's safety and wellness. Now that she had recovered, he felt an odd emptiness within him at the thought of no longer being needed by his lord and lady. Inside, he could feel that his hervess shared this sentiment.
"I am as ready as I will ever be for a moment like this," Belegwen finally answered in a dark voice. "Everything will soon be different and I do not know how to feel about it."
"Me neither," Haldir whispered as he leaned over to kiss her on the forehead, "It will not be everything though. We are a constant, meleth, and I will always be there for you."
"Truly?" She asked quietly, turning around and looking up to face him. Haldir did not answer out loud, but sent a wave of love and acceptance through their bond that was answer enough. In return, she leaned her head upward and kissed him gently with one of her hands coming to rest on the back of his neck within his golden tresses. In that moment, Belegwen chose to reveal her deepest desire to him through their bond.
Haldir gasped and his eyes widened as he stared down at the love of his life in shock while a vision of her holding another tiny elfling in her arms passed through his mind. "You desire this once more meleth? Do you not think it is too soon?" He asked gently as his hand tenderly brushed against her stomach, imagining it carrying an elfling once more.
"Why would it be too soon?" Belegwen asked him, caressing his face with loving strokes of her hand. "Halendil has been of age for 24 years now. We will be starting a new life in Valinor and I thought perhaps a new son or daughter might be part of it." She said as she looked up at him while trying to gage his reaction to her proposal.
"It will be a son of course," Haldir corrected, automatically thinking about his own family history. In his mind, there was no chance he would produce a daughter, as his family had not produced a single elleth in over five generations now. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his hervess clearing her throat. He raised his eyebrows at Belegwen's sudden change of expression. It almost looked teasing and mischievous.
"Perhaps not…" She muttered as she pulled his face closer to hers and then whispered her secret into his ear. "Before we left Caras Galadhon, Lord Celeborn helped me do some research into my own family. Do you know what I found?"
"What did you find?" He questioned quietly, perplexed with her sudden change of mood. Her blue eyes stared intently into his own and a smile slowly adorned her bright face with joy.
"My family has a pattern too. They always have one ellon and one elleth." She finished, then drug his lips against her own for a slow kiss. "We already have our ellon, so I suspect I might have an elleth next."
Haldir held her forehead against his own as he so liked to do and smiled to himself. "You think your bloodline will win out when we have our next elfling?"
"Perhaps I do." Belegwen whispered sensually against his lips. "There is only one way to find out though. What is your opinion, my sunshine? Would you like a second elfling?"
"Of course," he answered without hesitation and then they were kissing fervently, each wrapping their arms around one another to achieve the fullest contact possible. The power of their bond flared up between them, tingling and lifting the skin of their arms up into gooseflesh as they reveled in the warmth and tenderness of their other half.
The moment did not last overly long because both of them knew they were going to dock the ship sometime during the next hour. Their last moments of duty awaited them. "Let us settle into a new home first and then we will try for our second elfling." Haldir murmured as he stroked her face gently with his hand.
"That sounds perfect," Belegwen answered softly, reveling in her hervenn's all-consuming love for her.
Uneasiness settled inside of them both as they heard a commotion on the upper deck. After exchanging a curious glance between themselves, they quickly ran through the door of their cabin and up the stairs that led to the deck. Most of the elves were gathering around the railing as they appeared to be quickly approaching land. Immediately, Haldir let out a whistle, which signaled the wardens on the ship to line up and ready themselves for the presentation they would perform upon the shore.
The wardens were fast to obey, rapidly leaving the railing to fall into line the way they had practiced before they left Caras Galadhon. Gilhoth and Rumil joined Belegwen and Haldir; the marchwardens waited together in silence for Lord Celeborn's arrival.
All the elves on the ship continued to glance over the railing, hoping to see what was happening upon the shores they were sailing toward. A large crowd had congregated near the rocky shores that fed into a deep green field, which led up to a hilly terrain with a road passing through it. The land appeared barren, but all knew that the city was not far from the shores and would be less than an hour's journey on foot.
"There must be hundreds of elves out there!" Gilhoth exclaimed as he looked over the crowd with excitement. "What blessings we will experience today as we greet our dearest loved ones!"
Haldir could not help but look around the shore, hoping to catch a first glimpse of his family. He knew his adar and naneth would be out there somewhere to meet him and Rumil. It would probably take them a while to find them amongst all the other elves though. He sent a soothing look to Belegwen as he felt her anxiety building upon hearing his thoughts.
"They will love you meleth." He said in a comforting voice within her mind. "You have nothing to fear."
"How can you be so certain?" She thought in return, clearly unconvinced. Haldir listened to her thoughts as she remembered how so many elves had disapproved of her choice to be a warden and had looked down on her for choosing the life she desired. She was worried Haldir's parents would feel the same way and would feel nothing but disdain towards her.
"Naneth had always hoped her sons would grow up, marry, and give her elflings. Together we have given her exactly what she wanted. Because of this, you can do no wrong in her eyes. As for my adar, he is a very serious ellon, but he will find room in his heart for you. I am assured of this." He told her within his mind, responding to her thoughts to try and comfort her as he pushed a few wild silver hairs back behind her ear as the wind blew them in front of her face.
Belegwen smiled up at him and then directed him to turn around and see what was happening behind him. Lord Celeborn had finally made his appearance and was staring into the distance, where they could see Lady Galadriel standing several paces in front of the crowd. A small smile appeared on the lord's face, which then grew until his face was filled with joy at the sight of his longtime hervess. Haldir and Belegwen admired the happy sight as they floated towards the shore. How blessed they were to see them reunited once more!
Less than an hour later, the four marchwardens were trailing behind Lord Celeborn as he went down the gangway, followed by the remaining wardens in their respective ranks. Haldir and Belegwen were directly behind their lord, with Rumil and Gilhoth behind them. They had diligently practiced marching in their ranks back in Caras Galadhon and the entire group demonstrated it immaculately. Their feet were all in time, each looking forward with the full attention and seriousness that was required of all wardens.
Lady Galadriel waited for her hervenn just past the smattering of wet rocks at the shoreline. She stood at the beginning of the field of short grass, which was the brightest and most vibrant green Haldir had ever seen.
The sun did not glare down upon them because grey clouds had floated overtop it, covering most of its light. Only a few strong rays were able to pass through the cloud cover, creating white lines of light that brightly streamed down towards the ground. Despite this, the lady was a bright and shining beacon on this overcast day. The light of the trees was still within her and she glowed majestically as Lord Celeborn joined her on the shores of the Undying Lands at long last.
Haldir noticed the lady was not alone. Behind her stood two other wardens who were wearing the familiar metal sword belts that marked their rankings as marchwardens. Haldir immediately recognized Annondel, who had been his predecessor. The other marchwarden was not an ellon Haldir knew. He wondered if perhaps the other ellon had served the lord and lady before Annondel as he followed Lord Celeborn onto the grass.
There was not much time to think it over, as the marchwardens quickly spread out behind Lord Celeborn, just as they had rehearsed. The remaining 20 wardens fell into line behind them. When the last warden was in place, Haldir led all of the wardens in a low bow and salute of their beloved lord and lady. Perfectly in time, all the wardens came back up into position and rested their fists against their chest as they awaited their next command.
From their frozen position, they all witnessed the jubilant reunion of the lord and lady, who were quick to embrace and reluctant to let go of one another after so long a separation. When they finally parted, Lord Celeborn took a few moments to thank each of the marchwardens personally, starting with Annondel and the elder marchwarden, who had kept watch over the lady in his absence. He then walked over and acknowledged Rumil first, then Haldir, beating his fist on his heart and vocally conveying his most heartfelt appreciation.
When he came Belegwen, Lord Celeborn broke protocol and hugged the marchwarden who was also his ward. Haldir overheard him whispering to her about how she would always hold an important place in his heart and that he hoped she would continue to visit him even after she was reunited with her family. She had immediately agreed and thanked him once again for taking her in after the tragedy. Tears rolled down her face as she told him that she owed everything in her life to him believing in her and they held each other tightly once again before finally parting.
Once Gilhoth had received his thanks, Lord Celeborn walked back to Lady Galadriel. She smiled at him as he took her hand and faced the wardens for the last time. "All of you have shown exemplary service and loyalty to us over the years. The risks you took and time you spent away from your families has ensured the safety of our realm time and time again. Thank you for all you have done for us over the years; such feats of bravery will never be forgotten for all of eternity. It is my pleasure to now discharge you all honorably. Enjoy family, life, and love to its fullest and know that you will always be in our hearts, until the very end of time."
Cheers and applause came from the crowd behind the lord and lady as they smiled at the wardens one last time before turning to one another and sharing a special moment of their own, which ended with a slow kiss. Haldir grinned over at Belegwen, who was smiling through her tears at the sight.
They had done it! Their service was now complete and they too could fully enjoy their lives together and the love they shared. Belegwen's eyes met his own and they shared a moment of their own—one filled with joy at the completion of their task and hope for the future they desired to spend together. Their days would finally be filled with peace, the very thing they had fought for during all those years of service they had endured. At last!
Several elves from the crowd were now making their way over as the wardens started to move away from the gangway so civilians could also leave the boat. Haldir took Belegwen by the arm so he would not lose her in the crowd and signaled for Halendil to join them as well before starting to look around for familiar faces. They had already lost Rumil in the crowd; at least, Haldir could no longer see him from where he stood.
Before they could go and seek out Haldir's family, they found themselves immediately approached by Annondel. Though they had all been released from their duties that day, Belegwen and Haldir still acknowledged him by putting a fist over their hearts. Haldir saw out of the corner of his eye that Halendil had also followed suit, though he surely did not know who he was acknowledging.
"Haldir," Annondel began, then looked over at his family and appeared uncertain of what to do. After a few moments he settled on giving Belegwen and Halendil a nod of acknowledgement before turning back to him. "I see much has happened during my absence. Come, let us speak in private for a few minutes." He said, laying out an invitation as he motioned for him to come forward.
"I will be back shortly," he quickly said to Belegwen, who nodded at him. He then followed Annondel through the crowd until they were in an area with fewer elves. Once they were out of earshot of his family, Annondel turned to Haldir with a look of distaste written all over his face. Haldir lifted both of his eyebrows in surprise, having not expected this sort of reception.
"What have you done in my absence?! Why have you made her a marchwarden?!" Annondel hissed, clearly upset by what he perceived as blatant favoritism on his part. "She is not skilled enough to hold such a ranking. You and I both know this!"
"Sir, please allow me to address this issue with you. May I respectfully point out that you have not been with us for the last 2,500 years? Much has happened in that time, including many things you and I never could have foreseen." Haldir began, taking a breath so that he did not lose his temper with his superior.
Belegwen had been afraid she would be seen this way in Valinor; Haldir could now admit her fears had been valid. Annondel's bias towards her was alive and well, as would be the bias held by many of the Lorien elves who sailed before Belegwen became a marchwarden. There would be more obstacles for them to conquer here, though they would surely not be as difficult as they had been initially. After all, Belegwen knew many wardens who held her in high esteem.
"Sir, I have only made Belegwen my hervess. Lady Galadriel was the one who chose Belegwen for the position of marchwarden. She was right to do so, as Belegwen has served Lothlorien faithfully and is considered a war hero for her actions during the Battle of Helms Deep. She has earned the respect of the wardens and has turned into the best swordsman I have ever seen. Her leadership and skillful teachings have benefitted many wardens, so I would respectfully beseech you not to belittle her status; it was earned, not given out of favoritism."
In Annondel's defense, he had truly listened to Haldir, though the look on his face suggested he was still uncertain whether or not Belegwen was truly deserving of her designation. "See for yourself…" Haldir said, turning and pointing to the scene he had already overheard within his mind.
When he turned around, both he and Annondel watched as Belegwen was speaking very enthusiastically with a few members of her advanced swordsmanship class who had sailed a couple of decades before them. As per usual, a sword had been taken out of its scabbard and Belegwen was using Halendil as a model, guiding his arm in an intricate motion for the small group to admire. Halendil bore a look of happiness upon his face and was clearly pleased to be assisting his naneth with the sword once more.
Upon turning back to Annondel, Haldir noticed the older marchwarden was continuing to gaze upon the scene before him with a look of disbelief and confusion settling upon his face. After a few minutes, he turned back to Haldir and asked, "This has truly happened?"
Haldir nodded in response as a small smile graced his lips. Annondel was nearly speechless, having not believed in Belegwen's abilities while he was a marchwarden. "I am afraid I do not know what to say Haldir. This is quite unexpected." He finally replied, then looked him in the eye. "You have truly married her too? For Valar's sake, how did that happen?! You made it sound like she would not have you the last time we were together!"
"There was a bit of a misunderstanding between Belegwen and Lord Celeborn about what would and would not be allowed for a female warden." Haldir answered. "It has been resolved now. She fell in love with me as I trained her to be a marchwarden. We have been married for 74 years now."
"Let me offer you my congratulations then, for I am glad things have finally worked out between you." Annondel said, then smiled at him for the first time in a long while and teased, "I guess all those laps you ran were not in vain after all!"
Haldir laughed a little at this, relieved to be in the old marchwarden's good graces again. Despite having been marchwarden himself for nearly 2,500 years, Haldir had grown up admiring Annondel and his opinion still mattered to him. "Thank you, sir. That means a lot."
"I should like to see these swordsmanship skills of Belegwen's at some point too." Annondel said with a smile. "Perhaps once you are settled in we could arrange something?"
"I will have to ask Belegwen, but I imagine we can figure something out." He answered, turning back to his wife to see her continuing her demonstration while using Halendil as her assistant. "If you linger here long enough, you may just get your demonstration sooner than you think!"
They both chuckled at that and then Annondel bid him a fond farewell, patting him once more on his shoulder and then heading over to a couple of wardens who were waving to him. Haldir started to walk back towards Halendil and Belegwen, only to stop when he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
"Rumil, what is-" he began, but then stopped and gasped a moment later as he saw his other brother trailing along behind him. "Orophin!"
"How is this possible?" He wondered to himself and then blinked, as if expecting this apparition of his late brother to be unreal and disappear. He was still there a moment later, fully present in the flesh.
"Dearest Valar, you are here!" He stated in shock as his middle brother stopped in front of him with his familiar, sarcastic smile. "It is really you!" He exclaimed, then grabbed him into a strong embrace as he was overrun by emotion.
Oh, how he had missed Orophin during the last 75 years! He had not just been his brother, but also his best friend and confidant. There had been so many days during the last few decades when Haldir had wished he could go and speak to Orophin as he always had for millennia now. Haldir thought he would have to wait a long time for Orophin to arrive in the Undying Lands since most elves spent millennia healing in Mandos' Halls.
"I do not understand. How is it you have returned so soon?" Haldir asked through the tears that had unexpectedly started to fall down his face. Orophin gave him a few firm pats on the back, then pulled back to inspect his brother. Orophin's pale freckled face looked a bit alarmed to see Haldir in such a sentimental state, as he was normally quite stoic. Orophin had not been around him since he married Belegwen though—she had brought back this side of him, one he had previously deemed to be lost forever.
"It is because of you, gwador." Orophin answered slowly, still staring at him uncomfortably, as if trying to size up this unusual situation. "By successfully completing my mission and sending you back to Arda, I gained a great deal of favor with both Mandos and Vaire. I also obtained Belegwen's forgiveness for the poor treatment she endured from me, which was a large part of my own healing process. Because of this, Mandos chose to accelerate my healing and send me back quickly." He alleged with a smile.
"He has even allowed me to keep my memories of it." He mused, starting to look a bit misty-eyed himself. "Hardly any elves are allowed to remember what happens in the halls, but I have retained my memories. I remember going to you on the boat. I remember helping you." He said quietly, his voice elevated with extra feeling.
Haldir closed his eyes for a moment as he remembered his time with Orophin in the boat and how his brother had encouraged him to go back, even when he had not wanted to. He would have missed so many wonderful events if he had not returned; he would have never met his son, nor married Belegwen, nor spent all those glorious years serving as a marchwarden by her side…
"You were right." Haldir muttered as he withdrew from his memories. He opened his eyes and stared into his brother's cerulean eyes, which were identical to his own. "I would have regretted not returning for the rest of my life."
The two stared at one another as the importance of the situation that was long past lingered within their minds. "Thank you." Haldir finally whispered. "I owe so much of what I have to you."
Orophin pulled him back into a second hug at that point and whispered, "Your welcome gwador. I am glad that you were finally able to find your happiness." Rumil, who had surely felt left out for the last few minutes, then grabbed them before they were finished and hugged them both at the same time with all his strength.
They were soon laughing gladly together, teasing one another as they had all those years ago. Orophin's presence seemed to soothe both of his brothers in a way nothing else could. They had both missed him desperately and they finally felt like a family again, now that he was here.
The happy reunion continued until Haldir sensed the presence of his hervess behind him. He turned to find her staring in shock at Orophin's laughing figure as he continued conversing with Rumil. After finishing his last story, Orophin turned back to Haldir, only to stop and stand speechlessly before Belegwen. Haldir could tell that Orophin did not know what to do, as he had not been friends with Belegwen in Arda. Though the two had apologized to one another during a brief encounter in her dream, Orophin did not know what her reaction would be to him now that they were together in the flesh.
"Orophin?" She questioned, looking just as astonished at his presence as Haldir imagined he had a few minutes prior. "Is it truly you?" Haldir looked over at his brother, whose only response was to nod in reply to her query. This in and of itself was shocking, as there were very few times when Haldir had seen Orophin this way. He almost always seemed to have sassy and sarcastic comments at the ready and was rarely shaken by anything.
The two inspected one another in silence for a few moments before Orophin finally found his voice again. "Am I still forgiven gwathel?" He asked in a rather matter-of-factly voice. Though he would never show it intentionally, Haldir knew his brother well enough to recognize his insecurities and this was a large one. Orophin would cover up any hurt of his with haughty comments and snark in the past, but Haldir could tell by the awkward look on his face that he was trying very hard to not resort to such things now.
Belegwen's face lit up as she studied him for a second before grabbing him up in a big hug. "Of course you are gwador," Haldir heard her whisper to his brother as she clung to him tightly, in the same way she often did with Rumil. "I will forever be in your debt, as you sent Haldir back to me when I needed him most. I will never forget what you have done for me. Thank you so very much." She told him in a sentimental voice while she held him tightly. Through their bond, Haldir could tell she was feeling grateful for all she had been blessed with by the Valar and Eru Iluvatar.
When she finally pulled away from him, he smiled back at her with a deep look of relief upon his face. Haldir was glad that the two of them were starting out on such good terms, as things would have been very awkward if they had not. "Come," Orophin invited them as he started to take a few steps backwards, "Ada and naneth are waiting for us over yonder!"
He and Rumil immediately walked away excitedly, expecting Haldir and Belegwen to follow. They watched Haldir's younger brothers quickly pass through the crowd for a moment before looking at one another. Haldir noticed Belegwen's eyes were full of a nervous excitement. He smiled down at her and took her hand gently into his own before reminding her of his opinion.
"They are going to love you meleth. I promise." He reassured her and then acquired a look of excitement all his own and lightly tugged on her arm until she was following him through the crowd in the direction Orophin had been leading Rumil.
The two marchwardens weaved between group after group of elated elves, all speaking animatedly with their long-lost relatives and friends. Their ears were bombarded with laughter and sobs of joy as one reunion after another occurred around them. Haldir stopped for a moment to look around, as he thought he might have lost his brothers in the crowd, which showed no signs of dissipating any time soon. He caught sight of them once again after a moment though, standing by a couple of large boulders next to the sea.
He saw Rumil hugging his naneth tightly first and ran over to them. "Haldir!" She exclaimed and opened up one arm to let him into the hug also. He joined her momentarily and at once embraced her tightly.
"I have missed you!" She murmured into his shoulder as she held him closely. Distantly, he felt Rumil pat his naneth on her back and then let go as he exclaimed over seeing their adar.
"I have missed you too." Haldir said in return, stepping back after a minute to inspect her. She was just as he remembered—short for an elf, with blue eyes, Orophin's pale freckles running across her nose, and curly blonde hair that fell gracefully down her back. "How have you been?"
"I am well. Life has been very peaceful here, as we both expected. Orophin just returned to us a few years ago and now we are blessed to welcome our other two sons as well! At last, we will all be together again! I cannot remember when I last felt so excited!" She exclaimed as she rested her hands softly upon his face. She almost looked as if she was in disbelief that he was truly standing there in front of her.
"Let me add to your pleasure then by introducing you to your new daughter." Haldir said, his eyes glimmering with excitement as he took another step back and turned before taking Belegwen by the hand and drawing her near his naneth. "Naneth, this is my hervess Belegwen."
"Hervess?" She questioned in a voice that sounded shocked. "One of my sons has finally chosen to wed?!" Her eyes immediately looked down and made a quick head to toe assessment of Belegwen. She seemed to be even more astounded by her attire; Haldir had expected that though, as no one had expected there to be a female warden in Lothlorien, let alone a female marchwarden. Haldir's naneth seemed to get over it quickly though, as a warm smile appeared on her face when she finally met Belegwen's eyes.
"You must be very special to have married my Haldir. My name is Teluial and I am pleased to meet you." She said before embracing Belegwen into a warm hug. "What a joy it is to finally have another elleth in the family!"
Belegwen accepted the hug and Haldir felt a wave of relief wash over her upon feeling the immediate acceptance of Haldir's naneth. She had not believed him, but Haldir had known that Belegwen would be easily accepted by his family. His naneth was simply happy to have at least one of her three sons wed.
"That is not all," Haldir abruptly interjected, "Our son Halendil has also come with us, although I do believe we have lost him in the crowd currently."
"A grandson!" Teluial practically shouted with glee while jumping up and down, much to Haldir's amusement. He had also known this would bring joy to his family. "Truly?! Oh dearest Valar, we have been blessed much more greatly than I have even imagined! Galadir, Haldir has made us grandparents!" She called to her husband, who had his back turned to them currently as he spoke with Rumil and Orophin a few paces away. After finishing his statement, he turned around and his eyes lit up upon seeing his eldest son.
"Ada!" Haldir called out with excitement and immediately hugged him. Now emotions were truly getting the better of Haldir, as he had imagined this day for millennia now. His adar had been his hero and inspiration for becoming a warden. He had missed him everyday since his departure, which had happened just a few years after Rumil had come of age.
Haldir had been so young then… 480, if his memory served him correctly. He had not been ready to bid his adar farewell at that point in time, but it had happened nonetheless. His adar had never spoken of what had triggered his unexpected decision to leave Arda, other than telling him that he had seen too many evils taking hold of the world and could not bear to deal with it any longer. It had hurt him and Orophin to see their adar so worn down, though none were hit so hard as Rumil.
His brother Rumil had planned to be a warden until he had heard his adar's explanation for leaving; at that point, he had suddenly changed his mind and decided being a warden was not for him. He had completed a woodworking apprenticeship instead for nearly 30 years. He did this because he feared becoming like his adar and worried he too would have to leave Arda prematurely because of the things he would encounter while guarding the Golden Wood. He did not think he was strong enough to endure the darkness and evils that were lurking outside the city, but had changed his mind after a few decades.
Rumil started fearing for his brother's well-beings once they were changed over from city sentinels to wardens who served on the border. It had happened after the wall was built around the city in honor of Belegond, who had fallen trying to defend his family from a few orcs who had gotten past the border. City sentinels were no longer necessary once the wall was completed and all of the youngest wardens, who had typically been assigned to the job, had been promoted to serving in the forest instead. Feeling that he could look after his brothers and help ensure they stayed safe, Rumil had finally decided he too would become a warden and had joined a mere ten years before Belegwen came of age and joined.
Their adar had always been at the forefront of the brothers' thoughts though. When Galadir left, they had all missed him dearly. All three brothers had been left with a void in their hearts when their parents chose to travel west abruptly. They had always wondered why they had not seen any warning signs of Galadir desiring the sea beforehand, as most elves exhibited them well in advance of them making the decision to leave Arda. Perhaps now, they could find their answers.
Haldir's mind was literally reeling now. So much had happened since Galadir had sailed… There was so much that Haldir wanted to say and share with his adar now that they were finally back together, but he simply felt overcome with emotion and said nothing at all as he embraced his adar for the first time in over three millennia.
When they finally parted, Haldir watched as his adar looked him over in amazement, his eyes stopping abruptly on the golden wedding band he wore proudly on his pointer finger. "What is this about becoming grandparents? Who is this lovely elleth you have chosen to wed?"
"Adar, please meet my hervess, Belegwen Belegondiel." He said, holding out his hand for Belegwen to take so he could properly introduce his adar to her. She did not take his hand as he anticipated though. Perplexed, he looked back only to be horrified by an unexpected look of stunned fear on his hervess' face. It was unlike any expression he had ever seen on her face before.
"Belegondiel…" He heard his naneth mutter in a much different tone of voice. Haldir distinctly felt the change in the mood surrounding him; his brothers had noticed it too and immediately went silent as they tried to figure out what was happening. When Haldir glanced at his naneth, he noticed she had gone pale and looked worried as she stared at Galadir.
He turned back to his adar to find that he was staring very pointedly at Belegwen and looked as though he had seen a ghost. Haldir's heart started to beat faster as he began to panic. What in the name of Arda was going on here?! Desperate to know, he turned back to his wife and quickly dove into her mind's eye. She was so shaken over what was happening, he could tell she had no idea that he was even in there, which only added to his anxiety about the situation.
Thankfully, it only took him a second to find the information he needed, for at the front of Belegwen's mind was a very familiar memory. It was one Haldir had viewed with her many times before, both within her mind and inadvertently in her dreams.
She was hiding in the closet with her dead family members lying on the ground just beyond the door. Full of fear, Belegwen had not know what to do when the closet door had been budged open and a set of bright, familiar blue eyes came into view.
Every time Haldir had seen this vision, it had stopped there. Belegwen had never told him or showed him the rest of the memory. He had never pushed for her to share it either, as he knew it would surely pain her to relive such horrible times. However, he could now see the ending of the memory, which had always been veiled to him before.
She shook with fear as the door slowly opened more fully to reveal the warden she had wondered about for all this time…
It had been Galadir all along.
His adar had saved Belegwen.
And suddenly, everything else clicked into place in Haldir's mind. The timelines matched up so perfectly that he was surprised he had not made the connection before. The death of Belegwen's family had been what put Galadir over the edge…
Emotion after confusing emotion passed through Haldir's mind as he realized his hervess' tragedy was the reason his adar had sailed before his time.
ooOoo
One last cliffie, woo! The second half of this chapter and the epilogue are still to come! Thanks for reading!
-P.G.
