A/N - Now ff.net seems to be a little more sturdy on its feet, I feel safer in uploading this. If it will let you review, I'd very much like to know your thoughts on the recent developments in the story.

Chapter Fourteen, Clearer Now.

Legolas alone remained at the camp when Haldir woke the next morning. Tharel, Elrohir and Aewen were not far away, their voices could be heard distantly amid the trees. The Prince sat checking his arrows, using a short blade to smooth away any imperfections in their shafts. He called a greeting to the Lorien elf as he sat up.

Legolas, would you indulge an old friend and act as his eyes for a moment? Haldir queried, his tone unreadable.

Of course, Haldir. What is it you wish to know?

Tell me, the sky above us, is it blue today, and cloudless?

It is, a fine summer sky with no cloud to mar the horizon.

Good, and the flowers that blossom around us, are they yellow and white, as I remember them? Haldir asked.

They are, and as beautiful as the sun and moon. Legolas said, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Very good. And tell me, Legolas, that arrow in your right hand, is its plume of dark, fir green?

Legolas rose, and quickly covered the distance between himself and his friend, his voice hopeful but uncertain as he asked, You have your sight?

The Prince's sentiments were echoed in Haldir's reply. Yes, friend, I think I may.

Elrohir responded to Legolas' sudden cry by bursting into the camp, sword drawn, as though he expected to be greeted by a marauding party of orcs. Upon finding nothing of the sort, he turned obsidian eyes on the two smirking wood elves, seeking an explanation.

For Haldir it was a marvellous effort to form words without succumbing to laughter at the confusion mingled gravity of Elrohir's expression, a task made harder when Legolas gave in and collapsed with mirth behind him. My Lord, your face is murderous, but you have no need of your sword now. Nor, I think, will you have need of your healing ointments for the present.

His features repainted with wonder, Elrohir stepped forward and took Haldir's face between his hands, unnoticing as Aewen and Tharel arrived through the trees behind him.

The blackness of Haldir's eyes had receded, and his pupils were now rimmed with circles of the clearest blue, flecked here and there with shards of gold and green that seemed suspended in crystal.

You have the touch of your Father. Haldir told him, grown serious once more, My sight is returned to me, as you willed it.

Elrohir tentatively worked a dressing free from Haldir's arm. It would not need replacing, for the weeping wound beneath had closed, leaving only a silvery scar to prove it had ever existed. Even that would soon fade to memory. Unconsciously, Elrohir reached for the Elessar, the only possible explanation for this. It was cold against his palm, its work done, for now.

And your vision? the elf Lord asked, It is perfectly clear?

It is as clear and as long as I ever remember it being. Haldir said, turning to take in all the faces around him. It is good to add fresh brushstrokes to the pictures of you all that my mind so jealously guarded in the dark. He looked at each of them in turn, studying them as an artist would before he set about his work. Tharel, to his left, was an unimposing figure, slender and slight, yet with a firm set to his face. A strength shone within him, a strength that had brought him unscathed from the darkness of the jewel cave. A pale light was in his face and his jade eyes reflected the gleam of the cascade of silver hair that fell unbound about his shoulders, almost to his waist. Tharel had been low in the ranks of the East Lorien Guard when he was taken, but he would have made a good Captain, given time, Haldir thought.

He next turned his gaze upon Elrohir. The joy of remembering the dark eyes and strong, yet finely boned features of the Noldor Lord was bittersweet in the knowledge that no other face now mirrored them. You grow more like to your Father as every century passes. Haldir observed, and indeed he was well qualified to judge, for this was a face that he had watched change over many centuries, from the days of his youth when his Father was Seneschal in the house of Celeborn, and the Lord's young Grandsons would often visit.

Haldir looked upon Legolas then, and smiled. The Prince stood with his lady, their hands clasped between them, contrasting and complementing each other as night did day. Legolas was grown older in his eyes since Haldir had last seen him. The blue pools now held the weight of a kingdom, and had lost much of the youthful impetuousness of past days. Aewen's dark eyes showed a soul older than her years, and yet much of the spirit and naivety of childhood was still with her. She was fair of face, the delicacy of her features recalling the Lady Galadriel to his mind more than Arwen, who had the stronger countenance that marked out the half-elven. Elaun's appearance was more elvish than her blood allowed for. Her hair was pulled back into the five braids of Rivendell, and her other heritage was marked in her garb, she wore the raiments of men, not the softer elvish fabrics and about her neck a fine chain displayed the seven stars of Gondor. A fine contradiction indeed. A silver light shone in her, as pale gold shone in the face of Legolas, his hair pulled away from his face in warriors braids. Haldir studied his friend, who seemed at once weary, yet restless, troubled and at peace, saddened and joyful. As fine a contradiction as the one whose hand he held in his.

At the meeting of those two hands, however, something flickered brightly on the edge of Haldir's newly reclaimed vision and brought a knowing curl to his lips as he strode toward them, separating their arms and bringing the hand of the lady up to where it could better be seen.

My sight returns, yet it would appear that I am still to be kept in the dark in some matters. He observed wryly, his eyes fixed upon Legolas' darker blue ones, But this is happy news! Why have you kept silent?

Happy news? Elrohir asked, as he and Tharel approached to see what the former March-warden spoke of. Haldir smiled and gently turned Aewen's hand that the Lord might see for himself.

This is the ring of the House of Oropher, is it not? The same ring that our fine Princeling is wont to wear? It seems, then, that I am not the only one unaware of this, my Lady, have you secrets even from your own Uncle?

Aewen tutted. It seems your eyes are now as quick as your tongue, Haldir. She smiled, I am glad of it, but you have given me no chance to tell my news. I took Legolas' ring only last night, and he mine.

One dark head and two silver turned sharply toward the golden haired wood elf. His hands were bare, but under the intensity of their scrutiny he reached up and opened his collar to display a fine chain, about which hung a silver ring, inlaid with seven crystal stars.

Tharel whistled through his teeth. Well, it would seem that this day has wielded much to celebrate, and it is not even noon!

Elrohir stated dryly, There are many things to celebrate. And all of them have come as a surprise to me.

Legolas winced, Forgive me, friend, that I did not seek your counsel in this. I felt it would be inappropriate to draw your mind from the other matters upon which it dwelt at that time.

Elrohir's lips lifted in a half smile. I understand, friend, I have not been much for conversation in these past days. Yet had you sought my approval, as you should have sought my approval, you would have found it to be unconditional. I consider this a fine match and one I cannot find fault with. You have already heard my warnings as to what will occur if you let any harm come to her...

laughed Legolas,and if I do not heed your words, you may use my own knife to gut me!

Aewen looked at Legolas as he said this, then at her Uncle, and shook her head, smiling. I do not wish to know. she said, her dark eyes glittering with humour.

There was little time for celebration for the group wished to reach the City of the Galadhrim that day, and see what, if anything, might be salvaged from that once proud place, and they had plans to make camp for the night where the eaves of Lorien overlooked the Great River, that they might head for Mirkwood the next morn. Still, it was with lighter spirits that they set out together through the trees, Haldir now able to keep pace with the others as they lead their horses, only a shadow of his wounds remaining with him. The proud March-Warden again, he lead them on their path into Lorien, until the tall Mallyrn towers of Caras Galadhon at last came into view.

The green wall that had once bordered the City was broken and ruined, there was no need now for the strong gates that lay trampled into the earth. High in the many tiered branches of the now leafless Mallyrn, ornate bridges, the walkways of the Galadhrim, hung broken and useless. The orcs did not remain, the light of the wood was not friendly to their folk, but they had left their mark in the ruin of the City.

Haldir shook his head. I am tempted to wish my eyes were dark once more, that I should not have to look upon this. His gaze fell upon a mound that had been raised against the remnants of the City wall, and he approached it, bowing his head reverently. It seemed he was not the first of the Galadhrim to return to his ruined home, for here was a burial mound for all it's fallen warriors. A stone inlaid into the earth read, in elvish runes, Here lie the bravest and truest of us all. We shall carry their memory over the sea.'

So you rest here, then, my Brothers? Haldir asked, and a smile briefly touched his lips. Aye, and rest well, for you died as you lived, in defence of our home. He closed his eyes for a short moment, in silent respect, then turned and walked away, calling to the others that they might follow along the many footpaths and stairwells that lead to the high places of the City.

Where do you lead? Tharel asked, catching up to the March-Warden. Surely there is nothing here for us. We should move on.

You and I are unarmed, my friend. Haldir told the younger elf. I would see if the Goblins have left aught that might be useful. You have visited the City, have you not? Do you remember where the great arms cellars lie?

Tharel nodded. Aye, West of the tower of the Guard, and three yards along. Think you they will have gone unnoticed?

Haldir shook his head. I think they will have been raided, with all the rest. But Orcs do not like weapons of our craft. They will have destroyed what they can, but something may yet survive. Will you look?

I will, but I am not hopeful. Tharel departed westward then, a silver flame darting amid the trees.

Haldir said, There is but one more place to check. Ah but I would not see the palace in ruins, and lose memory of it's glory. He looked upwards, to the highest flet in the tallest tree of the City.

The house of the Lord and Lady? Legolas asked. What could be found there?

In the offices of my Father, who was long a Seneschal in that place, were kept his bow, and his great sword. They remained there long after his passing, hung upon the wall, for none could choose which of us three they should pass to. I was wondering if they might hang there still....

Legolas smiled, and laid a hand upon his friends shoulder. If you ask it, I will go to the palace for you and then you shall know. I can easily make the climb, though the ladder is broken.

You would have my gratitude, friend. Haldir replied, and relief flowed through him like a sigh.

No sooner had he spoken than Legolas was scaling the tree, looking for all the world like a young child at play, such was his comfort and joy in such endeavours. The three who remained on the ground watched him until he disappeared, and then fell into conversation, until a call from below drew their attention.

Tharel stood at the bottom of the stairway, a great cloth bundle under each arm. Elrohir moved quickly to relieve the wood elf of one of his burdens, and soon both were laid out on the ground at their feet, and unwrapped to reveal the treasures inside.

I gathered what I could. Tharel said, You were right, Haldir, in that much was broken and ruined, but this haul is not so bad, I think. He smiled, for the first bundle contained two longbows, fashioned of dark wood and delicately inlaid with gilded inscriptions, and also two quivers, and enough unbroken arrows to replenish the supplies of the entire party.

The contents of the second cloth were equally welcomed. One fine sword, not ancient, but of fine elvish craftsmanship and marked with the insignia of Rivendell. There was also a small selection of hunting knives, less impressively crafted but useful nonetheless.

Chose your bow, Tharel. Haldir said, These are of the kind gifted to Captains of the Galadhrim, and I believe you have long earned their use.

Tharel looked long at Haldir, respect and gratitude in his glittering eyes, before reaching to select a bow. It was strung with silver and inlaid with a pattern of falling leaves. Its arrows could not fail to fly straight and true.

As Tharel admired his new acquisition, Legolas leapt from a flet above them, landing steady on his feet although he carried precious cargo in his arms. A great bow, unadorned, but with the craftsmanship of ages past marked in it's design, and a quiver to complement it, and also a sword, its fine hilt inlaid with stars. It had been forged in ages past, in the workshops of Doriath. Haldir had not truly expected that these heirlooms of his family would have remained unspoilt, and he found himself wordless as they were passed into his hands.

Tharel took the sword he had found for himself, and the knives were shared among the five of them, as were the arrows. We have a bow to spare. he observed.

Aewen travels without one. said Legolas, offering the remaining bow to her. I do believe that even your aim could be improved with a weapon such as this. he teased.

A golden phoenix rose in flames from the dark wood of the bow, it was beautiful and held much power within it. Aewen accepted it gladly. I would not speak so carelessly, meleth nin, she warned in jest, lest one of my wayward arrows should find its target in you.

Once all were freshly armed and the last of the arrows had been split among their quivers, Haldir stood. We must move now if we are to make camp before nightfall. He looked around at the tattered ruins of his home, I shall find no rest near this place any longer.

They returned to where they had left their horses, and as they passed over the broken gates of Caras Galadhon, a few lines of an old song came to Haldir's lips.

There long the golden leaves have grown upon the branching years,
While here beyond the Sundering Seas now fall the Elven-tears.
O Lorien! The Winter comes, the bare and leafless Day;
The leaves are falling in the stream, the River flows away.

He shook his head and allowed himself one final look at his City. Ai, she knew much, He murmured, She knew much. Then he departed from that place, and would come there never again in all his days.




Notes on this chapter:

The Elessar - The elf stone given by Galadriel to Aragorn, is a healers stone. Its true powers have never been fully discussed but it aids in healing.

Oropher would be Legolas' Grandfather, Thranduil his Father. His line before that is unknown, hence House of Oropher'

That Haldir's Father was a Seneschal (steward) in the house of Celeborn is entirely my own invention.

meleth nin - my love

The song Haldir sings is part of that sung by Galadriel in the chapter Farewell to Lorien.'