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Engraved in Stone

Chapter Three, Sorrowful Meetings

Legolas wept silent tears as they lead the noble Elven warrior upon his horse, Arod. Aragorn placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"He was like a brother to me." Legolas managed to choke out. "I had known him for centuries, ever since I was a child."

Aragorn nodded. "Yes, Legolas, Haldir was indeed a very good friend to all of us. He will soon join his family and friends in the Havens, where his fair Elven spirit will always remain."

Gimli burst out into tears as Aragorn said this, completely forgetting the fact that when he had first met Haldir, the Lorien elf had told him that he was breathing so loud that he could have shot him in the dark. Aragorn patted Gimli on the back, as did Legolas, as they led Arod and Haldir across the hills, nearing the Havens. Legolas opened his mouth, and a hauntingly beautiful Elvish lament for Haldir was sung and could be heard from miles around.

In only one day's time, the trio had reached the Havens. Along the way they had joined the remaining Elven warriors from Helm's Deep, including Haldir's brothers.

As the short line neared the place where the Lothlorien elves now dwelt in the Havens, all those who had not gone off to battle emerged. They greeted the weary travelers, and searched for loved ones. Elvish names were shouted out, but the caller waiting for a response would often not get one.

Rumil and Orophin, Haldir's younger brothers, had been silent most of the journey, mourning for their eldest brother. Aragorn told the brothers of how bravely Haldir had fought, and how he had saved many lives during the battle. All of a sudden, Legolas's keen Elvish eyes picked up the sight of two fair Elven maidens coming their way.

"Rumil, Orophin!" they cried out to them. The two Lorien guards looked ahead and smiled at the two maidens. These were friends of theirs, and Haldir. Their parents had known one another for as long as they could remember. Their names were Laimel and Alcweth.

They ran towards Rumil and Orophin and embraced one another.

"It is so good to see you," Alcweth said. "So many did not survive, I'm glad you did."

"Yes," Orophin replied. "We are glad too. These," he nodded towards Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, "are some friends of ours. They fought at Helm's Deep also."

"Haldir, where is he?" Laimel asked suddenly.

"Haldir," Rumil said, "has...has..." but tears came to his eyes, and he could not bring himself to say it. Instead, he moved so that the girls could see the horse bearing Haldir.

For a moment they stood in shock, no one daring to move a muscle. Then Laimel ran forward to Haldir, perhaps to see if he was truly dead. Alcweth turned away to face Orophin.

"Orophin," she said, grasping his shoulder, tears growing in her eyes. "Orophin, how? How did he die? Who killed him?"

"I wish I could answer your questions," the elf replied. "But I did not see it happen. Perhaps this man can answer your questions. He is the Lord Aragorn." He gestured towards Aragorn.

Alcweth then turned to face Aragorn. "How did Haldir die? Who killed him?" she repeated, causing the heir of Isildur to force his eyes towards the ground.

"He was slain by an Uruk-hai during the battle of Helm's Deep. He fought bravely and..."

Alcweth looked at Laimel, who was grasping Haldir's stiff hand, begging him to wake up, but he did not
stir. "And what?"

"He... he was stabbed in the back by an orcish sword.. I watched his death..."

"And you did nothing to save him?" he heard Laimel hissed behind him. Aragorn opened his mouth to speak, but once again fell silent.

Alcweth stepped in here, a false smile on her face. "Thank you very much, Lord Aragorn, for bringing him back. Is there anyway
we could repay you?"

Aragorn began to shake his head, but Gimli gave him a quick prod with his axe.

"Actually, we need somewhere to stay. Just for one night, we must leave tomorrow."

"Of course," replied Alcweth. "Rumil, Orophin, you have no place to go either. Come with us."

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