Chapter 17 – The Call to Helm's Deep
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Haldir bowed before the Lady as her radiance fell upon him.
"Haldir," she began,"your scouts have returned from the lands of Rohan bearing instructions from Gandalf."
Haldir looked up as his two sentries entered the room and bowed respectfully to Galadriel and himself.
"Captain," one scout began,"we encountered the wizard, Gandalf, on our third day crossing the plains."
"We had passed a great pyre of Orc bodies. When we met him, he told us that the Rohirrim had enjoyed a victory over this small company of Orcs but that Saruman has amassed an army so great that all of Rohan could be destroyed by it."
"Gandalf," the scout continued,"bade that the Lady Galadriel send any forces she could, to aid in the defence of the people of Rohan. He fears that should Rohan fall and their people are destroyed, the way will be paved for the destruction of Gondor as well. With the army of Mordor gathering in the East and Saruman conquering from the West, the fall of Men will be imminent."
"The defences of the people of Rohan must hold." The Scout bowed in respect as he finished. "This was his plea to the Lady."
"Haldir," Galadriel said, turning to him,"will you take one hundred of our best archers to Helm's Deep? This is where Gandalf and the people of Rohan will make their stand against Saruman's evil forces."
"Yes, Lady. I will do your bidding and aid Gandalf in his Quest."
Haldir turned and exited the chamber, not seeing the Lady's proud gaze upon him as he left.
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"Helm's Deep?" asked Taelyra. "What is that?"
"It is an ancient stronghold of Men, built by their kings," answered Haldir as he pulled on his boots. "It has long been a refuge in times of war for the people of Rohan."
"Why do you help the Men?"
"The time of the Elves is passing, Taelyra," looking at her intently. "You know this in your heart. Our Queen and your King have seen it in their visions. Who will look after Middle Earth when all the Elves have passed over the Seas?"
"The Age of Men is coming," he continued. "That is, if their race is not destroyed by the Great Evil gathering around us."
"I have seen visions of the coming Evil," said Taelyra quietly, shutting her eyes as the horrible images from Galadriel's Mirror returned to her mind. "The dawnless days and a shadow that threatens to cover Middle Earth, destroying or mutilating all in its path."
She shuddered suddenly. Haldir came to her side and knelt beside her, where she sat upon the edge of his bed. Taking her hand in his, he caressed the satiny skin and looked into her tear-filled eyes, smiling sadly. He wanted to give her some kind of hope before he departed.
"Long ages ago," he told her, "there was an Alliance of Elves and Men. The Lord Elrond has bade us remember that war and the Lady of Light has commanded that the Elves of Lorien fight alongside Men once again. Together, we will defeat the Dark Lord."
Taelyra was moved by his conviction. He was so brave, his loyalty unwavering. Softly she touched his face as a tear fell down her cheek.
He moved to sit next to her on the bed, kissing away another tear as it rolled down her face. His lips were gentle and his hair silken as it brushed against her face. She would miss his touch and the scent of his skin close to hers. These thoughts made her tears flow more rapidly.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I did not want our parting to be so mournful."
"Darkness will not overcome us, melamin. I will return to you, to fight the forces gathering in the East. We will not be parted long, I swear."
"I will think of you every moment that you are away," she promised.
"My edar," Haldir cupped her face in his hand. "My beloved."
He leaned in and kissed her lovingly. Her mouth melted into his and she welcomed his sweet warmth. She would miss him terribly.
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The company of archers was ready. They marched in double columns past Celeborn and Galadriel as silver trumpets called from the high walkways of the City declaring their departure.
Haldir, atop Nénharma, led the procession proudly. Taelyra watched enthralled from an embankment nearby. She thought Haldir looked resplendent in his silver-accented armour.
As the company came to stop before the Lord and Lady, they brought their bows to their sides and spun on their heels simultaneously to face them. As they bowed their heads in unison before Galadriel, she raised her hand graciously in blessing.
As Haldir looked up he saw Taelyra perched on the grassy knoll ahead. He rode forward, desiring one more blessing before he departed the Golden Wood.
Never had he displayed affection to anyone publicly before. A light breeze blew Taelyra's hair back off her face as Haldir came to stop before her. He reached his arm out, encircling her small waist and pulling her to him. She could feel the great horse's breathing against her legs but was only vaguely aware of it. The intense love in Haldir's deep blue gaze and his strong embrace consumed her. He drew her closer and placed his mouth over hers. His kiss was long and deep. Taelyra's knees felt weak and she was grateful to have the horse to lean against.
He drew back slightly and placed one last light kiss upon the lips that he treasured.
"Amin mela lle I love you."
"Return to me, my love," she replied, "and I will be yours for all the Ages."
"Indeed then," said Haldir, not able to hide the joy from his face at her declaration,"nothing will keep me from returning to your side. I will keep your promise close to my heart in the coming days."