For disclaimers and info, check out the first chapter cause I'm not
repeating myself every little bit.
HUGE THANKS to my beta ARTUTA! You Rock Gal!
Thank you to all my reviewers. You all make writing more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Isilwen-Telpefion- Haldir's eyes are blue. Craig Parker's natural eye color is blue. The studio was happy cause they didn't have to have contacts made for him. he was Oh So Natural. (
Special Note: This story is rather short, but I hope that it flows well. It will be wrapping up shortly, another chapter to go and then an Epilogue to tie things together. Thanks to all who read and give their support. You all receive an Elf as a Thank You. *EG*
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^
Well past midnight, Rúmil started to wheeze and groan, his breath coming in small gasps. He clutched at the bedding, his back arching up and deep guttural wails emanated from him, seemingly from his very soul. Mowaea and Haldir jumped to his frantically jumped to his side, trying to sooth and alleviate the elf's suffering.
"Hold him!" Mowaea commanded as she grabbed the cloth soaked with the sleeping potion. Dabbing a few more drops on it, she held it close to the now thrashing elf's face and whispered assurances to him, hoping to get him to relax and not further injure himself. Haldir pulled Rúmil tightly against him to prevent him from further injury as Mowaea administered her sleeping draft on him.
After a long, tense moment Rúmil slumped motionless against the bed, his breath so shallow it didn't register to Mowaea's eyes. Haldir lessened his grip on his brother, his hand shaky as it passed over the fair beings face, wiping away the beads of sweat that had appeared during the episode.
Haldir looked from his brother to the human woman, his eyes deep-set and pleading silently.
Mowaea motioned to the downed elf and said, "Help me. We need to check his wound. He may have reopened it."
Carefully, the two turned Rúmil on his stomach. Mowaea undid her dressing of the wound and peeled back the cloth. The previously gaping wound was partially sealed, the blood clotting and forming a cap deep in his skin. The surface area was red and inflamed, still open to the air and slightly hemorrhaging.
Mowaea applied more of her solution onto the wound and redressed it. When she finished she helped Haldir turn Rúmil onto his back. His face was ashen, his eyes clouded and hooded. Her hand went to his neck, checking for a pulse and finding the rhythm of life still beating in the elf's body.
"He sleeps deeply once again," Mowaea said, looking over to Haldir and finding the elf's face twisted in an expression of pain and sorrow.
"I have never heard such noise from an elf," Haldir's eyes turned to Mowaea's. "He is slipping away, is he not?"
Mowaea placed a gentle hand on Haldir's arm. "The wound is already healed more than what I expected. I do not know if he will survive or not. I have never treated an elf before. But take solace, Haldir, for I will do everything I can to see that he makes it."
Haldir, not trusting his voice only nodded. He returned to his seat at his brother's bedside, his eyes staring unblinkingly. For the rest of the night, Haldir stayed by his brothers side, his eyes watching the steady rise and fall of his chest, his heart pleading with whatever deity resides above that his brother live.
Dawn crested the hill and bathed the tiny house in a pink hue. Mowaea had stayed up the entire night, something she had not done in years, but she refused to fall asleep lest Rúmil take a turn for the worse.
Morning was in full spring as Mowaea went about making breakfast. Occasionally, her eyes would wander over to the two elves, one of whom was still pale in color, though his breathing had evened out and deepened. The other, slightly pale with dark circles forming under his eyes, and his head drooping occasionally.
Haldir remained rooted to his seat, refusing to leave under any circumstances. His gaze stayed fixed upon his brother, his mind monitoring the fallen elf's vitals. Some part of his brain rationalized that if he were to lose his vigil, his brother would slip away, guided no more by his thoughts, never to return. The thought seemed ludicrous, but still, Haldir kept it buzzing in the back of his mind, unable to quell the fear that stirred so freely through his thoughts.
Haldir took very little to eat; his mind and body stayed focused on his brother lying motionless upon the bed. He said very little throughout the day, mostly nodding his responses and keeping his answers to a clipped few words.
Late afternoon cast shadow within the house as menacing black clouds rolled in, clashing violently against one another, their sounds magnified by the hills and valleys. By dinnertime, the house was pelted with heavy rain, the drops beating against the roof and sides unmercifully.
"I believe this is a good sign," Mowaea said after the silent supper she shared with Haldir.
Haldir had barely spoken a few words to her during the evening; his attention remained transfixed on his brother. He looked to Mowaea, his eyes dark and shrouded with grief and shadow. "How so?"
"We have suffered through a drought and believed no relief was in sight. Now it rains, giving us new strength and a sense of life."
Haldir sighed, his stare once again resting on Rúmil.
"How is your ankle?" Mowaea asked curiously. She knew that Haldir's vigilance, though poor on the back and exhausted mind, was exactly what was needed to heal his ankle.
"It gives me no more pain," Haldir said rather flatly. His exhaustion was starting to take a full hold on him, his eyes wanting so desperately to seek the sleep he needed, but his stubborn mind would not allow any rest as his brother's life teetered on the edge of oblivion.
"It needs more medicine and to be rewrapped," Mowaea said rather timidly. She knew that at any moment the elf could drop to sleep.
"It is fine."
"I will make the judgment for my self." Mowaea said, kneeling at the elf's side and unwrapping his bound ankle.
She had to muffle a gasp of surprise as she revealed the nearly completely healed ankle. She ran her fingers lightly over the skin, that was once marred with enlarge purple and black bruises, and now shadowed with pale dusting of discoloration.
"The bruises, they are almost gone. I guess elves do heal faster than humans," Mowaea said in amazement, her face raising to see Haldir's head slumped forward, his eyes glazed over in deep Elven sleep. His head lulled slightly from side to side with every low even breath he took.
Smiling, Mowaea rose and pulled a blanket from a trunk and draped it over the sleeping elf's form. With one more quick check to the elf sleeping in the bed, she sat down at a small table, her eyes drooping until finally, sleep over came her and she drifted into a dream, the occupants of the cottage sleeping to the constant song of the falling rain.
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"Haldir?" A dry raspy voice startled the elf out of his slumber.
Haldir's eyes opened to see the deep blue ones of his brother staring back at him, a look of confusion and pain on his face.
"Rúmil! You live!" Haldir cried out, springing to his brother's side in an instant.
Rúmil moaned as Haldir jarred him, clasping his hand and holding it close to his face. "Toror' ell'tor mæ"
Haldir leaned over his brother, tears threatening to spill down his cheeks. "It is good to hear your voice Rúmil. I feared I would never hear it again."
"That was almost true," Rúmil smiled up at Haldir's hovering face. "I feared I may not return."
Mowaea stayed in the distance, allowing the brothers some private time. Her attention was called back when Haldir spoke.
"You have Mowaea to thank for your return. If not for her help, you would have traveled to the Halls of Mandos."
Mowaea stepped closer, allowing Rúmil a better angle to view his rescuer.
"Many thanks, My Lady," Rúmil nodded, his hand sweeping over his heart in Elven gesture of gratitude.
"It was my pleasure, Rúmil. I have not had such strange and most curious visitors in my home for many years," Mowaea said, seating herself next to Haldir.
"I am sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused, My Lady."
"No inconvenience, my dear elf," She laughed. "Your brother has been very helpful to me, and keeping watch over you while you recovered," Mowaea smiled. "How do you feel?"
"Very tired and sore. I feel a dull ache in my back," Rúmil winced as he tried to move.
"If you do not mind, I would like to inspect your wound," Mowaea asked.
Rúmil nodded and with great difficulty, turned on his side to allow Mowaea access to his injury.
Mowaea shook her head, her voice impressed, "You elves certainly heal fast. The wound is completely sealed and the skin no longer feels fevered."
Haldir looked at the place where the human's arrow had embedded itself into his brother's back and felt a wave of wonder come over him. He knew that elves did indeed heal fast, but no wound that severe should look so mended.
"It is amazing, brother. I did not know that you could heal that fast," Haldir said softly.
Rúmil groaned as he rolled onto his back, his expression a mixture of confusion and wonderment.
"Perhaps the herbs benefit your people more than mine?" Mowaea asked with a shrug. In all honesty, she was at a complete loss, but the idea that the herbs reacted better to Elven kind seemed like a logical explanation.
"Perhaps that is so," Haldir said thoughtfully then smiled to his brother. "Either way, you are with us once again."
Rúmil nodded, his eyes drooping slightly.
"Get some rest brother. Regain your strength so we may return home," Haldir said, watching Rúmil slip easily into sleep, his eyes half-hooded and glassy.
"You should get some more rest yourself, Haldir," Mowaea said with a smile. "I do not think you replenished your strength from your short sleep."
Haldir ducked his head, a smile playing on his lips. It was true, he still felt exhausted and the light sleep had only alleviated the stress his body endured, giving it ample time to recover, though his mind was still jumbled from fatigue and worry.
"Maybe a few minutes of rest," Haldir said, fighting the urge to yawn. Now that his brother was out of the danger zone, he felt the tension leave his body and leave behind a well of weariness.
Mowaea smiled as the elf seated himself beside his brother, his eyes unfocused and heavy lidded, signaling his almost immediate drop into sleep.
The rest of the evening progressed in silence as the two elves slumbered, their breathing monitored by the human woman keeping vigil over the two patients.
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The early morning dawn bathed the little cottage in warm sunlight as it traveled across the heavens, giving its radiance to the world below and chasing away the shadows of the night.
Mowaea awoke from her chair across from the brothers to find both awake and talking softly in Elvish.
"Sorry. I must have dozed off."
Haldir and Rúmil turned to her, their faces bright.
"We hoped we did not wake you."
"We wished not to disturb your rest," Haldir smiled.
Mowaea rubbed her eyes to get the sleep out and rose. "You did not wake me. I should have been awake hours ago." And with a smile she began to bustle making breakfast.
Rúmil sat on the side of the bed, gingerly holding his side as the movement sent shivers of dull pain through his body. "I shall be taking my leave of you today, My Lady, and bother you no further."
Mowaea nearly dropped her dishes as she spun. "What? But, you are still not well!"
Rúmil stood uneasily, his hand lightly rubbing his side and back, working out the soreness and lingering pain. "I am much better. Besides, I am sure it is a discomfort to you to have us here. Now that I can travel, we will take our leave and allow you your peace."
"I will not allow you to leave if you are still injured!" Mowaea nearly screamed. "It does not bother me to have you here. You are in need and guests in my home. There is no trouble."
"My Lady has been most gracious, but I feel for a full recovery, I must return home. The healers and the Lady of the Wood will be able to attend the lingering injuries. There is little more you can do. With Haldir, I will be able to make it home and will recover much faster," Rúmil said with a smile, though visibly pained with the effort to remain upright.
Haldir added. "When he can no longer walk, I will carry him. We should make good speed under the cover of darkness."
Mowaea crossed her arms over her chest, her brow drawn in a suspicious manner. "Then until tonight, you are to remain in bed, sleeping as much as possible to regain your strength and the both of you will have to eat plenty to ensure you do not collapse from starvation." Mowaea began rummaging around her kitchen, pulling out pots and pans and assortments of foods. "Elves are far too thin if you ask me."
Rúmil looked to Haldir who unsuccessfully suppressed a smile and nodded that his brother obey to keep the woman of the house happy. Rúmil barely laid back down when Mowaea hovered over him, checking his pulse and peering intently at his eyes, then handing him a large plate full of fruit and tucking him in soundly with thick quilts.
Rúmil opened his mouth to protest, but a stern look from Haldir made him rethink. He merely thanked Mowaea for her kindness and watched as she turned to Haldir, handing him a large plate and ordering him to eat, then went about making several dishes to fatten her guests for the rest of their stay and return journey.
Rúmil leaned over closer to Haldir and slipped into Elvish, "If I will eat all of this, I most certainly WILL NOT be walking into Lothlorien. I will have to be carried in by large horses!"
Haldir nodded, knowing there was no way his stomach could hold the contents of his plate and knowing full well that more food was in the making for their trip back home. He sighed. "Just eat as much as you can and be polite. She has done much for us and we owe her our gratitude."
Rúmil nodded, taking a bite of apple and watching as Mowaea bustled about her small kitchen, humming a little tune to herself. "She seems to enjoy taking care of others. She is very capable of healing, like it is the very essence of her blood."
Haldir opened his mouth to answer but Mowaea returned, wiping her hands on an apron tied about her waist. "How far away is your home?"
Haldir looked up, smiling; "It is but a two day journey."
"But may take longer because of your brother's injuries," Mowaea said, glancing over at Rúmil who finished off his apple and started on another. "I should send enough to last you a week, just in case you need it."
"My Lady, it will not be necessary." Rúmil said after a hasty swallow. He couldn't imagine how slowed they would be if they had to carry a large contingent of Mowaea's cooking. "When we reach the borders of Lothlorien, we will get Lembas from the guards. It will sustain us until we reach home."
Mowaea looked strangely at Rúmil, her mouth slightly agape. "You have suffered terribly, Master Elf. I do not wish to hear of your misfortune if you refuse to take proper supplies and rest."
Haldir raised a hand to gain the attention of the two. "If you insist upon us taking provisions, then I ask of you to only give us one small pack that I can carry. Any more would become a burden and could hinder us further if Rúmil can not walk and I have to carry him. Please Mowaea, be sparse in your generosity this time."
Mowaea bit her lip in thought, then realized that if Rúmil needed Haldir to carry him, a heavy pack would indeed slow them down and possibly endanger them further. Hesitantly she nodded, "All right. I do not like it, but you are right." With a twinkle she regarded the March Warden, "Are all elves as stubborn as you?"
Rúmil nearly choked on his food and coughed as he laughed openly at his brother's shocked face. "No one has compared to my brother when it comes to being stubborn!"
"Not funny," Haldir said severely to his brother, though inside he was just as amused by the woman's' outspoken question. "And as to your inquiry, Mowaea, I am not stubborn."
Mowaea grinned and then joined the two elves in their mirth.
The day crept by all too quickly for Mowaea, who enjoyed the stories the elves told and the bantering they constantly communicated in. When night had fallen, Rúmil was finally given permission to leave the confines of bed, to which he was grateful, stretching his muscles that had atrophied due to lack of use the past couple days. Though his body still ached and the wound in his back kept reminding him of its presence, the elf gingerly thanked his human savior and headed into the darkened night with his brother at his side.
"If you ever come to Lothlorien, tell the Wardens that you are friends and we will make sure you have passage," Rúmil said as he took his leave.
Haldir waited until Rúmil was out of earshot and spoke quietly to Mowaea. "I am in debt to you, Mowaea, for saving my brother's life and giving us refuge. If you need the help of my kin, or me, let us know. You have only to ask."
Mowaea smiled, placing her hand on the Elf's arm and squeezing gently. "It was nice to have company once again and to learn of your people. I think if those in my world would stop their hatred, they could become allies to your kind."
Haldir placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. "To find ones such as yourself, I would consider it an honor to be friends."
With a smile, the March Warden followed his brother out into the night, disappearing beyond Mowaea's view and into the black abyss.
The journey to Lothlorien took longer than two days as Rúmil's health did indeed began to deteriorate. By the dawn of the third day, he was once again too weak to walk on his own and was carried past the border Wardens towards home.
Healers were waiting at the beginning of the entrance into Cardas Galathon, no doubt alerted by the Lady of Light as to the condition of one of their own that had fallen. They rushed to Haldir, removing Rúmil quickly from his arms and disappearing up the steps that led to the healing talan high above.
Haldir made to follow them but was stopped by a gentle being waiting patiently at the foot of the tree, her wide blue eyes knowing. "You have traveled far, Haldir. You should rest."
Haldir bowed slowly, his body aching from the strain of carrying his brother the distance he had without rest. "My Lady. I will rest when I have been told that Rúmil will be fine."
Galadriel smiled knowingly and placed a hand on the exhausted elf's shoulder. "There is nothing else you can do. Let the healers see to him, then I will see what I can do if they fear for the worst. Take rest Haldir, to worry will only cause you more pain. Your brother will be fine."
Haldir felt like the world was lifted from him as he felt the Lady's hand upon his tired shoulders. Feeling as if the energy was being drained from his body, he nodded mutely and ascended the steps to his private quarters. Barely registering the fact that he was fully dressed, and in rather dirty clothes, the March Warden climbed onto his bed and was fast asleep before his head hit the pillow.
HUGE THANKS to my beta ARTUTA! You Rock Gal!
Thank you to all my reviewers. You all make writing more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Isilwen-Telpefion- Haldir's eyes are blue. Craig Parker's natural eye color is blue. The studio was happy cause they didn't have to have contacts made for him. he was Oh So Natural. (
Special Note: This story is rather short, but I hope that it flows well. It will be wrapping up shortly, another chapter to go and then an Epilogue to tie things together. Thanks to all who read and give their support. You all receive an Elf as a Thank You. *EG*
^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ * ^
Well past midnight, Rúmil started to wheeze and groan, his breath coming in small gasps. He clutched at the bedding, his back arching up and deep guttural wails emanated from him, seemingly from his very soul. Mowaea and Haldir jumped to his frantically jumped to his side, trying to sooth and alleviate the elf's suffering.
"Hold him!" Mowaea commanded as she grabbed the cloth soaked with the sleeping potion. Dabbing a few more drops on it, she held it close to the now thrashing elf's face and whispered assurances to him, hoping to get him to relax and not further injure himself. Haldir pulled Rúmil tightly against him to prevent him from further injury as Mowaea administered her sleeping draft on him.
After a long, tense moment Rúmil slumped motionless against the bed, his breath so shallow it didn't register to Mowaea's eyes. Haldir lessened his grip on his brother, his hand shaky as it passed over the fair beings face, wiping away the beads of sweat that had appeared during the episode.
Haldir looked from his brother to the human woman, his eyes deep-set and pleading silently.
Mowaea motioned to the downed elf and said, "Help me. We need to check his wound. He may have reopened it."
Carefully, the two turned Rúmil on his stomach. Mowaea undid her dressing of the wound and peeled back the cloth. The previously gaping wound was partially sealed, the blood clotting and forming a cap deep in his skin. The surface area was red and inflamed, still open to the air and slightly hemorrhaging.
Mowaea applied more of her solution onto the wound and redressed it. When she finished she helped Haldir turn Rúmil onto his back. His face was ashen, his eyes clouded and hooded. Her hand went to his neck, checking for a pulse and finding the rhythm of life still beating in the elf's body.
"He sleeps deeply once again," Mowaea said, looking over to Haldir and finding the elf's face twisted in an expression of pain and sorrow.
"I have never heard such noise from an elf," Haldir's eyes turned to Mowaea's. "He is slipping away, is he not?"
Mowaea placed a gentle hand on Haldir's arm. "The wound is already healed more than what I expected. I do not know if he will survive or not. I have never treated an elf before. But take solace, Haldir, for I will do everything I can to see that he makes it."
Haldir, not trusting his voice only nodded. He returned to his seat at his brother's bedside, his eyes staring unblinkingly. For the rest of the night, Haldir stayed by his brothers side, his eyes watching the steady rise and fall of his chest, his heart pleading with whatever deity resides above that his brother live.
Dawn crested the hill and bathed the tiny house in a pink hue. Mowaea had stayed up the entire night, something she had not done in years, but she refused to fall asleep lest Rúmil take a turn for the worse.
Morning was in full spring as Mowaea went about making breakfast. Occasionally, her eyes would wander over to the two elves, one of whom was still pale in color, though his breathing had evened out and deepened. The other, slightly pale with dark circles forming under his eyes, and his head drooping occasionally.
Haldir remained rooted to his seat, refusing to leave under any circumstances. His gaze stayed fixed upon his brother, his mind monitoring the fallen elf's vitals. Some part of his brain rationalized that if he were to lose his vigil, his brother would slip away, guided no more by his thoughts, never to return. The thought seemed ludicrous, but still, Haldir kept it buzzing in the back of his mind, unable to quell the fear that stirred so freely through his thoughts.
Haldir took very little to eat; his mind and body stayed focused on his brother lying motionless upon the bed. He said very little throughout the day, mostly nodding his responses and keeping his answers to a clipped few words.
Late afternoon cast shadow within the house as menacing black clouds rolled in, clashing violently against one another, their sounds magnified by the hills and valleys. By dinnertime, the house was pelted with heavy rain, the drops beating against the roof and sides unmercifully.
"I believe this is a good sign," Mowaea said after the silent supper she shared with Haldir.
Haldir had barely spoken a few words to her during the evening; his attention remained transfixed on his brother. He looked to Mowaea, his eyes dark and shrouded with grief and shadow. "How so?"
"We have suffered through a drought and believed no relief was in sight. Now it rains, giving us new strength and a sense of life."
Haldir sighed, his stare once again resting on Rúmil.
"How is your ankle?" Mowaea asked curiously. She knew that Haldir's vigilance, though poor on the back and exhausted mind, was exactly what was needed to heal his ankle.
"It gives me no more pain," Haldir said rather flatly. His exhaustion was starting to take a full hold on him, his eyes wanting so desperately to seek the sleep he needed, but his stubborn mind would not allow any rest as his brother's life teetered on the edge of oblivion.
"It needs more medicine and to be rewrapped," Mowaea said rather timidly. She knew that at any moment the elf could drop to sleep.
"It is fine."
"I will make the judgment for my self." Mowaea said, kneeling at the elf's side and unwrapping his bound ankle.
She had to muffle a gasp of surprise as she revealed the nearly completely healed ankle. She ran her fingers lightly over the skin, that was once marred with enlarge purple and black bruises, and now shadowed with pale dusting of discoloration.
"The bruises, they are almost gone. I guess elves do heal faster than humans," Mowaea said in amazement, her face raising to see Haldir's head slumped forward, his eyes glazed over in deep Elven sleep. His head lulled slightly from side to side with every low even breath he took.
Smiling, Mowaea rose and pulled a blanket from a trunk and draped it over the sleeping elf's form. With one more quick check to the elf sleeping in the bed, she sat down at a small table, her eyes drooping until finally, sleep over came her and she drifted into a dream, the occupants of the cottage sleeping to the constant song of the falling rain.
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"Haldir?" A dry raspy voice startled the elf out of his slumber.
Haldir's eyes opened to see the deep blue ones of his brother staring back at him, a look of confusion and pain on his face.
"Rúmil! You live!" Haldir cried out, springing to his brother's side in an instant.
Rúmil moaned as Haldir jarred him, clasping his hand and holding it close to his face. "Toror' ell'tor mæ"
Haldir leaned over his brother, tears threatening to spill down his cheeks. "It is good to hear your voice Rúmil. I feared I would never hear it again."
"That was almost true," Rúmil smiled up at Haldir's hovering face. "I feared I may not return."
Mowaea stayed in the distance, allowing the brothers some private time. Her attention was called back when Haldir spoke.
"You have Mowaea to thank for your return. If not for her help, you would have traveled to the Halls of Mandos."
Mowaea stepped closer, allowing Rúmil a better angle to view his rescuer.
"Many thanks, My Lady," Rúmil nodded, his hand sweeping over his heart in Elven gesture of gratitude.
"It was my pleasure, Rúmil. I have not had such strange and most curious visitors in my home for many years," Mowaea said, seating herself next to Haldir.
"I am sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused, My Lady."
"No inconvenience, my dear elf," She laughed. "Your brother has been very helpful to me, and keeping watch over you while you recovered," Mowaea smiled. "How do you feel?"
"Very tired and sore. I feel a dull ache in my back," Rúmil winced as he tried to move.
"If you do not mind, I would like to inspect your wound," Mowaea asked.
Rúmil nodded and with great difficulty, turned on his side to allow Mowaea access to his injury.
Mowaea shook her head, her voice impressed, "You elves certainly heal fast. The wound is completely sealed and the skin no longer feels fevered."
Haldir looked at the place where the human's arrow had embedded itself into his brother's back and felt a wave of wonder come over him. He knew that elves did indeed heal fast, but no wound that severe should look so mended.
"It is amazing, brother. I did not know that you could heal that fast," Haldir said softly.
Rúmil groaned as he rolled onto his back, his expression a mixture of confusion and wonderment.
"Perhaps the herbs benefit your people more than mine?" Mowaea asked with a shrug. In all honesty, she was at a complete loss, but the idea that the herbs reacted better to Elven kind seemed like a logical explanation.
"Perhaps that is so," Haldir said thoughtfully then smiled to his brother. "Either way, you are with us once again."
Rúmil nodded, his eyes drooping slightly.
"Get some rest brother. Regain your strength so we may return home," Haldir said, watching Rúmil slip easily into sleep, his eyes half-hooded and glassy.
"You should get some more rest yourself, Haldir," Mowaea said with a smile. "I do not think you replenished your strength from your short sleep."
Haldir ducked his head, a smile playing on his lips. It was true, he still felt exhausted and the light sleep had only alleviated the stress his body endured, giving it ample time to recover, though his mind was still jumbled from fatigue and worry.
"Maybe a few minutes of rest," Haldir said, fighting the urge to yawn. Now that his brother was out of the danger zone, he felt the tension leave his body and leave behind a well of weariness.
Mowaea smiled as the elf seated himself beside his brother, his eyes unfocused and heavy lidded, signaling his almost immediate drop into sleep.
The rest of the evening progressed in silence as the two elves slumbered, their breathing monitored by the human woman keeping vigil over the two patients.
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The early morning dawn bathed the little cottage in warm sunlight as it traveled across the heavens, giving its radiance to the world below and chasing away the shadows of the night.
Mowaea awoke from her chair across from the brothers to find both awake and talking softly in Elvish.
"Sorry. I must have dozed off."
Haldir and Rúmil turned to her, their faces bright.
"We hoped we did not wake you."
"We wished not to disturb your rest," Haldir smiled.
Mowaea rubbed her eyes to get the sleep out and rose. "You did not wake me. I should have been awake hours ago." And with a smile she began to bustle making breakfast.
Rúmil sat on the side of the bed, gingerly holding his side as the movement sent shivers of dull pain through his body. "I shall be taking my leave of you today, My Lady, and bother you no further."
Mowaea nearly dropped her dishes as she spun. "What? But, you are still not well!"
Rúmil stood uneasily, his hand lightly rubbing his side and back, working out the soreness and lingering pain. "I am much better. Besides, I am sure it is a discomfort to you to have us here. Now that I can travel, we will take our leave and allow you your peace."
"I will not allow you to leave if you are still injured!" Mowaea nearly screamed. "It does not bother me to have you here. You are in need and guests in my home. There is no trouble."
"My Lady has been most gracious, but I feel for a full recovery, I must return home. The healers and the Lady of the Wood will be able to attend the lingering injuries. There is little more you can do. With Haldir, I will be able to make it home and will recover much faster," Rúmil said with a smile, though visibly pained with the effort to remain upright.
Haldir added. "When he can no longer walk, I will carry him. We should make good speed under the cover of darkness."
Mowaea crossed her arms over her chest, her brow drawn in a suspicious manner. "Then until tonight, you are to remain in bed, sleeping as much as possible to regain your strength and the both of you will have to eat plenty to ensure you do not collapse from starvation." Mowaea began rummaging around her kitchen, pulling out pots and pans and assortments of foods. "Elves are far too thin if you ask me."
Rúmil looked to Haldir who unsuccessfully suppressed a smile and nodded that his brother obey to keep the woman of the house happy. Rúmil barely laid back down when Mowaea hovered over him, checking his pulse and peering intently at his eyes, then handing him a large plate full of fruit and tucking him in soundly with thick quilts.
Rúmil opened his mouth to protest, but a stern look from Haldir made him rethink. He merely thanked Mowaea for her kindness and watched as she turned to Haldir, handing him a large plate and ordering him to eat, then went about making several dishes to fatten her guests for the rest of their stay and return journey.
Rúmil leaned over closer to Haldir and slipped into Elvish, "If I will eat all of this, I most certainly WILL NOT be walking into Lothlorien. I will have to be carried in by large horses!"
Haldir nodded, knowing there was no way his stomach could hold the contents of his plate and knowing full well that more food was in the making for their trip back home. He sighed. "Just eat as much as you can and be polite. She has done much for us and we owe her our gratitude."
Rúmil nodded, taking a bite of apple and watching as Mowaea bustled about her small kitchen, humming a little tune to herself. "She seems to enjoy taking care of others. She is very capable of healing, like it is the very essence of her blood."
Haldir opened his mouth to answer but Mowaea returned, wiping her hands on an apron tied about her waist. "How far away is your home?"
Haldir looked up, smiling; "It is but a two day journey."
"But may take longer because of your brother's injuries," Mowaea said, glancing over at Rúmil who finished off his apple and started on another. "I should send enough to last you a week, just in case you need it."
"My Lady, it will not be necessary." Rúmil said after a hasty swallow. He couldn't imagine how slowed they would be if they had to carry a large contingent of Mowaea's cooking. "When we reach the borders of Lothlorien, we will get Lembas from the guards. It will sustain us until we reach home."
Mowaea looked strangely at Rúmil, her mouth slightly agape. "You have suffered terribly, Master Elf. I do not wish to hear of your misfortune if you refuse to take proper supplies and rest."
Haldir raised a hand to gain the attention of the two. "If you insist upon us taking provisions, then I ask of you to only give us one small pack that I can carry. Any more would become a burden and could hinder us further if Rúmil can not walk and I have to carry him. Please Mowaea, be sparse in your generosity this time."
Mowaea bit her lip in thought, then realized that if Rúmil needed Haldir to carry him, a heavy pack would indeed slow them down and possibly endanger them further. Hesitantly she nodded, "All right. I do not like it, but you are right." With a twinkle she regarded the March Warden, "Are all elves as stubborn as you?"
Rúmil nearly choked on his food and coughed as he laughed openly at his brother's shocked face. "No one has compared to my brother when it comes to being stubborn!"
"Not funny," Haldir said severely to his brother, though inside he was just as amused by the woman's' outspoken question. "And as to your inquiry, Mowaea, I am not stubborn."
Mowaea grinned and then joined the two elves in their mirth.
The day crept by all too quickly for Mowaea, who enjoyed the stories the elves told and the bantering they constantly communicated in. When night had fallen, Rúmil was finally given permission to leave the confines of bed, to which he was grateful, stretching his muscles that had atrophied due to lack of use the past couple days. Though his body still ached and the wound in his back kept reminding him of its presence, the elf gingerly thanked his human savior and headed into the darkened night with his brother at his side.
"If you ever come to Lothlorien, tell the Wardens that you are friends and we will make sure you have passage," Rúmil said as he took his leave.
Haldir waited until Rúmil was out of earshot and spoke quietly to Mowaea. "I am in debt to you, Mowaea, for saving my brother's life and giving us refuge. If you need the help of my kin, or me, let us know. You have only to ask."
Mowaea smiled, placing her hand on the Elf's arm and squeezing gently. "It was nice to have company once again and to learn of your people. I think if those in my world would stop their hatred, they could become allies to your kind."
Haldir placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. "To find ones such as yourself, I would consider it an honor to be friends."
With a smile, the March Warden followed his brother out into the night, disappearing beyond Mowaea's view and into the black abyss.
The journey to Lothlorien took longer than two days as Rúmil's health did indeed began to deteriorate. By the dawn of the third day, he was once again too weak to walk on his own and was carried past the border Wardens towards home.
Healers were waiting at the beginning of the entrance into Cardas Galathon, no doubt alerted by the Lady of Light as to the condition of one of their own that had fallen. They rushed to Haldir, removing Rúmil quickly from his arms and disappearing up the steps that led to the healing talan high above.
Haldir made to follow them but was stopped by a gentle being waiting patiently at the foot of the tree, her wide blue eyes knowing. "You have traveled far, Haldir. You should rest."
Haldir bowed slowly, his body aching from the strain of carrying his brother the distance he had without rest. "My Lady. I will rest when I have been told that Rúmil will be fine."
Galadriel smiled knowingly and placed a hand on the exhausted elf's shoulder. "There is nothing else you can do. Let the healers see to him, then I will see what I can do if they fear for the worst. Take rest Haldir, to worry will only cause you more pain. Your brother will be fine."
Haldir felt like the world was lifted from him as he felt the Lady's hand upon his tired shoulders. Feeling as if the energy was being drained from his body, he nodded mutely and ascended the steps to his private quarters. Barely registering the fact that he was fully dressed, and in rather dirty clothes, the March Warden climbed onto his bed and was fast asleep before his head hit the pillow.