Dream Warrior
Author: Heather Lynn
Email: ring_of_adament@yahoo.com
HET/ NC-17
Haldir/Lirimaer
Disclaimer: The characters, settings, places, and languages used in this work are the property of J R R Tolkien, the Tolkien Estate and Tolkien Enterprises. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended
Summary: This story begins in the year 3018 (S.R. 1418), the same time that Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin have begun their journey. They are now with Aragorn, having left Amon Sûl (Weathertop) after battling the ringwraiths. Arwen Evenstar has Frodo and is taking him to Rivendell. Lirimaer is an elf from Rivendell who journeys to Lothlórien to speak to Galadriel about the haunting nightmare she repeatedly has. Haldir comes across her along the way and he leads her to Lórien.
Notes: While writing this, I followed the Tolkien's books and the two movies and made up a few things as well. My timeline does not coincide with the books, only to try to keep things short! The numbers after a sentence means there is a definition at the end of the chapter. I hope the translations are correct, if not please email me so I can make any necessary repairs. I hope to add drawings soon, having just moved I will need some time. I hope you enjoy my first fan fic I've ever written, please let me know what you think! This fan fic was also part of the www.haldir-lives.org Fan Fic Challenge.
Chapter 24 – The Fellowship Departs
Haldir awoke with Lirimaer in his arms. He smiled. He put his face into her hair, inhaling the sweet scent. How he had missed her, all those lonely nights keeping watch out at the borders. He listened to her breathing, slow and steady. He looked out towards the balcony. The sun was starting to rise. It looked like it was going to be a beautiful day. Lirimaer stirred in his arms. He kissed her on the back of her neck.
"Good morning," she said, squeezing his arms tight around her. She loved waking up in his strong arms.
"How about going out onto the balcony? We can watch the sun rise over the city." He sat up, drawing her to him, wrapping the sheets around them. He carried her out on the balcony, sitting down on a lounger with her in his lap. They sat there silent, holding each other, watching the city come to life. They closed their eyes, feeling the first rays of morning sunshine warm their skin.
"Well, good morning," said Vuranor. "I'm sorry to disturb you. It is good to see you again Haldir. Perhaps Lirimaer will stop brooding now that you have returned!" he smirked.
It is good to see you as well, Vuranor. Thank you for taking care of Lirimaer in my absence."
"Yes, Vuranor and Alfirin have watched over me like hawks. Where is Alfirin? The way you two have been together, one would think you two were permanently attached at the hands!" Lirimaer laughed.
Vuranor smiled, his eyes sparkling. "Yes, and I suppose I have you to thank! Alfirin is every special to me. I am going to ask her to come back to Rivendell with me."
"Well, I hope you don't plan to leave too soon. I will miss my friends greatly," said Lirimaer.
"I don't advise anyone to leave the protection of Lórien at this time," warned Haldir. "Orc troops have been heavily bombarding our borders. Travel now would be unwise."
"I will take your advice, Haldir. I'm not in a hurry to leave this beautiful city, or my friends. I will leave you two alone to enjoy the morning. I must find Alfirin." Vuranor turned and left.
Lirimaer snuggled up under Haldir's chin. The sun was warming, making her sleepy. Haldir slid down on the lounger, getting more comfortable. Before long they both fell asleep in each other's arms, basking in the sunshine.
It was late in the morning when they woke up. "We should probably get dressed. I promised Legolas that we would spend some time with him today," said Lirimaer, though she didn't want to end the moment.
"Do you have anything planned?" asked Haldir. Lirimaer shook her head. "Well, then. Let's go see what we can do today." He picked her up carrying her back into the room, setting her down on her feet. He gave her a kiss before letting her go. They washed and dressed, ate some bread and fruit left over from the night before, and went down the stairs.
They were just about to the bottom when they ran into Legolas coming up. "Well, it is about time! The day is wasting!" he said, joking. "How about going to the practice fields? What do you say to a little bow competition, you two? It has been a long time!"
"All right, Legolas. Let me get our bows! I'll get the swords as well." She quickly ran back up the stairs, returning shortly with their bows and swords. They made their way to the bottom of the stairs.
"Where are you off to?" asked Merry.
"We are off for a shooting competition," said Legolas.
"Can we come?" asked Pippin. Sam and Frodo took some interest in the idea as well, even Gimli.
Everyone looked at Haldir. At first he looked irritated, the arrogant elf returning. Then he looked at Lirimaer, who was smiling at him, her eyes sparkling. His heart melted. "Why not," he said. The Hobbits grabbed their swords and Gimli his ax. They followed Haldir down the path. Aragorn and Boromir decided to join them as well.
Lirimaer notched an arrow and let it fly. It landed a little off to the left of the center of the target. It had been a while since she practiced. Haldir let his fly, hitting dead center. Legolas let his go, hitting within a fraction of an inch of Haldir's. The Hobbits all applauded. "Notch another arrow Lirimaer," said Haldir. He came up behind her, guiding her arms. He rested his chin on her shoulder, looking down the shaft of her arrow.
She could feel his warm breath on her neck, distracting her. He put his hand over hers, pulling the arrow back further. His thumb caressed her hand. The familiar fluttering started inside her stomach. She turned her head to look at him. He had a teasing smile on his face. "Pay attention," he whispered, blowing in her ear. Lirimaer started to laugh. "You must be ready even with distraction all around you. Concentrate."
Her thoughts went to what Galadriel had said to her. The time to protect him is coming soon. She looked down the shaft of the arrow, pulling it back, and released. It landed in between Legolas and Haldir's arrows. Haldir's strong arms wrapped around her. "That was outstanding," he said, kissing her on the neck.
They practiced for a while with the bows, then moved on to swords. Haldir picked up his sword and looked over at Frodo, smiling, feeling sorry for him. "I can show you some maneuvers if you like."
Frodo smiled. He had been afraid of this elf, after the way he greeted them out at the borders. Frodo removed his sword from its scabbard. Haldir noticed that it was an Elvish long knife. It was decorated with Elvish runes and designs.
"May I see your sword?" asked Haldir. Frodo handed it to him. It was light and extremely sharp.
"It is called Sting. My uncle Bilbo gave it to me. He found it in a troll's cave while journeying to the Lonely Mountain. The blade glows blue when there are orcs around," said Frodo.
"It is an exceptional piece, Frodo. It will serve you well. Shall we begin?" Haldir asked. Frodo nodded.
Lirimaer looked over at Haldir and Frodo. She watched as Haldir showed him blocks and jabs, bringing the Hobbit out of his shell. The two were laughing and having a great time. Lirimaer smiled.
They stayed at the practice field for several hours. Lirimaer whispered in Haldir's ear, bringing a smile to his face. He nodded. "Everyone, Lirimaer and I would like you all to join us for dinner tonight. But before that, Lirimaer would like to share with you a place special to us." They led them down a path, past the metal smiths' field, to the tranquil pond with the water lilies and waterfall. Everyone sat down and took in the beauty around them in silence.
The next morning, Haldir and Lirimaer were up at dawn to say farewell to their friends. They walked down with the Fellowship to the Celebrant, where boats were being loaded with supplies to take them down the Anduin to Rauros. The Fellowship stood in a row, receiving gifts of Elvish cloaks and mallorn leaf brooches. Haldir placed a cloak around Legolas, pinning on a brooch.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," said Celeborn. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Galadriel presented each with a special gift that would serve them in their travels.
After stowing their supplies and saying their goodbyes, the Fellowship boarded the three Elven boats and began their journey down the river. Haldir stood on the roots of a mallorn growing on the riverbank, watching their departure. Then he looked over towards the bridge where Lirimaer stood. Her eyes were cheerless, watching her friends, old and new; make their way down the Celebrant, wondering if she would ever see them again.