AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey readers! Since this chapter is unusually long I will make my announcements brief:
The Fellowship is finally in Lorien, and will stay there for the next three chapters (not incl. this one). Their time in Lorien will focus more on the Legolas-Armir-Haldir love triangle, so yes, the romance and drama will get quite intense here.
When I finish this story, my next project will be a prequel about Armir and Haldir's first meeting and lost romance in Rivendell- entitled "MATTERS OF THE HEART". Any questions you might have about their relationship that are not answered in the next few chapters will definitely be answered there.
I really appreciate corrections (that way I can redeem myself before the flamers get a chance to roast me). If you see anything wrong with my names, interpretations, or descriptions, pls. do not hesitate to let me know so I can do something about it if still possible.
ARMIR'S AGE: Eighty-three, making her an extremely young elf. That makes her a few years younger than Aragorn (as earlier mentioned) and means she met Haldir when she was only fifty. (Older men tripping on a younger chick! Yikes! Hehehe. . . )
THANK YOU for the reviews! Pls. keep them coming. A few responses: JYNESSEA: Thanks for the correction. (I should have known better than to trust that blasted source.) I will fix it asap. Do I like Haldir? Is Legolas an elf? Hahaha.; LILENA & ICY878: A love triangle is exactly what I have in mind! Hehehe. . . but no worries, this is still first and foremost a Legolas fic; CRYSTAL FIRE: The chapters will keep getting better and better, I promise!
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Seven - Refuge
Warmth was the first sensation to greet Armir as she slowly opened her eyes. She blinked in confusion as her vision gradually cleared, then stared upward. What met her weak gaze were thick tree branches swaying gently above her, the gentle sunlight reflecting on its lush leaves.
"Where am I?" was the first thought that entered her head, as she tried to recall her last memory. Then she realized that she was currently lying on a comfy mattress with a warm blanket draped over her, a sharp change from the rough sleeping conditions she had grown used to over the past weeks.
Armir turned over carefully in bed, and was surprised to discover that she was able to move with neither pain or difficulty. Her body seemed to have been revived to a state stronger than it has been in a long time.
She managed to get a good look at her surroundings when she finally sat up. She was in a tree dwelling of some sort, one that was no more than large platform wedged securely between strong branches. It was open at all sides save one, where a light screen stood. Apart from the bed she was on, the only other pieces of furniture in sight were a small table and two chairs.
Armir frowned, suddenly feeling wary in spite of the pleasantness around her. What was this place? Where were the rest of her companions?
Just then, a cry of surprise cut into Armir's thinking. She gasped as she saw a brunette head poke through a hole at the center of the floor. The gray eyes of a young girl stared back at her as she climbed further up, till she stood in front of the startled princess.
"Who are you?" Armir demanded as the girl approached her.
An excited smile was on her face when she rushed to Armir's side. "Praise be! She is awake at last!" the girl shouted in Elvish, ignoring Armir's question. She looked back at the hole she had just entered from. "Come, quick!"
Realizing that this elf did not understand Westron, Armir switched to her native tongue.
"Manke naa amin?" she asked, changing her inquiry.
A second voice, one that was deeper and graver, answered her in Common.
"You are in Lorien, Armir of Rivendell."
Armir's eyes widened as she beheld the tall stranger that was now standing across the platform, having emerged from the floor entrance as her first visitor had done. She knew that face very well. . .
"Haldir?!" she gasped, rising from the bed in spite of the sudden weakening in her knees.
A gentle smile broke across the male elf's stern face. He stepped forward and bowed low to her.
"Cormamin lindua ele lle, Tarienamin. (My heart sings to see thee, my Princess)." he greeted, gray eyes sparking as he reassumed his perfect posture.
Filled with elation at the sight of him, Armir rushed over and threw her arms around his neck.
"I cannot believe this!" she exclaimed happily. "It is so good to see you!"
Haldir laughed and lifted her up slightly in his embrace. "I have missed you so much." he whispered, planting a kiss on her forehead before setting her back down.
"As I have you." Armir told him sincerely, stepping back to get a full look at the handsome Lorien March Warden.
Haldir took her hands in his and gazed at her in concern. "How are you feeling?" he asked. "We have all been so worried. It seemed as though you would never wake."
"I feel fine." Armir answered. "Better than I have for many days, actually. What happened? How did I get here?"
"I met your companions at our borders, and they said you were in need of a healer. I took you from them and then rushed you here for immediate care." Haldir explained, shaking his head. He reached over and cradled her face in one large hand. "It frightened me so, Armir. I thought you had been badly hurt, but as it turned out you were in no more than a deep sleep."
"Sleep?" Armir repeated in confusion. "Was that all?"
Haldir nodded. "You were unconscious for three whole days. But the healers found no illness, and no wounds save the one on your back. It was very peculiar." he said. He regarded the maiden curiously. "We were hoping you could give us some explanation."
"I. . . I do not know." Armir stammered, suddenly filled with bewilderment. "All I remember was feeling much pain before I finally fainted."
Haldir brushed her dark hair from her face and slid his arms back around her waist. "Think no more of it right now." he told her firmly. "Perhaps the answers will come once you have taken more rest. The important thing is you are in safe hands."
"All right." Armir smiled at him, then nestled contentedly back into his ready arms. It felt so good to be in her dear friend's embrace again, where she never failed to find comfort. The way he held her close, so warm and caring, felt so much like. . . Legolas.
Armir's eye widened. Legolas!
She pulled away from Haldir abruptly, trying to hide the guilty flush that was creeping across her cheeks.
"My friends." she murmured, avoiding the surprised look on the elf's face. "Where are they now? They must be worried sick about me."
"They are staying in a pavilion not too far from here, since the hobbits were not comfortable with sleeping in the trees." Haldir replied.
He paused, a queer gleam entering his eyes. "The Elven prince has been especially anxious to see you. He has been visiting hour upon hour, and it took a dreadful scolding from the healers to finally get him to leave you in peace." he said with a slight smirk. "When you first arrived, I almost had to fight him before he let me take you."
Pretending not to hear the last remark, Armir turned away. "I must go see them at once."
At that point, she realized that her own clothes were gone, and she was wrapped in only a light silken dressing robe.
"Your garments were in poor state, so I had them thrown away." Haldir spoke up, as if reading her thoughts. As Armir faced him again he gestured towards the pretty elf maiden that had called him earlier.
"This is Laicristiel, one of the Lady's handmaidens." he introduced, switching back to Elvish so the servant girl would understand. "She will attend to all of your needs during your stay in Lorien."
Armir's eyes widened. "That really isn't necessary." she protested. "I can care for myself."
"Lady Galadriel insists." Haldir interrupted. "You are after all, not only a princess, but her direct kin."
Armir's heart skipped a beat. She had never seen her great- grandmother before, for neither of them had ever left their respective homelands to pay the other a visit. "When shall I get to see her?" she asked excitedly. "I would very much like to meet her at last."
Haldir smiled. "She will call on you later this afternoon." he assured the maiden. "In the meantime, Laicristiel will help you get dressed while I go inform Legolas and the others of your condition. I am sure they will be very eager to see you."
Before Armir could protest, the March Warden turned and took his exit back down the hole.
"Well, my lady." Laicristiel said brightly the moment they were alone. "Let us get started, shall we?"
A half hour later, Armir was standing behind a changing screen, slipping into the new gown Laicristiel had fetched for her. It was one of the prettiest dresses she had ever worn in her life. Made of a silvery- blue satin, it had a tight bodice that fitted around her slim figure perfectly. The long, flowing sleeves were made of a lighter, gauzy material that revealed her graceful arms. It had a wide, modest neckline, but a back that dipped low enough to expose most of her behind. Laicristiel had fixed up her hair so that two slim braids wound around her head, held in place at the back by a jeweled hairpin. The rest of her raven locks tumbled freely down to her waist.
"Oh, my lady! You look so lovely!" Laicristiel squealed the moment Armir stepped from behind the screen into her view.
"Thank you." Armir said, somewhat embarrassed by the girl's enthusiasm.
"Not since Arwen Undomiel has Lorien hosted such a stunning visitor." Laicristiel went on cheerfully, as she came forward to smoothen the long skirt of the dress.
"You knew my aunt?" Armir asked curiously.
"Aye. I had the pleasure of waiting on her during her last stay here. I have served Lady Galadriel for over three hundred years now." Laicristiel explained. Her eyes sparkled with laughter. "I am much older than I look or act, Princess."
She straightened up and stepped back, her eyes carefully scrutinizing Armir from head to toe. "The fit is perfect." she remarked, nodding her head in approval.
"Yes." Armir agreed, running her fingers down her satiny waist. "How in the world did you know what size to get me?"
"Haldir helped, of course." Laicristiel replied with a shrug. "He seems to know practically everything about you."
Armir sighed and nodded. "We are great friends." she said simply. "How about you? Have you known him long?"
"We grew up together." Laicristiel answered with a smile. "Believe me, he did not always look as good as he does at present." She rolled her eyes. "But over the past few centuries or so he has become the popular target of every Lorien maiden's affections."
Armir shifted her weight uneasily. "Then has he married yet? Or has he taken a lover?" she inquired.
"Haldir? Nay!" Laicristiel scoffed. "Many throw themselves at his feet, but he shows interest in none. It seems that no maiden will ever be good enough for him, the high and mighty Captain of the Galadrim." She raised her eyebrows. "In fact, I have never seen him display so much affection for anyone as he did with you earlier."
"It is just that we have not seen each other for a very long time." Armir said quickly, then changed the topic to cover up the obvious blush invading her face. "Why? Have you an interest in him?"
Laicristiel giggled. "Good heavens, no!" she exclaimed. "His seriousness and bullheaded ways are certainly not of my liking. Besides, my heart already belongs to his brother, Rumil. Haldir is my brother-in- law."
"Oh!" Armir said, as she burst into laughter as well.
"What is so funny?"
The two maidens turned to the entrance of the talan, and found the object of their conversation staring at them skeptically.
"Oh. . . nothing much." Laicristiel replied, giving Armir a wink as Haldir climbed onto the platform.
Hadlir shot his friend a wary look before facing Armir. "Legolas is on his way here. . ." he began to say, but the succeeding words faded on his lips as his eyes fully gazed upon her.
"You are so beautiful." he whispered, a mix of admiration and wonder in his voice. Armir noticed he said this in Westron, which caused Laicristiel to glare at him suspiciously.
"Thank you." Armir replied shyly, also in Westron. Her blue eyes met his gray ones, causing a sudden loss of breath that dismayed her greatly.
After what felt like eternity, Haldir turned his gaze away. "Legolas is coming to fetch you." he continued, a strange look crossing his features as he said this. "Are you finished getting ready?"
"You do not rush a Princess!" Laicristiel scolded, giving him a light slap on the shoulder. "Anyhow, there is just one last thing. . ."
The handmaiden crossed the talan to where the table stood. From a wooden box resting on its surface she drew out an intricately crafted circlet made of pristine silver.
"The Lady asked that you wear this." Laicristiel said with a smile, as she walked back to Armir and carefully set the headdress upon her hair.
Armir touched the blue jewel that dangled from the circlet to rest on the center of her forehead. "I cannot. This is too much." she said softly.
"Nonsense!" Laicristiel said firmly. "It is an ornament only fitting for an elf of your stature."
Haldir nodded in agreement. "It is meant to distinguish you from the rest of the Galadrim." he told Armir gently. "It signifies that you are royalty, and must be treated as such."
Just then, something seemed to catch the March Warden's attention. He walked over to the edge of the talan and peered to the ground below.
"The Prince has arrived." he announced.
Laicristiel came to stand beside him and likewise gazed down to where the Mirkwood elf stood by the mallorn tree.
"Oh my. He IS a gorgeous one, isn't he?" she remarked, sounding somewhat dreamy.
"That sounds like something I am obliged to report to Rumil." Haldir warned, throwing her a stern glare in spite of the amusement in his voice.
"You will most certainly not!" Laicristiel snapped back, punching him on the arm.
Armir laughed. "Well, I suppose I must go now." she said, making her way towards the two elves. "Thank you so much for your help, Laicristiel."
"It was a pleasure, my lady." the handmaiden replied with a graceful curtsy.
Armir then faced Haldir, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Shall I see you again sometime?"
"Perhaps." Haldir said quietly, and gave her a bow so formal and a smile so cold it stung her.
"Enjoy your day, your Highness."
* * *
"Armir!"
Legolas rushed forward and pulled the girl into his arms the moment she got off the ladder leading from the talan. Holding her tightly against him, he felt all the anxiety that had been plaguing him for the past few days gradually slip away.
"Yallume! (At last!)" he exclaimed. "I have been worried out of my mind!"
"I am all right." Armir murmured, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Forgive me for causing you so much trouble."
Legolas drew away slightly, and moved his hands from her back to the sides of her face. "What happened to you?" he asked. "I have been tormented with much fear, not knowing what was wrong, whether there was anything I could do, if I would see you again. . ."
Armir placed a finger on Legolas' mouth, cutting off his hysterics. As she kissed him deeply the burden weighing on his spirit was instantly lifted.
"Let us have no more talk of that now, my love." Armir whispered, when their finally lips parted. "What is matters is I am with you again, safe and sound."
"Manka lle merna. (If you wish.)" Legolas answered. "But I must ask for the assurance that you are now in completely good health."
"I am perfectly fine." Armir assured him. "I was overcome by a severe case of exhaustion, and nothing more. Do not fret. Next time, I shall see to it that my body is not pushed too far off its limits."
"And what of your injury?" Legolas inquired. Without waiting for an answer, he ran his fingers over the part of her back where he know the arrow had struck. All that met his touch was the pleasing silkiness of her soft skin.
"The Lorien healers do remarkable work. I feel no more pain." Armir promised. She smiled and laid her head back on his chest, nuzzling his neck teasingly. "My poor, protective guardian. Must you always be such a worrywart?"
Legolas cracked a smile at last. "Only when it comes to you, Princess." he said, brushing his fingers through her hair.
"Where are the others?" Armir asked, when Legolas finally released her from his doting embrace.
"Waiting back at the pavilion, where the Galadrim have accommodated us for our stay." Legolas replied, taking her hand. "Come now, they are very anxious to see you."
"It was a pity I had been unconscious when we first arrived in Lorien. I missed the whole experience of hiking to Caras Galadon." Armir remarked, as they began walking down the forest trail together. "How was it?"
Legolas scowled. "Speak not of that horrid experience." he grumbled. "I was far too concerned about you to notice anything else. The nerve of that March Warden, forbidding me to take you to the city myself."
"You mean Haldir?" Armir said, her brow furrowing at the annoyed tone of his voice.
"Yes. He refused to let me go ahead of the Fellowship. He said it was necessary that I stay with our other comrades since I was the only elf in the company." He paused, shaking his head as his frown deepened. "I had no other choice but to allow him to take you, otherwise you may not have gotten to the healers in time. Thus I was stuck on that excruciating two day journey where an elf named Orophin insisted on leading us in the slowest pace possible."
Armir smiled and squeezed his hand affectionately. "Come now. It could not have been so awful." she admonished.
Legolas shrugged. "All right." he conceded. "Perhaps I am overstating. I suppose the bitterness I feel is merely my grudge against that conceited elf."
"Conceited!" Armir exclaimed. "Haldir is not conceited!"
The unmistakable dissent in her voice and expression caught Legolas' attention at once. He stopped in his tracks, facing the maiden with a look of misgiving on his face.
"What exactly is your relation to him?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "He told us you two had met before, in Rivendell, and that you know each other very well."
Armir stared back at him directly, though for a moment she appeared flustered by this sudden confrontation. "That is true. We became close friends." she answered truthfully.
Legolas' eyebrows rose. "Mere friends?"
Armir sighed. "I cannot lie. Haldir. . . he was my first love." she confessed, lowering her gaze so she wouldn't have to meet Legolas' eyes. "Our relationship lasted for no more than a month, and ended the day he left Rivendell to go back home to Lorien. We parted in agreement to remain just friends."
"And does that agreement hold true to this day?"
Armir lifted her face immediately. "Of course!" she said, placing her hand on Legolas' arm, which stiffened a little upon feeling her touch.
"It did not seem that way when we first arrived at Lorien. I saw the look on his face when he laid eyes upon you. The way he spoke of you and held you. . . " Legolas' voice trailed off, his resentment apparently increasing. He turned away, not wanting the maiden to see the anger clouding his face.
There was a moment of silence before he felt gentle hands upon his back, stroking him in an attempt to ease his fury.
"Legolas, please." Armir said softly, sounding somewhat hurt. "Do not harbor any more jealousies, for there is nothing to be envious about. Haldir is the past, you are present. I am in love with you, and no longer with him."
At last, Legolas sighed and faced her once again, taking her hands.
"Forgive me." he said, shaking his head. "You are absolutely right. I fear my over-protectiveness of you is a great fault I have yet to over come."
He leaned over to kiss her nose and smiled. "I shall speak of it no more from now on, I promise."
* * *
Aragorn stood up immediately the moment he caught sight of Legolas and Armir approaching. He came forward to embrace the elf maiden as she ran to him.
"Thank the Valar you are well." he murmured, feeling much relief at the sight of his friend so vibrant once more. "You frightened me nearly out of my wits."
The Ranger gazed at her in full as they parted. "Haldir told us of your condition." he said, stroking her face gently. "Are you certain it was no more than fatigue? Do you feel no pain or any strange sensations?"
Armir nodded, and gave him a reassuring smile. "I regret that I had to alarm everyone like this, but I promise it will not happen again." she told him. "I will take better care next time."
"We are just happy to see you up and about again." Aragorn replied, giving the maiden's cheek one last pat before stepping aside to let their other friends greet her.
"What? What is it?" Legolas asked, as Aragorn came to stand beside him. Apparently the concern on the man's face was not as veiled as he hoped it would be.
Aragorn sighed. "I feel there is something amiss here. There is more to her earlier malady than mere weariness." he said in a low, grim voice. "She dismisses the ailment too easily."
Legolas frowned. "Armir would never lie." he said tersely.
"Of course." Aragorn said quickly. "I would never doubt that she speaks the truth. And so does Haldir. But perhaps we should consider the possibility that her affliction is one beyond our understanding, and even that of the Galadrim healers."
Legolas' brow creased. "I do not understand." he murmured. "Do you believe that there are supernatural powers at work?"
Aragorn hesitated. He could sense the anxiety already growing in Legolas, and the last thing he wanted was to cause the elf any more worries. At least, not when he himself was still uncertain of what exactly was going on. For now, it would probably be best to act as though there was nothing to be troubled about. . . yet.
Finally, he patted Legolas' shoulder. "Think no more of it. It probably does not matter, anyway." he told him with a smile. "She has recovered and seems to be in better health than ever. We should just be content that it turned out to be nothing serious."
Legolas opened his mouth as though he meant to pursue the topic, but was thankfully called by Armir before he could say a word.
Aragorn watched with ominous feelings in his heart as his little sister laughed in the company of her friends and newfound lover. Since the beginning of this journey he had been hoping and praying that she be spared from any accidents or misfortunes. But now, more than ever, he could no longer reject the daunting intuition that something very wrong was going to happen.
And what upset him most of all was the mounting doubt that he-- or even Legolas-- could do anything to stop it.
* * *
The sun had set in the Golden Wood, and from where Frodo lay under a mallorn tree it seemed as though the whole world was at peace and quiet. The hobbit gazed up at the swaying branches high above his head, admiring the way the leaves seemed to turn silver as the soft moonlight reflected off them. He sighed and closed his eyes. It was a pity the beauty of this night was spoilt by the sadness continually and uncontrollably brewing in his heart.
A few days had passed since their ordeal in the Mines. But even the lapsing time did not seem to ease the grief he felt. If ever, it just made the aching worse.
Frodo sat up miserably and wiped his tearing eyes with his sleeve. Gandalf was dead. He still could not believe that his old friend was gone. How could he possibly go on without him? How could he ever continue this accursed journey knowing that, next time, yet another one of his friends could also perish? For the millionth time Frodo wished that the Ring had never come his way. All it has brought so far was pain and loss not just to him, but to the people he cared about.
The hobbit clenched his fist around the golden hoop that hung on the chain around his neck. He sorely wanted to give up. He longed to just abandon the Ring and leave, go back home to the Shire where he would hopefully never have to think of it again.
If only he could. . .
"Do you mind if I sit with you?"
Frodo looked up and found a lovely pair of blue eyes shining down at him.
"Not at all." he said at once, rather surprised by his readiness for company. Lately all he wanted was to be alone in his thoughts and feelings. But then again, Armir was one person whose presence he could never turn down, or ever desired to.
"What are you doing here?" he asked the elf as she settled on the soft grass beside him. "I thought you were with Legolas."
Armir laughed. "I was, but then we received news about Gimli getting in some sort of trouble with the Galadrim soldiers. Legolas went to help him out, and I told him I would just meet him back at the pavilion." she explained.
She then looked at the hobbit with a smile. "What about you? Why are you all by your lonesome here?" she inquired. Where is Sam?"
"I just wanted to be on my own for a while." Frodo replied, turning away from her concerned gaze. "To do some thinking."
"I see."
There was a long pause after that before the maiden spoke further.
"I am sorry about Gandalf." she said softly. "I never got the chance to know him well, but he was always very nice to me. I know you and he were great friends."
Frodo nodded wordlessly. He was not surprised that the elf was able to identify exactly what was bothering him, but what took him aback was that, for once, he did not feel upset about opening up the subject.
He then felt a light touch on his hand. "Frodo. . ." Armir said slowly. "If there is anything upsetting you, you can talk to me."
The care in her voice shattered the dam holding back Frodo's emotional flood. At the same time, the sincerity he felt radiating from Armir washed away all the shame he felt in letting it all out.
"It's just that I am so tired of this, Armir!" he blurted out. "I cannot hold out any longer. I do not wish to go on with his quest."
Even at this outburst, the elf remained silent, merely keeping her hand on his to encourage him to go on.
"I don't even know anymore why I had to become the Ring Bearer." Frodo went on. "I am nobody. I have done nothing right so far. I have merely placed harm upon every friend who comes near me."
"Frodo." Armir said, firmly but gently. "Gandalf's death was not of your doing. It was nobody's fault."
Tears spilled over the hobbit's eyes. "I should have been the one to die in Moria. Gandalf did not deserve to lose his life for the sake of someone like me."
"Oh, Frodo." Armir whispered, placing her hand on his cheek. "You still do not understand how special you are." She smiled as she dried his face. "Can you not see that all of us in the Fellowship are ready to give up our lives just for you? You are the Ring Bearer, and that alone requires us to do everything in our power to help you accomplish your mission."
"Why must it be me?" Frodo wailed. "Why must I bear this terrible Ring? I no longer understand how Fate could have chosen it for my duty."
Armir sighed. "We do not know how these things happen, neither can we question why they do." she murmured. "If it is the will of the Valar, all we can do is have faith in their wisdom, and hope for the best."
She stroked Frodo's head kindly. "You are stronger than you seem and braver than you think, Frodo. No other person could have possibly endured the burden as well as you have so far. I do not think the Ring would have been entrusted to you had Fate not believed you were fit for the responsibility."
"Gandalf accepted his task to protect you at all costs because he believed in you. It was his own choice to sacrifice himself." she continued. "Will you now refuse to carry on even after he gave up so much to help you find your way?"
Frodo was silently in thought for a long time. His earlier misgivings and resentments seemed to have dissolved with the Elven princess' wise words.
Armir was right. He had gone too far to give up now. The Ring was meant to be with him, and he cannot deny the duty it comprised. Gandalf would never have wanted him to surrender to fear and grief. The least he could do was honor his friend's memory by not letting him down.
"No." the hobbit whispered at last. He lifted his face bravely. "You are right. I will go on. I will carry the Ring to Mordor, and I will not rest until it has been destroyed."
Armir's face shone as she beamed at him. "You are an extraordinary person, Frodo of the Shire." she told him, before pulling him to her embrace. "I do not doubt that you will succeed, and all of Middle Earth shall someday praise your name."
Frodo felt strength and peace return to him as the elf maiden took him in her loving arms. And at that moment, he understood at last the real reason why Elrond's granddaughter was sent with the Fellowship on their quest to Mount Doom.
* * *
"What a lovely night this is." Armir thought to herself, as she walked down one of the many grassy paths that wound through the forests of Lorien. "This realm is truly as beautiful as they all say. I am so glad we have decided to stay here and rest for a while."
After she had met Legolas at the pavilion it had taken a lot of persuasion before he finally allowed her to go for a walk around Lorien by herself. She loved her guardian dearly but, like Frodo, she longed to at last have some time to herself. She needed an opportunity to sort out the many things that have been rapidly taking place over the past few weeks. The feelings that have surfaced, the changes that have occurred, and the questions that have yet to be answered.
Armir sighed and paused in her tracks. She gazed up at the clear night sky, where stars twinkled brightly like tiny white lanterns. Instantly she was reminded of her grandfather, with whom she used to always share quiet moments like this one.
"I miss you, Minyaatar." she whispered to the wind. Seconds later a soft breeze blew against her, caressing her face and hair and giving her the assurance that he felt the same way.
The maiden closed her eyes and just stood there for the longest time, allowing herself the pleasure of enjoying the serenity and still beauty of her surroundings. It was not until a soft voice caught her attention did she open her eyes again.
"You are so much like your mother."
Armir whirled around and stared wide-eyed as a stunning, elegant- looking elf maiden with long golden hair and a gentle smile approached her slowly from behind the trees. The stranger was dressed in a regal white dress, and a silver circlet resembling the one she was wearing lay on her head. She moved with a grace that surpassed that of any noble Armir has ever met, and bore a warm radiance that seemed to shine light on everything she passed.
"Who are you?" Armir asked, taking an apprehensive step backwards as the elf came close. She did not mean to appear or sound so rude, but the stranger's presence stuck her with so much wonder that it was difficult not to feel fearful.
The maiden laughed, the sound of her voice pleasantly melodious. She shook her head.
"And much like your father, as well." she murmured, blue eyes sparkling as they gazed upon Armir's face.
Armir gasped, overcome by sudden horror and realization. She went down on her knees at once, bowing her head.
"Forgive me, my Lady. I did not know. . ." she stammered, her cheeks reddening with shame.
Gentle hands held her arms and urged her back up. Armir felt herself being pulled into a warm embrace that seemed almost identical to that of her grandfather. Immediately she sensed all her fears and discomfort flee from her, and all that remained was the coziness one felt in the company of someone he has known all his life.
"My darling, it is so good to lay eyes upon you at last." Galadriel whispered into the stunned princess' ear. She drew away and planted a loving kiss on her forehead. "I cannot tell you how my heart has longed for this moment."
Armir felt tears of joy slip from her eyes as she met the gaze of her great-grandmother. "I am so happy to finally meet you." she choked out, feeling as though her heart would rip open with excitement.
Galadriel nodded and stoked her face. "Praise Elbereth for bringing you to me safe and sound." she said. "I feared the journey would be long and hard for you, little one, but I am glad you have made it through unharmed."
"I am just very pleased to be in Lorien." Armir replied, suddenly giddy with enthusiasm.
"And Lorien is very fortunate to have you, I am sure." the Lady told her with a fond smile. "Come now, you shall dine with myself and my Lord for tonight. He is very anxious to see you again, and there is much we have to talk about."
She took her great-granddaughter's hand and began to lead her through the woods.
"Welcome home, daughter of Elladan."
* * *
"Have you any plans for dinner, Haldir?" Rumil asked his older brother, as they walked though Caras Galadon together after returning from archery practice. "Perhaps you would like to join Laicristiel and myself tonight."
Haldir shook his head. "Thank you, but I am not hungry." he answered dismissively.
"Of course." Orophin scoffed from where he walked in between his two siblings. "Silly question, Rumil! Since when did the invincible Captain Haldir of the Galadrim need nourishment or rest? He is above all of that."
Haldir merely rolled his eyes at his brothers' teasing. He tried to think of a stinging comeback that would shut them up as he always did, but tonight he just couldn't find it in himself to banter with them.
"What is this?" Orophin said, surprised by Haldir's silence. "No snappy retort? No 'act your age, Orophin' lectures?" He grinned, turning to Rumil. "Are you certain this is our brother?"
Rumil smiled. "Come now, Orophin." he scolded. "Haldir is in no mood for your joking today. He has a lot on his mind right now."
Orophin chuckled. "Oh, you mean that princess from Rivendell?" he said mischievously. "Do you fancy her, Haldir? Who would not? I think she is the most beautiful elf I have ever seen, next to the Lady of course."
"Yes. I cannot believe you made friends with a maiden as fair as she but then never even spoke of her until today!" Rumil said, shaking his head.
"It was a long time ago." Haldir mumbled, avoiding his brother's eager faces. "And there was nothing much to tell."
"What is she like?" Orophin asked, a dreamy look coming over his face. "Do you think I may have a chance at winning her heart?"
Haldir smirked. "Do not get your hopes up." he told him, making his voice cold to mask the bitterness in his heart. "She already has a sweetheart-- Legolas of Mirkwood.
"The prince of the Woodland Realm!" Orophin exclaimed, his face falling. "That rules me out, then."
"Do not despair, brother." Rumil comforted, draping an arm around his shoulder. "Some lovely maiden out there will take you in yet."
Haldir, lost in this own thoughts, blocked out the sounds of his chattering siblings as they continued their walk home. He sighed and stared glumly down at the ground his feet treaded upon.
Thirty-three years had gone by since he last saw Armir in Rivendell. He had thought those long years were enough to finally soothe the pain of their parting and their broken love. Up until this morning, Haldir had thought he was over the princess. But when he saw her earlier with that self-important elf Legolas, he immediately realized how gravely mistaken he was.
What could he possibly do now? It was clear that Armir no longer cared for him that way. For a moment Haldir almost wished that she had not come to Lorien at all. Then he would not have to bear the sight of her in the arms of her new lover, nor hold back the startling abundance of emotions it seemed he still had for her.
"Master Haldir! Sir!"
Haldir snapped back to his usual, rigid stance as Tanorod, one of the Galadrim sentries at the house of the Lord and Lady, approached.
"Lord Celeborn has called for you." the young soldier informed the March Warden. "He is presently at their home having dinner, but he wishes to speak to you afterward."
"Certainly." Haldir responded briskly. He nodded at Rumil and Orophin, telling them to go on without him, before following Tanorod.
When Haldir had climbed to great talan that seated the royal house of Celeborn and Galadriel, he saw three people standing outside its great doors. He froze in his tracks briefly. It was Armir, in the company of her great-grandparents.
Before the March Warden could make any further moves, the Lord looked up and caught sight of him.
"Ah! Haldir!" he said with a fond smile for the elf he had almost come to know as his own son. "Come, join us!"
For the first time in his life, Haldir obeyed his Lord's command in reluctance, but still with profound reverence in his heart. He bowed low to them before speaking.
"You called for me, my Lord?"
Celeborn nodded and gestured towards Armir where she stood beside him. "Tomorrow, I would like for you to show the Princess around Lorien." he explained. "It is unfortunate that she was not able to enjoy the earlier trip coming here to Caras Galadon, but perhaps you may remedy that by taking her on a special tour."
For a moment, Haldir was taken aback with surprise that transformed into dismay. "I, my Lord?"
"Of course." Celeborn said, seeming a little confused by Haldir's unusual reaction. "After all, no one knows our forests better than you do. If I am correct, you shall be off duty starting tomorrow, will you not?"
"I will, my Lord." Haldir mumbled, recognizing defeat.
"Splendid! It is settled then!" Celeborn announced, looking very pleased.
"Oh, and one more thing Haldir." Galadriel spoke up. "Before you retire to your home, please escort Armir back to her talan. I do not wish for her to walk alone at so late an hour."
"As you wish, my Lady." Haldir said humbly, managing to bow his head gracefully in spite of the sudden jerk of his heart.
How much more temptation could he possibly endure?!
Haldir watched with growing apprehension as Armir bid her great- grandparents goodnight. The last thing he needed right now was more of his former lover's company. The more time he spent with her, the more he yearned for her-- and that was simply unacceptable now.
But there was no way he would ever be able to refuse a request from his Lord and Lady. He was simply going to have to obey and pray his self- control was stronger than he usually thought to be.
After helping Armir down the ladder from the talan, he offered her his arm, and she took it graciously. They then began the walk in unpleasant silence.
* * *
Armir cast yet another sideway glance at the elf walking beside her, a slight frown on her face as she observed the disconcerting iciness of his expression. Haldir has been acting very strangely since they left the Lord and Lady's talan-- very unlike the way he was this morning when they first met. He did not seem to want to look at her, but instead strode straight on with his eyes glued firmly on the path ahead of them. She had tried to break the unusual aloofness between them by asking questions about Galadrim life, but he only gave her one-word answers, indicating that he was in no mood for chatter. Finally, she decided to give up and just succumb to his stubborn silence.
As she snuck another gaze at him, Armir was suddenly struck by the reminder of how handsome the March Warden was. It has been so long since they last saw each other, and it seemed she has forgotten how much she admired his strong, attractive features, his proud stance, the intelligent gleam of his keen gray eyes, his broad shoulders and impressively built body, the graceful curves of his soft lips. . .
Armir's eyes widened as she realized she was beginning to fantasize about their past. "Stop it!" she scolded herself, feeling sudden shame. Her romance with Haldir was ancient history. Such thoughts about him were no longer permitted.
At last, the walk ended and they reached her talan, much to the maiden's relief. She didn't know how much more of his uncomfortable silence she could take.
"I shall come and fetch you here shortly after sunrise." Haldir told her curtly, dropping his arm on which her hand rested. "It would be best to start the day early if you wish to see more of Lorien."
He gave her a smile so forced it almost looked pained, then bowed. "Quel du, Tarien. (Good night, Princess.)"
Armir bit her lip hesitantly and watched as he turned and began to walk away. She just couldn't let him leave like this!
"Haldir, wait!" she blurted out before she could stop herself.
Thankfully, the March Warden heeded her call quite easily. Spinning back around he looked at her with offhand expectance. "Yes?"
"Are you. . . angry with me?" Armir asked softly, struggling not to sound too pathetic in spite of the horrendous fact that she could feel tears coming.
Immediately Haldir's face softened, apparently noticing the growing hurt on her face. He stepped back towards the girl.
"I can never be angry with you, Armir. You know that." he told her gently. "If I have made you feel otherwise, I am sorry. It is just that it has been a long day, and I am very tired."
Armir nodded. "I was just worried by your coldness." she murmured. She smiled shyly and reached up to stroke his cheek. "For a moment there I thought the old Haldir had returned to plague me once more."
Haldir chuckled as they both recalled their first encounters, which had been anything but cordial. The March Warden's arrogance and pomposity had clashed greatly with the elf maiden's meekness and humility, but eventually her influence won over his, and she ended up reforming him.
"That can never happen." he assured her. "You did your work well."
"I have missed you so, Haldir." Armir said wistfully. "I am glad grandfather finally allowed me to travel. For the longest time I feared that I would never see you again."
Haldir smiled as he took her hand. "It is like I told you, remember?" he said, entwining his fingers through hers. "If it were meant to be, we would meet again somehow. And here we are."
Without waiting for a response, the March Warden leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Quel kaima (sleep well), Armir." he whispered, allowing his eyes to meet hers for a moment before turning away. "Tenna' tul're. (Until tomorrow.)"
The maiden stood, staring after him until his back completely faded out of sight. She felt all the more confused. She knew her own feelings were clear, and that she no longer loved Haldir as anything more than a cherished friend. But why did she somehow sense he did not quite share in that?
"Quel du, Mellonamin. (Good night, my friend.)" Armir murmured, before finally turning to climb up her talan.
Perhaps tomorrow, the answers would be clearer.
* * *
COMING UP. . . Chapter 8 - Rivals
NOTE: Okay, so I know you're ready to kill me now 'coz I have not yet revealed what the HECK went wrong with Armir. It's going to stay a mystery for a little while. The next chapter is relatively lighter and less serious, and is (obviously) going to focus more on the tension between Legolas and Haldir (whoo-ha!), so I guess that will make up for having to be kept in the dark about Armir's ailment for a while. It's gonna be a BLAST, I promise. . .
See y'all soon! Don't forget to come back in a few days! (Maybe Monday or Tuesday.) REVIEWS PLS! ;p
Hey readers! Since this chapter is unusually long I will make my announcements brief:
The Fellowship is finally in Lorien, and will stay there for the next three chapters (not incl. this one). Their time in Lorien will focus more on the Legolas-Armir-Haldir love triangle, so yes, the romance and drama will get quite intense here.
When I finish this story, my next project will be a prequel about Armir and Haldir's first meeting and lost romance in Rivendell- entitled "MATTERS OF THE HEART". Any questions you might have about their relationship that are not answered in the next few chapters will definitely be answered there.
I really appreciate corrections (that way I can redeem myself before the flamers get a chance to roast me). If you see anything wrong with my names, interpretations, or descriptions, pls. do not hesitate to let me know so I can do something about it if still possible.
ARMIR'S AGE: Eighty-three, making her an extremely young elf. That makes her a few years younger than Aragorn (as earlier mentioned) and means she met Haldir when she was only fifty. (Older men tripping on a younger chick! Yikes! Hehehe. . . )
THANK YOU for the reviews! Pls. keep them coming. A few responses: JYNESSEA: Thanks for the correction. (I should have known better than to trust that blasted source.) I will fix it asap. Do I like Haldir? Is Legolas an elf? Hahaha.; LILENA & ICY878: A love triangle is exactly what I have in mind! Hehehe. . . but no worries, this is still first and foremost a Legolas fic; CRYSTAL FIRE: The chapters will keep getting better and better, I promise!
HAPPY READING!
* * *
THE SACRIFICE
Chapter Seven - Refuge
Warmth was the first sensation to greet Armir as she slowly opened her eyes. She blinked in confusion as her vision gradually cleared, then stared upward. What met her weak gaze were thick tree branches swaying gently above her, the gentle sunlight reflecting on its lush leaves.
"Where am I?" was the first thought that entered her head, as she tried to recall her last memory. Then she realized that she was currently lying on a comfy mattress with a warm blanket draped over her, a sharp change from the rough sleeping conditions she had grown used to over the past weeks.
Armir turned over carefully in bed, and was surprised to discover that she was able to move with neither pain or difficulty. Her body seemed to have been revived to a state stronger than it has been in a long time.
She managed to get a good look at her surroundings when she finally sat up. She was in a tree dwelling of some sort, one that was no more than large platform wedged securely between strong branches. It was open at all sides save one, where a light screen stood. Apart from the bed she was on, the only other pieces of furniture in sight were a small table and two chairs.
Armir frowned, suddenly feeling wary in spite of the pleasantness around her. What was this place? Where were the rest of her companions?
Just then, a cry of surprise cut into Armir's thinking. She gasped as she saw a brunette head poke through a hole at the center of the floor. The gray eyes of a young girl stared back at her as she climbed further up, till she stood in front of the startled princess.
"Who are you?" Armir demanded as the girl approached her.
An excited smile was on her face when she rushed to Armir's side. "Praise be! She is awake at last!" the girl shouted in Elvish, ignoring Armir's question. She looked back at the hole she had just entered from. "Come, quick!"
Realizing that this elf did not understand Westron, Armir switched to her native tongue.
"Manke naa amin?" she asked, changing her inquiry.
A second voice, one that was deeper and graver, answered her in Common.
"You are in Lorien, Armir of Rivendell."
Armir's eyes widened as she beheld the tall stranger that was now standing across the platform, having emerged from the floor entrance as her first visitor had done. She knew that face very well. . .
"Haldir?!" she gasped, rising from the bed in spite of the sudden weakening in her knees.
A gentle smile broke across the male elf's stern face. He stepped forward and bowed low to her.
"Cormamin lindua ele lle, Tarienamin. (My heart sings to see thee, my Princess)." he greeted, gray eyes sparking as he reassumed his perfect posture.
Filled with elation at the sight of him, Armir rushed over and threw her arms around his neck.
"I cannot believe this!" she exclaimed happily. "It is so good to see you!"
Haldir laughed and lifted her up slightly in his embrace. "I have missed you so much." he whispered, planting a kiss on her forehead before setting her back down.
"As I have you." Armir told him sincerely, stepping back to get a full look at the handsome Lorien March Warden.
Haldir took her hands in his and gazed at her in concern. "How are you feeling?" he asked. "We have all been so worried. It seemed as though you would never wake."
"I feel fine." Armir answered. "Better than I have for many days, actually. What happened? How did I get here?"
"I met your companions at our borders, and they said you were in need of a healer. I took you from them and then rushed you here for immediate care." Haldir explained, shaking his head. He reached over and cradled her face in one large hand. "It frightened me so, Armir. I thought you had been badly hurt, but as it turned out you were in no more than a deep sleep."
"Sleep?" Armir repeated in confusion. "Was that all?"
Haldir nodded. "You were unconscious for three whole days. But the healers found no illness, and no wounds save the one on your back. It was very peculiar." he said. He regarded the maiden curiously. "We were hoping you could give us some explanation."
"I. . . I do not know." Armir stammered, suddenly filled with bewilderment. "All I remember was feeling much pain before I finally fainted."
Haldir brushed her dark hair from her face and slid his arms back around her waist. "Think no more of it right now." he told her firmly. "Perhaps the answers will come once you have taken more rest. The important thing is you are in safe hands."
"All right." Armir smiled at him, then nestled contentedly back into his ready arms. It felt so good to be in her dear friend's embrace again, where she never failed to find comfort. The way he held her close, so warm and caring, felt so much like. . . Legolas.
Armir's eye widened. Legolas!
She pulled away from Haldir abruptly, trying to hide the guilty flush that was creeping across her cheeks.
"My friends." she murmured, avoiding the surprised look on the elf's face. "Where are they now? They must be worried sick about me."
"They are staying in a pavilion not too far from here, since the hobbits were not comfortable with sleeping in the trees." Haldir replied.
He paused, a queer gleam entering his eyes. "The Elven prince has been especially anxious to see you. He has been visiting hour upon hour, and it took a dreadful scolding from the healers to finally get him to leave you in peace." he said with a slight smirk. "When you first arrived, I almost had to fight him before he let me take you."
Pretending not to hear the last remark, Armir turned away. "I must go see them at once."
At that point, she realized that her own clothes were gone, and she was wrapped in only a light silken dressing robe.
"Your garments were in poor state, so I had them thrown away." Haldir spoke up, as if reading her thoughts. As Armir faced him again he gestured towards the pretty elf maiden that had called him earlier.
"This is Laicristiel, one of the Lady's handmaidens." he introduced, switching back to Elvish so the servant girl would understand. "She will attend to all of your needs during your stay in Lorien."
Armir's eyes widened. "That really isn't necessary." she protested. "I can care for myself."
"Lady Galadriel insists." Haldir interrupted. "You are after all, not only a princess, but her direct kin."
Armir's heart skipped a beat. She had never seen her great- grandmother before, for neither of them had ever left their respective homelands to pay the other a visit. "When shall I get to see her?" she asked excitedly. "I would very much like to meet her at last."
Haldir smiled. "She will call on you later this afternoon." he assured the maiden. "In the meantime, Laicristiel will help you get dressed while I go inform Legolas and the others of your condition. I am sure they will be very eager to see you."
Before Armir could protest, the March Warden turned and took his exit back down the hole.
"Well, my lady." Laicristiel said brightly the moment they were alone. "Let us get started, shall we?"
A half hour later, Armir was standing behind a changing screen, slipping into the new gown Laicristiel had fetched for her. It was one of the prettiest dresses she had ever worn in her life. Made of a silvery- blue satin, it had a tight bodice that fitted around her slim figure perfectly. The long, flowing sleeves were made of a lighter, gauzy material that revealed her graceful arms. It had a wide, modest neckline, but a back that dipped low enough to expose most of her behind. Laicristiel had fixed up her hair so that two slim braids wound around her head, held in place at the back by a jeweled hairpin. The rest of her raven locks tumbled freely down to her waist.
"Oh, my lady! You look so lovely!" Laicristiel squealed the moment Armir stepped from behind the screen into her view.
"Thank you." Armir said, somewhat embarrassed by the girl's enthusiasm.
"Not since Arwen Undomiel has Lorien hosted such a stunning visitor." Laicristiel went on cheerfully, as she came forward to smoothen the long skirt of the dress.
"You knew my aunt?" Armir asked curiously.
"Aye. I had the pleasure of waiting on her during her last stay here. I have served Lady Galadriel for over three hundred years now." Laicristiel explained. Her eyes sparkled with laughter. "I am much older than I look or act, Princess."
She straightened up and stepped back, her eyes carefully scrutinizing Armir from head to toe. "The fit is perfect." she remarked, nodding her head in approval.
"Yes." Armir agreed, running her fingers down her satiny waist. "How in the world did you know what size to get me?"
"Haldir helped, of course." Laicristiel replied with a shrug. "He seems to know practically everything about you."
Armir sighed and nodded. "We are great friends." she said simply. "How about you? Have you known him long?"
"We grew up together." Laicristiel answered with a smile. "Believe me, he did not always look as good as he does at present." She rolled her eyes. "But over the past few centuries or so he has become the popular target of every Lorien maiden's affections."
Armir shifted her weight uneasily. "Then has he married yet? Or has he taken a lover?" she inquired.
"Haldir? Nay!" Laicristiel scoffed. "Many throw themselves at his feet, but he shows interest in none. It seems that no maiden will ever be good enough for him, the high and mighty Captain of the Galadrim." She raised her eyebrows. "In fact, I have never seen him display so much affection for anyone as he did with you earlier."
"It is just that we have not seen each other for a very long time." Armir said quickly, then changed the topic to cover up the obvious blush invading her face. "Why? Have you an interest in him?"
Laicristiel giggled. "Good heavens, no!" she exclaimed. "His seriousness and bullheaded ways are certainly not of my liking. Besides, my heart already belongs to his brother, Rumil. Haldir is my brother-in- law."
"Oh!" Armir said, as she burst into laughter as well.
"What is so funny?"
The two maidens turned to the entrance of the talan, and found the object of their conversation staring at them skeptically.
"Oh. . . nothing much." Laicristiel replied, giving Armir a wink as Haldir climbed onto the platform.
Hadlir shot his friend a wary look before facing Armir. "Legolas is on his way here. . ." he began to say, but the succeeding words faded on his lips as his eyes fully gazed upon her.
"You are so beautiful." he whispered, a mix of admiration and wonder in his voice. Armir noticed he said this in Westron, which caused Laicristiel to glare at him suspiciously.
"Thank you." Armir replied shyly, also in Westron. Her blue eyes met his gray ones, causing a sudden loss of breath that dismayed her greatly.
After what felt like eternity, Haldir turned his gaze away. "Legolas is coming to fetch you." he continued, a strange look crossing his features as he said this. "Are you finished getting ready?"
"You do not rush a Princess!" Laicristiel scolded, giving him a light slap on the shoulder. "Anyhow, there is just one last thing. . ."
The handmaiden crossed the talan to where the table stood. From a wooden box resting on its surface she drew out an intricately crafted circlet made of pristine silver.
"The Lady asked that you wear this." Laicristiel said with a smile, as she walked back to Armir and carefully set the headdress upon her hair.
Armir touched the blue jewel that dangled from the circlet to rest on the center of her forehead. "I cannot. This is too much." she said softly.
"Nonsense!" Laicristiel said firmly. "It is an ornament only fitting for an elf of your stature."
Haldir nodded in agreement. "It is meant to distinguish you from the rest of the Galadrim." he told Armir gently. "It signifies that you are royalty, and must be treated as such."
Just then, something seemed to catch the March Warden's attention. He walked over to the edge of the talan and peered to the ground below.
"The Prince has arrived." he announced.
Laicristiel came to stand beside him and likewise gazed down to where the Mirkwood elf stood by the mallorn tree.
"Oh my. He IS a gorgeous one, isn't he?" she remarked, sounding somewhat dreamy.
"That sounds like something I am obliged to report to Rumil." Haldir warned, throwing her a stern glare in spite of the amusement in his voice.
"You will most certainly not!" Laicristiel snapped back, punching him on the arm.
Armir laughed. "Well, I suppose I must go now." she said, making her way towards the two elves. "Thank you so much for your help, Laicristiel."
"It was a pleasure, my lady." the handmaiden replied with a graceful curtsy.
Armir then faced Haldir, a hopeful look in her eyes. "Shall I see you again sometime?"
"Perhaps." Haldir said quietly, and gave her a bow so formal and a smile so cold it stung her.
"Enjoy your day, your Highness."
* * *
"Armir!"
Legolas rushed forward and pulled the girl into his arms the moment she got off the ladder leading from the talan. Holding her tightly against him, he felt all the anxiety that had been plaguing him for the past few days gradually slip away.
"Yallume! (At last!)" he exclaimed. "I have been worried out of my mind!"
"I am all right." Armir murmured, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Forgive me for causing you so much trouble."
Legolas drew away slightly, and moved his hands from her back to the sides of her face. "What happened to you?" he asked. "I have been tormented with much fear, not knowing what was wrong, whether there was anything I could do, if I would see you again. . ."
Armir placed a finger on Legolas' mouth, cutting off his hysterics. As she kissed him deeply the burden weighing on his spirit was instantly lifted.
"Let us have no more talk of that now, my love." Armir whispered, when their finally lips parted. "What is matters is I am with you again, safe and sound."
"Manka lle merna. (If you wish.)" Legolas answered. "But I must ask for the assurance that you are now in completely good health."
"I am perfectly fine." Armir assured him. "I was overcome by a severe case of exhaustion, and nothing more. Do not fret. Next time, I shall see to it that my body is not pushed too far off its limits."
"And what of your injury?" Legolas inquired. Without waiting for an answer, he ran his fingers over the part of her back where he know the arrow had struck. All that met his touch was the pleasing silkiness of her soft skin.
"The Lorien healers do remarkable work. I feel no more pain." Armir promised. She smiled and laid her head back on his chest, nuzzling his neck teasingly. "My poor, protective guardian. Must you always be such a worrywart?"
Legolas cracked a smile at last. "Only when it comes to you, Princess." he said, brushing his fingers through her hair.
"Where are the others?" Armir asked, when Legolas finally released her from his doting embrace.
"Waiting back at the pavilion, where the Galadrim have accommodated us for our stay." Legolas replied, taking her hand. "Come now, they are very anxious to see you."
"It was a pity I had been unconscious when we first arrived in Lorien. I missed the whole experience of hiking to Caras Galadon." Armir remarked, as they began walking down the forest trail together. "How was it?"
Legolas scowled. "Speak not of that horrid experience." he grumbled. "I was far too concerned about you to notice anything else. The nerve of that March Warden, forbidding me to take you to the city myself."
"You mean Haldir?" Armir said, her brow furrowing at the annoyed tone of his voice.
"Yes. He refused to let me go ahead of the Fellowship. He said it was necessary that I stay with our other comrades since I was the only elf in the company." He paused, shaking his head as his frown deepened. "I had no other choice but to allow him to take you, otherwise you may not have gotten to the healers in time. Thus I was stuck on that excruciating two day journey where an elf named Orophin insisted on leading us in the slowest pace possible."
Armir smiled and squeezed his hand affectionately. "Come now. It could not have been so awful." she admonished.
Legolas shrugged. "All right." he conceded. "Perhaps I am overstating. I suppose the bitterness I feel is merely my grudge against that conceited elf."
"Conceited!" Armir exclaimed. "Haldir is not conceited!"
The unmistakable dissent in her voice and expression caught Legolas' attention at once. He stopped in his tracks, facing the maiden with a look of misgiving on his face.
"What exactly is your relation to him?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "He told us you two had met before, in Rivendell, and that you know each other very well."
Armir stared back at him directly, though for a moment she appeared flustered by this sudden confrontation. "That is true. We became close friends." she answered truthfully.
Legolas' eyebrows rose. "Mere friends?"
Armir sighed. "I cannot lie. Haldir. . . he was my first love." she confessed, lowering her gaze so she wouldn't have to meet Legolas' eyes. "Our relationship lasted for no more than a month, and ended the day he left Rivendell to go back home to Lorien. We parted in agreement to remain just friends."
"And does that agreement hold true to this day?"
Armir lifted her face immediately. "Of course!" she said, placing her hand on Legolas' arm, which stiffened a little upon feeling her touch.
"It did not seem that way when we first arrived at Lorien. I saw the look on his face when he laid eyes upon you. The way he spoke of you and held you. . . " Legolas' voice trailed off, his resentment apparently increasing. He turned away, not wanting the maiden to see the anger clouding his face.
There was a moment of silence before he felt gentle hands upon his back, stroking him in an attempt to ease his fury.
"Legolas, please." Armir said softly, sounding somewhat hurt. "Do not harbor any more jealousies, for there is nothing to be envious about. Haldir is the past, you are present. I am in love with you, and no longer with him."
At last, Legolas sighed and faced her once again, taking her hands.
"Forgive me." he said, shaking his head. "You are absolutely right. I fear my over-protectiveness of you is a great fault I have yet to over come."
He leaned over to kiss her nose and smiled. "I shall speak of it no more from now on, I promise."
* * *
Aragorn stood up immediately the moment he caught sight of Legolas and Armir approaching. He came forward to embrace the elf maiden as she ran to him.
"Thank the Valar you are well." he murmured, feeling much relief at the sight of his friend so vibrant once more. "You frightened me nearly out of my wits."
The Ranger gazed at her in full as they parted. "Haldir told us of your condition." he said, stroking her face gently. "Are you certain it was no more than fatigue? Do you feel no pain or any strange sensations?"
Armir nodded, and gave him a reassuring smile. "I regret that I had to alarm everyone like this, but I promise it will not happen again." she told him. "I will take better care next time."
"We are just happy to see you up and about again." Aragorn replied, giving the maiden's cheek one last pat before stepping aside to let their other friends greet her.
"What? What is it?" Legolas asked, as Aragorn came to stand beside him. Apparently the concern on the man's face was not as veiled as he hoped it would be.
Aragorn sighed. "I feel there is something amiss here. There is more to her earlier malady than mere weariness." he said in a low, grim voice. "She dismisses the ailment too easily."
Legolas frowned. "Armir would never lie." he said tersely.
"Of course." Aragorn said quickly. "I would never doubt that she speaks the truth. And so does Haldir. But perhaps we should consider the possibility that her affliction is one beyond our understanding, and even that of the Galadrim healers."
Legolas' brow creased. "I do not understand." he murmured. "Do you believe that there are supernatural powers at work?"
Aragorn hesitated. He could sense the anxiety already growing in Legolas, and the last thing he wanted was to cause the elf any more worries. At least, not when he himself was still uncertain of what exactly was going on. For now, it would probably be best to act as though there was nothing to be troubled about. . . yet.
Finally, he patted Legolas' shoulder. "Think no more of it. It probably does not matter, anyway." he told him with a smile. "She has recovered and seems to be in better health than ever. We should just be content that it turned out to be nothing serious."
Legolas opened his mouth as though he meant to pursue the topic, but was thankfully called by Armir before he could say a word.
Aragorn watched with ominous feelings in his heart as his little sister laughed in the company of her friends and newfound lover. Since the beginning of this journey he had been hoping and praying that she be spared from any accidents or misfortunes. But now, more than ever, he could no longer reject the daunting intuition that something very wrong was going to happen.
And what upset him most of all was the mounting doubt that he-- or even Legolas-- could do anything to stop it.
* * *
The sun had set in the Golden Wood, and from where Frodo lay under a mallorn tree it seemed as though the whole world was at peace and quiet. The hobbit gazed up at the swaying branches high above his head, admiring the way the leaves seemed to turn silver as the soft moonlight reflected off them. He sighed and closed his eyes. It was a pity the beauty of this night was spoilt by the sadness continually and uncontrollably brewing in his heart.
A few days had passed since their ordeal in the Mines. But even the lapsing time did not seem to ease the grief he felt. If ever, it just made the aching worse.
Frodo sat up miserably and wiped his tearing eyes with his sleeve. Gandalf was dead. He still could not believe that his old friend was gone. How could he possibly go on without him? How could he ever continue this accursed journey knowing that, next time, yet another one of his friends could also perish? For the millionth time Frodo wished that the Ring had never come his way. All it has brought so far was pain and loss not just to him, but to the people he cared about.
The hobbit clenched his fist around the golden hoop that hung on the chain around his neck. He sorely wanted to give up. He longed to just abandon the Ring and leave, go back home to the Shire where he would hopefully never have to think of it again.
If only he could. . .
"Do you mind if I sit with you?"
Frodo looked up and found a lovely pair of blue eyes shining down at him.
"Not at all." he said at once, rather surprised by his readiness for company. Lately all he wanted was to be alone in his thoughts and feelings. But then again, Armir was one person whose presence he could never turn down, or ever desired to.
"What are you doing here?" he asked the elf as she settled on the soft grass beside him. "I thought you were with Legolas."
Armir laughed. "I was, but then we received news about Gimli getting in some sort of trouble with the Galadrim soldiers. Legolas went to help him out, and I told him I would just meet him back at the pavilion." she explained.
She then looked at the hobbit with a smile. "What about you? Why are you all by your lonesome here?" she inquired. Where is Sam?"
"I just wanted to be on my own for a while." Frodo replied, turning away from her concerned gaze. "To do some thinking."
"I see."
There was a long pause after that before the maiden spoke further.
"I am sorry about Gandalf." she said softly. "I never got the chance to know him well, but he was always very nice to me. I know you and he were great friends."
Frodo nodded wordlessly. He was not surprised that the elf was able to identify exactly what was bothering him, but what took him aback was that, for once, he did not feel upset about opening up the subject.
He then felt a light touch on his hand. "Frodo. . ." Armir said slowly. "If there is anything upsetting you, you can talk to me."
The care in her voice shattered the dam holding back Frodo's emotional flood. At the same time, the sincerity he felt radiating from Armir washed away all the shame he felt in letting it all out.
"It's just that I am so tired of this, Armir!" he blurted out. "I cannot hold out any longer. I do not wish to go on with his quest."
Even at this outburst, the elf remained silent, merely keeping her hand on his to encourage him to go on.
"I don't even know anymore why I had to become the Ring Bearer." Frodo went on. "I am nobody. I have done nothing right so far. I have merely placed harm upon every friend who comes near me."
"Frodo." Armir said, firmly but gently. "Gandalf's death was not of your doing. It was nobody's fault."
Tears spilled over the hobbit's eyes. "I should have been the one to die in Moria. Gandalf did not deserve to lose his life for the sake of someone like me."
"Oh, Frodo." Armir whispered, placing her hand on his cheek. "You still do not understand how special you are." She smiled as she dried his face. "Can you not see that all of us in the Fellowship are ready to give up our lives just for you? You are the Ring Bearer, and that alone requires us to do everything in our power to help you accomplish your mission."
"Why must it be me?" Frodo wailed. "Why must I bear this terrible Ring? I no longer understand how Fate could have chosen it for my duty."
Armir sighed. "We do not know how these things happen, neither can we question why they do." she murmured. "If it is the will of the Valar, all we can do is have faith in their wisdom, and hope for the best."
She stroked Frodo's head kindly. "You are stronger than you seem and braver than you think, Frodo. No other person could have possibly endured the burden as well as you have so far. I do not think the Ring would have been entrusted to you had Fate not believed you were fit for the responsibility."
"Gandalf accepted his task to protect you at all costs because he believed in you. It was his own choice to sacrifice himself." she continued. "Will you now refuse to carry on even after he gave up so much to help you find your way?"
Frodo was silently in thought for a long time. His earlier misgivings and resentments seemed to have dissolved with the Elven princess' wise words.
Armir was right. He had gone too far to give up now. The Ring was meant to be with him, and he cannot deny the duty it comprised. Gandalf would never have wanted him to surrender to fear and grief. The least he could do was honor his friend's memory by not letting him down.
"No." the hobbit whispered at last. He lifted his face bravely. "You are right. I will go on. I will carry the Ring to Mordor, and I will not rest until it has been destroyed."
Armir's face shone as she beamed at him. "You are an extraordinary person, Frodo of the Shire." she told him, before pulling him to her embrace. "I do not doubt that you will succeed, and all of Middle Earth shall someday praise your name."
Frodo felt strength and peace return to him as the elf maiden took him in her loving arms. And at that moment, he understood at last the real reason why Elrond's granddaughter was sent with the Fellowship on their quest to Mount Doom.
* * *
"What a lovely night this is." Armir thought to herself, as she walked down one of the many grassy paths that wound through the forests of Lorien. "This realm is truly as beautiful as they all say. I am so glad we have decided to stay here and rest for a while."
After she had met Legolas at the pavilion it had taken a lot of persuasion before he finally allowed her to go for a walk around Lorien by herself. She loved her guardian dearly but, like Frodo, she longed to at last have some time to herself. She needed an opportunity to sort out the many things that have been rapidly taking place over the past few weeks. The feelings that have surfaced, the changes that have occurred, and the questions that have yet to be answered.
Armir sighed and paused in her tracks. She gazed up at the clear night sky, where stars twinkled brightly like tiny white lanterns. Instantly she was reminded of her grandfather, with whom she used to always share quiet moments like this one.
"I miss you, Minyaatar." she whispered to the wind. Seconds later a soft breeze blew against her, caressing her face and hair and giving her the assurance that he felt the same way.
The maiden closed her eyes and just stood there for the longest time, allowing herself the pleasure of enjoying the serenity and still beauty of her surroundings. It was not until a soft voice caught her attention did she open her eyes again.
"You are so much like your mother."
Armir whirled around and stared wide-eyed as a stunning, elegant- looking elf maiden with long golden hair and a gentle smile approached her slowly from behind the trees. The stranger was dressed in a regal white dress, and a silver circlet resembling the one she was wearing lay on her head. She moved with a grace that surpassed that of any noble Armir has ever met, and bore a warm radiance that seemed to shine light on everything she passed.
"Who are you?" Armir asked, taking an apprehensive step backwards as the elf came close. She did not mean to appear or sound so rude, but the stranger's presence stuck her with so much wonder that it was difficult not to feel fearful.
The maiden laughed, the sound of her voice pleasantly melodious. She shook her head.
"And much like your father, as well." she murmured, blue eyes sparkling as they gazed upon Armir's face.
Armir gasped, overcome by sudden horror and realization. She went down on her knees at once, bowing her head.
"Forgive me, my Lady. I did not know. . ." she stammered, her cheeks reddening with shame.
Gentle hands held her arms and urged her back up. Armir felt herself being pulled into a warm embrace that seemed almost identical to that of her grandfather. Immediately she sensed all her fears and discomfort flee from her, and all that remained was the coziness one felt in the company of someone he has known all his life.
"My darling, it is so good to lay eyes upon you at last." Galadriel whispered into the stunned princess' ear. She drew away and planted a loving kiss on her forehead. "I cannot tell you how my heart has longed for this moment."
Armir felt tears of joy slip from her eyes as she met the gaze of her great-grandmother. "I am so happy to finally meet you." she choked out, feeling as though her heart would rip open with excitement.
Galadriel nodded and stoked her face. "Praise Elbereth for bringing you to me safe and sound." she said. "I feared the journey would be long and hard for you, little one, but I am glad you have made it through unharmed."
"I am just very pleased to be in Lorien." Armir replied, suddenly giddy with enthusiasm.
"And Lorien is very fortunate to have you, I am sure." the Lady told her with a fond smile. "Come now, you shall dine with myself and my Lord for tonight. He is very anxious to see you again, and there is much we have to talk about."
She took her great-granddaughter's hand and began to lead her through the woods.
"Welcome home, daughter of Elladan."
* * *
"Have you any plans for dinner, Haldir?" Rumil asked his older brother, as they walked though Caras Galadon together after returning from archery practice. "Perhaps you would like to join Laicristiel and myself tonight."
Haldir shook his head. "Thank you, but I am not hungry." he answered dismissively.
"Of course." Orophin scoffed from where he walked in between his two siblings. "Silly question, Rumil! Since when did the invincible Captain Haldir of the Galadrim need nourishment or rest? He is above all of that."
Haldir merely rolled his eyes at his brothers' teasing. He tried to think of a stinging comeback that would shut them up as he always did, but tonight he just couldn't find it in himself to banter with them.
"What is this?" Orophin said, surprised by Haldir's silence. "No snappy retort? No 'act your age, Orophin' lectures?" He grinned, turning to Rumil. "Are you certain this is our brother?"
Rumil smiled. "Come now, Orophin." he scolded. "Haldir is in no mood for your joking today. He has a lot on his mind right now."
Orophin chuckled. "Oh, you mean that princess from Rivendell?" he said mischievously. "Do you fancy her, Haldir? Who would not? I think she is the most beautiful elf I have ever seen, next to the Lady of course."
"Yes. I cannot believe you made friends with a maiden as fair as she but then never even spoke of her until today!" Rumil said, shaking his head.
"It was a long time ago." Haldir mumbled, avoiding his brother's eager faces. "And there was nothing much to tell."
"What is she like?" Orophin asked, a dreamy look coming over his face. "Do you think I may have a chance at winning her heart?"
Haldir smirked. "Do not get your hopes up." he told him, making his voice cold to mask the bitterness in his heart. "She already has a sweetheart-- Legolas of Mirkwood.
"The prince of the Woodland Realm!" Orophin exclaimed, his face falling. "That rules me out, then."
"Do not despair, brother." Rumil comforted, draping an arm around his shoulder. "Some lovely maiden out there will take you in yet."
Haldir, lost in this own thoughts, blocked out the sounds of his chattering siblings as they continued their walk home. He sighed and stared glumly down at the ground his feet treaded upon.
Thirty-three years had gone by since he last saw Armir in Rivendell. He had thought those long years were enough to finally soothe the pain of their parting and their broken love. Up until this morning, Haldir had thought he was over the princess. But when he saw her earlier with that self-important elf Legolas, he immediately realized how gravely mistaken he was.
What could he possibly do now? It was clear that Armir no longer cared for him that way. For a moment Haldir almost wished that she had not come to Lorien at all. Then he would not have to bear the sight of her in the arms of her new lover, nor hold back the startling abundance of emotions it seemed he still had for her.
"Master Haldir! Sir!"
Haldir snapped back to his usual, rigid stance as Tanorod, one of the Galadrim sentries at the house of the Lord and Lady, approached.
"Lord Celeborn has called for you." the young soldier informed the March Warden. "He is presently at their home having dinner, but he wishes to speak to you afterward."
"Certainly." Haldir responded briskly. He nodded at Rumil and Orophin, telling them to go on without him, before following Tanorod.
When Haldir had climbed to great talan that seated the royal house of Celeborn and Galadriel, he saw three people standing outside its great doors. He froze in his tracks briefly. It was Armir, in the company of her great-grandparents.
Before the March Warden could make any further moves, the Lord looked up and caught sight of him.
"Ah! Haldir!" he said with a fond smile for the elf he had almost come to know as his own son. "Come, join us!"
For the first time in his life, Haldir obeyed his Lord's command in reluctance, but still with profound reverence in his heart. He bowed low to them before speaking.
"You called for me, my Lord?"
Celeborn nodded and gestured towards Armir where she stood beside him. "Tomorrow, I would like for you to show the Princess around Lorien." he explained. "It is unfortunate that she was not able to enjoy the earlier trip coming here to Caras Galadon, but perhaps you may remedy that by taking her on a special tour."
For a moment, Haldir was taken aback with surprise that transformed into dismay. "I, my Lord?"
"Of course." Celeborn said, seeming a little confused by Haldir's unusual reaction. "After all, no one knows our forests better than you do. If I am correct, you shall be off duty starting tomorrow, will you not?"
"I will, my Lord." Haldir mumbled, recognizing defeat.
"Splendid! It is settled then!" Celeborn announced, looking very pleased.
"Oh, and one more thing Haldir." Galadriel spoke up. "Before you retire to your home, please escort Armir back to her talan. I do not wish for her to walk alone at so late an hour."
"As you wish, my Lady." Haldir said humbly, managing to bow his head gracefully in spite of the sudden jerk of his heart.
How much more temptation could he possibly endure?!
Haldir watched with growing apprehension as Armir bid her great- grandparents goodnight. The last thing he needed right now was more of his former lover's company. The more time he spent with her, the more he yearned for her-- and that was simply unacceptable now.
But there was no way he would ever be able to refuse a request from his Lord and Lady. He was simply going to have to obey and pray his self- control was stronger than he usually thought to be.
After helping Armir down the ladder from the talan, he offered her his arm, and she took it graciously. They then began the walk in unpleasant silence.
* * *
Armir cast yet another sideway glance at the elf walking beside her, a slight frown on her face as she observed the disconcerting iciness of his expression. Haldir has been acting very strangely since they left the Lord and Lady's talan-- very unlike the way he was this morning when they first met. He did not seem to want to look at her, but instead strode straight on with his eyes glued firmly on the path ahead of them. She had tried to break the unusual aloofness between them by asking questions about Galadrim life, but he only gave her one-word answers, indicating that he was in no mood for chatter. Finally, she decided to give up and just succumb to his stubborn silence.
As she snuck another gaze at him, Armir was suddenly struck by the reminder of how handsome the March Warden was. It has been so long since they last saw each other, and it seemed she has forgotten how much she admired his strong, attractive features, his proud stance, the intelligent gleam of his keen gray eyes, his broad shoulders and impressively built body, the graceful curves of his soft lips. . .
Armir's eyes widened as she realized she was beginning to fantasize about their past. "Stop it!" she scolded herself, feeling sudden shame. Her romance with Haldir was ancient history. Such thoughts about him were no longer permitted.
At last, the walk ended and they reached her talan, much to the maiden's relief. She didn't know how much more of his uncomfortable silence she could take.
"I shall come and fetch you here shortly after sunrise." Haldir told her curtly, dropping his arm on which her hand rested. "It would be best to start the day early if you wish to see more of Lorien."
He gave her a smile so forced it almost looked pained, then bowed. "Quel du, Tarien. (Good night, Princess.)"
Armir bit her lip hesitantly and watched as he turned and began to walk away. She just couldn't let him leave like this!
"Haldir, wait!" she blurted out before she could stop herself.
Thankfully, the March Warden heeded her call quite easily. Spinning back around he looked at her with offhand expectance. "Yes?"
"Are you. . . angry with me?" Armir asked softly, struggling not to sound too pathetic in spite of the horrendous fact that she could feel tears coming.
Immediately Haldir's face softened, apparently noticing the growing hurt on her face. He stepped back towards the girl.
"I can never be angry with you, Armir. You know that." he told her gently. "If I have made you feel otherwise, I am sorry. It is just that it has been a long day, and I am very tired."
Armir nodded. "I was just worried by your coldness." she murmured. She smiled shyly and reached up to stroke his cheek. "For a moment there I thought the old Haldir had returned to plague me once more."
Haldir chuckled as they both recalled their first encounters, which had been anything but cordial. The March Warden's arrogance and pomposity had clashed greatly with the elf maiden's meekness and humility, but eventually her influence won over his, and she ended up reforming him.
"That can never happen." he assured her. "You did your work well."
"I have missed you so, Haldir." Armir said wistfully. "I am glad grandfather finally allowed me to travel. For the longest time I feared that I would never see you again."
Haldir smiled as he took her hand. "It is like I told you, remember?" he said, entwining his fingers through hers. "If it were meant to be, we would meet again somehow. And here we are."
Without waiting for a response, the March Warden leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Quel kaima (sleep well), Armir." he whispered, allowing his eyes to meet hers for a moment before turning away. "Tenna' tul're. (Until tomorrow.)"
The maiden stood, staring after him until his back completely faded out of sight. She felt all the more confused. She knew her own feelings were clear, and that she no longer loved Haldir as anything more than a cherished friend. But why did she somehow sense he did not quite share in that?
"Quel du, Mellonamin. (Good night, my friend.)" Armir murmured, before finally turning to climb up her talan.
Perhaps tomorrow, the answers would be clearer.
* * *
COMING UP. . . Chapter 8 - Rivals
NOTE: Okay, so I know you're ready to kill me now 'coz I have not yet revealed what the HECK went wrong with Armir. It's going to stay a mystery for a little while. The next chapter is relatively lighter and less serious, and is (obviously) going to focus more on the tension between Legolas and Haldir (whoo-ha!), so I guess that will make up for having to be kept in the dark about Armir's ailment for a while. It's gonna be a BLAST, I promise. . .
See y'all soon! Don't forget to come back in a few days! (Maybe Monday or Tuesday.) REVIEWS PLS! ;p