Chapter Eighteen - Epilogue
Tári sat along the stream, sliding the silk scarf through her fingers, still dazed from the strangeness of all that had happened. She stared at the gurgling water, watching the light refract off the splashing drops that shimmered in the early morning sunlight. She dangled her fingers in the cool depths, feeling the pull of the stream as it wound down through the grotto.
She looked up when a shadow fell across her, blocking out the bright sunlight for a moment.
"Are you going to sit here all day?" Haldir asked, crouching down beside her. He smiled, his grey eyes mirroring the brightness of the morning sun.
Tári returned his smile. "Nay, I've been waiting for you. I felt you would return. Where do we go from here, March Warden?"
Haldir sat down next to her and leaned against her shoulder, pulling the scarf from her hands. "Wherever we go, we shall go together." He tilted his head, sliding the scarf around her neck.
Tári leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. "You will return to the border?"
Haldir stiffened slightly, and with a sigh, nodded. "Aye, I have been gone far too long. But I will not go alone."
Tári traced the delicate stitching of his sleeve. "You will take Orophin and Rúmil," she stated, trying to ignore the faint disappointment that trickled through her mind.
Haldir laughed quietly. "Aye, they will go in another patrol. But you shall come with me."
Tári looked up in surprise, her dark eyes wide. "You will allow me to come? I am honored, Haldir." She grinned, but leaned back, a frown wiping the smile from her features. "I am not sure your wardens have forgiven me my trespasses against you."
Haldir reached out to grip her chin gently. "That I cannot say. You must show them. I know what you are. I do not think it will be long before you are as much a part of Lórien as they. You are part of me now."
Tári sighed. "I am sure you are right. I do not want to disappoint you or them again. And Keliar?"
Haldir rose, pulling Tári to her feet. "He comes as well. I plan to give him a quick lesson on Lórien defenses. He will be a welcome addition to our forces. I have requested to the Lady that he be made second to my command."
Tári looked at Haldir in surprise, and wonder. "You would choose him over your own people?"
Haldir set his hands on her shoulders. "Only because I feel he deserves such a position. I have learned to trust my instincts, Tári." He pulled her into the hidden crossing behind the shimmering curtain of the waterfall. The sunlight blinded them for a moment when they stepped out on the other side. Tári shielded her eyes, drawing back for a moment to gaze up at Haldir.
He was silhouetted by the sunlight, his hair afire and shimmering in the bright light. He turned back to her as she held him back.
"Tári?"
She grinned. He was so tall, so strong and wonderful. What had she done to deserve him? She gave silent thanks to the Valar as Haldir drew her closer, sliding his hands along her face.
"Does something trouble you, my love?"
Tári laughed, and shook her head. "Nay, I only admire the strong elf I see before me. And I thank the Valar that they have given me such a creature as you."
Haldir chuckled softly. "We are both blessed, Tári, but we have duties to attend to right now. I am still March Warden. We shall have our time together, but I have been gone from my city far too long." He drew her alongside him, pulling her arm through his.
Tári squeezed his arm, and looked up at him with a mischievous smile. "Does that mean we shall have some time alone as well?"
Haldir glanced down, his lips curving in a wicked smile. "Have no fear on that account, Wife. We shall have plenty of time alone. I will be sure that we do."
Rumil sat on the step, waiting patiently for Orophin. They would leave soon, and his eyes roamed the shadows, hoping for a fair sight to send him on his way. His hopes were rewarded as an elf hurried down the stairs above him. He rose, turning at the sound of her steps, his blue eyes twinkling in the shadowy light.
"Ah, you have found me, my fair maid." Rumil grinned, bowing low before she reached the steps above him.
Cirion smiled, her brown eyes twinkling. "You do not think I would let you leave without saying good-bye?"
Rúmil laughed and took her hand, pulling her to his side. "Ah, Cirion, my heart hoped that you would do so."
She tucked her arm beside his. "How long will you be gone? I will wait with trepidation until you return safely."
Rumil raised her hand to his lips. "Trepidation? Fair maid, it is I, Rúmil, to whom you speak. You worry for naught."
Cirion leaned away to look at him seriously. "But I do fear, Rúmil. You have become important to me, and I will worry because I care for you."
Rúmil's smile faded, and he gazed down at Cirion. "It makes my heart quiver to know you care. I speak to you truly that I return your feelings. I have long held you in my sight, and these past few days have opened my eyes. Long have I wondered how Haldir must truly feel, but I think I am beginning to know."
Cirion brushed her fingers over his lips. "Aye, as do I. But you have your duties and must go. Perhaps the time shall pass quickly and you shall return to me with haste."
Rumil sighed. "Nay, the time will be forever, knowing I must wait to see your fair face again. But am I honor bound to defend what we have, as do all the wardens. I shall think of you more often than you can guess." He leaned down to kiss her gently on the mouth.
"At it already, Rúmil?" teased Orophin, striding down the remaining steps in their direction.
Rúmil looked up, but did not release Cirion from his embrace. "Aye, I am, and I shall long to do it again while I peruse the shadows of the forest. Nor do I think you leave without a similar good-bye from sweet Aranel."
Cirion giggled. "If her expression is anything to judge by, she walks around with her mind in a dream. What have you done to our Aranel, Orophin? She is no longer the wicked elf she was at home."
Orophin grinned. "I have done nothing to her, lass. Her tongue is still as sharp as ever. I only ignore it." He laughed, striding past Rúmil. "My good-byes are done, brother, and it grows late. Haldir will be waiting, and if you plan to return any time soon, I advise you not to delay. He has been away from the borders too long, and I am sure any hindrance to his return will only sharpen his tongue."
Rúmil sighed, and released Cirion reluctantly. "Orophin is right. Haldir has no patience when his mind is set." He brushed one last soft kiss on Cirion's nose. "I shall return as soon as I can." He stepped away only to turn back once more to sweep her into his arms and squeeze her tightly. "I have never given my whole heart to any maiden, but I suddenly find my heart in my throat. What have you done to me, Cirion, that I dread leaving you?" He smiled and set her back on her feet. "My heart is yours, my lass. I shall pine for your company, and pen songs of our love whilst I am gone."
Rúmil kissed her one last time, then turned to sprint silently down the street to catch up to Orophin.
Cirion watched him go with a smile, and touched her fingers to her lips.
Haldir leaned on his bow, his gaze sweeping the city around him. Keliar appeared in the distance, his white hair glimmering in the shafts of light as he passed through them. In a moment he reached Haldir and bowed slightly. "Haldir, good morrow."
Haldir shook his hand, and turned his head when Rumil and Orophin's voices drew near. He smiled, hearing them argue as they often did.
"I shall compose as many as I like brother, and shall sing them to every ear that might hear them," Rúmil was saying.
Orophin snorted, coming down around the large mallorn tree, stepping off the last step of the staircase. "Aye, we can use such songs as weapons to drive any Orcs from the Golden Wood." He grinned, ignoring Rúmil's scowl. "Ah, but they are Orcs, they probably would like such drivel." He ducked, laughing, as Rúmil took a quick swing a him.
Haldir sighed. "It never ends, Keliar. Shall I send them with you this trip?"
Keliar laughed. "Nay, nay, that would be unfair, March Warden. I think they should stay with you. A family should not be separated!"
Orophin folded his arms over his chest. "Such words. I am deeply offended. You would miss our company, brother."
Haldir turned to face both his brothers, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Aye, that I would." He gripped both by the shoulders. "But duty calls. I cannot guard all borders, so you shall each take a patrol and relieve those on the east and west borders. I shall take Keliar and will meet with you later this month."
Rúmil nodded, but looked around them. "Aye, but we seem to be missing someone. Is she not coming?"
Haldir grinned. "She is coming. You do not think I would leave my mouse behind, do you? Far be it that I should try to do so, for she would surely follow."
Rúmil winced. "As far as I am concerned, she may go where she likes. I will not try to stop her." He smiled, winking at Haldir. "I do not think you mind either. She is a well trained warrior, Haldir. Orophin and I are relieved to have her to watch over you."
Haldir shook his head. "She is not there to watch over me, but so that I may watch over her." He turned back to Keliar, but did not miss the amused expressions on both his brothers' faces.
Keliar smiled, and took a deep breath. "After all we have done together, Haldir, I am thankful to have been so quickly welcomed into your world. It is a pleasure to be among you."
Haldir reached out to grip Keliar's shoulder. "You are no longer a guest here, Keliar, but a part of our city. Galadriel and Celeborn have both approved my request to make you my second in command. I would be honored if you would accept."
Keliar said nothing for a moment, only stared in surprise at Haldir before glancing at the two Lórien elves beside Haldir. They were both smiling broadly. "I am speechless, Haldir. I never expected such an honor."
Haldir squeezed Keliar's shoulder. "It is an honor you deserve. You hold the same principles that I do, Keliar. Your people and mine have come together. It is only right that you have a chance to lead."
Keliar bowed his head, but then straightened, a gleam flickering in his eyes. "I swear I shall protect this land as if it were my own, Haldir. Which it now is, I hope."
Haldir nodded. "As I expected, Keliar. Come, Tári waits by the gates. We shall head to the northern fences, and then circle the forest. She is small, but her beauty surpasses all others," he added, before realizing this betrayed his line of thought to those around him.
Rúmil rubbed his chin, looking thoughtfully at the sky. "Hmmm. She is small , but her beauty surpasses all others. Do you think he speaks of our fair land or the wee lass who waits so impatiently for him?"
He laughed as he and Orophin lengthened their strides to catch up with their eldest brother. "I think that is a good line for a song, don't you, Orophin? Orophin?" He grinned as Orophin rolled his eyes, their laughter low as they left the city, their cheerful arguing echoing among the golden trees.
Tári sat along the stream, sliding the silk scarf through her fingers, still dazed from the strangeness of all that had happened. She stared at the gurgling water, watching the light refract off the splashing drops that shimmered in the early morning sunlight. She dangled her fingers in the cool depths, feeling the pull of the stream as it wound down through the grotto.
She looked up when a shadow fell across her, blocking out the bright sunlight for a moment.
"Are you going to sit here all day?" Haldir asked, crouching down beside her. He smiled, his grey eyes mirroring the brightness of the morning sun.
Tári returned his smile. "Nay, I've been waiting for you. I felt you would return. Where do we go from here, March Warden?"
Haldir sat down next to her and leaned against her shoulder, pulling the scarf from her hands. "Wherever we go, we shall go together." He tilted his head, sliding the scarf around her neck.
Tári leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. "You will return to the border?"
Haldir stiffened slightly, and with a sigh, nodded. "Aye, I have been gone far too long. But I will not go alone."
Tári traced the delicate stitching of his sleeve. "You will take Orophin and Rúmil," she stated, trying to ignore the faint disappointment that trickled through her mind.
Haldir laughed quietly. "Aye, they will go in another patrol. But you shall come with me."
Tári looked up in surprise, her dark eyes wide. "You will allow me to come? I am honored, Haldir." She grinned, but leaned back, a frown wiping the smile from her features. "I am not sure your wardens have forgiven me my trespasses against you."
Haldir reached out to grip her chin gently. "That I cannot say. You must show them. I know what you are. I do not think it will be long before you are as much a part of Lórien as they. You are part of me now."
Tári sighed. "I am sure you are right. I do not want to disappoint you or them again. And Keliar?"
Haldir rose, pulling Tári to her feet. "He comes as well. I plan to give him a quick lesson on Lórien defenses. He will be a welcome addition to our forces. I have requested to the Lady that he be made second to my command."
Tári looked at Haldir in surprise, and wonder. "You would choose him over your own people?"
Haldir set his hands on her shoulders. "Only because I feel he deserves such a position. I have learned to trust my instincts, Tári." He pulled her into the hidden crossing behind the shimmering curtain of the waterfall. The sunlight blinded them for a moment when they stepped out on the other side. Tári shielded her eyes, drawing back for a moment to gaze up at Haldir.
He was silhouetted by the sunlight, his hair afire and shimmering in the bright light. He turned back to her as she held him back.
"Tári?"
She grinned. He was so tall, so strong and wonderful. What had she done to deserve him? She gave silent thanks to the Valar as Haldir drew her closer, sliding his hands along her face.
"Does something trouble you, my love?"
Tári laughed, and shook her head. "Nay, I only admire the strong elf I see before me. And I thank the Valar that they have given me such a creature as you."
Haldir chuckled softly. "We are both blessed, Tári, but we have duties to attend to right now. I am still March Warden. We shall have our time together, but I have been gone from my city far too long." He drew her alongside him, pulling her arm through his.
Tári squeezed his arm, and looked up at him with a mischievous smile. "Does that mean we shall have some time alone as well?"
Haldir glanced down, his lips curving in a wicked smile. "Have no fear on that account, Wife. We shall have plenty of time alone. I will be sure that we do."
Rumil sat on the step, waiting patiently for Orophin. They would leave soon, and his eyes roamed the shadows, hoping for a fair sight to send him on his way. His hopes were rewarded as an elf hurried down the stairs above him. He rose, turning at the sound of her steps, his blue eyes twinkling in the shadowy light.
"Ah, you have found me, my fair maid." Rumil grinned, bowing low before she reached the steps above him.
Cirion smiled, her brown eyes twinkling. "You do not think I would let you leave without saying good-bye?"
Rúmil laughed and took her hand, pulling her to his side. "Ah, Cirion, my heart hoped that you would do so."
She tucked her arm beside his. "How long will you be gone? I will wait with trepidation until you return safely."
Rumil raised her hand to his lips. "Trepidation? Fair maid, it is I, Rúmil, to whom you speak. You worry for naught."
Cirion leaned away to look at him seriously. "But I do fear, Rúmil. You have become important to me, and I will worry because I care for you."
Rúmil's smile faded, and he gazed down at Cirion. "It makes my heart quiver to know you care. I speak to you truly that I return your feelings. I have long held you in my sight, and these past few days have opened my eyes. Long have I wondered how Haldir must truly feel, but I think I am beginning to know."
Cirion brushed her fingers over his lips. "Aye, as do I. But you have your duties and must go. Perhaps the time shall pass quickly and you shall return to me with haste."
Rumil sighed. "Nay, the time will be forever, knowing I must wait to see your fair face again. But am I honor bound to defend what we have, as do all the wardens. I shall think of you more often than you can guess." He leaned down to kiss her gently on the mouth.
"At it already, Rúmil?" teased Orophin, striding down the remaining steps in their direction.
Rúmil looked up, but did not release Cirion from his embrace. "Aye, I am, and I shall long to do it again while I peruse the shadows of the forest. Nor do I think you leave without a similar good-bye from sweet Aranel."
Cirion giggled. "If her expression is anything to judge by, she walks around with her mind in a dream. What have you done to our Aranel, Orophin? She is no longer the wicked elf she was at home."
Orophin grinned. "I have done nothing to her, lass. Her tongue is still as sharp as ever. I only ignore it." He laughed, striding past Rúmil. "My good-byes are done, brother, and it grows late. Haldir will be waiting, and if you plan to return any time soon, I advise you not to delay. He has been away from the borders too long, and I am sure any hindrance to his return will only sharpen his tongue."
Rúmil sighed, and released Cirion reluctantly. "Orophin is right. Haldir has no patience when his mind is set." He brushed one last soft kiss on Cirion's nose. "I shall return as soon as I can." He stepped away only to turn back once more to sweep her into his arms and squeeze her tightly. "I have never given my whole heart to any maiden, but I suddenly find my heart in my throat. What have you done to me, Cirion, that I dread leaving you?" He smiled and set her back on her feet. "My heart is yours, my lass. I shall pine for your company, and pen songs of our love whilst I am gone."
Rúmil kissed her one last time, then turned to sprint silently down the street to catch up to Orophin.
Cirion watched him go with a smile, and touched her fingers to her lips.
Haldir leaned on his bow, his gaze sweeping the city around him. Keliar appeared in the distance, his white hair glimmering in the shafts of light as he passed through them. In a moment he reached Haldir and bowed slightly. "Haldir, good morrow."
Haldir shook his hand, and turned his head when Rumil and Orophin's voices drew near. He smiled, hearing them argue as they often did.
"I shall compose as many as I like brother, and shall sing them to every ear that might hear them," Rúmil was saying.
Orophin snorted, coming down around the large mallorn tree, stepping off the last step of the staircase. "Aye, we can use such songs as weapons to drive any Orcs from the Golden Wood." He grinned, ignoring Rúmil's scowl. "Ah, but they are Orcs, they probably would like such drivel." He ducked, laughing, as Rúmil took a quick swing a him.
Haldir sighed. "It never ends, Keliar. Shall I send them with you this trip?"
Keliar laughed. "Nay, nay, that would be unfair, March Warden. I think they should stay with you. A family should not be separated!"
Orophin folded his arms over his chest. "Such words. I am deeply offended. You would miss our company, brother."
Haldir turned to face both his brothers, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Aye, that I would." He gripped both by the shoulders. "But duty calls. I cannot guard all borders, so you shall each take a patrol and relieve those on the east and west borders. I shall take Keliar and will meet with you later this month."
Rúmil nodded, but looked around them. "Aye, but we seem to be missing someone. Is she not coming?"
Haldir grinned. "She is coming. You do not think I would leave my mouse behind, do you? Far be it that I should try to do so, for she would surely follow."
Rúmil winced. "As far as I am concerned, she may go where she likes. I will not try to stop her." He smiled, winking at Haldir. "I do not think you mind either. She is a well trained warrior, Haldir. Orophin and I are relieved to have her to watch over you."
Haldir shook his head. "She is not there to watch over me, but so that I may watch over her." He turned back to Keliar, but did not miss the amused expressions on both his brothers' faces.
Keliar smiled, and took a deep breath. "After all we have done together, Haldir, I am thankful to have been so quickly welcomed into your world. It is a pleasure to be among you."
Haldir reached out to grip Keliar's shoulder. "You are no longer a guest here, Keliar, but a part of our city. Galadriel and Celeborn have both approved my request to make you my second in command. I would be honored if you would accept."
Keliar said nothing for a moment, only stared in surprise at Haldir before glancing at the two Lórien elves beside Haldir. They were both smiling broadly. "I am speechless, Haldir. I never expected such an honor."
Haldir squeezed Keliar's shoulder. "It is an honor you deserve. You hold the same principles that I do, Keliar. Your people and mine have come together. It is only right that you have a chance to lead."
Keliar bowed his head, but then straightened, a gleam flickering in his eyes. "I swear I shall protect this land as if it were my own, Haldir. Which it now is, I hope."
Haldir nodded. "As I expected, Keliar. Come, Tári waits by the gates. We shall head to the northern fences, and then circle the forest. She is small, but her beauty surpasses all others," he added, before realizing this betrayed his line of thought to those around him.
Rúmil rubbed his chin, looking thoughtfully at the sky. "Hmmm. She is small , but her beauty surpasses all others. Do you think he speaks of our fair land or the wee lass who waits so impatiently for him?"
He laughed as he and Orophin lengthened their strides to catch up with their eldest brother. "I think that is a good line for a song, don't you, Orophin? Orophin?" He grinned as Orophin rolled his eyes, their laughter low as they left the city, their cheerful arguing echoing among the golden trees.