A/N: Hmm di diddle…..*sigh* It seems all I can do lately is spout nonsense….Exams are here and there's no running away now. Two done, four to go….blasted math….useless french….boring, dry english…..and socials. Nothing much to say about socials. Mr. Spanjers gave us all the questions anyway.^_^ But yes, I still have four awfull exams to write, so it could take me another week or so to finish this. Depends. I've got till midnight today to write, since my parents are out….Ross can take care of himself. So yeah, let's hope I get a good chunk of this done right now, so you all don't have to wait forever….
P.S: And in response to Lady of Legolas' review: Eldarion is very hurt by what happened to his sister, and by what happened to his best friend. The race of men are known for their brash and violent decisions. He is doing what comes naturaly to him. And Arwen is dead. If you read the Appendix in the Return of the King under the tale of Aragorn and Arwen, you will see that after Aragorn's death, Arwen leaves Gondor and goes to Lothlorien where she eventually dies. So yeah, she knows nothing of what Eldarion is doing, so unless she can come back from the dead to give her son a good kick in the arse, I doubt she's going to do anything about it.
Disclaimer: I'm pretty much feeling like crap right now. If you would like to risk my mindless fury, then I suggest you do not sue, because I don't write this for money, just enjoyment….and perhaps being able to do anything to the characters that I like…*twisted grin* Yeah, so I'm sick. Deal with it. I might hurl my science notes at you if you sue, so watch out, they could probably crush your head.
Chapter Nine
It had been one week, and still they had no word. Galadriel had said they would wait two weeks before going after Eomynne and her brothers, but Haldir was completely ready to go now. He could not sleep, he barely ate, and each wave that crashed against the Haven's shore was a blow to his heart, another second wasted. Because that was all they were doing; waiting and wasting time.Eomynne, or her brothers, or all three could be rotting away in some dank, dreary cell for all they knew, and still they hesitated.
Haldir often found himself watching the coastline, hoping in vain that he would see the unfurled white sail of a ship, and hear the horn blown from the prow, announcing the arrival of whoever it was onboard. He often found himself lying restlessly on the branch of a reaching mallorn tree, trying to remember Eomynne's face, but finding he could not.
That hurt the most.
She'd only been gone close to a month, and already he had forgotten her; forgotten the thing that meant everything to him. She was like a sister, or a close cousin, a fair and radiant maiden who you wanted to protect and keep safe from the moment you set eyes on her. But he couldn't protect her. Not even if he'd wanted to go with them, Eomynne would not have let him. She was always too strong to admit she needed help. She would try to fix everything herself, even if she was hurt along the way.
And Haldir would have gone with her if he could. He would have done everything in his power to make sure he got on that boat which would take her away from him. He couldn't quite fully trust in her brothers to keep her safe, for Caelidur would forget about Eomynne instantly if he had a chance to slit Eldarion's throat, and Elleduil was a magnificent warrior, but he wasn't skilled enough to protect both Eomynne and himself. But in the end, Galadriel had stopped him, saying he had duties in the Haven, and was needed too much to go off on a mission that was both dangerous and completely insane just to most likely get himself killed. He'd been terribly insulted that she thought him incapable, but he'd had relatively no choice, so he stayed, and did his work, and tried to ignore thoughts of Eomynne in Eldarion's hands that crept up on him when he least expected them.
It was late afternoon on the twenty-fouth of November when Haldir approached Elrond in his grand house, built amongst the tall mallorns as if it had been there forever, storming past the guards and walking swiftly up the wiry staircase. Two more guards stopped him on his way just before the grand double doors, spears held up straight in front of them, their lovely faces expressionless.
"I wish to see the Lord Elrond." Haldir explained, his hazel eyes stern and authoritive. "I have important matters to discuss with him."
"State your title and rank." The guard on the left replied, as if Haldir had said nothing.
Haldir repressed the urge to growl with rage, taking a deep, calming breath.
"I am Haldir of the Galadhrim, Elves of Lothlorien, son of Letheranil. I was the Watcher of the Northern Borders until I took the ship to the Havens."
The two Elven men regarded this silently, giving eachother a brief glance before announcing whether or not he would be allowed to enter. Haldir waited as patiently as he could, fuming silently that they did not seem to know who he was.
"I will tell Lord Elrond you are here." The guard on the left said firmly, then strode away, his grey cloak billowing in his wake. The one on the right gave Haldir a funny look, a calculating expression in his light green eyes.
"You were at the harbour when the children of Legolas Greenleaf left." He noted, flexing his slender fingers around the shaft of his curving spear. "You asked to go with them, but the Lady Galadriel refused."
"I have duties here." Haldir replied stiffly. "I did not realize it at the time. I feared for their safety. They are only children."
The guard didn't seem to believe him, but said nothing else.
The other soon reapeared, stopping beside his comrade.
"The Lord Elrond grants you permission to see him. You may enter, but leave your weapons with me."
He extended one hand, ready to take the large dagger which hung around Haldir's waist. Haldir was slightly insulted that they would think he meant harm to the Lord Halfelven, but pinched his lips and unsheathed his precious dagger nonetheless, although very reluctant to leave it in the care of a man who seemed to have a dislike for him.
Once the dagger was in the possession of the guard, Haldir strode past the two and up through the doors, knowing his way without having to even think of it. The halls were open to the forest outside, shafts of light falling through the intertwining branches and casting a gold sheen along the bare floor, making the surface glitter and shine. Haldir felt himself smiling a little. It was so similar to the Golden Wood, it made his heart sing, and yet mourn at the same time. He shuddered to think of what the men of Gondor might have done with it now that they had all control of Middle Earth.
"Haldir." Came a voice from behind him, startling him from his reverie.
Haldir turned to see Elrond approach, a picture in deep red robes of finest silk. The circlet around his flawless brow caught the light and was sent into a shimmering fire, making Haldir blink a little before he stepped into shade again.
"You came to speak with me?"
"Yes." Haldir responded, bowing his head in respect. "I came to discuss with you Eomynne and her brothers…."
Elrond stopped him, raising one fine hand. His eyes held a deep hurt in them, almost a burden.
"We the Council made our decision," he said firmly. "and to that we hold. Two weeks, no more no less. If we go to Middle Earth, we go only once. By all accounts, we should not be leaving the Haven at all, but this time we are making an exception."
Haldir would not be deterred.
"But my Lord." he protested. "If we wait, they may be killed before we can arrive….."
"I will not discuss this." Elrond cut in, striding closer to Haldir. "Do not forget your place, Haldir of Lorien. You may have taken part in the Council, but this is not your decision."
His eyes were firm. Haldir couldn't help but feel the urge to lower his gaze under the power and authority radiating from their clear and ageless depths.
"Trust in the wisdom of myself and that of Galadriel. We make this decision in the best interests of all involved. We risk the lives of many to save Legolas' children. The safety of those who go cannot be compromised."
Haldir said nothing.
There was a long silence between them, and the wind picked up, blowing an array of multicoloured leaves around them, swirling under their cloaks in an unorganized dance.
"You love her, do you not?" Elrond asked abruptly, the stern aura around him fading slightly.
Haldir did not need to ask whom he meant.
"I do not know." He replied truthfuly, unable to meet the Lord's clear gaze. "I am uncertain whether what I feel is likewise to the love I feel for Legolas, as he is like a brother to me, or as the love a man would feel for a woman deep inside his heart."
Elrond gave a grave nod.
"These things are often not revealed to us. There may come a time when you may know, but you must keep in mind that perhaps she is not yours to love. She may be destined for another."
Haldir sighed. "I realize that. Some perhaps, would consider it improper, for she is but a child, while I have seen many ages."
"Hmm." Elrond agreed. "Perhaps you could discuss this with her? When she returns?"
Haldir could not keep the slight blush from creeping onto his fair cheeks. He didn't think he would have the courage to do that, espescially if her brothers were close by. It dissapeared entirely though, as another thought crossed his mind.
"If she returns." He whispered, his voice a thread of sound. "I must come with those who are going. I cannot wait. You must let me go."
Elrond seemed ready to immediately object, but paused, reconsidering when he saw the helplessness in Haldir's normally self-assured, almost arrogant gaze. He clearly felt much for Legolas' daughter. Elrond did not think he would stay in the Haven even if he said no. There was only one choice, to let him go.
"You may accompany my men." He sighed. "Legolas will be going as well, along with a select group of his own men from Mirkwood. We are not taking many. Stealth is our weapon, not force."
Haldir nodded, eternally thankful to the Elven Lord.
"One week." He said. "I will wait one week. That is all. I will not leave my own kin to be tortured and killed by Eldarion's hand. We will take them back."
Elrond sighed.
"Let us hope you are right."
There was much unrest within Eldarion's court. The brothers were quarelling again, completely against the idea of using Nathaniel to their own ends. Eldarion had not revealed his entire plan to them, but had dropped hints here and there, giving the impression Nathaniel's ability to speak mind to mind would be utilized to communicate with the Elves of the Haven. He would not tell them the full extent of the venture, but he needed their agreement. Nathaniel was, after all, their brother.
"He is a traitor." Domic spat, his heated gaze reaching all those seated at the long, ebony table. "He would lie to us, give us false information. He cannot be trusted."
"What if we threatened to end lives?" Essien suggested, regarding his brother closely.
Cyrus snorted in contempt.
"I doubt he would care." He said darkly. "If he can turn his back on his own family, he can do anything without scruples."
Eldarion watched the entire exchange without so much as a word. He wanted to see if they could work it out by themselves. He had reason to believe some of them were loosing faith in his cause. If they truly wanted all that he worked for, then they would not take long to reach a decision. However, if they looked at every option, gave every reason to suggest that Nathaniel could not be used, then it would be obvious they wanted him to fail. Eldarion had known for a long while the full extent of Nathaniel's power, and had decided beforehand, that whatever came of the council, he would use him. There was simply no reason not to.
"Nathaniel would care about the lives of innocent people." Simeon put in, drumming his fingers lightly against the polished surface of the table. "That is the kind of person he is. But I think he would realize it is easier to give in right away. Nathaniel is not stupid. He knows he is never to be set free. His best option is to do what he is told, and keep away from punishment. He might as well make his imprisonment as best as it can be."
Good answer Simeon, Eldarion thought, smiling to himself.
His eyes strayed to where Caelan sat, arms folded across his broad chest. He seemed somewhat aloof, as if he was just there to keep up appearances, and had no care for Nathaniel's fate. His eyes were distant, focused on a point far away. He was clearly thinking about something very hard.
"What is your opinion Caelan?" Eldarion asked loudly, stopping whoever was talking in mid-sentence. All the brothers turned to look at the man, waiting for his answer.
Caelan was unfazed.
"Whatever you decide my Lord, I will agree with." He replied softly, giving Eldarion a brief glance before returning to his thoughts. His brothers didn't seem to know what to say. Domic gave him an odd look, and Essien coughed awkwardly.
"Well then." Eldarion murmured, unsatisfied with his answer. "I suppose I should make a decision then."
There was an expectant hush. All eyes were on him, waiting anxiously.
He rose, meeting the gazes of each of the men in turn.
"I will use Nathaniel." He said. "In two days time we will take our first step in conquering over the race of the Elves. I expect all you to be here, at sundown. Make sure you are not late."
With that he moved his chair aside and strode from the room, closing the door loudly behind him. The brothers all left their seats, talking amongst themselves quietly. Caelan however, moved apart from them, approaching the window closest to him. From where he stood, he could just see the east wall of the courtyard where the captives were being held.
He closed his eyes and sighed.
Despite conflicting emotions within him, he hoped they would not be harmed.
A/N: Ok, I know it's short. But as I said before, exams are here, and I will have zero time to write in this next week, and I'm pretty sure you don't want to wait another week for this chapter. And I know I am kind of drawing this out longer than it has to be. But I wanted some buildup to the upcoming event, since it will have an important part in the plot. So yeah, hope you enjoyed, and R&R!!!!!!!!! Also, I do not know what Haldir's father's name is. I'm taking another liberty in making it up. Don't get angry! ^_^