AN: I know, I know, it's been ages since I last updated, but I really can't
go any faster. At the moment, I'm stealing spare moments from every day in
order to put the next chapter together. Let me assure you all once again
though, that I will not leave this fic unfinished. It's all mapped out in
my mind, I just have to find the time to put it all down.
Disclaimer: Larien mine, rest belong to Tolkien.
* * *
Chapter 14
"I have grave fears for the safety of Lorien, my Lord."
"Yes, there have been too many casualties these past months. Your patrols must feel the strain."
"They do, my Lord. Something must be done urgently. There is no time to lose."
"I agree. The trials must be brought forward." There was a pause in the conversation. Celeborn looked into Haldir's worried face. "You do not agree?"
"There is a great need for urgency. I am not certain our patrols will hold out during the next orc attack."
"What do you propose, Haldir?"
"I know it is tradition to hold the trials before appointing the new leaders, but this is a unique case. We need leaders now. We have to protect our borders, but I do not believe we have the time to go through trials." Celeborn glanced sidelong at his wife, but Galadriel remained impassive.
"Do you have any thoughts as to who might be appropriate for these positions?"
"I do. I can have a shortlist put together incorporating field experience and training ready for your approval by morning." Celeborn waved his hand.
"If you believe you can select suitable leaders without the need to hold trials this year, then you must go ahead and appoint those whom you see fit. I have complete faith in your decision." He hesitated, looking closely at Haldir. "That wound on your face, will you not have a healer tend to it?" **
"Thank you, my Lord," Haldir replied, lowering his head respectfully. As the marchwarden left the telain, Celeborn turned to his wife.
"You were very quiet this evening, my dear." She looked at him and smiled.
"You know I never interfere with matters of security, but I must admit to a certain curiosity as to how things will develop between Haldir and Larien."
"How does this affect Larien?" he asked, intrigued.
"Their fates are more powerfully intertwined than I had first realised," she replied. "I know there is an event that Larien wishes to change, but even I do not know how she will achieve this. This latest development is sure to be an obstacle in her path."
* * *
"Legolas, you cannot just walk out of the healers'!" Aragorn cried, following the elf worriedly as he limped away.
"Give me one good reason," Legolas muttered under his breath, his composure abandoning him as it had been doing for the past few days.
"You must rest, heal completely before we continue." Legolas did not pause his lopsided walk. "You will only be a hindrance, Legolas. We need you fully fit or not at all!" Aragorn watched as the proud elf's back stiffened and his strides slowed, pausing a moment, before continuing once again without turning back. Aragorn's barbed comment had been intended to hit Legolas where it hurt, and they both knew it.
"What would you suggest I do?" Legolas asked as Aragorn caught up with him once again. "Remain there, waiting for Haldir to come to me, anticipating that moment of humiliation? That I cannot do, my friend. I must stay away, and as soon as the Lord and Lady give us leave, we must depart."
"Will you at least rest?" the ranger insisted. "The healer insisted you must give the wounds time to heal."
"Indeed, Prince. Do you spurn our healers? Do you have such little faith in the Galadhrim's simple techniques?" came a voice from overhead.
"Haldir!" Aragorn exclaimed. "By the Valar, I swear I shall never get used to your people's habit of travelling along the treetops." Haldir's eyes bored into Legolas, not allowing the prince to avoid his eyes.
"I have business with the Prince of Mirkwood," he stated, not shifting his glare. "I respectfully ask you leave us alone, Aragorn." The ranger shot Legolas an apologetic look as he left the scene reluctantly.
"I know your business with me, Haldir, and I beg leave to speak first," Legolas began. With an almost imperceptible nod, Haldir acquiesced. Legolas continued, desperately trying to maintain his calm, collected manner. "I must beg forgiveness for my attentions to the lady Larien. I did not know she was betrothed to another, and was under the impression that your brothers and yourself were her brothers. Never would I have wronged you by blatantly pursuing your partner. If at all possible, I hope we can avoid the breaking down of relations between Lothlórien and Mirkwood, as it was never my intention to dishonour the Galadhrim in any way. Too long have I listened enraptured to songs of Lorien and Nimrodel..." Haldir abruptly held up a hand, stopping Legolas in mid flow.
Prince Legolas," he murmured. "You are babbling." Legolas collected himself once again.
"I shall not approach Larien again, and I understand if you must keep me under guard, although I would most regret not experiencing more of your beautiful home." Legolas fell silent as Haldir pondered the situation.
"You will be placed under guard, but you will be under guard at the healers' until they give their permission for you to depart. When this is so, you are free to wander wherever you wish within Lothlórien. I would not want you to return to your father speaking harshly of our hospitality. But I trust you can understand my reluctance to give you leave to visit Larien unaccompanied." Legolas stared nonplussed at Haldir.
"All too well," he murmured in reply. "I thank you for your compassion, Haldir. I shall not approach Larien again. You have my word." He watched in surprise as the smallest of smiles crept across Haldir's stern features.
"I am glad we have this matter cleared between us," Haldir told him as he clasped Legolas' shoulder, intending to support him. "Come, I will accompany you to the healers." As they walked away together, Haldir spoke again. "Incidentally, if it interests your highness, it would be an honour to have you attend our warden assembly. The protection of our home is our priority, and the appointment of new leaders is an important event in our woods." Legolas smiled.
"The honour will be mine."
* * *
The day came when the warden assembly was announced to the Galadhrim. Great excitement spread through the woods, for this was a joyous event where great honour would be bestowed on a lucky few. The wardens greeted the announcement with mixed feelings. They all knew their patrols were stretched thin and welcomed the addition of new wardens. On the other hand, they were also anxiously anticipating the trials and were eager to perform to their best abilities. Larien took the news calmly. She had decided on her course of action and knew she would not be chosen, although Haldir would never find out why. Haldir wondered at Larien's unaccustomed silence, but did not dwell on it further as his thoughts were taken up with the appointment of deserving leaders.
The day of the assembly dawned fresh and clear. Larien woke early, not surprised to find no sign of Haldir. He would be busy today with the culmination of all his plans. She dressed quickly in her tunic and leggings, picking up her bow, quiver and blades, and hurried down from her telain at the sound of Rúmil and Orophin's voices.
"Come on, Larien!" Orophin exclaimed.
"It would not do to be seen arriving late, today of all days!" Rúmil added. Larien swiped at them playfully.
"I am not running late, you underfed orcs!" Rúmil grinned as Orophin caught her neck under his arm and started tickling her in response to her insult.
"But we will be if we do not get moving!" Rúmil interceded. Orophin ceased his playful wrestling reluctantly as his older brother led the way.
"Do you not feel nervous, Larien? This could be the year you are promoted to a leader's position." Larien shook her head indifferently.
"I am certain I will not. There are many wardens more skilled than I in many disciplines."
"Do not be so modest, sister. All can see that you have vastly improved in skill since the last trials. In fact, Rúmil, I propose a small wager." Rúmil rolled his eyes indulgently. "If Larien does not get promoted, you and I will run through Lothlórien unclothed. If she does get promoted as we all think she will, Larien must take this forfeit!"
Larien waved an irritable hand. "Enough talk about this. It is not going to happen. Now quiet, we approach the trials."
As they approached the assembly area, they noticed a distinct air of confusion and anticipation among the other wardens. Orophin looked around with mild surprise, surveying the area.
"What is brother up to? There is no site set out for the trials."
"Where are the targets? And the combat rings?" Larien, although not endowed with Galadriel's foresight, felt a cold sensation of dread creep over her. At the end of the clearing, upon a platform in full view of the assembled wardens sat Celeborn, Lord of the Galadhrim, his wife Lady Galadriel by his side, Haldir and the Prince of Mirkwood. This situation seemed excessively formal for what had always been an informal announcement of the commencement of trials. Nevertheless, she followed Rúmil and Orophin to sit with North patrol.
As she looked around, she could see the other patrols set out similarly to her own. Towards the front and closest to the platform sat the current patrol leader, in North patrol's case, Rúmil, and behind him, in order of skill and age, sat the rest of the patrol, all patrols looking worryingly depleted. She looked towards the platform instinctively for the two superintendents, the two elves just below Haldir in rank who oversaw the patrol leaders, before restraining herself. Morfildor, the first superintendent had fallen during the latest orc battle that had claimed so many of them, and Isindil, the second superintendent, had been severely wounded, barely escaping death only due to the quick reactions of his comrades.
A hush spread over the assembled ranks as Celeborn stood before them. A sense of expectation filled the air.
"We have gathered here today once again in order to fulfil an old custom – the choosing of new leaders. The need to protect our borders has never been more pressing than it is now in these dark times. War is upon us all and it is imperative that Lórien remains a secure haven.
We are honoured to host the fellowship of halflings, men, elves and dwarves, but it is undeniable that their presence here increases our susceptibility. The burden they carry must pass onwards soon, but meanwhile, too many of our wardens have passed on to the Hall of Mandos, never to see the beauty of Valinor. We mourn their passing, but our forces are much depleted. New wardens must be recruited and new leaders must be appointed with haste.
Therefore, it has been decided that the leadership trials this year will be postponed. Leaders will today be appointed based on skill and experience in the field." A muffled gasp rippled through the crowd as the enormity of their Lord's statement filtered through. Rúmil and Orophin turned to each other in surprise as Larien swallowed the ball that had formed in her dry throat. Panic filled her and seemed to exude from every pore whilst her heart hammered like a caged beast against her ribcage. She felt light headed and icy cold, realising that her fate was not in her hands. There was nothing she could do to stop her destiny.
During this time, Celeborn had returned to his seat and Haldir had stepped forwards. His low commanding voice filled the clearing.
"I have before me a list of the leaders to be appointed. If your name is read out, please come forward and fill your position," he began as he referred to the list for the first time. "I am pleased to announce that West patrol has had few casualties and so is not in need of a new leader. North patrol also has retained their leader, however, Rúmil will be unable to fulfil his duties as he is now appointed to the position of first superintendent." A wide grin split Rúmil's face as he heard the news, and he hopped sprightly up onto the platform. Orophin nudged Larien in delight, but Larien remained unresponsive. There was still a danger that she would be appointed as North leader, and the tension twisted further inside her. It seemed to take forever for Rúmil to reach his place on the platform and Haldir to continue.
"Therefore, the leader of North patrol is now Orophin," Haldir finally announced. A sigh escaped Larien's lips as some of her tension was released. She smiled in relief at Orophin, who was delighted to be honoured in this way. Larien knew they would do well in those positions for, although the brothers acted like elflings at times, she knew they had sensible heads, especially in a crisis.
For a while, Larien tuned out Haldir's words as he proceeded to replace South and East patrols' fallen leaders. Her mind rested momentarily on Isindil, wondering how soon he would be back on patrol once again, when she heard Haldir speak his name.
"He is an excellent superintendent, and no one was more pained than I upon hearing of his suffering. However, he is in no position to resume his duties. It has fallen on my shoulders to appoint a temporary second superintendent to take over until he is once again fit. It has not been an easy task as it is not a permanent position, but we are of the opinion that this honour should go to Larien."
All eyes turned to her as the blood drained from her face. She felt frozen by their stares as time stopped all around her.
"Larien, take your position by Rúmil," Orophin hissed at her. Suddenly, as if Orophin's whisper had opened the flood gates, her head filled with noise: the rushing of her own blood, the relentless pounding of her heart, the breaths of a hundred wardens hissing in and out, the breeze roaring through the mallorns. Her legs, as if with a life of their own, stood up and walked unsteadily towards the platform. She sat on the chair and looked around. Hundreds of bright eyes stared back at her, hundreds of silver heads glistened under her unseeing gaze, hundreds of hearts beat, sending blood around hundreds of bodies, ready to be spilled on her command. The world around her faded as images of a dead Haldir flashed in front of her eyes, burning itself into her brain. Finally everything faded to back as she closed her eyes and gave in to the terror.
* * *
Another chapter up! Thanks for the reviews, please keep them coming. They are the only things that keep me plodding on!
Elle G, Haldir's Heart and Soul, Earwen of Alqualonde, Orli's babe, dinah47, Saijin*Princess*Arien, Niamh, Rayvin813, Lady Light, Gemini Enchantress, Deb, NarisiaDeylarien, Legolin, Bladefanatic, skye m, Arwen1481 – Thank you so much for your reviews. They mean the world to me.
Haibane – I thank you for breaking your golden rule and reviewing before I've finished. I feel honoured!
Simply Sara, Athyn1, Kika1 – Thanks for your support, my play went really well!
Jade Goddess – I think I've just granted both your wishes!
If I've left anyone out, my most sincere apologies. It's late, I'm tired and I don't function well in this state! I won't be making any promises as to when the next chapter will be up, but I'm hoping it'll be soon.
Disclaimer: Larien mine, rest belong to Tolkien.
* * *
Chapter 14
"I have grave fears for the safety of Lorien, my Lord."
"Yes, there have been too many casualties these past months. Your patrols must feel the strain."
"They do, my Lord. Something must be done urgently. There is no time to lose."
"I agree. The trials must be brought forward." There was a pause in the conversation. Celeborn looked into Haldir's worried face. "You do not agree?"
"There is a great need for urgency. I am not certain our patrols will hold out during the next orc attack."
"What do you propose, Haldir?"
"I know it is tradition to hold the trials before appointing the new leaders, but this is a unique case. We need leaders now. We have to protect our borders, but I do not believe we have the time to go through trials." Celeborn glanced sidelong at his wife, but Galadriel remained impassive.
"Do you have any thoughts as to who might be appropriate for these positions?"
"I do. I can have a shortlist put together incorporating field experience and training ready for your approval by morning." Celeborn waved his hand.
"If you believe you can select suitable leaders without the need to hold trials this year, then you must go ahead and appoint those whom you see fit. I have complete faith in your decision." He hesitated, looking closely at Haldir. "That wound on your face, will you not have a healer tend to it?" **
"Thank you, my Lord," Haldir replied, lowering his head respectfully. As the marchwarden left the telain, Celeborn turned to his wife.
"You were very quiet this evening, my dear." She looked at him and smiled.
"You know I never interfere with matters of security, but I must admit to a certain curiosity as to how things will develop between Haldir and Larien."
"How does this affect Larien?" he asked, intrigued.
"Their fates are more powerfully intertwined than I had first realised," she replied. "I know there is an event that Larien wishes to change, but even I do not know how she will achieve this. This latest development is sure to be an obstacle in her path."
* * *
"Legolas, you cannot just walk out of the healers'!" Aragorn cried, following the elf worriedly as he limped away.
"Give me one good reason," Legolas muttered under his breath, his composure abandoning him as it had been doing for the past few days.
"You must rest, heal completely before we continue." Legolas did not pause his lopsided walk. "You will only be a hindrance, Legolas. We need you fully fit or not at all!" Aragorn watched as the proud elf's back stiffened and his strides slowed, pausing a moment, before continuing once again without turning back. Aragorn's barbed comment had been intended to hit Legolas where it hurt, and they both knew it.
"What would you suggest I do?" Legolas asked as Aragorn caught up with him once again. "Remain there, waiting for Haldir to come to me, anticipating that moment of humiliation? That I cannot do, my friend. I must stay away, and as soon as the Lord and Lady give us leave, we must depart."
"Will you at least rest?" the ranger insisted. "The healer insisted you must give the wounds time to heal."
"Indeed, Prince. Do you spurn our healers? Do you have such little faith in the Galadhrim's simple techniques?" came a voice from overhead.
"Haldir!" Aragorn exclaimed. "By the Valar, I swear I shall never get used to your people's habit of travelling along the treetops." Haldir's eyes bored into Legolas, not allowing the prince to avoid his eyes.
"I have business with the Prince of Mirkwood," he stated, not shifting his glare. "I respectfully ask you leave us alone, Aragorn." The ranger shot Legolas an apologetic look as he left the scene reluctantly.
"I know your business with me, Haldir, and I beg leave to speak first," Legolas began. With an almost imperceptible nod, Haldir acquiesced. Legolas continued, desperately trying to maintain his calm, collected manner. "I must beg forgiveness for my attentions to the lady Larien. I did not know she was betrothed to another, and was under the impression that your brothers and yourself were her brothers. Never would I have wronged you by blatantly pursuing your partner. If at all possible, I hope we can avoid the breaking down of relations between Lothlórien and Mirkwood, as it was never my intention to dishonour the Galadhrim in any way. Too long have I listened enraptured to songs of Lorien and Nimrodel..." Haldir abruptly held up a hand, stopping Legolas in mid flow.
Prince Legolas," he murmured. "You are babbling." Legolas collected himself once again.
"I shall not approach Larien again, and I understand if you must keep me under guard, although I would most regret not experiencing more of your beautiful home." Legolas fell silent as Haldir pondered the situation.
"You will be placed under guard, but you will be under guard at the healers' until they give their permission for you to depart. When this is so, you are free to wander wherever you wish within Lothlórien. I would not want you to return to your father speaking harshly of our hospitality. But I trust you can understand my reluctance to give you leave to visit Larien unaccompanied." Legolas stared nonplussed at Haldir.
"All too well," he murmured in reply. "I thank you for your compassion, Haldir. I shall not approach Larien again. You have my word." He watched in surprise as the smallest of smiles crept across Haldir's stern features.
"I am glad we have this matter cleared between us," Haldir told him as he clasped Legolas' shoulder, intending to support him. "Come, I will accompany you to the healers." As they walked away together, Haldir spoke again. "Incidentally, if it interests your highness, it would be an honour to have you attend our warden assembly. The protection of our home is our priority, and the appointment of new leaders is an important event in our woods." Legolas smiled.
"The honour will be mine."
* * *
The day came when the warden assembly was announced to the Galadhrim. Great excitement spread through the woods, for this was a joyous event where great honour would be bestowed on a lucky few. The wardens greeted the announcement with mixed feelings. They all knew their patrols were stretched thin and welcomed the addition of new wardens. On the other hand, they were also anxiously anticipating the trials and were eager to perform to their best abilities. Larien took the news calmly. She had decided on her course of action and knew she would not be chosen, although Haldir would never find out why. Haldir wondered at Larien's unaccustomed silence, but did not dwell on it further as his thoughts were taken up with the appointment of deserving leaders.
The day of the assembly dawned fresh and clear. Larien woke early, not surprised to find no sign of Haldir. He would be busy today with the culmination of all his plans. She dressed quickly in her tunic and leggings, picking up her bow, quiver and blades, and hurried down from her telain at the sound of Rúmil and Orophin's voices.
"Come on, Larien!" Orophin exclaimed.
"It would not do to be seen arriving late, today of all days!" Rúmil added. Larien swiped at them playfully.
"I am not running late, you underfed orcs!" Rúmil grinned as Orophin caught her neck under his arm and started tickling her in response to her insult.
"But we will be if we do not get moving!" Rúmil interceded. Orophin ceased his playful wrestling reluctantly as his older brother led the way.
"Do you not feel nervous, Larien? This could be the year you are promoted to a leader's position." Larien shook her head indifferently.
"I am certain I will not. There are many wardens more skilled than I in many disciplines."
"Do not be so modest, sister. All can see that you have vastly improved in skill since the last trials. In fact, Rúmil, I propose a small wager." Rúmil rolled his eyes indulgently. "If Larien does not get promoted, you and I will run through Lothlórien unclothed. If she does get promoted as we all think she will, Larien must take this forfeit!"
Larien waved an irritable hand. "Enough talk about this. It is not going to happen. Now quiet, we approach the trials."
As they approached the assembly area, they noticed a distinct air of confusion and anticipation among the other wardens. Orophin looked around with mild surprise, surveying the area.
"What is brother up to? There is no site set out for the trials."
"Where are the targets? And the combat rings?" Larien, although not endowed with Galadriel's foresight, felt a cold sensation of dread creep over her. At the end of the clearing, upon a platform in full view of the assembled wardens sat Celeborn, Lord of the Galadhrim, his wife Lady Galadriel by his side, Haldir and the Prince of Mirkwood. This situation seemed excessively formal for what had always been an informal announcement of the commencement of trials. Nevertheless, she followed Rúmil and Orophin to sit with North patrol.
As she looked around, she could see the other patrols set out similarly to her own. Towards the front and closest to the platform sat the current patrol leader, in North patrol's case, Rúmil, and behind him, in order of skill and age, sat the rest of the patrol, all patrols looking worryingly depleted. She looked towards the platform instinctively for the two superintendents, the two elves just below Haldir in rank who oversaw the patrol leaders, before restraining herself. Morfildor, the first superintendent had fallen during the latest orc battle that had claimed so many of them, and Isindil, the second superintendent, had been severely wounded, barely escaping death only due to the quick reactions of his comrades.
A hush spread over the assembled ranks as Celeborn stood before them. A sense of expectation filled the air.
"We have gathered here today once again in order to fulfil an old custom – the choosing of new leaders. The need to protect our borders has never been more pressing than it is now in these dark times. War is upon us all and it is imperative that Lórien remains a secure haven.
We are honoured to host the fellowship of halflings, men, elves and dwarves, but it is undeniable that their presence here increases our susceptibility. The burden they carry must pass onwards soon, but meanwhile, too many of our wardens have passed on to the Hall of Mandos, never to see the beauty of Valinor. We mourn their passing, but our forces are much depleted. New wardens must be recruited and new leaders must be appointed with haste.
Therefore, it has been decided that the leadership trials this year will be postponed. Leaders will today be appointed based on skill and experience in the field." A muffled gasp rippled through the crowd as the enormity of their Lord's statement filtered through. Rúmil and Orophin turned to each other in surprise as Larien swallowed the ball that had formed in her dry throat. Panic filled her and seemed to exude from every pore whilst her heart hammered like a caged beast against her ribcage. She felt light headed and icy cold, realising that her fate was not in her hands. There was nothing she could do to stop her destiny.
During this time, Celeborn had returned to his seat and Haldir had stepped forwards. His low commanding voice filled the clearing.
"I have before me a list of the leaders to be appointed. If your name is read out, please come forward and fill your position," he began as he referred to the list for the first time. "I am pleased to announce that West patrol has had few casualties and so is not in need of a new leader. North patrol also has retained their leader, however, Rúmil will be unable to fulfil his duties as he is now appointed to the position of first superintendent." A wide grin split Rúmil's face as he heard the news, and he hopped sprightly up onto the platform. Orophin nudged Larien in delight, but Larien remained unresponsive. There was still a danger that she would be appointed as North leader, and the tension twisted further inside her. It seemed to take forever for Rúmil to reach his place on the platform and Haldir to continue.
"Therefore, the leader of North patrol is now Orophin," Haldir finally announced. A sigh escaped Larien's lips as some of her tension was released. She smiled in relief at Orophin, who was delighted to be honoured in this way. Larien knew they would do well in those positions for, although the brothers acted like elflings at times, she knew they had sensible heads, especially in a crisis.
For a while, Larien tuned out Haldir's words as he proceeded to replace South and East patrols' fallen leaders. Her mind rested momentarily on Isindil, wondering how soon he would be back on patrol once again, when she heard Haldir speak his name.
"He is an excellent superintendent, and no one was more pained than I upon hearing of his suffering. However, he is in no position to resume his duties. It has fallen on my shoulders to appoint a temporary second superintendent to take over until he is once again fit. It has not been an easy task as it is not a permanent position, but we are of the opinion that this honour should go to Larien."
All eyes turned to her as the blood drained from her face. She felt frozen by their stares as time stopped all around her.
"Larien, take your position by Rúmil," Orophin hissed at her. Suddenly, as if Orophin's whisper had opened the flood gates, her head filled with noise: the rushing of her own blood, the relentless pounding of her heart, the breaths of a hundred wardens hissing in and out, the breeze roaring through the mallorns. Her legs, as if with a life of their own, stood up and walked unsteadily towards the platform. She sat on the chair and looked around. Hundreds of bright eyes stared back at her, hundreds of silver heads glistened under her unseeing gaze, hundreds of hearts beat, sending blood around hundreds of bodies, ready to be spilled on her command. The world around her faded as images of a dead Haldir flashed in front of her eyes, burning itself into her brain. Finally everything faded to back as she closed her eyes and gave in to the terror.
* * *
Another chapter up! Thanks for the reviews, please keep them coming. They are the only things that keep me plodding on!
Elle G, Haldir's Heart and Soul, Earwen of Alqualonde, Orli's babe, dinah47, Saijin*Princess*Arien, Niamh, Rayvin813, Lady Light, Gemini Enchantress, Deb, NarisiaDeylarien, Legolin, Bladefanatic, skye m, Arwen1481 – Thank you so much for your reviews. They mean the world to me.
Haibane – I thank you for breaking your golden rule and reviewing before I've finished. I feel honoured!
Simply Sara, Athyn1, Kika1 – Thanks for your support, my play went really well!
Jade Goddess – I think I've just granted both your wishes!
If I've left anyone out, my most sincere apologies. It's late, I'm tired and I don't function well in this state! I won't be making any promises as to when the next chapter will be up, but I'm hoping it'll be soon.