Disclaimer: Yes, we all know that Tolkien is a genius and he wrote Lord of
the Rings blah blah blah.
Author's Note: What can I say? YOU REVIEWERS ARE AWESOME!! I LOVE YOU!!! So happy!! I finally reached 100 reviews! Yay! Yeah, I know I'm high. So what?
We Are One
Born Again
Lord Elrond looked sadly upon the two still figures. Hithiel's breath was still dangerously shallow but there was still hope for her. He did all that he could but he still felt guilty for not helping her more. After all, Hithiel saved his many times before. He sighed and got up. He was extremely tired from staying up all night fighting a prolonged battle for her life but she still showed know signs of life.
Elrond now switched his gaze to Haldir and he bit his lip. He couldn't help but blame the Guardian for her condition. He knew that Hithiel did it herself and it was her decision to sacrifice her life but if Haldir weren't there then none of this would happen. 'And she would happily marry Ambaril,' he thought wearily.
Now at least he knew why Hithiel fought so strongly against the marriage. 'But she must no matter what. She must seal the bond between the Elven cities.' He knew he was being selfish for not thinking about her but his job as ruler of Imladris stated that he must think for the good of his people. He couldn't miss an opportunity like this. He just couldn't...
~*~*~With Haldir a couple hours later~*~*~
Haldir raised his golden head struggling to recall what had happened. Vivid images of Hithiel running to him, shielding him from the arrow, staring with pain-filled eyes, arrow in her, falling to the ground, Black Elves...
It was all too much. He buried his head into the pillow and punched it with all the strength he had. He laid there for a moment collecting his thoughts when he remembered Elrond.
He sat quickly sat up and looked around. He was in a room at the Healers. Everything was so clean but as soon as he stepped outside, the stench of blood hit him hard. He reeled and tried not to puke as he inhaled the smell of dried blood. His eyes took in the horrid scene of wounded soldiers, bloody sheets, and Healers running around in their white gowns now stained with so much blood that it was red.
He walked swiftly towards Hithiel's room, pausing for a second to comfort some of his friends and fellow Guardians in pain. He reached her room and walked in quietly. He walked towards her bed and his eyes widened when he saw her. Hithiel was not dead but she was changed. Haldir double checked to make sure he was in the right room. He sat down next to her and his eyes filled with tears of relief that she was not dead. He reached out and softly stroked her face that was now pale as the moon. Her hair that was once black as pitch was now silvery gold and made her shine like an angel. 'She is beautiful, even near Death,' thought Haldir as he caressed her face.
The green amulet that he wore around his neck glowed green and a pulse of magic filled the air around him. Haldir finally understood when Elrond talked about binding. The soft golden hair that Hithiel now had was his. Her pale skin was his. He had given life to her and now they were one like the sun and moon. She was reborn to be a Silvan Elf. All traces of her past life as a Noldorian was gone. He silently prayed to Valor thanking them for giving life back to her. "Aure entuluva, Melamin," whispered Haldir into her delicately pointed ears. [Day shall come again, my love.]
~*~*~With Hithiel~*~*~
"You must go, Child. You cannot go back now. Your life has left you. Go and be at peace in Valinor," said the haunting voice again.
Hithiel fought with herself, willing her body not to go into Mandos. But she knew it was hopeless. Sooner of later, she would be dragged in and she'll never see Haldir again. 'Haldir...'
"He will not come for you, Little One. His time is far from now. There is nothing for you here between the realms of the Living and Dead. You cannot go back to the Living so you have to go NOW." The voice finally lost patience reasoning with her and was now pushing her in.
Hithiel fought the voice but she couldn't. It was all around her, smothering her and pushing her closer to the Halls. Hithiel closed her eyes and gave up completely. She let the voice push her closer and closer to Mandos. Mocking laughter swirled around her growing louder and louder. "I told you that you can never win," the voice mocked.
Just then, a voice penetrated the swirling mist of cruel laughter around her. "Aure entuluva, Melamin," the soft voice said.
'That voice... Haldir!' The words echoed around her again and again, blocking the laughter and the will of the haunting voice. She renewed her strength and will to live. She fought the will of the voice with strength of mind. 'Day shall come again, Haldir,' she thought with defiance. And that was all she knew. Whiteness was all around her, swirling and rising up towards the Heavens like smoke. It blocked out everything from her including Haldir's sweet voice calling out to her. She strained to see light again and go back to the world in which she knew and loved.
~*~*~With Haldir~*~*~
Hithiel turned her head towards him and her eyes fluttered open. Her beautiful green eyes were shining with life but now there was a hint of blue within the green depths. She reached out a trembling hand towards Haldir. He caught her hand and slowly brought it towards his face, remembering the feel of her skilled hands. "I'm so sorry," he murmured softly.
"No, it's not your fault, Haldir. I did it myself. I knew the consequences and that my life was at stake. None of it was your fault and I thank you for bringing me back. I owe you so much. " Her soft melodic voice soothed him instantly.
He leaned into her hand and closed his eyes. "Amin mela lle ten'oio," he whispered softly. "I was afraid that I'd loose you. That you would go before your time just because of me after all I said to you." The words ripped through Haldir and he never loved her more. You never know how much you love someone until they're gone. He was going to say more but Hithiel silenced him with a finger.
"All is forgotten. Let us never part again. Promise me that you'll never leave me." She gazed at him, emotions showing plainly in her eyes.
"Do you really need an answer?" he teased playfully.
"I just want to hear it," said Hithiel. "Promise?"
"I promise. I can't even bear the thought of you leaving me," said Haldir passionately falling into her embrace.
"Then don't think about it," she said softly stroking his golden hair that was now the same shade as her own.
They stayed that way for a while but suddenly, the doors of the room flew open. A very dirty Prince came in followed by Lord Elrond looking pleased when he saw that Hithiel was awake. Haldir and Hithiel broke apart quickly but not before Elrond saw them together. "Are you ready to go?" he asked Hithiel. He felt a stab of pain in his heart. He knew that she loved Haldir but she must wed Ambaril. There was no other choice.
"Go?" asked Hithiel with a confused expression on her face.
"To Mirkwood," the slick voice of Ambaril reminded her. "Your injuries have healed. You're strong enough to travel. Let's go." He pulled her roughly out of bed, earning him a glare from Haldir and a disapproving look from Elrond.
"I'm not going anywhere," she retorted with defiance, "And I don't care what you do." She raised her golden head up proudly waiting to see what he would do.
The Prince threw up his hands in exasperation and turned to Lord Elrond. "Please, milord. Talk some sense into her. She must leave tonight. My people are waiting for their new Queen."
Elrond glanced at Haldir. "You must let her go, Haldir. She has her own life and duty calls for her to marry Ambaril. You understand duty. Now help her understand hers. Let her go. She was not destined to be yours. It was not meant to be," he said steely.
"So you just want me to abandon her? To live a life that she hates in Mirkwood? Don't you want her to be happy?" Haldir pleaded the Lord but he shook his head sadly.
"I'm sorry, Haldir but I cannot change the will of Prince Ambaril."
Haldir opened his mouth to say more but the voice of the Lady filled his head, clouding all his thoughts. Her angry voice filled his head. "Haldir, that was a direct order from the Lord of Imladris! You cannot disobey it! Leave her. There will be others. Since when were you so powerful that you could argue with one of the most powerful Elves in all Middle-Earth? Now I order you to let-her-go!"
Haldir's eyes flew wide with shock when he heard her voice. He had never heard her so angry before. His heart ached when he thought about what he was about to do. He looked at Hithiel with pain-filled eyes. 'I'm so sorry,' he thought. 'I don't have a choice.'
"Well?" asked Lord Elrond impatiently. He had seen a change in Haldir's eyes and he suspected that it had something to do with the Lady but he kept silent.
Haldir knelt before Hithiel and took her cold hands into his. "Haldir? What are you doing?" she asked her voice shaking.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way, Melamin. I can do nothing." His voice was cold and emotionless but his eyes held unshed tears and his heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces.
"What do you mean? It doesn't matter. None of it matters." Her eyes were wide and filled with fear. "Haldir, we made a promise to each other. Whatever happens, I intend to honor that! There can be no one for me but you." Her voice shook but each word was strong and held meaning behind them.
Haldir's gaze was hard but steady. "If you refuse this marriage between you and Ambaril, war might spring upon the two cites. Lives will be lost and our numbers are dwindling already. You will help form an alliance between them and bring peace back to the great cities. Only you can help bring it back to the way it was before."
Gently, he brought her hands to his face one last time. "They have chosen you as Mirkwood's Queen and I'm just a warrior and Guardian. It was not meant to be," he ended softly, echoing what Elrond had said minutes ago. It had seemed like hours.
The beautiful Guardian bowed his head before the appalled Elf. "I pledge my personal allegiance, as well as all the power of the Lady of Light and Lord Celeborn, to Hithiel, Queen of Mirkwood and to Ambaril, her King. May you both live long, and reign well." Tears sparkled in her eyes, but her voice was firm. "Aa'lasser en lle coia orn n'omenta gurtha." [May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown.]
Before Hithiel could speak, Haldir got up and disappeared. Only a faint silver sparkle of magic in the air and the tiny mark of two fallen tears upon the wooden floor of the room betrayed that he had ever been there at all.
The frantic Elf tried to dash after him but was stopped by Ambaril's strong grip. "No!" she cried out in heartbreak. "No! Haldir! Let go me! Haldir! Tarenamin, cormamin niuve tenna'... te elea lle au'... Amin mela lle, Haldir, Ten'oio," she ended, her voice shaking with sobs. "Ten'oio, Haldir. Ten'oio." She stopped fighting against Ambaril's grip and sank down onto the cold wooden floor, tears streaming down her pale face. [My heart shall weep until it sees thee again. I love you, Haldir, forever.] [Forever, Haldir. Forever.]
Hithiel let her tears stream freely down her face. She was too brokenhearted to even be angry with Ambaril, the one who caused all her grief. Her sobs shook her entire body and she curled up protectively against the floor. It seemed to her that she could still hear Haldir's sweet voice saying its final farewell, "Namaarie, mela en'coiamin." [Farewell, love of my life]
Elrond gazed at the weeping Elf with pity and great sadness. He hated to see her like this but he had no choice. She had to go to Mirkwood.
Author's Note: Do I REALLY need to say it? What the heck. Review! REVIEW!! Review for the sake of Return of the King, which by the way was totally awesome!!
Author's Note: What can I say? YOU REVIEWERS ARE AWESOME!! I LOVE YOU!!! So happy!! I finally reached 100 reviews! Yay! Yeah, I know I'm high. So what?
We Are One
Born Again
Lord Elrond looked sadly upon the two still figures. Hithiel's breath was still dangerously shallow but there was still hope for her. He did all that he could but he still felt guilty for not helping her more. After all, Hithiel saved his many times before. He sighed and got up. He was extremely tired from staying up all night fighting a prolonged battle for her life but she still showed know signs of life.
Elrond now switched his gaze to Haldir and he bit his lip. He couldn't help but blame the Guardian for her condition. He knew that Hithiel did it herself and it was her decision to sacrifice her life but if Haldir weren't there then none of this would happen. 'And she would happily marry Ambaril,' he thought wearily.
Now at least he knew why Hithiel fought so strongly against the marriage. 'But she must no matter what. She must seal the bond between the Elven cities.' He knew he was being selfish for not thinking about her but his job as ruler of Imladris stated that he must think for the good of his people. He couldn't miss an opportunity like this. He just couldn't...
~*~*~With Haldir a couple hours later~*~*~
Haldir raised his golden head struggling to recall what had happened. Vivid images of Hithiel running to him, shielding him from the arrow, staring with pain-filled eyes, arrow in her, falling to the ground, Black Elves...
It was all too much. He buried his head into the pillow and punched it with all the strength he had. He laid there for a moment collecting his thoughts when he remembered Elrond.
He sat quickly sat up and looked around. He was in a room at the Healers. Everything was so clean but as soon as he stepped outside, the stench of blood hit him hard. He reeled and tried not to puke as he inhaled the smell of dried blood. His eyes took in the horrid scene of wounded soldiers, bloody sheets, and Healers running around in their white gowns now stained with so much blood that it was red.
He walked swiftly towards Hithiel's room, pausing for a second to comfort some of his friends and fellow Guardians in pain. He reached her room and walked in quietly. He walked towards her bed and his eyes widened when he saw her. Hithiel was not dead but she was changed. Haldir double checked to make sure he was in the right room. He sat down next to her and his eyes filled with tears of relief that she was not dead. He reached out and softly stroked her face that was now pale as the moon. Her hair that was once black as pitch was now silvery gold and made her shine like an angel. 'She is beautiful, even near Death,' thought Haldir as he caressed her face.
The green amulet that he wore around his neck glowed green and a pulse of magic filled the air around him. Haldir finally understood when Elrond talked about binding. The soft golden hair that Hithiel now had was his. Her pale skin was his. He had given life to her and now they were one like the sun and moon. She was reborn to be a Silvan Elf. All traces of her past life as a Noldorian was gone. He silently prayed to Valor thanking them for giving life back to her. "Aure entuluva, Melamin," whispered Haldir into her delicately pointed ears. [Day shall come again, my love.]
~*~*~With Hithiel~*~*~
"You must go, Child. You cannot go back now. Your life has left you. Go and be at peace in Valinor," said the haunting voice again.
Hithiel fought with herself, willing her body not to go into Mandos. But she knew it was hopeless. Sooner of later, she would be dragged in and she'll never see Haldir again. 'Haldir...'
"He will not come for you, Little One. His time is far from now. There is nothing for you here between the realms of the Living and Dead. You cannot go back to the Living so you have to go NOW." The voice finally lost patience reasoning with her and was now pushing her in.
Hithiel fought the voice but she couldn't. It was all around her, smothering her and pushing her closer to the Halls. Hithiel closed her eyes and gave up completely. She let the voice push her closer and closer to Mandos. Mocking laughter swirled around her growing louder and louder. "I told you that you can never win," the voice mocked.
Just then, a voice penetrated the swirling mist of cruel laughter around her. "Aure entuluva, Melamin," the soft voice said.
'That voice... Haldir!' The words echoed around her again and again, blocking the laughter and the will of the haunting voice. She renewed her strength and will to live. She fought the will of the voice with strength of mind. 'Day shall come again, Haldir,' she thought with defiance. And that was all she knew. Whiteness was all around her, swirling and rising up towards the Heavens like smoke. It blocked out everything from her including Haldir's sweet voice calling out to her. She strained to see light again and go back to the world in which she knew and loved.
~*~*~With Haldir~*~*~
Hithiel turned her head towards him and her eyes fluttered open. Her beautiful green eyes were shining with life but now there was a hint of blue within the green depths. She reached out a trembling hand towards Haldir. He caught her hand and slowly brought it towards his face, remembering the feel of her skilled hands. "I'm so sorry," he murmured softly.
"No, it's not your fault, Haldir. I did it myself. I knew the consequences and that my life was at stake. None of it was your fault and I thank you for bringing me back. I owe you so much. " Her soft melodic voice soothed him instantly.
He leaned into her hand and closed his eyes. "Amin mela lle ten'oio," he whispered softly. "I was afraid that I'd loose you. That you would go before your time just because of me after all I said to you." The words ripped through Haldir and he never loved her more. You never know how much you love someone until they're gone. He was going to say more but Hithiel silenced him with a finger.
"All is forgotten. Let us never part again. Promise me that you'll never leave me." She gazed at him, emotions showing plainly in her eyes.
"Do you really need an answer?" he teased playfully.
"I just want to hear it," said Hithiel. "Promise?"
"I promise. I can't even bear the thought of you leaving me," said Haldir passionately falling into her embrace.
"Then don't think about it," she said softly stroking his golden hair that was now the same shade as her own.
They stayed that way for a while but suddenly, the doors of the room flew open. A very dirty Prince came in followed by Lord Elrond looking pleased when he saw that Hithiel was awake. Haldir and Hithiel broke apart quickly but not before Elrond saw them together. "Are you ready to go?" he asked Hithiel. He felt a stab of pain in his heart. He knew that she loved Haldir but she must wed Ambaril. There was no other choice.
"Go?" asked Hithiel with a confused expression on her face.
"To Mirkwood," the slick voice of Ambaril reminded her. "Your injuries have healed. You're strong enough to travel. Let's go." He pulled her roughly out of bed, earning him a glare from Haldir and a disapproving look from Elrond.
"I'm not going anywhere," she retorted with defiance, "And I don't care what you do." She raised her golden head up proudly waiting to see what he would do.
The Prince threw up his hands in exasperation and turned to Lord Elrond. "Please, milord. Talk some sense into her. She must leave tonight. My people are waiting for their new Queen."
Elrond glanced at Haldir. "You must let her go, Haldir. She has her own life and duty calls for her to marry Ambaril. You understand duty. Now help her understand hers. Let her go. She was not destined to be yours. It was not meant to be," he said steely.
"So you just want me to abandon her? To live a life that she hates in Mirkwood? Don't you want her to be happy?" Haldir pleaded the Lord but he shook his head sadly.
"I'm sorry, Haldir but I cannot change the will of Prince Ambaril."
Haldir opened his mouth to say more but the voice of the Lady filled his head, clouding all his thoughts. Her angry voice filled his head. "Haldir, that was a direct order from the Lord of Imladris! You cannot disobey it! Leave her. There will be others. Since when were you so powerful that you could argue with one of the most powerful Elves in all Middle-Earth? Now I order you to let-her-go!"
Haldir's eyes flew wide with shock when he heard her voice. He had never heard her so angry before. His heart ached when he thought about what he was about to do. He looked at Hithiel with pain-filled eyes. 'I'm so sorry,' he thought. 'I don't have a choice.'
"Well?" asked Lord Elrond impatiently. He had seen a change in Haldir's eyes and he suspected that it had something to do with the Lady but he kept silent.
Haldir knelt before Hithiel and took her cold hands into his. "Haldir? What are you doing?" she asked her voice shaking.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way, Melamin. I can do nothing." His voice was cold and emotionless but his eyes held unshed tears and his heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces.
"What do you mean? It doesn't matter. None of it matters." Her eyes were wide and filled with fear. "Haldir, we made a promise to each other. Whatever happens, I intend to honor that! There can be no one for me but you." Her voice shook but each word was strong and held meaning behind them.
Haldir's gaze was hard but steady. "If you refuse this marriage between you and Ambaril, war might spring upon the two cites. Lives will be lost and our numbers are dwindling already. You will help form an alliance between them and bring peace back to the great cities. Only you can help bring it back to the way it was before."
Gently, he brought her hands to his face one last time. "They have chosen you as Mirkwood's Queen and I'm just a warrior and Guardian. It was not meant to be," he ended softly, echoing what Elrond had said minutes ago. It had seemed like hours.
The beautiful Guardian bowed his head before the appalled Elf. "I pledge my personal allegiance, as well as all the power of the Lady of Light and Lord Celeborn, to Hithiel, Queen of Mirkwood and to Ambaril, her King. May you both live long, and reign well." Tears sparkled in her eyes, but her voice was firm. "Aa'lasser en lle coia orn n'omenta gurtha." [May the leaves of your life tree never turn brown.]
Before Hithiel could speak, Haldir got up and disappeared. Only a faint silver sparkle of magic in the air and the tiny mark of two fallen tears upon the wooden floor of the room betrayed that he had ever been there at all.
The frantic Elf tried to dash after him but was stopped by Ambaril's strong grip. "No!" she cried out in heartbreak. "No! Haldir! Let go me! Haldir! Tarenamin, cormamin niuve tenna'... te elea lle au'... Amin mela lle, Haldir, Ten'oio," she ended, her voice shaking with sobs. "Ten'oio, Haldir. Ten'oio." She stopped fighting against Ambaril's grip and sank down onto the cold wooden floor, tears streaming down her pale face. [My heart shall weep until it sees thee again. I love you, Haldir, forever.] [Forever, Haldir. Forever.]
Hithiel let her tears stream freely down her face. She was too brokenhearted to even be angry with Ambaril, the one who caused all her grief. Her sobs shook her entire body and she curled up protectively against the floor. It seemed to her that she could still hear Haldir's sweet voice saying its final farewell, "Namaarie, mela en'coiamin." [Farewell, love of my life]
Elrond gazed at the weeping Elf with pity and great sadness. He hated to see her like this but he had no choice. She had to go to Mirkwood.
Author's Note: Do I REALLY need to say it? What the heck. Review! REVIEW!! Review for the sake of Return of the King, which by the way was totally awesome!!