Disclaimer: Everything you recognize is not mine. Everything you don't
recognize is mine. Get that into your head. It will serve you well.
Author's Note: Thank you sooooo much for all your reviews! Without them I would've gave up on this fic long time ago! And for you peoples who like Elvish, Gwathir means Shadow Lord.
We Are One
Take Me With You
"Namaarie, mela en'coiamin," whispered Haldir broken-heartedly into the air. His life was a disaster. Whenever he found any happiness, it was always torn from him. 'Why do you punish me so?' he thought to the Valor. 'Why?' He did nothing to deserve this pain.
He swayed like a drunken man and stumbled down the steps and out into the sunlight. The sun shone on him, making his hair shine out like a halo but it gave no warmth to him. He leaned on a tree and let the tears flow out, unable to keep it inside any longer. He sank down and pounded the tree with his fist, expelling his anger and sadness. His fist ached but it didn't even come close to the pain in his heart. His vision was blurred by his tears but he could still make out the faint outline of an Elf walking towards him.
He quickly wiped his eyes and straightened up. To his utter disgust it was Ambaril, walking like the arrogant bastard he was with a You're-So-Pathetic grin on his face. He gave a jaunty wave towards Haldir. "So?"
"What do mean 'so'?" snapped Haldir angrily. This Elf took the one thing he loved and now was shaming him. He never felt angrier in his entire life. Anger caused him to forget his sadness and bring forth the warrior he was trained to be. He tensed, looking for a sign that would betray his enemy's next move.
"Aren't you going to congratulate me for having found a new queen? Are you not going to admit defeat - or will I have to force that from you? See, in MY lands, we have something called honor. It means accepting graceful defeat and admitting it when you obviously lost." Haldir's face flushed red and he glared at Ambaril but that just made him laugh.
"You don't frighten me, Haldir. Don't even try to hide it from me. You're broken. Beyond that. You would probably fade after a couple of days." Ambaril's grin stretched even wider if that was possible. "And then I'll be rid of you forever."
At this Haldir started. 'If I died, that means that Hithiel would also die. She can't die! Even if that means I have to live my life in misery.' "You're wrong, Ambaril. I am not broken and I won't fade away. You can't kill me either because if you kill me, Hithiel will follow immediately." He ended triumphantly. His eyes were still fixed on Ambaril as if waiting for him to strike out.
"What?! How can she die?" Ambaril searched Haldir's eyes in search of truth but he only found the icy blue glaring at him, unwilling to show anything.
Haldir laughed coldly. "We are bound to each other. When she was shot, I offered to give up my life for her. Lord Elrond wove our fates together. If one of us dies, the other will follow. If one feels pain, the other will suffer half the burden. You probably noticed her hair and her skin. They're both mine. And don't even think about separating us completely. It's irreversible." Haldir looked at Ambaril as if daring him to challenge him.
Ambaril turned red at this. "Fool, I will find a way to separate you. I have all the power and could summon and Wizard or High Mage to undo this. Just because Elrond can't doesn't mean others can't."
"Try. I dare you." Haldir locked eyes with Ambaril in a silent staring contest. He glared coldly at the Prince before him, unrelenting. Finally, Ambaril flushed and turned away, unable to withstand the intensity of Haldir's gaze.
"We shall meet again and you shall pay," he hissed before turning on his heels and walking back to Hithiel in the Healers.
Haldir felt only a small bit of satisfaction at this. His thoughts drifted back to Hithiel and the time they spent together. He closed his eyes and leaned back into the tree behind him. A hand touched his shoulder and he didn't need to turn to know that it was Orophin. "Are you alright, brother?" he asked in his soft voice.
Haldir turned his head around wearily to face his brother. "You heard?"
"Aye, from the Lady herself. She said to check on you and that she was sorry it had to be this way. I'm sorry, Haldir. If there's anything I could do..." he let his voice trail off into the wind.
"Nay, thanks, brother." Haldir looked mournfully at the Healers where Hithiel still was and shook his head. "It was not meant to be," he whispered, echoing the words of Elrond. He touched the leaf amulet with two fingers as if in prayer. As he did this, he recalled the words Hithiel had said to him when he first saw it, 'It cannot turn aside an arrow or block a sword but it will keep dark magic from ever touching you. It's the most precious thing I own.' The voice was so clear as if she was speaking into his ear. It seemed like forever since she said those words.
"Haldir?" asked Orophin, slightly worried. His brother's eyes had slipped out of focus and were filled with sadness. But this was different. He was not fading from his broken-heart. He threw his brother a puzzled glance before leaving him. He knew that Haldir wouldn't even notice his absence.
Haldir was jerked out of his reverie when he heard the sounds of horses. He looked up and found Legolas leading four magnificent stallions towards him. The young Prince's eyes were filled with anger and sadness. Anger towards Ambaril for doing this to Hithiel and Haldir and sadness that they will never each other again, or at least not for a while.
He paused and approached Haldir. "I'm sorry, my friend. My brother thinks about no one but himself. He doesn't deserve to be an Elf. Do not grieve, Haldir. I will make sure you see Hithiel again. This I promise. I will do all I can in Mirkwood to make Ambaril free her but with his behavior, it will be hard." Legolas clasped Haldir's shoulder in warrior's farewell and continued his journey to the Healers.
Haldir saw him go inside to get them and his heart clenched painfully at the thought of seeing Hithiel's face now. He quickly climbed the tree, his cloak hiding him from view. He peered out among the golden leaves and watched the Princes say goodbye to Elrond. He saw Hithiel standing apart from them with sorrowful eyes.
She raised her head and glanced around at Lothlorien one last time as if looking for someone. Haldir just wanted to jump down and announce his presence to Hithiel and have her run into his arms. He looked at Hithiel and noticed something different about her. He squinted and saw a blood red jewel on her neck. A golden band fastened it to her neck making her look regal even in a worn Guardian's outfit.
To Haldir, the jewel represented slavery. It bound her to the life of a noblewoman. It spoke of her rank and the house of which she now belonged. The necklace bound her to Ambaril's side and would never come off until Ambaril didn't want her anymore or if he died. Haldir knew this. His mother was almost permanently bound to another Prince but fortunately for her, he died in battle so it came off. His eyes filled with tears once more when he saw Hithiel looking so lost and helpless. A single silver tear slid down her pale cheek and that made Haldir's heart ache. He wanted to go and comfort her but he kept still, knowing that Elrond and Ambaril were there.
A loud neigh of a stallion told him that it was time for them to go. 'No, not now... Hithiel!' He watched helplessly as she mounted her black stallion with less grace than usual and trail after Ambaril like some dog on a leash running after its master. Legolas went after her, guarding the rear in case there was danger. Haldir watched her until his far-seeing Elven eyes could see no more. He wanted to go after her so badly. He didn't care. If only his duty didn't bind him to Lorien, he would've gone after her. "Hithiel..." he whispered into the silent night. There was no answer and there will never be one.
~*~*~With Hithiel in Mirkwood~*~*~
The wind whipped mercilessly at her face, burning her eyes. Her horse, Gwathir, carried her further and further away from Lorien and her one love. The steady pounding of horse hooves filled her ears as trees rushed passed her. She gripped the mane of her horse harder. She wasn't afraid of falling. She was afraid of going to Mirkwood. The collar around her throat was uncomfortable and the metal was cold against her skin. 'Get use to it. You're going to have it for the rest of you're miserable life,' she thought grimly.
She'd already considered suicide to escape Ambaril but she knew that if she died, so would Haldir. He gave her life and she wasn't going to repay him by taking his as well as the one he gave her. She shifted on her horse, trying to get comfortable but was rewarded with a fresh stab of pain in her left shoulder where the arrow had hit her. She winced and tried to ignore the pounding pain in her shoulder.
Soon the trees around them got denser and the air got closer. Moonlight fell in patches here and there but it was almost pitch black. She quickly ducked in her seat to avoid getting hit by a low branch. The trees were getting darker and darker. She was reborn as a Silvan Elf like Haldir so she could sense trees. They were not like the beautiful ones in Lothlorien that gave you comfort. They were dark and twisted as if it was filled with Black Magic. The bark was rough and uneven. She sensed magic within them much like Lorien but darker.
"We're close now," shouted Ambaril from up ahead. The ride from Lorien to Mirkwood was a three days ride but the short cut, unknown to anybody but the royal families, was only a six-hour gallop.
Suddenly her horse launched itself up and over a small river. Hithiel quickly regained her balance and rode on, keeping her eyes on the road. She heard a small thump as Legolas's horse landed smoothly on the other side of the river. She pulled her cloak tighter around her. The trees let no light in.
They reached the courtyard of Thranduil's palace. The guards nodded at Ambaril and opened the gates. Ambaril led his horse neatly in to the stables and smoothly dismounted. He gestured for Hithiel to follow suit.
Hithiel dismounted and patted her faithful stallion before turning to face her husband and king. "Follow me," he said curtly in a dignified voice.
She bowed her proud head and followed him. Legolas looked at her with pity in his heart. Ambaril led her inside and to a beautiful chamber. "Servants!" he called.
"Yes, milord," answered the servants in unison bowing to them both.
"This is Hithiel, your future Queen and my wife. Prepare her for the wedding."
"Yes, milord," came the dull reply.
Ambaril slammed the door shut behind him and went to his room to get ready. The servants immediately dragged her inside and began stripping her of her Guardian outfit, lecturing her and tutting their disapproval. One of them fetched a stunning silver gown with green embroideries all over it. It was a beautiful piece to behold but Hithiel felt no happiness in wearing it. Instead she felt awkward and limited in her movements. She seldom wear dresses and she hated them with passion. She longed for her tunic and leggings back but knew when to hold her tongue.
She let herself be bedecked by the scurrying servants. She was dimly aware that they were pinning jewels all over her and spraying perfume in her. In her heart she knew that all she was, was a plaything for the king. A bed- warmer for Ambaril and a servant to the people. She wanted her life back and most importantly, she wanted Haldir back.
She would do what ever it takes to get her life back. It doesn't matter if she married Ambaril. This marriage can be easily broken. All she needed to do was to get him to remove the jewel locked on her neck. Only then, can she be free.
Author's Note: Well? What do you think? Reviews? Anyone? Still haven't decided whether to make this a happy ending where everyone gets what they want (highly unlikely) or make this a sad fic that would make everyone cry and go boo hoo. You can tell me which ending you want in a review. *hint hint*
Author's Note: Thank you sooooo much for all your reviews! Without them I would've gave up on this fic long time ago! And for you peoples who like Elvish, Gwathir means Shadow Lord.
We Are One
Take Me With You
"Namaarie, mela en'coiamin," whispered Haldir broken-heartedly into the air. His life was a disaster. Whenever he found any happiness, it was always torn from him. 'Why do you punish me so?' he thought to the Valor. 'Why?' He did nothing to deserve this pain.
He swayed like a drunken man and stumbled down the steps and out into the sunlight. The sun shone on him, making his hair shine out like a halo but it gave no warmth to him. He leaned on a tree and let the tears flow out, unable to keep it inside any longer. He sank down and pounded the tree with his fist, expelling his anger and sadness. His fist ached but it didn't even come close to the pain in his heart. His vision was blurred by his tears but he could still make out the faint outline of an Elf walking towards him.
He quickly wiped his eyes and straightened up. To his utter disgust it was Ambaril, walking like the arrogant bastard he was with a You're-So-Pathetic grin on his face. He gave a jaunty wave towards Haldir. "So?"
"What do mean 'so'?" snapped Haldir angrily. This Elf took the one thing he loved and now was shaming him. He never felt angrier in his entire life. Anger caused him to forget his sadness and bring forth the warrior he was trained to be. He tensed, looking for a sign that would betray his enemy's next move.
"Aren't you going to congratulate me for having found a new queen? Are you not going to admit defeat - or will I have to force that from you? See, in MY lands, we have something called honor. It means accepting graceful defeat and admitting it when you obviously lost." Haldir's face flushed red and he glared at Ambaril but that just made him laugh.
"You don't frighten me, Haldir. Don't even try to hide it from me. You're broken. Beyond that. You would probably fade after a couple of days." Ambaril's grin stretched even wider if that was possible. "And then I'll be rid of you forever."
At this Haldir started. 'If I died, that means that Hithiel would also die. She can't die! Even if that means I have to live my life in misery.' "You're wrong, Ambaril. I am not broken and I won't fade away. You can't kill me either because if you kill me, Hithiel will follow immediately." He ended triumphantly. His eyes were still fixed on Ambaril as if waiting for him to strike out.
"What?! How can she die?" Ambaril searched Haldir's eyes in search of truth but he only found the icy blue glaring at him, unwilling to show anything.
Haldir laughed coldly. "We are bound to each other. When she was shot, I offered to give up my life for her. Lord Elrond wove our fates together. If one of us dies, the other will follow. If one feels pain, the other will suffer half the burden. You probably noticed her hair and her skin. They're both mine. And don't even think about separating us completely. It's irreversible." Haldir looked at Ambaril as if daring him to challenge him.
Ambaril turned red at this. "Fool, I will find a way to separate you. I have all the power and could summon and Wizard or High Mage to undo this. Just because Elrond can't doesn't mean others can't."
"Try. I dare you." Haldir locked eyes with Ambaril in a silent staring contest. He glared coldly at the Prince before him, unrelenting. Finally, Ambaril flushed and turned away, unable to withstand the intensity of Haldir's gaze.
"We shall meet again and you shall pay," he hissed before turning on his heels and walking back to Hithiel in the Healers.
Haldir felt only a small bit of satisfaction at this. His thoughts drifted back to Hithiel and the time they spent together. He closed his eyes and leaned back into the tree behind him. A hand touched his shoulder and he didn't need to turn to know that it was Orophin. "Are you alright, brother?" he asked in his soft voice.
Haldir turned his head around wearily to face his brother. "You heard?"
"Aye, from the Lady herself. She said to check on you and that she was sorry it had to be this way. I'm sorry, Haldir. If there's anything I could do..." he let his voice trail off into the wind.
"Nay, thanks, brother." Haldir looked mournfully at the Healers where Hithiel still was and shook his head. "It was not meant to be," he whispered, echoing the words of Elrond. He touched the leaf amulet with two fingers as if in prayer. As he did this, he recalled the words Hithiel had said to him when he first saw it, 'It cannot turn aside an arrow or block a sword but it will keep dark magic from ever touching you. It's the most precious thing I own.' The voice was so clear as if she was speaking into his ear. It seemed like forever since she said those words.
"Haldir?" asked Orophin, slightly worried. His brother's eyes had slipped out of focus and were filled with sadness. But this was different. He was not fading from his broken-heart. He threw his brother a puzzled glance before leaving him. He knew that Haldir wouldn't even notice his absence.
Haldir was jerked out of his reverie when he heard the sounds of horses. He looked up and found Legolas leading four magnificent stallions towards him. The young Prince's eyes were filled with anger and sadness. Anger towards Ambaril for doing this to Hithiel and Haldir and sadness that they will never each other again, or at least not for a while.
He paused and approached Haldir. "I'm sorry, my friend. My brother thinks about no one but himself. He doesn't deserve to be an Elf. Do not grieve, Haldir. I will make sure you see Hithiel again. This I promise. I will do all I can in Mirkwood to make Ambaril free her but with his behavior, it will be hard." Legolas clasped Haldir's shoulder in warrior's farewell and continued his journey to the Healers.
Haldir saw him go inside to get them and his heart clenched painfully at the thought of seeing Hithiel's face now. He quickly climbed the tree, his cloak hiding him from view. He peered out among the golden leaves and watched the Princes say goodbye to Elrond. He saw Hithiel standing apart from them with sorrowful eyes.
She raised her head and glanced around at Lothlorien one last time as if looking for someone. Haldir just wanted to jump down and announce his presence to Hithiel and have her run into his arms. He looked at Hithiel and noticed something different about her. He squinted and saw a blood red jewel on her neck. A golden band fastened it to her neck making her look regal even in a worn Guardian's outfit.
To Haldir, the jewel represented slavery. It bound her to the life of a noblewoman. It spoke of her rank and the house of which she now belonged. The necklace bound her to Ambaril's side and would never come off until Ambaril didn't want her anymore or if he died. Haldir knew this. His mother was almost permanently bound to another Prince but fortunately for her, he died in battle so it came off. His eyes filled with tears once more when he saw Hithiel looking so lost and helpless. A single silver tear slid down her pale cheek and that made Haldir's heart ache. He wanted to go and comfort her but he kept still, knowing that Elrond and Ambaril were there.
A loud neigh of a stallion told him that it was time for them to go. 'No, not now... Hithiel!' He watched helplessly as she mounted her black stallion with less grace than usual and trail after Ambaril like some dog on a leash running after its master. Legolas went after her, guarding the rear in case there was danger. Haldir watched her until his far-seeing Elven eyes could see no more. He wanted to go after her so badly. He didn't care. If only his duty didn't bind him to Lorien, he would've gone after her. "Hithiel..." he whispered into the silent night. There was no answer and there will never be one.
~*~*~With Hithiel in Mirkwood~*~*~
The wind whipped mercilessly at her face, burning her eyes. Her horse, Gwathir, carried her further and further away from Lorien and her one love. The steady pounding of horse hooves filled her ears as trees rushed passed her. She gripped the mane of her horse harder. She wasn't afraid of falling. She was afraid of going to Mirkwood. The collar around her throat was uncomfortable and the metal was cold against her skin. 'Get use to it. You're going to have it for the rest of you're miserable life,' she thought grimly.
She'd already considered suicide to escape Ambaril but she knew that if she died, so would Haldir. He gave her life and she wasn't going to repay him by taking his as well as the one he gave her. She shifted on her horse, trying to get comfortable but was rewarded with a fresh stab of pain in her left shoulder where the arrow had hit her. She winced and tried to ignore the pounding pain in her shoulder.
Soon the trees around them got denser and the air got closer. Moonlight fell in patches here and there but it was almost pitch black. She quickly ducked in her seat to avoid getting hit by a low branch. The trees were getting darker and darker. She was reborn as a Silvan Elf like Haldir so she could sense trees. They were not like the beautiful ones in Lothlorien that gave you comfort. They were dark and twisted as if it was filled with Black Magic. The bark was rough and uneven. She sensed magic within them much like Lorien but darker.
"We're close now," shouted Ambaril from up ahead. The ride from Lorien to Mirkwood was a three days ride but the short cut, unknown to anybody but the royal families, was only a six-hour gallop.
Suddenly her horse launched itself up and over a small river. Hithiel quickly regained her balance and rode on, keeping her eyes on the road. She heard a small thump as Legolas's horse landed smoothly on the other side of the river. She pulled her cloak tighter around her. The trees let no light in.
They reached the courtyard of Thranduil's palace. The guards nodded at Ambaril and opened the gates. Ambaril led his horse neatly in to the stables and smoothly dismounted. He gestured for Hithiel to follow suit.
Hithiel dismounted and patted her faithful stallion before turning to face her husband and king. "Follow me," he said curtly in a dignified voice.
She bowed her proud head and followed him. Legolas looked at her with pity in his heart. Ambaril led her inside and to a beautiful chamber. "Servants!" he called.
"Yes, milord," answered the servants in unison bowing to them both.
"This is Hithiel, your future Queen and my wife. Prepare her for the wedding."
"Yes, milord," came the dull reply.
Ambaril slammed the door shut behind him and went to his room to get ready. The servants immediately dragged her inside and began stripping her of her Guardian outfit, lecturing her and tutting their disapproval. One of them fetched a stunning silver gown with green embroideries all over it. It was a beautiful piece to behold but Hithiel felt no happiness in wearing it. Instead she felt awkward and limited in her movements. She seldom wear dresses and she hated them with passion. She longed for her tunic and leggings back but knew when to hold her tongue.
She let herself be bedecked by the scurrying servants. She was dimly aware that they were pinning jewels all over her and spraying perfume in her. In her heart she knew that all she was, was a plaything for the king. A bed- warmer for Ambaril and a servant to the people. She wanted her life back and most importantly, she wanted Haldir back.
She would do what ever it takes to get her life back. It doesn't matter if she married Ambaril. This marriage can be easily broken. All she needed to do was to get him to remove the jewel locked on her neck. Only then, can she be free.
Author's Note: Well? What do you think? Reviews? Anyone? Still haven't decided whether to make this a happy ending where everyone gets what they want (highly unlikely) or make this a sad fic that would make everyone cry and go boo hoo. You can tell me which ending you want in a review. *hint hint*