By: Silverangel902

Yes this story was up before (not that anyone probably cared) but something went weird with ff.net I guess.  I've edited it and will slowly be reposting the few chapters I have written (2 or 3?).  I'm attempting to make Haldir more bookish type not movie just to be different.  Hopefully, I fixed up the problems with the grammar.  BTW I am Canadian so some things will be spelled in UK/Canadian English.

Hi!  This is my FIRST LOTR FIC.  I'm not the best but hey!  It's not my major—science and nursing is (psychology is my minor.  Not that you cared)!  Tell me what you think of the story so far.  Or ask me a health question. 

I tried to edit it best I can (well more like the Microsoft Office Helper Dog did).  I'm so used to scribbling short form gibberish for lecture notes and worrying more about spelling Latin names for organisms.

Disclaimer:  I wish I owned the elves of Middle Earth (and Sephiroth and Lucius Malfoy since we're talking ^^.)  I mean no infringement of copyrights to J.R.R Tolkien and his remarkable family.  Some of the lines in Italics are verses from Mariah Carey's Song "When I Saw You", a gorgeous song from her album Daydream.

Dedication:  To Ian, for introducing me to LotR in 1st year after hearing I had never seen nor read about the LotR and nearly having a cardiac arrest over it.  I've seen all the movies and read the books.  Did I do good Ian???

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She was…different. Jeryn did not spend her days singing or floating around in a beautiful gown smiling at all who passed.  She was not the dainty, elegant elf maiden who captured the hearts of various lovers. Often she remained just outside the area of the Woodland Elves capital practicing archery and honing her skills with her sword.  Sleek and quick from her training, she wore the uniform of the Mirkwood Archers but had it fitted more to her shape.   With her blond hair in a loose ponytail with long bangs which hung in front of her face, her auburn eyes gleamed with persistence and determination. 

It was not because she did not seek to be regarded a lady that she acted the way she did.  She had a strong devotion to her lord and lady and wished to contribute as much as she could.  While she was still young her father, an archer for the Elvin armies was killed while in combat during the dark days.  Her mother soon died afterward of grief leaving Jeryn alone.  She was then taken up by her mother's sister Veriawen and her mate Cúdir along with their four sons.  She spent much time with her cousins and became very close with them and their friends.  Her father's devotion to their kind intrigued her so.  After a brief period of time she realized she too desired to become what her father was—an archer.  She would honour him in this way.  At her young age she began her training alongside her dear cousins.  After many years of ongoing persistence she was as good as any of the men in Mirkwood.  

As the ring had recently resurfaced, the woods were in turmoil.  Bands of orcs crossed dangerously close to the city and had to be halted from reaching the borders.

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

With one fluid motion, Jeryn quickly drew an arrow from her quiver and it released it forward into the forehead of a rather large orc.  The beast snarled and spat up before falling forward.  The sound of other bows piercing the air surrounded her.  It had grown dark and rainy with a chill that seeped to the very bone.  Covered in mud and debris, hair a mess and garments scratched, the Mirkwood elves were successfully withholding a band of orcs from passing.  Swoosh.  Jeryn fired another arrow forward which joined an additional elf's arrow and struck down another. 

"Rinde heb adel hain!"

Taking her sword from the sheath, she ran across the side with a small group swiping the orcs on the outer edges after they had been struck several times by the archers.  The blunt strikes caused the arterial blood to spray back at them in the face.  One found his weapon cross her shoulder causing it to draw blood.  She thrust her sword forward into its gut and twisted it out as it wriggled on the end of the blade feebly and cursed her.  As it fell to the ground atop the others, Jeryn clutched her shoulder and winced.  "Most foul orc, as if had not been struck enough already…" 

 "Rrrrrrrrrrr."

"Caela ie'lle!"

She smashed swords against another incoming attack while another warrior sliced it from behind.  Dodging past the spears of another line of orcs she ran round and struck from the side.  More curses poured into the air as she continued to run and the rain beat harder.  Her breathing grew laboured as she met with another group. Arrows flew past her, some mere inches from cruel fate.  The elves pushed further inwards emitting rebuttal cries to their enemies.   

"I cannot risk much more of these close encounters, return to your sheath sword and may my bow now guide."

She weaved through the dead bodies and through the groups of small battles to come upon what she assumed was the leader of the company of Orcs.  It had around it more valiant armour and carried a large blade. It gave a cruel laugh as it scanned Jeryn and two other opposing elves on either side.  The rain beat down faster…faster….faster.  

"Sii'!"

The mass of arrows pierced the skies and struck their mark upon its chest.  Its blood oozed from the edges of the arrows and it gave furious charge toward them causing them to roll away.  Three others came toward them to destroy it as it mumbled idle threats and felt around for its fallen weapon.   At this act, the remaining orcs made to flee but were charged down by another cascade of arrows from their left.  Sure that the last of them had fallen, the elves searched the area a final time and began to fall-back wearily toward the city. 

"Until more come forward from the south…" One of the elves breathed.  "We must be ever watchful."

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His majesty Prince Legolas had left to journey to destroy the one ring with the fellowship leaving Lord Thranduil very worrisome.  The lords' stresses grew stronger with each opposing threat and letters from Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn filled his study.  One day his majesty received a letter from Lord Celeborn.  The lord of Lorien had written that his son had safely entered Lothlorien and would be staying in Caras Galadhon with the fellowship for a short while.  He outlined what he knew of the fellowships' current progress and assured the lord that his son would be well-cared for.  Lord Thranduil scribbled and sealed his reply but to his dismay his messengers were most wary about travelling to Lorien during such trying times.  Bands of orcs, goblins and the like frequented the forest now and opposing forces were active in Moria and Dol Guldur.  To ensure their safety and calm their insecurities he sent with them two of his archers.

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been a few days on horseback and now not far from their destination the group was ready to continue on.  She brushed her blond hair behind her ear to stop it from whipping her in the face. The wind was strong and the sun was beginning to rise.  She stepped closer to the large tree on her left and looked up.

 "You've been looking 'cross the forest many a minute now.  Did you fall asleep up there?" She shouted to a male elf high atop the tree.

"That is just a little hard to do with you shouting." He called back.

"Well hurry up and climb down!  Never have I been to Lorien and I am anxious to see if it is as beautiful as all the others say it is.  So long have I had only a song to go by." 

 "I had no idea you could be so profound.  You almost caused me slip from the branch."

  "I shall warn you in the future," she replied grinning.  "Now come down!  Eöl is quite restless he wishes to depart.  You know he hates it when we make him late.  We will have to hear about it for days."

"Speak the words of magic my……lady!" waving his arm in front of him.

With a wide smile she reached behind her back and pulled out an arrow.  She waved it in front of her back and forth and shouted loud "Do come down unless you would so desire this up your----"

Lólindir jumped from the tree branch and landed a foot or so in front of Jeryn.

"What a lady, my dear cousin.  Did you learn that from me?"  He said with a grin.  "A! The forest around this area stinks of foul orc.  I shall have to hold my nose the whole way today.  How far do you think I can go?  Without air I mean." 

 "I have not a clue," she replied with a shrug. "If it is true that an elf may only perish by death in battle or from grief then perhaps elves may live without air…although I would not care to try it."

Eöl looking slightly annoyed but amused rode over to them.  "Come along now.  The sun is now in the sky.  We should be at the Lorien border by sunset."  The other messenger, Dίnendal stood atop his steed on his right side watching them hopefully.  Jeryn and Lólindir untied their horses, mounted them and road alongside the rest westward.

 "I am still most troubled by the news of Gandalf the Grey's passing," Dίnendal sighed, "Yet I am relieved that his majesty is still well."

"Indeed" said Eöl, "Our lord is more peaceful but he knows that much is still to come."

 "Did the Lady of Light foretell anything in the last letter?"

"Nay.  No word."

Eöl waved his hand forward into the distance.  "Jeryn you will like Lothlorien, its beauty is unmatched by any on Middle Earth.  The sights the smells the voices…all are unlike any other.  For you see the trees there—and only there--do not loose their leaves but they turn gold.  I am shocked that you have nay taken the journey before.  I myself have been many a times in the past but I more so deliver messages to Rivendell as my distant cousin lives their with her love.  There are many great trees called mallorns which only grow there. " 

 "There are also many a man in its forests watching over the borders, " said Lólindir with a smirk "perhaps our dear Jeryn will soon find herself a life mate.  We shall get her to shake one of the trees and hope that a dear Galadhrim falls out."

'Ha.  You would have to drunken him with your strongest ale first…' She thought quietly to herself.

"Although I daresay there is a better chance of orcs forming an alliance with elves, man and dwarves," Jeryn mumbled.

"Eh?"

 "We you not going to try to hold your breathe to see how far you could go?"

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lothlorien looks radiant during sun set. In the midst of winter it still retains its light.  How the rays angle off the gold shimmer of the trees.   The entire forest illuminates with colour.  The smell is invigorating.

' I have walked into a dream. How I would love to dwell here for eternity.  But I cannot abandon my lord.' She thought quietly.  As they entered the forest, they dismounted and walked forward.  Jeryn jumped and twirled around like a little elfling.  She gave a light laugh and looked around swiftly.  "I probably look most foolish but I care not!  It is so beautiful." 

Lólindir chuckled and the others stood in awe of the large trees glimmering gold.  Footsteps came from in front of them and Jeryn stopped spinning…

Soft heavenly eyes gazed into hers, transcending space and time.  And she was rendered still…there were no words for her to find at all…

She stood motionless as Eöl greeted the March warden of Lorien and the company around him.  He began to speak but Jeryn could only faintly hear his words.   "….have a letter from the Lord Thranduil.  We wish to seek passage so as to deliver this to him and to see our Prince, to give him the gifts his father has sent with us to further aid in his journey…." 

 "There are four of you?"

 "Yes.  There is myself Eöl,"

"Maus govaded le."

"…Dίnendal whom is another messenger of the lord…"

"Maus govaded le."

 "…and two accompanying archers Lólindir…"

"Maus govaded le."

 "…and Jeryn….Jeryn?"

Lólindir gave her a small nudge with his elbow.  "That is you!"  He whispered loudly to her. 

"Aiya… maus govaded le."

 "I am Haldir; the March warden of this land whom serves his lord, Celeborn and his lady, Galadriel.  "These…" as he gestured to either side of him "…are my brothers Rúmil and Orophin.  They watch over the northern border alongside me."

As she stood there beside herself…she could see him and no-one else

Jeryn stood in absolute wonder.  Her pupils dilated and her head went light.  She had known many men but none who had ever made her feel vulnerable.  She shook her head in an attempt to refocus her thought.  Haldir ushered them to follow him on the path to Caras Galadhon.

She could not breathe.  She had fallen so deep…

Lólindir walked up behind Jeryn and singing lowly over and over, "Lo Jeryn doth find the forests of Lorien to be full of treasures gold.  How strange for this sometimes lady to suddenly feel loves glow.  I saw it there, I know your face, it gave a new look.  Jeryn fancies the March warden, the silvan elf so bold." 

Jeryn turned a shade of red and whisked round to shush him.  "That was horrible.  Besides…i-it is not true.  I have no need for anyone.  I have gotten this far." She said in a low voice "Do not let him or the others hear you or I shall never here the end of it."

"I know you too well dear cousin.  You cannot fool me."

 "Oh FINE."  She rolled her eyes and sighed.  "Sometimes too well I might add."  She turned her face towards him.  "But Lólindir, how many times must I tell you… men seek an Evenstar not a …a…." She looked down at her tunic, armour and boots and did not finish.  She walked ahead of Lólindir and he jogged faster in hopes of keeping up.   

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Is he looking back, I thought I caught his eye.  He smiled back and I went numb. No he was probably smiling at someone behind me.  Oh why does this one torture me so?'  She thought to herself.

Jeryn walked much of the way stealing glances at the March warden.  She felt like a pathetic lovesick ellith.  Between glances she kept her face looking to the ground.  Eöl approached her after finally taking notice and asked if she was alright.

"I am simply tired Eöl.  It has been a long day."

 "Are you certain?  Usually you are so lively that Dίnendal and Lólindir complain that you cannot be stopped."

 "I am fine, really.  Tis' an off day."

Eöl nodded although not completely convinced and went to speak with Rúmil near the back of the group.  It was now night and the glow of Caras Galadhon peered through the trees.  The group wandered to the south of the city to the entrance.  Soft singing could be heard from the distance which lightened the chill in the air.  Haldir had the feeling he was being watched and looked round till his eyes fell upon Jeryn.  She was watching him.  He looked at her for a moment till they both turned away after sensing the other ones gaze.  He glanced back again and they continued this until finally they entered the gates.  Rúmil commented to Orophin that he had noticed this and both gave a soft laugh.

Haldir led them through to the small inn on the east of the city.  "It is late.  My lord and lady will have bid goodnight till morrow.  I shall return and escort you to them in the morning. Quel du."

Jeryn nodded with wide eyes but quickly forced her face into a serious look.  He bowed, looked back once more then went on his way.

~~~~~~~~~********************************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.

"That ellith was watching you rather closely my brother," Rúmil remarked raising his brow.

"…."

"And I noticed you had no objection looking back," Orophin added.

"...."

Haldir stared thoughtfully into the distance and nodded.  They had stopped on a rock for a moment before heading for their flet.  He peered down over the edge of the hill to see the fellowship preparing for slumber.  Prince Legolas noticed him and smiled weakly.  The lament to Gandalf could be heard through the night and the pain was still near to the prince.  Samwise questioned the prince about the song but the elf shook his head.

---------------------

Rinde heb adel hain (Circle around them)

Caela ie'lle (Have at thee)

Sii'(Now)

Maus govaded le (pleasure meeting you)

Aiya (oh)

Quel du (good night)