Disclaimers: LotR and its characters do not belong to me. Every Breath You Take is not mine either.
Authors Notes: for the sake of the story, Haldir is the youngest son, Rúmil is the middle son, and Orophin is the oldest son. It may, or may not really be that way.
Warnings: Violence, language, and maybe character death.
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Every move you make and every vow you breakEvery smile you fake, every claim you stakeI'll be watchin' you
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Legolas stepped back in shock. Elves never go blind by natural causes. Only a servant of the Dark Lord could make a poison strong enough to ail one of the first-born like this,he thought, recalling what his father had once told him
Haldir hung his head, golden hair veiling his stricken face. Someone placed a hand on his shoulder, in an attempt to comfort him. The Galadhrim brushed the hand off and made to stand.
A healer briskly pushed him back. "We still do not have full comprehension about your ailment. You may not leave until we finish."
"I am blind," Haldir whispered. "What left is there to find out?"
"Yes, but we need an analysis on how long this will last, if it is not permanent," the healer responded, attempting to control his concern for the other elf, knowing that all elves hated pity.
Haldir sighed, leaning back against the pillow. Legolas bit his lip and edged silently toward the door. Upon leaving the healers' room, the prince leant against the wall heavily. Why Haldir? He does not need any more difficulties now.He then mentally slapped himself. Yes, but who made the first difficulties? Me. No, it wasn't me. It was his fault! I did not do anything wrong.
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The Next Day
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Haldir reluctantly let his grip on the branch lessen and he fell a few feet to the ground just outside the healers' room window. Pushing his golden locks back behind his pointed ears, he listened. If luck is with me, no one will come to check if I stayed.Over the night, Haldir had frequently tried to escape the persistent healers.
Being unable to see made this task all the more harder. It finally seemed that he had gotten away safely. I just want to get back to my own room. Why must they make this difficult?Haldir kept to the shadows, or where he hoped the shadows were. Once he reached his corridor, he felt lost. Counting the doorways was difficult.
Many rooms had two doors, and Haldir did not know which ones were they. Sighing, he took a guess and knocked. The door opened slowly and a golden-haired elf stuck his head out. "Haldir? What are you doing here?"
"I am sorry Glorfindel." Haldir said, blushing upon recognizing the voice. Why could I have not chosen the right door? Why did I have to be in this predicament in front of someone I know well?"Could you help me find my room?" His ears turned red, until his whole face was scarlet.
"Do not worry Haldir. Do you remember which room Galadriel let you use?"
"I remember. Fourth room to the left of yours. Alas, I cannot find it."
Glorfindel smiled slightly. He had heard from the Lady herself that Haldir was blind, but it was amusing to see such a stubborn elf ask, though unwillingly, for help. Glorfindel led the younger elf from the room, guiding him six doors down the hall.
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"Orophin!" A healer called into the courtyard below the window. "Your brother is gone!" Orophin smiled. "I will find him! Do not worry, I will tell him off for leaving!" Haldir's cheerful brother replied. He set his course for his brother's room, the most likely of places. Why must you make things so difficult for the healers, Haldir? Stubbornness is one of your most noted characteristics, for many a reason. -- "Thank you. I would best be going," Haldir said quietly, backing into his room. He shut the door quickly and leant heavily upon it. Collapsing down on the beautifully woven sheets on the bed, Haldir sighed. Maybe I should have stayed in the healers' ward. Yawning, the young Galadhrim fell asleep wondering whether his decision was rash and if Orophin would check for him in his room first. -- Orophin stood in Haldir's doorway, smiling contentedly at his brother's now sleeping form. The golden-blond elf was curled up against a pillow, holding firmly onto the soft fabric. Orophin shook his head at his own brother's folly and sat on the edge of the bed. Upon feeling the double bed shift, Haldir's eyes began to change back into their normal, non-sleeping state. Haldir listened to Orophin's light breathing for a moment and asked, "Brother? Is it you, or am I mistaken?" "You are correct. Come Haldir," He said rising from the bed. Leaning down, he tugged gently on his little brother's braided golden hair. "Stop that, Orophin!" Haldir demanded swatting the hand away. He unsteadily got to his feet; throwing the pillow he was holding at his brother. In mock anger, Orophin asked, "How can you be so disrespectful to one-" He was cut off as Haldir threw the other pillow at him. Orophin laughed and hugged his brother loosely around the shoulders, "You knew I was jesting, right?" "Of coarse. But it does not change the fact that I can still throw things at you, though I am not quite sure if they hit you." A soft knock at the door got the two elves attention. With one arm still around Haldir he called, "The door is unlocked. Come in." Rúmil entered silently, closing the door swiftly behind him. Looking up, the silvery-blond elf flushed slightly. Curious, Orophin wondered whether his brother's blush was a trick of the light or not. The morning had dawned misty and slightly dark, causing the need for torches. "Who is it Orophin? You're breathing so loudly that I can scarcely hear him." Haldir stated, feigning irritation. Orophin released his hold on his youngest brother and embraced Rúmil. "Your other brother. How can you not tell? For he walks as quietly as the Lady of the Wood, yet with much more haste." "I do not. Lady Galadriel is smoother in movements, hardly to be heard. I cannot match her grace. Also," He paused, as if in thought. "Crown Prince Legolas is far more swift than I." "So modest Rúmil!" Orophin exclaimed tugging on Rúmil's hair. He was elbowed quickly for his efforts. "Also, tell me why you stay so proper with words nowadays?" "For I, unlike one elf here, not mentioning any names as not to embarrass Orophin, plan to do more with my life than pull my little brothers' hair." Rúmil stated, attempting to keep his face straight. "Also, breakfast is prepared and Lord Celeborn wishes to speak with both of you." He finished quietly and backed toward the door. "Oh Rúmil, will you come to breakfast with us then?" Orophin asked cheerfully. Emerald eyes flicked over his brothers' faces and he responded, "No thank you. I have eaten already." "Come now Rúmil. You just got off watch, you have not had enough time to have gotten anything to eat." The youngest of the three stated, recalling the schedule. With the end of the argument, Orophin dragged his siblings from the room without much difficulty. -- "Legolas!" Aragorn called, jogging to catch up with his elven friend. The crown prince turned, braids gently hitting his cheek. "Yes Aragorn?" "Would you like to go breakfast? For you have not eaten since yesterday morning, I believe." The ranger asked. "You are right. I also know who will attempt to bring me there even if I refuse." Legolas smiled. "Besides. I would like to converse with the Lady, if it is possible." -- Upon entering the dining hall, the first person Legolas noticed seated there already was Haldir. Glancing along the length of the table, he headed toward two empty seats in the opposite direction without a second thought. Aragorn noticed this tactic and accepted it without hesitation. Once Haldir and his brothers were done eating, they were escorted up to the low dais where Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were seated. Galadriel smiled gently and stated, "Haldir, your sight should return over this night. The poison has diluted enough that its effects will begin to wear off." Haldir bowed; stunned that he would be cured of his horrendous ailment so easily. "Thank you for this information, My Lady." He said, again bowing deeply to the direction of her voice. "You may go Haldir. You must be tired. Rúmil, would you be so kind as to help him back to his room?" Celeborn finished. He sipped a goblet of wine calmly and leaned back in his chair. "I would gladly, Lord Celeborn." The silver-blond gingerly tugged on Haldir's sleeve and showed him the way from the dais. Orophin smiled up at them cheerfully, wondering why he was not dismissed as well. Celeborn rose and gestured for the Galadhrim to follow him into a side room. Bewildered Orophin took the hint and trailed behind the lord quietly. Once they were both inside, Celeborn closed the heavy oak door. He settled himself on a velvet-cushioned chair and motioned for Orophin to do the same. "No doubt you are wondering what is going on, Orophin." "I am a tad bit confused…" The younger elf confessed. He pondered something a moment. "Is it about my brother Haldir?" "Nay Orophin. It is Rúmil I am more concerned about." Celeborn stated. "Have you noticed that since Uradriendil, his former lover, broke their relationship that your brother has become much more… dejected, timid even." Orophin nodded slowly. "Yes. I have noticed it and I asked him about it once but he seemed ashamed about something and he changed the conversation topic." Celeborn put a hand to his forehead and sighed in exasperation. "Orophin, try to comfort him if anything happens. He is much more fragile when it comes to the ones he loves. The Lady has not seen many kind things in the mirror recently. Lothlorien may see a dark time soon." He sighed and turned to the window. "Take care of yourself Orophin. You may go." "Do not worry my friend. I will. Farewell." He turned on heel and left the room. "I hope so." Celeborn whispered sadly. "I hope so."