Chapter 7: The last Meal
Haldir walked out to the garden and crossed to the huge hall where the meeting was held, the day before. The doors opened and he walked inside, spotting Gandalf sitting with Cavanthir and Lúthien, Haldir walked towards them. The three of them were discussing the war. As it is the most common news of all races. He sat down and listened to them natter about how the Denthor of Gondor was going mad.
"I do not like to say it but … yes, he is having a difficult time, loosing Boromir. But such things are not to gossip about" and the conversation stopped. Haldir found this a good time to ask when the Elves are going to war. All three of them went quiet, and looked rather alarmed at Haldir. "In a couple of days. We will leave to Helm's Deep. You will be given notice before you pack, so not to worry, we have some time to enjoy life" Cavanthir said in a mournful tone. Haldir took a deep breath, nodded politely and left. He didn't know what to achieve in talking to them, maybe a chance to speak to Gandalf once again. He was so confused, he didn't know what he wanted.
He was walking in the garden outside, on the gravel path. The gravel crunching as he walked delaying going anywhere. It was too heartbreaking to watch over Isabella, and Gandalf was already occupied talking to Cavanthir and Lúthien, so he thought that it would be best if he didn't disturb them much more. So he found a stone bench and sat down, watching the peaceful view, under a tall tree that spread some distance. How he missed this. Just watching the birds chasing each other, and building their nests. The smell of the river trickling though the rocks, into a pool with fish. And the cool breeze washing over his skin. Who would want to fight in this wonderful world? Haldir thought to himself. He realised that he was one of those people who destroyed things. But not on purpose, it was to protect, and store the goodness that lives in the earth. He became angry in himself, and the only one who could control his feelings was Larien. So he walked off to find the young lass.
It should have been the first place to look for Larien, with Isabella. Haldir shook his head, at his stupidity and walked up the stone steps towards Isabella's room. The doors were closed of course, but he found it difficult to open them. He also found it difficult to leave Isabella, going after Gandalf, but it was something that he just had to do. Gently he tapped the white door. Larien opened it, looking rather distressed. "OH, Haldir.. Sir… you're here… she has been calling out for you for some time now. Please hurry and come in" Larien's voice was shaking slightly, and she trembled as she bowed.
Haldir walked into the room. Isabella was sitting up slightly in her bed. It was light in the room but her face seemed to be covered in a shadow of some sort. Haldir was amazed at the recovery, if you could call it that. Last time he saw her was lying stiff as a rock in bed, and now she was sitting up, slowly whispering Haldir's name.
He walked towards her bed and clutched her hand and she smiled slightly at the Elf. He sat, not looking away from her eyes, and something strange appeared in her. Haldir narrowed his eyes and looked closely into Isabella's. Then it clicked. They weren't a pale-blue that he had grown accustomed to, but a deep reddish-maroon colour. Haldir gasped, and lent back a little, taking his hand away from hers.
"what's wrong Haldir?" Isabella's voice a whisper. It was difficult for her to speak, but she managed to speak to him.
"oh, nothing…. I'm just surprised to … see you up, that's all…" He knew that that was the worst lie in the world, but he didn't want to alarm Isabella, more than she already was.
Isabella blinked and looked Haldir directly in the eyes and said, "that has got to be the worst lie I've ever heard!" she laughed like a wheezing cough. Haldir gave a small smile. He looked at Larien standing in the corner, and asked if she could bring some water for Isabella to drink. She nodded and left the room.
Now was the chance to ask Isabella if she had helped him in any way. But it took a while to get the question out right.
"Isabella… Gandalf had told me about you and your past. He also told me that you are a Mith'quessirin! And that you had a mission to help… me. Well… what I want to know is… have you helped me, because I don't feel it." his voice soft. His hand gripped hers once more. Isabella looked down at his hand on hers, and gave another small smile. "I can feel it Haldir… can't you? You have changed, and so have I. Sometimes I can not always see that I have done any good, but I feel so positive on this, Haldir. The only thing is… that I don't know what I have done" she was speaking slowly, and carefully.
Larien came back into the room with a jug of clear water. She walked to the other side of Isabella's bed and set the jug on the bedside table. Isabella looked at Larien and smiled, Isabella raising her hand to Larien. Larien grasped the hand, and sat on the bed. Isabella was cold, really cold. Larien looked at Haldir with a worried look and her bottom lip trembled. Haldir gestured to Larien to come outside. She obeyed and Haldir followed her out.
Just outside Isabella's bedroom door, both Elves stood, facing each other. Haldir said quietly, "I think that you know what is going to happen to her, don't you." his voice soft. She nodded and a small tear trickled down her face. "I don't understand Haldir. You know that I see death, and you have seen my reaction to it. I don't cry. But something inside me is hurting so much, I can barely breath." said Larien in a husky voice. Inside Haldir something agreed with what Larien said. "then you feel what I feel" Haldir's hand raised and rubbed her arm. She looked at him, then threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his green tunic. This alarmed Haldir, but she needed to talk to someone, so he allowed her to grieve. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on top of Larien's, she was much shorter than him, he realised. And he smiled.
After the embrace from Larien, they both went back inside. Isabella was asleep, but woke up as soon as Haldir reached her bed. "I'm sorry I woke you…" she just smiled. By this time it was dark, and Haldir was feeling hungry. He asked Larien quietly if she could get something for himself, Isabella and her. She wiped her face, bowed and walked out. Isabella made an effort to speak normally, but it came out as a whisper, "You must thank Cavanthir for his help, and give him something for me…" she pointed to a small sack near the chairs in the corner of the room. "Larien told me what happened, and I feel that I should give him something of my appreciation". Haldir walked towards it and picked it up. It wasn't very heavy, but Haldir took care of it while bringing it to her bed. Isabella opened it and inside was four small bottles, each containing something different. She didn't take them out, but started explaining what they were. The first one was filled with a type of sparkling dust, used for healing cuts and bruises. The second one was filled with a green liquid, to stop bights from any creature. The third one was containing a black substance, she said if you rub it on pieces of armoury, it protects you and nothing can pierce through it. Isabella reached inside the sack and pulled out the last bottle. There inside of it was a Butterfly.
"this is the Butterfly of life. It revives anyone who has died of a natural cause, or by an accident. It can't revive anybody who has been stabbed by any blade, or any arrow. It's beautiful isn't it." Isabella sighed and held up to her eyes and took a close look at it. It fluttered gracefully, then she handed it to Haldir. "I was going to give it to Larien, but I thought that you would have a better use for it." she gave another raspy cough, then reached over to the water and took a sip.
Haldir took the Butterfly carefully. It shone with a golden light around it. Haldir had only heard of this Butterfly in books in his study. It's beauty took his breath away. He smiled and sat the bottle on the table near the water. "thankyou" the words barely escaped his mouth. He had never received such an extravagant gift from anybody, not even Galadriel. Haldir had the thought that he could have used the Butterfly on Isabella, but then remembered the rules. He felt more depressed than he had ever felt.
Larien walked into the room holding a tray full of food for them to eat. There was meat and a crispy bread, very similar to its cousin, the Lambas bread. There was also vegetables and a wine for Haldir and Larien. Isabella had a soup, that made her feel stronger. All three of them sat in the room and ate, nobody talking, but enjoying the meal. It occurred in Haldir's mind that this might be the last meal that he would spend with Isabella. But trying not to appear effected he went on eating. Larien was looking at both of them. She could immediately tell that Haldir was thinking that this was the last meal together, because she was also thinking of the same thing. And she was sure that same expression that was on Haldir's face, was on her own. But kept on eating. Isabella however thought that it was nice of them to share dinner together. She knew that soon she would leave them, but she tried not to think about it at that moment. It was too nice to spoil it.
It was dark after they finished what might be their last meal together. And the room was getting disheartening. Larien was the last to finish, then she took the dishes on the tray away to get cleaned. While Haldir walked around the room lighting candles as he went. Isabella was smiling as she watched him. He stopped and looked at her, with a puzzled look on his face. "why do you keep looking at me and smiling?" he asked ironically, a smile on his face. Isabella gave small laugh, and replied, "you two fuss over me too much! Not even Pop fusses over me to this extreme!" Haldir laughed and looked down. Isabella yawned and asked Haldir if she could rest. He agreed and walked around the room and blowing out the candles, all except one. The closest to Isabella, then picked up the Butterfly and the sack full of the bottles for Cavanthir. He walked to the door and before he closed it behind him, he said "I will see you tomorrow?" a tiny pain in his voice. She nodded and replied, "of course you will" and she settled herself in to bed, and closed her eyes. Haldir stood there for a second more, until he could hear her deep breath. He sighed and closed the door gently and walked back into the garden.
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Haldir walked out to the garden and crossed to the huge hall where the meeting was held, the day before. The doors opened and he walked inside, spotting Gandalf sitting with Cavanthir and Lúthien, Haldir walked towards them. The three of them were discussing the war. As it is the most common news of all races. He sat down and listened to them natter about how the Denthor of Gondor was going mad.
"I do not like to say it but … yes, he is having a difficult time, loosing Boromir. But such things are not to gossip about" and the conversation stopped. Haldir found this a good time to ask when the Elves are going to war. All three of them went quiet, and looked rather alarmed at Haldir. "In a couple of days. We will leave to Helm's Deep. You will be given notice before you pack, so not to worry, we have some time to enjoy life" Cavanthir said in a mournful tone. Haldir took a deep breath, nodded politely and left. He didn't know what to achieve in talking to them, maybe a chance to speak to Gandalf once again. He was so confused, he didn't know what he wanted.
He was walking in the garden outside, on the gravel path. The gravel crunching as he walked delaying going anywhere. It was too heartbreaking to watch over Isabella, and Gandalf was already occupied talking to Cavanthir and Lúthien, so he thought that it would be best if he didn't disturb them much more. So he found a stone bench and sat down, watching the peaceful view, under a tall tree that spread some distance. How he missed this. Just watching the birds chasing each other, and building their nests. The smell of the river trickling though the rocks, into a pool with fish. And the cool breeze washing over his skin. Who would want to fight in this wonderful world? Haldir thought to himself. He realised that he was one of those people who destroyed things. But not on purpose, it was to protect, and store the goodness that lives in the earth. He became angry in himself, and the only one who could control his feelings was Larien. So he walked off to find the young lass.
It should have been the first place to look for Larien, with Isabella. Haldir shook his head, at his stupidity and walked up the stone steps towards Isabella's room. The doors were closed of course, but he found it difficult to open them. He also found it difficult to leave Isabella, going after Gandalf, but it was something that he just had to do. Gently he tapped the white door. Larien opened it, looking rather distressed. "OH, Haldir.. Sir… you're here… she has been calling out for you for some time now. Please hurry and come in" Larien's voice was shaking slightly, and she trembled as she bowed.
Haldir walked into the room. Isabella was sitting up slightly in her bed. It was light in the room but her face seemed to be covered in a shadow of some sort. Haldir was amazed at the recovery, if you could call it that. Last time he saw her was lying stiff as a rock in bed, and now she was sitting up, slowly whispering Haldir's name.
He walked towards her bed and clutched her hand and she smiled slightly at the Elf. He sat, not looking away from her eyes, and something strange appeared in her. Haldir narrowed his eyes and looked closely into Isabella's. Then it clicked. They weren't a pale-blue that he had grown accustomed to, but a deep reddish-maroon colour. Haldir gasped, and lent back a little, taking his hand away from hers.
"what's wrong Haldir?" Isabella's voice a whisper. It was difficult for her to speak, but she managed to speak to him.
"oh, nothing…. I'm just surprised to … see you up, that's all…" He knew that that was the worst lie in the world, but he didn't want to alarm Isabella, more than she already was.
Isabella blinked and looked Haldir directly in the eyes and said, "that has got to be the worst lie I've ever heard!" she laughed like a wheezing cough. Haldir gave a small smile. He looked at Larien standing in the corner, and asked if she could bring some water for Isabella to drink. She nodded and left the room.
Now was the chance to ask Isabella if she had helped him in any way. But it took a while to get the question out right.
"Isabella… Gandalf had told me about you and your past. He also told me that you are a Mith'quessirin! And that you had a mission to help… me. Well… what I want to know is… have you helped me, because I don't feel it." his voice soft. His hand gripped hers once more. Isabella looked down at his hand on hers, and gave another small smile. "I can feel it Haldir… can't you? You have changed, and so have I. Sometimes I can not always see that I have done any good, but I feel so positive on this, Haldir. The only thing is… that I don't know what I have done" she was speaking slowly, and carefully.
Larien came back into the room with a jug of clear water. She walked to the other side of Isabella's bed and set the jug on the bedside table. Isabella looked at Larien and smiled, Isabella raising her hand to Larien. Larien grasped the hand, and sat on the bed. Isabella was cold, really cold. Larien looked at Haldir with a worried look and her bottom lip trembled. Haldir gestured to Larien to come outside. She obeyed and Haldir followed her out.
Just outside Isabella's bedroom door, both Elves stood, facing each other. Haldir said quietly, "I think that you know what is going to happen to her, don't you." his voice soft. She nodded and a small tear trickled down her face. "I don't understand Haldir. You know that I see death, and you have seen my reaction to it. I don't cry. But something inside me is hurting so much, I can barely breath." said Larien in a husky voice. Inside Haldir something agreed with what Larien said. "then you feel what I feel" Haldir's hand raised and rubbed her arm. She looked at him, then threw her arms around his neck and sobbed into his green tunic. This alarmed Haldir, but she needed to talk to someone, so he allowed her to grieve. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on top of Larien's, she was much shorter than him, he realised. And he smiled.
After the embrace from Larien, they both went back inside. Isabella was asleep, but woke up as soon as Haldir reached her bed. "I'm sorry I woke you…" she just smiled. By this time it was dark, and Haldir was feeling hungry. He asked Larien quietly if she could get something for himself, Isabella and her. She wiped her face, bowed and walked out. Isabella made an effort to speak normally, but it came out as a whisper, "You must thank Cavanthir for his help, and give him something for me…" she pointed to a small sack near the chairs in the corner of the room. "Larien told me what happened, and I feel that I should give him something of my appreciation". Haldir walked towards it and picked it up. It wasn't very heavy, but Haldir took care of it while bringing it to her bed. Isabella opened it and inside was four small bottles, each containing something different. She didn't take them out, but started explaining what they were. The first one was filled with a type of sparkling dust, used for healing cuts and bruises. The second one was filled with a green liquid, to stop bights from any creature. The third one was containing a black substance, she said if you rub it on pieces of armoury, it protects you and nothing can pierce through it. Isabella reached inside the sack and pulled out the last bottle. There inside of it was a Butterfly.
"this is the Butterfly of life. It revives anyone who has died of a natural cause, or by an accident. It can't revive anybody who has been stabbed by any blade, or any arrow. It's beautiful isn't it." Isabella sighed and held up to her eyes and took a close look at it. It fluttered gracefully, then she handed it to Haldir. "I was going to give it to Larien, but I thought that you would have a better use for it." she gave another raspy cough, then reached over to the water and took a sip.
Haldir took the Butterfly carefully. It shone with a golden light around it. Haldir had only heard of this Butterfly in books in his study. It's beauty took his breath away. He smiled and sat the bottle on the table near the water. "thankyou" the words barely escaped his mouth. He had never received such an extravagant gift from anybody, not even Galadriel. Haldir had the thought that he could have used the Butterfly on Isabella, but then remembered the rules. He felt more depressed than he had ever felt.
Larien walked into the room holding a tray full of food for them to eat. There was meat and a crispy bread, very similar to its cousin, the Lambas bread. There was also vegetables and a wine for Haldir and Larien. Isabella had a soup, that made her feel stronger. All three of them sat in the room and ate, nobody talking, but enjoying the meal. It occurred in Haldir's mind that this might be the last meal that he would spend with Isabella. But trying not to appear effected he went on eating. Larien was looking at both of them. She could immediately tell that Haldir was thinking that this was the last meal together, because she was also thinking of the same thing. And she was sure that same expression that was on Haldir's face, was on her own. But kept on eating. Isabella however thought that it was nice of them to share dinner together. She knew that soon she would leave them, but she tried not to think about it at that moment. It was too nice to spoil it.
It was dark after they finished what might be their last meal together. And the room was getting disheartening. Larien was the last to finish, then she took the dishes on the tray away to get cleaned. While Haldir walked around the room lighting candles as he went. Isabella was smiling as she watched him. He stopped and looked at her, with a puzzled look on his face. "why do you keep looking at me and smiling?" he asked ironically, a smile on his face. Isabella gave small laugh, and replied, "you two fuss over me too much! Not even Pop fusses over me to this extreme!" Haldir laughed and looked down. Isabella yawned and asked Haldir if she could rest. He agreed and walked around the room and blowing out the candles, all except one. The closest to Isabella, then picked up the Butterfly and the sack full of the bottles for Cavanthir. He walked to the door and before he closed it behind him, he said "I will see you tomorrow?" a tiny pain in his voice. She nodded and replied, "of course you will" and she settled herself in to bed, and closed her eyes. Haldir stood there for a second more, until he could hear her deep breath. He sighed and closed the door gently and walked back into the garden.
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