Title: A Rose Not Yet Withered
Pairing: None
Rating: PG13
Genre: Angst / Mystery
WARNING: Violence
Beta: None
Cast: Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil, Celeborn, Galadriel, OCs
Disclaimer: I own no-one from The Lord Of The Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien except Daealia and Glorendil who are from my own imagination and are the only ones I lay claim to. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of this story.
Feedback: Yes please! We "aspiring" authors thrive on the stuff.
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: When news of a massacre reaches Lorien, time begins to run against the Galadhrim. Soon, even their trust for their own kin, is lost in a tangled web of lies, deceit and murder….
Author's Notes: Daealia is pronounced Day-a-lee-a
Spoilers: None
Chapter 4
To Speak Of Sorrow
Haldir led Celeborn through the labyrinth of staircases and doors until he arrived at his own quarters. He opened the door and motioned for Celeborn to enter first. Shutting the door quietly he padded over to the chest of drawers which still lay open and rummaged. Haldir retrieved the letter from its place in the drawer and handed it to Celeborn.
Pulling the letter from the envelope, Celeborn scanned the contents, his eyes widening as they read further and further down the parchment.
Dear Haldir.
It is with immense sorrow and grief that I express this new to you. Last night, my company and I were ambushed by orcs and I am most grieved to report that it seems I am the only survivor. All were sleeping when the attack came on us and it is also with a heavy heart that I disclose the following information to you. Daealia who I believe you are closely acquainted with, has not been seen of since the battle. No trace can be found of anyone else either. I shall make my way to Rivendell which is the nearest refuge I am able to reach. I also fear that the orcs are still tracking me but for what reason I know not.
Yours in sorrow
Elendir
Celeborn finished reading, replaced the letter back inside the envelope and passed it back to Haldir who stood very still, oddly still, fingering the ribbon as he fought against the inner urge to openly weep. He knew not why but what he wanted more than anything in the world right at that moment was to bury his head in his Lord's shoulder and feel comforted for all his grief.
It was Celeborn that broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Haldir" he said. "Elendir returned three days ago."
A wave of shock and disbelief passed over Haldir's face and he lifted his head, meeting the elder elf's piercing and yet pitying gaze.
"Then what of this letter?" he said; startled. "If Elendir has returned, how is any of this possible?"
Celeborn shook his head.
"Wise though I am, Haldir. I do not have the answers to every question of the world. As I said before, Galadriel needs to be told of this matter. If this letter is truly not from Elendir, then I am afraid, Haldir we will have a situation on our hands that none of the very Wise can perceive the meaning of."
He turned and made for the door.
"Take some rest, Haldir. I will speak with Galadriel and we will meet with you first light of dawn to discuss this."
"Forgive me, my Lord, but I wish to come with you. I shall not be able to welcome rest until I know what this all means, or who this letter was from at least."
"Very well" replied Celeborn. "In that case, I suggest we talk with Elendir."
"What is wrong with you tonight?"
Orophin looked up and sniffed angrily.
"Nothing is wrong with me, Glorendil. I just wish you'd be straight with me for a change."
"I don't believe you."
"Excuse me?" Orophin said, outraged.
"I refuse to believe that nothing is wrong with you. You've been acting twitchy all evening."
"It's as I said, I wish you'd be straight with me" mumbled Orophin, fingering a clasp upon his cloak.
"And so I have been, right from the beginning. Since you came to me for help, I have told you all you wish to know and acted as you wished me to. What more can you ask of me?"
"Promise me nothing untoward will happen." said Orophin, looking up suddenly.
"Nay. It won't come back to haunt us or ruin your life anymore. You'll be able to live now as you did before it all started" said Glorendil, reassuringly.
This sentence appeared to have a remarkable effect upon Orophin. He stopped fidgeting and let out a long, deep sigh of relief,
"I cannot thank you enough for what you did".
"It was nothing, Orophin Nothing at all."
Orophin smiled gratefully and squeezed Glorendil's hand.
"I truly cannot thank you enough, my friend" repeated Orophin
Suddenly a loud knock sounded at the door making both elves jump in fright.
"Who is it?" Orophin called.
"It's Haldir. Orophin I need to ask you something"
Orophin's brow furrowed slightly in puzzlement at what his brother could want, but he called back.
"Come in!"
The door opened and Haldir walked into the room, looking slightly brighter than he had been for the past day.
"Sut naa lle, Glorendil?" Haldir greeted the younger elf.
"I am faring well thank you, Haldir" Glorendil replied.
"I am glad to hear it. Would you mind giving my brother and I a moment? I have something important to tell him."
"Of course, Haldir. I'll wait outside shall I?"
"Nay. I am afraid this it may take longer than a few minutes. I suggest you return to your quarters."
"Oh. That is well. Goodnight Haldir, Orophin." He nodded at the brothers and made his way out of the door.
"Goodnight Glorendil" replied Haldir, closing the door as Glorendil left the room.