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 5
A Mask Unveiled
As soon as Glorendil was gone and safely out of earshot, Haldir began to speak.
"Orophin, there's something I have to tell you."
"And I too. Haldir you know that sword that we found a few days ago?"
"The one that belonged to mother?"
"Yes. I would like to tell you that Glorendil has taken it somewhere where it will not haunt us or trouble us anymore."
"Oh thank the Valar! Dark have been my dreams of late since we found mother's sword. Where has he taken it?"
"He wouldn't tell me but he promises that it shall not return to Lorien evermore. Now what was it you wished to tell me?"
Haldir paused for a moment as though pondering what to say.
"That letter I received this morning, Orophin, It told me of the death of Daealiea."
Orophin clapped a hand to his mouth in shock and ran across the room to embrace his brother. But Haldir held him off.
"Oh Haldir, brother, I am so sorry. How did it happen?"
"It didn't."
"Pardon?" Orophin's eyes widened in surprise and confusion.
"I have just been to see Elendir."
"The head of the company that set out four days ago?"
"Yes. Now, that letter said that Daealia had been killed and he was the only survivor. True enough, he was the only survivor but he also says that Daealia never set out with them. He says that she meant to meet them at the edge of the forest four days ago but she never turned up so they were forced to leave without her."
"But that letter could have been from anyone."
"Nay, Orophin. It was signed as though it was from Elendir"
"But you just said-"
"Exactly." Haldir nodded
"Where is she now then?"
"That, Orophin, is precisely what I mean to find out next."
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in!" Orophin called and then bowed as it was Celeborn that entered.
"Have you told him?" Celeborn asked, turning to Haldir.
"Yes, my Lord and he is equally surprised as I am."
"That is understandable. I have had a talk with Galadriel and she says that she knew nothing of Daealia's disappearance. Even the Mirror is not willing to show her any secrets"
"But how can that be?"
"I do not know, Haldir but this is the first time in many years that the Mirror has refused to reveal information."
Haldir nodded to show that he understood but his face paled.
"Does that mean that Daealia could still have been killed?" questioned Orophin.
"It means nothing, as of yet. Elendir's report somewhat confuses this whole matter a lot more than I would have liked but still thanks to his account of events, there is still a glimmer of hope."
Celeborn moved closer to Haldir and patted his arm reassuringly.
"Do not despair, Haldir. As I said, there is still a chance of Daealia being alive and well. I strongly advise that you get some rest. Things will look brighter in the dawn." As soon as Haldir had left he turned to Orophin "I wish you to come with me."
"Why my Lord?"
"For two reasons. Your brother, Rúmil, needs to know and I do not think that Haldir is in the best state right now to speak to anyone. And secondly I wish to ask you about a few things that Haldir mentioned when he came to me earlier."
The pair walked up the staircases until they reached the upper talan. They came to Rumil's quarters which was on the opposite side and Orophin knocked on the door.
"Who is it?"
"It is Orophin, Rúmil, and our Lord Celeborn."
There was a loud crash from inside as though something heavy had just fallen to the floor. There was a sound of paced footsteps and the door was flung open.
"My Lord" bowed Rúmil "Please, come in."
The next morning as Haldir went down for breakfast, he noticed that neither Rúmil, nor Orophin were in their quarters. Although he did not think that strange of Rumil who had a very expandable stomach when it came to meals, Orophin generally was the last to go down for meals of any kind.
"Still" mused Haldir "There always comes a time when everyone turns over a new leaf."
The lower hall was mercifully empty for all but a couple of elves who sat dotted around. Among them, sat Rúmil poring over his breakfast like it was going to spring at him. Haldir picked up his own meal and sat down beside Rúmil.
"Brother?" he asked as he sat "What troubles you?"
Rúmil looked up at Haldir with an expression full of sadness and sympathy.
"Orophin told me last night" he explained "Haldir, I don't know what to say."
"There is still a chance you know. Of her being found alive."
"I know, but there is also a chance that she will not be and it saddens me so to see you in such grief."
"Is it really so obvious?" said Haldir, a frown appearing on his face.
"Yes. Not to everyone maybe, but it is apparent to me that you are hurting very badly inside. I know that you want to keep your dignity, anyone would, but Haldir sometimes just talking things over can help."
Haldir bowed his head. "You are right, Rúmil" he sighed "There's not much good me putting on a front when so much has happened. Though I wish to know the full extent of what has happened before I enlighten anyone else."
"I understand Haldir."
"Thank you, brother."
Suddenly there was a soft thud and the brothers looked up, annoyed to find their conversation interrupted. Haldir's face lightened when he saw who it was.
"Orophin!" he said, the gladness to see his brother ringing in his voice.
"Why weren't you in your quarters this morning?" asked Rúmil "I cam down for breakfast and you weren't there."
Orophin suddenly looked very uncomfortable.
"I had to just go and attend to some matters, that's all" he replied.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot to ask. How is Glorendil this morning?"
"Glorendil? Oh he's fine. Why do you ask?" Orophin's voice became strangely high-pitched and Rúmil narrowed his eyes.
"What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing" Orophin's voice rose till a note of panic was noticeable in his tone "Glorendil's fine. I'm fine. We're all fine! Nothing is wrong with any of us!"
With a frightened look at the both of them he got up and ran from the hall.
Rúmil and Haldir exchanged confused expressions.
"All I did was ask a question" said Rúmil "What is so wrong about that?"