Chapter 11- Reunion

1 Lithe 3019- Fields of the Pelennor

Haldir rode along behind the Lord and Lady, but his attention was largely on the ruin covering the great field they now crossed. What was once green and fertile now was covered in black and brown, from old blood and fire ravaging the lands. The great evil that seized these fields during the great battle, even though he was not there to witness it, could still be felt. It rested on his shoulders and weighed heavily on his mind. He had seen his far share of gruesome sights; especially in the past few years and when they went to Dol Guldur, but never had he had the carnage after the fact affect him so much. He looked around and noticed that everyone else in the fair company had grown quiet upon passing the walls as they were all apparently as equally moved as he was, even though this was a time that they should be rejoicing, not mourning.

As a matter of fact, he had noticed that the entire company had remained pretty quiet the entire journey, especially his wife and Arwen. Actually, it was not that they were quiet; it was that they had done an awful lot of whispering and sidling. Every time he would come around them, trying to listen into their conversation, they would become silent and look at each other with slightly amused faces. He had grown quite fed up with this half way into the journey, especially when he asked Indilisse why they were being so secretive, and she would only smile and shrug her shoulders. For Elbereth's sake! It was like they were Emlin and Aranel giggling about the ellyn of Caras Galadhon.

Maybe that was what they were doing, but that thought made him smile to himself. It was nice to know that Indilisse still thought of him that way, but he was disturbed that Arwen was talking about any one of the ellyn. She was on her way to be wed after all! Haldir sighed and glanced back at the elleths, now joined by Narië and Aranel, and they laughed lowly, though straightened their faces as soon as they noticed he was looking at them. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Orophin's horse come up beside him. Adjusting himself on the horse's back, Haldir looked at him, Rúmil soon joining his other side.

"Why do I have a feeling this is going to be an interesting conversation?" Haldir questioned, glancing at Rúmil.

"It shall only be interesting if you wish it to be." Rúmil chuckled, and sighed, "Do you know what our wives are in such deep council about that they cannot even speak one word to us?"

Haldir shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine, Muindor."

Rúmil glanced back at them, but received a wave from Narië to look ahead. "Maybe they are discussing what will happen the wedding night."

"Aranel would not be allowed to join that conversation." Orophin reminded. "She is too young."

Haldir grunted and looked at Orophin. "You think she is too young? I assure you that she probably knows more about the matter than you do. After all, Rúmil is her father."

"You do not suggest that I teach my daughter such things." Rúmil said with an evil smile. "Nay, I believe it is your daughter that is rotting my child's brain with nonsense."

"Oh yes, Rúmil. That is very mature." Haldir replied. "You blame it on your older brother."

Orophin shrugged his shoulders and laughed at his brothers, "The apple does not fall far from the tree."

"No it does not." Haldir nodded his head, "But then that means the corruption is coming from Indilisse."

Both Orophin and Rúmil exchanged glances for a few moments before breaking out into loud laughter. They shook their heads and quieted, training their attention in front of them. Haldir gazed ahead and saw the shattered gates into the great city, Dwarves now busily working on the crafting of new ones. The White Tower gleamed in the waning sun of dusk, and the city looked restored to its original glory, even though there was still a great amount of work to be done. A horn blew from within the city, announcing their arrival. As if the horses knew what they were supposed to do, they began to align themselves in a procession. First rode Elladan and Elrohir with a banner of silver, followed closely by Glorfindel and Erestor and rest of the house of Imladris. Then rode Galadriel and Celeborn upon their white steeds. The Lórien elves then fell into place behind them, Haldir at lead, Indilisse joining his side quickly. Behind everyone rode Undómiel and Elrond.

Their entrance into the city was something he had not known would happen. All of the men and women stepped out of their houses, gazing upon them as if they were Iluvatar himself, had he bodily form. The children ran about, speaking excitedly about them and about the valiant warriors that traveled with the high elves. Elder female children murmured to each other about the handsomeness of the elves, which it appeared pleased Orophin greatly, until they mentioned something about 'the one riding behind the white horses'. Haldir straightened himself even more in his seat, the feeling of his overly egotistical nature returning. He felt a nudge in his side, and looked down at Indilisse.

"It would suit you best to keep your eyes forward, March Warden." She warned with a smirk.

Haldir chuckled and leaned into her, "Would you have me stake my claim on you in front of everyone?"

Indilisse pushed him back into his proper riding position, turning her attention forward. He shook his head and also trained his eyes ahead of him. It seemed they climbed stair after stair and went up level after level, never actually reaching to top of the city. He did not care about the heights they were at, but the least could have done was construct it out of trees so he had something beautiful to look at. None of this white stone.

It was while they were on the sixth level that they were halted and asked to dismount. Stable hands promptly took their animals and servants their things, while a guide ushered them up one more level to the Citadel, where the newly crowned king stood, his robes black with the silver embroidery of the tree and seven stars, his hair clean and beard kept. This was a far cry from the Aragorn he had seen last in Lórien, but Haldir could feel that this man, King Elessar, had become a leader in his time spent in battle the past few months. No longer was there a man afraid of his destiny, but a man who was willing to grasp any task that came to him by the horns.

Aragorn stood with many people of the Gondorian upper class, the Dwarf, Gimli at his left and the elf, Legolas at his right. The company of elves split slowly down the center, revealing Arwen and Elrond. Slowly, almost as if in disbelief, Aragorn descended to his love and his foster father. In Elrond's usually stern eyes, there was sadness and much grief as he gazed down at his daughter. Aragorn placed a hand on her cheek and ran his thumb over her smooth skin, stopping a tear from falling as his mouth found hers in a passionate kiss.

Haldir smiled to himself as they pulled apart and laughed at each other, once again holding each other, just content to be back in each other's arms. They had gone through so many labors and long waiting for this moment, Arwen making the ultimate choice that she forsake her life for the man she loved. Elrond then formally laid the hand of his daughter in the hand of the King, surrendering the scepter of Annúminas. Together they went up further into the Citadel, and Haldir looked above him as all the stars in the sapphire sky flowered. Even he, the arrogant and unfeeling March Warden, could not help but feel moved by such a sight.

As the company was then ushered to follow them, Haldir gazed around and his eyes caught a sight he never thought he would see. There stood Gandalf, but not in the robes of grey as before. Now he was clad in white vestments, his hair and beard straight and white as well. He glanced down at Indilisse, but it appeared that she had already witnessed this as well, from the look of surprise on her features. Their attention, however, was stolen by the strange elf, whom was no longer clothed in green and brown, but in a fine tunic of pale blue.

Legolas smiled at them, taking Indilisse's hand and kissing her fingers. "Welcome, my friends."

"Legolas." Indilisse said, "It is good to see that you are still with us."

"You did not think I would make it, dear friend?" He asked. "I am hurt."

Indilisse laughed, "Nothing was certain, Legolas."

"Aye, you are correct." Legolas nodded and looked at Haldir finally. Even though they had apologized in Lórien for the problems Legolas had caused, Haldir still had not fully forgiven him, and as they looked at each other tentatively, Haldir could feel the unmistakable tension. And as if he did it only to anger Haldir more, Legolas sighed, "I had thought you would bring Emlin along. Aranel came with her parents."

"We asked her to stay in Lórien with Thoron." Haldir replied shortly.

Indilisse elbowed his side and looked at Legolas, "The roads are still too dangerous for her or Thoron to be traveling with us. Aranel came because she is learning what a hand maiden does."

"Oh." Legolas replied quietly, and offered his arm to Indilisse.

"If it makes you feel better, she put up quite the fight about coming with us." Indilisse said to Legolas. Haldir followed on her other side, nearly feeling the urge to push Legolas away from his wife. Haldir grumbled to himself. What had made him turn so possessive all of a sudden? They walked into the hall, and were then shown to Merethrond, the Great Hall of Feasts for an elaborate meal, though they were all still cloaked and in their traveling clothes. Luckily, though, the King noticed the weariness of all his guests, his future Queen even more so than the others who had accompanied her. After a quick meal, they said their goodnights, and were one by one lead to their rooms.

Haldir, however, found himself separated from his wife and sharing a room with Orophin. He looked at his brother, "I do love you, Brother, but why am I here with you and not with my wife?"

Orophin shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe she is angry with you."

Haldir scoffed and walked down the dark corridor, finding Indilisse entering a room two doors down from him. He moved softly across the floor, the palace guards standing watch not stopping him as he swept into the door and shut it behind him. Indilisse was busy moving around the room, hanging gowns in a wardrobe nearby. "Why are we separated?"

Indilisse glanced up at him. "This shall be our room next eve, Haldir, but tonight I am to stay with Arwen."

"I do not understand." He was sure he that he pouted, though he could not believe that he did.

She chuckled and walked up to him, placing a light kiss on his lips, "Do not pout like a babe. You have had me for fifty years. Do you not think you can spare me for one night?"

"No." He replied.

Indilisse stepped away from him, and walked back to her wardrobe. "Well you must."

Haldir could not take that as an answer and walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders and pressing himself into her back. "Why are you to stay with Arwen tonight?"

"Tis a Gondorian custom," Indilisse replied, giggling as he kissed her neck. "Aragorn said that the nobility watch him closely and would gossip if Arwen were to sleep in his chambers tonight before the ceremony tomorrow."

"Does one actually believe that they have not been with each other intimately?" Haldir questioned lowly, nipping her neck.

Indilisse sighed and leaned back against him. "The people of this country barley know of Aragorn, much less the toil our friends have been through."

He trailed his tongue slowly up from her earlobe, to the tip of her ear, suckling on it slightly. She let out a low moan and rested her head against his shoulder. "Do they not have other chambers to put her in? This palace is not small on any scale."

"Pen vaelui," she giggled lightly, reaching behind her to run her fingers along the length of his desire, now painfully evident in his leggings. "Maeron."

Haldir placed his hand on her chin and turned her head to meet her lips in long kiss. She ran her fingers lightly down the front of his leggings again, making him buck his hips, pushing against her. "Gerich i dele veluwain, seron vell."

Interrupting their moment was a stern clearing of someone's throat and a light giggle. Indilisse, being the most presentable at the moment, pushed away from him and turned towards the door. After a deep breath, and thanking all of the Valar that his tunic was long, Haldir turned to find Aragorn standing just inside the room with Arwen on his arm, looks of pure mirth and amusement for the situation on their faces.

"I do hope that we are interrupting something." Arwen laughed, and winked at Indilisse.

"Aye, you would hope that, my lady." Indilisse gave her a mocking a bow. She then righted herself and looked at Aragorn, giving him a respectful, "My lord."

"While I do appreciate your propriety, Indilisse, you know it is not expected of you." Aragorn chuckled. "I do not expect it of any of my friends, or of my bride's friends. And since you and Haldir are both, I ask you not to address me as such."

Indilisse laughed at him, "You certainly have gotten long-winded since the last I saw you."

He smiled and nodded his head, "That you can blame on the advisors of this court talking all of the time. I find myself clawing to get any word into a conversation."

"You would not be speaking of a white wizard, an Elven Prince and a Dwarf, would you?" She questioned with a smile.

He nodded his head and turned to Arwen, smiling down at her, kissing her lightly before saying his farewells. Haldir did the same with Indilisse, and sighed as he walked towards the door where Aragorn stood. The King smiled, "Come, my friend, there are some stiff liquors down the hall in the study that you should enjoy. And assuredly interesting conversation with my brothers and your brothers."

"That worries me." Haldir said, walking beside Aragorn. They stepped out of the large room, and Haldir turned back slightly to gaze at Indilisse before shutting the door. She waved to him and giggled, glancing at Arwen to her side.

Midsummer's Day- The Citadel

"Arwen, are you sure you do not wish your grandmother to do this?" Indilisse asked, as she carefully folded, braided and pinned Arwen's dark hair on her head.

Arwen sighed and placed a hand over Indilisse's to stop her for a moment. "It is a tradition of the Eldar to have mothers do this. Gondorian custom states that a mother or married sister can do this. My mother is in Valinor, so I will have you take her place. Quit acting as if you do not want to be here."

"Oh Arwen, I do want to be here." Indilisse sighed, "I just feel wholly out of place when you could have the Lady be your attendant."

"I am much more comfortable speaking with you about the binding ritual than my grandmother." Arwen said with a smile.

Indilisse nodded her head and finished with the looping of Arwen's hair about her ornate mithril crown, placing a small mirror in front of Arwen's face. "Is it to you liking?"

"Perfect, Indilisse." Arwen smiled happily again and stood up. Oh that perfect smile! It would be the bane of her existence! She would remember it in dreams for the rest of her long life. Arwen Undómiel's smile on the day of her binding. It had almost gotten to the point where Indilisse was ready to slap Arwen across the face if she did not stop smiling for one moment. But all Indilisse had to do was think back to the day she and Haldir had bound, and the smiles she had. And, of course, Arwen was entitled to this joy, especially after all her waiting for this day.

Indilisse stepped back and walked over to take her own gown for the evening that had been brought in while she was doing Arwen's hair. "Is there always so much spectacle for marriages? It is hard to believe that in all of my years traveling about Arda, I have never witnessed a ceremony of Men."

Arwen sighed, "I suppose it is the way of Men. They receive so little time in this world, that they make the best of it."

"Aye, I suppose you are right." Indilisse replied, taking the dress with her into the nearby bathing room. She removed the dress she had on, and replaced it with the simple, yet elegant, sapphire colored gown that had hardly a sleeve for such a warm day. Arwen's was like hers, but in a filmy silver that glistened even when the sun was not shinning on it.

"Oh, Indilisse, I did forget to inform you last eve," Arwen called to her. "Aragorn said that he would love to have Emlin as a guest in his house. She supposedly made quite the impression on him, and on another of his friends."

Indilisse came out of the bathing room and threw her old gown across the bed. "Have you not heard the full story of that meeting?"

Arwen shook her head, "No I have not."

Indilisse recounted the details of that fateful evening when she was sure that Haldir would be banished from all of Lórien because he had the Prince of Mirkwood's blood on his hands. Arwen thought the whole situation was quite humorous, as did Indilisse, but Indilisse did still have a mother's reservations. "They reconciled, but yesterday when Legolas welcomed us, it was evident that Haldir had not fully forgiven him."

"That is a shame." Arwen frowned and sighed. "Now that will be another reason Haldir will not let Emlin come to Minas Tirith. Especially since he will know Legolas will be here, and she will be alone."

"Not alone, dear friend. He trusts you and Aragorn." Indilisse chuckled, "But Elbereth forbid you allow him to touch her."

"Legolas will be able to touch her if he wishes." Arwen replied, "As long as she permits it and he is not doing it inappropriately. She is of age. She can make her own choices. Aragorn, on the other hand, will advise Legolas against it because he has had Haldir poisoning his head."

Indilisse sighed, and nodded her head. "Do not let Haldir know of your views, Arwen, or Emlin will never see anything but the four walls of her chamber."

"Do not worry." Arwen said, "All will be well."

"My lady?"

They both glanced up at the door to find a maid standing there. Arwen stood up, "Aye?"

"The processional awaits Your Highness." The maid turned quickly on her toes and disappeared.

Indilisse bowed low before Arwen, making a grand flourish with out sweeping hands, "Your Highness, please do allow me to show you the way."

Arwen laughed and playfully pushed Indilisse on her way past her. "Let us go. We have an entire realm awaiting my arrival, and I do not plan on your insolent behavior slowing us down."

"Aye, my lady." Indilisse giggled and followed quickly behind Arwen. This was going to be a joyous day.

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Muindor- Brother

Pen vaelui- Lusty one

Maeron- Impressive

Gerich i dele veluwain, soren vell- You have the loveliest arse, darling

Mellon- friend