Title: Little Swan
Pairing: None
Rating: R
Genre: Angst / Drama
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 Seòras, Naelie Beleril and Bricta 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: Before the War of the Ring. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: After her mother's brutal execution, young Naelie and her father are left to piece their lives back together. But the outside world, will not allow this.
Replies to Reviewers:
MarySuesREvil - Why, thank you! Based on the legend of Prometheus? Actually, this story just started with me wanting to write something gory for a nice change and went from there. To be honest, I hadn't noticed the similarities until you mentioned it. Interesting indeed! :) Here. Have a muffin.
FlyingHampsterOfDoom - Many thanks to you and a freshly baked muffin. :)
leggylover4ever - I agree completely with you. The punishment should fit the crime. However, these people are brutal and callous. Thanks for your comment. (Gives you a muffin)
NB: As regards the conversations between Naelie and the elves, and the concept of her speaking Sindarin or them speaking Westron - I know it doesn't hold water. Fact is, I'm lazy when it comes down to things like that and the prospect of either thinking up a reason why they can understand each other or writing many chapters in which they learn to understand each other, whilst entertaining to read, is a heck of a job to write. Frankly, I prefer getting on with the story without bothering about nitty-gritty details. Don't get me wrong here, I enjoy writing many details, but I'm just lazy when it comes to things like that. Don't hurt me! However, if you, as the reader, wish to think up a way in which they could understand each other, or "fill-in the-gaps", so to speak, that's perfectly fine. :)
Okay, so I rambled a little there. Please, forgive me and enjoy chapter five!
Chapter 5
The glittering rays of the morning sun streamed through Beleril's window and pooled over his cushion, causing his silver hair to shimmer in the virgin light. Silence reigned throughout the talan, save for the sweet melody of two young sparrows that had recently taken up residence just outside Beleril's window. The heavenly scent of fresh dew hung delicately in the air, and soon, the sleeping young elf was stirred gently from his reverie.
Yawning and stretching, he pushed the rug aside and scrambled off the couch to greet the new day. Barefoot, he padded silently across the talan floor in search of something light to satisfy the hunger that had suddenly crept up upon him. Finally, after a few minutes of searching, he unearthed a small loaf of bread, bought but a day ago from the market. He discovered also two crimson apples and set about peeling them. Unusual though it was for elves to peel their fruit, Beleril found that he preferred it that way. He disliked the way the skin of the apple frequently would get caught in-between his teeth, and so had made a solemn promise to himself that he would peel his fruit whenever possible.
Once, peeled, Beleril sliced both apples up into halves, cut himself a slice of the soft granary bread, which he buttered lightly then sat down at the table to eat. Looking down as he finished his meal, he discovered that he had a handful of breadcrumbs left. He scooped up the crumbs and made his way outside.
The nest in question had just been re-furnished. A neat cluster of twigs and leaves lay about the delicate structure and from the earthy smell that still clung to them, and Beleril guessed that the twigs had fallen from the trees within the last day or so. Smiling down at the nest, he saw the now familiar sight of three perfectly formed eggs, pearly white in colour, lightly flecked with specks of brown. It seemed the mother had left the nest to go and find nourishment for herself, but Beleril knew she would not be gone long. Although she appeared to trust the elves and the environment, her natural maternal instincts made sure she would soon return to her eggs.
Settling himself down on the small stone bench outside his door, Beleril sat and listened to the sounds of the dawn. The loving breeze caressed his cheeks as it made its never ending journey through the trees. His acute ears picked up the sounds of other birds chirruping and singing far above his head whilst from somewhere in the trees, the gentle sound of a brook could be heard, its waters flowing smooth across the stones then gurgling and babbling as it made its way towards the larger Nimrodel and onto the mighty Anduin.
A short chirrup above him made him raise his head in gladness. Sure enough, the mother sparrow had returned, looking remarkably well fed. She was perched upon a twiggy outcrop of the tiny nest and as he looked up, she fixed the young elf with a bright yellow eye that twinkled with knowledge. He stood up slowly and made his way toward the nest, causing the female to hop and skip across the twigs and settle herself protectively on her brood.
"I see you have been enjoying a well earned breakfast" he said softly. "And quite rightly too".
The female gave a short twitter in response then suddenly became very interested in Beleril's hand. She fixed his closed palm with a curious stare and began to chirrup excitedly, bobbing up and down as she did so.
Beleril let out a bell-like laugh and winked at the bird. "I see my secret is not so secret any longer" he chuckled and held out his hand, revealing the bread crumbs inside.
The mother sparrow cocked her head to one side as though considering the matter, then hopped lightly into Beleril's open palm. She pecked gently at the breadcrumbs, taking care not to pinch the elf's skin with her beak. Beleril gazed fondly down at the fragile creature standing in his open hand and couldn't help but wonder if her young would grow up to be as trusting as their mother.
Finally, she finished her meal and paused for a few seconds to clean herself up. Then, with a thankful whistle, the mother jumped back into her nest again, settling herself once more upon the small clutch of eggs. She snuggled down on top, ruffling her freshly preened feathers as she did so and closed her eyes, ready for a long nap.
After dusting the remaining crumbs off on his nightshirt, Beleril sauntered back inside his talan. Taking care to make certain his footfalls were silent, he peered around his bedroom door. Yes. She was still sleeping. Her short, curly hair was the deepest shade of mahogany and as she slept, a peaceful smile remained on her young face. Beleril sighed. In sleep she was far away from troublesome thoughts and the loss of her father. And yet, soon she would have to wake and her mind would be flooded with pain and anguish again.
He retreated from the bedroom door and made his way to his bathroom. It was something that someone so young should never have to face. The loss of one parent was tragic enough, but the loss of both was surely devastating. He filled the basin with fresh water and scooped some into his cupped palms. The water was icy to the touch, and all it took was a swift splash of the cold water upon his face to fully wake and refresh him. Reaching for the rail beside the basin, Beleril dabbed at his dripping face with a towel and then set about preening the rest of himself.
Minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom and walked quietly back into his own bedroom, where Naelie slept on. He retrieved a set of clean garments from his drawers and then left, taking care to close the door behind him. He then returned to the bathroom to dress and make his slightly tousled hair look presentable.
The early hours trickled by and Beleril settled himself at the table with a pair of leggings and some wool. It was a darning job he had been meaning to get done for some days, and somehow had never got around to it. As of yet, he did not know what he was going to do about border duty. He couldn't leave Naelie on her own, that was obvious. Also, if Celeborn decided to drop by to give him any news of a more permanent housing arrangement, he would need to be there. Surely Haldir would understand.
As he was finishing fixing a hole in the left leg, the sound of a door opening was heard. Beleril looked up to see Naelie standing in the doorframe, looking up at him with bright, wide-awake eyes.
"Ah, little one" he said kindly. "I see you are awake at last".
Naelie nodded.
"Did you sleep well?"
She nodded again, and then added. "Yes, thank you mister. Excuse me, but do you have a bathroom I could use?"
Beleril was take aback by the range of the child's vocabulary for one so young. Still, he nodded and pointed to the closed door. "Yes, it's right there" he replied. "If you want to wash, there is a bucket of water by the basin and a fresh cloth on the rail".
Naelie smiled gratefully at him and made her way to the bathroom. "Thank you mister" she said as she disappeared.
Beleril sat still, taken completely by surprise. He knew he was stupid to have thought she wouldn't be able to string sentences together, but he guessed it must have something to do with the fact that he was rarely around children. Shaking his head, he got on with mending the second leg.
Eventually, Beleril finished the leggings and set them aside to be put away properly later. Pleased with his work, he moved away from the table and began to boil a pan of water. Reaching into the wicker basket beside the sink, he pulled out a ripe lemon, cut a slice and then grabbed a mug and a porcelain pot from the cupboard. Taking the lid off the pot, he took out a pinch of the tea leaves that were inside and sprinkled them into the mug. He replaced the pot and then stood waiting for the water to finish boiling.
He sat down at last to drink his lemon tea when there came a sharp knock at the door. "Oh wonderful" he thought to himself. "I knew my absence at the border would not go unnoticed for long"
Striding forward, he opened the door. "Good morning Hal- Oh!"
Standing in the doorframe was Lord Celeborn and Beleril suddenly felt quite foolish. "Good morning, my lord" he said, placing a hand on his breast in respect.
"Good morning, Beleril" replied Celeborn pleasantly. "May I come in?"
"Of course" replied Beleril, stepping aside to allow his lord entry.
Celeborn stepped over the threshold and as soon as Beleril had closed the door, he began to talk. "Is she still asleep?" he asked.
"Nay" answered Beleril. "She is washing now".
"Then I'll be brief" said Celeborn. "I have spent the hours since we last talked attempting to find a more suitable housing arrangement and so far, with little success. I have spoken to Tániel and Alina, both experienced mothers, but however they say that they would not be able to house the child. However, I will ask others and I shall keep you informed. Meanwhile, I brought this."
He held out a small silver-grey dress which Beleril took.
"It used to belong to one of Tániel's daughters, but she has long since grown up and it was lying discarded in one of her wardrobes. She told me that although she cannot house Naelie, she still wished to help in some way".
"Thank her for me" said Beleril gratefully.
"Oh, I already did that" smiled Celeborn. "I'll have a hunt round; see if I can find any other clothes for the child. If she is going to be staying in Lorien for some time, she will need some of her own".
Beleril nodded in agreement. "Thank you my lord. You are right, she will need suitable garments."
"It is my pleasure, Beleril" replied the elven lord. "I suggest you forego border duty for today. I'll have Finwyn fill in your position".
"That is most gracious of you, my lord" smiled Beleril.
"Well, for the child's sake, I deemed it necessary for someone to watch her" said Celeborn simply. "I will take my leave now, Beleril" he continued. "Let me know if you need anything".
"I will, and thank you my lord" said Beleril finally with a bow.
Celeborn nodded and retreated out of Beleril's talan.
"It is a very pretty dress, mister" said Naelie, looking her reflection over in the mirror.
"Yes" agreed Beleril, smiling. "It is".
Only mere seconds after Celeborn had gone, Naelie had returned from the bathroom. Beleril had shown her the dress that he had given him and Naelie had been delighted with it. She had all but skipped back to the bathroom to change into it and when she had returned, she was beaming all over her face.
"I think" said Beleril finally. "We should teach you my proper name".
Naelie looked up. "Alright" she said. "What is your name?"
"I am called Beleril" he said, suddenly astounded he had not told her this before.
"Beel-her-hil" said Naelie, trying out the new name on her tongue.
"Bel-err-ril" he repeated, putting more emphasis on the syllables.
"Bel-herr-rill" she tried again.
"Close enough" he smiled. "Now, I need to get some work done, so you'll have to amuse yourself for a while".
Naelie nodded. "Do you have any parchment?" she asked meekly.
"Why, yes I do" he replied.
"And do you have any charcoal?" she asked, even quieter this time.
Beleril thought for a moment. Did he have any? His eyes fell on the cedar box he kept his writing materials in. Going over to it, he rummaged through it and to his surprise, unearthed a small lump of charcoal. Taking both that and a sheet of parchment out of the box, he handed them to Naelie.
Naelie grinned up at him. "Thank you, Bel-herr-rill". With that she walked over to the table and sat down on one of the lower chairs. Taking up the charcoal, she began to scribble upon the parchment. Beleril watched her interestedly for a moment, and then settled down on the couch to flick through the novel he had been assigned to read in its entirety and check thoroughly for errors.
Half an hour passed, and both elf and child were still heavily into their chosen occupations when there came a second knock at the door. Beleril looked up from the page he was reading, put the book down on the couch and made his way over to the door. It was not Celeborn that stood there, nor was it Haldir.
It was Orophin.
"Good day to you, Beleril" he beamed, striding in past his friend.
"Please do come in, Orophin!" smirked Beleril at the now empty doorframe.
Orophin turned to face Beleril, looking remarkably well disposed towards life.
"Today, dear Bel!" he said, clapping Beleril on the shoulder. "Is a day that will go down in the history books for all time. It is a day never to be repeated, and of such rarity, I think it should be made a national holiday".
"Why?" said Beleril, completely confused. "What has happened?"
"Haldir is skiving border duty" said Orophin with a chuckle.
"What?"
"I know! Great isn't it?"
"It's incredible" replied Beleril, not daring to believe it. "Why is he skiving it?"
"Well" said Orophin, moving Beleril's book and sitting down on the couch. "He actually says that Rumil and I need extra sword training and has volunteered himself to help. Now we all know that Rumil and I do not need extra training of any kind, so there are only two possible explanations".
"Which are?" prompted Beleril.
"Number one" said Orophin, putting up a finger. "He got lucky with an elleth last night and is too tired to go". He put up a second finger. "Or, he got horribly soused, and again, can't be bothered to go".
Beleril considered this for a moment. "They both sound equally plausible" he said finally.
"True" said Orophin, cocking his head in thought. "But never you fear, Bel. Rumil and I will have forced the truth out of him by the end of the day".
"Good luck to you with that!" said Beleril.
"So, why aren't you on border duty?" continued Orophin.
Beleril blinked. Was Orophin completely clueless? "I am looking after Naelie" he said.
"Who?"
Beleril jerked his thumb over his shoulder to where Naelie was still scribbling, apparently not too interested in the two elves' conversation.
"Oh" said Orophin, suddenly realising, then he dropped his voice. "How is she doing?"
"Fine" answered Beleril. "She's drawing right now".
Orophin suddenly looked interested. "Can I talk with her?"
"If you like" replied Beleril with a smile.
Orophin nodded and made to get up off the couch when suddenly two heads poked around Beleril's open door.
"Thought we'd find you here!" grinned Rumil.
"Congratulations, dear brothers, but I did not know this was a game of hide-and-seek"
Haldir rolled his eyes. "Just hurry up. We need to be down at the archery fields in two minutes".
Orophin sighed and stood up. "Alright, alright, don't fuss".
With that, Orophin departed the talan. "I'll be back in a few minutes" he called over his shoulder.
"Good!" replied Haldir, irritably.
Naelie looked up from her parchment, now quite interested in the sudden arrival of the two brothers, but stayed quiet.
Haldir made his way over to Beleril and spoke in a hushed voice. "Orophin told me what happened last night. Where is she, Bel? How is she faring?"
Beleril sighed inwardly. He was seriously beginning to wonder if the elves of Lorien were quite blind. As had been with Orophin, he jerked his thumb over his shoulder to which Haldir looked in the direction and nodded. "She seems to be bearing up remarkably well" he said. "Mind if I talk with her?"
"Not at all" said Beleril. "Be my guest".
Haldir smiled and made his way over to where Naelie was seated, while Beleril turned his attention to the younger brother. "Tea, Rumil?"
"What?" Rumil was suddenly jerked from his stupor. "Oh, no thanks, Bel. As soon as that dratted brother of mine gets back here, we have to be going".
"OK that's fine" smiled Beleril. "Mind if I do?"
Rumil shook his fair head good naturedly. "Course not" he replied.
As Haldir approached, Naelie looked up and the apprehension in her eyes must have shown, because Haldir sat down slowly on the chair beside her and looked with interest at her drawing.
"What are you drawing, little one?" he asked gently.
"Bel-herr-rill" she said smiling.
"Bel-herr-rill?" Haldir repeated her reply in his head, then it clicked. "Oh, I see" he said. "You are drawing Beleril?"
Naelie nodded and pushed the drawing across the table slightly so Haldir could see it better.
"This is very good" remarked Haldir looking over the charcoal drawing, receiving a grateful smile from Naelie.
"What is your name?" he asked her.
"Naelie" she replied.
"Naelie" he repeated. "That is a pretty name".
"Thank you" she said. "What is yours?"
"My what?" asked Haldir.
"Your name, mister" she repeated. "What is your name?"
"Oh, I am called Haldir" he told her.
"That means 'tall one'" Naelie said.
Haldir's eyes widened slightly. "Yes, it does" he replied, somewhat taken aback. "How did you know that?"
"My mother taught me some basic meanings of your language" she explained. "I cannot speak it, but I know some bits".
Haldir smiled in surprise at Naelie. "Your mother was a good teacher then?" he asked.
"Yes" she replied. "She taught me almost everything I know and told me about the stars".
"The stars?" asked Haldir, curious.
"She told me that all my family live there and watch over us, protecting us" explained Naelie. "Mama and Papa are up there now. I know they are".
Haldir was amazed at the knowledge that Naelie knew. As had been with Beleril, he had not expected one so young to know so much, and yet she did.
"Right!" came a voice from the doorway. "I am back, Haldir!"
Haldir looked up to see Orophin had returned now dressed in his archery attire.
"Good" said Haldir, getting up. Looking back at Naelie, he said. "It was very nice to meet you, pen-neth" he said, smiling down at her.
"You too, Haldir" she said, having no difficulty with his name.
Haldir retrieved his bow from the doorway and swung his quiver over his shoulders. "Okay, let's get going before the sun sets!" he smirked at his two brothers.
About half an hour after Haldir and his brothers had gone, Naelie approached Beleril with her finished drawing and gave it to him. "For you" she said.
Beleril looked up from his remarkably dire book and took the parchment from her with a curious smile and said "What is this then?"
Naelie just grinned and watched attentively while he looked at her drawing. It was a picture of an elf dressed in a tunic, leggings and boots and holding a book. It was a child-like sketch to be sure, but still Beleril felt like he might weep slightly at the kind gesture. Beside the sketch, she had written the word 'Bel'.
"That is what I heard your friends calling you" she said. "May I call you that one day too when you are my friend?"
Beleril laughed lightly. "Why, I already am your friend, Naelie" he said. "And of course you may call me that if you wish".
A broad smile spread across the Naelie's face and she skipped off to the bathroom to clean her hands, leaving Beleril with the picture.
When she came back, Beleril was once more reading the book, which was proving to be uphill work. She walked over to him and sat down on the rug and began playing with one of the tassels.
"How long have you lived here, Bel?" she asked.
Glad for any excuse to stop reading, Beleril put the book aside and turned his attention to the child sitting on the floor in front of him. "All my life, Naelie" he replied.
"Where are your family?"
Beleril sighed then remembered what he had overheard heard Naelie say to Haldir. "They are in the stars" he said simply.
Naelie looked up. "I am sorry" she said quietly.
Beleril shook his head. "Don't be" he replied. "I do not mind your asking".
Naelie went back to the tassel but continued speaking. "It is beautiful here" she said. "Even more than where I used to live".
"Thank you" said Beleril. "I am very fond of Lorien myself. Infact, I have a little spare time…" He looked thoughtful for a moment. "How would you like to see more of it?"
Naelie looked up again, her deep brown eyes shining with glee. "Really?" she said excitedly. "Would you show me?"
Beleril nodded. "I don't see why not". He looked out of the window. "It is not cold out" he continued. "So I expect you'll be warm enough in your dress".
Naelie grinned and followed Beleril to the door. "Ladies first" he said graciously, opening the door for her. She laughed and walked out the talan, Beleril following behind her.
They wandered beneath the trees, Naelie taking care to keep close to Beleril. Occasionally, an elf or two would pass them by and regard Naelie with a smile or a curious glance. Beleril was always astounded at how fast word in Lorien travelled. He showed Naelie around the grounds of Lorien including the rose gardens and then decided to show her the one place he loved to visit the most.
They passed through into a clearing where a pool of water lay, a small waterfall tumbling down the hill above into the depths of the crystal clear pool. The grass and flora grew lush and plentiful here and beside the water, a lone willow tree stood, its branches skimming the surface while the breeze danced skilfully in-between the leaves. Far above them, the sound of birds singing could be heard and the dappled rays of the midday sun shimmered and played upon the still waters.
"This is my favourite place in the world" he said quietly. "Often, when I just want to be alone, I come down here and just sit, listening."
"Listening to what?" asked Naelie.
"Silence" replied Beleril with a content sigh.
Naelie couldn't help but be confused by Beleril's reply, but she shrugged it off and continued to gaze round at the utopia of nature that surrounded her. "I can see why you love this place" she said looking up at Beleril.
"I'm glad you like it" he said, his eyes transfixed by the glittering waters. Finally, he sank down on the grass and just gazed out across the clearing. Naelie joined him and suddenly gasped with surprise as a vivid blue fish leapt out of the water, the drops flying and glistening as it flew through the air, then dove back in with a light splash.
Later on that evening, Beleril served up a bowl of vegetable soup for both Naelie and him. Setting the bowls onto the table, accompanied by two goblets of water, he called to Naelie who was washing before her meal. Sure enough, she appeared a minute later and joined Beleril at the table.
They ate their soup in silence, each reflecting on the day's events. At last, Naelie spoke up.
"Thank you for showing me your home today, Bel".
Beleril smiled happily at her. "It was my pleasure, pen-neth".
The moon crept stealthily out from behind a cloud, illuminating the tops of the trees and beyond with a pale light. The night was fairly clear and cool and the stars were bright. The fields outside the borders of Lorien were devoid of any movement, save for the heads of the corn swaying in the night air.
Seòras sat upon an upturned barrel amidst the ruins of what had once been his home, his head in his hands. He shook as he wept and eventually looked up and gazed blearily round at the devastation. Where there had once been houses, there lay now only ashes, dust and splintered wood. Where there had once been foliage, lush and green, there was now only the charred remains. Where there had once been those he knew and loved, there were now only graves.
Save for one.
She would never have a grave. His only daughter was lost to the woods and from what he had found, she was certainly dead. He tried to close his mind to the thoughts of his young child being carried off by some brutal woodland animal or worse, the wildman that had escaped him.
With that, he dissolved into racking sobs again as all around him, his kin were being buried by the few survivors. The moon soon disappeared behind the sparse clouds and tiny drops of rain fell from the heavens, splattering the parched ground as they fell. The tears of Mother Nature herself, weeping for her fallen.
