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, Bricta and Beleril who are from my own imagination and therefore 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.

Chapter 9

The morning after the wolf ambush, Naelie awoke at first light. She wandered, bleary eyed into the main room and felt puzzled as she could find no sign of Beleril. Then, it all came flooding back to her. The wolves. The attack. Her injury and Beleril and Orophin's injuries.

"BEL!" she called out to no-one in particular, and in a hurry, she pulled on some clothes, not caring if they were clean or not, and dashed out the door, all thoughts of washing exempt from her mind.

Naelie, hurtled through Lorien as fast as her legs could carry her, her mind on Beleril's welfare, and that only. She passed several surprised looking elves on her way but she paid no heed to them and arrived minutes later, out of breath and panting slightly at the healer's quarters.

She knocked softly on the door and was most thankful to find that the healer was up and around. The door opened and Naelie blurted out her question, a little more abruptly than she intended.

"How are they?" she asked. "How is Beleril?"

The healer did not reply at first, but instead gazed down at Naelie, a somewhat amused expression upon her face.

"What" asked Naelie, perplexed. "Have I said something comical?"

The healer gave a merry chuckle and shook her head. "Nay. I just find it extraordinary that you would get up so early. But, please, come in, my dear. They are both doing very well and their progress is most pleasing. However, I must ask you to be quite quiet as they are both sleeping".

Naelie nodded her agreement and stepped quickly over the threshold, closing the door slowly behind her. They were in a long hall with several rooms off to the left and a staircase at the end. The healer herself lived among the patients, though in a separate section to the right of the hall and her supplies were kept in a storage room on the second floor.

The healer, instead of taking Naelie to see Beleril right away, steered her to the right hand side into her own quarters.

"I appreciate that you wish to see your friend" said the healer kindly. "But I must ask you to have a warm drink before you do, you'll feel more up to it then".

Naelie tried protesting that she must see Beleril, even if it was only to sit by his bed and watch him sleep, but the healer gently, but firmly refused point blank.

"There would be no use in you going in there with nothing to settle your stomach, young one. Trust me".

Naelie eventually agreed and allowed herself to be led away to the healer's kitchen where the healer herself brewed a mug of steaming fruit cordial which Naelie drank gratefully. Eventually, once dawn had passed away, the healer allowed Naelie to go and sit by Beleril's bed, as long as she was quiet. Only twenty minutes had passed since Naelie first arrived at the healer's, but to Naelie herself, it had seemed like many hours. The painful thoughts of Beleril's state of health, making her feel anxious and the time to crawl by.

As she padded softly into the room, she first noticed that Haldir had fallen asleep at the foot of Orophin's bed, and both were now sleeping peacefully like elflings.

She made her way swiftly to the seat beside Beleril's bed which she had perched herself the night before and sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, waiting patiently for him to awake. It was not long before he blinked a couple of times and slowly turned his soft grey eyes towards her concerned face.

"Naelie?" he whispered a little thickly.

She nodded. "Welcome back, Bel. How do you feel?"

"Like my head is separate from my shoulders" he sighed. "What happened? All I remember is the wolf and then someone making me drink something and I'm blank after that?"

So, Naelie quietly related what had happened after he had been knocked out and explained the feeling in his head was due to the herbal medication the healer had made him drink. Beleril listened, some words passing him by as he tried to make sense of it all, he got the gist however.

"How is Orophin?" he asked, concern reflected in his eyes.

"The healer says he's doing very well" she replied. "You just concentrate on getting better now, and let the healer do the rest".

Beleril nodded. "Not much else I can do" he said with a hollow laugh.

Later that evening when the healer was sure Beleril had made sufficient progress, she allowed him to go home with Naelie. However, it was a few more days later before Orophin was discharged.

"I don't know if I could have stood another hour in there" Orophin sighed, bent over a bowl of broth back at Haldir's talan with his two brothers.

"You're better now, Oro" said Rumil, "and that really is all that matters, not how long you stayed there".

Orophin gave a grateful smile and proceeded to finish the rest of his broth before the three retired to their own talans.

Two days before Orophin was due to return to border duty (Galáril had been filling in Orophin's post during his absence, much to the irritation of most of the Galadhrim, for none of them could stand Galáril's short fused temper for very long, and were more than glad to hear of Orophin's speedy recovery), some disturbing news came from Galadriel herself and she assembled a meeting with the leaders of the Galadhrim.

"The wolves have passed away to the North" she informed them once they were all assembled upon her flet, "but now there is a rumour passing through our lands of wildmen clans that have crossed the borders of the surrounding areas, and are destroying everything in their path."

Upon seeing the deep disconcertion that had fallen upon the Galadhrim, Celeborn spoke up.

"We are concerned they will try and enter Lorien, therefore, we are asking for a group of scouts to scour the areas around and outside Lorien's borders to see if they can find any hints that they have crossed into our land."

Haldir nodded to show his understanding as to the seriousness of the situation. "Who do you wish to perform this task, my Lord?"

"I will leave that up to you to decide, Haldir, though I will say this" Celeborn continued. "I suggest that no more than ten scouts should go, as we will need to keep border duty up still".

Again, Haldir nodded his agreement. "I shall attend to this right away. My lord. My lady" he ended, bowing to each in turn. And then turning quickly upon his heel, he hastily departed the flet.

Haldir chose his two brothers to go with him, though Orophin had a little trouble persuading Haldir that he was up to the duty. Beleril offered his assistance as well as other Galadhrim elves. However, the biggest surprise came that evening when Naelie asked if she too could go with them.

"This is a most serious situation, Naelie" he repeated, having told her this several times in the past hour. "I am not completely certain you would be entirely safe".

He chose his words tactfully, in an attempt not to hurt Naelie's feelings. For one part of himself, he was concerned that she would not be safe, after all, the mission was not risk free by any means. But what was troubling him most was the fact that she had not completed her weapon training yet, and if the time came that she would need to fight, Haldir wasn't completely sure if she was ready yet.

"Ah" said the niggling little voice in the back of his mind. "But she dealt with the wolf right enough."

Haldir sighed. This was true, but still, he could not help himself from having serious doubts. So, after promising Naelie he would think it over and biding her a quick farewell, he made his way swiftly to his lord and lady's talan to present his dilemma to them.

They reacted just as they hoped they wouldn't.

"Haldir" said Celeborn thoughtfully, after Haldir had finished speaking, "I said it was up to you to decide, did I not?"

Haldir nodded. "Yes, my lord".

"Therefore, it is your decision whether or not to let Naelie accompany you on this duty."

"Forgive me, my lord" Haldir continued, almost pleadingly, "If she comes with us, I will continually fear for her safety, as well as the others. She has not yet finished her training either and I have to admit, I think that her lesser knowledge of combat techniques will be a severe disadvantage, both to her and to those around her".

Celeborn sighed deeply and rubbed his temples, something he tended to do when he was thinking something over very carefully. Finally, he voiced his opinion again.

"Haldir. To me, it would seem she has already proven herself worthy of combat the other week. If it were left up to me, I would give her a chance of helping out in whatever way she can. But, it is not up to me, it is up to you to decide who goes with you, and who stays."

Now it was Haldir's turn to look incredibly contemplative. "I do agree with you my lord" he said slowly and carefully, "however, I cannot help thinking she will be in grave danger in such a hostile situation".

Celeborn nodded. "I can understand your concern, Haldir. But with ten Galadhrim elves around her, she would be as safe as she could ever be, even out on a scout".

Haldir, finally resigning not to persevere with the discussion, gave his thanks and bade a hasty, but polite retreat from the talan, mulling everything over in his already overcrowded mind as he went.

The very next day, the chosen Galadhrim met at the bottom of the Great Mallorn, all equipped with polished and sharpened weapons. Naelie was also there, standing nervously with Beleril. After he had been to see lord Celeborn the night before, Haldir had made a snap decision to agree to take Naelie along with them, for despite his original doubts. If Celeborn had no qualms, then neither did Haldir for he revered his lord and lady with all his heart and trusted their word and opinions, even if they did occasionally differ from his own.

"Alright" called Haldir from the head of the group. "You all know why I have called you here today and to get to the point, if anyone wishes to back out of this scout, then do so now".

No one moved or spoke, so Haldir continued. "We will travel together up to the borders, which should take us the fair part of today. We will then camp for the night and some of you will keep lookout around the area on shifts. Then, tomorrow morning, we shall split off into two groups and scour the surrounding areas for any signs of the wildmen. Is that understood so far?"

Those around nodded and murmured their confirmation, and so Haldir rounded off the orders. "You are to go into every village you find, but be sure to wear your hoods in any human contact, for some are not so friendly towards our kind. Ask whomever you see in the village, though do not go knocking on doors, unless someone from the village directs you to do so. We shall meet back at the camping clearing in the evening, camp for a second time and then head back to Lorien, with any news we may have".

As Haldir paused, an elf raised his hand.

"Yes, Elured?"

"What do we do if we are ambushed?"

Haldir sighed inwardly. "You fight, Elured".

"I'm sorry, sir, I am afraid you misunderstand me. How will we let the other party know if we have been ambushed".

Haldir nodded his apology. He may be firm and tough, but he was gracious enough to apologise when it was required of him. "If the battle is not too serious, send up blue sparks from the kits and flint in your packs. If it is serious and there are more than one or two grave injuries, send up red sparks. Is that clear now, Elured?"

Elured nodded gratefully and thanked Haldir for his thorough answer.

There were no more queries after Elured's and so, the scout party set off only minutes later. The path leading out of the city gradually narrowed as they walked a greater distance from the heart of Caras Galadhon.

Soon, they were deep in the woods of Lothlorien, moving swiftly along the now miniscule path, not stopping for anything that was not dire, such was their need to reach the borders before nightfall. The trees grew tall and thick around them, their leaves hanging down over the party, some bushing their heads as they passed by. The pale morning rays filtered through the gaps between the leaves, casting patterns of light that danced and frolicked across the leaf strewn ground.

Finally, they reached the borders, just after sundown, much to Haldir's gratification.

"Good" he sighed, sinking down on a tree stump. "I was concerned we weren't going to make it".

"Captain?" piped up an elf, emerging from the trees to join Haldir.

"Yes, Tadrien?" Haldir replied, taking a swig from his water skin to refresh himself.

"May I be so bold as to ask…" the Galadhrim healer paused for a moment, not wanting to appear tactless or doubtful of his Captain's actions. The healer, having careful chosen his choice words, continued. "May I ask for the reason as to why you wished to reach the borders before nightfall so urgently?"

"You wanted to walk round the woods in the dead of night, Tadrien?" Haldir asked, managing to suppress a smirk and appear deadly serious.

"Oh, no sir...I just...I mean...well, that is-" Tadrien suddenly looked rather flustered, afraid he had just offended his Captain in some way.

"Don't look so worried" smiled Haldir. "You haven't insulted me in any way, if that is your belief."

Tadrien looked more than relieved to hear this revelation and relaxed considerably.

"I needed to get us to the borders before nightfall, Tadrien, because I do not wish anyone to be on the ground whilst there is danger of wildmen around the area. It would be prudent, especially when some of us will are off our guard."

Tadrien nodded to show his understanding. "So, we'll be using the old flets then?"

"Yes" Haldir replied. "In fact, I have a favour to ask of you".

Tadrien's favour turned out to be clambering up to the two flets high above the ground and letting the rope ladders down for both Naelie and the elves burdened down too heavily to be able to move quickly through branches. Tadrien took to his newfound duty like a duck to water. He moved, agile as a wildcat up and through the towering braches and boughs, finally coming to rest upon the desired platform and let down the sturdy ladder.

Look-out shifts were quickly agreed and soon, all those present that weren't on lookout, had settled themselves down beneath blankets to try and catch whatever sleep they could.

Orophin was the first on look-out duty, mainly because he was the most alert at that time. He watched the area as the other elves fell into slumber, and listened to the various sounds of the night. Several times he heard the owl calling out from the depths of the forest and the faint babbling of a nearby brook.

But there was one other not asleep at that moment.

Naelie lay curled up under her blanket, trying her best to slip into slumber. But try as she might, her senses were all wide awake and alert, and slowly, she opened her eyes to observe anything that was happening around her. She saw the midges dancing in the dappled moonbeams that seeped through the leaves above their heads. Then, turning her face slightly, her eyes fell upon Orophin seated near the edge of the flet.

Naelie watched his silent and unmoving figure for over a minute or so and she could not help but notice how incredibly beautiful his chiselled features appeared in the dusky blue of the night. The shadows fell around his high cheekbones, making his skin seem as white as new fallen snow, almost radiating with a soft glow as the moonlight settled upon him. She watched his stare, intent on something far in front of him, though Naelie was not sure if he was watching anything, or simply deep in thought. As it was caught by the breeze, his shimmering hair moved gently about his face, and quite suddenly, Naelie felt completely awed and unworthy, almost as though she were seeing an elf for the first time.

Slightly taken aback by her thoughts, she rolled back onto her side and tried to sleep, to forget about him, but after many more frustrating attempts she resigned to the fact that she cannot either sleep, nor remove any thoughts of Orophin from her mind. Finally, she got to her feet and went to sit with him by the edge of the flet, feeling quite furious with herself.

Orophin did not see her approach, but he heard her and turned to greet her quietly. He was truly surprised that she was awake, but nonetheless, he welcomed her company.

"Can't sleep?" he whispered as she sat by him.

She nodded. "Yes. I cannot understand why though".

"Ah" smiled Orophin sympathetically, "that is often the way of things".

Orophin reached into his pack and pulled out a thin wafer of lembas. "Want some?" he asked. "I always eat on duty".

Naelie sighed. "Go on then. Eru knows it might even help me sleep".

Orophin chuckled lightly, broke off two corners and handed a piece to Naelie.

As the minutes slipped by, they spoke of many things, including the 'Rumil and Nadia' topic, which curiously enough, Haldir still had no idea of. Then, suddenly, the conversation on Orophin's part somehow slipped into Beleril.

"You know when you first came here, Naelie, I was surprised that Lord Celeborn allowed you to be permanently live with Bel."

"Why?" asked Naelie, genuinely curious.

"Well, I knew that one day you would grow into a young woman and I couldn't help thinking that a female, living with a male elf could be a tricky situation. But you both seem to have handled it admirably well".

Naelie smiled, understanding Orophin's comment. "I know what you mean, Orophin" she said, "though I guess it never crossed my mind when I was younger. But, I don't think the situation would ever present any problems as I really only see Beleril as a wonderful friend, perhaps even an elder brother, but never anything more".

Orophin cocked his head to one side as though in thought, then spoke up again. "That is wise of you, Naelie, and for my part, I do not think the situation would ever become troublesome".

The conversation soon turned to other topics, and eventually, Naelie slipped back to her corner, to try and sleep once more. Orophin, in the meanwhile, found he could not sleep. Naelie's words had confirmed what he had long believed about her and Beleril. But still, as the night wore on, Orophin could not help himself pondering about Beleril's possible own true feelings towards Naelie.