Sd: Glad you like the story and thanks for leaving a review!
Randomramblings: blush I worked pretty hard on this fic and I must admit, I'd thought it would do better than 11 chapters=40 reviews. Oh well… the fun thing was writing it and finally getting it posted. I'm just glad I have people who read and enjoy and are kind enough to leave their thoughts. Thanks!
Naomie: I wanted to get that 'don't know you but am starting to' thing going on here cause I hate the fics that have the characters see each other and BAM… automatic lovey dovey. I don't think I have ever witnessed that sort of thing in real life, so I try to keep it out of my stories. Yes, there will be a little romance between Haldir and Amarah or as my beta calls her, 'The Nanny' giggles Hope you like this chapter. Oh, and its GREAT that you got an idea and posted! :D For a long time I wouldn't post anything and my sister talked me into it…it's a wonderful thing, isn't it? EG
Beling: blushes I swear, with all this flattery, I'm gonna have a stroke with all this blood rushing to my face. LOL Either that or have an ego to match Haldirs ;) Glad you like Eremae. He was a sweetie to write and continues to be a great little side character. He's a bit skittish for right now, cause he was thrown into this motley crew, but he will start to warm up. I thought the twins exchange with the elves was pretty good myself. :D Got the idea from the neighbor kids that repeat EVERYTHING they hear, multiple times…its like a broken record some days. I think Orophin is starting to come to terms with some things. Keep in mind his argument with his brothers, and his change of heart. It will be prominent in a later chapter. ;) And do you blame the horses for stilling when the elves sang? swoon LOL
Lady of Light: Calorad and the twins aren't Amarah's brothers. They are just kids that live at the estate. I explain a bit more indepth in a later chapter, especially about Calorads past. The shadow is tickling Haldir's mind out in the wild, but pay attention to it as the story progresses. :D Glad you enjoy the fic and thanks for the wonderful review!
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Chapter Eleven: Arrangements
Calorad led the twins in the opposite direction of Amarah, who was leading the Elves to her father. Calorad insisted the twins report immediately to their parents.
Amarah was grateful for Calorad's intervention. Though she had a sense of dread, she knew that all who entered their lands must meet with the human lord, and gain his admission to stay on the estate and search his vast empire, even if his daughter already granted the right. The dignitary insisted that he was still in charge and demanded to know of strays his daughter took in.
Amarah pulled her camouflage cloak off, revealing the tight black bodice and stretch leggings she wore. A set of silver bands tightly hugged her elbows, allowing her long sleeves to billow and remained tapered, yet not constricting. The plunging neckline led eyes to a perky bosom, the trim embroidered with silver thread and embellishing the curves.
Haldir pried his eyes away, trying to reign in the natural instincts that flared to life. He straightened his shoulders and fell into step between Múrendil and Láiraen, both of whom were flushed a pale pink and staring at Amarah's curves with wide eyes.
"Remember your place," Haldir said quietly in Elvish.
Láiraen looked away from the swaying hips and took several deep breaths. Múrendil gazed over to Haldir and said breathlessly, "I wish she-elves would wear such things."
A small smile tugged at the March Warden's lips. He cleared his throat unnecessarily, adopting a very squared, rigid posture that the other two copied. The Elven trio paced themselves behind their human leader, their posture and presence suggesting a high, noble heritage.
Amarah led the way down a long corridor carved in elaborate designs and shapes. Doors were spaced at even intervals; some looked as though they were derelict from lack of use, covered in dust and finely spun webs. Others were highly polished and evidently used frequently. Bright silver doorknobs winked to the strangers as they passed, some hewn in the shape of animal heads or claws. Between the doors were thick silver brackets that curved and held candles of various sizes, shapes, and degrees of usage.
Amarah turned down a smaller hallway, which ended a in a large set of carved double doors. She rapped hard on the decorated and embossed surface.
A muffled, "Come in," beckoned them inside.
Amarah opened the door and stepped inside, followed by Haldir, Láiraen, and Múrendil, who closed the door behind him.
"Father, the poachers are becoming more aggressive," Amarah said with a different air about her. She seemed to have stiffened and adopted the regality of a royal.
A stern, swarthy looking man with the look of one who had spent a lot of time in the sun kept his eyes scanning the paper held before him in strong, calloused hands. Like Amarah, his posture was prefect, back straight, shoulders back, and showing all the signs of propriety.
"What?" he lowered his parchment and regarded his daughter, then his eyes fell to the fair beings behind her, "Who are they?"
"They are friends, Father. This is Haldir," Amarah said, gesturing to the March Warden, "He is the leader of a group of Elves that wandered onto our lands in search of their friends. This is my father, Gannüe."
Haldir stepped forward and bowed respectively, "Please forgive our trespass onto your lands. We did not mean to cause you any unrest."
"One in Haldir's company was injured by a poacher's trap. They are searching for their missing kin," Amarah explained to her father, who looked skeptically from Haldir to the other two behind him, eyeing the strangers apprehensively.
"And what of these two? They have no manners?" Gannüe asked with a gruff voice.
"Forgive them, Lord Gannüe, but they do not speak Common. They know not of your customs or your words," Haldir said, his irritation rising a bit with the human's continued staring. Haldir heard Láiraen shift uncomfortably, though the sound was only detected by the Elven hearing that strained in the gathering silence. Seconds passed by, elves and humans regarding one another. Haldir felt certain that Múrendil and Láiraen were mentally planning an attack and easy escape route, should the need arise. Haldir already had his defenses thought out thoroughly in the back of his mind.
"So, what do you ask of me then, Lord Haldir?" Ganne asked, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. He did not welcome strangers with grace, and felt more uncomfortable by the silent ones that appeared to not understand his words.
"I ask only to allow us passage through your lands. We will move on when we find the path of our kin."
Amarah turned to her father and said, "Father, I offered them refuge here. They have an injured member of the party that Danith is seeing to."
"How badly is he hurt?" Gannüe asked softly of his daughter.
"His leg was bound and bleeding when I found them," Amarah said, favoring Haldir with a little smirk.
"Eremae's leg was broken by the trap. My brother reset the bone and bound the wound," Haldir detailed.
"Then he will stay here while you search," Gannüe said gruffly, "If my daughter places her trust in you, I shall do the same. You may search where ever you wish to find your lost friends, but do not get in the way of the workers."
Something flickered across Amarah's face, but it was gone as soon as it showed.
Haldir bowed low, "We appreciate your hospitality and will not burden you with our presence."
Gannüe glowered for a minute, then picked up the paper he was reading and continued with his work. His eyes remained fixed in place, staring intently at the paper before him. He kept his peripheral vision kept trained onto the beings before him, the two flanking the leader still openly glaring at the lord with obvious distaste.
Sensing the meeting was over; Haldir walked to the door and opened it, Láiraen and Múrendil close at his heels.
Amarah was at the door when a gruff voice called out to her, "They are your responsibility. Do not misjudge them. If they get in the way, you know what is to happen."
With a curt nod, she shut the door behind her and led the three elves to the rooms they were to stay in.
Haldir felt his body bristle at the human lord. He mused that he knew where Amarah had inherited her manners. With a small grin, Haldir allowed Amarah to pass by him, leading the way to the others. She seemed distant, distracted. Her formal posture she adopted with her father was gone, and instead, she looked deflated, paled, and worried.
Haldir thought it best to allow Amarah her distance, and didn't disturb her thoughts until they came to the door that Amarah stopped at, knocked, and without answer, opened the door and walked inside.
Rúmil was standing by the door, his blade resting against the contour of his arm, which kept the weapon hidden against his Elven attire. Had Amarah looked to her left when she opened the door, she would have found the edge of the shining blade merely inches from her throat, then quickly retracted back into its lair on its wielder.
"Danith, how is the elf?" Amarah asked in a soft tone.
The one called Danith gave Amarah a cross look and waved to Orophin, who was beside him, hovering over the human and monitoring his every move, "The blasted elf would be fine if I were allowed to do my job. I can not work with one nearly on top of me!"
Eremae was lying on the side of a very large, comforter covered bed. Danith and Orophin seemed to be jockeying for position next to the fallen elf, each demanding that their methods be administered to the injury and that they knew what they were doing. Danith was blatantly yelling at Orophin for his overprotectiveness, and Orophin was yelling just as loudly in Elvish, calling the human every conceivable profanity he had in his large vocabulary. Haldir hid his smirk when a few Dwarvish curses slipped in.
Orophin gave Danith a sour look and spoke broken Common, tinged with frustration, "Eremae elf! You human know not!"
Haldir made his way to Danith's side and beckoned him away from Eremae, "My brother knows of Elven bodies better than you, Master Danith. It is no insult to you or your abilities, but Elves do not react to the same things as you humans. It is best to let Orophin tend him and if he needs anything, I am sure you have the necessary help he requires so that Eremae may gain a full recovery."
Danith glared at Orophin, then slowly looked to Haldir, "I may not know of Elven bodies, but I am sure that some things are the same in our two kinds."
"That they are," Haldir said gently and with deliberate lower tones to calm the human down. "I am afraid, however, that there are certain medicines that you humans use that we elves can not endure. They are as poison to us. I do not think a healer such as you would allow another being die simply because of a lack of understanding."
Danith puffed up in a dignified manner, "Certainly not! I am a healer, not a barbarian!"
"I am no healer, but my brother is," Haldir said, gesturing to Orophin who had returned to administer the concoction he made up earlier for Eremae. "He has had over two thousand years of practice, and though he respects your gift, he is also wary that you may accidently poison Eremae."
Danith looked stunned. His eyes were wide and distant, his mouth agape and his breath held. Slowly, his vision returned to normal and he gazed at Orophin, "I am sorry, Healer Orophin."
Orophin's head jerked up and he eyed the human suspiciously, not fully comprehending his words.
"Please accept my apology," Danith gave a small bow and looked to Eremae, who was still unconscious and very pale. "I do not know of your ways, but if you will allow, I would like to learn of them. Perhaps I could help another elf in my lifetime."
Orophin's brow drew together, him mind trying to understand all that Danith had said. He silently cursed himself for losing his temper with the human, when he knew that he only meant to help. His ire peaked, and limited understanding of the language made it easy for him to lash out and become hostile towards the now complacent human. Haldir stepped to Orophin's side and repeated what he had said to the human healer and what the healer asked. With a heavy, frustrated sigh, Orophin nodded his head once and motioned for Danith to come closer.
Orophin strained to find the right words, speaking slowly, "Athelas good to relax. Helps to heal and make heal faster."
Orophin held out a small stem of the plant and let Danith examine it.
Danith smiled, "This is Kingsfoil. I know it well! But I did not know that it could be used in such a way."
Orophin smiled at the human's excitement over the plant and pointed to the paste he made and spoke of their names as he ground several together and added a bit of water.
Amarah quietly approached Haldir, her steps light, though still picked up by his ears, "That was a noble thing to do."
Haldir turned slowly and regarded the human for a moment and gave a nod, "Danith is truly a healer, and though he may insist he can heal anything, there are some things that are beyond his abilities. Perhaps he is right, and will one day assist another of my kind."
Amarah nodded, watching Orophin and Danith wrapping a length of fabric around Eremae's wounded leg. Danith watched closely how Orophin adjusted the fabric, twisting an edge, tucking it, and tying it off. Danith smiled warmly, gesturing to the salve. Orophin offered the small mixture and Danith dipped a finger into it, then rolled the sticky substance between his fingers and sniffed it.
"This is wonderful," Danith said in a content voice. His posture was definitely relaxed, his manners taking on a more pleasant attitude, and a sleepy look clouded his eyes. "Most pleasant to the body."
Amarah grinned and whispered to Haldir, "Any chance I can get some of that stuff for the next time he comes after me with his remedies?"
Haldir laughed and shook his head. As things settled down, a knock came at the door. Amarah looked curiously at Rúmil who was still stationed at the doorway. She scanned him discretely, not detecting anything out of the ordinary as she passed and pulled the door open. Several servants entered, carrying various supplies. Amarah opened the door wide to allow the servants better access and motioned for them to set their burdens in the appropriate places.
Five servants carried large wooden things that resembled crates. Two went on opposite sides of the large bed that could have slept three comfortably, and opened up the wooden latches, allowing the frames to fall open. The servants behind piled thick pads upon the tops, layering and tucking in sheets and placing warm blankets across them. The other three carrying the same thing disappeared into a door that led off to the left.
Haldir looked around the room, taking in all the furnishings and decorations. Though Elves prefer the simple life and keep their belongings few, they do have a habit for starting collections. Haldir grinned, thinking of his own private collections he amassed over the years and how the talan he shared with his brothers had to be extended to make room for the packrat of the family.
To the right, there was an oblong wooden table, highly polished and covered with a thick drape that protected the surface from damage. Several chairs sat in a row, obscuring a doorway that was as elegantly carved as the rest they had passed, though it bore signs of little to no use. One of the spare beds was erected in front of the chairs, pushing two close together and rendering them obsolete. There was a multi-layered stand on either side of the overstuffed bed. An ornamental case stood in the corner, shelving beautiful pieces of artwork and craftsmanship. A couple more chairs were lining the wall, one partially obstructed by the second makeshift bed. The doorway that led into another room was close to the end of the bed, then along the wall, running the length to where Haldir stood by the entrance, was another long table, duplicate to the one on the right.
Amarah beckoned Haldir and the others to follow as she went into the adjacent room. She smiled, spreading her arms wide into the sizeable room, which only held three make shift beds, two tables, and several stuffed chairs all centered around a marble fireplace. "This room is usually used for guests to entertain others, however, I believe it would make a suitable bedroom for you and your companions. Am I right in assuming you wish to be boarded together and not separated throughout the estate?"
Haldir nodded, his eyes unbelieving of the size of the room, "Aye. It is best if we stay together. Your thoughtfulness is most appreciated, Lady Amarah."
Amarah smiled smugly and ventured back to Danith, who was watching Orophin intently as the elf mixed up another concoction, small in proportion and handed it to the human, "Heal wounds very fast."
Danith accepted the offered vial and smiled brightly and bowed his head, "It is most appreciated, Orophin. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It will benefit many."
Orophin smiled sheepishly and turned to look at Eremae so no one could see the blush creeping upon his fair face.
Danith stood, bowed again, and carefully held the vial Orophin gave him like a sacred jewel, "Now if you will excuse me, I must write down what I have learned before I forget it."
Danith exited the room as if he tread on glass, careful to keep everyone else distant in case they disturbed the precious gift he bore. Amarah shook her head, watching her personal healer depart in a state of euphoria.
"Get some rest," Amarah said, gesturing for the servants to place their burdens down on the tables. "We will set out in the morning to begin our search for your kin. Oh, and there is a place to freshen yourselves across the hall."
Haldir nodded, knowing that there was no way he was going to allow a human, much less a female one, to accompany them on this dangerous journey. He watched as the servants place a heavy coverlet on the table and set down several large, covered pots.
"We thank you again for all you have done," Haldir bowed his head and swept his hand over his heart in gesture of gratitude.
Amarah smiled and repeated the gesture and clapped sharply, ordering the servants to leave the room. "I shall see you in the morrow. Rest well."
"As you, my Lady," Haldir answered as the door closed.
Rúmil waited by the door, listening against the wood and relaxed as the footsteps died away. He turned to Haldir with a grin, but a scent met his nose. He sniffed eagerly, grinned and headed straight to the table and uncovered a pot. A delicious stew wafted up to meet him and he smacked his lips hungrily. Without invitation, Rúmil grabbed a plate from a stack and loaded up, lavishing on all delicacies the servants had brought.
Haldir cleared his throat, trying to gain Rúmil's attention, but after three attempts of ignored gestures, he snapped, "Rúmil! Do you think it is wise to eat what they offered? Where you not insisting earlier that we do not trust them?"
Rúmil looked like he contemplated for all of one second before he opened wide and shoved in a spoonful, "Do not trust their motives," he said through mouthfuls, "Trust their food."
Haldir rolled his eyes and heard his stomach growl. With a defeated sigh, he grabbed a plate and dove into the meal. The others slowly started to pile on their plates, Rúmil going to the table three times until he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his midsection and sighing contentedly.
Orophin ate hastily, his eyes rarely leaving Eremae's still form.
Haldir regarded his brother for a moment and said, "Eremae will be fine, Orophin. You will need to rest."
Orophin nodded, his eyes drooping in fatigue, "I will rest for a few hours. Wake me if needed."
Orophin went to one of the small makeshift beds and laid down, his eyes glazing over instantly in Elven sleep. Haldir pointed into the adjacent room where three empty beds awaited occupants, and, grudgingly, Láiraen, Múrendil and Rúmil rose, replaced their dishes on the table and left Haldir to guard their slumber.
As night fully surrounded the quiet estate, Haldir pushed a chair against the door and allowed himself to doze lightly, guarding his family and comrades. Just after midnight, a noise startled the March Warden out of his nap. Jerking awake, instantly his eyes adjusted to the darkness and focused on Eremae, who was sitting up in bed and struggling to gain his composure.
"Eremae," Haldir said softly as to not wake Orophin who was snoring, as usual. "How do you feel?"
Eremae groaned slightly as he moved his injured leg and grimaced, "I need to get up."
"If you do, Orophin will kill me for allowing it," Haldir whispered, going to the Mirkwood elf's side and trying to make him lie back down.
Eremae pushed Haldir away and said in a rather embarrassed tone, "I need to go…."
Haldir caught on as Eremae blushed profusely and struggled to stand. "Then let me help you and try not to wake Orophin. He will be most displeased to find out you woke up and I did not let him know."
Eremae grinned and winced as Haldir hoisted the small elf off the bed, wrapping his arm around the Warden's neck and taking the strain off the bound leg. Eremae wavered, pain racing up his leg and nearly sending him crashing to his knees.
As quietly as they could, the two made their way across the room, opened the door, and walked to the door across from theirs. Haldir opened it and found the facilities that Amarah mentioned. Haldir helped Eremae limp inside and then, when the injured elf gained his composure, stood outside the door to give Eremae some privacy.
Keeping their voices down, Haldir helped Eremae back to bed and tucked the young elf in soundly. Eremae's face was flushed and covered in sweat from the pain from his injuries. Haldir searched Orophin's bag and found the small leather powder that he used to knock out Eremae before.
Eremae grimaced when he saw Haldir withdraw the pouch, "What is that?"
"Trust me," Haldir smiled. "This will knock you out for some time and allow you to heal."
Eremae screwed up his face in disgust and sighed, "The pain is not that bad."
Haldir noticed the smile that Eremae tried to fix to his face and shook his head, "You are as stubborn as your prince."
Eremae grinned in amusement, "It is not only a Mirkwood trait."
Haldir looked stunned for a moment and then muffled his laughter, hoping to keep from waking his brother, "I believe you have been around Legolas for far too long."
Eremae tried to laugh but winced and involuntarily grabbed his leg.
Haldir frowned, then went to the table and put some food on the plate and handed it to Eremae, "Eat, and then you will rest, whether you like it or not."
Eremae chuckled lightly and ate greedily, making a quick meal out of what Haldir had offered and smiled, holding out the plate and asking, "Is there any more?"
Haldir laughed, trying hard to stifle the sound as Orophin gave a loud snore and flopped on his side, a hand dragging on the floor. Haldir piled more food on and handed the plate back, "I think you have been around Rúmil for too long. If you keep this up, you will give him competition!"
"I can eat more than most," Eremae said with a grin. "Perhaps Rúmil would like to challenge me when we return?"
"If there is any competition, you can bet my brother will be more than happy to join," Haldir rolled his eyes. "In fact, I believe Orophin may join in as well, just to annoy Rúmil."
"They are most unusual elves," Eremae said distractedly. "I have never met ones that could argue and fight as they do, and yet still remain as close as they are."
Haldir smiled at the thought of all the fights his brothers had endured, and how protective they were of each other and himself. "It is fine to insult each other, but no one else is allowed that liberty. In all honesty, I am surprised they have lived this long and not killed each other."
Eremae looked to the commander and tilted his head curiously, "They would kill each other? Do your parents not keep them in line?"
Haldir's face instantly changed from mirth to impassive, his eyes lowering with painful memories, "Our parents were killed many centuries ago by goblins and orcs."
Eremae felt his heart lodge itself in his throat, swallowed hard to hopefully displace it, and said softly, "I am sorry for your loss. Please, forgive my questions. I do not mean to open old memories and bring up the pain they cause."
Haldir nodded absently, not able to speak.
"My father was killed by the giant spiders of Mirkwood," Eremae said, his own sorrow creeping up into his face. "Mother began to fade from his death and sailed to Valinor. I remained behind to protect my liege and his kingdom, never wishing another to endure that which plagued me."
Haldir was pulled from his dark thoughts and looked over at Eremae, "You have no brothers or sisters?"
Eremae shook his head, "Nay. I am an only child."
"I would trade places with you," Haldir started, a ghost of a grin flitting across his face, "But those two would annoy you and then you would be begging for me to take them back."
Eremae laughed, feeling his own dismal recollections fade away. He shook his head, "Perhaps after a century or two, but to be honest, I would like the company and their fun nature."
Haldir took the empty plate from Eremae and replaced it on the table, "I will make you a promise. When we return, they will remain in Mirkwood for as long as you can stand them. I shall enjoy the peace and quiet of home!"
Eremae nodded and laid back down, suppressing groans from his injury, "That is a deal! I shall take them on a great hunt for spiders."
Haldir opened the leather pouch and dipped his forefinger into the dusty powder, "It will be most difficult to get them to attend such a hunt. They are both terrified of spiders!"
Eremae laughed heartily, "Then I guess we shall hunt the young ones and not the grown adults or the queens."
"Good idea,' Haldir smiled, rubbing the grain between his fingers. "Just make sure they are infants no bigger than your thumb, or else you will get to hear two male elves scream like a she-elves and run as fast as they can in the opposite direction!"
Eremae laughed until Haldir passed the potent herb under his nose. Sleep claimed him instantly. Haldir tucked in the Mirkwood elf's blankets and washed his hand of the powder in a small water basin on the bedside stand. Scanning the dark room quickly, Haldir pushed a couple more chairs over in front of the door and lay down across them, using the chairs as a bed and guarding the door. Within minutes, the March Warden's eyes became glassy and unfocused as sleep claimed him, his mind walking in elven dreams and imagining his brothers' adventures with giant spiders.