Naomie: Yeah, poor Calorad, but its nice to draw in an audience and with
me, you never know WHO is gonna get axed. EG
Zammy: My heart! clutches chest I got 6 words from ya! WOO HOO giggles J/K But I think that was the longest review you ever gave.... So here's another chapter! ;)
Lady of Light: It took me FOREVER to come up with that last chapter title. Titles don't come easy for me. I didn't catch that slip, I'll have to go look... and sides, you never know.. they may have been putting gladlock seals around the elves or trees... it could happen. :P This IS a fantasy afterall. LOL
Seeing-Spots: Yup, killed the bugger off! LOL Thought it would add some angst and add a bit more depth to Haldir and his relationship with his brothers. They know what he's like and hopefully all will get through this in one piece.
AN: Sorry it took so long to post this but I'm in the middle of transferring colleges at the moment and a friend of mine is having a rather hard time. For those that are willing, extra prayers would be appreciated.
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Chapter Nineteen: Healing and Hurting
The guards called out orders, the gate opened, and people rushed to the disheveled rescuers. Women gasped at the sight, some breaking into loud sobs at seeing Calorad's body. Two guards eased the boy's body from Amarah's mount and swept it off for attendance. People gathered around the company, their expressions worried and shocked. Questions flooded Amarah as she eased off of Haldir's horse and led the way into the manor, barking orders for burial and attendance with a quavering, cracking voice.
Haldir helped the fallen Elves dismount, and after the stable boys took the exhausted horses to their stalls to be fed and groomed, he helped carry Lómetar, who still remained unconscious. Orophin carried his pack of medical supplies and Haldir's travel bag, taking the front and leading the weary Elves to their rooms.
Eremae stood at the open doorway, his face gray as he spied the state of his kin. The Elves quietly passed him by, laying their burdens on the large bed. Orophin assumed his role as healer and attended to the injuries. He called out orders for clean linens and water to thoroughly cleanse the wounds and dress them properly.
Usually, Haldir felt in the way, clumsy, and obtrusive of his manner, and disagreeing with every order Orophin gave. However, he had done everything he was told, operating totally on instinct. He hurried from the room to find a servant to assist him with his assigned errand.
A small woman emerged from a room carrying a set of sheets in her hands. Haldir stopped her and asked her for help in his quest for water and fresh cloths to be used as wrappings. The woman obliged with a smile, though her face was flushed from crying.
Haldir cast a curious glance to the woman, guessing her age to be her early twenties, or perhaps not quite relieved of her teenage years. Sometimes with humans, he had difficulty gauging their age.
Haldir was shown a linen closet, full of sheets and thick towels and told to remove as much as he needed to help his friends. With a small bow, the woman excused herself to find fresh water and some extra hands to carry it to the rooms for the Elves to use.
Orophin took the linens from Haldir and ripped them into strips and workable, functional pieces. As he shredded the last piece, there was a soft knock on the door.
Múrendil opened the door and several servants came in carrying large basins that sloshed with water.
"Bathing vessels have been prepared for you and your kin," the small woman that helped Haldir earlier placed an empty basin beside Orophin. "There are two in the room across the hall."
Haldir spoke appreciatively to the woman, who bowed and left with the other servants. Turning, Haldir explained what was prepared. The Elves acknowledged their understanding but argued they would not leave the side of their kin while they were injured. Hearing their assurances, Orophin began to fill a smaller basin with water, take a length of ripped material and began to clean Lómetar's wounds.
"If all of you insist upon staying, then you can help me by bathing Aravitan and Wethíar. Their wounds need to be thoroughly cleansed before I treat them and bandage them properly."
Eremae dipped a pitcher in a large basin and filled several of the smaller ones for each of the Elves, who carefully carried them to a fallen comrade and began to peel off the blood stained clothes. Aravitan moaned as his shirt was cut away, revealing large bruises along his midsection. As gently as they could, Láiraen and Rúmil wiped the dirt, grit, and dried blood from Aravitan's face and body, wincing as the injured elf shuddered under their delicate touches and whimpered in pain.
Múrendil assisted Haldir with Wethíar, removing his soiled clothing. Múrendil hissed at the sight of Wethíar's beaten body and exchanged a dark look with Haldir before dipping a soft cloth in water and swabbed at the angry, red welts that covered Wethíar's body from the tongue of a whip. Haldir frowned at the whip marks along the elf's skin and shuddered involuntarily as memories surfaced in his mind about his own brush with the cruel device. When a large clot of blood and dirt were washed away, the nasty gash beneath the grime began to bleed. Haldir pressed a clean cloth over the wound and applied pressure to stem the flow. A deep crimson stain spread over the pristinely white cloth.
"I am sorry we took so long to find you," Haldir said softly to Wethíar, though the elf was unconscious and unresponsive.
Orophin looked up from his stitching of a deep cut along Lómetar's chest and sighed, "Do not blame yourself, Brother. It does no good to take the burden of the world upon your shoulders."
"He is right," Rúmil added, emptying the filthy water in his basin to a large container and refilling the small vessel to continue his cleaning. "The journey has been long and difficult. But we freed our kin and they will recover to return home."
"And you destroyed the camp and the chambers that held our kind captive," Orophin added, then returned to his closing of Lómetar's wounds. Eremae held cloths around Lómetar's wounds, and wiped the trailing blood out of the way so Orophin could see to his work.
The other Elves remained quiet, thinking the brothers made their point clear. Haldir was a great leader and fierce warrior, but he tended to blame himself for things that were out of his control.
When noon approached, there came another knock on the door. Láiraen answered to find several servants waiting, their arms laden down with food.
"It is time for lunch," a tall, elderly woman said, stepping inside and placing her dish on the table that had been pushed along the wall. "And dear me, what a mess you have gotten yourselves into!"
Haldir looked around the room to the blood soaked rags on the floor, the now foul colored water emptied into the basins after the cleaning and finally, his gaze lingered onto the Elves that had rescued their kin. Their eyes were bloodshot and drooping, their postures slumped with fatigue, their clothes dirty and disheveled from their journey and care of the injured.
The other servants were ushered inside, placing their platters upon the table, then carried the soiled rags and dark bloody water basins out of the room.
"I will see to it that you have fresh water," the lady smiled as she went to the door. "And your attire must be most uncomfortable. I shall place new clothing in the next rooms with the bathing vessels. Pile your dirty clothes in the room and I will see to it that they are washed and mended."
"Thank you. That is most kind," Haldir said with a bow. He winced as the bend put pressure along his ribs, but he hid the flinch from any observers.
Orophin finished up the last bandaging on Wethíar and rose wearily up from his bedside. "Wethíar and Aravitan are badly bruised, but will recover quickly. They suffered no broken bones, but I am running low on herbs."
"We will go and find what you need," Haldir assured him.
Orophin shook his head, "The two plants I need the most do not grow here. I have watched for them on our journey and have not seen them since we left Lothlorien's borders."
Haldir sighed, his exhaustion starting to wear on him and fray his nerves. It seemed that everything was working against him on this mission.
"Can Aravitan and Wethíar survive without it?"
"Yes, of course," Orophin said with a hint of irritation. "But instead of them healing completely in a single day, it will take many."
"And Lómetar?" Haldir asked.
"If I use it sparingly, then I have enough to last a few days," Orophin sighed, sitting down on the cot that held Lómetar still deep in slumber. "The herbs will last longer for the one, than use on all three, but I do not like this. Not one bit, Haldir."
"Peace, Orophin," came Aravitan's wheezing voice. "I feel stronger already. Do not use your medicine on me. Save it for Lómetar. He needs it more than I."
"I do not like choosing such things" Orophin snapped, gazing into the bed at Aravitan. Though he was never trained as a full healer, he often behaved like one, much to the amusement of his brothers.
"I was there but days. Lómetar was there for weeks," Aravitan explained, though the effort seemed to cause him great distress.
"Did he say what the men wanted? Why they attacked and took Elves captive?" Haldir questioned, sitting at the side of the downed elf so he could see him without much strain.
"They spoke of an army," Aravitan said, his voice dropping as sleep started to claim him. "They believed we would provide an army for them."
A soft knocked rapped on the door, and the elderly lady from before peeked into the room.
"I have brought some fresh water. There are clean clothes in the room. I am sorry, I did not know your sizes and preferences but there are plenty to choose from. If you need anything else, you have but to ask."
"You are most kind," Haldir said. "I am sure what you provided will be useful. Thank you."
"When you are finished with your bath, let me know so we can refill them," she said at the door, then nodded politely and closed it.
"Haldir," Rúmil said with a smirk. "Listen to the human's advice and bathe, for you smell most offensive."
Haldir surveyed the Elves around him, then shook his head, "Múrendil and Láiraen shall go first. When the servants change the water, then Rúmil and Eremae."
The four elves opened their mouths to protest the orders, but Haldir said gruffly, "When everyone has finished, we will take turns on watch over the ones that slumber."
"Lómetar, Aravitan, and Wethíar sleep peacefully," Orophin said, winding and securing a slack bandage on Aravitan that had loosened during his brief awakening.
"It is not they who we watch," Haldir said with a worried expression.
"Brother, perhaps you are just weary," Orophin said, giving Haldir a strange look.
"Múrendil, Láiraen, make haste," Haldir snapped.
The two elves obediently took their leave. As they left, Rúmil went to the table laden with dishes and began to promptly clean a plate of its contents.
Haldir smirked at Orophin and sighed, "I believe we should leave sooner for Rúmil already behaves as a human."
Rúmil scowled and made a rude gesture and continued to wolf down food.
Orophin double-checked his wrappings on the three elves, humming an Elven song of mourning under his breath. One by one, Haldir, Rúmil, and Eremae joined in, their voices lifted in perfect harmony. Rúmil skipped several lines, his mouth too full to sing.
The song was over seventy verses, taking a lot of time and varying in pitches and crescendos. So as not to disturb the sleeping elves, Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil, and Eremae kept their voices low, their tones at a soothing level.
During the thirty-fifth verse, Múrendil and Láiraen returned, wearing form fitting pants and shirts in ordinary human fashion. Their faces were masked with extreme distaste, but they never spoke of their discomfort.
Rúmil helped Eremae hobble out of the room, their voices mingled with the servants that were changing the bathing water in the adjacent room.
Múrendil and Láiraen filled a couple of plates and began to eat. It had been too long from their quick meal the previous morning, having gone through the exhausting rescue, daring escape, and pain of lost lives. Now feeling clean, though uncomfortable in their human attire, Múrendil and Láraen ate hurriedly, their hunger finally catching up with them.
Haldir smirked and began to help Orophin fold and arrange the remaining clean cloths, and resealing the bottles and pouches that carried Orophin's stash of medicinal plants, though they were very nearly spent.
Orophin began to hum the song of mourning again, picking up where he had left off. Slowly the voices of the others joined in. Orophin checked the sleeping elves and breathed a sigh of relief as they walked deep in Elven dreams.
During the last few quavering notes, the door opened for Rúmil and Eremae, both looking fresh and clean, though distinctly tired and irritated at their human clothing.
Haldir rose with a suppressed groan and started for the door, Orophin reluctantly following.
"If they wake, alert me immediately!" Orophin ordered. The others nodded.
Haldir opened the door to find the elderly servant woman standing with a soft expression on her face, "The water is being changed again."
Haldir thanked her and felt Orophin's presence at his side as servants bustled out of the room carrying water for the fresh bath. Orophin leaned over and sniffed his brother and giggled in amusement, "Rúmil is right. You are most foul."
"Be silent, Orophin!" Haldir snapped.
The last few servants exited the room with a small bow and left the brothers to their own devices. The two elves entered the room and observed its layout. Haldir had been in the room before but only now took real notice of it. Small tables lined the walls, bottles rested upon their tops. Two large bathing tubs had been placed in the middle of the room, wooden and carved, with a table separating them with more bottles and soaps on its surface. Large, thick rugs lay on either side of the tubs, already wet from the others that had bathed before.
Haldir quirked a brow at the accommodations, stripping off the shirt that Múrendil had lent him. The collar was stained from the dry flood water that had soaked the Warden's hair. He eyed the identical tubs sitting in the center of the room and hoped the water wasn't freezing, though Elves rarely felt such extremes. He looked into the tub and found it filled three- quarters of the way with clean, steaming water. The small table, upon closer inspection, held brushes, bottles, and sweet smelling soaps.
Grinning like a child, Haldir stripped as fast as he could and climbed into a tub. He leaned back, resting comfortably and laughed at the sensations and prospect of a thorough cleaning. His feet pressed against the far side of the bath, and Haldir grinned wider at the water, which rose to his shoulders. Ever since he was an elfling, Haldir had always loved water. The deeper his bathing tub was, the happier it made him. His face dropped as he remembered the events of the past few hours and the memories of the raging river and the life it took in its depths. Suddenly, water didn't seem so soothing or friendly.
"Peace, Haldir," came Orophin's soft voice.
Haldir looked over at Orophin sitting in the other tub, his face gray with grief and shared pain.
"His death would not have happened had I been quicker," Haldir said, closing his eyes and replaying the fateful moment over and over.
"Haldir, you did all you could do. There is no fault," Orophin said, knowing that his brother would torment himself over what wasn't his to control.
"I should have seen the trees sooner, Orophin," Haldir sighed, resting his head on the edge of the tub. "My eyes refused to see the depth of the water and the rage within it. For my folly, a young child has lost his life. A life that was too short."
"Calorad should have listened to your warning and not ventured further," Orophin corrected. "He, like most mortals, foolishly risked the life that was given to them."
Haldir flinched at the sound of Calorad's name as if it had been a physical slap on the face, "He was so young and full of life. It should not have ended in such a way."
"The folly of youth," Orophin sighed, grabbing a washing cloth and began to scrub at his body. "There is naught you can do now, Brother, but mourn for his life and move on with yours. Do not allow it to plague your mind for you can change it not."
Haldir nodded absentmindedly, grabbing a cloth and beginning to work the sweet scented soaps over it and scrubbing the grime off his body and filth out of his hair. His mind replayed the events over and over, trying to formulate a plan that would have prevented the young man's death. No alternative seemed viable, and, with a heavy sigh, his memories began to blend together, exhaustion finally taking its firm hold on him to quiet his turmoil.
Orophin kept watch over his brother out of corner of his eye. The change in demeanor didn't escape his notice, as Haldir grew sluggish, his eyes hallowed and fought to focus.
When the two were finished, they picked through the remaining clothes and dressed with frowns on their faces at the fit and styles that the humans wore. When they were dressed and opened the door to leave, two servants entered and picked up their discarded clothes and carried them out.
"They will be returned when they have been cleaned," one of the ladies said with a curtsy, then followed her fellow servant down the hall.
Haldir opened the door to find the curtains partially drawn, Rúmil sitting at the table eating another large helping of food. Eremae was holding a plate next to Aravitan, who was awake and propped up on pillows.
"Orophin! Haldir!" Aravitan exclaimed, after swallowing his mouthful, with a voice more vibrant than before.
"Aravitan!" Orophin said with a shocked tone that turned instantly stern when he glared at Rúmil and Eremae, "And why did you not tell me had had awoken?"
Eremae raised a brow in Rúmil's direction and pressed his lips together. Orophin spun to face his bother, who adopted an innocent smile.
"I did not want to disturb your bathing," Rúmil smirked. "You needed it so."
"And what in the name of Valar is that supposed to mean?" Orophin snapped, his hands coming to rest on his hips in an authoritative manner that mirrored their mother.
"I do not understand how the two of you can smell so much like a human. It is as if you have become one of them!"
Orophin shot Rúmil a furious glance before going to Aravitan's side and checking his wounds. Haldir advanced on Rúmil and stood a few inches away from his seated brother, who pretended to not notice his sibling's severe look.
"I am well, Orophin," Aravitan said grumpily. "You fuss more than a she- elf."
"I have told him that for centuries," Rúmil said, taking another bite and giving Haldir a look that clearly stated he wasn't yielding to his older brother.
Haldir frowned, looking around the room, "Where are Múrendil and Láiraen?"
Eremae pointed to the adjacent room, "They are sleeping. Rúmil and I have first watch, then they will relieve us at dusk."
Rúmil nodded and pointed to the door, "And the two of you will relieve them at dawn."
Haldir puffed up his chest and surveyed his younger brother with a look of insolence, "And who may I ask thought of this arrangement?"
"I did," Rúmil grinned and looked between his two siblings. "I had to think of something; else the two of you will drop dead on me!"
Haldir and Orophin looked at one another, preparing to give their younger brother a piece of their minds, when they noticed the point that he was trying to make. Haldir and Orophin could see the dark circles under each other's eyes that were dimmed with fatigue and worry, and in Haldir's case, guilt. Both were on the edge of exhaustion, only remaining functional from automatic nature to keep going.
Reluctantly, Haldir conceded Rúmil's point and gave his brother a piercing look that meant his words were to be heeded, "If there is any trouble, or change in their condition, wake us immediately."
"By the Vala, I promise," Rúmil's smirk disappeared and was replaced with a sincere, genuine expression.
Orophin started to protest the order of sleep, but Haldir physically pulled his brother to his feet and marched him to the adjoined room, arguing between themselves.
When the two closed the door, Rúmil finished off what was left on his plate and grinned at Eremae and Aravitan, "Orophin has never won an argument with Haldir. He should know better than to keep trying."
Eremae smiled, returning his attention to Aravitan who continued his meal until fatigue crept up on him and a deep Elven sleep claimed him.
Rúmil and Eremae remained quiet, listening for any sounds in the deadly silent estate.
Zammy: My heart! clutches chest I got 6 words from ya! WOO HOO giggles J/K But I think that was the longest review you ever gave.... So here's another chapter! ;)
Lady of Light: It took me FOREVER to come up with that last chapter title. Titles don't come easy for me. I didn't catch that slip, I'll have to go look... and sides, you never know.. they may have been putting gladlock seals around the elves or trees... it could happen. :P This IS a fantasy afterall. LOL
Seeing-Spots: Yup, killed the bugger off! LOL Thought it would add some angst and add a bit more depth to Haldir and his relationship with his brothers. They know what he's like and hopefully all will get through this in one piece.
AN: Sorry it took so long to post this but I'm in the middle of transferring colleges at the moment and a friend of mine is having a rather hard time. For those that are willing, extra prayers would be appreciated.
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Chapter Nineteen: Healing and Hurting
The guards called out orders, the gate opened, and people rushed to the disheveled rescuers. Women gasped at the sight, some breaking into loud sobs at seeing Calorad's body. Two guards eased the boy's body from Amarah's mount and swept it off for attendance. People gathered around the company, their expressions worried and shocked. Questions flooded Amarah as she eased off of Haldir's horse and led the way into the manor, barking orders for burial and attendance with a quavering, cracking voice.
Haldir helped the fallen Elves dismount, and after the stable boys took the exhausted horses to their stalls to be fed and groomed, he helped carry Lómetar, who still remained unconscious. Orophin carried his pack of medical supplies and Haldir's travel bag, taking the front and leading the weary Elves to their rooms.
Eremae stood at the open doorway, his face gray as he spied the state of his kin. The Elves quietly passed him by, laying their burdens on the large bed. Orophin assumed his role as healer and attended to the injuries. He called out orders for clean linens and water to thoroughly cleanse the wounds and dress them properly.
Usually, Haldir felt in the way, clumsy, and obtrusive of his manner, and disagreeing with every order Orophin gave. However, he had done everything he was told, operating totally on instinct. He hurried from the room to find a servant to assist him with his assigned errand.
A small woman emerged from a room carrying a set of sheets in her hands. Haldir stopped her and asked her for help in his quest for water and fresh cloths to be used as wrappings. The woman obliged with a smile, though her face was flushed from crying.
Haldir cast a curious glance to the woman, guessing her age to be her early twenties, or perhaps not quite relieved of her teenage years. Sometimes with humans, he had difficulty gauging their age.
Haldir was shown a linen closet, full of sheets and thick towels and told to remove as much as he needed to help his friends. With a small bow, the woman excused herself to find fresh water and some extra hands to carry it to the rooms for the Elves to use.
Orophin took the linens from Haldir and ripped them into strips and workable, functional pieces. As he shredded the last piece, there was a soft knock on the door.
Múrendil opened the door and several servants came in carrying large basins that sloshed with water.
"Bathing vessels have been prepared for you and your kin," the small woman that helped Haldir earlier placed an empty basin beside Orophin. "There are two in the room across the hall."
Haldir spoke appreciatively to the woman, who bowed and left with the other servants. Turning, Haldir explained what was prepared. The Elves acknowledged their understanding but argued they would not leave the side of their kin while they were injured. Hearing their assurances, Orophin began to fill a smaller basin with water, take a length of ripped material and began to clean Lómetar's wounds.
"If all of you insist upon staying, then you can help me by bathing Aravitan and Wethíar. Their wounds need to be thoroughly cleansed before I treat them and bandage them properly."
Eremae dipped a pitcher in a large basin and filled several of the smaller ones for each of the Elves, who carefully carried them to a fallen comrade and began to peel off the blood stained clothes. Aravitan moaned as his shirt was cut away, revealing large bruises along his midsection. As gently as they could, Láiraen and Rúmil wiped the dirt, grit, and dried blood from Aravitan's face and body, wincing as the injured elf shuddered under their delicate touches and whimpered in pain.
Múrendil assisted Haldir with Wethíar, removing his soiled clothing. Múrendil hissed at the sight of Wethíar's beaten body and exchanged a dark look with Haldir before dipping a soft cloth in water and swabbed at the angry, red welts that covered Wethíar's body from the tongue of a whip. Haldir frowned at the whip marks along the elf's skin and shuddered involuntarily as memories surfaced in his mind about his own brush with the cruel device. When a large clot of blood and dirt were washed away, the nasty gash beneath the grime began to bleed. Haldir pressed a clean cloth over the wound and applied pressure to stem the flow. A deep crimson stain spread over the pristinely white cloth.
"I am sorry we took so long to find you," Haldir said softly to Wethíar, though the elf was unconscious and unresponsive.
Orophin looked up from his stitching of a deep cut along Lómetar's chest and sighed, "Do not blame yourself, Brother. It does no good to take the burden of the world upon your shoulders."
"He is right," Rúmil added, emptying the filthy water in his basin to a large container and refilling the small vessel to continue his cleaning. "The journey has been long and difficult. But we freed our kin and they will recover to return home."
"And you destroyed the camp and the chambers that held our kind captive," Orophin added, then returned to his closing of Lómetar's wounds. Eremae held cloths around Lómetar's wounds, and wiped the trailing blood out of the way so Orophin could see to his work.
The other Elves remained quiet, thinking the brothers made their point clear. Haldir was a great leader and fierce warrior, but he tended to blame himself for things that were out of his control.
When noon approached, there came another knock on the door. Láiraen answered to find several servants waiting, their arms laden down with food.
"It is time for lunch," a tall, elderly woman said, stepping inside and placing her dish on the table that had been pushed along the wall. "And dear me, what a mess you have gotten yourselves into!"
Haldir looked around the room to the blood soaked rags on the floor, the now foul colored water emptied into the basins after the cleaning and finally, his gaze lingered onto the Elves that had rescued their kin. Their eyes were bloodshot and drooping, their postures slumped with fatigue, their clothes dirty and disheveled from their journey and care of the injured.
The other servants were ushered inside, placing their platters upon the table, then carried the soiled rags and dark bloody water basins out of the room.
"I will see to it that you have fresh water," the lady smiled as she went to the door. "And your attire must be most uncomfortable. I shall place new clothing in the next rooms with the bathing vessels. Pile your dirty clothes in the room and I will see to it that they are washed and mended."
"Thank you. That is most kind," Haldir said with a bow. He winced as the bend put pressure along his ribs, but he hid the flinch from any observers.
Orophin finished up the last bandaging on Wethíar and rose wearily up from his bedside. "Wethíar and Aravitan are badly bruised, but will recover quickly. They suffered no broken bones, but I am running low on herbs."
"We will go and find what you need," Haldir assured him.
Orophin shook his head, "The two plants I need the most do not grow here. I have watched for them on our journey and have not seen them since we left Lothlorien's borders."
Haldir sighed, his exhaustion starting to wear on him and fray his nerves. It seemed that everything was working against him on this mission.
"Can Aravitan and Wethíar survive without it?"
"Yes, of course," Orophin said with a hint of irritation. "But instead of them healing completely in a single day, it will take many."
"And Lómetar?" Haldir asked.
"If I use it sparingly, then I have enough to last a few days," Orophin sighed, sitting down on the cot that held Lómetar still deep in slumber. "The herbs will last longer for the one, than use on all three, but I do not like this. Not one bit, Haldir."
"Peace, Orophin," came Aravitan's wheezing voice. "I feel stronger already. Do not use your medicine on me. Save it for Lómetar. He needs it more than I."
"I do not like choosing such things" Orophin snapped, gazing into the bed at Aravitan. Though he was never trained as a full healer, he often behaved like one, much to the amusement of his brothers.
"I was there but days. Lómetar was there for weeks," Aravitan explained, though the effort seemed to cause him great distress.
"Did he say what the men wanted? Why they attacked and took Elves captive?" Haldir questioned, sitting at the side of the downed elf so he could see him without much strain.
"They spoke of an army," Aravitan said, his voice dropping as sleep started to claim him. "They believed we would provide an army for them."
A soft knocked rapped on the door, and the elderly lady from before peeked into the room.
"I have brought some fresh water. There are clean clothes in the room. I am sorry, I did not know your sizes and preferences but there are plenty to choose from. If you need anything else, you have but to ask."
"You are most kind," Haldir said. "I am sure what you provided will be useful. Thank you."
"When you are finished with your bath, let me know so we can refill them," she said at the door, then nodded politely and closed it.
"Haldir," Rúmil said with a smirk. "Listen to the human's advice and bathe, for you smell most offensive."
Haldir surveyed the Elves around him, then shook his head, "Múrendil and Láiraen shall go first. When the servants change the water, then Rúmil and Eremae."
The four elves opened their mouths to protest the orders, but Haldir said gruffly, "When everyone has finished, we will take turns on watch over the ones that slumber."
"Lómetar, Aravitan, and Wethíar sleep peacefully," Orophin said, winding and securing a slack bandage on Aravitan that had loosened during his brief awakening.
"It is not they who we watch," Haldir said with a worried expression.
"Brother, perhaps you are just weary," Orophin said, giving Haldir a strange look.
"Múrendil, Láiraen, make haste," Haldir snapped.
The two elves obediently took their leave. As they left, Rúmil went to the table laden with dishes and began to promptly clean a plate of its contents.
Haldir smirked at Orophin and sighed, "I believe we should leave sooner for Rúmil already behaves as a human."
Rúmil scowled and made a rude gesture and continued to wolf down food.
Orophin double-checked his wrappings on the three elves, humming an Elven song of mourning under his breath. One by one, Haldir, Rúmil, and Eremae joined in, their voices lifted in perfect harmony. Rúmil skipped several lines, his mouth too full to sing.
The song was over seventy verses, taking a lot of time and varying in pitches and crescendos. So as not to disturb the sleeping elves, Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil, and Eremae kept their voices low, their tones at a soothing level.
During the thirty-fifth verse, Múrendil and Láiraen returned, wearing form fitting pants and shirts in ordinary human fashion. Their faces were masked with extreme distaste, but they never spoke of their discomfort.
Rúmil helped Eremae hobble out of the room, their voices mingled with the servants that were changing the bathing water in the adjacent room.
Múrendil and Láiraen filled a couple of plates and began to eat. It had been too long from their quick meal the previous morning, having gone through the exhausting rescue, daring escape, and pain of lost lives. Now feeling clean, though uncomfortable in their human attire, Múrendil and Láraen ate hurriedly, their hunger finally catching up with them.
Haldir smirked and began to help Orophin fold and arrange the remaining clean cloths, and resealing the bottles and pouches that carried Orophin's stash of medicinal plants, though they were very nearly spent.
Orophin began to hum the song of mourning again, picking up where he had left off. Slowly the voices of the others joined in. Orophin checked the sleeping elves and breathed a sigh of relief as they walked deep in Elven dreams.
During the last few quavering notes, the door opened for Rúmil and Eremae, both looking fresh and clean, though distinctly tired and irritated at their human clothing.
Haldir rose with a suppressed groan and started for the door, Orophin reluctantly following.
"If they wake, alert me immediately!" Orophin ordered. The others nodded.
Haldir opened the door to find the elderly servant woman standing with a soft expression on her face, "The water is being changed again."
Haldir thanked her and felt Orophin's presence at his side as servants bustled out of the room carrying water for the fresh bath. Orophin leaned over and sniffed his brother and giggled in amusement, "Rúmil is right. You are most foul."
"Be silent, Orophin!" Haldir snapped.
The last few servants exited the room with a small bow and left the brothers to their own devices. The two elves entered the room and observed its layout. Haldir had been in the room before but only now took real notice of it. Small tables lined the walls, bottles rested upon their tops. Two large bathing tubs had been placed in the middle of the room, wooden and carved, with a table separating them with more bottles and soaps on its surface. Large, thick rugs lay on either side of the tubs, already wet from the others that had bathed before.
Haldir quirked a brow at the accommodations, stripping off the shirt that Múrendil had lent him. The collar was stained from the dry flood water that had soaked the Warden's hair. He eyed the identical tubs sitting in the center of the room and hoped the water wasn't freezing, though Elves rarely felt such extremes. He looked into the tub and found it filled three- quarters of the way with clean, steaming water. The small table, upon closer inspection, held brushes, bottles, and sweet smelling soaps.
Grinning like a child, Haldir stripped as fast as he could and climbed into a tub. He leaned back, resting comfortably and laughed at the sensations and prospect of a thorough cleaning. His feet pressed against the far side of the bath, and Haldir grinned wider at the water, which rose to his shoulders. Ever since he was an elfling, Haldir had always loved water. The deeper his bathing tub was, the happier it made him. His face dropped as he remembered the events of the past few hours and the memories of the raging river and the life it took in its depths. Suddenly, water didn't seem so soothing or friendly.
"Peace, Haldir," came Orophin's soft voice.
Haldir looked over at Orophin sitting in the other tub, his face gray with grief and shared pain.
"His death would not have happened had I been quicker," Haldir said, closing his eyes and replaying the fateful moment over and over.
"Haldir, you did all you could do. There is no fault," Orophin said, knowing that his brother would torment himself over what wasn't his to control.
"I should have seen the trees sooner, Orophin," Haldir sighed, resting his head on the edge of the tub. "My eyes refused to see the depth of the water and the rage within it. For my folly, a young child has lost his life. A life that was too short."
"Calorad should have listened to your warning and not ventured further," Orophin corrected. "He, like most mortals, foolishly risked the life that was given to them."
Haldir flinched at the sound of Calorad's name as if it had been a physical slap on the face, "He was so young and full of life. It should not have ended in such a way."
"The folly of youth," Orophin sighed, grabbing a washing cloth and began to scrub at his body. "There is naught you can do now, Brother, but mourn for his life and move on with yours. Do not allow it to plague your mind for you can change it not."
Haldir nodded absentmindedly, grabbing a cloth and beginning to work the sweet scented soaps over it and scrubbing the grime off his body and filth out of his hair. His mind replayed the events over and over, trying to formulate a plan that would have prevented the young man's death. No alternative seemed viable, and, with a heavy sigh, his memories began to blend together, exhaustion finally taking its firm hold on him to quiet his turmoil.
Orophin kept watch over his brother out of corner of his eye. The change in demeanor didn't escape his notice, as Haldir grew sluggish, his eyes hallowed and fought to focus.
When the two were finished, they picked through the remaining clothes and dressed with frowns on their faces at the fit and styles that the humans wore. When they were dressed and opened the door to leave, two servants entered and picked up their discarded clothes and carried them out.
"They will be returned when they have been cleaned," one of the ladies said with a curtsy, then followed her fellow servant down the hall.
Haldir opened the door to find the curtains partially drawn, Rúmil sitting at the table eating another large helping of food. Eremae was holding a plate next to Aravitan, who was awake and propped up on pillows.
"Orophin! Haldir!" Aravitan exclaimed, after swallowing his mouthful, with a voice more vibrant than before.
"Aravitan!" Orophin said with a shocked tone that turned instantly stern when he glared at Rúmil and Eremae, "And why did you not tell me had had awoken?"
Eremae raised a brow in Rúmil's direction and pressed his lips together. Orophin spun to face his bother, who adopted an innocent smile.
"I did not want to disturb your bathing," Rúmil smirked. "You needed it so."
"And what in the name of Valar is that supposed to mean?" Orophin snapped, his hands coming to rest on his hips in an authoritative manner that mirrored their mother.
"I do not understand how the two of you can smell so much like a human. It is as if you have become one of them!"
Orophin shot Rúmil a furious glance before going to Aravitan's side and checking his wounds. Haldir advanced on Rúmil and stood a few inches away from his seated brother, who pretended to not notice his sibling's severe look.
"I am well, Orophin," Aravitan said grumpily. "You fuss more than a she- elf."
"I have told him that for centuries," Rúmil said, taking another bite and giving Haldir a look that clearly stated he wasn't yielding to his older brother.
Haldir frowned, looking around the room, "Where are Múrendil and Láiraen?"
Eremae pointed to the adjacent room, "They are sleeping. Rúmil and I have first watch, then they will relieve us at dusk."
Rúmil nodded and pointed to the door, "And the two of you will relieve them at dawn."
Haldir puffed up his chest and surveyed his younger brother with a look of insolence, "And who may I ask thought of this arrangement?"
"I did," Rúmil grinned and looked between his two siblings. "I had to think of something; else the two of you will drop dead on me!"
Haldir and Orophin looked at one another, preparing to give their younger brother a piece of their minds, when they noticed the point that he was trying to make. Haldir and Orophin could see the dark circles under each other's eyes that were dimmed with fatigue and worry, and in Haldir's case, guilt. Both were on the edge of exhaustion, only remaining functional from automatic nature to keep going.
Reluctantly, Haldir conceded Rúmil's point and gave his brother a piercing look that meant his words were to be heeded, "If there is any trouble, or change in their condition, wake us immediately."
"By the Vala, I promise," Rúmil's smirk disappeared and was replaced with a sincere, genuine expression.
Orophin started to protest the order of sleep, but Haldir physically pulled his brother to his feet and marched him to the adjoined room, arguing between themselves.
When the two closed the door, Rúmil finished off what was left on his plate and grinned at Eremae and Aravitan, "Orophin has never won an argument with Haldir. He should know better than to keep trying."
Eremae smiled, returning his attention to Aravitan who continued his meal until fatigue crept up on him and a deep Elven sleep claimed him.
Rúmil and Eremae remained quiet, listening for any sounds in the deadly silent estate.