Lady of Light: Haldir really gets annoyed with his brothers but I think in all honesty, he wouldn't have them any other way. :D Haldir is acting a bit foolish but it will all come down to some poignant moments that will be in a couple more chapters. Gotta build the suspense, now don't I? Oh, and the reason the 'intimate nature' scenes flashed in Haldir's mind was an effect from the wine he drank. EG You got chills from Haldir's declaration? Wow†I knew he was capable of bringing out some emotions in women, but I must admit, I didn't think of that one. WEG And you will have to get in line for punishing and killing Amarah. snickers My beta got to her first.. You should have seen what she wrote to kill Amarah off†shakes head But not to worry†things will get better.. I promise. :D

Ellie: Thanks for the review! Its Wonderful to hear from you! Sorry about not updating daily but if I did that, then I would run out of story and I'm not quite finished with the new one I've started. Beta is still going over it and I'm still trying to remember all grammar and proper usage for words. Hope you continue to read and enjoy. Its gonna get VERY interesting. ;)

Zammy: clutches chest My god.. I think that's the longest review yet! LOL Excellent Yes, someone is beating on the poor child, but its not a major issue in the story†but there are hints about what's gonna happen at the end. EG If I get enough responses, then I will write the sequel to this†as of now, its just a stand alone piece.

Just Me: Glad you had a great vacation! Yeah, university stuff sucks and it seems to want to interfere with stories and writing sighs I still think that education is an orc. Pain in the ass, never goes the right way, and takes FOREVER to get through or around! LOL I don't like romances myself, so if I feel they will be important to a story, like this one, I'll put it in but it will be light. I wont get into anything extreme. This is a 'light romance' that will have a happy, and surprising ending, I swear! :D No, Haldir didn't have any alerts going off in his brain and I asked him why not. He said I wrote it, don't blame him, cause he wouldn't have let that happen. snort Yeah right†he's curious about humans and any being, elf OR human, needs to feel some connection and companionship. He's gonna really be in for it nowâ€. Heheâ€. Hope ya like!

Naomie: I'm stuck in West Virginia†hence why my grammar and English is poor. My poor beta, bless her heart.. she puts up with some horrible crap from me. The muse, evidently, is still in Hicksville. LOL And Yes, I am hoping for a BIG surprise to the audience when they read the final chapter. Things will be brought to a close, yet some will be left open in case there is need for a sequel. If there is, then I will get to it as soon as I'm done writing the two I'm working on now. :D Hope you like this one too!

Seeing-Spots: I wanted to make it a running theme that Rúmil and Orophin irritate Haldir and lets face it, there is only so much you can take before you snap, which is what he did. I know he didn't want to admit such things in front of his command, but it just slipped out and now his brothers can watch what they say. I get the same thing, so you aren't alone. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, so relatives like to see how long it can take them to make me cry. Sad pastime for them, hurtful to me. Don't worry too much about the elves†I'll take good care of them†they are in good hands†they just may get a few boo-boos. EG

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Chapter Twenty-Four: Vulnerable

"You were blinded?" Orophin asked with skepticism some time later.

Rúmil leaned forward towards Haldir and gave a cheeky grin, "The lady made you swoon?"

Haldir waved his hand in a dismissive manner, his agitation growing with his brothers' questions. He had woken them up from their slumber an hour ago, and after much pleading and cursing, mainly on Rúmil's side, the two had listened to Haldir's story. Looks were exchanged, varying degrees of grins flitted across faces, and the occasional snort of laughter echoed around the room that was lit by a single lantern resting in the middle of the three brothers, all sitting on the large bed in a circle.

"It was not like that!" Haldir snapped, his frustration rising. "When we kissed, there was a strange light, and then I felt as if I was floating in fog. I felt cold and numb, dizzy and confused, heavy and light all at once. I have never experienced such things before."

"Maybe she is a good kisser?" Rúmil smirked and was rewarded with a pillow upside the head.

"I am telling you, the kiss was not normal," Haldir hissed between clenched teeth.

Orophin sat quietly, watching Haldir and taking in his story and the descriptions of what he felt during the exchange with the human woman. A part of him felt irked that Haldir even considered humans in such a fashion, but another part felt relieved that he had found some sort of connection, even if it was for the briefest of moments.

Haldir looked between his two brothers, expecting some sort of advice or explanation, but both stared back. The lantern illuminated the fair faces, casting them in an orange hue that made their pale crowns of hair seem to shine as liquid gold through the dismal light.

After several minutes of silence, broken only by the muffled yawns of Rúmil, Haldir pressed again, "Well?" When neither brother seemed ready to answer, Haldir sighed, "For centuries you have given me unwanted advice and jokes, and now, when I need your council most, you offer nothing!"

Orophin took a deep breath, still surveying Haldir, "I do not know what to tell you, Haldir. I am sorry. I have never heard of such a thing before, not with an elf or a human."

Haldir felt a prickle of anger but quashed it. He looked to Rúmil, who looked slack as he sat slumped over. He gave a weak shrug and stifled another yawn.

Orophin bit his lip for a moment, thinking hard. An idea leapt out at him and he turned to Rúmil, "Haldir, touch Rúmil."

Haldir raised a brow at Orophin with an expression of confused skepticism, "What?"

Orophin began to nod, his eyes wide as a plan formed in his mind, "Rúmil can see visions by contact. Perhaps if you touch him, he will be able to see something."

Haldir gave Orophin a look that clearly suggested wonderment at his brother's sanity, but looked to Rúmil who shrugged again and held out his hand. Not believing his brothers had talked him into it, Haldir sighed and placed his hand in Rúmil's, waiting for the telltale sign of prophetic sight.

Rúmil frowned, concentrating hard on Haldir. No visions or emotions were detected by his senses. Biting his lower lip, he placed his other hand over Haldir's, staring intently at them, waiting for any nudge of his ability.

Rúmil's vision clouded over and he felt himself spin. He closed his eyes and lowered his head, resting his forehead against his hands that held Haldir's. The light from the lantern flickered, though there was no wind. A chill swept through the room, wrapping itself around the elves and sending a shiver down their spines.

Lómetar moaned in his sleep and jerked his head, then drew a rattling breath. Orophin moved to go to the fallen elf's side, but found that his legs no longer worked. They felt icy and unresponsive to commands. Orophin gave Haldir a frightened look, and tried to reach over to grab Haldir, but his hand wouldn't respond either. Panting with panic, Orophin opened his mouth to speak but only a silent breath came out. His throat felt dry and parched, his vocal cords deadened.

Haldir watched wide-eyed as Orophin seemed to struggle to move. Orophin's actions seemed sluggish and ill timed, though the look of pure panic on his face told Haldir that this situation was not a joke and that something was causing such a reaction. Haldir made to move to his brother's side, but found his own body unresponsive and numb to his senses.

A spark of light flared in Haldir's eyes, jolting his body and electrifying him. He inhaled sharply, hand clutching at his chest, and then it was over.

Haldir and Orophin both sat on the bed, motionless, owl-eyed and confused as to what just happened. The lantern had been drown out by some unknown wind and left the two brothers staring into the shadows, their eyes wide and wild.

Orophin was first to come to his senses and took several deep breaths and swallowed his heart, which had settled itself in his throat, "Haldir, what was that?"

Haldir shook his head, regaining his own composure and felt his body tremble. His voice was a whisper, "I know not, Orophin."

"Rúmil?" Orophin asked shakily. "Rúmil, are you all right?"

Rúmil remained slumped forward; forehead pressed against his hands that clasped Haldir's in a slack hold.

Haldir's face grew grim as he noticed Rúmil's lack of movement. He shifted closer to his brother, his eyes shining in the darkness.

"Rúmil? Brother, can you hear me?"

Orophin copied Haldir's move and settled himself by Rúmil's side. His hands hovered near Rúmil's body, shaking uncontrollably. Orophin looked to Haldir, his own face gray and pleading. He made to grab Rúmil, but withdrew as if afraid to touch his downed sibling.

Rúmil remained motionless, slumped against his hands that held Haldir's in their chilling grip.

Haldir swallowed hard, wondering when his heart decided to take up residence in his throat, and took a shaky breath, extending his other hand to Rúmil's golden head.

Haldir gently stroked the silken tresses of his youngest sibling and spoke, "Rúmil? Brother, can you hear me?"

A strange sensation spread over the hand that was clutched between Rúmil's relaxed fingers. It was a cold, wet feeling.

Orophin gave Haldir a tragic look and eased Rúmil's head back to lay him against his pillows. Rúmil's eyes were half-lidded and glazed over, his mouth hanging open.

Haldir gave an annoyed sigh and non-too-gently withdrew his hand from his brother's grasp. Frowning, Haldir wiped the drool on Rúmil's tunic and gave Orophin a maddening look.

"He fell asleep!"

Orophin breathed a sigh of relief and fell back against the mattress. Then he raised his head to see Haldir's outline in the dark, "Do you think he saw a vision and was overcome?"

"No," Haldir said with a note of anger. "I believe he fell asleep as soon as he lowered his head. I do not think he witnessed what we felt."

Orophin rose up on his elbows and gave Haldir a tired look, "Haldir, do not blame Rúmil for being so weary."

Haldir gave Rúmil a disgusted look and took the lantern from the bed and placed it on a nightstand. He sighed and nodded, "I know he has done much and needs rest."

Orophin nodded his head, then shot up and planted himself on the makeshift bed, "Sleep well, Haldir."

"I get to sleep in my own bed," Haldir protested.

Orophin shook his head and settled down comfortably in the blankets, "I slept with Rúmil last night. It is your turn, dear Brother."

Haldir huffed and settled himself down beside Rúmil, glaring malevolently up at the darkened ceiling. Rúmil twitched in his sleep, then rolled over, stretching out and kicking Haldir in the shin.

"Ow," Haldir sighed.

Orophin snickered from the cot beside the large bed and nestled in his blankets.

Haldir allowed his eyes to droop before another kick landed on his knee. Gritting his teeth, he rose up, pulled a pillow from his head, walloped Rúmil hard, then threw the pillow between Rúmil's legs and his own. Satisfied that the pillow would be a comfortable barrier, Haldir lay back down and allowed sleep to steal over him.

Rúmil kicked the pillow and mumbled something in his sleep, and drifted deeper into slumber with a slight smile on his face.

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Haldir woke to a strange sensation. His legs felt chilled and tingling, his feet numb. Haldir went from sleep to awareness in an instant. He tried to move his legs, but they were sluggish and felt leaden. Rising up into a sitting position, Haldir found out why.

Rúmil was sound asleep, head cradled on a pillow that was situated directly across Haldir's legs. Haldir tried to jerk his legs to rouse Rúmil, but they refused to answer his commands, allowing his brother to continue his rest upon the pillow Haldir placed there to prevent bruises from his slumbering sibling.

Haldir picked up his pillow and without warning, smacked it full force on Rúmil's face, instantly waking him up.

"Rúmil, get off me! I can not feel my legs!" Haldir snapped.

Rúmil groaned, yawned, stretched and glared at a fuming Haldir with sleep-filled blue eyes, "What is that, Haldir?"

Haldir struggled to make his legs obey, and when feeling began to return to them, he kicked out, dislodging Rúmil's head on the pillow.

Rúmil sat up, rubbing his head, and giving Haldir a look of pure daggers, "Why did you do that for?"

Haldir glared, "I can not feel my feet!"

Rúmil looked down to Haldir's feet, pulling the blanket off of them and seeing the bluish tinge, "Haldir, your feet are blue. Is that normal?"

Haldir opened his mouth to give Rúmil a piece of his mind, but the door opened and Múrendil, Láiraen, Aravitan, and Wethíar emerged, looking sleepy and disgruntled at their rude awakening.

"What is all the yelling about?" Wethíar asked, rubbing his eyes with his hands.

Láiraen surveyed the scene and sighed, "Rúmil has done something again."

Múrendil stretched and added, "If there is no danger, I am going back to bed."

The other elves nodded in agreement and turned to go back to their warm beds when a knock came at the door. All eyes turned to Haldir, who huffed and threw off his blankets and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.

He stood up, feeling his legs wobble as circulation was returning and his feet began to regain their original color. He took a shaky step forward, then caught himself on the bedpost and with lower body slowly regaining its usage, walked a funny jig across the floor to answer the door. His feet smarted, feeling like a thousand knives stabbing him and twisting violently in his flesh as the blood returned to its normal flow.

"Commander, are you all right?" Múrendil asked with genuine concern over Haldir's funny walk.

Haldir gave a look of pure malice at Rúmil and said through gritted teeth, "I am fine. It is nothing that killing Rúmil will not fix."

Rúmil gave Haldir a cheeky look, grabbed his abandoned pillow and curled up in the blankets. Haldir pushed the chair away from the door with thoughts of revenge, and opened it to find several servants standing, their arms full with food. Haldir nodded politely and gestured for them to enter.

"Good morning, Master Elves," the elderly lady said cheerfully. "The lady Amarah wished us to bring your food and tell you that you will have horses and fresh supplies awaiting you for your return journey home."

Haldir swept his hand over his heart in gratitude and smiled, "Many thanks to you and to the lady."

The dishes from the evening meal were cleared away and fresh ones placed in their stead. With a bow, the servants left, with the elderly lady remaining behind, "Your things are ready at the stable when you finish."

Haldir nodded thanks again and shut the door to see Rúmil emerge from his warm cocoon and start stalking the food, "Oh, Brother"

Rúmil froze mid-step and glared at Haldir, "Yes, dearest Brother of mine?"

Haldir quirked a brow and smiled, "I do believe that an elf that I know, and if I am not mistaken, am related to, should be the one that does the packing and gets us ready to leave."

"You are leaving too, Haldir?" Rúmil asked hopefully.

"Not yet. There are some things I need answers to," Haldir said as the others gathered up their plates. "Now, as for the packing"

"Right," Rúmil said with a flourish, then turned to Orophin, who was sitting on the edge of the cot, "Get right on it, Orophin!"

Orophin gave Rúmil a rude gesture and rose up, stretching and ambling over to collect some breakfast. He passed by Haldir and smirked, "Nothing like a good rest, am I right Haldir?"

Haldir gritted his teeth and glared at his two siblings, who were jostling for position around some toasted bread. When they had loaded up their plates and went to their respective beds to eat, Haldir filled his own and sat on the edge of the large bed, too angered at his brothers to even look at them.

"It is cold," Rúmil said with a shutter.

Thinking that Rúmil was referring to the incident last night, Haldir asked, "What is, Rúmil?"

"Your look," Rúmil said with a grin. "Sometimes, I can see chips of ice flaking off of you, Brother."

Haldir rolled his eyes and said, "Rúmil, last night, did you feel anything? Did you have a vision?"

Rúmil seemed to think for a moment, then answered, "The only thing I felt was your foot in my back. You sleep most strange, Haldir."

"No, not during the night, you fool," Haldir snapped. "I meant when I woke you up to talk about what happened."

Rúmil exchanged a look with Orophin and smiled, "You woke me up? What did I say?"

Haldir gave a growl of frustration and glared at the two of them, "You know of what I speak!"

"The kiss?" Rúmil asked, dropping his playful tone and adopting a more serious one.

Though Haldir wanted to discuss what had happened, now that someone said it out loud, he started to rethink that wish. The others all looked up from their plates and conversations to stare at their leader. A blush crept up from Haldir's neck to his ears, contrasting the blue brilliancy of his eyes.

Haldir cleared his throat and tried to sound nonchalant, "Rúmil, I do not know what you are talking about now, but I am talking about the strange thing that happened with Orophin and I."

Orophin gave a small chuckle, then drew down his face in worry. Memories of helplessness flooded back into his mind, and the strange coldness he felt made him shudder involuntarily. He looked down at his legs, shifting them and flexed his hands, remembering the chilling freeze that had inhabited his body.

Rúmil looked confused, "What strange thing?"

Haldir sighed and felt his ire rise at his brother's manner, but dropped it when he realized that Rúmil was not faking or joking. He honestly did not know of what had transpired. Taking a deep breath, Haldir recollected what had happened, interrupted by Orophin giving details and repeating the phrases, 'cold' and 'helpless.'

Rúmil shook his head, his meal abandoned as he listened and felt a dread well up in his chest. He looked to Haldir and pleaded, "Haldir, you must return with us. This is not a good omen."

Haldir waved his hand, "I am capable of handling myself, Rúmil. Besides, there are things here that I need to look into. Something strange is at work, and I intend to find the answer."

Rúmil let out a frustrated sighed and glared at Haldir, "Amarah is not a puzzle that requires solving by you, Haldir."

Haldir felt his anger raise a notch as he stared hard at Rúmil.

Rúmil placed his plate on the bed stand and looked apprehensively to his older brother, "Now is not the time for you to search for answers. You must return with us and do not look back upon this place."

Haldir slammed his plate down, the contents spilling on the blankets and staining the fibers, "Many times you have spoken thus and I have had my fill! There will no more such talk!"

Rúmil didn't seemed perturbed by Haldir's outburst and leaned back against the headboard of the bed, a look of polite interest on his face, "The reason you hear the words so often, Brother, is perhaps because you seem to not heed them. If you listened to them, and," Rúmil let out a mock laugh, "actually took them to heart, then you would hear them no longer and you, and the rest of us, would find some peace."

"Nonsense," Haldir scoffed, rising from bed and beginning to pace. "You only say such things to annoy, which you do quite well."

Orophin and Rúmil exchanged looks, knowing Haldir only paced when he was troubled. They sighed at each other, and returned their attention back to Haldir, who continued his path back and forth, running his hand through his hair. Orophin looked over to Rúmil and mouthed, 'Oh, he is really annoyed.' Rúmil nodded and pretended to gulp.

"If you will not listen to me, then I shall have to take appropriate action," Orophin said with a sigh. He turned to Rúmil and adopted a formal manner, "Rúmil, Second in Command of the Galadhrim, a mission has been presented to you. Your Commander, and brother, is stubborn and requires your immediate attention. He will need someone to guard him until he sees reason and returns with his kin. Will you accept this assignment?"

Rúmil snapped to attention, offered a mock salute he learned from humans, and seemed deep in thought over the mission. With a heavy sigh, he nodded his head and said, "Aye, I accept such a mission. I am certain that there will be trouble ahead, and Vala knows that my Commander, and brother, is apt to fall prey to evil."

Haldir felt like beating both brothers senseless, but the militant manner in which they conducted themselves put a smile on his face. He laughed, rich and melodious, "I am sorry, Rúmil. You have been given a fool's errand. I do not require your guardianship."

Rúmil looked affronted for a minute and gave Haldir a sly look, "I have already accepted this mission. I can not turn my back on it."

Haldir heaved a heavy sigh and gave Rúmil a look of gratitude, "Your loyalty is admired and appreciated, but at this minute, it is not needed. You will return with the others and protect them. I leave this task to no other than my Second in Command."

Rúmil seemed to contemplate his brother's words, then turned to Orophin and said with a saddened voice, "Sorry, Orophin. You lose."

Orophin seemed stunned at his brother's turncoat actions and glared at him, "Traitor." Rúmil shrugged and Orophin turned to the eldest brother, "Please, Haldir, listen to our words and take our worries to heart."

Haldir knew he was going to continue this battle of wills for many millennia to come and pulled Orophin into a rare hug, "Peace, Orophin. I have heard your words and I have kept them close to my heart. I promise to you that I will follow soon. But I fear there is something here that requires my attention," Haldir looked to Rúmil with a grin and added, "And it is not Amarah. This is something I must do, so please do as I ask and watch over our kin well."

Orophin sighed and gave Haldir a strong squeeze, crushing the wind out of him, "If we have to rescue you once again, I will not be so lenient with you."

Haldir noted the hard sound to his brother's voice and nodded, "I hope a rescue will not be necessary."

Rúmil snorted, "Then it will be a first! You always need us to rescue you. How you get into such dilemmas, I will never know."

Haldir smiled and embraced his baby brother and gave him an affectionate swat, "I do not get myself into dilemmas. It is rare that I require your aid."

"Oh, please," Orophin guffawed. "I have lost count as to how many times we have saved your life, Haldir."

Haldir raised a brow questioningly and regarded his two siblings, "They are not as many as the times I have to rescue the two of you."

"Name one," Rúmil scoffed.

"The roses that Lady Galadriel nurtured, that mysteriously lost all its blooms and ended up in a certain elleth's flet" Haldir started and was cut off by Rúmil's hand flying out and clamping his mouth shut.

"Not another word," Rúmil hissed, his ears turning red.

Orophin looked between his two brothers, clearly amazed that Haldir had kept such a thing secret, and glared at Rúmil for not telling him. He huffed, "We are even, then."

Haldir smirked and gave a waggle of his finger, "Not by a league."

Lómetar groaned, abating all further conversation. Orophin was at his side in an instant, speaking softly and trying to get the injured elf to respond to his presence.

Lómetar hissed, "Dark," before relaxing into unconsciousness once more.

Orophin wiped the fallen elf's brow and turned to Haldir, "What does he mean by 'dark'?"

"I know not," Haldir shook his head, "But the sooner you begin your journey, the sooner you will return home, and he can receive proper care."

Orophin nodded and wrapped Lómetar in his blanket. Rúmil collected his and Orophin's traveling bags and motioned for the others to collect theirs as well. Seconds later, Láiraen and Múrendil hoisted packs on their backs and opened the door. Eremae followed, hobbling from his still injured leg, though it was almost healed. Orophin easily lifted Lómetar into his arms and carried him out the door, Rúmil and Haldir following behind. The group went to the stables as instructed and found Amarah with several servants, strapping bundles onto the saddle.

Amarah turned when she heard the elves enter and pointed at the bags, "Dried fruit and meat has been packed in each bag, along with a blanket and a water skin. There should be enough for a week's journey."

The elves looked to Haldir, who translated what Amarah had said, then bowed to the human woman and murmured their thanks. Amarah smiled at each of the elves, a sadness dimming her eyes.

"I have enjoyed your stay," Amarah said to each in turn, knowing that Haldir would convey her message to them. "I am sorry we met under such circumstances, but if you wish to return at any time, you are more than welcome here."

The elves gestured their gratefulness, and, to everyone's surprise, Rúmil stepped forward and took Amarah's hand in his and bent low, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. When he stood, he swept his hand over his heart and smiled. Amarah smiled back and repeated the Elven gesture. One by one the others copied Rúmil's example, except for Orophin, who held Lómetar. He bowed his head respectively and went to the horse he had ridden throughout his stay.

Haldir noted that the horses Amarah had prepared were the same ones the elves had ridden while searching for their kin. The only horse that was missing was the cantankerous one that Haldir rode. When he looked around, Haldir found the said horse poking his head out of a stall and watching the company eagerly, hoping he was going to go on the adventure as well.

"My lady, surely you do not wish to allow all your horses to go?" Haldir asked.

Amarah watched as Rúmil helped Orophin pull Lómetar onto a horse, Orophin mounting behind the injured elf and holding him with gentle hands. She turned to Haldir with a wide smile, "They are in good hands. Besides, you can have the excuse to bring them back to me if your lady prevents you from returning."

Haldir nodded, catching onto the ruse, "Very clever, my lady."

Amarah gave a half bow and looked up as the elves maneuvered their horses to leave, "Travel safe, elf friends."

"Thank you for all you have done," Orophin said in accented Common. He frowned for a moment, thinking of his next words and said roughly, "Return Haldir. We will wait for you."

Haldir nodded, understanding the meaning and gave the Elven gesture of farewell, "May you journey safe and find your path clear."

The elves bowed their heads to their leader and signaled their horses into a light gait. The courtyard was ablaze with afternoon sun, the brilliant light casting the party into a halo as they passed by the thick wooden gates and out of sight.

Haldir felt as if someone had doused him in cold water. He watched the place his kin had disappeared to for many minutes, even after the closing of the doors. He stared, feeling numb and suddenly alone.

Amarah looped her hand in Haldir's and smiled, "Come. There is much for us to talk about."

Haldir allowed himself to be steered into the manor. As the shadow of the manor fell over him, he felt a darkness settle into his mind and cast his thoughts into chilling silence.