Laer4572: LOL! Amarah liked to give a false sense of who she really was. And yes, she was based on some 'fan girls'… so the MS reference was bang on! Way to go you! Hope you like this chapter! Next to last one and then… its gone. L
Naomie: No, the name "Wild Fire" just came to me, so there isn't any 'influence' per say. :D Ending? What? I said three more chapters and its only been one! LOL There is ONE more chapter after this and I swear, THAT is the end! LOL Didn't realize I had given a 'trick' ending… guess I'm taking a page from Pete's book eh? Glad ya liked Amarah's death scene… wanted it to have some meaning. ;) Hope you like this one as well!
Lady of Light: Ah, you liked the 'frying the bitch' scene eh? I wanted to give the wench a fitting end and make it 'original'… did I nail it? LOL Thanks for "Hannon Le"… I thought I got it right, but evidently my dyslexia kicked in. And there is ONE more chapter other than this one, so its not the end of the fic… yet! Haldir is going to have some last 'trials' to go through… well, you will see in the last chapter. Hope you enjoy the ending!
Hyperactive Forever: Hard to find Elladan and Rúmil, especially when they hide out in the woods behind my house. Blasted, hard to catch in the wild, those elves. shakes head Well, I hope this chapter and the next, which IS the last one, gives some closure and you enjoy it. I hope it puts things to bed and allows some 'open' territory on where to go with a sequel… IF I do one. Enjoy!
Just Me: Sequel is a long way off. Have too many projects in the making already. LOL I wanted to 'hint' at some romance, but not let it actually BE romance. Haldir felt 'something'… but not what he thought and his feelings changed when Amarah started to show her true colors. Actually I wrote that there were three chapters left and now everyone is saying it's a great ending… and its not ended… yet. snort The next chapter is the last.. PROMISE. LOL You will find out the 'ending' in the last chapter.. which also leaves me some space to work on the next twist. WEG Hope you like this one and bear with me just ONE more chapter!
Seeing-Spots: Actually, the story ISNT over! There is one more chapter after this one… and then sadly… it's the end. L Hope you still stick with me!
AN: I thought I had just ended out a chapter, but evidently everyone thought I ended the fic. I've been taking a page from Pete Jackson's book and giving false endings. LOL There is ONE more chapter after this one and then it's the end. I want to thank all of you for your wonderful support and encouragement about this fic and its sequel.
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Chapter Twenty- Nine: Reunion
Saruman glared malevolently into the distance, his blue-gray eyes drawn in undisguised hatred. He stood on the top of his tower, the column of black rising in a spiral above the greenery of the trees of Fangorn. The wind whipped the white robes of the wizard around him, the material flapping and lapping noisily against their owner. His face was taunt, his arms extended, white staff clutched tightly in his gnarled hands. His voice was rough from all the shouted chants and growls of Black Speech that had conjured up the powerful storm looming in the distance.
Sighing in disgust, Saruman magicked himself back inside the comforts of his tower. An orc guarded the entrance to his chambers, and started with fright when the wizard appeared out of nowhere.
Saruman passed by the orc without a word, his mood foul with the recent events. He stormed to his obsidian desk and sat heavily on his chair, staring at the plans laid out before him on yellowing parchments.
A couple of orcs ambled in, bowed low, and reported, "My Lord, the second legion has learned much faster than what we had hoped. They are ready to be put to the final test, on your command."
Saruman slammed his fist into the desk, making both orcs jump at the outburst, "How am I to ensure the Dark Lord a formidable army when I am surrounded by fools?"
The orcs looked questioningly to each other, at a loss as to what was bothering the wizard. They remained quiet, allowing the Mair time and room to vent.
"I should have given the task of breeding a suitable army to more cunning allies," Saruman said absent-mindedly, twining his fingers together and looking thoughtfully over the parchments. "Humans have too many weaknesses and lead with their emotions. No matter how clever and vile the human, they are always thinking with their hearts, allowing themselves to make poor choices. That is a problem I will no longer allow in my service."
One of the orcs shifted and asked with a hesitant voice, "My Lord, is there something you command?"
Saruman just seemed to have realized the orcs were there, because his gaze narrowed and he smiled venomously, "There is something I do command. I have a quest that will require your best warriors."
"Are we to get our revenge on the elves?" the orc growled.
"No," Saruman said, shaking his head, "They are too strong. We need allies to help us with our plans. Find goblins," Saruman rose and paced back and forth, "The goblins have just as much hatred towards the Firstborns as we do. We will join our forces together and create a formidable army."
The two orcs exchanged confused looks. They shuffled restlessly on their misshapen feet and watched their leader pace back and forth, his mumbling the only noise in the room.
"Yes, I should have employed the goblins long ago," Saruman said distractedly. "Goblins are our natural ally against the elves. I should have thought of this sooner." Saruman glanced around and started again, as if just noticing his company, "What are you waiting for? Send out your best warriors. They are to propose an alliance with the goblins. We will ban together to create an army that no elf or man can overcome!"
The orcs bowed awkwardly and hurried out of the room to relay their orders to the groups that would be disembarking on their missions. Saruman watched them leave, a cruel smile twisting his age-old face into a grotesque mask.
He walked onto his balcony, seeing the familiar shapes of orcs prowling around far below. His smile widened as he watched a new group training, their aggressive nature showing as they tore viciously at one another and executed more sophisticated moves.
"By the time you are ready, my Lord Sauron, we will have an army worthy to serve you," the wizard said, looking to the west where a kiss of red dotted the horizon. "The elves will be no more of a threat to your plans my lord. They will protect their own borders and leave the world of Men to fend for themselves. They will be easy for you to overcome them, and together, we will rule over Middle Earth."
A flame of fire rose high in the sky in Mordor, illuminating the giant orange eye that watched over the dark land and its evil minions.
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As the day waned, the sun sinking low in the sky and skirting along the horizon, the elves saddled their horses and mounted. Haldir had regained most of his strength during his reverie and swung up on Hravanáro's back. The black steed nickered and tossed his head, clearly happy to have his rider back in good health.
Rúmil passed some dried meat and fruit to his brother. As he picked up Haldir's discarded quiver, he glanced inside and pulled out a piece of cloth, frowning at it and giving Haldir a curious look.
"Have you taken up sewing Haldir, or did Amarah try to buy your affection?" Rúmil asked with a grin, admiring the gentle flow and contours of the silver-gray shirt.
"It was a gift, but I know not from whom," Haldir answered. He wondered if he would ever find out who had crafted such a beautiful gift, and realized with a hint of sadness, he may never know the person that showed him such admiration. Maybe, Haldir thought briefly, he wasn't supposed to know, and that thought alone gave him strange comfort.
Rúmil quirked a brow, shrugged, and slipped Haldir's quiver over his shoulder to rest beside his own. Haldir ate quickly, making a short meal out of the meager rations and secured his sword to his side. His still mending ribs smarted with heavy exertion and with deep breaths, so he tried to keep his movements to a minimum and his breathing shallow.
Rúmil checked his bandages around Haldir's ribs and was satisfied that they were still secure, though the process produced much arguing and wincing from Haldir. He mounted his own steed and led the group in a light canter. Haldir grimaced as the horse jolted his healing ribs, but remained quiet about his discomfort.
The three warriors raced over the countryside, gathering speed now that their horses were fed, watered, and rested from their previous trek. After a couple hours, Múrendil called for a change in direction, and like a flock of birds, the three changed simultaneously. Rúmil kept a close eye on his brother's posture and expression, ready to call an end to their pace to allow more time for Haldir to heal.
Haldir kept his face impassive, contrary to the intense pain he felt from the bouncing on the horses back. He used all his concentration to keep from crying out when Hravanáro would change direction with the others when Múrendil called out their path. Haldir knew that Hravanáro was going as easily as he could, obeying his rider's commands, but not going his full speed for fear of hurting the elf on his back.
Haldir leaned over and patted Hravanáro's neck affectionately, speaking gentle words in Elvish. The ebony coat shimmered in the bright sunlight, the muscles rippling beneath the black hues, giving the impression of liquid night. Hravanáro snorted in response to the elf's words and picked up his pace, gaining on the other two, his tail streaming like a banner behind him.
Haldir favored the other two with a quick smile. Rúmil laughed and Múrendil shook his head, following their leader through a glade. Night descended across the land as the sun dipped below the horizon, giving one last wink to the elves racing towards home.
A chill settled on the wind as the elves changed direction once again. The breeze went unnoticed by the elves, but the scent that clung to the air did not. Haldir called the other two to a halt just in time as a large group of orcs emerged from the surrounding darkness.
Múrendil jumped from his saddle before the horse had come to a stop and began to fire arrows. The crude projectiles wobbled mid-flight and landed off target, though doing their job of disabling the foul creatures. He aimed into the group, not stopping his constant firing until the last of the makeshift arrows were spent from his quiver, then drew his sword and charged directly into their midst.
Rúmil snapped at Haldir as the warden dismounted and drew his sword, swinging and ducking the wild blows the orcs aimed at his head.
Growling, Rúmil gained his brother's side, yelling through the shouts of angry and injured elves, "Haldir, you are not completely healed. Do not engage the enemy, allow Múrendil and I to take care of them!"
Haldir spun; pushing Rúmil aside as an orc nearly impaled him on its blackened blade. With a flick of his wrist, he stabbed the orc in the side, dropping him to his knees, then twisted around, decapitating the beast and slicing through the stomach of one of its comrades.
"Pay attention, Rúmil!" Haldir snapped, blocking another blade and kicking the orc in the stomach.
Rúmil scowled as he engaged another orc, snarling just as viciously and yelling at Haldir, "If you get yourself killed, then I shall be forced to follow you and make your time in Mandos unbearable!"
Haldir smirked at the remark and stooped low, sending a charging orc flying over his head and landing with a dull thud on the ground. He felt his back spasm painfully and send daggers of heated stings throughout his body. Using the pain as a charge to his body, he dealt blow after blow to the orcs, sending them reeling to the ground in various degrees of death and suffering.
When Haldir sliced through the last orc, he turned, expecting to see more and relaxed when he saw Múrendil dispatch of the last two opposing him. Haldir panted and called out, "Any injuries?"
Múrendil shook his head, wiping his blade on the ragged clothing of a dead orc and sheathed the weapon. Rúmil glanced around, checking for orcs that may have recovered enough to charge at them again, and breathed a sigh of relief when the nearest one took one last shuddering breath, then relaxed, never to move again.
Haldir wiped his own blade in the grass and sheathed the sword, wincing from the agony his back was now creating.
Rúmil stalked towards his eldest brother, his face contorted in anger, "Haldir, I should murder you myself!"
Haldir gave Rúmil an amused look, raising a brow questioningly, "Oh, and why do you say that, Brother?"
Rúmil stopped an inch from Haldir's face and glared at him, "How dare you charge into a fight while you are still injured! You could have gotten yourself killed!"
"You could as well," Haldir stated flatly, though secretly he was enjoying the frazzled look Rúmil was giving him. He wondered if Rúmil realized he looked and acted exactly as Haldir did when he as upset over the antics of his brothers. Somehow, the Warden doubted it.
Rúmil gaped like a fish out of water, trying to find the right words to chastise his brother and settled on huffing up and placing a finger against his brother's chest, accentuating his words with sharp stabs, "If you ever worry me like this again… Pain, Haldir… a lot of pain for you."
Haldir was mildly amused by Rúmil's threat and shook his head, "Funny, I keep telling Orophin and you the same thing. Perhaps now, the wisdom will sink into your thick heads as realization has dawned."
Rúmil pursed his lips together and swept his gaze over Haldir, "There does not appear to be any further wounds. Maybe you have escaped this encounter unharmed, which I may add, would be a first for you."
Haldir smiled broadly and pulled his brother into a hug, "Your concern is greatly appreciated, Rúmil. Now, as for your cheek," Haldir pulled away and gave Rúmil a stern look, "Reprimanding your superior is a major offence."
Rúmil looked scared for a mere second, before pulling away and scoffing, "If you can, punish me. But I am afraid you will find I am most unwilling to listen."
Haldir gave Múrendil an exasperated look that made Múrendil snicker, "So I have noticed these past centuries, Brother."
The three elves heard a crash through the grasses and sighed in relief when their horses charged into the light cast by the moon. The horses nickered and cantered to their riders, bowing their heads and swishing their tails in a friendly way. The elves gave each of their mounts an affectionate pat and climbed on their backs, taking off through the darkness.
Hoping to maintain a good pace, Haldir called for them to slow their tempo, not wanting to tire their horses with bursts of speed over long distances. The gait dropped to a quick trot, the horses already panting from exertion.
Haldir hoped to ride through the night and well into the next day. If they pushed the horses too hard, they would drop, and the elves had come to rely on their steeds with growing fondness.
The night passed by uneventful, except for the minute of crisis when Rúmil thought he heard more orcs and the company charged into the middle of a herd of deer. Haldir gave Rúmil cheeky grins, knowing that Rúmil was embarrassed, his cheeks flaming red every time Haldir looked at him.
After an hour of the looks, Rúmil said through gritted teeth, "Not a word of it, Haldir. It was an honest mistake."
"Absolutely," Haldir smarted, giving Rúmil a look of total understanding, "Anyone can mistake deer for orcs, after all, they look and smell so much alike."
Rúmil veered his horse to the other side of Múrendil, putting the snickering elf between him and his brother. Múrendil, for the most part, kept his remarks to himself, and kept his amusement muffled by pulling his tunic into his mouth and biting on the fabric.
Múrendil emptied the last bit of food he had stashed in his saddle as the morning blossomed, bathing the world with an orange hue. The others ate the small proportions gratefully, and stopped midmorning to allow the horses time to drink and graze for an hour before setting off for home once again.
The horses began to slow, the constant trek beginning to wear them down. As the evening fell about them, they stumbled as they walked, their sides expanding rapidly, their coats drenched in sweat. Haldir called the others to a halt and helped the others un-tack their horses and set them loose. The horses grazed quietly nearby, including Hvaranáro, who grazed quickly and settled down in the grasses and fell to sleep. The other horses followed suit shortly after, their bodies worn from the ride.
Not wishing to alert any potential enemies to their position, the elves cold camped, taking turns perching on a nearby boulder to guard the ones that slept. Haldir had hoped to allow the horses more time to rest, but their progress had put them closer to Lothlorien than he had hoped. If they took an early rise in the morrow, they would gain the borders by nightfall. The thought sent a sigh of relief through the March Warden's body. The thought of home and the safe return of his kin set his burdened heart to rest and eased the tension from his worried mind.
As the early rising birds began to stretch their wings and chirp merrily to each other in good morning, Haldir leapt off the cold boulder and approached the two elves sleeping next to their horses. Haldir nudged them awake, ignoring the threats from Rúmil and gently roused the horses.
The horses gained their feet, heads bowed low in exhaustion. Haldir patted each one and spoke encouragingly to each, "We will not ride as hard today. Take heart, you will find a good meal and rest once we get to Caras Galathon."
The horses seemed to perk up at the mention of the elven home. They nickered softly to one another, sounding like a committee of talkative females as they waited for their riders to prepare to disembark. Rúmil yawned, slinging his saddle into position and grumbled about the early morning as his horse tossed his head in agreement.
When the trio were ready they set out, their pace at a light gallop that woke the horses up from their semi-sleepy state. When midday came, Haldir called the trio to a stop. The elves dismounted and allowed their horses to graze on the fresh green grass of a field while they found several bushes laden with berries. After giving the horses an hour to eat and drink at the nearby stream, the elves mounted once again and made towards home. The elven faces became bright with the prospect of seeing their home, and having the familiar comforts once again.
The horses seemed to feel their riders' elation. With whinnies, they put on bursts of speed, feeling the elves cling on tightly as they wove through trees, leapt over fallen trees, and crashed through streams. The elves faces were identical as they saw the tops of the highest mallorn trees visible in the distance. They smiled, ignoring the thundering hooves and the flash of ground as the horses took their long, powerful strides, taking their riders to their home with all due speed.
Night had barely fallen when the horses, panting from their exertion, stopped at the stream on the northern border of Lothlorien. The horses ducked their heads to drink and tossed their heads when the elves dismounted and ran for the trees. After drinking their fill, the horses followed their riders and nickered happily as they found more elves surrounding the trio.
"Mae govannen, Commander," Calgolodh greeted with a smile.
Haldir smiled and returned the greeting, then felt himself nudged forward as Hravanáro nuzzled his back. Haldir laughed and stepped aside, introducing the two, "Calgolodh, this is Hravanáro. Hravanáro, this is Calgolodh, he is a good friend and one of my command."
Calgolodh opened his mouth to laugh at the introductions that Haldir had given, thinking the Warden mad to make such a scene, but felt his mouth instantly drop in amazement. Hravanáro stepped forward, took a sniff of the Warden's chest, then extended his front legs, dropping low to the ground, in an unmistakable bow. When the horse returned to his full height, he snorted, ducking his head at the awed look on the elf's face and then turned to nip affectionately at Haldir.
Haldir pushed the curious muzzle away from him and pointed to two elves that stood nearby, "Follow them; they know where the food is stored."
Hravanáro tossed his head and with an excited whinny, cantered to the two elves, his tail flicking expectantly. The other two horses nudged their riders in a clear question of consent and whinnied as well, going to the two laughing elves and following them to where there was a grain store for the elven horses.
Haldir laughed at the horses' manners and turned to give Calgolodh a look of amusement. He motioned to the ladder hanging from a mallorn, "Come, I wish to hear what has happened since our departure."
Calgolodh seemed to snap out of whatever held him and nodded, scaling the tree and waiting until his commander and second in command were settled down on the platform with plenty of lembas and water before he began. "There was one more attack after you left on your quest. The orcs were easily defeated, their bodies taken away and burned. We did not suffer any casualties."
Haldir nodded and motioned for Cagolodh to continue, stuffing another wafer into his mouth. He never thought lembas would taste so good.
Calgolodh puffed up with pride as he continued his report, "Healers are stationed throughout the guard as well, rotating with us when the guards change for the new shift."
Haldir swallowed and asked, "How often do you change shift?"
"We are on watch from evening until dawn, then the second unit comes and relieves us. We rest in the second station and relieve them come the nightfall," Calgolodh said.
Haldir nodded, glad to hear their shifts were so short and that each unit was getting proper rest. The second station was about an hour's walk from the border, where reserve guards could sleep, eat, and attend to the wounded. The platforms were larger than the border ones, and were interconnected by a series of archways, whereas the border flets were small and spaced evenly throughout the trees.
"Your brother and his party arrived late yestereve," Calgolodh said, pulling Haldir from his thoughts.
"They made it? How are they?" Rúmil asked quickly.
Calgolodh turned to his second in command and answered, "They were attacked by orcs, but suffered no severe injury. However, one they traveled with was not faring well."
"Lómetar," Haldir said, his gaze dropping sadly. "When did they depart?"
"They left from the second station with the healer immediately," Calgolodh said. "I do not know his condition."
Haldir stood, walked to the ladder and scaled it, dropping to the ground the last few feet. Rúmil and Múrendil quickly followed suit.
Calgolodh remained at his station, his watchful gaze sweeping over the expanding countryside bathed in the moon's light.
"Haldir, we should rest before we journey," Rúmil said, nearly running to keep up with Haldir's long strides. "You should have a healer to check your wounds. I do not know if I set the bones properly or if there is more severe damage."
Haldir waved Rúmil's concerns away, "You have done a sufficient job, Rúmil. I feel better each passing moment."
As Haldir started on the path to Caras Galathon, a knicker caught his attention. Hravanáro came cantering up to the elf and nipped at him, as if chastising him for running off and not informing the horse. Haldir patted the steed's neck and laughed as the other two horses came into view, oats clinging to their faces and cheeks puffed out as they chewed.
"Remain here, my friend," Haldir said soothingly. "We will take Elven horses to the city and you may follow after you have eaten and rested."
Hravanáro snorted and nudged Haldir hard with his head, nearly knocking the elf to the ground. Large, black hooves pawed at the ground and stomped impatiently, furious with the elf's words.
Haldir laughed and looked at the other two horses that were doing the same thing to Rúmil and Múrendil, pushing hard at the elves in their ill temper.
"I do not think they will allow us to leave without them," Múrendil smiled, wiping leaves from his horse's shiny coat.
Haldir sighed, "Great, all I need now. It is bad enough my brothers do not follow orders, now I have horses that refuse to obey as well!"
Rúmil and Múrendil laughed as they mounted. Haldir shrugged and gave in, climbing up on Hravanáro's back and spurring him on after the others as they raced to the Elven city.
The horses found themselves in a wonderful place that lifted their spirits and called them onward. The uneven ground and scattered forest debris didn't deter them as they raced through the trees. The ground flew by as the elves kept themselves low, allowing the slipstream to rush past their ears in a pounding beat that matched the rhythm of the hooves.
As the horses raced past confused and amused guards standing watch over the gates, they nickered a hello and allowed their riders to steer them in the desired direction. At last they came to a stop, the horses pawing the ground as the elves slid off their backs and gave them endearing words of thanks.
Haldir and Rúmil heard their names being shouted and looked up in time to see Orophin sprinting down the spiraling staircase that lead to the healing flet. He landed a few feet in front of them and without any word, threw himself at his brothers and pulled them into a tight embrace.
Haldir staggered with Orophin's overzealousness, but laughed as he heard Rúmil gasp from the wind being knocked out of him as well.
"Haldir, Rúmil, I thought I would never see you again!" Orophin said through tears. "I feared the worst!"
Rúmil disengaged himself from his brother's smothering hold and smiled, "Missed us, did you?"
Orophin gave his youngest brother a playful swat and wiped the tears from his cheeks, "We were attacked near the boarders. We were able to get away, but we feared what would happen if they found you."
"We encountered a few orcs, but nothing that we could not handle," Haldir said smugly, casting a grin over at Rúmil who turned bright red. "Rúmil had us to attack some deer he thought was housing some orcs, but it was only a peaceful herd."
"Shut up," Rúmil mumbled, his face so red it resembled a flame.
"A herd of deer?" Orophin asked with a hint of merriment. "I am sorry I missed such an attack."
Haldir noticed Rúmil's ears turning the same color as his face, and fearing for his brother's ability to combust, interrupted the jibes Orophin was tossing at the youngest sibling, "Orophin, how does Lómetar fare?"
Orophin's face instantly went from bright and jovial to pale and drawn, "I do not know. The healers took him this morn when we arrived and I have not been allowed to see him."
Haldir nodded, "Has anyone said anything?"
Orophin shook his head, "I stopped an apprentice this afternoon that said that only senior healers were allowed with him and that they were fighting hard to save his life."
Haldir turned and asked, "Múrendil, would you please go to the healers flet and see if you can find out how Lómetar fares?" Múrendil nodded and set off at once.
"It is about time you came home," came a voice floating down from high above.
Haldir looked up, trying to confirm his suspicions when a familiar figure descended down the spiraling staircase. Haldir's face was drawn in anger, but the broad smile he wore belied his stern expression. "Legolas, did I not tell you to return home?"
"I did," Legolas smiled and embraced his friend.
Haldir gazed reproachfully at the younger elf, "Have you been tended to by the healers?"
Legolas nodded, a light blush tingeing his fair face, "They seem to know me better than my personal healer at home."
"I wonder why?" Haldir mused, then narrowed his eyes, "You should have returned to Mirkwood. I should hate to think what grief your father is enduring at this very moment."
"Lorien was closer than Mirkwood. Am I not correct?" Legolas's blue eyes shone with mischief as he added, "Besides, I had a messenger sent to him as soon as I entered the Golden Wood. He will know I am safe and well."
Haldir smirked at the childlike tone Legolas used, "I believe Mirkwood and Lorien were equal distance from our last meeting."
Legolas looked mildly shocked, "Oh? I had not realized."
"He realized," came another familiar voice as a figured descended the last few stairs.
Haldir smiled widely and walked to the figure, embracing him warmly, "Eremae, it is good to see you well!"
Eremae laughed at Haldir's demeanor, exchanging pleasantries with him, "Prince Legolas was awaiting our return."
Legolas seemed to blush slightly and gave Eremae a stern look, "I believe someone has forgotten his place."
Eremae lowered his face and nodded mutely.
Haldir gave a Legolas a withering look and clasped Eremae genially around his shoulders and gave him a playful squeeze, "His place is among his friends and those who value his company. He was a very important member of the search party, and I am pleased to have had him serve in my command. "
Eremae looked shocked and stuttered, "Commander, I really did nothing worthy of such a compliment."
"Nonsense," Haldir said, refusing to accept the young elf's words, "You assisted the others in tending the wounded and protected them while others were too exhausted to properly care for them. You thought nothing of your own injuries and needs, putting others before your own personal comfort. I stand by what I said: you were a valuable addition to the company."
Eremae gaped, his face flushing too many shades of red. "Commander, I really… do not think that… I just…."
Haldir nudged the elf slightly and said with a stern voice, "Just say you are thankful and that I was the best commander, and we will be even."
Legolas opened his mouth to in protest but stopped himself as Eremae burst out laughing and gave Haldir an exaggerated roll of his eyes. Legolas frowned, looking between the two and asked, "What is going on? Haldir, are you feeling all right?"
Haldir smirked and gave Eremae a lopsided grin, "Well, Elfling? Am I the best commander or not?"
Eremae's smile slipped into a solemn look and he bowed his head, "It was an honor, sir."
Haldir puffed up his chest and gave Legolas a smug look, "Hear that, Prince? I am the best commander."
"Valar help us," Legolas moaned, casting his eyes to the heavens. "Haldir just had his ego inflated yet again."
"I am the best for a reason," Haldir said with a tone of mock hurt. "I always keep my word and reward those who do their duty without complaint."
Orophin and Rúmil snorted in an un-elflike way and rolled their eyes. Their action reminded Eremae of something and with a sheepish grin, he spoke to Haldir, "You will hold true to our bargain then?"
Haldir looked confused, then paled slightly, "Of course I shall, but now is not the time to discuss it."
Rúmil and Orophin exchanged dark looks and asked, "What is he talking about, Haldir?"
Haldir flushed slightly and gave Eremae an exasperated look. The younger elf shrugged, but his face was beaming in delight at seeing the looks on the three brother's faces.
"What bargain," Rúmil asked again, stepping to Haldir with an evil glare. "What is he talking about, Haldir?"
Eremae stepped in front of Haldir and held up his hands in peace, "I have no family on these shores and your brother was gracious enough to extend his family to me."
"Extend or sell?" Orophin growled, advancing on Haldir who was shaking silently in mirth.
"I have never had brothers before," Eremae said, his face was alight with happiness, "Perhaps you can show me the battle techniques I witnessed? I would much like to learn how to fight better."
Orophin huffed indignantly and nodded, "If would be nice to have a younger brother."
"What am I, orc droppings?" Rúmil snapped, folding his arms across his chest in a hurt manner.
"A much younger brother that is not related to us," Orophin said, then cocked his head, trying to understand what he just said. With a shake of his head, he continued, "We will be happy to teach you better skills. It is easier to teach one so young as one that is so old, he can not be instructed in anything new."
Haldir caught the jest and gave Orophin a rude gesture. Legolas was watching the whole exchange with amusement, the gestures and expressions between the four elves before him were a sight to behold. He wished there was a way to capture their looks, freezing that moment in time forever. Laughing to himself, he shook his head, knowing that such a thing would never be possible.
Eremae was asking about the forms when Legolas interrupted the conversation, "Eremae, are you leaving my service to train here?"
Eremae smiled and bowed his head, "No, my liege. Rúmil and Orophin are to come to Mirkwood for an extended stay, so I may maintain my duties to you and King Thranduil."
Rúmil and Orophin stopped smiling at the mention of Mirkwood and turned slowly to glare at Haldir, whose face was extremely bright red from muffling his laughter. As soon as the two faced their brother, their mutinous expressions made the last of his defenses crumble.
Haldir laughed so hard he doubled over, clutching at his still healing sides. Tears ran down his face as he fought to breathe, his lungs stinging slightly from the abuse they took days before.
"Come, let us find something to eat and drink. Surely you are tired after your journey," Legolas said, wiping tears from his own eyes. He knew of the fear Haldir's brothers held for giant spiders and their last encounter still ran fresh in his mind. "Come, fill us in on what was missed."
"Yes, we would love to hear the tale of what happened after we left," Orophin said with a jovial tone that dropped immediately, seeing the looks on Rúmil's and Haldir's faces. "What? What happened?"
Rúmil's voice was a mere whisper and the elves had to strain to hear his words, "Amarah is dead." When the ensemble gasped, Eremae and Orophin with stunned expressions, Rúmil elaborated, "She called her guards to attack Haldir. Múrendil and I cut through the barrier just in time. When we were trying to make our escape, lightning struck the ground and made its way to Amarah."
"It moved to her intentionally?" Orophin asked with a hushed voice.
"I believe so," Haldir said with a tone of sadness. "It was something I have never seen before."
"Then an intriguing tale awaits us," Legolas said, gesturing to the spiral stairs. "Shall we?"
Haldir opened his mouth to speak, but stopped mid-breath, his eyes glazing over and his body becoming slack. After a minute, he snapped back to himself and said to his brothers, "Rúmil, Orophin, follow me. The lady wishes to see us immediately."
Legolas and Eremae looked to one another with wide-eyed wonder and, in Eremae's case, a bit of fright. Orophin gulped, Rúmil exchanged a frightened look between his brothers and started behind Haldir, whose head was held high as he stalked towards Galadriel's garden, where she awaited her wardens.