Disclaimer: Please see Chapter 1 for full disclaimers, etc.
Diola lle, Elaine... your reviews and off-line conversations are always very helpful.
Chapter 13: Outracing the Mearas
Haldir waited silently for Celeborn and Galadriel to summon him forward. While there was normally little inequality between Elves and she-Elves, there was a long-standing tradition that was thousands upon thousands of years old: the father-to-be was the first to declare the pregnancy to the Lord and Lady of the Wood. And so Haldir waited to fulfill his role in the eternal play.
"My sorrow to have kept you waiting, Haldir," said Galadriel. "Come; sit with us for a moment. Your trip to Rivendell was uneventful? How is my granddaughter?" Although most news of his errand to Lord Elrond was well documented in parchments Haldir had brought to her upon his return, Galadriel preferred to hear some news spoken.
"Arwen grows lovelier by the day," answered Haldir, "and she is doted upon by Lord Elrond."
"He spoils her?" inquired Galadriel.
"No, I would say he indulges her rather than spoils her."
"Good." Galadriel smiled and nodded. "Good."
"I have other news, Lady," said Haldir, and unexpectedly the faintest touch of a blush softened Haldir's cheeks.
"Other news?" asked Celeborn.
"It is my proud duty to inform you that Runevalas will bear our child come spring."
Galadriel's face lit. "A baby? Oh, Haldir, this is indeed wonderful news! We must send word to Dol Amroth at once!"
"I believe Runevalas has the missive prepared already, she is only waiting your blessing before sending it."
Galadriel laughed. "Indeed she has my blessing! Send her to me this evening if you are willing to be parted with her for a few hours, Haldir. I will need to attend the birthing and there are questions I would like to ask her."
"For you alone, Lady, will I part with her after being away for so long. I'm sure she is eager to speak with you about such things." Such things that are a mystery to the males of any species, thought Haldir, and more terrifying than any battle we would fight.
That evening, Haldir stood on the balcony and watched Runevalas as she headed away to see Galadriel. She turned back once and blew him a kiss. He was not given to offering such affectionate gestures, but knew she delighted in them. He smiled and waved so that she knew he had seen her, and then she disappeared out of view.
"Well, it is about time you got around to this. I was starting to think you never slept with her," said Orophin from the stairs.
"And knowing you as we do, we know that is absolutely not the case," added Rumil.
"Did the two of you spy upon us until Runevalas left?" Haldir gave his brothers and exasperated sigh.
"Of course. You would be disappointed in us if we did otherwise," snorted Orophin.
"We have come to celebrate the good news," said Rumil as he sat down.
"What news?" asked Haldir. "I've told you no news."
"Can he really be that dense in the head and still be the Marchwarden of 'Lorien?" asked Orophin. "By the Valar, Haldir. You had barely finished telling Lady Galadriel that Runevalas was pregnant when word began to race through Lothlorien. One of the Mearas would have been hard pressed to stay ahead the news!"
It did not surprise Haldir that word had reached his brothers. There had been several other Elves in attendance with Galadriel and Celeborn when he brought the news. He couldn't help but smile.
"Indeed, it is true," said Haldir. "Runevalas is with child. I shall be an atar (father) come spring."
Seemingly out of thin air, a bottle of wine appeared in Orophin's hand. "Then we shall have a celebration toast!"
"Orophin, you have far too much access to Lady Galadriel's finest wines," said Haldir as he recognized the deep azure bottle.
"You are not the only one whom the Lady indulges from time to time, brother," said Orophin with a sly smile.
"So," said Rumil interrupting them before they went any further with the subject of where Orophin obtained his wine. "Do you know what else this means, Haldir?"
Haldir raised an eyebrow, wondering where Rumil was going.
"It means Orophin and I will be uncles."
Without looking, Haldir took the wine glass offered by Orophin and downed the entire thing in a single gulp. Visions of the trouble these two – especially Orophin – would cause raced through his mind.
"So how do you feel about all of this? You've never really ever spoken about wishing to become a father," asked Rumil thoughtfully.
Overwhelmed, thought Haldir. I knew that someday, perhaps, we would have a child, but it isn't something we purposely planned for... I have never had a burning desire to become a father...
"Haldir?" asked Rumil. His brother's hesitation to answer troubled him.
"Aren't you happy about this?" Even Orophin sounded concerned.
"No... I mean yes..." He rubbed the bridge of his nose while Orophin and Rumil looked at each other.
"I am happy," said Haldir. "Very happy. I just wonder what kind of atar I'll be. Fathering a child is something I always figured I would do, but I never pursued it the way I did other things, and now that it is a reality, I cannot help but wonder..."
"You'll be a wonderful father, Haldir. Why do you..." Rumil started to say.
"Do you remember how our own atar used to be with us?" asked Haldir, interrupting his brother. "I know he loved us, but he was so hard..."
All three brothers went to their own personal memories of their father. Times when they had disappointed him... Orophin when he was unruly and rebellious... Haldir when he was not perfect wielding a sword or a bow... Rumil for not being as good as Haldir... Their father had pushed them with the intent of making all of his sons achieve great heights, but many times he merely drove them away from him, and made them resent him.
"He was hard on us," agreed Rumil softly. His father's scorn still hurt all these years later. "But his intent was good. He just went about it the wrong way. You hide it well, Haldir, but you have a tremendous heart and your devotion to the people you love is unmatched by anyone I know."
Then Orophin said, "You will teach your son or daughter honor and respect, just as you taught Rumil and me. And before you laugh at me, know that you did teach me those things. I often deliberately choose to conveniently forget those lessons, but they are always there when I need to call on them."
"And what of your skill with sword and bow?" added Rumil. "If this child has even half of your talent, with you to teach them he or she will be well beyond the talents of most other Elves."
"Ah," said Orophin, "when you are too hard on the little one – and there will be times that you will be, the sweet and lovely Runevalas will dry their tears and then I'm sure she will neatly take your head off and deliver it back to you on one of Lady Galadriel's crystal platters."
Haldir realized that his brothers were, indeed, right, and deep in his heart he was touched by their faith in him. "What shall happen, I wonder, when this child's two uncles teach him or her to misbehave and they all must face not only my wrath, but the wrath of Runevalas?"
Orophin and Rumil looked at each other. They'd not thought about that.
As always, hope you've enjoyed, although I'm not entirely satisfied with this chapter. Not sure why, but if you have any insights to enlighten me, please do!