Moving along now!
Many thanks for the reviews. I am so happy to find out someone is reading – lol!
To Phantomopera6 – Glad you liked it. Thanks for reviewing each time. It gives me the incentive to keep going.
To AngelAries – Thank you. Here's more – lol.
(General question for anyone kind enough to reply – when I check 'Search' and put in my usual parameters for Haldir stories ie, story by summary, LOTR, Haldir,- my story doesn't come up, despite having keywords like Haldir and Legolas in the summary. Any idea why or any suggestions? I feel left out!
Anyhoo, on with the tale…..
Forever Yours
Chapter 4
Days turned to weeks and soon a month had passed and it was time for the Lord and Lady to return to Lothlorien. Arien had recovered quickly from her ordeal and much to Legolas' and Haldir's relief, showed no sign of not wanting to go into the woods again.
She continued to build her friendship with the Marchwarden. On the final day, they were sitting in the palace garden following their last walk together. Both were quiet and Arien's voice was the first to break the silence:
"Why do you have to go?" she asked petulantly.
"Because the Lord and Lady need me" he replied.
"But I will miss you so much and you will soon forget me!" she answered.
Haldir looked into the child's eyes and saw a sadness he had never seen there before. He felt an ache in his heart at having to part from the little friend of whom he had become so fond.
"I will never forget you, Arien!" he said firmly, as if surprised she would even suggest such a thing.
"Yes you will!" She answered, nodding her head to affirm her words.
"You are wrong Arien. I will always remember you and think of you often. You have made my stay here so pleasant. Leaving you will cause me great sorrow."
"You could stay and become the captain of our guards," she stated.
Haldir smiled;
"I cannot do that dear one and deep down you know it is true. However, I am sure that one day you will come to visit my realm and then it will be my turn to show you all the beauty of Lothlorien".
Her eyes lit up at his suggestion.
"Why can I not come now?" she asked hopefully.
Haldir regarded her sweet upturned face and stroked her cheek gently.
"Because your father would rather to face the hordes of Dol Guldor single-handedly than to let you from his sight when you are yet so young. But one day I feel sure you will come."
Arien realised her pleading was to no avail and instead turned to face Haldir and threw her arms about him in an affectionate hug.
"I will never forget you either," she said quietly.
He in turn wrapped his arms around her and the two remained thus, locked in their own thoughts until Haldir heard his name.
"Haldir, we are leaving shortly."
It was Rumil who had interrupted them. Arien regarded him sadly. She realised that not only was Haldir departing this day, but that her two other playfellows were leaving also. She had delighted in Rumil's apparent delight when he indulged himself in play with her. She knew much would change when they had departed. No longer would she find a playmate with whom to play hide and seek or explore the undergrowth, looking for 'monsters'.
Rumil regarded the scene before him and his heart ached to see them both. He knew from conversations with his brother that he and Arien had become very close and he felt their sadness. Rumil moved closer and spoke to Arien;
"It is always difficult to say goodbye, Arien, especially when friendships have been made. But I am sure you will see each other again."
"That is what Haldir said," she replied.
With that she broke away from Haldir and looked deep into his eyes. Then she placed a small kiss on his cheek and ran from the garden.
Haldir sighed. He knew this day would be painful but unavoidable. Picking up his grey cloak and placing his arm around his younger brother's shoulder he said,
"Come Rumil, let us prolong this sadness no longer. It is time we departed."
Inside the palace, Arien ran into her room and flung herself onto her bed, unable to suppress her tears any longer. Her best friend was leaving and she was sure she would never see him again.
The years passed and Arien grew from child to adult. Soon she reached the day of her majority, the day on which all Elves were regarded as adults. A great party had been planned and it was an extremely happy and proud Legolas who escorted Arien passed all the gathered well-wishers who had assembled to mark the occasion. It seemed as if the whole of Eryn Lasgalen was in attendance. Arien looked radiant. Her attire was beautiful and elegant. Her hair had been braided for the first time in the manner of mature Elves and was held in place with a beautiful mithril barrette. Also of mithril was the delicate pendant which hung about her neck, a gift from her doting brother.
The feast was plentiful and festive. Wine flowed and everyone had a wonderful time. Shortly after midnight, Thranduil approached his daughter. He smiled at her kindly and appeared thoughtful.
"What are you thinking Adar?" she asked, noticing his pensive expression.
"I am merely mourning the passing of youth. I see you now as you have become, almost the exact image of your dear mother, but I also see the child, little Arien, running through the halls and passageways, giggling with mirth and bristling with curiosity. I am proud of what you have become my daughter, never doubt it, but you must indulge the thoughts of a loving father who would forever keep his beloved child small enough to balance on his knee and to throw into the air!"
Arien smiled at him warmly and kissed him tenderly on his cheek.
"I may be grown father, but I still love you as I have always done", she said.
Neither of them saw Legolas approach until he was standing next to them. Turning to face her brother, Arien noticed a glint in his eyes as he turned to the king and inquired;
"May I tell her now Ada?"
Of course my son. I see no reason to keep the surprise any longer."
"What surprise?" Arien asked now, eager to hear all.
"I have persuaded Ada to allow me to take you with me on a short visit I am soon to make."
Arien's face lit up at the news.
"Where are we going?" she asked eagerly.
"To Lothlorien!" he replied.
Well, that's another one posted. Please feel free to do the usual (R&R) and also, I'm open to suggestions for plot twists etc, 'cos although I have the whole thing summarised I'm pretty flexible.
Update within next three days (hopefully).
