Hi everyone! Hope you're still with me? Many thanks to brownie24 for your review. In case I havn't mentioned it, I live for feedback – good or bad – I'll take anything that comes, just as long a I know there's someone out there (yes, I'm begging and it's bad and sad, but what the heck! I need something to keep me going!)
Many thanks, a usual to Miss Sofie for her invaluable assistance (not to mention time).
Anyway, things get a bit more romantic for a while, so I hope you enjoy it as much as the action.
On we go then!
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Forever Yours
Chapter 13
Haldir stood at the window lost in thought as he watched the last rays of the sun disappear behind the buildings. He turned to look at Arien, who, during the hours which had passed, had not relinquished her watch over her ailing brother, neither for food or rest. There had been little change in his condition since first they moved him to the room. He remained motionless in a healing sleep and Arien's single comfort was to study the gentle rise and fall of his chest; the only sign he was still alive.
At last, Haldir could bear it no longer and tried once more to rouse her;
"Arien," he pleaded, "Please, come away for just a short while. Orophin will tend him and will tell us if there is any change. I beg you, come take some air with me and perhaps a little food."
Arien showed no sign she had heard him so he knelt beside her and placed his arm gently around her shoulders. He leant his head against hers and spoke softly;
"I cannot take away the pain which I know you feel, but I would share this burden with you, if only you will allow it."
Arien turned her face slowly to his and he saw nought but anguish written in her features. He was flooded once more by the affection he had for her and longed to pull her to him in a loving embrace, but he stayed the motion and instead stroked the side of her face gently. His eyes were drawn to the cuts on her lips and the bruises to her cheeks and forehead. He traced the outline of her chin with his thumb and she tried to pull away but she could not escape his grasp and she ceased her slight resistance. His eyes travelled from her face to her neck where long, red marks lay testament to the manner of their infliction. A cold dread washed over him as his mind filled with images of other physical mistreatment the men may have forced upon her, but he had never heard of any elleth surviving the ordeal of rape and found comfort in the knowledge, for Arien was still with them. She met his gaze and realised she no longer had strength to resist; her eyes filled with unshed tears but she said nothing and allowed him to help her slowly to rise. She placed her hand in his and he squeezed it gently as he led her to the door. She allowed him to lead her outside to a small courtyard. It was, by that time, completely dark and she lifted her head to gaze at the stars;
"When I was young, Ada told me every star was the soul of an Elf. Oft I would look at them and wonder which was my mother's and take comfort in the thought perhaps she was watching over me, but I will find no such comfort if the soul of my brother should join hers."
Haldir wanted to tell her all would be well but he would not promise something over which he had no influence. He feared greatly Legolas would not last through the night. He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward him.
Dear Arien," he said, softly, "What will come to pass we cannot foresee but must place our hope and trust in the Valar and their mercy. I have known Legolas for many years and he is as a brother to me. I know he is strong, and loves life. I do not feel he will willingly let go to everything he holds dear and it is in this you must place your hope. For my part, I am at your command. Ask I give my life for his and I will do so in an instant if it will take away the pain I see weighing so heavily upon you."
Haldir fell silent but Arien did not doubt the sincerity of his words and she took his face in her hands;
"I do not deserve such compassion, Haldir" she said solemnly, "For it is because of me my brother lies so close to death. Illadris spoke to me of the affection between you but I allowed my naivety to have the upper hand. I see now how her fear of losing you, coupled with her driving ambition to become the wife of the Marchwarden forced her to risk all."
Haldir stared at her speechlessly and barely managed to utter;
"But Arien, there is nothing between us! We have engaged in moments of mutual gratification, but that is all they were. I have never considered her anything more than a convenient outlet for my tensions; a distraction. As for her plan to become my wife, this is the first time I have been aware of it!"
Arien was shocked by his admission and a little surprised at his bluntness as realisation of the true nature of Illadris's deeds washed over her. Her hands fell to her sides and she backed away from him slightly;
"Despite these revelations, my brother still fights for his life and I cannot dismiss the part my unwariness has played in causing his injury. Guilt hangs heavy on my heart. How can I continue to live if I cause the loss of one so dear to me? What do I have to keep me here?"
"You have me," he replied, slowly and added, "if you wish it!"
He pulled her close and lowered his lips to hers. It was not a kiss of ardent lovers but of two drawn together in a time of despair, finding comfort in the shared warmth of physical contact. Arien absorbed the sensations of her first kiss; the gentle, reassuring tenderness as his lips brushed tentatively across hers before claiming them completely; the strange but pleasurable awareness of his firm body pressed against hers. She raised her arms to wrap tentatively around his neck and in doing so, allowed him to pull her closer in his embrace. After a few short moments they parted and she could not mistake the look of devotion on his face. She drank in the sight of his warm smile as his soft lips descended to caress hers once more.
They were interrupted abruptly by the appearance of Orophin who called to them, excitedly;
"He is awake!"
They hurriedly followed Orophin inside and Arien's heart leapt for joy as her brother slowly turned his head at the sound of their arrival and looked at her. Tearfully, she threw herself upon him and Legolas uttered a groan at the intensity of her hug. She released him immediately she comprehended the discomfort her enthusiasm had caused.
"I appreciate your relief, Arien," he said, quietly, "but I must ask you desist from expressing your joy quite so earnestly until I am at least a little stronger!"
Arien realised, despite Legolas' attempt at levity, it pained him greatly even to speak. She relaxed her hold on him and smiled in apology for the extra discomfort she had caused. She placed a finger to his lips and said timidly,
"That was most remiss of me, Legolas but pray, do not admonish me for my relief, for I feared losing you. I will ever be thankful the Valar saw fit to answer my prayers!"
Legolas considered her words for a moment and replied;
"Do you remember the last time you believed we would be parted?"
Arien thought back to the time she had encountered the spider in the woods of Eryn Lasgalen and recalled her brother's words;
"You told me you would never allow me to leave you", she stated, quietly.
"Indeed," replied Legolas "and that means I will never leave you either!"
With these words, Legolas' strength was spent and weariness overtook him. Arien held his hand tenderly in hers and softly stroked a few stray hairs from his brow as he drifted once more into slumber.
The night dragged by slowly as they awaited the arrival of the healers from Lothlorien. Arien persuaded the brothers to seek food as they had not eaten for many hours. They accepted her suggestion reluctantly and only because she agreed to eat also on their return.
Arien was left alone with her thoughts and they turned easily to Haldir. She smiled as she recalled his gentle embrace; the soft caress of his silken hair against her skin. A warm flush washed over her as she evoked the feel of his body flush against her own and the tenderness with which their lips had met in their first kiss. She longed to be close to him once more and immediately chastised herself for desiring such when her attention should be devoted solely to her brother. She returned her full attentiveness to Legolas and decided her desires would have to wait.
Shortly after first light, a party of Guardians, including two healers, arrived from Lothlorien and soon they set out on their journey back to the safety of the Golden Wood.
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Haldir stood before his lord and lady. He had much to relate and hoped they may have answers to some of the questions formed in his mind over the past few days. Arien had accompanied her brother to the House of Healing and he felt gratified events had unfolded in such a favourable way. He could not bear to think of the things which might have been. He related all which had occurred from the time of his arrival in the village to the present. During his report the lord and lady questioned him little and on completion, he could restrain himself no longer;
"My lord, I am consumed with concern regarding Illadris and her deeds. Please tell me what you have learned and how you intend to deal with this matter."
Celeborn told Haldir that which had passed since his departure, including Rumil's urgent mission to request the presence of Thranduil. Haldir considered the information thoughtfully for a moment then said;
"As Marchwarden, the deeds of the Guardians are my responsibility. I request permission to see Illadris before her trial."
Celeborn turned questioningly to his wife and she spoke silently to him;
"I believe we should allow him to see her. Perhaps when confronted with reality Illadris may realise how grave is her situation and with realisation may come remorse."
Celeborn thought on the words of his wife for a brief moment and reluctantly agreed to the meeting.
Haldir went directly to Illadris's talan and entered unannounced. She was startled by his sudden arrival but could not stay her venomous tongue;
"Why, Marchwarden, you are returned! How fares your precious little princess? Has she tired of playing games with her new friends?"
Haldir flew toward the elleth and gripped her painfully by her shoulders. Illadris stared at him in amazement as she had never before seen the Marchwarden so enraged. Even in battle he kept his anger in check, but she saw his eyes ablaze with uncontrolled fury and could not resist tormenting him further;
"Are you angry with me or do you mourn the loss of her innocence to others? Tell me, Haldir, will you still have her knowing she is spoiled?"
Illadris spat the words at him with undisguised delight and he shook her so hard her head reeled with the force of it.
"You dare to taunt me, Illadris?" he snarled through clenched teeth. "I came here with hope you would feel regret or even remorse for your actions but your malevolence is without compare. Very well, enjoy your derision while you may! We will see if your spirit is as strong when faced with the wrath of Thranduil!"
So saying, he threw her away from him and stormed from the talan.
Tbc
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Now we all know I'm begging, so please R&R (I'll put you on my Christmas card list – lol).
