Thank you for your very kind reviews. I am so glad you've stuck with me so far. There aren't too many chapter to go now, so the end is in sight!
Just a quick words
Muireall and LornaDoone - Thank you, I'm glad you like it.
Haldir's Heart and Soul –Bless - you're so worried for him! Not to worry, chapter 23 should cheer you up a bit.(lol!)
Well, on we go, chapter 23 follows straight after – no delay between the two.
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Forever Yours
Chapter 22
Haldir sat in a flet at the border, his brothers beside him,the remainder of his command divided between the numerous other platforms. They awaited the arrival of the Fellowship with anxiety, as word of the burden they carried with them had spread quickly through the Elves of Lothlorien. A day had passed with no sign and the wardens began to fear circumstances had turned against their expected visitors. Haldir allowed his mind to drift to recent events and he reflected on the whimsy of fate. He had felt nought but despair such a short while ago; the sadness of a love denied him; the loss of two companions, one at the hands of an elleth so evil, it was inconceivable she had been of Elfkind; accusations of kin-slaying. He marvelled at how so much could change in such a short space of time and smiled as he thought of the promise of happiness delivered to him with the return of Arien. If it had not been for the dark shadow of evil which had crept back over Middle Earth, all would have seemed blissful. He regretted not seeing Arien before his departure but looked forward with licentious anticipation to their reunion and allowed his imagination free reign as he invented ways in which to tease and torment his love even further. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft call from a nearby flet and he caught a fleeting glimpse of movement in the undergrowth. He signalled several wardens to join him and silently descended the rope ladder, followed by his brothers. They were amused to hear gruff whisperings of one who obviously sought to be clandestine but failed miserably. Their amusement turned to anger as they heard the fair Lady of Light described as dangerous and an Elf-witch; Haldir ordered Rumil and Orophin to load their bows.
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The Fellowship moved through the low brush on the outskirts of the Golden Wood, quietly and with heavy hearts. Their path so far had been laden with misfortune. Not bad enough their route over Caradhas had been blocked by Saruman the wizard, who sought power through siding with the Dark Lord, but their venture into the Dwarf Mines of Moria had delivered the ultimate blow; the fall of Gandalf the Grey, or Mithrandir, as he was known to the Elves. The Ranger, Aragorn had assumed the role of leader and had decided to head for Lothlorien in the hope of finding refuge. All were weary and their travel was made harder by the weight of their grief.
The further the Fellowship ventured into the Golden Wood, the more Legolas conceded to his apprehension. The wonderment he always felt for the beauty of the forest was overwhelmed by his concern for meeting the Marchwarden once more. Haldir's words at their last encounter reverberated in his consciousness with painful clarity and he was forced once more to question how one he had always considered as a brother, could turn against him with such vehemence.
Suddenly, the Fellowship came to an abrupt halt, as they were confronted with the points of several deadly arrows. Legolas instinctively drew his bow and returned aim, but shock quickly displaced anxiety as he recognised his adversaries. He looked into the cold, grey eyes of Rumil and Orophin and they returned his stare without flinching. They knew better than to stand down their guard without word from their Captain, even though they had recognised Legolas immediately. Of the remaining members of the Fellowship, they knew only the Ranger. Haldir moved between them and said in a low voice, laden with arrogance and disdain;
"The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark!"
He turned his attention to Legolas, whose eyes widened with anticipation of Haldir's next remark but the Marchwarden gave no indication of latent animosity and said simply;
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion!"
Haldir then listened intently as Aragorn related the plight of his group and begged the help of the Elves of Lothlorien. The Ranger was known to the Galadhrim as he had visited Caras Galadhon in the years before and at that time had promised his heart to Arwen Evenstar, daughter of Lord Elrond and grandchild of Galadriel and Celeborn and Aragorn wasted no time in introducing the other members of their group; Boromir, son of the Steward of Gondor, the Hobbits; Merry, Pippin, Sam and Frodo and, to the obvious disbelief of the Elves, the Dwarf, Gimli, son of Gloin. It was agreed they should be lead to the city under escort and with leaden feet, the Fellowship set out on the long trek to Caras Galadhon.
The Elves watched the progress of the Hobbits with fascination as they had believed the little people no longer dwelt in Middle Earth.
Haldir remained at the head of the party and made no attempt to talk with the prince. Rumil ventured a few words, but was careful not to allow his attempt to be noticed by his elder brother; he had no wish to incur his wrath. He moved to walk beside Legolas and whispered, quietly;
"How are you, my friend? You appear careworn and weary!"
"Indeed, much has occurred we did not foresee when first we set about our quest. I fear the forces of darkness lie heavily upon us all, and I crave the succour of peace and tranquillity which I hope will be found in your fair city," he replied, quietly.
"How is it you appear so at ease in the company of the Dwarf?" Rumil continued. "He is a strange companion indeed, for an Elf."
"Do not speak ill of my friend," warned Legolas. "He is of stout heart and chosen by Elrond to be one of our party. He is of Dain's people and has proved honourable and of great value in times of trouble."
"Forgive me, Legolas. We live in difficult times and are all a little suspicious. If you vouch for him, then his presence will sit comfortably with me," replied Rumil, then he nodded in the direction of Haldir; "but do not expect the same ease of acceptance from him!"
Legolas saw a small smile play around Rumil's lips and returned it, if a little ruefully. Of Arien's presence in Lothlorien, Rumil did not speak. He knew better than to intrude upon the affairs of his brother and determined to leave her disclosure firmly with Haldir.
After many hours, they were within sight of Caras Galadhon. Haldir led them straight to the audience chamber where they were met by the Lord and Lady. Haldir listened with dismay as Legolas related of Gandalf's confrontation with the Balrog of Moria and his subsequent demise. The Lord and Lady were saddened by the news and submitted the group to much questioning. Finally, the Lady requested they should rest a while in the city and Haldir led them to a pavilion on the ground, where beds and food had been laid in readiness. Haldir seized upon that moment to confront Legolas. He had considered speaking with him in the course of their passage through the woods but had thought better of it. However, he realised he could no longer delay the inevitable and looking about he glade, saw the prince seated on a small rock, his head bowed, his features set in grim contemplation . The Marchwarden approached him slowly, stood silently at his side and placed his hand gently on his shoulder;
"You have travelled far and met with great peril, Legolas. In times such as these, trivial conflicts should be set aside in favour of friendship."
Legolas lifted his head to look directly into the face of the Marchwarden and was surprised, for in place of the animosity he had expected, he saw only genuine concern. He rose and shrugged Haldir's hand away, as the anguish and sorrow he held within caused him to cast aside his normal control;
"Friendship?" he spat. "You speak of friendship and yet not so long ago, you despised me. It is a little late in the day for regret, my haughty Marchwarden. Or is this merely a gesture through which you hope to enlist my aide to win my sister. There was a time when I wished fervently for a union between you both, but times change and now my mind is consumed with other matters, matters far more urgent than the inconsequential desires of an egotistical Elf!"
Haldir did not move, but merely raised an eyebrow and replied;
"I could take offence at your outburst, Legolas, but in truth, I choose not to. I shall attribute it to the strain and anxiety of your situation. The fact is, I am no longer consumed by thoughts of Arien's return. Had I found you more amenable, I would have asked you to meet with someone I am certain you would be most happy to see, but I think it would be wise to postpone the moment until you are better composed."
So saying, Haldir turned from the prince and walked calmly away.
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Arien paced her apartment with growing impatience. She had spoken with the Lady the previous day and learned of the imminent arrival of the Fellowship. Her heart swelled with joy at the premise of seeing her brother and she peered through the window yet again in the hope of any sign of their arrival. Concern tinged her excitement as she heard the beautiful but sad strains of an Elven lament. There came the sound of a soft knock upon her door, and she was overjoyed as Haldir entered the room and strode toward her. She grasped his hands and demanded, excitedly;
"Is he here? Please say he is here!"
"I am delighted to see you also, my dove!" stated Haldir, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Arien released him and stepped back slightly; she looked at him pleadingly and replied;
"I beg your forgiveness for my brashness, Haldir, but I so long to see my brother again, I can think of nothing else. Please, tell me all there is to know. Has he arrived? Who is with him? Is he aware of my presence?"
Her questions tumbled from her in quick succession and Haldir's expression softened, as he stroked her face gently and said;
"Do not fret so, Arien, I understand your anxiousness. Legolas has indeed arrived, along with as strange a group of travelling companions as you would ever imagine. One of them is a Dwarf, if you please!"
Arien giggled at his expression of exasperation before pleading with him once more;
"May I see him. Oh, please, take me to him!"
Haldir could refuse her pleas no longer and taking her hand in his, led her from the room. As they hurried along the path which led to the glade, he said;
"You shall meet with him alone. I ventured to speak with him, but I do not believe he is ready to resume our friendship. He knows not of your arrival here and I think it best you explain everything in your own way. Perhaps he will then calm sufficiently for us to have a more civilised conversation, one during which I will not have to suffer his insults!"
Arien noted the petulance which weighted his words and muttered, almost inaudibly;
"But you insulted him first!"
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Tbc.
New Line Cinema – Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Ring
" Legolas Thranduilion" – Legolas, son of Thranduil
Please feel free to continue to chapter 23 – we're having a wedding!
Please, R&R. Thanks
