Well, here we are then – the penultimate chapter! I can't believe it's coming to an end but I'm starting to think about the next one, so I won't get too many withdrawal symptoms – lol!
This is a bit sad, but I wanted to include it as I've not read any stories which try to show the feelings of the Elves of Lorien and Rivendell (Imladris) as they set out to the Deep.
Haldir's Heart and Soul – stick with it. It'll be OK. I've done a lot of research for the last chapter to ensure my ideas will work and I think you may have a surprise.
Hopefully, I'll have the final chapter ready to post soon, but it's a bit involved and is taking longer than anticipated.
Thanks once again to everyone for continuing to read.
Cymrulady
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Forever Yours
Chapter 26
Arien paced anxiously from one room of her home to another. The reinforcements from Rivendell had arrived in the early hours and Haldir had left immediately to greet them. He had told her not to expect his return for a few hours as he had to meet with Lord Celeborn but nevertheless, she could not prevent herself anticipating his arrival with every sound.
Suddenly, the door opened and he walked slowly into the room. Arien gasped when she saw him. Gone were the greys and blacks of his uniform. He wore in its stead, Elven armour of gold, skilfully wrought, the plates of which shimmered with every move. About his shoulders draped a cloak of crimson which denoted his rank beyond any doubt. Arien stared at her husband, unmoving; so overcome was she by the magnificence of his appearance. He smiled, slightly and said:
"A little grand, and not quite what I am used to, but it was bestowed upon me by the Lord and Lady. I am greatly honoured, but, like you, a little overwhelmed!"
Arien broke from her trance and took his hands in hers:
"Nothing is too grand for the one who will lead the Elven army. You look wonderful! Despite my concerns, I am so proud of you, beloved!"
He wrapped her in his arms and for a few short moments, reality ceased to exist as the intensity of their kiss transported them to another place. However, the cold, hard metal in which her husband was encased, quickly brought Arien back to the present and she passed her hand across its unyielding surface. She prayed it was as strong as it was beautiful and would indeed serve to shield him from harm. He led her to a window seat and pulled her to sit beside him. He stroked her hair gently, and then took her hands in his:
"You must be brave, my beautiful Arien. Have faith in our love and the mercy of the Valar to bring us safely through these dark times. Remember, our souls are joined, so even when we are apart, we will still be together in that special place which is ours alone. Do not waste your days consumed by misery, but try to calm the concerns of others, for you are the wife of the Marchwarden, and as such, should strive to be an example to others who remain behind."
His words were interrupted by voices and they looked from the window to see a party of wardens walking hurriedly past beneath them. They too, were no longer dressed in their customary uniforms, but in silver armour and cloaks of midnight blue. Upon their heads were helms of intricate design, and when she saw them, Arien became alarmed:
"They all wear helmets! Where is yours, Haldir? Should you not wear one also?"
"They restrict slightly ones hearing and scope of vision, my dear," he replied, calmly. "As a commander, I cannot permit my senses to be diminished in such a way. Pray do not concern yourself. I have adequate protection, I assure you!"
Arien found little consolation in his explanation, but questioned no further. Haldir slightly resented the untimely distraction, as he had so much to tell her and time pressed heavily upon him, so he continued:
"Arien, we have had such a short time together, but even a thousand years would not have been enough. You are my life, my love, my reason to be. You have been the greatest source of joy in my life and it is with a heavy heart I part from you this day. There are many paths, many adventures which still await us and I pray we will be permitted to follow them. This war cannot last forever, my love. One day, it will end and if the fates are kind, we shall once more be reunited."
Arien struggled to find words with which to reply. She wanted desperately to retract her bravery of earlier; to beg selfishly that he remain, but she knew the situation was already difficult for him and to do so would only cause him further anguish. She felt her eyes prickle with tears which threatened to fall, but blinked them back resolutely as she replied:
"My dearest heart, words do not exist which will sufficiently describe how very much I adore you. I will try to do all you ask and live for the day of your return."
Haldir smiled at her purposeful expression, for the slight tremor in her voice, even though she tried to control it, betrayed her true feelings. He knew further conversation would be unnecessarily painful for her and instead, swept her into his embrace and held her tightly to him. Her own arms tightened in response and thus they remained, until a soft rap on the door announced the arrival of Rumil. Arien looked at him over Haldir's shoulder and smiled when she saw how proudly he held himself, obviously aware of his imposing image.
"Haldir, it is time!" he said, quietly.
Rumil watched as his brother gently disengaged himself from the embrace and his heart ached as he saw the reluctance with which Arien released him. Haldir took her hand and the three made their way slowly to the gates of Caras Galadhon.
The area just inside the gate was teeming with activity. Arien gripped her husband's hand tighter as she saw so many making their emotional farewells; mothers to sons; wives to husbands; sweethearts to lovers. She looked at the faces of Elves she had come to know and wondered how many would return. Haldir saw the arrival of the Lord and Lady a little ahead of them and stopped, pulling Arien closer to his side.
"This is where I must leave you, beloved," he said, gently. "Our departure is imminent and I must assemble the company."
Arien felt a wash of panic sweep over her. The moment which had haunted her since early morning had finally arrived. She reluctantly slid her hand from his as she turned to face Rumil. She gazed upon him with heart-felt affection, before she hugged him tightly.
"Dear brave, Rumil! she said, her voice almost breaking. "How lonely these woods will seem without you. Promise me, you will stay close to Haldir, that you may help protect each other."
"That is a promise easily made, my sister, for I have every intention of keeping him in my sight."
She kissed his cheek softly and then looked about her anxiously:
"Orophin! Where is Orophin?"
Haldir caught her shoulders to still her panic:
"He is to remain, Arien. He is the acting Marchwarden until my return. He is at this very moment on the northern borders."
The sudden sound of a horn cut through the air and a subdued hush fell over the gathered throng. Arien watched as loved ones parted and final farewells were called. She turned to her husband in anticipation of one last passionate gesture, but he smiled kindly and said:
"We have made our farewells in the privacy of our home. Let there be no tears or sad words at our parting. Send me on my way with the same gentle smile which will greet my return."
He leant forward to kiss her, but it was imparted so swiftly she scarce had time to notice his lips on hers. He paused for a brief moment and gazed at her intently, then turned away and strode purposefully toward the ranks of Elven warriors. Rumil smiled warmly and hurried after his brother.
As Haldir neared his troops, they snapped to attention, and thus they remained, as the Lord and Lady made their way toward them. Neither smiled and Arien perceived a sadness about the Lady she could not remember ever having seen before. Celeborn made his way slowly to stand before them and as he walked, he proudly surveyed the assembled Elves, then spoke with a voice both solemn and resolute:
"Elves of Lorien and Rivendell! You represent all that is good and honourable of Elvendom in Middle Earth. We cannot and will not, allow our old allies to fall victim to Sauron's evil ambitions. As once we stood together as brothers, so shall we do so once more. Hold your Elven banners high! Let all who see you, know you march with one heart and one purpose. May the strength of the Firstborn protect and keep you, and may the Valar watch over you, that you may soon return safely to a lasting peace."
Celeborn bowed his head in honour of their bravery, before he returned to his wife's side. Galadriel remained silent, but looked to each and every face of her beloved wardens. Most she had known since their birth and it pained her to see several generations of the same family amongst the company, not just in one instance but many. She knew assuredly many of her brave people would not return.
Once more, the horn was blown and Arien watched as Haldir bowed respectfully before moving to the head of the legion. Once he was in position, he gave the signal to move out and the Elven army marched from Caras Galadhon, their banners streaming; a long winding river of dark blue and silver which disappeared into the forest beyond. Arien, however, only had eyes for the unmistakable crimson of her husband's cloak and watched with strained eyes until it too, disappeared.
She stood at the gates long after the remaining inhabitants of the city had departed. She starred to the horizon, unseeing, until the setting sun signalled the end of day and her feet finally obeyed the command of reason, as she made her way sadly to her home. She pushed open the door and entered the silent talan. She thought it strange how she had never noticed its empty silence before. She had spent nights alone while she awaited the return of her love from his duties, but now the silence was palpable and there was no warmth or comfort to be found even in the familiarity of the furnishings or objects. She entered the study, and aimlessly shuffled the maps and other papers which lay upon the desk. She picked up the quill, and recalled the sound of the nib as it was used to list duty rotas or detail reports. She moved into the sitting room, and sat for a few moments in the window seat she had shared with her love just hours before. She tried to picture him opposite her once more, but her rebellious mind refused to obey and continued on its path of misery. Finally, she moved to the bedroom; their bedroom. She lay upon its soft covers and closed her eyes, demanding to be delivered of his image. This time, her mind obeyed and she saw him once more; except she could only envisage him dressed in armour; that cold, emotionless embodiment of war. She could bear the pain no longer and curled herself into a tight ball, wrapped her arms about her and allowed her tears to flow:
"Oh, Haldir!" she sobbed.
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Tbc
OK, hankies away, please! If you'd like to take a moment from the weeping to R&R, I'd be sooooooo delighted, and it would give me a push to deliver the final part.
Thanks
