Once again, I apologize for the long delay. Work has been taking up most of my time and stressing me out so much I really didn't have motivation to write too much. HOWEVER, since it is Friday I regained my motivation knowing I don't have to go to work tomorrow! Anyway, enough of that! Thank you so much for your reviews and I hope this super long chapter will make up for my not updating for so long. Let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Lord of the Rings.
Chapter 43: Good byes, Ceremonies, and . . .
Ana sighed as she brushed out her hair, they were leaving and going back home, but a small part of her didn't want to leave her friends. The last two weeks had been full of happiness and Ana had come to think of Arwen as sister, which made sense because if she considered Aragorn her brother than Arwen would be her sister in law. Ana quickly braided her hair and adjusted her tunic she had little time to get outside where everyone waited for her, and hopefully the good byes would be easy.
Ana walked outside and the mid-summer air was crisp. She smiled at Haldir but he did not see her yet as he stood with his horse. Aragorn and Arwen were with him as well as Legolas and Gimli. The hobbits had left for their Shire the week before. Éowyn stood with Faramir, whom she was to wed in three months time. Éomer stood next to Aragorn, and laughed happily at something Haldir had said. Haldir smiled and looked up at her as Rumil and Orophin brought their horses next to his. Ana quickly made her way outside with her pack and quickly embraced Aragorn. The man chuckled and returned her embrace.
"I wish you were coming with me," she said quietly and Aragorn squeezed her gently.
"Haldir told me of your ceremony that is awaiting you, and I do wish I could be there, but my place is here," he told her gently. Ana pulled back and smiled up at him with a nod.
"I know," she said and Aragorn smiled at her. Ana turned to Arwen and hugged the other elleth. "I will miss you," she said softly and Arwen sighed as Ana pulled away.
"And I you, but you are in good company," Arwen said. Ana laughed and nodded her head. Ana then turned to Éowyn who had tears in her eyes. Ana shook her head and embraced her dearest friend.
"It is going to be dreadfully boring without you," Éowyn whispered. Ana laughed softly and stepped back from her.
"I'll miss you, Éowyn, and I wish I could be here for your wedding," Ana said and Éowyn gave her a small smile as she took Faramir's hand into hers.
"You will be there in spirit," Faramir said and Ana smiled up at him. She didn't know him that well but what she did know, she liked. He was a kind man and in some ways reminded her of Boromir, but he was softer and not as harsh as the great warrior.
"That I will, just take care of her." Faramir nodded and Ana moved to Éomer who looked down at her with a kind smile. "When do you ride back to Edoras?" she asked quietly and he sighed.
"In a month, once the trades are finalized and the plans to rebuild Minas Tirith and the villages in the Mark is when I will return home," he said and Ana nodded.
"Stay safe my friend," she whispered before she hugged the man who stiffened but slowly returned her embrace. "I like to hug," she whispered and he chuckled. She pulled back and smiled at him one last time before she moved onto Legolas and Gimli. "Now you two, better not be causing any trouble," she said with a smile. Gimli huffed and Legolas smiled at her.
"I'm afraid, we'll be too busy traveling Middle Earth to do that, my friend," Legolas said. Ana smiled and nodded her head before Haldir wrapped his arm around Ana's waist.
"Then stay safe, both of you," she said as Haldir hoisted her up onto his horse and he quickly mounted behind her. Orophin and Rumil mounted their own horses and Ana felt tears come to her eyes once again. "Good bye everyone!" she called out with a waive as Haldir led his horse away followed by Orophin and Rumil. Everyone waived in return and Ana saw Éowyn wipe her face and give her a said smile. Ana sighed and turned ahead before she rested her back against Haldir's chest. Her weapons were strapped to the horse while Haldir wore his as always. "I'm going to miss them," she whispered and Haldir kissed the crown of her head.
"I know you will, but you will see them again, and plus when we return home there will be much to do before the ceremony," he whispered and she nodded her head. Ana smiled at the various people their small party passed. As she said part of her was going to miss the White City, but she knew that she longed for the trees she lad left so long ago and her heart rested will with the elf behind her and she knew she would be happy for all eternity.
Ana's stomach was in knots as she stood in Lady Galadriel's talan, why she was so nervous she didn't know. She had nothing to prove to anyone that day. All she had to do was say a few simple lines and her bond with Haldir would be formal. She smoothed out her cream colored gown that flowed like water over her form and seemed to sparkle as though the stars of the night sky were sewn into the soft material. Sadie barked as she sat next to Ana and Ana sighed as she kneeled down next to her friend, one she missed while she was gone. Ana rubbed Sadie's head and smiled a small smile.
"There is no cause for your nerves," echoed a soft voice behind her. Ana laughed as she stood and turned around to see Galadriel standing there smiling kindly at her.
"I know, I know, but I can't help it. I mean . . ." she trailed off and sighed but as Galadriel walked to her she gave her a knowing smile.
"There is always room for doubt even in the most certain of circumstances." Ana smiled and took Galadriel's extended hand. "Come now, you're husband is waiting," Galadriel told her telepathically and Ana let out a heavy breath before she nodded and led Ana from her talan with Sadie trailing behind. They stopped before the descended the long staircase of the great tree. Rumil stood there with a smile unlike any she had seen on his face. "Rumil will lead you to the clearing where everyone awaits you." Galadriel let go and clicked her teeth for Sadie who obediently followed the Lady of Light down the many stairs.
"Oh, Rumil, I feel sick," she said quietly as she pulled her hand from his and put it on her stomach before he could lead her down the stairs and the elf laughed and shook his head.
"Elves do not fall ill, unless under extreme circumstances, your illness is just from nerves," Rumil reassured her as he took her hand once more. Ana sighed and nodded her head, being careful not to let the flowers Sanya had so carefully woven into her. As they walked down the stairs she raised her free hand to the pendant that rested at her neck, the gift Haldir had given her, the one item she treasured over anything and she took a deep breath and suddenly felt calm.
"Rumil, do you think Haldir is happy with me?" she asked in a whisper as they neared the clearing. Rumil chuckled and looked down at her.
"Ana, do you remember nothing of my brother before you found yourself falling in love with him, which I still find surprising," he said quietly. Ana gave him a pointed look that he ignored. "Ana, before you my brother had the reputation of being cold hearted you warmed his cold heart and even when we were elflings, I never remember seeing him so happy. So, to answer your question, yes Ana, I know Haldir is very happy with you." Ana smiled and let out a long breath as the small crowd parted to reveal an isle that led to a canopied, for the lack of a better word in Ana's mind, alter. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel stood there and as soft Elvin voices filled the air to provide music for her walk, Haldir stepped in from the side and their eyes met. Ana smiled at him and then laughed softly when she spotted Sadie sitting very quietly and obediently next to Lady Galadriel.
Rumil led her to the alter and let go of her arm and passed it on to Haldir who took it with a quick nod to his brother. Ana felt a slight tremble in the usually stoic elf's hand and she looked at him with a reassuring smile as she squeezed his hand. She heard him sigh quietly as he returned her squeeze.
"Today," Celeborn began and all sounds quieted and the eyes of the elves were trained on the alter, "we come together for an even that has not taken place in these woods for many years. Today, we join Haldir, our strong and loyal Marchwarden, and Adonnenniel, Daughter of Light." Ana raised an eyebrow at her title and glanced briefly at Lady Galadriel.
"You required a title, and it seemed only fitting as you are just that. The Daughter of Light . . . the one who the Valar graced with a second chance and the one the Valar saw to be essential to life in Middle Earth,"Galadriel's voice echoed in her mind. Ana smiled and looked back to Lord Celeborn.
"The finalization of this union shall be completed today with the exchange of promises and vows. Adonnenniel, please turn to Haldir and state your vows." Ana nodded her head and turned to face Haldir. They held onto each others hands and she smiled up at him.
"You cannon possess me for I belong to myself," she said reciting the lines Galadriel had her memorize. They were beautiful, but she feared that at one point she would blush a lovely shade of red as she recited them. "But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannon command me, for I am a free person, but I shall serve you in those ways you require, and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand." Haldir squeezed her hands and she took a deep breath before she continued. "I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night and the eyes into which I smile in the morning. I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup. I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine." At that Haldir took a slow deep breath and she paused for a second before she continued. She knew he thought of the night at Helms Deep when she was a shield for him. "I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances. This is my wedding vow to you. This is the marriage of equals."
By the time the words left her lips, she felt even more at ease that they were over, but there was something else as she looked into Haldir's eyes. Something she couldn't quiet place it was a warmth in the pit of her stomach where her stomach had been a flutter all day. She felt as if all was going to be alright, but that something big was about to happen other then their bonding ceremony.
"Haldir, please state your vows to Adonnenniel," Celeborn said. Out of the corner of her eye, Ana saw Galadriel's posture stiffen slightly and a smirk graced the Lady of Light's features before she closed her eyes softly. However, Ana paid no mind and looked to Haldir with a smile. Haldir recited the same words she had, only his seemed more passion filled, and Ana only hoped that she sounded as in love as he did as he made his promises. Celeborn handed each one a silver ring. He gave Ana the larger of the two and she looked at him. "Now slide the ring that symbolizes your never ending love around the third finger of Haldir's left hand." Ana smiled once more, this part she knew and slowly did as Celeborn said. Haldir did the same and the pair looked to Celeborn. "May your bond be filled with peace, love, and happiness for all eternity." He said as he held his arms out and Ana looked at Haldir.
"Can I kiss you?" she asked in a whisper. Haldir only laughed and pulled her close to him causing the elves to erupt in cheers as she looked at him with shock written all over her face.
"No, I'll kiss you," he whispered before he claimed her lips heatedly. Ana smiled against his lips as she returned his kiss.
Ana sighed as she laid back against her and Haldir's bed. Rumil and Orophin had spent the day before their ceremony moving her personal items from her talan into his. Soon, she would decorate it and make it theirs. She heard Haldir laugh and she sat up on her elbows to see him leaning against the doorframe. "What?" she asked and Haldir shook his head.
"I don't know, you seem different," he said as he pushed up and started to walk to her. She smiled and shook her head.
"The only difference is I'm married to you," she stated simply and he sat down next to her. Ana sighed once more and glanced out the window at the rising sun. "I can't believe we danced and celebrated through the night," she said as she looked back at him only to have him lay down next to her and wrap his arm around her and he pulled her close to him. Ana was a little self conscious because she was afraid she smelled but he didn't say anything. "I'd like to take a bath," she whispered and Haldir sighed as he leaned into her and kissed her lips.
"I think I'll join you," he said with a grin as he pulled away and Ana laughed softly.
"I knew you would." She pulled herself away and darted from the bedroom and down the corridor towards the bathing talan. She heard Haldir growl and she laughed. However, before she reached the door, Haldir's arms wrapped securely around her.
"Do not think you can escape me so easily," he whispered in her ear and she shivered. He kissed down her next and she sighed heavily. "I think its time for that bath." She smiled and nodded her head.
"Definitely," she whispered before Haldir scooped her up in his arms and swiftly carried her down into the bathing chamber.
A month had passed since their bonding ceremony and Ana had been feeling rather odd. She was occasionally lightheaded and she had the strangest cravings for things like smoked venison, which she hated before. The warmth she felt the day of their bonding ceremony never left and she was practically certain something was wrong, so she was waiting in Galadriel's talan to see if she could tell her anything. As Ana sat in a chair with Sadie's head in her lap, she thought about what could be wrong and only one thing popped into her head and she didn't know if she was ready for it.
"Of course you are ready. There is no doubt in my mind that you will be a wonderful mother," Galadriel said and Ana looked up at her.
"So . . ." Ana trailed off with a small smile and Galadriel nodded.
"Indeed, I am surprised that you had not realized sooner." Ana sighed and put her hand on her lower stomach where the warmth was. "I knew the day of your bonding, and I knew it would be just a matter of time before you would come to me." Ana smiled and stood, keeping her hand on her stomach.
"Do you know how long?" she asked and Galadriel walked over to her and placed her hand over Ana's.
"Two months," the Lady of Light whispered and Ana let out a giggle but then her face fell. Now, she had to tell Haldir and he would be leaving for the border in two days and be gone for nearly seven months. He would miss the birth of their child. "Arrangements can be made. It has been many centuries since the birth of an elfling in these woods, Ana, and something tells me any guard would be happy to take his place." Ana smiled and nodded her head.
"I must tell him," she said softly and Galadriel nodded as she lowered her hand. "Come on Sadie," Ana said quickly as she left the Lady's talan and rushed to her own, where undoubtedly Haldir was probably tearing apart trying to find her.
"Haldir?" Ana called as she and Sadie entered the talan. She heard rustling and out from the bedroom came Haldir with a mischievous look on his face. "What are you doing?" she asked and Haldir shook his head.
"Nothing, my love, just looking for you," he said quickly, too quickly. Ana raised an eyebrow and walked across the room and towards the bedroom. Haldir tried to stop her but she walked right past him. Ana gasped and smiled when she saw the room. Flower petals laid across the bed and candles were lit along the bed tables. She looked at him and smiled. Haldir blushed and looked away.
"This is beautiful," she whispered and Haldir looked back at her with a small smile. She took his hand and led him into the bedroom. She sat him down on the bed and sat down next to him as she pulled his hands into her lap. "Haldir, there's something I need to tell you," she said softly and she felt him tense.
"What is it?" he asked and she looked up at him.
"I'm . . ." she trailed off. She couldn't just say it. So, she took his right hand and pressed it against her lower stomach, where the warmth sensation always came from. Haldir frowned as he looked at his hand on her stomach and looked back up at her.
"Ana?" he asked and she squeezed his hand that rested against her stomach.
"We're going to have a baby," she said in a whisper and Haldir's eyes widened before a large smile broke out across his face and he scooped her up into his arms and twirled her around the room. He had never been happier, well at that moment he had never felt happier. Ana laughed loudly and wrapped her arms around his neck. He put her down on the floor and kissed her soundly. Ana sighed against his lips as he pulled away.
"We're going to have a baby," he repeated and she smiled at the child like light in his eyes. Haldir sighed. "I've got to tell Rumil and Orophin," he said suddenly and left the bedroom. Ana raised an eyebrow as she stared at the empty doorway. She sighed and blew out the candles and as she was about to leave the room, Haldir came back in and gently took her hand. "I almost forgot you," he said with a smile and led her from the bedroom and out of the talan to spread the word that he was going to be a father.