Disclaimer: Yes, I own everything... I was being sarcastic.

Overview: Niamh has a new family, Orophin is constantly injured, Rumil..., Haldir is slowly warming up to our favorite little human, oh... and she is now 10! sniffle

To my reviewers: I love y'all!
sara-aka-irish-princess: Well, she didn't grow up that much, only like three years. Is that acceptable?
Lady Gothia: Um, thanks. blushes I still haven't learned how to take compliments. A flame will soon come along and put me in my place...
nerwen: What exactly do you mean by long-winded? And yes, I have an updating problem.
Naomie: Wow, thanks. You told me to keep going twice, I'm expecting to stop. . You are really sweet. I wasn't complaining that reviewers are anonymous, it's just that it caught my attention. Hope you like this one
Daydream: Yes! Isn't she adorable? pats Niamh's head, but stops at a glare from Haldir
Ellie in ElfPajamas: I'm glad you are enjoying it. I dunno, but Galadriel has always come off scary to me.
ElvenLady -Nituriel: Whoa! Your sister is named Niamh and is seven and 1/2? SCARY! What a coincidence! laughs and falls out of computer chair
nikki: I'm glad you are enjoying it. She didn't age to much for you did she?

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Hail the Conquering Heros!

Chapter Four: A Promise in the Stars

Two and a half peaceful years have passed since Niamh first came to Lothlorien. At the age of ten she is now full of even more energy. Haldir has yet to become a completely nice elf. Out in public he is still a hard ass, a term she had overheard Rumil using to describe his brother. Niamh has grown to love him anyway. Rumil has continued to be that replacement father in her life. He is first to tell her no, and first to cave into her pleads. He gives her a gentle, unwavering love that has helped her to grow. Orophin has developed into a mischievous older brother. One could find him and Niamh constantly playing out tricks on the two other inhabitants of the flet. Niamh's lessons in elvish have not ceased. She is rather slow at learning the strange language. It is very different from Common and Rohirrim. Her lessons with Brilthor are usually halted by games of tag and hide-and-go-seek. Niamh has grown to be a bright spot in the lives of the few elves she interacts with. Her naive and innocent human nature is endearing to the immortals. And her questions are usually quite humorous. And no, she refrains from tugging on their ears, usually.

Rumil awoke to the smell of breakfast floating under his door. He knew it was Orophin. Today was to be consumed by a new tradition of theirs, Niamh's birthday. No, it was very uncommon among elves. They do live forever. The excitement surrounding it all will lose its touch after five hundred years. Yet Niamh was human, and they wanted her to keep her mortal traditions. Rumil couldn't help the sigh that escaped him as he thought of his young friend. She was ten. Though it had only been over two years, so little time to elves, she was human. Before he knew it, she would be eighteen, of age. Rumil sat up, shaking his head at the thought of Niamh marrying. He opened his eyes quickly as images of an aging Niamh appeared in his mind. No, those thoughts he couldn't bear. Rumil looked up quickly as Orophin entered the room.

"Brother, what is wrong?" Orophin asked while sitting next to Rumil.

"Nothing Orophin..."

"Rumil, you do not get that sad look for nothing." Rumil glanced out the window and sighed,

"What are we going to do?" Orophin looked at his brother sharply.

"It thought you had already bought her present."

"Yes I have, quite a few..." Orophin touched his brother's arm, "What is it?"

"For the first time ever, I am horribly scared."

"Why?"

"Niamh...she, I, when..." Rumil broke off and turned sad eyes on his brother, "It will hurt me greatly to see her grow old." Orophin sighed a wrapped an arm around his brother.

"Brother... Do not be sad, not today. It is her day to celebrate. Those days will come, but, there is nothing we can do." Rumil simply nodded and stood.

"I know. Now go watch her breakfast. I'm sure she doesn't want it burnt." Orophin chuckled and left, leaving Rumil to pull himself together. He would not let his dark thoughts ruin her day. He quickly got dressed and walked out towards the kitchen. Orophin had already set the table and was laying the food out. Rumil grabbed a pastry and sat down. Orophin glared at him.

"Can't you do something useful?"

"Like what?"

"Go wake Niamh." Rumil rolled his eyes at his brother's stupidity.

"And that would also mean waking Haldir, not a favorite activity of mine. Have you forgotten she still runs to his room?"

"Well... no." Rumil sighed and stood up, knowing full well his brother wasn't going to do it. He carefully opened the door to his oldest brother's room, painfully remembering other times he had woken him. Rumil had to smile at the sight before him. Haldir was sitting up in bed, sleeping, while holding a sleeping Niamh in his lap. A book lay next to the pair on the bed, and Rumil knew that Niamh had managed to, yet again, get his brother to read her a story. She was a good influence on him, slowly pushing back the cold. Rumil walked up to the bed and shook Niamh.

"Niamh, time to wake up." Niamh simply pushed her face farther into Haldir's arm while the giant teddy bear himself was awoken. Rumil saw his eyes quickly come back into focus and Haldir glared at his brother.

"What?"

"I need to wake her." Haldir grunted and gently shook Niamh, "Wake up little one."

"Five more minutes Haldir..."

"Niamh, wake up."

"I don't want to go to my lessons today..." Haldir sat Niamh up, forcing her to wake. Niamh rubbed her eyes gently and looked around. Her eyes landed on Rumil.

"What are you doing here? Did you have a nightmare too?"

"No, I came to wake you," Rumil said while laughing. He hadn't run to his brother in ages, asking him to chase away his fears.

"Oh!" Niamh jumped out of bed and ran to her room. She came running back, now dressed. She pulled Haldir out of bed and grabbed Rumil's hand.

"It's my birthday! Come on!" And Niamh pulled the two grown elves to the kitchen where breakfast was waiting. Niamh squealed at the sight of her favorite dishes and jumped into Orophin's arms.

"Yummy! Thank you Orophin!" He smiled at her and threw her in the air. She fell back into his arms laughing. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before jumping down and attacking the food. The three elves sat down and watched their favorite human inhale the breakfast. There's was no talking, just an easy quiet. Each other's presence was enough. Until Niamh burped rather loudly.

"Niamh!" They all cried loudly. She had the decency to blush and apologize. After ten more minutes of eating, Orophin began to clear the table. Rumil and Haldir ran to their rooms to get dressed for the day. This left Niamh with nothing to do. Deciding it would be better to be helpful, she went over to Orophin's side.

"Yes Niamh?"

"Can I help?" Orophin gave her a strange look.

"It's your birthday."

"I know, but if I help, it will all go faster. And then we can all have fun faster." Orophin nodded and stepped over a little to allow her access to the bin a dishes. Niamh rolled up her sleeves and started drying the ones he had washed.

"Orophin, you are an elf."

"Yes I know that."

"Well, of course. But you and your brothers are elves."

"Niamh, what is the question?"

"Patience! Well, you three are elves, and I am human." Orophin felt a strange sense of repetition coming.

"And?"

"Well, it's not fair!"

"Why not?"

"Because. I will have to leave one day."

"What exactly do you mean Niamh?"

"Well, I was talking to Brilthor during my lessons. And I've found out that, one, elves are immortal, and two, one day all the elves are going to sail away. I don't want it to happen. Either I will get really really really old, or you will get on a ship and leave me." Orophin dropped the cup he had been washing on the floor. He ignored the crash, and pulled Niamh up into his arms.

"Niamh, it will all make more sense when you are older." Niamh frowned.

"That's what Brilthor said, but I want to know now." Orophin only sighed and buried his face in her hair. At that moment Haldir and Rumil reappeared.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing brother, we are just talking."

"Well, you are done now. Let's go for a walk." Orophin and Niamh shot identical looks at Haldir. Go on a walk? Together? That's not your normal Haldir.

"What?"

"Nothing brother. Let's go." Niamh ran to the door first and waited for the others. Getting impatient rather quickly, she started hopping from one foot to the next. Rumil came in first and swept her up into his arms. Haldir and Orophin followed soon after.

---

Niamh ran after a fleeing Orophin on the path. On their way towards their destination, Orophin and Niamh had started a friendly game of tag, which soon became an all out war between the two.

"I will get you Orophin!" Niamh yelled while hopelessly chasing the elf. Orophin never went easy on her.

"Will not!" Niamh growled and increased her speed. This only lasted for a few moments because she quickly ran out of breath. Niamh stopped running and turned toward the two elves who choose to walk peacefully.

"Haldir, I'm tired..."

"Yes Niamh?" Niamh turned to him with a pleading face.

"Will you carry me?" Haldir smiled and picked her up. Niamh looked at Rumil and stuck her tongue out. Rumil replied the same way. Haldir turned to his brother with an amused look.

"Surely you are old enough to not act so childishly?" Rumil grinned and stuck his tongue out again when Haldir turned his head. Niamh giggled and started playing with Haldir's hair.

"Please little one, don't tangle my hair like you did yesterday." Niamh quickly stopped and buried her face in Haldir shirt. Within a few minutes they had reached their destination. Orophin was already sitting underneath a tree, his eyes closed. Niamh jumped down from Haldir's arms and ran to Orophin. She jumped on him and giggled.

"You're it!" Orophin opened one eye to look at her. He grinned and stood up, picking her up at the same time.

"Yes, but now you are at my mercy." Niamh turned her head and saw that Orophin was walking towards a small stream. It was just deep enough for her.

"Orophin no!" He didn't stop walking. "Haldir help me!" Haldir only looked up and grinned at her, "I brought a change of clothing for you, in case you get wet."

"Rumil?" He looked up at Niamh's anxious face. He smiled a stood up. Orophin quickened his pace as his brother made his way towards them. Niamh closed her eyes as they neared the stream. The next thing she knew she was sitting in the running water. She looked up and glared at Orophin."That's not funny! And Rumil, why didn't you help me?"

"You forgot to take your bath last night like I told you." Niamh grinned sheepishly and stood up. She launched herself at the resting Haldir, thus managing to get him soaking wet.

"Did you bring a change of clothes for yourself?" Haldir tried to look stern, but failed miserably. Niamh ran off to chase Orophin again. Rumil sat next to his brother, a soft smile on his face.

"It's good to see you happy." Haldir looked at his brother sharply.

"What do you mean?"

"Niamh has been a beautiful gift in all our lives. But I think she has had a greater effect on you. I think others can see it too."

"See what?"

"That you have a kinder side. Orophin and I have always known that it was there, but all others see is the cold, arrogant, stern March warden. Yet with Niamh, a gentleness exists. You don't spend all your time on the borders. You ask for time off. You make sure that one of us is always here for her. And, you smile now." Haldir turned from his brother and glanced over at from where the shouting was coming from. Niamh had managed to catch Orophin, and was now sitting on his stomach, tickling him.

"Well Rumil, with you and Orophin grown, I had lost some of that gentleness you see. Niamh, her presence is refreshing. You know what it is I mean?"

"Yes brother, we have found something we would risk much for. But, seeing and hearing you act so sappy upsets my stomach."

---

Niamh ran into the flet and straight to her room. She wanted to change really quickly. She knew her guardians had something planned for her birthday. She had been very surprised last year when they celebrated her birthday. And with the help of her sneaking skills, she had learned that something was planned for this year. And she knew, whatever it was, that it was going to start now. They had come back from their walk and Rumil had casually mentioned that she go change into her nicest dress. Niamh quickly pulled on the dark blue dress that was hanging in her closet. Her and Rumil had picked out the fabric a month ago, and this would be her first time to wear it. She quickly pulled on her stockings and shoes, grabbed her brush and ran to Rumil's room. She opened the door and peeked in. Seeing that Rumil was dressed and ready, she walked over to him and held out her brush.

"Will you braid my hair?" Rumil smiled and took the brush. Niamh sat on the bed and Rumil sat behind her.

"You really need to learn how to do this yourself."

"You would miss it." Rumil silently agreed.

"So Niamh, how has your birthday been?"

"Lots of fun!" Rumil smiled and finished braiding her hair. She hopped off the bed and ran to put her brush up. Rumil walked out into the main room, and found his brothers waiting.

"Is she ready?" Orophin asked impatiently.

"Yes I'm ready!" Niamh called while skipping into the room, "So where are we going?"

"Follow us." Niamh latched onto Haldir and they followed the other two out the door. They set off in a familiar direction, and Niamh turned to Haldir.

"What are we doing?"

"Now if I told you that it wouldn't be a surprise." Niamh pouted and walked silently. She looked back up at Haldir as they approached one of the gardens she terrorized frequently. They walked into the garden and Niamh stopped in shock. It appeared that there was a party here. She looked around and recognized many elves she had come to know. There was Brilthor and Calandil standing next to a table. Then there was Hareth, Indis, and Faelivrin, the seamstresses she had to see quite regularly due to her habit of destroying her clothes. Many a Haldir's wardens that she had charmed were there. Then she spotted Aradan and Orodreth, her two favorite healers she ran to often when she managed to injure herself. Before she could do any more people spotting, Haldir pulled towards the middle of the garden. Most talking ceased and elves began to come over to speak to her. Soon Niamh found herself being held by Brilthor as she talked to Aradan.

"So, you mean to tell me, that you fell out of a tree. And that's why you came to me begging for medicine."

"It hurt really bad at the time."

"How far off the ground were you?" Niamh looked at Brilthor.

"I hadn't gotten to the first branch yet." Both elves started laughing while Niamh turned red.

"If you two are done bothering my favorite sister, I would love to take her to get some food." Niamh happily latched onto Orophin. He led her back to the table and set her in a chair.

"What would you like to eat?"

"Cake!" Orophin shrugged and got her a piece. He also handed her a cup filled with milk.

"Orophin..."
"Don't talk with your mouth full."

"Sorry... Orophin, I've been meaning to ask you a question."

"Go ahead."

"When are you going to ask Anarrima to marry you?" Orophin proceeded to turn red, spit out his wine all over Niamh and the table, and fall out of his chair. He got back up and looked at Niamh.

"Why are you asking?"

"Well, you two seem to like each other a lot, and I would like someone to play with." Orophin's face turned bright red again at her words. He turned and looked at Anarrima was currently laughing with some friends.

"Well Niamh, I don't know." Orophin dropped back into his chair and sighed. Niamh patted his arm.

"I'll help you ok?"

"I would very much appreciate it."

---

Niamh sighed and allowed Haldir to pick her up. Though it wasn't that late, Haldir was making her go home, to sleep. Niamh said goodbye to everyone, trying to delay her departure. Haldir had quickly stopped that by telling everyone that though it was her party, she still had a bed time. So, here they were, walking back to the talan, Niamh resting her head on Haldir's shoulder. They had been walking in silence when Niamh suddenly spoke up.

"Will you miss me?" Haldir immediately stopped walking and put Niamh down. He squatted down to her level.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I know now that all elves will at sometime leave Middle Earth and sail into the west. So, will you miss me when you leave me?"

"Leave you?"

"I know you have to, it's ok. I have gotten used to losing people I like." Haldir pulled Niamh into his arms.

"That will not happen for a very long time. I will never intentionally leave you behind."

"But you have to, it's like a rule."
"Where did you learn all this from."

"Books." Haldir sighed and sat down on the path.

"Niamh, I care about you very much. And so do Rumil and Orophin. We are not going to leave you." Tears had begun to fall down Niamh cheeks.

"Don't lie! You have to! You are going to leave me behind, all alone. It's not fair!"

"Niamh listen to me. I told you I won't leave."

"What if the sea calls you?"

"I will stay for you."

"But what about if Galadriel leaves? You have to then right? She is your liege lady... you serve her right? She could make you leave."

"She could order me to go, but the Lady would never do that."

"But she could! You are going to leave me! I wish I was an elf, then I could be with you forever."

"Niamh, why now? Why are you asking this now?"

"I was thinking about it." Haldir sighed and picked her up. He carried her to the talan, and put her down in her room.

"Change into your nightgown, then I will put you to bed." Haldir left, only to be called back a few minutes later. He walked in and found Niamh already under the covers.

"I love you Haldir." Haldir felt his emotions racing. Sure he was happy she finally said it, but an unexplainable grief filled him.

"And I love you little one." Haldir sat down on her bed and tucked the covers tighter around her.

"I'm sorry I talked about sad things."

"It's fine."

"I'm just scared." Haldir pulled her out of bed and led her to the balcony outside. He picked her up and looked up.

"Niamh, you see those stars."

"Yes."
"There are a many in the sky, correct?"

"Yes..."

"I promise you, on all of the stars you see, that I will never leave you. I will remain by your side. And even if you command me to leave your presence, I will stay."

"Really?"

"I promise." Niamh buried her face into Haldir's tunic and allowed him to carry her back to her bed.

"Now I want you to sleep. You have had a busy day." Niamh nodded and kissed Haldir goodnight. Haldir left the room, but not before looking back one last time. Yes, Rumil was right, there was something he would sacrifice much for. He would sacrifice everything for her happiness.

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Hmm, it started out pretty serious, got light hearted, and ended serious. The was some MAJOR foreshadowing in this chapter. I won't say what exactly. You are welcome to guess all you want.
Next time: Niamh will help Orophin in his mission, Operation Pop the Question. There will be a lesson with Brilthor, terrorizing Calandil, and does Rumil have a crush on some unsuspecting elleth?

I have the whole story outlined. It's a very detailed outline. I have written the final two chapters. This story will be around 30, depending on how I actually write it out. Leave a review and let me know what you think. Free monkeys to all reviewers.

Nenuial