Welcome back to the fic To Be Forever Faithful. I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed and/or read my fic. I'm glad that everyone likes the beginning. I'm sorry about the rating change. When I registered the story, I forgot to change it from G. This is rated PG-13 as of now, but that might be subject to change. It may go up to R, depending on how explicit I decide to make the content. But, yippee! The more I think about this fic, the more excited I get! I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or anything that belongs to Tolkien Enterprises.

ooOoo

To Be Forever Faithful

By: Ponytail Goddess

Chapter 2: Second in Command

Haldir walked down the steps leading into the water and was finally greeted with the first inklings of relaxation that he had experienced since he returned from the fences. Something about being in the clear, warm water settled his mind and he audibly breathed a sigh of relief. It was one of his few escapes from the world of the wardens and all of his responsibilities. Yes, the bath was wonderful indeed.

The large bath was situated at the bottom of the mallorn tree which housed several of the warden talans, including his own. It was both enclosed, but not, as a glass skylight allowed the glowing blue light of Lothlorien to shine within the white marble walls of the spacious room.

"If only I could stay here longer," he thought to himself. Alas, Haldir had a long list of responsibilities that needed dealt with, so he needed to hurry. On top of that, he knew there was a small line of wardens who had just arrived back from the fences and were waiting for their turn to clean up as well.

As he rolled his cake of soap against his arms quickly to work up a lather, he pondered the possible benefits of having Belegwen as his second in command. What did Lady Galadriel see within her that he did not? Would she react appropriately when situations arose at the fences? Did she have the knowledge and skills to do the job properly? Moreover, was she bold enough to be second in command?

Though a part of him hated to admit it, she probably did have all the skills necessary to be his second. The Lady Galadriel believed in her as well.

"But she is not the only one; Heledhril and Erthalion would both be suitable as well," he thought stubbornly, wishing he could pick an ellon for the job instead of an elleth.

However, Belegwen had been recommended by Galadriel, the Lady of Light. Naturally, that was important. Galadriel would not have proposed an idea unless she wished for it to be set into motion. The lady was knowledgeable in all things and had a keen eye for distinguishing the talents of elves. Because of this, Belegwen practically had the position without even knowing about it.

Haldir sighed as he got out of the bath. It had been ruined for him because he had been plagued by thoughts of the fences.

Silently, he dried off in the dim, magical light of Lorien. Again, his thoughts shifted to Curudae and his gruesome fate. It distressed him deeply, knowing that his family would have to deal with his cruel and unnatural passing. No elf ever expected a loss of life because of their immortality, so when it did happen, it was truly devastating to all who knew the victim.

Haldir's eyes scrunched up as he put on a clean robe to prepare for the return to his quarters. He gritted his teeth as the aching pain of loss seared his heart. The agony of Curudae's death had returned and it sickened him to his core.

"It was all my fault," he thought, showering himself in the blame he thought he deserved. "How could I have missed it? Why did I not notice he was gone from his post?"

These thoughts continued to haunt him as he shoved his dirty clothes down the chute. There, the maids would wash them and transport them back to his room. "If only I had been faster... Had I only made sure he was at his station..."

Standing in front of the door, Haldir quickly composed himself, blinking away the tears that had formed in his eyes. He refused to allow his wardens to see him this way. They needed to see his strength, not his weaknesses. Besides, tears could never truly solve a predicament. He had to be strong and see this devastating situation through to the end.

Taking up his solid marchwarden persona again, he swiftly exited the bath and stormed up to his own personal talan. However, he stopped in front of his door as he thought back to the newly open warden position. He looked down the hall to the last door.

That was Belegwen's room. It was exactly six doors down from his own. "Perhaps I should discuss it with her now."

Though Haldir was tired, he knew he would not be able to sleep for a while anyway, not with the negative thoughts that were nagging at him at every moment, reminding him of his personal failures. Quickly, he entered his room and put away his belongings before walking up the softly lit, black marble hallway to her door. He quietly knocked on her door.

"Come in," a muffled voice replied. Cautiously, Haldir opened the door, not knowing exactly what to expect in the elleth's room.

Haldir let out the breath that he had not even realized he was holding. The room was exactly like his and all the other wardens' rooms.

The first thing he noticed as he entered her room was that she must have just arrived back from the fences because her armor had been chucked haphazardly onto the floor in various places around the room. Haldir frowned, as he personally disliked things been unorganized. To him, it showed a lack of responsibility and self-respect.

Belegwen herself stood in front of her mirror trying to undo her hair, which appeared to be in a few braids that were poorly woven. She was wearing her robe, but the robe was did not fit her well, as it had been intended for an ellon's use. The two sides of fabric were crossed in the middle, but ended up behind her back. The rope was wrapped around her waist twice so there would not be an excess of slack.

She looked in the mirror to see who had come in behind her. Her eyes enlarged when she saw him and she quickly whipped around to face him. Yanking the leather hair ties out of her mouth and hiding them behind her back, she stood in front of him and met his gaze, waiting for him to say something.

Now that he was here though, no words came out of Haldir's mouth. This elleth was obviously an embarrassment to all of Lothlorien for having chosen to take up the life of an ellon. This was not how Eldarin society was supposed to work.

Eventually, she broke the awkward silence. "Marchwarden, what brings you here?"

"I have an offer for you, warden," he stated, regretting that he had to tell her about the new position.

"Yes?" she replied, a curious look appearing upon her face.

Mentally, Haldir had to keep reminding himself that the Lady of Light wanted her for the position as he continued. "Due to Curudae's passing, we are in need of someone to be second in command. You have been a warden for a few millenia now and have proven yourself to be a great fighter, trustworthy and loyal. I have come here tonight to ask if you would consider taking this post."

She stared at him for a moment, then replied, "I shall consider it with great honor, Marchwarden. Tell me, what responsibilities are involved with this post?" She asked as she turned around so that she was facing the mirror again. Immediately, she attempted to pull out her remaining braids again, using an excessive amount of effort to work around a few snarls in her silvery hair.

Haldir watched as the remainder of her long hair slowly started to fall from its braids back into a limp hanging position. It was rather unusual for a warden to have hair so long. However, Haldir barely spared it a thought. "Meet me at breakfast tomorrow and I will tell you all you need to know about the responsibilities."

"Yes, sir," she replied as she turned around to face him again, her hair flying messily behind her. "I shall meet you in the morning, sir."

The two both exited the room, one after another. Haldir entered his quarters and Belegwen rushed down the stairs towards the bath.

Once in his room, Haldir sighed. Would it even be possible to work with this elleth? Doubt filled his mind. Had the Lady of Light chosen the wrong person for the job? What if it did not work out?

"I cannot believe I am doing this," he thought as he slowly got into his bed to rest, dreading the new day that awaited him.

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Well, did you like it? Please review. Thanks. I think the next chapter will be from Belegwen's p.o.v. I can't wait!

FAVOR: Sorry about this, but I need to ask a favor of my reviewers. See, I am really new to the LotR fandom, and I have no idea about what the term "Mary-Sue" means. Yeah, laugh at me; I don't care. Anyhow, if someone would tell me about it, I would be forever grateful. Thanks!

Chapter edited on 05/14/20.

-P.G.