Welcome back to To Be Forever Faithful. I was surprised at all of the different reactions I got about the last chapter. In fact, it actually put up some more possibilities that I have been messing around with in my head now. Well, let's just see where I go with this. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything associated with Tolkien Enterprises or Lord of the Rings.

ooOoo

To Be Forever Faithful

By: Ponytail Goddess

Chapter 13: Taking Command

Belegwen watched as the sun at last began to rise, casting away the shadows that lurked under the proud mellyrn. She watched as the smooth leaves changed from the shining silver hue of the night to the glistening gold they sparkled with during the day.

Sleep had never claimed her during night. Belegwen's head had been so full of thoughts that she had been unable to relax. Wiping away her tears that were shimmering as they caught a ray of light, she finally sat up in her bed and looked around her room. Everything was in its place, as it always was.

This brought a small smile to her lips for a few seconds. At least there were a few things that remained the same; Belegwen took comfort in their familiarity. The elves around her though were changing, becoming more and more troubled as the number of incidents with orcs was steadily rising. All of the recent tragedies that had befallen the golden wood were starting to take their toll.

Belegwen once again found herself worrying about Rumil and Haldir. She could imagine how deeply wounded they both were currently. She had prayed for them both last night as she listened to the laments great singers had performed to commemorate Orophin's life. She hoped they would be able to recover from the terrible blow they had been dealt.

Weighted down with renewed despair, she gently arose from her bed and dressed in her Galadhrim breaches and overcoat. Silently, she braided her hair as best as she could. She sighed as she saw the sloppy results in the mirror. It would have to be good enough; it was the best she could do.

Suddenly, Belegwen realized something that frightened her. Haldir was surely in too bad of a state to come with her to the fences for border patrol today. If he could not lead the watch, that meant... Belegwen's eyes widened and she dropped her comb as shock overtook her.

As second in command, it would be Belegwen's job to lead them.

"Oh no, how will I do this? I have only just began my training." She said to herself as she looked in the mirror.

She did not have much time to panic though, as knocking sounded upon the opposite side of her door, increasing her anxiety. Belegwen slowly wandered over to the door and opened it.

It was the Lord Celeborn. "My Lord." She stated in acknowledgement, then bowed slightly with her fist resting on her heart. When she caught his eye again, she noticed he looked rather concerned.

"Belegwen, how do you fair today?" He asked quietly, in a refined manner.

"I have seen better days, my lord." She said sadly. Indeed, the pain from the previous night was still weighing on her heart heavily.

"We are living in a time riddled with great sorrow. Each of us must do what we feel right in order to find comfort in these trying times." He said, placing a kind hand of reassurance on her shoulder. They stood quietly for a moment before he continued speaking, bringing his hand back down to his side.

"I assume you already know what tidings have brought me here today. Having lost his brother, the Marchwarden is suffering a great deal of pain. This is the third familial death he has dealt with during the last millennia. After Haldir's parents fell, he was able to move on. This, I believe, will leave a scar on him forever though." He stated in a sad tone.

"I am saddened to hear it." Belegwen replied, feeling deeply troubled about Haldir and Rumil's loss and the quarrel they had the night before. Would the two be able to make up and comfort each other? Surely, they it was what they both needed, but Belegwen knew precisely how stubborn Haldir could be at this point. What if they remained estranged from each other for a long period of time?

Belegwen's thoughts were quickly interupted as Lord Celeborn continued to speak. "You will be needed today, to lead his wardens on the border patrol. Do you think you are able?" He asked, looking at her, his eyes questioning. Belegwen frowned at the thought. She did not feel prepared for this, but she also did not wish to disappoint her lord.

"I am willing to try, my lord, but I fear that I am untested at this and still a greenhorn in every way. I have only just begun my training as a Marchwarden." She said with more than a bit of insecurity in her voice.

Belegwen was silent for a moment, before asking, "What if I do something horribly wrong?" Her uncontrollable fear had finally revealed itself.

Celeborn sighed. "The timing of this test is poor, but it cannot be prevented. I have faith that you will do your best and keep our lands safe. Will you do it?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Very good." He replied. "The wardens will be waiting for you at the city gates. I must warn you though that some of them are in a bad emotional state. If you think they are incapable of doing the job, send them back here and I will find a few replacements to send to you on the borders."

Reaching his hand up to her shoulder again, he said, "Be mindful of all movement and use tact with every situation you find yourself in. Remember, the decisions you make will determine the safety of our people. Do not make the with haste."

Belegwen nodded at him, knowing his words were wise. Before lowering his hand, Lord Celeborn gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Be safe out there. When you return in a fortnight, come to me with news from the borders before you do anything else." With that stated, the lord of the woods turned away and headed down the stairs.

Belegwen watched him for a few moments, then followed slowly. In the depths of her mind, she reassured herself and did her best to push down her emotions of fear and sadness. Her duty had to come before all else right now and Belegwen was ready to complete it. Her mind was determined and her heart was filled with strength. She knew what had to be done and would complete her task.

At last, she reached the bottom of the stairwell and turned to the outdoors. It was amazing how brightly the sun was shining. Belegwen was temporarily blinded by its warm, golden rays.

She quickly walked to the city gates and was there met with her very first group of wardens. There were about twenty of them there, all fully armed for the fences, but not appearing to be in a good head space. There was an unusual hush over the group and many of them had traces of lingering anguish in their eyes. If this had been any other situation, Belegwen would have thought this group was pitiful. However, under the circumstances, it would have to do.

Upon her arrival, many wardens looked up to her, a bit of strength and hope filling their eyes at the sight of a leader, even if it was a very inexperienced one. By this time, all the pain had left Belegwen's face and she stood tall and mighty at her post.

"My fellow wardens, this shall be my first time leading you. I know very little, but I am prepared to try my best." She stated loudly, projecting her voice so that all of them could hear. "You must do me a favor though. If you do not feel well enough to go or know that you will not be able to concentrate on the protection of our borders, I must ask you to stay behind. Do not worry, no disrespect or shame will come to you for this. Lord Celeborn and I simply want the wardens to be strong enough to patrol vigilantly. Am I understood?"

Many of them nodded, and a few replied with muted 'yes ma'ams.' Knowing that she would get no better response, she motioned them on. All of them followed her obediently, their duty still strongly ingrained within their beings, despite their sadness.

Belegwen led them and they followed obediently. Over hills they went and through the forest deep. After an hour of traveling quickly, they arrived at their destination. Gathering her courage, Belegwen approached the main watch talan. Silently, she climbed the ladder up that had been thrown down from the tall mallorn tree.

The Eldarin leader there turned to look at her. He was a muscular, almost burly elf with golden braids flowing down his back. Slightly nervous, Belegwen slowly approached him. "I am here with my wardens to relieve you of your duties sir."

At first, he looked at her oddly, then peered over the ledge to see her group of elves, waiting patiently for her next command. "Where is Haldir?" He finally asked, a bit of confusion in his voice.

"He is indisposed at the moment. I am his second, Belegwen. I dismiss you and your wardens from their duties." She repeated, looking him square in the eyes. His eyes flickered, perhaps because an elleth had given him an order, but then obeyed and performed a birdcall that told the elves in the treetops that their time was up.

In a few minutes, all traces of them were gone. This relieved Belegwen a great deal. She climbed down from the platform and looked over her group. She was happy to see that most of them seemed very alert and on task at this point.

"Go to your regularly assigned posts. If anything is sighted, send word to me." After she finished talking, all of the wardens dispersed into the woods.

Belegwen found herself alone on the main watch platform. "I can do this," she reassured herself. "I can."

ooOoo

Edited by P.G. on 05/18/20.

There we are, another quick chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Please feel free, as always, to tell me what you think. I'll probably have the next chapter up in a week or so, though I make no promises. Have a nice Easter!

-P.G.