Chapter 11

Just Like Before

Maetharanel's POV

The crowd parted and Merida walked forward, she was not alone. Legolas stood up, he did not look happy. I stood up as Merida approached. Thorin and Tawariell peered around my legs. This had to be Haldir.

"Mum…papa…."

"~Merida…when did Haldir get here?~"

I put my hand on his arm.

"~Legolas this is not the place for this discussion.~" I said.

He did not look happy, but he nodded.

"~Merida…..go to the library with him.~"

She nodded and took his hand. I started to speak to my youngest children, but they were already gone. I smirked and shook my head.

"~Legolas before we go in there we need to talk.~"

"Maetharanel…"

"~Now Legolas!~"

He sighed but nodded.

Merida's POV

We entered the library and I did not miss the shiny blond hair disappear behind a chair. I smirked and stopped Haldir. I held my finger to my lips and silently went forward. I turned quickly and grabbed my little brother before turning once more to grab my sister. I swung them both around and then set them down. Tawariell looked at Haldir and then shied away and hid behind me. I smiled and tucked her wavy blond hair behind her ear.

"There is nothing to be afraid of." I said.

Tawariell did not like weapons or violence, she was the complete opposite of Thorin and I. I picked her up and she looked at my locket. She smiled and started to play with it.

"Do you like this?" I asked.

She nodded and I smiled at Haldir.

"He gave it to me. It is very special and he gave it to me because he loves me like I love him."

She smiled shyly at Haldir. I started to laugh, but I saw Thorin slowly taking the knife Haldir kept in his boot.

"Haldir!"

He quickly turned and grabbed Thorin. Thorin started to struggle and this included kicking Haldir in the chest. I put Tawariell down and chased after him. He did not get the knife and I finally caught him.

"You little…."

"Merida."

My parents had come into the room. I dropped Thorin onto a sofa and he ran off with Tawariell. I went and stood beside Haldir. My father had an unreadable expression on his face. I took Haldir's hand.

"Haldir….I have not seen you for many years." papa said.

I started to bite my lower lip again.

"Merida there is no need to be nervous." Haldir said.

I stopped and he squeezed my hand.

"It has been to long Thranduilion."

My father did not seem to like this reunion.

"Merida, come with me."

I looked at my mum. She gave me a look and I refused to go to her. I spoke in Khuzdul.

"~No mum. I am not going anywhere, I will stand with Haldir.~"

"Merida!"

I shook my head. Papa held out his arm and mum stopped.

"I suspect there is more to you coming here other than to simply see me again." he said.

Haldir stepped forward.

Legolas' POV

The way he looked reminded me of myself from years ago. I had a feeling that I knew why he was here…..I hoped I was wrong.

"I came here after 5 long years of thinking. I love Merida." I tensed. "I love her more than anything in the world. Living without her has been unbearable and hardly a life worth living. So I have come here to ask for her hand in marriage."

Merida's POV

My eyes went wide and my hand flew to my mouth. I looked at my father, he looked angry and yet there was something else there. As though what Haldir had asked brought back a memory. Mum was smiling. I walked forward and put my hand on Haldir's back. He continued to look at my father, but I could feel his happiness at my touch.

"Tell me why I should give you my daughter."

I held my breath a minute. Haldir was taking too long.

"He saved my life."

"Merida I was speaking to…."

"I know. But it is true. The first day I was in Lorien I ran off. I was upset and I had no idea where I was going. Haldir followed me to be certain I was safe. I fell into a deep lake, you know I cannot swim. He dove in and saved me and got the water out of me. Had he not been there I could have died. Papa….I love him."

Legolas' POV

When Merida came home 5 years ago, she was not her normal self. She was still happy, but it was as though part of her was gone. She spent most of her time in her room or outside with her bow. She gave her desserts to Thorin for 2 years, which meant he saw something he was not supposed to. I had caught her several times up in the guard tower, always looking in the same direction. At times there would be tears in her eyes. I sighed and passed a hand over my face.

"It is late, and I am too tired to think of such things." I looked at Haldir. "We WILL finish this later."

He nodded and with Maetharanel I left the room. We went to our room and I sat down on the edge of the bed.

"I know that brought back memories Legolas."

"I know I looked the same when I asked Thorin for your hand." I whispered.

She sat down and put her arms around my waist.

"My papa knew you would always love me and take care of me. He was right. We were separated for 3 years Legolas…..It might have been an eternity if not for Merida. Do you remember the pain from being so far from each other?"

I sighed and nodded.

"She has not seen Haldir in 5 years. We both know she has not been the same since. Do you want her to continue to feel that pain?"

No I did not.

"No, of course not. She is my baby girl, she always will be no matter how old she is." I smiled and took her in my arms. "I would be lost without you Maetharanel. You, Merida, Thorin and our little Tawariell bring me so much joy. Haldir is a good elf, a strong elf and I know he will take care of her and love her. I just….."

"You do not want her to go away again."

I nodded.

"I know….I do not want that either, but we cannot change who she loves. We sent her to Lothlorien so she would not have to be forced to marry and be unhappy. She and Haldir were meant to find each other, just as we were."

I smiled at her and kissed her. When I pulled away she held something out. I laughed a bit.

"You kept that dagger all these years?"

She smiled.

"Of course I did. It is one of my most prized possessions."

I smiled and kissed her.

Merida's POV

I brought Haldir to my room. He smiled when he saw the painting next to my bed. I smiled and took his hands.

"Ever since I came home….I have never been truly happy. A piece of me was back in Lothlorien with you."

"~I felt your pain every day. I should have come sooner. I am so sorry.~"

I smiled and gently touched his face.

"~You are here now! That is all that matters to me…" I smiled. "Haldir do you truly wish to marry me?~"

"~More than anything in the world.~"

I nodded and leaned forward.

"~Then marry me…..right here…..right now.~"

"~But your father….~"

"~I do not care…I need you Haldir. We need each other. And I would return to Lothlorien with you. So please…..make me your wife.~"

He did not refuse me. He leaned forward and kissed me softly. That night Haldir took me as his wife.

And I had never been happier.