Chapter 21

Half is Half

Sadron had taken my son! I moved forward and peered over a rock.

"~Have you forgotten who I am brother?~"

Brother?!

"~Have you forgotten my mother was a mortal woman? I am half human! And you would take this innocent child because he had dwarf blood in him?~" Beleg shouted.

"~He should never have been born! I warned that dwarf woman to leave but she did not! Now she shall never see her filthy child again!~"

"Papa! Mum!"

I jumped out when Tawathion called for me.

"~Of all the people Sadron, I never thought you would take my son! Give him back to me and I shall not kill you.~" I said.

Sadron glared at me.

"~I told you to leave! Now your child shall pay the price!~"

I tried to run forward but Beleg grabbed me.

"~If you do that he will kill him!~" he warned.

I still struggled.

"~Give him back! Give my son back!~" I begged.

Sadron only laughed at me. As he picked up Tawathion, my son bit his hand.

"~You filthy brat!~"

Beleg let me go and shot Sadron in the shoulder. Then he ran forward and picked up my son. He ran back to me and just managed to give me Tawathion before Sadron shot him.

"NO!"

I covered Tawathion's eyes. Beleg got up and pulled the arrow from his back. He held out his arm to keep me back.

"~Go. Take your child and run.~" He said.

I did not want to but I could not allow my baby to see this.

"Hannon le Beleg."

"~Go now! Quickly!~"

I ran off as fast as I could.

Haldir's POV

When I got back to my talan, Merida was gone.

"~She said she knew who had taken Tawathion. She left and would not let us go.~"

Before I could leave again someone came running towards the door. I turned and there was Merida. She had Tawathion in her arms.

"~Praise the Valar!~"

"Papa!"

I took my son and Merida started to leave again.

"~Merida where are you going?~"

"Beleg needs help! It was Sadron who took our son! Beleg knew and he went to confront him! He shot his own brother and took Tawathion and gave him to me. Sadron shot him and Beleg told me to go. He told me to run and take Tawathion with me. I have to help him! I do not think Beleg will kill Sadron but Sadron might kill Beleg!" she said.

"Papa help!"

I looked at my son and smiled. I handed him to Vanya and went with my wife. We took Daeroch to a cave, concealed by a waterfall. When we got there, Sadron was gone and Beleg was on the ground. Merida ran and dropped down beside him.

"Beleg!"

He opened his eyes and smiled a bit.

"~Please forgive me Lady Merida. I was wrong about you and I am so very sorry for what my brother did to your son. Children should never be involved with such affairs. You must go now! He will try and take your child again!~"

"~Vanya and Silivrenniel are with him. You need help.~" She said.

He smiled in amusement.

"~After everything I have done to you? No lady, leave me and go to your son! Quickly!~"

She shook her head.

"~Haldir help me get him on Daeroch.~"

I nodded and despite Beleg's weak protests we got him on the horse. Merida looked at Daeroch.

"~You must take him to Caras Galadhon. He needs healing do you understand?~"

He bobbed his head and Beleg caught her wrist.

"~Half is half. No matter what blood runs through our veins, we are still living beings. Thank for teaching me that.~"

I smiled to myself and then Daeroch rode off. I looked at Merida and smiled.

"~You are too kind my love.~" I said.

She smiled and we went home to our son. He was still there with Vanya and Silivrenniel. Eruraina had joined them and Merida rushed to her.

"~I was afraid Sadron would have found you! Eruraina I appreciate you wanting to help but next time please listen. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.~"

"~I promise aunt Merida.~"

I smiled and then Eruraina hugged me. I kissed her head and then took my wife and son in my arms.

"~Marchwarden….~"

I turned towards the door where a guard stood.

"~The Lady requests your presence, and that of your wife and son.~" he said.

I nodded and he left. After saying good-bye to our family, Merida, Tawathion and I went to see Lady Galadriel.

Merida's POV

As we waited for Galadriel, Tawathion sat in stood next to a guard. I laughed when I saw him trying to imitate the guard. Whatever the guard did, my son would copy him. I heard a laugh full of warmth and that sounded like bells. I bowed to the Lady of Light and she smiled. She knelt down in front of my son and he smiled at her.

"~Up! Up!~"

Haldir looked nervous, but Galadriel lifted Tawathion into her arms. He played with a lock of her golden hair.

"~Such a precious gifts, children are. This one is special. Another heir of Durin. Your grandfather would be proud Merida.~"

I smiled brightly and she handed me my son.

"~I wished to speak to you of Sadron. My guards heard from Beleg about his actions and I sent them to find him. He has been banished, never again shall he harm your child.~"

I smiled and snuggled Tawathion. Haldir put his hands on my shoulders.

"~And Beleg? Is he alright?~"

Galadriel smiled and nodded.

"~Yes. Your horse brought him back in time for us to save him. He will be alright.~"

I sighed in relief.

"~Beleg hero!~" Tawathion said.

I smiled Haldir put his hand over his head.

"~Indeed he is. He is your hero Tawathion.~"

I smiled when I remembered the silk blanket we had received.

"~I think I know now who sent the blanket.~"

Haldir smiled at me. We bid the Lady good night and went home. Tawathion fell asleep on the way so when we got home I just put him in bed. I covered him with his blanket and kissed his head. Haldir put his arms around me as we looked down at our child.

"~He is just so innocent. So unknowing of the world outside Lorien.~" I said.

"~I wish he could always remain as such.~" Haldir said.

I turned in his embrace and smiled.

"~So long as I am alive and breathing he will be. And I am immortal, so I will make sure he never knows what evil the world holds.~"

He sighed and pulled me into his arms.

"~I love you so much Merida.~" he said.

I smiled and closed my eyes.

"~I love you too Haldir.~"