Not One Of You
By FlamingRebirth
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings
"Speaking in Elfish."
*Galadriel speaking mentally to Haldir*
Chapter Four: Child of Prophecy?
Haldir absentmindedly listened to Phantom's hooves hitting stone. The bay stallion was quiet, contentedly walking down the side of the small mountain. The previous week had been well spent and Haldir had learnt much, his quiver was now full of home-made arrows, his stomach was full with fresh cooked meat and his heart was full of joy and contentment. Even Phantom, the excitable and powerful horse was calm and happy, content to walk calmly between Blackthorn and Elrohir's mare.
His companions, Elladan, Glorfindel and Elrohir were also quiet and content; the week in the wild, feeding on fresh meats and food had done the elves and their horses good. But of course all good things eventually came to an end. It was time to return to the great palace of Rivendell, the journey would take a day, if not two as they had wandered far and now were quite a distance from the path that lead down to the great waterfall valley.
Haldir allowed Phantom a bit more rein, letting the horse have more control. He trusted the animal to carry him safely. He felt the horse's head rise with pride as the great chest beneath him took in deep breaths and swelled with pride. Haldir knew his trust was not misplaced.
Slowly, the four horses carefully carried their precious cargoes down the mountain side. They negotiated the edge, turning and lining up with little help from their partners. It was quite fascinating watching the horses nicker to each other. At one point all four horses stopped, in front of them was the path they needed to use to get down but it was a thin path outlined by sharp jagged rocks, there was only enough room for one horse at a time. Eventually Blackthorn moved forward and led the way, Phantom and Swiftfoot gave the mare encouraging nickers as she followed the black stallion. Phantom followed her, who was closely followed by Swiftfoot. The horses had made the decision without the involvement of their riders.
An hour or so later the horses had reached the flat basin. Haldir tightened the reins and readied Phantom, who shifted eagerly awaiting for the next order. Together all four elves ordered their horses to canter, Phantom reared back his great hind legs easily holding his riders and his weight, with one snort whilst throwing his great head back, he lunged forward and was soon leading the way back to the hidden pathway. Haldir could feel the muscles working beneath him; he could feel the power with every stride. The horses neighed, pranced and bucked as they galloped enjoying the air flying through their manes, their freedom and their riders joyful cries.
Elladan noticed the reservoir to the right of them. "The hidden path way is not far now, it is literally parallel with the reservoir which is what makes it so dangerous in the rainy season. When we reach the end of the reservoir we'll need to turn left away from the reservoir and the path before turning back right. If we continued forward without riding around we would fall down onto the pathway and end up with injuries."
"So we need to turn left and then back right so we're directly on the path rather than crashing down onto it." Haldir asked, just to make sure he understood correctly.
"Yes." Elladan confirmed.
Haldir nodded and quickly followed Elladan and Blackthorn as they turned away from the reservoir , the cantered for some time before turning back on themselves. There before them was the pathway down, littered with debris. Blackthorn led the way, lunging over the obstacles. The mare followed with Phantom and Swiftfoot following behind. With great, powerful jumps Phantom easily overtook the mare and would have overtaken Blackthorn if Haldir had not pulled him back as they turned right and down the outside of the mountain.
The horses thundered down the hidden path and in a few hours the elves found themselves within the waterfall valley, the reservoir's water fell down into a pool that trickled off the edge of the platform and down into a large forest to their left. The elves turned right and followed the river along the valley until they saw Rivendell palace, its great white walls shiny in the enclosing darkness. With a sharp turn to the right, the horses soon ambled down the cliff side and into the forest.
The sky was getting worryingly dark and Haldir feared that they would not reach the stables in time, but the other three were confident as they cantered through the trees. Phantom was still confidently cantering forward, his head stretched ahead of him as if he knew precisely where he was going. Haldir allowed himself to relax knowing he was not alone and that he had others with him who knew where they were going. He noticed Phantom glance back obviously concerned for his rider, Haldir patted the animal's neck with a small smile, phantom snorted but once again focused on where he was going.
Haldir was proven wrong, as they rode up to the stables, the sky was a deep purple but horse and rider could still see quite well. The four elves dismounted and quickly saw to their horses comfort before they themselves rushed off for the comfort of their bed chambers.
It bought joy to Haldir's heart as he was awoken from his slumber by Thorn. The young elf smiled as he gently handed Haldir hot cup of herbal tea. Haldir gratefully sipped the drink as his faithful servant milled around the room cleaning up Haldir's dumped clothes and filling his master's bath. The morning progressed beautifully as Haldir bathed in peace and dressed quickly and gracefully, Thorn carefully and quietly continued his duties around Haldir, shooting gentle smiles at his master when their eyes met.
Haldir said farewell to his companion and with confidence wandered outside the door, following the path to the great food hall. He greeted some of the guards that patrolled the hallways, smiling as the greeted him fondly in return. Happy in the knowledge that someone was there to find if he became lost, he continued until he came upon the great oak doors of the dining hall. He opened the door slightly before slipping in. Lord Elrond and Glorfindel were already sat upon the main table and greeted him warmly as he slipped into his usual seat besides Glorfindel.
"How was your journey, Haldir?" Lord Elrond asked politely as he sipped as his herbal tea.
"It was fine, in fact better than fine." Haldir replied as he helped himself to some bread and jam, he wasn't sure what fruit it had come from but he enjoyed the flavour.
"I hope you learnt much." Lord Elrond stated. "Glorfindel was just telling me of your lessons on arrows and has also boasted you and your horse's ability to jump."
"Yes I was oft told that my horse was a fine jumper." Haldir replied.
"I would like to see this skill for myself." Lord Elrond replied. "Perhaps I should wander down to the stables the next time the twins decide to take you." Haldir nodded agreeably. Elrond smiled gently, "Now you've had time to bond with your horse, perhaps I may take the opportunity to teach you of this world."
"I would very much like that." Haldir replied.
"Then let us adjourn after breakfast, to my office where there are many documents that may be of interest to you as I teach you." Elrond replied. "Glorfindel you are welcome to join."
"I would like that." Glorfindel confessed. "Your tales are enjoyable to listen to."
Elrond chuckled in good humour. "Alas I tell tales not for enjoyment but to educate this day, but you are most welcome to enjoy yourself." He then stood. "Let us adjourn now; I will request food and drink to be bought to my office."
Glorfindel and Haldir followed the elf lord into his private study and sat eagerly awaiting for the older elf to begin his tales. Several elves wandered in before Elrond had begun and deposited drinks and food onto their Lords desks before bowing and leaving the room. Elrond took a seat behind his desk and helped himself to a few pieces of fruit and a sip of drink before he finally began.
"No one knows the full story or even the truth, even we elves as old and as wise as we are cannot truly understand the full tale of which I am going to tell you. However what I will say is truth." Elrond stated, he waited for his listeners agreeing nods before continuing. "When Middle Earth was relatively new a great story began. As life began to grow and flourish so did the elves. We are called the first born because we came before Man. There are many tales told that tell us of many unique races of elves but as of this moment I can only recall three. The Noldor, the Vanyar and the Teleri. The Noldor were called 'The Deep Elves' since they were well educated in lore, warfare and crafts. They were seekers of knowledge and enjoyed language, they were renown for finding words to describe their world. They were oft described as grey eyed, dark haired elves much like the Teleri. The other name for the Teleri was Falmari, but they are also known as the 'Sea Elves'. They were known to create great music in honour of the sea and its waves." Elrond paused to take a drink before continuing on. "And finally we have the Vanyar. Vanya means fair/light and it is an apt description because these elves had fair, golden hair. Not much is known whether this is because they were in hiding or were disappearing is unknown, however it is believed that their legacy still lives in their Noldor descendants."
"If the Vanyar are known for disappearing then how do you know that they're really gone." Haldir asked curiously.
"We cannot know, only surmise." Elrond replied. "Perhaps their legacy still goes strong, all that we know is that we've never seen a pureblood Vanyar or Teleri." Haldir nodded his acceptance at the explanation and waited for Elrond to continue. When the older elf realised that there were no more questions he continued on with his story. "Now what I can tell you is complete truth as I myself have lived it. Eventually the second born arrived in Middle Earth, when man arrived Elves were still the more common race, we oft stayed apart from mankind but on rare occasions we aided man. Whilst we were wary of man our alliances with man held for the most part. We lived together, traded our wares and fought together. This continued for some time."
"Until the second age." Glorfindel muttered. Haldir glanced at the elf questionably but the fair haired elf shook his head and focused upon the elf lord who waited patiently for his audience's attention.
"By this time the great rings had come into play, there were the nine rings for man, the three rings for elves and seven rings for the dwarves. I was entrusted with one of the rings when I left to create Imladris or Rivendell as it is known to you. It was given to me by Gil-Galad the last High King of Noldor. Unfortunately a great evil had arose, a being we all know as Sauron. Sauron wanted to control all the rings and so he created the one ring. The ring to rule them all. Fortunately his plan failed, the elves and the dwarf's rings did not fall to the one ring but the nine Kings of Men succumbed to Sauron's power and became the Nasgul, feared weapons of Sauron. The Nazgul are cloaked men with hissing, whispering voices. They are covered in a black cloak and their steeds are as black as the night sky." Elrond explained for Haldir. Haldir nodded his acceptance at the explanation. "Saurons forces also include orcs, beings of a twisted nature whose only desire is fighting and death. The horror of this is that most orcs are elves, tortured and twisted until all the light that blessed them is destroyed and only darkness rules in its place. As Sauron arose both man and elves realised that he must be stopped and so during the second age the last alliance of man and elves was born."
Lord Elrond paused and Glorfindel watched him with sad eyes. Haldir patiently waited for the two older elves to gather themselves, understanding that this was a difficult subject for them to speak of. Finally Elrond gathered himself and continued to speak. "The war was long fought and hard but we eventually met Sauron and his forces face to face, many hundreds of elves and men fell including my dear friend and High King, Gil-Galad and the High Kind of Dunedain, Elendil. Fortunately Elendil's son Isildur defeated Sauron and with the broken hilt of a sword cut the ring from the beings hand, finger and all. Sauron disintegrated, his physical body not being able to hold itself without the power of the ring. I led the man to the fires of mount Doom, but as with all man he was overcome by the will of the ring. He kept the ring and on his way back home he was attacked by Orcs. The ring fell into the river, forever lost to us. Since that fateful day elves have lost faith in man and whilst we keep peace with them we never interact with them as we once did." Elrond finished. "Since then we have been haunted by Sauron's existence, because he still does exist as long as the ring exists. Man is holding the great evils forces back but eventually a time will come when Man must try to prove himself again. However when that time comes elves will not be there to help them for we will have moved on choosing between death, mortality and the seas."
Haldir absorbed what he was told and in all honesty he did not completely understand or agree. By not helping man weren't they being as bad as them? From what Haldir had seen the evil had not yet reached here, the elves lived in happiness and contentment. But then Haldir realised he had only been amongst the elves for a short time and did not fully understand their history. Perhaps one day he may gain a better understanding of his fellow elves and perhaps himself. "I cannot pretend to understand the whole story, perhaps I never will. But I do understand that a great divide has grown between the two races since that fateful time." Haldir finally said carefully. "I can say however that I understand how man can succumb to such power, most humans I've met desire power and knowledge and many would do anything to get it." Haldir admitted sadly. "Perhaps I am not the best person to say this and I may not understand completely but I doubt judging all men because of this Isildur is right. Man may succumb to power but some do not. The same could be said of all sentient races, some like power and would do anything to obtain it but others will be happy with what they can have and strive only to become better versions of themselves."
"That is true, which is why even though the gap between our races has grown we still keep peace with man, because we cannot judge the many by the one." Elrond replied with a soft smile, clearly communicating that he had not taken offence. "However none of us can deny a humans strength of will is oft weak and as such we cannot rely heavily upon them." All three nodded in agreement to that statement. "However we can create alliances and treaties among certain individuals. My greatest trade is our wine which is highly appraised by many races throughout Rivendell and in return we receive news of Middle Earth and more knowledge."
"Father."
"Greetings, my sons." Elrond replied as the two twins strolled in. "What may I do for you my children?"
"The kitchens have asked for meat, so we have opted to go hunting, we have come to offer Haldir and Glorfindel the opportunity to join us. That is if they are finished here." Elladan stated as he sat at the edge of his desk, Elrohir stood with a small smile behind the two fair haired elves staring expectantly at his father.
"Perhaps we should adjourn for now so you can digest what I have told you." Elrond stated thoughtfully. "I admit it would be interesting to hear any thoughts and opinions you have on the little I have told you."
"I look forward to it." Haldir agreed.
Once their farewells were spoken the two elves stood and followed the twins from the room. "There are several places we may hunt and there are many deer. We will need many to feed all the elves, perhaps we aim for six for now we don't want to overdo it and deplete the herds we have." Elrohir asked thoughtfully.
"The kitchens have some poultry, I believe four deer would be a better number." Elladan replied. "That will give us one deer each."
"It will take some time to hunt the deer down, would you prefer to ride or go on foot." Elrohir asked the fair haired elves.
Haldir frowned. "The horses hooves will alert any deer we come across if we do choose to ride we will have to dismount before we come upon the deer."
The twins nodded their agreement. "The best herds of deer are quite a distance into the forests and mountains, so it may be wise to ride to reach them." Elrohir stated thoughtfully. "However we must return in a short time for the kitchens to prepare the food, perhaps we should ride into the woodland and hunt there. Our horses can carry the carcases back here. It would make the journey quicker."
"Then we take the horses." Glorfindel answered.
"Very well." The twins agreed. The four elves easily traversed the now familiar slopes down to the stables, joyous neighing greeted them, warming the elves hearts. The elves quickly tacked up their horses and climbed onto their mounts backs and urged them into the wood.
Almost an hour later and Haldir was staring around at the forest with some surprise. When the twins spoke of getting back quickly and eventually chose the forest, he had assumed the forest was small but instead the forest spread as far as the eye could see. They had yet to spot any deer and much of their time was taken up with avoiding trees and twisting and turning the mounts through the maze of foliage.
Eventually Elladan pulled Blackthorn to a stop. The black stallion halted easily and the elf dismounted. His three companions also stopped and dismounted. The three elves happily released the reigns knowing their horses would not flee. They approached Elladan and finally noticed what he had spotted, small foot prints clearly that of a doe. Instantly the elves went silent and crouched down slowly and quietly following the trail with their bows ready.
When they came across a clearing they saw two does. Elladan signalled that he would take the largest and Haldir agreed to take the smallest. The two elves took aim and waited. The smaller doe was right behind the larger meaning that Elladan could not take the shot until Haldir got a clear shot. It took ten or so minutes before the two females slowly walked apart, without straying too far, but it was far enough. The two girls didn't even know what had hit them, they were dead within seconds.
Haldir alongside Elladan moved to their kills, Glorfindel and Elrohir respectively stood back. Haldir approached the young doe and kneeled slowly taking his arrow back out of her. "Forgive me. I am sorry for having to take your life, young one. I pray that you find peace in the thought that your death feeds the many. May you find peace in death." He prayed closing her eyes and finally lifting up the carcass. He whistled and Phantom walked towards him obligingly showing his flank for the carcass to be tied upon.
Haldir mounted his horse once more alongside his comrades and they rode onwards seeking two more deer. It took some time to find some other tracks, but eventually they came upon a buck and a doe. Elladan and Haldir stayed mounted holding onto the mare and Swiftfoot as their riders hunted. It didn't take long for Glorfindel and Elrohir to make the kills and Elladan and Haldir waited politely as the two elves gave their apologies and prayers to the dead creatures.
When they returned with their catches the kitchen staff greeted them warmly and eagerly accepted their gifts but not before allowing the hunters to take prizes from their catches. Haldir took the fur, skin and a few bones but left the rest. He was unsure what to do with his prizes but perhaps he could have a crafter fashion him some new clothes or a quiver. He would have to think upon it.
With their hunting done, Haldir asked if he may be allowed to visit their grand library. Of course Lord Elrond was only happy to oblige and soon Haldir found himself being lectured on many things. He had lost track but Haldir was sure he was lectured on horse care, fashioning clothes and fighting stances. Currently they were discussing literature and the different authors. Haldir was not aware or well taught on the literature of Middle Earth but he was very aware of many texts from his home and as such talked about them. Elrond took great interest in them and listened to the many styles of writing that Haldir described.
"So these screenplays are much like the scripts our entertainers oft follow?" The older elf asked.
"Yes, the screenplays are basically scripts with some descriptive text to describe the people and scene. I am not very knowledgeable on screen plays because they did not spark my interest but I do believe a man by the name of Shakespeare was a great screenplay author. Many of his works have ended up as world renown plays." Haldir replied. "I however, have never truly been fond of them, in fact I've often found them barbaric and disgusting. I much prefer novels and the like rather than screenplays."
"How were Shakespeare's plays barbaric?" Elrond asked in great curiosity.
"Most of his work was tragedy and they oft ended up with the main characters deaths or tragedies. Romeo and Juliet for an example is about two lovers, who adored each other, but their families hated one another and would not condone such a joining. Instead both Romeo and Juliet die to be together and as a result the two feuding families unite over such a tragedy."
"So in some ways it is rather and educational play about the realities of life. Particularly the political realities of life?" Elrond asked clearly trying to decipher the story.
"Well I can't truly answer that for I do not know but I guess that would be an apt description. Two feuding families joined by the tragic deaths of their love struck family members." Haldir answered. "Tragedy has never been my favourite subject to read, I prefer seeking knowledge and things that inspire by imagination."
"Indeed? Then perhaps you will enjoy Reneya's work. She often delved into fiction and fantasy, her work has always intrigued me because she oft explored all genres including tragedy and romance. I have many of her works stored in this library. Perhaps you too will find joy within her words." Lord Elrond stated.
"I will have a read to see if I like her at some point then." Haldir agreed. "What kind of tales has she written of?"
"There are many but I particularly like her story 'The secret Hero'. She writes of a war between two great people, a young man, our hero chooses the opposite faction to his own people and becomes an undercover spy. What follows is many years of pain, torture and acting. I will not spoil the end but I can honestly say that is a very moving tale."
"It does sound rather good." Haldir agreed. "She sounds like a very good tale weaver."
"She is considered to be amongst the best writers of our kind." Elrond replied. "And I agree with that, she seems to have a way with words."
"I'm looking forward to reading it." Haldir replied.
"I actually have two copies; I will gladly give the spare to you."
"Are you sure?" Haldir asked uncertainly.
"I am quite sure, young one." Elrond replied with a smile. "I will gather a collection of scrolls that I feel you may find of interest, I have several copies of many of my books since many of my family and friends buy these scrolls for me, unaware that I have already obtained them."
"Thank you." Haldir muttered, honoured that the Lord would offer what sounded like his most precious treasures.
"It is a pleasure." Elrond replied. "It is not oft that I can speak about such literature with others. I will take great joy out of our discussions that follow you reading those books."
Haldir smiled. "As will I." He admitted. "You speak rather fondly of these scrolls; can I presume that you have quite a collection?" He asked.
"You may presume that. I have several hundreds of scrolls, including some rare ones and some that have never been seen by the eyes of men." Elrond admitted.
"I remember hearing a tale once." Haldir mentioned after a moment of silence. "It spoke of an estranged man, divided from his family because he believed in something else. He grew to despise his people because all he saw was the bad of his race; he had never learnt to see the good. He journeyed far and wide and found himself fascinated with the different cultures and people, he even gathered a few companions who were different from him. The companions initially saw him as evil, just like his race and throughout the journeys they were initially forced to take together he proved them wrong. Slowly he earns their respect and trust until they would follow him into the deepest pits of hell. Their friendship lasted forever and they never abandoned each other for any reason. But then the day came when the man met his own kind once more he was wary and unable to see beyond the darkness his kind had shrouded themselves within, it was his companions that taught him to see beyond that darkness and see the good within his people, even if that good was really small."
"That's a really interesting story." Elrond commented. "It seems to me that the tale tells the audience that there is more to a person then what we all see. Sometimes it takes a stranger to help an individual to see the light."
"I found it interesting how tales relate to the world around us." Haldir answered. "I often remembered that very tale when I suffered in the hands of man. I would remember that not all were as cruel and heartless as the men and women I had the misfortune to meet."
"It is a very inspiring tale I confess. I remember a similar tale myself. It tells a tale about a man, he lived among his own race but saw only pain, suffering and darkness. He looked upon the elves and saw angels and peace. He left his kind with hatred brewing in his soul for his kind; he travelled far and wide and oft heard the other races including the elves look down at the race of men. The hatred grew to such a degree that he would not aid his brethren in times of trouble. It took the words of several elves to remind him and show him that not all men were evil and sometimes one would have to look deeply into another's soul and action to see the light of goodness."
"I sometimes find it amusing how many of the tales teach us at a young age and oft we don't actually realise it." Haldir commented with a chuckle.
"I do not; the best way to teach a child is to do it in a way that the child never realises." Elrond stated with a chuckle. "Sometimes the best way is to have the child unknowingly teach themselves. They watch and learn the environment and when they see something painful they most oft know to avoid it. By reading scrolls for pleasure they delve into an imaginary world where they teach themselves what is safe and what isn't and they always apply what they learn to the real world which is why only certain scrolls are given to younglings." Elrond explained. "Isn't that how it works with your humans?"
"Yes, we had woven tales of imaginary worlds with secret, hidden warnings and educational instructions." Haldir answered. "I have to confess my favourite tales were 'The Animals of Farthing Wood.' It was a tale of a small wood where a large variety of animals lived. There was a fox, a badger, a toad, a weasel, a snake, an awl, a kestrel, two pheasants and a number of small creatures. The wood was being torn down for Man to continue building so the animals gathered together and decided to travel to a 'God-like' paradise for animals. The fox was chosen as the leader; he leads them through the devastating harshness and suffering of human life and gets almost all of his companions to 'paradise'. Unfortunately not all make it. The tale was lovely to me but now I'm older I realise it was actually telling me of the suffering of our nature and our need to protect it. Or at least that's how I perceive the tale."
"It sounds interesting." Elrond confessed. "Did the tales ever work on them?"
"Some did and some didn't. The humans are divided some want power and some want peace. Unfortunately those who want power are more numerous and able to stop many if not all attempts at peace." Haldir admitted.
"It seems that is a problem for all races, not just man." Elrond replied.
"Indeed. Whether peace can truly be achieved is the most important question."
"No, the most important question is what peace is? Is peace a set standard or is it just whatever makes a people or race happy?"
"Yes, indeed that is the question. What is peace or at least what does peace mean to a group of people and different races." Hadlir replied with a grin.
"Peace is for the happiness of the people involved. Peace can only be achieved if joy is spread throughout like it is here." Arwen stated as she walked in. "Forgive me for intruding but I could not help but overhear your conversation and found it intriguing. May I join you Father, Haldir?"
"Please join me my child." Elrond replied, I nodded kindly at her. "Indeed perhaps we've achieved peace her, all elves in Rivendell are happy and we find no need for power. Even our servants are happy as their treated with equality."
"Indeed, you have achieved peace, but can peace be achieved elsewhere?" Haldir asked.
"Yes, I believe it can. Everyone has goodness in them but sometimes it has to be reached for." Arwen responded, her voice softly flowing around the room and bringing a smile to both the males faces.
"Perhaps but many races are too power hungry to ever truly reach peace." Haldir replied.
"Perhaps but at least we know it is not unobtainable. A person, people or race cannot just hope to achieve peace they must want it, they must desire equality and friendships with all to obtain peace." Elrond answered. "Yet unfortunately not only is there the opposition from their own, the individuals seeking peace must also contend with other races who do not wish for the individuals to achieve peace."
"Exactly." Haldir replied. "Opposition comes from all around and can stop even the strongest attempts."
"Lord Elrond!" An elf scout raced in panting for breath. "Please come quick my lord, there is little time."
"What's wrong?" Elrond demanded.
"Sire, we found a man child, a boy who's very injured if you do not treat him soon he will die." The moment the scout had stated that Elrond was ushering the scout to lead him to the child, Haldir jumped up with Arwen not far behind him, they both raced after the sprinting scout and Lord. Even though his concern for the child was great he could not help but find himself in awe of the female elf behind him. Even though she wore a long, silky white gown she was able to keep up with little sound and still look incredibly graceful and elegant.
Soon they all arrived in the healing chambers and saw the mess the child was in. The young boy was little more than mud and blood. He barely looked ten years old and was frail as if he had not been well looked after. Arwen gasped and moved forward gently rubbing the child's hair, unconcerned about the mud rubbing off onto her hands.
"We must carefully wash him, I need to see his wounds." Lord Elrond ordered. The four assistant healers, two guards, four scouts, Haldir, Arwen and Lord Elrond moved forward simultaneously. The guards realising they could not move away from their guard posts reluctantly returned to their posts, the scouts were too agitated to help and clearly overwhelmed by the abuse they could see on the child. The four assistants quickly moved gathering cloths and herbal waters. Haldir stepped forward and gently held the boy upright as Arwen gently removed the child's clothes.
The child whimpered slightly, the only sign he still lived, as the clothes rubbed against his wounds. Elrond gently washed the mud and blood off with a damp cloth, the herbs did their job and quickly numbed some of the child's pain. Arwen whispered sweet nothings into the child's ear and Haldir held the child giving his own form of comfort.
All those present hissed as they saw incredibly violent infections, they were surprised the child had survived. Arwen whispered to the child telling him about how brave and strong he was as Lord Elrond reopened the badly healed wounds and washed them to clean out the infections, he used a little elfin magic to aid in healing the wounds. All elves prayed it would help the child heal with little scars.
Soon the child lay in a small set of white pyjamas and was quietly sleeping, his dark black hair covering his eyes in an unintentional symbol of defence. Arwen gently pushed the hair aside and gently kissed the child's forehead.
Lord Elrond sighed quietly. "Do not leave him unattended and send for me the moment the child shows signs of awaking."
"Yes my lord." The elves present replied. With a firm nod Lord Elrond left. Arwen gave one final kiss to the unconscious boy and Haldir gave the boy a friendly hair rub before they both left to catch up with the older elf.
They found the elf pacing in his office obviously very distraught and angry. Arwen moved forward and embraced him. Feeling awkward Haldir moved to the door.
"Wait." Lord Elrond called. "Please sit." Haldir obligingly sat in front of the desk. Arwen sat beside him as they watched Elrond sit down behind the desk. "If I read the signs right I will need all the help I can get. The child looks as if he's been abused and since you two have seen what he was bought in like, you two are the best choices. This way I will have no need to tell any others, although it may already have spread halfway across Rivendell. I would like your aid with dealing with the child, teaching him that he is safe and we will not harm him."
"It would be an honour, Lord Elrond. But I am not sure how I can help." Haldir replied.
"Just spend time with him, make him feel wanted. You are new to the elven world, perhaps you can teach a little of what you've learnt so he does not feel left out." Arwen replied. "I will also spend time with him." She promised.
"I will send scouts out to find out if anyone is missing a child but if they cannot be found I will have to find him new parents."
"I believe many of the elves will welcome him with open arms." Arwen replied.
"Indeed they will." Lord Elrond replied. For the rest of the evening the three elves spoke of how to treat the child, what he could eat, where he could go. It was eventually decided that the child when fully healed would stay with Elrond in the elf's chambers until he was old enough and healed enough to handle a room of his own.
It was almost a week later that the child showed any signs of waking. The elves were growing increasingly concerned, when the child awoke the relief was visible among all of them. The child however had taken to hiding. Haldir had strolled in having been given the good news to find the healers trying to soothe the terrified child as the boy hid beneath the bed. Haldir smiled and stepped forward before crouching down in front of the child. "Hello little one." He greeted.
The little boy tilted his head in confusion, his eyes filled with fear as he stared at the looming figure of Haldir. Haldir coughed realising the child did not understand. He needed to speak English again, but he had not spoken it for some time. "Hello young one." He greeted, pleased when he realised his accent wasn't too thick.
"H…hello." The little boy greeted.
"Isn't it uncomfortable under there?" Haldir asked softly, he carefully sat so he wasn't looming over the child.
"A little." The boy admitted.
"How about you come out from there?" Haldir asked. The boy shook his head. "What if I asked the others to leave so it was just me and you, if I moved away from the bed would you come out?" Haldir asked. The child carefully thought about it and nodded. Haldir turned to the elves. "Please leave."
"But sir!"
"Do you want this child out from under there or not?"
"Of course."
"Then please leave." With a disapproving frown the elves moved but they left the doors open. Haldir nodded in approval before turning to the boy. "Alright kid, their outside now are you going to come out."
The boy stared suspiciously at Haldir for a moment but finally decided that being inside with Haldir was better than hiding under the bed. The boy clambered out and stared warily up at him in fear hidden with anger. Haldir bent down as he gently gripped the boy's shoulders. "Thank you for coming inside. You gave everyone a scare there young one."
"Why do you care?" The boy asked.
"Because you are a child, you are precious to us." Haldir explained. "Do you know what we are?"
"Elves." The boy replied with a small voice.
"To elves all children are precious and to be treasured, you upset all of us when you reacted with such fear." Haldir explained softly. "We're not going to hurt you." He explained seeing the suspicion in the child's eyes. "We're the ones who found and healed you."
A sound caught Haldir's sensitive ears and both elf and boy turned at stared at the newcomers. Arwen bent at the door lowering herself to the child's height. "It is good to see you finally awake young one." She stated, her soft voice immediately lightened the air with its soothing melody. The boy stared in awe at the female elf and blushed under her gaze. "Are you feeling well?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Now, now, none of that. Call me Arwen." She rebuked teasingly. "May I have the honour of knowing your name?"
"A…Aragorn."
"Aragorn. What a fine name." She stated with a bright smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you Aragorn." The boy blushed and toed the floor, his gaze lowering in happy embarrassment. "Now young one, hiding from us under the bed after we healed you wasn't very nice was it?"
"No." The boy admitted softly. "I'm sorry."
"Will you do it again?"
"No."
"Then all is forgiven." Arwen stated and just like that the issue was over. "Why don't Haldir, You and I explore the building for a little while? Would you like that?"
"Who's Haldir?" the boy asked.
"I am child." Haldir stated softly. "It is a pleasure to meet you Aragorn." The child blushed under Haldirs soft gaze. "Would you like to join me and Arwen?" The boy didn't verbally answer but nodded eagerly. Haldir took the boys hand and stood before walking over to Arwen. The female elf smiled down at the young boy and led the way out of the room. "How old are you Aragorn?"
"Eight." The boy answered.
"What do you know of elves?" Arwen asked gently.
"That you're all pretty." The boy said innocently blushing when he realised what he had said.
"Why thank you. Did you hear that, I'm pretty!" Haldir asked Arwen with a teasing grin.
Arwen chuckled in amusement and whispered, "Big head," into the child's ear. The boy giggled staring up at Haldir in childish amusement. Haldir playfully pouted in pretend sadness mimicking a broken heart. Arwen and Aragorn chuckled happily at Haldir's playful antics.
As they wandered the castle Arwen told stories of her childhood, of her twin brothers playing pranks and her father's looming. The boy giggled at the tales eagerly absorbing it all in. The boy happily observed the decorations and often asked what they were.
Haldir smiled softly but couldn't help but share a concerned look with Arwen over the boys head. The boy had shown signs of abuse and yet he was happily babbling on as if nothing had happened.
When they eventually arrived at Lord Elrond's office they both felt very relieved. Arwen paused and bent down rubbing the young man's shoulders. "My Ada is on the other side of this door. He may sometimes look scary and sound scary but he's a really nice man. I'll be in there with you, so do not worry little one." The boy nodded anxiously as Arwen knocked on the door.
"Enter." The three companions entered. Haldir and Arwen greeted the older man, the man nodded his head but his focus was solely on the little boy still hanging off Haldir's hand. He bent down to the child's level and held out his hand. "Hello little one. I am Elrond."
The boy stared cautiously at the older elf's hand before taking it with his small hand. "Hello, I'm Aragorn."
"It's a pleasure." Elrond stated gently shaking the hand before releasing it. "I am very glad to see you are awake child. We were becoming worried."
"I'm sorry." The boy apologised.
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Elrond soothed. "Would you like to join me for some food and drink?" The elf asked. The boy couldn't help but look up eagerly making all three elves struggle to hide their anger, no child should be so starving hungry that they'd jump at the chance to eat and drink like Aragorn was doing. "Then I shall ask my assistant for enough for the four of us. Would you like to sit with me behind my desk?"
The boy glanced up at the desk and cautiously nodded his head. With gentle hands the elf lord lifted the child into his arms and strolled back around the desk, he sat with the child perched on his lap. The boy eagerly took in the site of the top of the desk but did not touch a thing like curious children were prone to do. Elrond gently handed the boy a quill, quietly warning him about the sharp tip. The boy immediately discovered the joys of soft silky feathers as his small fingers explored the object. The boy went to put it down but Elrond stopped him. "It's yours little one. I have plenty. Perhaps you'd like to keep it for your lessons."
"Lessons?" The boy asked his eyes wide and eager. Again the elves resisted anger as they watched the un-natural behaviour, for a child to want to learn they would most likely have spent their times in work houses or on the streets.
"Why, of course. Unless you do not want them." Elrond stated,
The boy eagerly nodded his head. "I wanna learn." He stated.
"Then learn you shall." Elrond promised. The boy bounced lightly, his wide happy eyes focused on his new quill almost likely he couldn't believe it was his. Elrond called a nearby elf and asked for refreshments. He then explained how the quill worked and allowed the boy to write on some parchment.
Haldir smiled at the writing but the boy frowned. "It not right."
"You write better than me." Haldir stated. "Although I am still learning." He stated. "Perhaps you can teach me how to write better."
The boy glanced at him and finally nodded. "I will teach you."
"Thank you." Haldir replied, watching attentively as the boy wrote. Of course he wasn't as illiterate as he made out but he hadn't lied. He had never used a quill before and often found it difficult to write when it was required.
"Perhaps you would like to see the horses later?" Arwen asked. "I am sure we could take you down to the stables later if you would like." The boy nodded with wide eyes and a big smile filled his face.
His eyes had grown into the size of dinner plates and he took in the food the assistants had bought in. He looked up at the adult elves who nodded and pushed the plate towards him. Within seconds the young boy was trying to wolf it all down.
"Whoa, take it easy young one." Haldir stated. The boy slowed down staring cautiously at him. "I promise you it won't be going anywhere." He stated solemnly. The boy did not answer but Haldir easily noticed that they boy had slowed down a little.
The three elves sat talking quietly in elfish between themselves as they watched the child eat. Elrond immediately instructed them to watch over the boy every time he ate, they would have to break his desperate habit of shovelling everything into his mouth, which clearly indicated he was once in a place where you either ate everything quickly or went without.
Haldir finally sighed and stood. "I apologise for leaving now but I have to go check on my horse and continue my lessons. Are you happy for me to join you tomorrow?" Haldir asked.
"Yes." The boy agreed.
"Then I shall see you tomorrow." Haldir replied. "Have a good evening and night." He blessed.
"See you tomorrow." The boy returned.
Haldir bowed his head and then left the room with a small wave. He wandered down the hallways cursing at his forgetfulness. He was supposed to be combat training with Glorfindel and the twins, he was already very late. He only hoped the three elves would forgive him.
He jogged down the hallway but was stopped by several elves who asked him how the boy was. He told them that the boy was well but that he could not say much. The elves accepted his answer easily but their questions had slowed him down considerably.
The three elves were already training when he arrived. The moment he was noticed the stopped and stared expectantly at him. "I am sorry for being so late."
"Do not be, we are aware of the child. How is he?" Glorfindel asked.
"I cannot say much, but what I can say is that he is healthy but there are signs of…"
"…abuse." Elladan finished.
"There are just little signs but it is concerning." Haldir replied.
The three elves scowled and threw themselves back into training, taking their anger out about the child's suffering on each other. By the time their training session was up all four were injured and out of breath. Now slightly calmer they agreed to clean their wounds and gather spare cloths so they could visit a spring in the mountains.
Haldir returned to his room and with Thorn's aid cleaned and bandaged his wounds. With a spare uniform and a snack packed into a bag, he met his three companions and headed to the stables. The horses neighed warmly at their riders but seemed to sense the solemn air of their riders and remained calmer than they usually were. The four riders trotted through the woodland in silence each elf thinking deeply about what little they had learnt.
The silence continued for some time until Glorfindel sighed. "There is little use of us dwelling on it as we are. Nothing can change what the child has experienced but what we can do is make his life with us better and fulfilling. Haldir do not worry if you are late, just let us know you're with the child. The child's happiness comes above all else for now."
"Perhaps we can take him to some safe places in the woodlands, that way he is cooped up in the building all the time." Elladan suggested.
"It is not a bad idea, I will breach the subject with Lord Elrond next time I see him." Haldir replied.
"We need to let the child experience the joys of the world so he does not dwell on the darkness."
"What is the child's name?" Glorfindel asked.
"Aragorn." Haldir watched as the three elves took simultaneous breaths. "What?"
"Has father told you of the last alliance of elves and men?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes."
"Well Isildur betrayed the alliance, instead of destroying the ring he kept it and left the warzone. What father probably didn't tell you is that he had children. Aragorn is the son of Arathorn. Heir to Elendil and Isildur."
"He is Isildur's heir?" Haldir asked incredulously.
"Yes and one day he may need to fix his ancestors mistake." Elladan stated sadly. "What a great weight to place on such small shoulders. Father will not tell the man child for some time, not until he believes the child ready."
"Until then he will give the child great love." Elrohir replied.
Haldir smiled softly then frowned. Elladan was right, if was a great weight to place on a small child. The boy did not need to know for some time but it did not change the unfairness of it all. The child born into such a legacy. Born to suffer and strive for the freedom of the many. It was eerily similar to the fiction Harry Potter he had once read. It wasn't fair.
"Do not think too deeply on it, when the time comes we will know and it will always be the child's choice." Glorfindel stated. "Until then we will take great care of him." Haldir nodded in acceptance but he could still not hide his frown. What a poor child.
"Yes we cannot allow our thoughts to colour our actions." Haldir finally agreed quietly. "We must not remind him of his past." He added, Phantom shifted beneath him, an ear cocking back to listen to every one of Haldir's words. "I think it is would be a wonderful idea to take him out riding. Lady Arwen has already suggested that he come visit the stables, if one of our horses will accept him on their backs we could take him and perhaps even Lady Arwen for a ride into the forest."
"I know of a glen in the woodland that would be a perfect spot. It is private but spacious." Elrohir answered. "When we next see our father we will ask. We need to teach the child that happiness should not come at a cost. He should be happy always." The elf exclaimed passionately. "I cannot believe that someone would condition a child to pain and suffering, but what I do believe is that we should condition Aragorn to know happiness and love." Elrohir's mare danced beneath the elf sensing the elf's distress.
Blackthorn gently nuzzled the mare's neck, whinnying soothingly. Elladan smiled at his horse's antics, before saying his piece. "I think this also gives elves a chance. We can strengthen the alliance between us and humans by raising Aragorn well. When the time comes for us to leave Middle Earth we will have left a legacy through the child. The way he fights, the way he sees the world will be through our experiences and eyes and he will pass that on to his children and their children. We will never truly be gone as long as our teachings live on."
"More importantly." Glorfindel continued. "The child will know love and that is the only thing I wish for this child. I care only that he is happy and loved for the rest of his life."
"Why not offer the boy the opportunity to ride now? The horses are raring to go and there is still enough time before the evening meal to go out for a short while." Elladan replied. "And besides we have not ventured that far it will take us next to no time to return and offer the opportunity."
"Let us at least make the offer." Elrohir added.
"I agree." Glorfindel replied. "I want to see this child for myself. What is he like Haldir?"
Haldir frowned thinking back to what he had first seen. "He is quite small, he is only eight years old. His hair is dark brown and it is quite curly. He was initially fearful of us but I think he took a special liking to Lady Arwen. He spent some of the day with Lady Arwen and myself, I believe he trusts us now but he can be extremely wary. He has been taught not to touch anything without permission so it will take some time to persuade him to adventure but I believe that once he knows it is permitted, he will relax." Haldir explained. "I believe it would also be wise to try and push him to make his own decisions, give him some control instead of making decisions for him."
"A very wise idea. Aragorn must realise that whilst we make decisions for him we do it for his safety and not to control him. By giving him an option to choose, I hope he will realise our good intentions." Glorfindel replied with a smile. "The fact that he is so young will work to our benefit, we can 're-train' him to forget his suffering and see only the good." The golden haired elf pulled Swiftfoot to a halt and turned the horse around, with Haldir's guidance, Phantom followed suit.
It soon turned out that they had turned back just in time, Lady Arwen and Lord Elrond were escorting Aragorn down the large hill towards the stable. The child was eagerly jogging to keep up with the two elves striding pace. As the four riders approached Aragorn's eyes widened as he took in the size of the elegant horses. Phantom sensing the awe from the child immediately held his head high and began to trot, only Haldir's firm control on his reigns kept him from going too fast. "Good Afternoon, Lady Arwen, Lord Elrond." Haldir greeted nodding his head. "Good afternoon Aragorn."
"Good afternoon." Aragorn repeated quietly, his voice filled with awe and fear.
Glorfindel pulled Swiftfoot to halt and dismounted, taking the horse's reigns in his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, child. I am Glorfindel and this is Swiftfoot." Aragorn stared up at the elf and his horse before bravely approaching as he smiled. Glorfindel pulled Swiftfoot's head down for the boy to pat and the stallion gracefully accepted the gentle touch. "We were wondering if you'd be interested in accompanying us as we ride to a nearby glen." Aragorn paused and glanced back at Lord Elrond who smiled and nodded. "One of us will take you on our horses. Do you have a preference?" Glorfindel continued once he had the boy's attention, the boy shook his head staring at all horses nervously. "How about I introduce you? You know Haldir, his horse is Phantom." Haldir smiled and Phantom poked his head forward neighing in greeting. "This is Elladan and his twin Elrohir, Elladan is sitting Blackthorn and Elrohir is sitting on Sienna. Sienna is a mare whilst the others are stallions." Glorfindel explained.
Aragorn paused and looked at the horses his nerves showing. The four horses seemed to sense the young human's distress and stepped back lowering their heads so they appeared smaller. Phantom stepped forward and placed his muzzle next to the boy's hand. The boy nervously patted the nose before getting braver and stroking the horses face between Phantom's eyes. Haldir smiled. "Do not be afraid, Phantom will do you no harm." He stated. "Would you like to ride with me?" The boy's mouth opened to answer but Aragorn could not speak so instead he nodded shyly. Glorfindel smiled and gently lifted the boy up towards Haldir. Haldir gently moved back in the saddle so the boy could settle in front of him. Aragorn gripped the handle of the saddle staring at Phantom as the horse stared calmly back. "How does it feel to be on Phantom?" Haldir asked as he slipped forward so Aragorn was sat on his lap securely.
"He's so big." Aragorn murmured reaching a small hand to stroke Phantom's shoulder. The horse rumbled in pleasure, Aragorn gasped as he felt the horse vibrate beneath him before giggling when he realised why the horse was rumbling.
"He is isn't he?" Haldir replied. "But he is a gentle giant." He added his voice filling with love for his horse. "Have you got a firm hold of the saddle?" Aragorn tightened his small hands and hummed confirmation that he had a good hold of the saddle. Glorfindel mounted his horse and nodded at Haldir before walking forward back up the hill. Haldir gently kicked his horse into a walk, Aragorn gasped as he felt Phantom begin to move under him. Phantom rumbled gently beneath them and made his walk as slow and comforting as he could. Aragorn was wary but he seemed to enjoy being on a horse and Haldir could understand why, when he had rode his first horse it had been the most beautiful moment of his life.
"What do you think of Rivendell so far?" Elrohir asked curiously.
"It is so big. It's easy to get lost." Aragorn murmured in reply. The twins chuckled and began to regale the boy with tales of their own adventures through their palace home. Aragorn listened eagerly, soaking up their words like a sponge. Glorfindel told tales of the woods and of his duties in Lothlorien.
"But Haldir has the most exciting story." Glorfindel continued with a smile. "Ask him how he arrived in Middle Earth." Aragorn immediately turned his head back to look at Haldir with an eager gaze.
Haldir chuckled. "Well, how I came to be here is a rather strange tale. You see I do not come from this world or time. Where I come from was a place full of men, there are no elves, no dwarves and no wizards, only man. I learnt different things then what you'd learn, there we have a type of magic but the magic is 'fake' or man-made and all of us were expected to learn the skills to handle the man-made magic." Aragorn's eyes widened and he stared at Haldir in a new light, as if Haldir was some alien being and perhaps in some ways Haldir was alien. With a smile Haldir continued his tale. "I had to hide my ears a lot of the time because I am truly elven, because of my pure face and my eagerness to learn men did not like me. But I didn't care because I was happy, I had my mother, my mare and the small forest park. Then one day I was on my way home and I chose to walk through the forest. I was walking on a path but when I looked down the path had disappeared and I was in a huge forest I'd never seen before."
"We were scouting at the time." Glorfindel added bringing the boys attention back to him. "We were mostly looking out for intruders and food when he suddenly appeared beneath us. We asked him who he was and where he came from but he couldn't answer, he looked incredibly confused."
"I was confused, one minute I was in a familiar place and the next moment I was in an alien world." Haldir answered. "They blindfolded me and escorted me into Lothlorien where I met Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. Lady Galadriel was able to read my mind and ascertain that what I spoke of was true and so I was accepted into their civilisation. I was told I had two brothers, personally I thought they were crazy as I was never told I had brothers but they willingly took me in and taught me all they knew. It took quite a while for me to get the hang of it all but here I am, speaking elfish and riding a giant elven horse." Haldir added with a chuckle as Aragorn giggled at his tale.
"I was crazy huh?" Glorfindel asked with a smile.
"Well at the time I thought you were." Haldir replied grinning. "You were talking a completely alien language and everything around me was so different that I didn't know which way was up. It was so over-whelming." Haldir stated and then added for Aragorn's benefit, "But I still have much to learn."
"Here we are." Elladan stated, a grin clear in his voice. The four riders pulled their horses to a stop, Haldir waited until Glorfindel had dismounted and approached Phantom before carefully lifting his young passenger and placing him into Glorfindel's arms. Haldir dismounted once Aragorn was safely with the older elf. The boy was glancing around enjoying the beautiful wilderness of the Glen. The four elves allowed the man child to venture and touch what was around him. Their sharp eyes made sure he did not touch anything dangerous but they did not need to worry, the boy was being very cautious.
Glorfindel stood and approached, Aragorn watched as the elf bent down and plucked a small plant. "This is a plant of healing is called a Feverfew. It acts as a pain reliever. If we were to pick a few leaves and crush them, then mix them with boiling water it makes a herbal tea that anyone can drink. It also helps with allergies, like summer fever it relieves the discomfort." He explained to the child, Aragorn listened to his words eagerly and took the plant when Glorfindel offered it so he could look more closely at it. Glorfindel smiled and pointed out a very, very familiar plant. The leaves were thick, long and spiky. Haldir instantly knew it was a plant related to aloe vera. "This is what we call Nature's Nurse, it can be used for almost everything. It can be a facial and skin cream, it can be a anaesthetic to clean wounds and so much more. It may not look like much but this is one of the most important plants out here."
Aragorn nodded and approached, stroking his small fingers over the plant's surface. "It's so soft, yet spiky." He stated in fascination.
Glorfindel smiled and carefully picked one of the long leaves. "When we are injured we crack open the leaves to reveal the inside and rub this over a wound or a bad scar or rash. We peel back the green surface layer and use it as a bandage."
"But some plants have to be carefully treated before use." Elladan added. "Nature's Nurse, is one of the safest but the most important thing to be aware of is where they grow. Nature's Nurse will thrive in most environments but often it is found in harsh environments and represents a beacon of hope. However some healing plants only thrive in certain environments, if the soil is not quite right then the plants can die or even become poisonous."
"That is very rare though." Glorfindel replied. "Almost all the plants I know of remain plants of healing even in bad environments, Aloe Vera is a prime example since it can grow almost anywhere but as I stated it does thrive in hot environments. It is one of the 'desert' plants that stores water in its roots."
"The one thing I've learnt is that Plants are the most amazing things in the world." Haldir stated as he too got involved with the conversation. "No matter what the situation, plants survive. I remember a perfect example of this." He stated sitting down on the grass. His fellow elves and the boy sat and focused on him eager to hear more stories from his home world. Haldir smiled. "Back where I come from humans are always finding ways to impact massive damage on each other. Many years ago, they created something they called an atomic bomb. The bomb is a device that basically expands with impact and destroys everything like a huge fire full of poison, gas and heat. The atomic bomb was so powerful that if a few devices were placed in strategic places around the world, it could blow up the world and make it inhabitable." His audience gasped as they tried to imagine the damage the a-bomb could cause, but Haldir knew that nothing that they could think of would compare to the truth. "They decided to use the bomb on a place called Hiroshima. The bomb impacted the large city. The bomb exploded burning the city turning everything white or cream, the only thing not burned bright was the shadows that were permanently burned into the ground. The bomb destroyed everything but the plants adapted and finally began growing back, as far as I know it is still not a safe zone for man to live in."
"Wow. So man did that?"
"Yes, we also had a hand in Chernobyl." Haldir added, his audience's eyes widened and they leaned forward wanting more. "We were experimenting on creating more 'magic' something we call radiation. The radiation was contained, but the containment failed and spread fast. Many people were exposed and they became 'sick'. Many died, the people had to leave before they were exposed to fatal levels of the radiation. As far as I know Chernobyl is still not inhabited by man but the plants and animals have taken it over. The buildings are crumbling and are nothing more than shells. It is like a hidden city beneath nature. Nature has reclaimed back her land and now it is like paradise but only animals and plants can enjoy it."
"So nature can survive even if we can't?" Aragorn asked curiously.
"Yes, nature is resilient. No matter what happens it will survive." Haldir replied. "That is the one thing the men from my home world have learned. Nature will always survive, always evolve so that it would better itself. These plants around us have not simply appeared, they have grown and changed from tiny plants to large, impressive plants. I know of trees that can grow to eighty feet tall and plants that actually digest meat. Then there are the flowering plants, there are so many designs and purposes that it can be overwhelming. You see the plants have had longer to evolve, the men from my world have been around for thousands of years but plants have had millions of years." Aragorn was lapping everything he said up like a cat lapped up milk. Haldir smiled and leant back.
Glorfindel grinned and stood. "Well, I've got to re-stock my herbs. I carry them around with me, so that if anything happens I have them. I will teach you which ones to pick so you will also be prepared. Does that sound like a good idea?" The boy nodded in enthusiasm making the elves smile. "Well, the first thing you have to be aware of is the colouration of the plant…" Glorfindel explained, Aragorn watched eagerly. Haldir smiled and glanced back at their horses who were watching curiously. Phantom whinnied in greeting as he met his riders gaze and Haldir grinned before turning back to watch the twins and Glorfindel explain the wonders of nature.
A/N: - I hope you're still enjoying my story after such a long wait for an update. Sorry for taking so long, I had to do a lot of research and I don't think I've got all the facts right, I've had to use my imagination for some of the explanations.
I've used oft instead of often I don't know if I've put in it the right context but it does add some authenticity to the age of the language so I've left it as it is.
Elrohir's mare is named Sienna, as in the colour Sienna, she is actually a dark bay horse but I like the word 'Sienna' it is a beautiful word and name.
It has come to my attention that some people may not like me asking for reviews like I do. I just want to say that whilst I do this I am not demanding you to review, rather I would like for you to review but of course it is your decision. I am very happy for you to read my fiction without reviewing.
For those who would like to leave your opinions, suggestions and comments please…
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