Part: 7
Rating: Strong R
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Characters: Just about every other elf that Tolkien created that's in the LoTR books and movies.
Warning: descriptions of wounds
Disclaimer: All known characters are owned by the great Tolkien, all others
are of my own creation.
Beta(s): Marta, Kazzy, and Vi
Timeline: 80 years before LoTR and extends to post RoTK events
Notes: I want to thank Marta, Zee, Mal, Kay, Suse, Phyllis, Vi, Novedhelion,
and Dorothy for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be
what it is today.
This story follows the movieverse.
Summary: With no memory of a possible alliance with Mirkwood, an elleth, lone survivor of a devastating attack, is brought to Rivendell. This is her story.
Arianel woke only to find herself in her bed. For a moment she was confused and wondered why she was there, for she did not remember retiring the previous evening. What she did remember was looking out into the gardens. She closed her eyes and sighed.
After a moment she opened them back up then slowly sat up in the bed. Her gaze strayed to the balcony and the gardens below. The sky was a brilliant blue, a marked change from the previous day she considered. Soon her attention was drawn from the balcony to the room itself. Many times her eyes wandered over the objects in the room, and this time was no exception. At the moment she was alone. The chair beside the bed had been liberally used by various visitors. Elrond had only used it one time, he normally stood beside the bed. A small table was on the other side of the bed. The healers normally used it to place various items within easy reach. Other than those two objects, and the bed, the room was bereft of furniture.
Sighing again, Arianel settled back down in the warmth the covers offered. It felt so good to be warm again, was the idle thought that went through her mind. Even though it was light outside she easily drowsed.
"My lady?"
Arianel opened her eyes and looked at the door. Tiniwen was just outside with a tray of breakfast food.
The apprentice healer moved into the room. "Master Elrond will see you shortly after you have had time to break your fast. He wants to make sure that you did not suffer ill effects from yesterday's events." She placed the tray down on the small table. "Do you wish for me to stay?" Tiniwen asked as she placed her hand on Arianel's forehead.
"What happened? The images are unclear." Arianel closed her eyes.
Tiniwen sat down on the edge of the bed. "I think you went to the gardens by yourself." She was about to ask her some questions, but remembered that Elrond was going to do that later.
Arianel's voice was quiet when she finally answered, "I, I think I want to be alone for now."
Tiniwen's eyes narrowed slightly. Eventually she nodded, "If you need anything, call for me."
"I will," Arianel answered while nodding.
When Tiniwen left Arianel turned her attention to the tray she brought. The food provided did look very good, and she was hungry.
When she was finished, Arianel pushed the tray slightly away from the bed. Just as she was settling back down movement from the door caught her attention. The young child who had accompanied Elrond yesterday was peeking from around the door.
"Hello," he said in a loud whisper.
Arianel smiled in answer. It was at that moment she realized she did not know his name. The child looked back into the hall as if to see if there was anyone there. Moments later he scooted into the room. From his body language, Arianel could tell the child knew he was not supposed to be there. When he reached the bed she started, "I am sorry, but I do not know your name."
The child smiled brightly while answering, "Estel."
Hope, she thought. What an interesting name for a child.
He climbed up onto the bed, "Ada said I couldn't come by myself. You won't tell on me?" He looked at her hopefully.
Arianel thought for a moment, apparently yesterday she did something she was not supposed to do, so how could she tell him otherwise? "No, Estel. As long as he does not see you here, then I will not tell him."
Estel smiled while tucking some hair behind his ear. It wasn't the move that surprised her, but the implications that this was one of the children of the edain, and he called Elrond 'ada'.
"H-have you always been here?" she asked cautiously.
Estel shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno. I don't really remember my Da. My Ma's here, but I don't know where. Ada is my ada," he finished proudly.
"Then you should remember to obey what he tells you to do, Estel." Elrond spoke from just outside in the hall with a slightly stern voice.
Arianel looked from Elrond to the child. Estel was cringing with obvious guilt.
"I told you, you are only allowed here in the presence of another adult." Elrond stepped into the room. "I am sorry if he is bothering you."
"B-but I am." Estel's lower lip quivered slightly as he pointed to Arianel.
Elrond could only smile and shake his head slightly at the child's sense of logic. "But you need to come here with an adult."
Estel slowly climbed off the bed while nodding sadly.
"It is time for your lessons. Erestor is in the study."
Estel's eyes brightened as he nodded again then scampered out of the room. When the child was gone Elrond turned his attention back to Arianel, but not before making sure the door was open.
"He was not bothering me. He does have an interesting name. Why 'estel'?"
Elrond had started busying himself with the things he brought when he answered her, "Because, little one, he is their hope." When he stopped to look at her he saw understanding in her eyes. "You saw his ears?"
Arianel nodded.
"Arianel, the Edain are not to be looked down upon. They are just as much Ilúvatar's children as we are. They should be given such honor. Sadly there are some that would not bestow such respect even on their own kin."
Arianel blinked in surprise and recognition at his words. She knew he was right, and that some of her own family held out stubbornly against things of that nature. She focused her attention back to Elrond and saw he was watching her closely.
"What is it you remember, little one?" he asked as he sat down in the chair.
She played with the edge of the blanket for a moment before she started. "It's not that exactly. It is what you mentioned about viewing different people. I think my Adar did not want me to see certain people." Looking up she saw understanding and sadness in his gray eyes.
"You know Estel is an adan. How would you think of me if I had been an adan also?"
Arianel closed her eyes for a moment. "I honestly do not know how I would react."
"I thank you for your honesty, Arianel." After a pause he asked, "Do you recognize the name Mólindë?"
Arianel's head shot up and eyes widened slightly. "I-I think so, yes?"
"Do not try to force the memory or it will not come to you. Just relax." Elrond placed his hand on top of her head.
She closed her eyes and leaned back against the pillows, trying to relax. "I think, she uh, helped nanneth." In her minds eye a stone garden reformed.
"Arianel," the feminine voice called. She turned and found a dark blonde elleth coming towards her.
"Mólind, I want to watch." She turned and looked back over the wall to the group gathered at the pier.
"No, child. We must give them privacy and respect. Now come, your nanneth is looking for you."
She allowed herself to be lead away, but she still turned to look at the group until they were completely out of sight.
Arianel opened her eyes and turned her gaze back to Elrond.
"And?"
She looked down at her hands, "I remember seeing groups gather at the pier for the boats. Mólindë was there and, and she wanted me not to watch."
Elrond contemplated her words. She could have easily have seen Celebrían leave, but he did not know if she had been born yet. He thought about asking Círdan, but there would be no time for that. She was almost ready for her journey to Lórien.
"Adar never approved of me going out into the gardens by myself. He did not want me to see the Sylvans. Why did she leave?"
The question caught Elrond completely off-guard. "Who leave?"
"The one in the library?"
It was Elrond's turn to look down for a moment while shifting uncomfortably in the chair.
"Haldir said she endured something very traumatic."
"What you ask about is very difficult for me to speak of." He closed his eyes.
Arianel nodded, deciding not to push the issue. "Mólindë, she was always there."
Servant, Elrond thought. "Was she a servant?"
"I do not know."
"Or remember just yet. Arianel, you are here for a reason only the Valar know. Do not worry, little one." Elrond placed a hand on her forehead for a moment then removed it while standing. "One is easily lost in the gardens. It would be better if you went with someone next time."
Arianel bowed her head again in apparent guilt. Seeing her reaction Elrond immediately softened his words, "But you are always welcome there. You are a guest in my House. Just remember if you do not want to get lost, and have everyone go looking for you, just ask for someone to come with you. They will not mind."
Arianel looked up and nodded. When he was gone she rose slowly from the bed and dressed herself. When she was presentable she slowly left the room and headed towards the library.
During the next week Elrond started working with Arianel to prepare her to travel to Lórien. When he sensed she was as ready as she could be he emerged from the house with Arianel holding onto his arm tightly and into the courtyard. This was totally different from her few times out in the gardens. This time she would be traveling to Lothlórien.
Within the courtyard the three wardens were almost finished preparing themselves and the horses for the trip back to Lórien. Elrond had chosen from his stables one of the more docile mares to carry Arianel when she was strong enough to travel by herself, until then she would ride with one of the wardens.
"Saes. . ."
Elrond placed a hand on her lower back and gently pushed her forward before she balked any more. "Do not worry, little one. They will protect you." Since I cannot anymore.
"I wish to stay here," Arianel turned pleading eyes to Elrond.
If it had not been for the visions he had, Elrond would have pulled her into his arms and lead her back into the house to live with him. But he knew it could not be. She was destined to be with another.
"Arianel," his voice was quiet, "I have told you, your future does not lie in Imladris."
"My lady," Rúmil called.
Turning from Elrond, Arianel saw the warden with his hand stretched out. He had an infectious smile on his face. "The Lady of the Golden Wood will take care of you. We will protect you with our lives if need be to get you there safely."
For a moment she seemed undecided. She saw something in Haldir's eyes before it was covered up. Somehow she knew something was bothering the oldest of the three. She turned back to Elrond when he spoke gently, "May the Grace of the Valar protect you in everything you endeavor to do and accomplish, little one."
He turned and addressed the three from Lórien, "And may you have a safe and uneventful journey."
The three nodded then waited again for Arianel. With a small push from Elrond again she moved beside Rúmil so he could help her up on the horse. When she was situated, the warden mounted the same animal behind her.
"Haldir, I wish to speak with you," Elrond called. Orophin was already mounted on his horse, and Haldir was in the process. Once settled Haldir maneuvered the horse so he was standing beside the elf-lord. "Yes, lord?" he asked as he leaned down.
Elrond spoke quietly while putting something in one of the saddlebags, "I want you to make sure she makes it to Lórien safely."
The side of Haldir's mouth quirked up for a moment, "Elrond, I promise you I will protect her with my life if need be."
"Hopefully it will not come to that," Elrond answered dryly. "And she may not be the easiest traveling companion. If that happens be gentle with her."
Haldir nodded while he heard Orophin call from further in the courtyard, "Come, Haldir! Lórien cannot wait forever!"
"May your journey be safe."
"Thank you, my lord." Haldir nodded then sat up straight as he directed the horse to his waiting brothers and Arianel.
Elrond only went back into the house after the small group disappeared into the valley, feeling completely alone. Just before he crossed the threshold he caught a glimpse of a familiar someone hidden in the shadows. He quietly walked up to the figure, one that he knew well.
"Why can't I hold him?"
"Gilraen, you know Sauron knows you are here, and that he is searching for Aragorn."
Tears easily ran down her face as she bowed her head. The surprise was feeling him brush the tears away gently. "Thank the Valar that you are here for him. He needs a good father figure."
"You have entrusted me with the greatest honor that could ever be given," Elrond spoke softly. Knowing she needed the comfort he pulled her into his arms.
"I dreamed last night of a gleaming white city carved out of a mountain. Aragorn was standing in the midst and all were paying homage to him." Her voice was muffled.
"I have had similar dreams."
Gilraen pulled away, but saw trouble in the elf-lord's gray eyes. "Is there more?"
"There is death and destruction surrounding him in the visions I have had." He did not want to lie to her. "But it seems he will be king."
The mortal woman closed her eyes. When they opened there was a determination not seen before, "Then I want you to prepare him for kingship."
TBC..................