Part: 12
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 and sexual situations
Disclaimer: All known characters are owned by the great Tolkien, all others are of my own creation.
Beta(s): Marta, Novedhelion, 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, Kika and Dorothy for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be what it is today.
Sinda speach is shown with ""
Westron speach is show with
This story follows the movieverse.
Chapter 12
They eventually came to a very tall and thick hedge. It was impossible to see through. Reaching it, they turned south again and continued on the trail as night descended. Curious, Arianel looked up, only to see lights wink on as the night deepened. Soon the trees were filled with lights as if fireflies lived among the branches, though these lights did not flitter about. Imladris had its own beauty, while this was ethereal.
Her horse stopped suddenly. "Why -" She didn't finish her question for when she looked in front of her there were large gates strung with lights. Soundlessly they opened, revealing a wide lane before them amidst the trees.
Haldir spoke with a smile, "Welcome to Caras Galadhon, Arianel." As they moved inside the gates closed without a sound.
"Do all live far up in the trees?"
"All except the horses. They do not care for the trip up to the talans," Rúmil said, his eyes twinkling.
Arianel looked around for him and answered dryly, "I hope not. 'Twould not be natural."
Rúmil hid a smile by looking up into the City as they moved towards the stables. When they reached the building Arianel found it to be similar in design to the ones in Imladris. It looked as if the trees grew through the building. What surprised her was there was no one there to take care over the care of the horses.
"Is there not someone who should be here?" she asked as she slid down off her horse.
"Ai, she has gone to attend some things, but will be back soon." Rúmil looked in the direction of some of the lower level buildings in the city.
Arianel nodded and then took the reins of her horse to led the animal into the stables. Orophin was already there and busy brushing his horse, he seemed to be in a rush, but she did not want to bother him.
"Haldir." Orophin turned after he had taken care of his horse. "I will see them in the morning."
Haldir nodded as he brushed his own animal, but watched with amusement the slight bounce in his younger brother's step. It was completely understandable. The warden had been separated from his hervess for almost four months.
"He always gets to see them in the morning," Rúmil grumbled.
"When you are bound you will understand."
"Little chance of that," the younger elf mumbled.
"Be patient, brother." Haldir answered.
"Are you coming?" Rúmil turned to the door.
"Not yet. Go on Rúmil, we will get there soon enough." Haldir shook his head at the apparent juxtaposition that was his youngest brother. Reaching inside one of the saddlebags he found the crest he had given Elrond when he first arrived. He slipped inside a bag attached to his belt while moving back towards the door.
"He is different," Arianel commented as she closed the door to the stall for her horse. She moved to the door to join Haldir.
"That he is." Haldir looked to Rúmil's retreating form. He was making quick headway up the stairs to the Lord and Lady's talan.
"Where do we go now?" Arianel looked around.
"We go up." Haldir pointed to the tree and the stair that was wrapped around it.
"I will never make it," she whispered as she looked up to the staircase wrapped around the trunk of the tree.
"Do not worry, we will rest on the way." Haldir moved to the side to let her pass, it was then he noticed for the first time in the evening light her hair looked blue. He had to stifle the desire to take a lock in his fingers. The color was very unusual.
After many stops, they finally reached the top of the stairs. It was clear that Arianel was not used to this type of exertion, and the climb was long.
Celeborn and Galadriel did not meet them at the area where elven visitors from the other realms met with the Lord and Lady, so Haldir assumed they wanted the meeting at a more informal place. Galadriel is wise, Haldir thought as he glanced over to Arianel, she was showing signs of her fear again. "We are almost there, Arianel," Haldir spoke with compassion.
Arianel nodded and grasped the front of her dress to hold it up slightly so she could climb the stairs without difficulty. At the top it opened into several halls, that lead off in different directions, which chambers were opened from them. For a moment Arianel was at a loss for words at the view presented before her.
"Come. They are in the study," Haldir's voice brought her back to the present. Before they reached the door it opened, revealing a very tall elleth with hair that looked of golden radiance. "I am Galadriel, Child." Galadriel stepped out to meet them.
"Come, little one," the golden lady spoke gently as she reached out a hand. With a slight hesitation, Arianel accepted the invitation and was led away into another set of rooms.
"Are you just going to stand out there, Haldir?" Celeborn's voice came from inside the study.
Haldir gave a small smile as he stepped inside the room. The other occupant was sitting at a table with some documents spread before him. He was as silver as the lady was gold. His bright silver hair easily hung down below his shoulders extending to his waist, and he had an air of power about him, but with an element of danger lurking beneath the calm exterior. "Do you. . ." Haldir asked as he indicated the door.
"I do not see any reasons why you should. Please," the much older elf indicated a chair that was close to him. "How was the trip?" he asked after Haldir was settled.
"Not easy," the warden shook his head. He pulled the crest out and placed it on the desk.
"Your nanneth told me as much."
Haldir looked thoughtful for a moment then shook his head. "There were memories to deal with when we would hear wolves or any other unusual sounds at night. My brothers did not know what to do, and I feel my feeble attempts hardly helped."
"Do not be hard on yourself, Haldir. She has been through something that no one should have."
Haldir nodded while letting his mind wander for a moment. He contemplated whether or not if he should tell Celeborn about their follower. He wondered if it was one of the forsaken, the elf showed every sign that he did not understand either Sindar or Westron. He never thought to see if he could understand the Old Tongue. It was too late for that now.
"You were the only one that could help her at the time." Celeborn watched him closely.
"I know." Haldir sighed, "I told her about. . ." The warden did not finish, he didn't have to.
"How everyone is scared at one point in their life," Celeborn finished.
Haldir nodded mutely. "Rúmil does not remember it, and Orophin has only vague impressions. Their earliest full memories were when we were already with you."
"What do you remember?" Celeborn reached out and picked up the crest to examine it.
Haldir looked off to the side uncomfortably. His voice was little more than a whisper when he spoke, "It was the silence that scared me the most."
Celeborn stopped fiddling with the round object and looked at the younger elf silently for a moment, he seemed to be considering his next words very carefully. "You have feeling for her."
"No." Haldir rose quickly and turned his back on Celeborn.
"Tell me, Haldir," the ancient Sinda started slowly, "Who else have you told about that time?"
Haldir's back stiffened visibly which told the older elf much that was not said or admitted.
Celeborn rose slowly and walked over to Haldir. "I know you better than you know yourself."
"Then you should know that I do not have feelings for her. Elrond bade me to watch over her and to make sure she made it here safely."
Celeborn smiled to himself. "He could have just as easily asked one of your brothers, or even come himself. Elrond knows what he is doing."
"Do I have your leave?"
"You know you do, Haldir." Celeborn went back to his desk.
"Orophin will be here in the morning."
The ancient Sindarin elf-lord looked up and nodded as his oldest son left the room. He shook his head then picked up the treaty that had recently come from Elrond, leaving the crest on the desk.
Arianel followed Galadriel deeper into the talan. "Where am I to stay?" she asked as she looked around.
"For now I would like for you to stay here with us." Galadriel turned and gave her a welcoming smile. "If you do not prefer that, we can have a talan prepared for you."
"No, that's all right. I will stay here."
When they had stopped in front of several rooms Arianel gave Galadriel a curious look.
Easily reading her questions the ancient elleth answered, "Which ever one you choose. There are several here."
Arianel shook her head, confused that her thoughts had been read. I will not invade your privacy, child.
Arianel bowed her head. "I am sorry," she whispered.
"There is no need to apologize. Now choose." Galadriel urged her with a smile; she would not make the decision for her.
Arianel looked around then finally walked to the door closest to her.
"I will have someone help you." Galadriel moved towards another part of the talan. Soon another elleth came, this one had long brown hair pulled back with a piece of leather and stood slightly shorter than Arianel.
"Mae govannen. I am Sydia. Do you need any help getting settled?" Sydia asked as she opened the door into the bed chamber.
Arianel closed her eyes for a moment. "I am sorry, it is hard for me."
Sydia stopped then turned her attention back to Arianel. "You could start by telling me your name." She had a slight smile on her face. "I do not wish to call you 'hey you' or some such nonsense."
Arianel smiled and shook her head. "Nay, I do not think it would be proper. I am Arianel." At least I think so, she thought to herself. She still was not completely sure that was her real name, although it did feel comfortable, like an old blanket.
Sydia leaned over as if to tell a secret, "You know you really chose a good room. This is where Haldir stays when he doesn't want to be at his own talan."
Arianel's eyes widened slightly. "I did not know that. Should I take another?"
"No, do not worry about that." Sydia shook her head with a smile. "He will just have to find somewhere else to sleep."
Arianel gave her a slight smile as she slowly moved into the room. It was simply decorated, just a bed and one or two pieces of furniture.
"Did you get to meet Eladur?"
Arianel turned to look at Sydia, the elleth was busy messing with the bed.
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"He is my brother." She stood up and looked around the room for a moment. "I do not get to talk to him as much as I want, but it is hard."
Arianel sat down on the bed and hung her head. She wished she could see her parents, but somehow she knew she wouldn't be able to for a very long time.
"Are you all right?"
Arianel looked up. Sydia stood there quietly. "I am sorry."
"I know you meant no harm." Arianel shook her head.
"My parents traveled West several years ago. My brother is still here, though." Sydia sat beside her on the bed. "Everything will work out, do not worry."
Galadriel moved back towards the study. She entered the room, bereft now of all but Celeborn. "She will be staying in Haldir's room for now."
Even though he was studying the treaty the side of his mouth quirked up slightly at the irony of it all. "He did not mention the one that followed them."
Galadriel nodded while walking deeper into the room. "Has it been revealed who he was?" She heard Celeborn's question while she sat down beside him.
"The visions have not revealed his identity. And I will not use the Mirror for something such as this."
Celeborn looked up, not surprised that she answered his question before he had a chance to speak it. Raising a hand, he reached over and ran his thumb gently across her jaw bone. "Are you sure it will happen?"
Galadriel closed her eyes and relaxed into the gentle touch. "There is darkness in their future," she murmured.
"It is more than that." Celeborn went back to the treaty.
"Yes." Galadriel looked up to him after a moment. He had placed the treaty on the desk and was rubbing his face in his hands.
When he finally spoke his voice sounded weary. "Even I have been given the visions of our future. Darkness spreads ever stronger from Mordor while we wane in strength."
"'Tis not the end." Galadriel reached a hand out and placed it on his shoulder.
"I know." Celeborn's attention strayed back to the crest.
"She is family," Galadriel spoke softly as she picked up the crest.
"Yes. Descended a few generations from my brother. I did not know he still dwelt in Arda."
Galadriel's eyes defocused slightly. "He is in Mandos now. I do not know if Arianel fully realizes what happened. The Valar are giving her the grace not to remember it until she is ready to deal with the loss."
TBC.............