Part: 23
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, Becky, Dorothy, and Rashida for their expertise. Without their input this story would not be what it is today.
Sindarian speach is shown with ""
Westron speach is show with
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.
Chapter 23
Not even a week had passed on the fences, yet Haldir felt as if time only crawled by. He would have to wait three more weeks before the next group of wardens would arrive. He brooded over the fact that the separation his duty on the fences created was getting harder to deal with. Other wardens had continually told him it would ease over time, but it had been almost sixty years now. If anything, separations from his mate were harder to bear than that first time. Elaldur's hasty arrival brought him out of his current despondency. He maybe moody, but he would not let that hinder what needed to be done. The elf climbed up to the flet Haldir was occupying.
"There is a group coming from the north," he reported breathlessly.
"Orcs?" Haldir immediately reached for his bow.
"Nay." Elaldur shook his head.
Haldir nodded and quickly gave orders to his elves to surround the group that was entering the realm of the Lord and Lady. He had been notified earlier of the arrival of this particular group by the Lady, although was not told of what it would be comprised of. When Elaldur showed up to report, he was not sure it was who they were waiting for. As the minutes passed his thoughts were confirmed. At first he wished that they came much later, then the other wardens would have to deal with the group. He now knew that would not be the case. Haldir had a feeling that the Lord and Lady wanted him there because of his ability to speak Westron. There were so few members of the eldar that could speak the language of the men, and he was part of that small group. The wardens were out of sight and in position when they finally came into view.
A dwarf, Haldir thought with disgust. Why would they want his company? He looked to the rest of them, other than the dwarf, it was an odd mixture of edain, what looked like children, and an elf. On closer inspection Haldir realized that they were not children at all, but the legendary periannath.
The dwarf turned to two of the periannath and raised his hand as if to speak. With his elvish hearing he and the Wardens under his command were able to pick up on what was said, though few could understand the words. The dwarf spoke in Westron, 'Stay close young hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell and are never seen again.'
Haldir rolled his eyes at the rumor of the Lady. If it scared away unwanted visitors, then he did not mind the words. He glanced to Amolith. The elf's blue eyes were burning with curiosity at what was being said. He would tell them, maybe.
For a moment he noticed that one of the periannath was distracted by something. He had a feeling it was the Lady greeting him, but was not sure.
'Mr. Frodo?'the perianneth behind the distracted one spoke. The one in question seemed very tense, skittish.
'Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox,' the dwarf boasted.
Haldir felt it was time to reveal their presence, and to shut the dwarf up. With an unspoken command the group of wardens came out of hiding with bows notched and ready, and surrounded the group with silent ease. With his own bow at his side, Haldir stepped out and spoke with barely concealed contempt, 'The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark. He was rewarded with a growl accompanied by a look of anger from the dwarf.
'It is not safe here. Follow me,' Haldir ordered. It was just past dusk when they were all gathered on the very flet Haldir had recently vacated. The senior warden turned to look at the elf in the company, whom he knew but had not seen in well over a century. It was more like two centuries since he had last seen Thranduil's heir. "Mae govannan, Legolas Thranduilion."
Legolas answered readily, and with what sounded almost like gratitude, "Our fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir o Lórien."
Haldir turned to look at the adan he knew personally. He had not seen him in many years, though not as long as Legolas. "Ah, Aragorn a Dúnedain. You are known to us." And to me.
Aragorn bowed his head to Haldir in respect.
The dwarf fidgeted, apparently getting angry that the introductions were done in one of the elven languages. 'So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words that we can all understand!'
Haldir turned to look at the dwarf with barely concealed distaste, 'We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the dark days.'
The dwarf answered with the same distaste, 'And do you know what this dwarf says to that?' "I spit on your grave."
Angry and disgusted with the dwarf, it took all of Haldir's training and iron will to maintain his control.
It was Aragorn that eased the tension between the two by addressing the dwarf in his own anger. 'That was not so courteous.'
Looking to the rest of the group, Haldir was drawn to the periannath that had been distracted earlier. Sometimes he could feel evil before seeing or smelling it. This time it screamed out from the little one now standing before him, while he could feel something reaching out to him. Power. . . it whispered into his mind. He was too devoted to the Lord and Lady to give into the call without a fight though, but it was seductive. I am yours. . . Suddenly he felt his stomach revolt at the intense evil.
NO! he thought to himself. Haldir held tight control over his body, the only outward sign of the intense internal conflict was his slight trembling. He finally managed to find his voice, 'You bring great evil with you. You can go no farther.' He did not want this vile object in his home. He would not let them pass. Turning, he quickly moved away from the perianneth. He wanted to be as far away from that disturbance as possible.
"Haldir."
The warden turned from the edge of the talan to look at Aragorn.
"Please, we need sanctuary. I beg of you." The adan's voice was low when he continued, "We come from Imladris. It is an urgent quest that we are on."
"Aragorn, I will not let evil pass into Lórien." Haldir shook his head.
"Just for the night, please. We are weary and need the rest that only Lothlórien can give us. We can be gone in the morning."
Haldir closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Before he could argue any more with the adan he felt the Lady's voice. I know your wariness, and I appreciate it. Let them in, there are some questions that only they can answer.
They have a dwarf!
I know, ion nin. I still want you to bring them to Caras Galadhon and to your adar and me. Bring only a minimum number of wardens with you.
Aye, nanneth. As you wish, he sent with resignation. He felt her brush his mind the way she had when he was a small child then withdrew.
Knowing what the Lady wanted, he went up to the one from whom the evil emanated. The Marchwarden did not know his name yet, but would find out soon enough. 'You will follow me.'
The rest of the group looked at each other in surprise. The ones that could understand elvish had told the others that the argument was not going well. This was a complete surprise to them with his about-face comment.
They traveled for most of the day. It was late in the afternoon of the second day of travel when they reached the ridge that overlooked the center of the city. Haldir stopped and gazed at the wondrous sight before him. He always lingered here. The others stood around him as he showed his beloved city spread out before him. 'Caras Galadhon. The heart of elvendom on earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, Lady of Light.'
They stayed there for a short time then continued their journey reaching the city after Arnor had set in the west. Once through the gates he lead them to the mallryn that held the Lord and Lady's talan. Reaching the top of the long climb, Haldir brought them to stand before the Lord and Lady. Watching them descend always made him smile. Standing off to the side he could see the awe and intimidation in the travelers' expressions and stances that the Lord and Lady always projected.
Celeborn looked them over with a critical eye. They were an odd bunch, made up of the three major races of Middle Earth. Elrond must have known what he was doing when he had these strike out from Imladris several months ago. He also knew that Sauron must know of the group and their entrance into Lothlórien, but what he really wanted to know was about Gandalf. The maia was not there and that was the one thing he really wanted to know about. This is not good. Where is he? 'The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Eight there are here, yet nine there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar.'
'Gandalf the Gray did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow.'
Celeborn looked over to Galadriel with some surprise. Reaching through their bond he found she had just realized that Gandalf never even made it into Lórien. All there was, was shadow surrounding the ancient, but powerful maia.
It was Legolas that gave them the reason why he was not there. 'He was taken by both shadow and flame. A balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria.'
Haldir's eyes shot over to the young elf's face. That is not possible. Gandalf is a maia.
Herven, what is bothering you?
Gandalf. We have lost him.
Where? Arianel's voice carried shock. He could already feel the beginnings of her grief flowing through their strong bond.
Moria. Listen, I have things that need to be done. I will be back when finished.
I will be here. Haldir heard Galadriel's voice and turned his attention back to the conversation before him.
'Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose.' She paused and looked to the dwarf with compassion on her face. She knew of his relationship to Balin. 'Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief.' Her last statement was directed to the other adan in the group.
Not being able to handle her direct gaze the adan bowed his head and started to grieve openly.
Celeborn had to know what their plans were now. What they would do from here on out would either destroy the world and let Sauron take over, or rid Arda of his presence forever. He was quiet for a moment while gathering his thoughts. 'What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost.'
'The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all.' She turned and looked at another periannath. 'Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest, for your are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace.' Galadriel's answering words seemed to ease their weariness. It also ended the meeting. The couple had decided to let the travelers stay for at least the night, maybe more. Celeborn glanced over toward her and found she was looking at one periannath in particular. Her mind was closed off to him again, but he could see she seemed inordinately pleased he was there, and that bothered him greatly.
Bowing in respect, the group turned and began to file back towards the stairs.
"Haldir," Celeborn called.
"Yes," Haldir turned and bowed his head.
"I want you to supervise the setting up of the pavilions for the travelers."
"May I ask for a reason?"
"Because you can speak Westron when most others here do not."
"Yes, my Lord," Haldir answered quietly.
"And Haldir."
Haldir turned back to face Celeborn. "I know it is difficult for you to be separated from Arianel. Because of the arrival of these travelers, you may stay the rest of the time here. I feel it is important for you to be here."
Haldir nodded then turned and followed the group down the stairs and back onto the forest floor. With quick orders he called together a small group of elves and had them start setting up the shelters. It did not take long to get everything set up. When finished, he looked up into the branches of the trees. He could just barely see the talans hidden in the high branches. The lights seemed suspended in the air giving it a dream like quality. It was a sight he had never grown tired of in all his long years. Giving Aragorn a nod, Haldir moved towards another mallorn and up the winding stairway to his own talan. Less than half the way up he heard Arianel's voice lamenting their loss.
"Why me?" Arianel came out of the living area of the high talan.
"Because you understand loss better than most here." Galadriel placed a hand on the young elleth's shoulder.
Arianel nodded, still unsure of why it should be her. There were others that could sing for their loss just as easily as she could. Pulling away, Arianel looked around again then slowly walked to the edge of the talan. She looked over the city spread out before her then closed her eyes and opened her mouth. Arianel put everything she had into that one song, she was their voice of sorrow in this troubled time, and she knew it. The songs she knew were both in the old language and Sindarin. Somehow she though the old tongue was a more fitting tribute for him.
Haldir reached his talan and waited for Arianel to come back. He could easily feel and hear her pain of loss through the lament.
"Haldir?"
Haldir turned around and opened his arms up.
Taking the invitation Arianel came to him and let his arms wrap around her. "Why Gandalf?" she whispered into his neck.
"That is something I cannot answer, neither can Nanneth or Adar. Only the Valar can answer such a question."
"I miss him already."
"I know."
They soon retired for the night. Their need for physical intimacy was stronger than ever with trying to deal with the loss of an old friend.
'What is wrong, my friend?' Aragorn found Legolas sitting on the ground and looking up into the trees in the direction the lament had drifted down from.
The wood-elf looked to his friend as he sat down then turned away. When he did speak his voice was so soft that Aragorn almost missed it. 'Eighty years ago I was to meet the one that my father tried not to force upon me to be betrothed to, though her father wanted the joining of the two families. He always told me it was my choice, and not his. It is said she had a voice that could make the trees sing. Alas, she was killed on her way to my father's palace. The one who sang reminded me of her.'
Aragorn was silent for a few minutes while sitting on the ground next to his friend. 'How well did you know her?'
Legolas gave Aragorn a sad smile. 'Not very well. We had just started exchanging letters. I never even saw what she looked like.'
Aragorn looked up into the trees, thinking. 'I do not mean to pry, but was her death the reason why you came to Imladris when we first met?'
Legolas looked down while fingering a blade of grass. His answer was almost to quiet to hear, 'Yes.'
TBC...