The Journey
Part: 31
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.

Chapter 31

Legolas looked across the seemingly empty corsair ship and then back to the sight of the river before him. Their journey under the mountain unnerved him more than he was willing to reveal. With the water assaulting all of his senses and the sound of the gulls, he felt something wake deep inside him. The Sea Longing, he thought to himself. The unmistakable pull was tugging at him already. He knew it was something that he would never be rid of until it was his time to leave Arda. He only hoped that Tiniwen would stay until that time and travel with him.

In an attempt to clear his mind, Legolas concentrated on his thoughts and feelings for the elleth healer. She was the one, he knew it. It just felt right with her. He was also glad that Arianel had found her own happiness. She deserved it, just as much as he did.

He had no idea how long he had been staring into the water when his vision faded. . .

Before him stood a gleaming White City, but with smoke pouring from it. It was surrounded by masses of orcs. From what seemed a great distance a horn sounded. Just over the western rise he could see at first banners, and then horses with men. The predominant color was green. They seemed poised there for a moment before they began their descent, charging into the mass of orcs. In their midst a gleaming figure could be seen, beautiful and terrible in his blood lust, cutting down orcs wherever he went.

"Legolas?"

Legolas snapped back suddenly, shaking his head while blinking his eyes hard in an attempt to clear his sight. Turning, he found Aragorn standing beside him, clearly worried.

'I am fine,' he answered as he turned his attention back to the river.

'It was a vision.'

Legolas sighed, there was no fooling his friend. 'I do not wish to speak about it at this time.'

Aragorn nodded and backed up a step.

"Rohan reaches Gondor in time, but I fear it will not be enough."

The elf's voice was so quiet that Aragorn almost missed the words. "We cannot lose hope, for it is all we have left. And do not worry, we will reach Minis Tirith in time."

Legolas let a fleeting smile cross his face in acknowledgment of Aragorn's beliefs. Though invisible to Aragorn and Gimli's eyes, Legolas could see many forms shifting in and around the boat. He knew their history. The thought of them wanting desperately to rest in their final peace gave him the resolve to deal with them here and now.

When they finally reached Gondor and Minis Tirith he almost laughed at Gimli's comment. There were enough orcs for everyone to deal with and have the army of the dead given their own share.

The number of orcs before him was almost overwhelming, but he knew the only way to get through the horde was to focus on them one at a time, turning off what emotions he had, so he could just survive. In the end the orcs and Sauron's deadly army lay dead at their feet. Aragorn, despite Gimli's best attempts, released the army of the dead so they could rest in the peace they so desperately craved. When they were gone, the whole plain was eerily quiet, save the sounds of the orc banners flapping in the lonely breeze.

Only then did he begin to hear the sounds of the survivors finding friends and family members that were lost.

Legolas wandered through the desolation and destruction before him. The aftereffects of the battle were only just beginning to take their toll on his system. He had no idea how long he wandered until he saw one of the members of the Rohirrim on his hands and knees. Even the man was having a hard time coming to terms with the destruction before them. He turned away to give the rider his privacy, but something about him caught his attention. The wood-elf stopped and gazed at the Rider again. He had long dark straight hair, hair that would normally crown an elf's head. Beside him was a blade, blackened with orc blood. For a moment Legolas remembered the vision he had on the boat. His eyes widened when he realized that it was not a Rohirrim, but an elf that was before him. There was only one elf that he knew about that was with the Rohirrim, and that was Tiniwen.

No sound came out of his mouth as he moved behind her. In a flash she picked up the blade and whirled around, stopping the sword just short of his throat. The wood-elf stood very still, worried of what she would do if startled any more. It took several minutes before recognition registered in her blue eyes. With that the sword started shaking slightly, then fell from her hands and landed with a muffled thump on the ground. Her legs started buckling but Legolas caught her before she collapsed in a heap before him. Sweeping her into his arms, he carried her in the direction of the healers area in the battered city.

"Too much death, so much destruction," she repeated over and over while weeping into his neck.

"I know, melith. It is right to grieve," he whispered, hoping his words were some measure of comfort. If, deep inside, he was having a hard time dealing with death, for a healer like Tiniwen it was even worse.

"But I took life." Her voice cracked with raw emotion.

"I know you did. But, it for your own survival." Legolas nodded as he passed both Aragorn and Gimli. She feels guilt.

Reaching the healers area, Legolas placed her gently on an empty cot. She did not seem to be hurt physically, but her fea was deeply bruised. No one seemed to mind him there. Hearing soft footfalls, Legolas looked up to see Aragorn standing before him.

"How is she?"

Legolas placed a hand on her forehead. "She carries guilt."

Aragorn kneeled down and looked at her. "Why?"

"Mellon, you know she is a healer. Today she did the opposite."

Aragorn nodded as realization came to him. "Stay with her. She needs your stability now." Aragorn took his hand and placed it on Legolas's shoulder. "She suffers."

"Aye." Legolas nodded then looked down at her again.

Aragorn looked up to his friends face and found more than just worry and compassion in the elf's eyes. "Remember, she needs you now."

Legolas nodded absently, not even noticing Aragorn rising and heading over to another area of the room. She was just as beautiful, even more so with the smudges of dirt and soot on her face and her long dark hair in a tangled mess. With gentle fingers he started cleaning her face, careful not to touch her in any arousing way. "I am sorry," she whispered while looking away.

"For what, melith?"

Tiniwen shook her head as she slowly sat up. "I do not have anything nice to wear. All I have is this." She was desperate to cling to anything normal in a very unnatural situation.

"I believe it can be remedied easily enough, but for now I wish for you to rest." Grasping her hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze.

Tiniwen nodded as she lay back down on the pallet. "How do you deal with it?" she asked quietly.

Legolas sighed before answering, "Mirkwood is not as secure as Imladris or Lórien. We have to deal with spiders and all sorts of nasty creatures that inhabit Mirkwood. I do hope Adar will be able to deal with Dol Guldur."

Tiniwen turned her attention to the elven prince. "We are too far removed from having to struggle for survival. Our lives are luxurious compared to yours."

Legolas shook his head. "That is where you are wrong. I do not see anything different with my upbringing than with yours. Plus, I have been to Imladris enough over the years. I am only surprised that I never saw you."

"Because Master Elrond kept me very busy studying and learning." Tiniwen closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Rest, lirimaer. All will be well."

oOoOo

Rúmil hesitantly took the stairs up into the High Talan. He had felt the summons, and did not want to answer it. For a moment he hesitated, not really wanting to continue for he knew he would see his brother. Somehow he knew he did not want to see how Haldir was attempting to deal with his devastating loss.

"Rúmil." Celeborn's voice came across with compassion

The ellon looked up to the elder one standing before him. "I know it is hard for you right now, but there is something I feel it would be best for you to do. I will not command you to do this. . .only ask."

Rúmil closed his eyes and sighed. "What is it?"

"I wish for you to go down to the practice fields. I do not ask you to go down their to pick up a sword or bow, but to help the wardens. Rúmil, I have received messages asking about your current state. They worry about you as much as they worry about Haldir. If need be, though I do not wish to do it, I can order you to the practice fields." He hesitated for a minute, "I do not want you to fade, but you will if you continue on this path you have started. We have lost enough, I do not want to lose you."

"I do not know if I can practice."

"I am not sending you there to practice, but to help the other wardens. Rúmil, none of us is forcing you to do anything you do not wish to do. If you feel like picking up a bow or a sword while there, no one will stop you."

Rúmil eventually gave a short nod before finally rising from the chair. He felt Celeborn's eyes follow him deeper into the talan. Even though he had not wanted to see Haldir earlier, he found himself unable to deal with him having to help the wardens if he did not at least see his elder brother.

He found Haldir in the common room and sitting on the couch not really paying any attention to the things around him. Haldir seemed, old, naught for a better word. "Brother," he called softly. The older sibling turned to face his brother. "We all grieve with you."

Haldir shook his head and whispered, "Leave, please."

oOoOo

Tiniwen eventually rose from her bed and found some suitable clothing to wear. While in the Rohan armor she felt completely out of place. Now she was wearing the clothing that the Gondorian healers were clad in. It felt odd, but not like earlier. Much later in the day she found that one of the perianneth was brought in.

'Please, you must help him!' a small-sounding voice called out.

Tiniwen moved over to one of the senior Edain healers. 'Iowerth, what is wrong?' she asked quietly.

The older woman shook her head. 'It is not something we are familiar with.'

'Then let me see.' Tiniwen nodded. 'I might be able to help.'

Iowerth gave a quick nod while moving away. Coming over to the pallet Tiniwen quickly recognized both perianneth as two of the perianneth that were at Imladris during the Council of Elrond the previous year. On quick examination she realized that the injured little one had been touched by one of the Nazgul. Being an elf, she knew she was one of the only ones that knew how to treat someone thus wounded.

'Pippin? Do not fear, your friend will recover.' She looked at the one standing with compassion.

'An elf. . .here?' his eyes widened.

She gave him a small smile. 'Of course I am! And if you can remember, I helped Master Elrond with Frodo Baggins when he arrived in Rivendell.'

Sudden recognition flared to life in the young perianneth's eyes. 'Please, you have to help! I promised to take care of Merry!' He grabbed her sleeve and tugged at it like a young child. She placed a warm hand on his smaller one and gave him an encouraging smile. 'Do not worry, young one. All will be well.' It was at this moment she realized that she never wanted to witness battle first hand anymore. Her place was here, saving life, not taking it.

Letting him stay there, but removing his hand, Tiniwen knelt down and gently placed her hands on the perianneth's arm, for that was where the darkness seemed to be emanating from. Saying a few soft words in Queyna she focused her powers on the darkness to drive it out. What surprised her was that the shadow had not touched him as badly as she previously expected and that it was quite easy to remove all traces of the evil.

'Tell me,' she turned to look at Pippin. 'Something was protecting him. Do you know what it could have been?'

'No,' he shook his head before remembering something. 'Well. . .when we were in Lórien we were given blades by the Lady.'

'May I see?'

He nodded and pulled out the ornately carved, and obviously Noldo dagger and handed it to her.

Tiniwen took the blade gently. She could feel the power of the Eldar emanating from it. 'The Lord and Lady were wise. A spell has been put on them to protect the bearer from darkness if so touched.' With a smile she handed it back to the perianneth.

Pippin nodded in relief while placing it back in its spot.

TBC...