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Calaereth woke up the next morning to find it was almost noon, slightly embarrassed at getting up so late she went downstairs to scold Haldir for not waking her earlier when she noticed he wasn't in his room sleeping like she had expected. Calaereth headed down the stairs to the living room to find a note on the dinning table. She frowned when she saw that he had left early to escort the elves of Rivendell into Lothlórien. He assured her though, that he would be back by late afternoon or maybe even early evening. Calaereth pouted and sat in the chair, bored, until she remembered the necklace Haldir had given her last night. Calaereth jumped from her seat and ran up the stairs to where she had laid the box on her small nightstand by the bed. She opened the box and gently brought the necklace out of the box. After fumbling with the clasp for a few minutes she managed to hook it around her neck. Smoothing her long golden hair out of the way, she admired the way the necklace laid. It was not too long but not too short either, just perfect in Calaereth's standards.
She realized that she had really only one day left here in Lothlórien, she would leave with the army tomorrow morning and arrive in Helms Deep at night. Calaereth collapsed on her bed, surprised that this information had just dawned on her. Calaereth frowned as she thought about Lady Galadriel's words about her vision, what was she supposed to listen to Haldir for, what could change the outcome of whether he lived or not through this battle. Listen, Calaereth thought, it could be anything. Oh no, what if he already told me and I didn't listen. Calaereth nearly panicked at that thought. What about the lives she was supposed to save, Calaereth questioned, who would she save in this battle, elves, men, or both? Calaereth knew she was over thinking things, and instantly she decided she needed to think about something else instead. Like that amazing kiss with Haldir last night. Calaereth immediately blushed as the memory returned to her quickly. A smile covered her face as she remembered it all too clearly. She did hope it would happen again soon. A small sigh of contentment left her lips as she looked outside. She awaited Haldir's return eagerly.
Calaereth watched the window for most of the day, she hadn't even bothered trying to prepare for tomorrow. Calaereth figured Haldir could help her with that. When Calaereth saw Haldir walking towards the talan her heart beat quickened and she hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen. Calaereth figured he would probably be thirsty or hungry, or both.
Haldir briefly knocked before entering the talan. "Calaereth!" Haldir called, eager to see her again as well.
"Haldir?" Calaereth smiled, peeking around the wall of the kitchen to see him turn towards her. Her insides nearly melting to see such a large grin plastered on his face. She wondered what had made him so happy.
"I have wonderful news for you." Haldir moved toward her.
"You do?" Calaereth's brown eyes widened in interest, "What is it?"
"I have received news of your father's condition, he is very well and should be ready to fight again within a month." Haldir nodded.
Calaereth's mouth dropped open in surprise, she felt tears of joy at the corners of her eyes. This was a blessing from the Valar. Calaereth leaped forward and into Haldir's arms with a cry of relief.
Haldir chuckled in amusement, of course, he had been overjoyed when he had heard of this as well. Haldir set her back down, but his arms remained locked around her waist. Haldir's silver eyes gazed down at Calaereth with an intensity that had her blushing and her tears forgotten.
"Did you miss me?" Haldir asked, his voice suddenly husky, a small smirk displayed on his very inviting lips. Calaereth stared at his lips for a moment before looking back up at Haldir.
"Yes." Calaereth admitted, "Very much." Calaereth moved forward, feeling suddenly very bold as her arms moved from his midsection to his neck. Her hands tangling themselves in his soft, pale blonde hair. "Did you miss me?" Calaereth asked almost innocently.
Haldir's smirk widened, "Oh you have no idea." One of his arms left her waist to cradle her head in his hand. Any other comment Calaereth may have had disappeared under Haldir's lips as they brushed gently against hers. A very effective silencing technique, Haldir noted to himself. The kiss lasted for a few more long moments until they parted, their foreheads resting against each other.
Calaereth moved her head to his shoulder resting there as she shut her eyes to try to enjoy the small moment of peace they had together. Secretly, Calaereth wondered if this would be part of her lifestyle if she was married to Haldir, perhaps a few centuries earlier. Would she welcome him home with a kiss after having Haldir being on the borders for days, weeks, or maybe even months. Would they have children together? Did Haldir even want any children? Calaereth felt her heart pound at that thought, instantly she pushed it to the back of her mind, to dwell on it later. Honestly, Calaereth was surprised by Haldir's sudden closeness after their first kiss. She had not expected him to be so willing to become more intimate and initiate a relationship. Not that she was going to complain, she did enjoy the attention. Calaereth guessed that Haldir was expecting to die in this battle, Calaereth pulled Haldir closer to her in the hug reflexively. No, Calaereth suddenly decided, she would fulfill her prophecy, she would save Haldir from a horrible death. Calaereth was determined to save Haldir and his comrades from death, even if it cost the life of her own.
Haldir instantly sensed a change in Calaereth's mood, he wasn't sure how he knew, but he did. Haldir pulled away slightly to look down at her with an arched eyebrow. Asking her a silent question. Calaereth only smiled in response, whatever was on her mind, Haldir knew he could not coax it out of her. The thought of something bothering her was instantly forgotten as Calaereth giggled and dragged him by the arm.
"Come here you silly elf, I bet you're starving." Calaereth lead him into the kitchen, and Haldir followed, grinning proudly as he allowed her to drag him around. Haldir was interested in seeing what Calaereth would try to serve him. Calaereth was right though, he was hungry.
It was already night in Lothlórien, Calaereth and Haldir had already prepared for the trip ahead of them. Though, Haldir seemed to be doing most of the packing, much to his dismay. Calaereth sat on her bed, beside the hardworking Marchwarden. Calaereth stared out into the dark night, her thoughts once again occupying her. Now that their departure from Lothlórien neared Calaereth found herself fretting over the battle. What if she couldn't save Haldir, what if she did fail him.
Haldir nearly sighed in relief once he finished packing Calaereth's bag. Haldir turned towards her to make a comment about her lack of cooperation in packing her bag. Haldir immediately faltered to see a look of doubt settle upon her face. Haldir quickly abandoned the now finished bag and settled behind her. His silver eyes quickly filled with concern. Haldir reached over her, his hand gently prying the hairbrush from her tightly clenched hands. Calaereth quickly blinked and looked over at him in surprise. Haldir gave her a reassuring smile and slowly took the hair brush from her.
Calaereth looked forward again as Haldir gently released her hair from the braids. Calaereth's eyes slowly closed as she felt his fingers brush through her hair before using the hair brush. She smiled, remembering how she had done the same thing for him that first night. Calaereth instantly knew what a pleasure it was to have someone brush your hair.
Haldir watched her, he was satisfied to find he could help her relax. Haldir was surprised to find that he could brush the waves out of her hair, it was beautiful to see her long golden hair so straight. Haldir wondered if she wanted to talk about the upcoming battle ahead. There was no ignoring it any longer, the consequences of this battle could be fatal for him, or her. Haldir leaned forward and brushed away the hair on the right side of her head. Holding the hair aside, Haldir pressed a small kiss to her cheek, then to her temple.
"I think we should talk." Haldir murmured, watching Calaereth's face for any sign of discomfort.
"About what?" Calaereth asked, though she was certain she already knew.
"You know what." Haldir pressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. "Helms Deep."
Calaereth turned her head slightly her eyes cracking to stare at him. "What about Helms Deep? I thought you already told me about Helms Deep, you know? It is in Rohan, a two day trip from Lothlórien. An old fortress that has never been sieged." Calaereth listed what he had told her.
"I want to talk about the possible outcomes, after the battle." Haldir interrupted her.
Calaereth wanted to turn the other way, and tell him she didn't want to think about it. Instead, she found she could only listen once she looked into those silver eyes.
Haldir nodded in acknowledgement of her silent answer. "How about we talk about the first one that comes to mind, I could very well die." Haldir stated.
Calaereth quickly broke their eye contact at that thought. Calaereth knew that it would break her heart.
"If I do, I expect you to choose the path of being a mermaid. You would be better off with your kin." Haldir rubbed at her arm soothingly. "Do not mourn for me, if I die in exchange for your ability to live, it would be well worth it." Haldir assured her.
Calaereth blinked as the tears formed, she was surprised at how well Haldir was able to accept death. Calaereth was not ready for Haldir to die, Calaereth doubted she would be able to accept it.
"Perhaps you would like to think about a better outcome?" Haldir suggested, regretting bringing up the subject when he saw tears in her eyes. Haldir used his thumb to brush away the tears. "If I survive, I do intend to court you, and marry you. If you will allow it."
Calaereth nearly gasped in surprise at his plan. She had thought Haldir had become suddenly intimate because he feared his end was near. Calaereth had briefly become worried that if he survived he may not be interested in her. "You do?" Calaereth asked, her brown eyes wide. What truly surprised Calaereth, was the fact that on the inside she was all too willing to marry him, to be in love with him. She would go against her father's wishes for Haldir.
"I do." Haldir smiled, "I hope you will sail with me and my kin to Valinor, for our time here is drawing to an end. Though, I will miss fair Lothlórien, for I fear they may not have the beautiful golden Mellorn trees in Valinor. It will be a sight I will surely miss."
Calaereth was saddened to hear him say that, Calaereth had to admit, Lothlórien was indeed very beautiful. Never had Calaereth seen such beautiful golden trees. Calaereth reached for his hand on her shoulder and intertwined her fingers with his. Calaereth smiled up at him when he looked down at her with a questioning glance. Calaereth leaned upwards and gave him a brief kiss.
"I think it is time for you to go to bed." Calaereth grinned.
"Surely you did not just recommend that the great Marchwarden of Lothlórien needs to go to bed." Haldir wiggled his eyebrows at her.
"And if I did?" Calaereth giggled as he feigned surprise.
"I fear the consequences would be most severe." Haldir stated.
"Oh, right, Haldir, severe." Calaereth laughed, "Thats very funny, now go to bed."
Haldir pouted and moved from the bed. Haldir suddenly paused at the door way as a thought entered his mind, and Haldir turned towards Calaereth with a smirk on his face.
"Are you going to tuck me in bed?" Haldir asked, his smirk widening at the blush that covered her face instantly.
"No!" Calaereth grabbed the pillow closest to her and threw it at Haldir who blocked it, and grinned at her, amused by her childish acts. Haldir could have easily caught the pillow, but he decided he would entertain Calaereth's attempt at an attack. "Go!" Calaereth said more sternly, pointing out of her room.
Haldir grinned and bowed at the door earning him another pillow before he retreated.
Calaereth sat there and stared at the door way for a moment, once she was certain he was not coming back. Calaereth got up and collected her pillows, grinning like a fool, who could say they threw pillows at Haldir and got away with it? Calaereth collapsed on the bed and curled into a small ball as she closed her eyes. She had been put at ease by Haldir's words, and sleep found her quickly.
Morning in Lothlórien arrived quicker than both Haldir and Calaereth would have liked. As always Haldir was the first to rise, despite his negative feelings towards leaving. After Haldir was dressed and had gathered his weapons he grabbed his bag and left his room solemnly. Haldir climbed the steps once more and stopped at Calaereth's doorway to stare at her sleeping form. She looked so at peace, her golden hair splayed out on the pillows. The sheets were wrapped around her form, Haldir watched as her body rose and fell with every breath. Calaereth was just as beautiful asleep than awake, Haldir realized. Haldir hated that he would have to wake her from her peaceful dreams and bring her back to the harsh reality of the battle to come. Haldir wished he could just leave her here, so she would not be in any danger. But Haldir knew he could not, Lady Galadriel had made it very clear that Calaereth was to participate in this battle. That she needed to live out this prophecy that no one else can. Haldir was not to alter it, Haldir hoped that he had trained her well. Haldir walked over to her bed silently, then he slowly sank onto the bed next to her. Haldir was surprised he had not awoken her. A glint of light reflecting at him caught Haldir's eye, he looked down at Calaereth's neck to see the necklace he had given her. Haldir smiled, knowing that he had chosen the right thing to give her. Haldir leaned in and traced her face with his hand. He was surprised to see her lean into his hand, and snuggle closer towards him.
"Calaereth." Haldir spoke her name very softly and gently, coaxing her awake.
Right at the moment Calaereth decided to open her eyes, a small ray of sunlight appeared, bathing her face in the warm light. Haldir was immediately entranced, and his composure threatened to break. It would be too easy, to tell her she had another hour to sleep and Haldir and his army could be out of Lothlórien within the hour. Calaereth would never be able to catch up, for she did not know how to track anything. But Haldir knew he could not, he knew how angry she would be with him. Haldir did not think he could handle her scorn towards him. Not after all the hard work he had done to become her friend and trainer. No, he could not risk it.
Calaereth blinked at him, waiting for him to say something but he remained silent. Calaereth figured he must have a lot on his mind.
Haldir's gaze flickered to Calaereth's eyes. The golden sunlight that poured in made her brown eyes lighter, and Haldir could see specks of green in them. Haldir nearly leaned in closer to get a better look at her eyes. The questioning look on Calaereth's face stopped him from going any further. Haldir quickly moved away and walked towards the door, he glanced over at her for a moment. "It is time to leave, you have five minutes." Haldir nodded and turned away, leaving quickly.
Calaereth stared after him for a long moment, completely puzzled by his odd entrance. Calaereth tried to shrug it off, but it was difficult to get the image of those silver eyes out of her head. But more disturbing had been his attire, the same outfit that Calaereth had dreamt of him dying in. Within five minutes Calaereth was dressed and grabbed her bag, she stopped at the door way and gazed back at the room longingly. Calaereth would miss this beautiful bedroom, she was sure of that. Then Calaereth exited, leaving the bedroom behind and met Haldir in the living room.
After Calaereth had her boots laced up and a cloak around her shoulders, Haldir handed her a large slice of an apple as her breakfast. Calaereth took it happily and said a small word of thanks. Haldir nodded in a gesture of his acceptance of her thanks as he packed a few foods in a sack for the trip to Helms Deep. Haldir did a double check to make sure they had everything, and then nodded towards Calaereth.
"Come, it is time for us to leave." Haldir opened the door for her, and Calaereth glanced back inside the talan one last time before Haldir closed the door. They quickly moved down to the grassy floor of Lothlórien. Calaereth was nervous when she saw how many male elves there were, so many soldiers. Calaereth could not believe the numbers, Calaereth estimated there were about 300 elves. In front of all of the elves were Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, they were making their goodbyes. Once Calaereth and Haldir reached them, Haldir was the first to make his farewells to the Lord and the Lady of Lothlórien. Haldir briefly bowed before moving away to talk to the soldiers. Calaereth's eyes briefly watched his movements before looking back at the Lord and the Lady who were now staring at her.
Calaereth quickly bowed before them and then looked back up at Lord Celeborn. "Farewell." Calaereth nodded, not really sure what else to say to the Lord of Lothlórien. Calaereth had never really talked to him often.
"Farewell." Lord Celeborn repeated, "I wish you luck on your journey, daughter of Gaeralagos."
"Thank you." Calaereth smiled before turning towards Galadriel. Lady Galadriel moved towards Calaereth with a gentle smile on her face as her hand touched Calaereth's shoulder in a comforting manner.
"I have faith in you, Calaereth." Galadriel assured her, "I know that you can fulfill your prophecy and spare many lives in this battle. Do not fear the battle when it comes. For it is true, you will see many things that will disturb you deeply. But do not worry, for you will have Haldir by your side, and he will be there to support you. Your decision is coming soon, Calaereth, I can sense it." Galadriel nodded, "Farewell, Calaereth."
"Farewell." Calaereth nodded sadly, then turned away to see Haldir watching her. Haldir quickly adverted his gaze and turned back to the elf he was talking to, who gave her a curious stare. Calaereth ignored it, and brushed it off, she always seemed to receive odd looks.
It was not long before they left Caras Galadhon in an organized large, group. Calaereth found herself walking beside Haldir, even though she was not of any high position. Calaereth felt like she did not belong among these elves, they all wore nice matching uniforms that consisted of armour, helmets, and blue capes. Haldir stood out amongst them, but he had an excuse, he was Marchwarden, he was the leader. Haldir wore a light gold armour that glittered in the morning sun, his cape was a deep shade of red. Calaereth couldn't bear to look at his handsome figure any longer, he was dressed exactly the same way he looked when he had died. Was she too late, Calaereth wondered, had she failed him?
Calaereth remained quiet for the rest of the trip, Haldir and her never talked at all during the trip. It was eerily silent as they traveled. The only noise that could be heard was their footsteps. Speaking of feet, Calaereth was becoming tired. She had never walked at such a fast pace over such a long period of time. And it was dark out, Calaereth naturally wanted to sleep. Calaereth's eyes drooped slightly, and her footing became unstable for a small moment but she quickly recovered. But her small stumble did not escape Haldir's eyes.
Haldir turned towards her and noticed her tired expression. Haldir pitied her, he had never seen Calaereth look so forlorn.
"I can carry you." Haldir moved towards her, whispering quietly, though he knew his wardens could hear due to their great sense of hearing. Haldir knew that, but Calaereth did not.
Calaereth looked up in surprise at the offer, it was tempting, but she did not want to look weak in front of these wardens. "I would not want to burden you Marchwarden." Calaereth looked away.
"You are not a burden to me, but if you do not rest, you will prove to be one later." Haldir stated.
Calaereth sighed in resignation as she felt his arms go under her and lift her up off her feet. Calaereth stared up at him for a moment and his silver eyes met her brown ones. Calaereth watched his lips move, saying something, but Calaereth couldn't quite make out what it was as a wave of fatigue washed upon her. Calaereth was asleep within moments.
Haldir watched as Calaereth fell asleep under the sleeping enchantment he had used. Haldir let out a breath of relief and found that their company was able to travel much quicker, with her asleep. They would be in Helms Deep by the next nightfall that was soon to come. Haldir held Calaereth closer to him, for he too feared what was to come.
Thats chapter 15 everyone! Hope you all liked it! Sorry for the super long delay, LOL. Thanks for reading! I'm looking forward to your reviews! Tell me what you think! :)