A/N: It's been over a year but I am back. Here's a brand new chapter. Please let me know if you like it. Enjoy!
She stood very still and looked at the ground.
Maybe if I ignore him, he'll just leave.
"Why are you wandering alone in these forests? These are dangerous times."
She looked up at him. The elf was tall and pale, like all elves, his long, white hair pulled back from his face by braids. He carried a slim blade and a bow but had neither drawn. His eyes widened just a little when he saw her.
"Impossible." He was giving her the strangest look. "You have not aged a day." He said astonished. "All this time, I never knew your fate and here you stand just as you were. How?"
What?
"You must have me confused with someone else." She said, eyeing him suspiciously.
"No, I'm certain I do not, Daphnaie." Daphnaie's eyebrows shot up to her hairline in shock.
"You know me? Who are you?" She said, her voice unusually high.
"The last time I saw you was in Imladris."
"Rivendell?" She said, now thoroughly confused. "I've never been to Rivendell."
"You don't remember?" He said stepping toward her. She shrunk back from him, worried what he might do. He saw her shy away and sighed.
"Very well, perhaps I…was mistaken." He did not sound like he truly believed he was wrong. "Regardless, I need to know what you are doing here."
"I'm not in the habit of answering questions from strangers." She meant to sound intimidating. Unfortunately, her voice shook.
"Fair enough," he conceded with a bow of the head, but she thought she saw a glimmer of sadness in his eyes. "I am Haldir, Marchwarden of Lórien."
Golden hair blowing in the wind. Laughing blue eyes looking at her. The sound of waterfalls in the distance.
"Let's have a contest." She said notching an arrow. "Who's the better shot."
"I do not think that Lord Elrond would appreciate us firing arrows outside of the practice grounds." Haldir answered.
"What's the matter, Haldir? Afraid I'll win?"
"I would prefer you call me Marchwarden." He said smirking.
"Always with the titles." She laughed.
"Always with the titles" Daphnaie whispered, coming out of her reverie. Haldir heard.
"Yes." He said with a small smile.
"Anyways," she said abruptly, not wanting to think about why he suddenly seemed so familiar. "I'm traveling with a small party of men to Isengard.
"What business do you have in Isengard?" Haldir asked. Daphnaie felt momentarily guilty about revealing details of the company, but somehow she knew she could trust Haldir.
"We intend to capture Saruman. Gandalf has questions for him concerning the plans of the enemy." Haldir perked up at the mention of Gandalf.
"Mithrandir? How far from here is he? I greatly desire to speak with him." Daphnaie sighed inwardly.
Of course that's why he's here. Everyone desires to see Gandalf. I should open with "I know Gandalf" whenever I meet new people.
"Not far at all. He's just a few minutes that way," she said pointing in the direction of the camp.
"Excellent," he said walking towards her. "Lead the way." She forced a smile.
"Of course." She said.
Oh, Valar! What am I going to do now?
Slowly, she led Haldir back towards the camp, stopping before she got too close.
"It's just over there." She said pointing.
"Very well." Haldir nodded. A few moments passed. "…Let's not delay." He said. Daphnaie didn't move.
"Why don't you go on ahead? I think I'll continue my walk." Haldir looked concerned.
"My lady, it's not safe. You should rejoin the others."
"No, no really I'll be quite alright." She said shuffling away.
Say something! Say anything! Lie!
"I'm not supposed to be here." She said in a rush.
Idiot.
"Explain," Haldir said in a hard voice.
"I…I…"
"Be quick." He demanded. Daphnaie clenched her fists to stop her hands from shaking.
"I had requested to join King Theoden's company but was denied. The Lady Eowyn of Rohan was rather adamant I go, however, and found another way…"
"You stowed away?" Daphnaie hung her head embarrassed. When she looked up again, she thought she saw the remnant of a smile just fading from his lips. After a moment of consideration, he spoke again. "Well I don't believe you pose any threat to this company."
That's a first, she thought with some relief.
"But I can't leave you alone either. I meant what I said before. These are dangerous times." Daphnaie's heart sank. Haldir unclasped his cloak and held it out to her. "Here. Put the hood up and don't say a word. The men of the camp with believe you came with me." Daphnaie could only nod in response. She was a strange mixture of relieved and petrified. Together she and Haldir strode purposefully into camp, so silent and blending so well into the night that they were able to slip unseen past the sentries. Many men were still sitting merrily around the fire, laughing and talking together.
"How easy it is to slip past men. Is this how you protect your king?" Haldir said. Shocked, the soldiers quickly stood and drew their broad swords noisily from their sheaths. Daphnaie peered nervously over at Haldir. He merely smiled and held out his hands palms up.
"Luckily, I mean you no harm." He said simply. There was a tense moment when no one said a word.
"Well elf, what a pleasure to see you again." A voice called out not sounding at all pleased. Haldir made a show of looking around for the source of the voice before pointedly looking down.
"Ah, master dwarf. Forgive me, I did not see you." He said, still smiling pleasantly.
"What business brings you so far South." Gimli growled.
"I must speak with Gandalf. The war in the North goes ill." Gimli frowned.
"The war in the South goes ill," he said unsympathetically. "I don't know what you want with the wizard, but he is needed here."
"That's enough Gimli," Aragorn said walking up to the scene. He gestured for the men to lower their weapons. "My friend," he said to Haldir grasping his forearm. "What news?"
"It is good to see you well. I bring news of the North, and I seek the council of Mithrandir. Please take me to him." Daphnaie saw Gimli roll his eyes, but Aragorn nodded.
"Of course." He looked down at the dwarf. Gimli, get Theoden and Legolas. This way," He said addressing Haldir. At this point Aragorn noticed Daphnaie for the first time. He said something to her in Elvish, but Daphnaie did not understand. Hoping it wasn't a question, she simply bowed her head a bit. This seemed to satisfy him, for he turned and led the way across the camp to Gandalf's tent. Aragorn held the tent flap open for her and Haldir then stepped in after them. Gandalf was standing over a table covered in maps and books and other papers. He glanced up when they entered.
"Haldir? I never thought to see you so far from Lothlorien."
"This war has changed many of my plans." He said gravely. Then his whole demeanor changed and he spoke something in Elvish. Another greeting Daphnaie surmised. "Word of your return was the happiest news Lothlorian has had in a long time."
"Thank you, my friend," he said," but tell me of why you have come."
"I come seeking your council. Yours too would be most welcome." He said looking at Aragorn. Just then, Gimli, Legolas, and Theoden entered the tent.
"What is going on?" Theoden demanded looking at Gandalf.
"This is Haldir, Marchwarden of Lothlorien." Gandalf said. "And this is Theoden, Lord of Rohan."
"An honor." Haldir said simply.
"Likewise," Theoden replied.
"Haldir brings news from the North." Gandalf said. At this, Haldir stepped forward and looked at the maps.
"Lothlorien will soon be under siege. My scouts have reported a large force moving from Dol Guldur." He gestured at the map. "I estimate they will reach our borders in 7 days." Gandalf frowned.
"Will there be no aid from Thranduil?" Legolas asked. "I know my father prefers not to leave the Woodland realm, but surely he would not turn his back on Galadriel." Haldir looked sadly at Legolas.
"I am sorry Legolas, but the Woodland realm faces its own threat. 10,000 orcs of Dol Guldur and Mordor are headed towards them, and Sauron is massing a force of 200,000 Easterlings to take the North. If they make it past Dale and Erebor, then they will make straight for Thranduil's realm." Legolas' face was carefully expressionless.
"Gimli, how strong is Erebor?" Gandalf asked.
"We will not lose Erebor again. They will hold." Gimli said stone-faced.
"But how many dwarves are there? Are they supplied enough to withstand a siege?" Haldir asked.
"I've told you they'll hold, and they will." Gimli said darkening.
"Shall I take your word for it then? Risk the lives of my kin, because you were too stubborn too-."
"Enough, Haldir." Gandalf said. "Gimli, please." Gimli glowered.
"Erebor has an army of 30,000, and the men of Dale would be another 20,000. Erebor is a well-stocked fortress. Its walls house the finest weapons and the bravest dwarves."
"But 50,000 against 200,000? Those odds are not in our favor." Haldir said.
"When are they ever?" Theoden added.
"Gimli, do you truly believe Erebor can withstand such a force?" Legolas asked. Gimli looked up at him.
"Aye." He said simply.
"Then let us move on for now." said Gandalf.
"Back to Lothlorian and the Woodland Realm. Can any men be spared to aid them?" Legolas addressed the group.
"Not from the Rohirrim." Theoden declared. "We cannot even protect our own borders." Legolas moved to argue but Aragorn rested a hand on his shoulder and whispered something in Elvish. Legolas frowned but backed down.
"So be it. What of Gondor then?" Haldir asked.
"Boromir could tell us best." Gandalf answered. Aragorn turned and said something in Elvish to Daphnaie. She caught Boromir's name, and from the way Aragorn was looking at her, she had the horrible feeling she had just been told to fetch him. This fear was confirmed with a small shove toward the exit from Haldir. She gave a small bow and left the tent.
Fetch Boromir? There was no way he wouldn't recognize her.What was she going to do? She thought back to her barrel and how foolish she was to ever leave it. Then it hit her. She began walking toward the wagon. There was probably someone guarding that wagon. She'd just tell him to find Boromir.She pulled her hood lower as she passed the men still sitting around the fire.
Then I'll crawl back in my barrel and never crawl out again. It got drastically darker as she left the vicinity of the fire, and approached the wagon. No one will ever have to know I was here. Eowyn might be upset that I didn't see more, but she'll just have to—
She tripped over something resting against the wagon and fell unceremoniously on top of it. In seconds, it (or rather, he, she soon discovered) had rolled on top of her. His weight was crushing and he was pinning her arms down.
"Forgive me." She gasped. "I was only—"
"Daphnaie?" The voice said shocked.
Unbelievable.
"Boromir?" She whispered.
"What are you doing here?" He whispered back angrily. She could feel his warm breath on her face.
"I can't breathe." She said.
"Oh," he rolled off of her. "Now, explain."
"I'm so sorry. Eowyn wanted to know of Isengard so she came up with a plan and had me stow away."
"The extra barrel?"
"Yes." Boromir hit the side of the wagon angrily.
"What were you thinking?"
"Boromir, please lower your voice. Someone will hear."
"This was dangerous and reckless. You shouldn't be here."
"I know. I'm sorry. I just did not want to disappoint Eowyn. I didn't know what to do." Boromir sighed, and stood up. "Are you very angry with me?" She said nervously.
"No." He offered her his hand, and helped her to her feet. "I'm just worried about you." He reached up to remove a leaf caught in her hair. His hand lingered on her cheek. "I just want you to be safe. You would have been safe at Edoras."
"Hardly." Daphnaie smiled. "Eowyn is there. No one is safe." Boromir laughed and dropped his hand.
"Come, Theoden must be told that you are here."
"What? No!" Daphnaie stepped back from him. "Just let me climb back in my barrel. Theoden never has to know. No-one does." Boromir shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Daphnaie. I can't allow that. If we are attacked, you'll be safer if the company knows you are here. I'll be right beside you. It will be okay."
"Oh very well, but does it have to be tonight? They're having a very important war council right now. I was supposed to be fetching you."
"What do you mean? I thought no one knew you were here."
"They don't. It's a long story." She said waving him off. "You should be at the meeting, though. Can't telling Theoden wait till the morning?" She pleaded.
"I don't like it, but I suppose it can wait."
"Oh, thank you. I—"
"I want you to stay in my tent, though." He said.
"What? Why?" She asked.
"Someone might check the wagon, but no-one will enter my tent without my leave." He took her arm and began leading her towards his tent.
"Doesn't it seem a little…" She hesitated.
"A little what?"
"Improper?" She was glad it was too dark for him to see her blush. He paused.
"I won't be joining you."
"Oh. You won't?" She was growing more embarrassed by the second.
"I'll sleep outside." He said simply.
"Won't people find that odd?"
"I don't think the men are really all that interested in my sleeping habits," he said smirking.
"Oh, right. Of course not." She said feeling ridiculous. They arrived at his tent, and he led her inside.
"Just promise me you won't leave this tent. Promise me you'll be here in the morning."
"I promise, Boromir." He stood there for a moment, not saying anything.
"What is it?" Daphnaie finally asked.
"I thought you were still angry with me." He said. She didn't expect that.
"When?"
"When we rode out from Helms Deep. I thought you'd see me off, and when you didn't, I thought you must still be upset with me."
"No," She said, and on impulse she reached out and took his hand. "No, I wasn't upset, I was just…"
"In a barrel." He finished.
"Haha, yes. I was in a barrel." He smiled.
"I must go. They will be wondering where I am."
"Goodnight." She said. He squeezed her hand, then left.
She looked around the tent. It was very simple, just a pad on the ground with some blankets and his pack serving as a pillow. She lied down and bundled up, suddenly feeling very tired. Her eyes closed and the world went black.
Haldir stood just outside the dining hall on a balcony overlooking the valley of Imladris.
"Haldir, why don't you come back inside? There will be singing shortly." Daphnaie said walking up to him.
"Thank you, but I don't much feel like songs tonight."
"I didn't see Glorfindel at all this evening. Has something happened?"
"We met with Lord Elrond this afternoon. He is sending hosts to Earnil and Cirdan. Glorfindel is busy making preparations."
"Oh." She said stunned. "When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow. Maybe even tonight."
"So soon?" She frowned and braced herself on the balcony railing. "Do not be afraid, Haldir. You knew this day was coming. You are ready."
"I am not afraid." He said, moving to stand beside her. "But I am hardly eager to go to battle. Angmar's forces are strong. It will not be an easy fight."
"But you will win it all the same." She said offering him a smile. "You will defeat Angmar and there will be peace again, and then I will be able to explore middle earth like I've always wanted, and you will be able to spend all day doing nothing except perhaps practicing your archery like you've always wanted."
"I do not spend all day doing nothing. I am a Marchwarden."
"Oh yes, I think I heard that somewhere." She said smirking. Haldir smiled but said nothing.
"Where is Glorfindel now? There is much I need to say."
"And I'm sure there is much he would like to say as well, but please, let him work. He has much to prepare." Daphnaie sighed.
"Very well, but please don't leave before I speak to him. Promise me he'll be here in the morning."
"I Promise."
"I see you kept your promise."
Daphnaie awoke to see Boromir leaning in through the open tent flap, sunlight pouring in behind him.
"Come on. It's time to speak to Theoden, and I would rather the entire camp didn't see you leave my tent."
"Oh, of course. Coming." She hastily got up and followed Boromir towards Theoden's tent, attempting to flatten her hair into something reasonably presentable.
"I request an audience with the King." Boromir said to the guard outside Theoden's tent. The guard nodded and stepped inside for a moment. Daphnaie stared at the ground.
"Don't worry." Boromir whispered. "It's going to be fine." A moment later the guard opened the flap and beckoned them inside. Theoden was seated looking through an array of papers. He looked up when they entered and glowered.
"You. What are you doing here?" He said accusingly to Daphnaie. "I seem to remember telling you to go to Edoras with the rest of my people." Daphnaie stood frozen. "Well?"
"I..I.."
"Speak!" He commanded.
"I'm sorry my Lord, Eowyn…she…"
"Eowyn? What does she have to do with this?" Boromir stepped forward.
"Eowyn wanted to send word that they made it safely back to Edoras. She thought it might ease your mind to know. I have her message here." He held out a scroll to Theoden.
"That's all she had to say?" Theoden asked.
"Yes, my Lord." Boromir said simply.
"Very well, wake Eomer and rouse the camp. We should get moving."
"Yes, my Lord." Boromir tucked the scroll back in his tunic, and led Daphnaie out of the tent and on towards Eomer's tent.
"I think that went well." He said.
"Are you insane? Let me see that scroll." She demanded. He pulled it back out and handed it to her. She quickly unrolled it. "There's nothing written on this. It's just a blank piece of parchment."
"That's correct."
"Well how did you know he wouldn't want to look at it?"
"I didn't." Daphnaie shook her head in astonishment.
"You are incredibly lucky."
"I think you mean, you are incredibly lucky. You disobeyed the king and stowed away. And you just got away with it." Daphnaie came to a sudden halt.
"You're right." She said grinning widely. "I can't believe this. I got away with it. Thanks to you." She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
"Well, don't thank me just yet," He said as she released him from the hug. "I didn't get you out of going to Isengard , and that might not be the enjoyable experience you're hoping for."
"Yes well, I think I'm up for it." She said still smiling. They resumed walking.
"Yes, I think you just might be."
END