Chapter 17
Sky, My love…please…
No! She will wake up. I can't lose her; she's my…sister. She's all the family I have! No…
Hey lass, don't fool with this dwarf. You're sleeping too much.
Skyler…it's us…Merry…Pippin's here too. You…
Lady Skyler…wake up…your mother…can't…more…please…my brother is….
Sky! Come on, we miss you, and Haldir brother is being a right down…
The disembodied voices spun around here until they turned into one incoherent mass. Finally, the murmurs stopped and silence reigned. However, one voice returned.
(My love, my soul, my life.)
Haldir.
No, she had to wake up.
The darkness, the oppressive void refused to budge. However, she fought, hard, this time. Slowly, she grew aware of her senses. She could hear birds singing somewhere far off. There was a soreness about her body, and a splitting headache…
Her eyelids felt like lead, as they refused to open.
Finally she raised them, and light flooded her vision. She rolled her eyes around the room. The walls were covered with heavy hangings while sunlight flooded through two large windows. She was lying on a massive bed in the middle of the room and there was a wash basin to her left. She tilted her head slightly and glanced to her right.
She nearly jumped, if she could move, when she saw a familiar silver-haired elf sitting there, his opened eyes glazed over as he seemed to stare off into the distance.
Skyler smiled wryly; the poor elf must have been here for a long time, for elves did not need as much sleep as men and for Haldir the Marchwarden, of all people, to fall asleep on a chair…
With extraordinary effort, and biting her lips to keep herself from groaning in pain, she reached a hand over and covered the long elegant fingers that laid on her bed.
The reaction to her light touch was immense. The cloud immediately dispersed from the silver eyes and the elf turned his head about so fast that Skyler fear he might have sprained something.
(Sky.) He said in disbelief.
(Good morning, Marchwarden.) Skyler smiled and she twisted her body slightly as she tried to sit up. She winced when her muscles protested, loudly.
That seemed to un-stun the Marchwarden as he quickly rose out of the chair and stopped her: (Stay still, you are not fully well yet.)
(I think I can risk sitting up without disturbing any injuries that I might have received.) Skyler replied stubbornly.
Haldir sighed slightly before he gently helped Skyler sat up then sat down on the bed himself. He pulled Skyler tenderly into an embrace as if any carelessness might break her then and there.
(Must you worry my heart so? I feared it stopped when you never reached the fort.)
Skyler raised a hand, but only high enough to touch his arms, due to the stiffness within her body: (Everything's well now…we defeated the Urukai?)
Haldir pulled back but reached over and held on to her hands: (Mithrandir brought help from the Prince of Rohan, and the Urukai were chased into Fangorn where due justice was brought upon them.)
Skyler smiled: (A happy ending, I see.)
Haldir's hand tightened around hers: (For now, yes.)
Skyler glanced at him quizzically.
(How long must you risk yourself for mankind? How many lives must you lose?)
(Haldir!)
(We found you buried beneath the wall, with nearly thirty Urukai around you. You were on the edge of the darkness for days, all for a King who shunned his duty.)
Skyler was about to lash back harshly; however, a glance at the shadow within Haldir's eyes stopped her. She knew he was torn and in pain, and she had been the cause of that. Elves only love once, and because Haldir fell in love with her, yes she admits it now, he had experienced more pain than any elves should.
Skyler slowly turned the elf's palm and traced light circles on his upturned hand before she replied gently, with a hint of wistfulness in her voice: (I…was…and perhaps am still a human. A human gave birth to me. I've spent my first life as a human. We are not perfect. We are not always brave. There are hardly any of us who could be heroes or great men leading others to greatness. And because we do not live forever, we cannot be as wise as we wish to be, nor can we be given enough time to repent our mistakes and fix them.) she paused slightly, taking Haldir's silence as listening, she continued, (however, because our lives are short we understand the importance to live life to the fullest, to be all that we can be in this short life span, and to reach for the stars as hard as we can even though we understand that we shall never reach it but knowing that other may be able to after us if we only pave the path for them. Humans are wondrous creatures. They have bigger hopes, ambitions, and goals than any other species because they have never truly been wary by time. Nothing is impossible, because nothing they've seen has been. There will always be men who fell short of expectations or who got swayed by greed or hunger for power. But darkness will pass, and light will come. The Fourth Age will arrive, and it will be the Age of Men. Humans are growing up and they are learning. They have slowly grown strong enough to take on the world. Soon, they will find their place in the light. It had taken them thousands of years longer than elves but at last they have reached it. The King of Rohan may have fled yesterday, but it was because he loved his people and wished to see none hurt. And tomorrow, or perhaps even today, he will learn that men have come to realize it is better to die with a sword in their hands than dirt on their knees.) She paused again, staring into the silver eyes she loved so much, (and I…I will do what I can do to help end this darkness, and give them the chance to gaze upon the dawn of their own age. As odd of a species as I am…I wish to fulfill my duty to my own kind to what I had been, but please understand…I…love you. I know my decisions have caused more pain than any elf or man deserve…)
(I understand.)
Haldir's sudden interruption caused Skyler to stop and stare at him worriedly.
A wisp of smile, sad yet proud, appeared on the corner of his mouth: (I am in love with a human after all. Perhaps, I need to appreciate her entire being rather than just who I've seen so far. As the human race has produced the woman I love, I believe it has something worth fighting for then.)
Skyler stared at him in surprise and wonderment before she leaned in and hugged him tightly: (You are an insufferably good elf; do you know that?)
(I know.)
They stayed in that position for a while, before Haldir gradually pulled away: (I should inform your mother and others of your state now.)
(Yes, I suppose.) Skyler sighed as Haldir stood up and with a bow he left the room. A few minutes later, Skyler's elven-like hearing picked up thudding footsteps down the hallway before the door was thrown open and Ash came bursting into the room. When her eyes caught sight of the smiling Skyler, she nearly threw herself at the girl.
"Ouch, mom…easy…" Skyler winced as Ash squeezed her tightly in a hug.
Ash pulled back immediately: "Sorry, are you okay, did I hurt you? By the horse gods, I am so glad you are awake. Don't you dare worry me like that again! What were you thinking doing such dangerous things! I have half a mind to throw you into the darkest prison I can find and not let you out right now!" Words came spilling out of her mother's mouth like a fast train racing.
Skyler laughed slightly, just light enough so that her injured ribs wouldn't hurt: "For Valar's sake, mother, do slow down. I can't understand you if your words are all jumbled up like that!"
Unable to stifle her impulse, Ash leaned forward and clasped Skyler in a hug again; however, this time she was lighter in her touches. She pulled back slowly; tears swam in her elegant brown eyes: "I was really worried; what were you thinking pulling such dangerous stunts. If you get a concussion here or something awful you could die!"
"Relax mother, take a breath," Skyler said patting the distraught woman's arm, "I'm fine now, am I not? Furthermore, I've been through more horrible things than this. Worry yourself not for me. Was everyone alright? How many did we lose?"
Ash blinked her eyes rapidly to clear away the unshed tear before she sat up straight and said with a tight smile: "We lost many on that night, too many."
Skyler took in a sharp breath as her mother continued, but Ash's smile relaxed slightly: "However, all your friends were unharmed. The elves sustained minor injuries but they are all well. Your friends in that Fellowship are well too. Gandalf the Wizard came at the last moment with Eomer and his Riders back to help. He saved us." Upon speaking the man's name, a light glowed on Ash's face.
Skyler let out the breath she's been holding and relaxed back into the pillow behind her. She closed her eyes briefly; so they are all well.
She opened her eyes again and said teasingly: "You seemed to be love struck, mother."
Ash startled out of her daze and stared at Skyler incredulously while a blush stole up her cheeks: "Nonsense, young woman."
Skyler laughed again; this time she didn't bothered to control herself, and ignored the pain as her ribcage stretched from the act: "You can't lie to me, girly."
Before Ash could give a retort there was a knock on the door and the door creaked open again, but this time politely and slowly. The tall blond man of the topic came in. His sheer presence seemed to make the room smaller. While, Haldir was quite tall as well, since he's an elf he's naturally taller than nearly all men, the elf was lithe and supple. The leader of the fierce eored (or the Riders as Skyler called them), on the other hand, while not as tall as Haldir he was visible muscled and angular. Furthermore, there was an air of command and pride within the horse Lord that enlarge his presence even more. His pose would have been seen as arrogance but the true heartedness in his bright blue eyes dispelled that.
"Lady Skyler Evans, an honor to meet you again." The man said as he came over and stood beside Ash who had sat down on the bed.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Eomer of Rohan." Skyler smiled kindly at the man her mother loved so much.
"Eomer is fine." Eomer replied, "Ashlock's sister should not be so formal with us."
"I see you have been reunited with your uncle." Skyler commented.
A small smile hovered on the stern man's lips: "Yes, Gandalf the White have proved to be much help. I see the ancient story of twin lucks do hold."
Both Skyler and Ash chuckled at that, but for a different reason.
At this point more feet pounded down the hallway and a hobbit burst into the room: "Guardian! I mean…Skyler! You're awake!"
"Meriadoc Brandybuck, I see our brief parting as not sap any energy from you at all." Skyler said amusedly, but she leaned forward slightly and gave the short person, or rather tall person for a hobbit, a hug, "Where's your partner in crime?"
A dark shadow overcame the usually gay façade and Merry replied unhappily: "Gandalf took him to Gondor…after he looked into a…a Palantir."
Skyler said wistfully: "So…I see Saruman has been…taken care of…a Palantir. I should have known."
"Worry not, Master Brandybuck," Skyler said with a reassuring smile, "From the moment I set eyes on you two troublemakers I know you'll both have a long life, if just to make the lives around you more interesting, shall we say?"
A smile quirked up on the dim face, and Merry nodded: "Of course." He happy mood seemed to have recovered and he grinned, "We met Treebeard too, and he asked for you. He told us a lot too, about Fangorn!"
Skyler pretended to be worried: "He didn't say anything bad about me, did he?"
"He said you were very lazy." Merry teased.
"Why, the nerve of that block of wood!" Skyler huffed indignantly while the other two human occupants of the room chuckled at their antics.
There was a knock again, and this time Rumil, Orophin, Aragorn, and Legolas came in with Haldir behind them.
"Why, so there's my favorite elves and Ranger. I was wondering where you all have been?" Skyler said in mock anger.
Rumil laughed and tapped a finger on her nose: "You are our favorite Guardian too."
"Rumil, she's still injured!" Orophin clucked.
Skyler waved a dismissive hand: "It's alright, Orophin, I am well now."
"An ingenuous feat, Lady Skyler, taking out thirty Urukai at once. Tis more than any deed a man or elf could have done." Aragorn said.
Skyler's gaze flickered briefly to Haldir before it came back to Aragorn: "I was trained by the best." She said modestly.
The elves, except for Haldir who smiled slightly, chuckled at that.
Skyler turned her gaze back on Rumil and Orophin: "And you two, why are you not back in Lothlorien. I thought you were only here for the last battle?"
"We've decided to stay," Orophin said in his quiet and soft voice, "the rest of the Galadhrims had returned to Lothlorien; however, my brother and I wish to stay with you and brother Haldir. We elves do not leave families in need."
Seeing a protest bubbling on Skyler's lips, Legolas put in: "Lady Skyler, it is their choice."
"Yes, indeed, and you shall have nothing more to say about this." Rumil grinned in his usual jolliness.
Skyler smiled: "I'm very happy and honored to have friends as you all." Then she continued, "however, I fear I shall need to take leave of you briefly for a few days."
"What?! You can't leave; you are still injured!" Ash said in surprise.
Skyler didn't need to look at Haldir to see that his eyes had narrowed and he was staring at her. She ignored it.
"Where are you going?!" Merry cried.
"Fangorn, I need to be healed quickly, and as Guardian of Fangorn the forest is the place that shall allow me to do so."
"So it is true," Eomer said, "You are tied to Fangorn."
"What do you mean?" Aragorn asked.
Skyler glanced at him mildly.
Eomer explained: "Before this battle and before Lady Skyler arrived at Rohan the forest of Fangorn was said to be a dark place. Even we dared not to venture into its depth. The trees were alive and angry in that place, and its Guardian would not hesitate to kill anything or anything wielding a weapon within those lands. If a man is caught within those woods, to live, he must abandon his weapons and ride as fast as he can to the edge of the forest, for the Guardian cannot leave the forest…or she dies for she is a spirit of the trees."
"By Valar, I did not know there was a story like that," Skyler said entertained breaking the thick silence, "I knew there were stories that I was a spider, an orc, or some ghost but I did not know that one."
"So it's not true?" Orophin asked.
"It's not true right; you were with us for such a long time before!" Merry asked urgently as well, "You're not dying right?"
"Of course not," Skyler said with a ludicrous laugh, "I've stepped out of Fangorn for quite a while, and I am very much alive as you can see."
"But why do you need to go to Fangorn then?" Ash asked.
Skyler gave a wry smile: "Because in a way, I am bound to Fangorn after living there for so long. If I didn't look human and was born one; I'd swear I'm an Ent by now."
She gave a sigh as she waved at them: "I'm very pleased and glad that you are all here to see me, but I fear larger wars are brewing on the horizon. The Urukai War of Helm's Deep is but the first of many, and I need to be well soon before the next one occurs."
"But…" Merry started.
Rumil reached down and patted the hobbit's shoulder: "Come now, there's no use arguing with her when she's in that mood."
"I agree, as much as I don't want to." Ash said as she stood up, "Now all you boys out."
Within a few minutes the room was empty once again, and Ash carefully helped Skyler out of the bed and started washing her and dressing her wounds before she put clothes on her.
It took them nearly an hour before Skyler was somewhat presentable in the new clothes that her mother had asked the tailor to make while she was unconscious despite the haphazard state Rohan was in. By the time she was dressed in the red tunic and black shirt with breeches and brown sturdy boots she was already tired. However, she clenched her fist and made her way slowly to the door with her mother's help.
When she opened the door she saw Haldir standing there. She smiled slightly as the elf extended a hand.
Skyler turned back to her mother: "It's okay; Haldir can take me to Fangorn."
"Are you sure? There might still be stray orcs about…"
Skyler turned back and placed her hand in Haldir's hand before she returned her attention to her mother: "I'll be fine; Haldir is with me, and Fangorn as well."
"Well, if you insist." Ash said unsurely.
"With your leave, my lady." Haldir said politely to Ash before h reached down a hand and lifted Skyler up easily with both arms, one under her legs and the other on her back.
Skyler gasped slightly as Haldir walked down the hall with her lying in his arms: (I can walk, you understand?)
(You are barely well, as it is. If I did not know that even in refusing you, you will still go to Fangorn, I would not approve of this trip either.)
Skyler winced as stares followed her down the hall and outside the castle: (But this is…embarrassing.)
(I would feel this is a better choice then stumbling down the hall.)
Skyler sighed: (I've completely discredited myself as the invincible, almighty, and scary Guardian in this case.)
A silver eyebrow raised up and Haldir said tightly: (You are thinking of returning to Fangorn after all these troubles and darkness?)
(If all these darkness fades away then Fangorn will no longer need a Guardian to protect it, at least not for a long time.) Skyler said as her hands tighted on Haldir's shirt, (Don't think you can get rid of me that easily, Marchwarden of Lothlorien. I merely enjoy having some irritating men scare themselves silly in my presence occasionally.)
Haldir placed Skyler up on a horse before jumping on easily after her. It wasn't until they were speeding out of Rohan that a chuckle escaped Haldir and he replied: (Your humor is as enjoyable as always, my love.)
(Only you would think so.) Skyler said with a smile.
It didn't take long before they arrived at the edge of the forest and the horse went in warily after some persuading. A few minutes into the forest, both Skyler and Haldir caught wind of a soft rustle. Haldir halt the horse and glanced around guardedly.
Skyler patted his arm reassuringly before she called out in a clear voice: (Treebeard. Tis I, the Guardian of Fangorn.)
A few rustles and loud thumps later, a large tree suddenly appeared in front of them: (Why, hello there seedling, ah…and a First Born, nice to meet you to Tree Talker.)
The elves had always been called First Born by other races, as they were considered to be the first beings to walk the Middle-Earth, created by the Valar. They were also called Tree Talkers by Ents; legend has it, the first Ent was awoken by Elves who taught them to speak and converse.
(I as well.) Haldir replied politely.
(Now that you have come back, perhaps, you will try to placate the Huorns. They've been very angry since those big orcs were here.) Treebeard boomed.
(They were the ones who killed the Urukai from Rohan then.) Skyler sighed (I had thought so as well.)
Huorns were rumored to be Ents that have become tree-ish; they were more violent and disliked intrusions into Fangorn even more than Ents. They moved faster and can cover their approach with a dark mist.
(Before I do so, Treebeard, I need to go to Entwash…to heal.) Skyler said tiredly.
Treebeard nodded: (Follow me, Tree Talker.)
Skyler was growing more fatigued by the minute; she was dimly aware that Haldir meandered through the forest after Treebeard. She must have dozed off, because after a while Haldir gently shook her awake: (We're here.)
Skyler's eyelids fluttered slightly before she woke up and glanced around. They had come out into the clearing by Entwash.
Haldir got off the horse first and helped her down. She stared at the Entwash for a few seconds before she turned back to Haldir, her cheeks faintly red amidst her pallor.
(Can you…turn around...?)
Haldir nodded as and stepped away from her before turning his body to face the forest. Skyler slowly began to undress herself, and take off the bandages. However, just taking off her boots and the bandages on her legs took up most of her strength. She collapsed on the ground tiredly.
A hand touched her shoulders; she snapped her head up in surprise and looked into a pair of shadowed silver eyes.
(I'm so tired,) Skyler said, her voice trembling slightly, (perhaps it has been too long…I'm bound to Fangorn after all.)
(No, I refuse to believe that. You are a child of Lothlorien. You appeared in Lothlorien for a reason.) Haldir said steadfastly.
(It was…a mistake…)
(No, it was fate.) Haldir said as he knelt down beside her.
Tears fell down Skyler's face as she held onto Haldir for comfort; after a few minutes she calmed down enough and she whispered: (Can…can you…help me…please.)
Haldir nodded, and slowly he relieved her of the shirt, tunic, and gently unwrapped the bandages.
After he was done, he lifted her up and tenderly placed her in the river. Skyler nodded, and he let go. Skyler sank down into the river, as if asleep.
(Do not worry, Tree Talker, the Entwash will heal her, as it had always done.) a voice boomed behind him.
Haldir glanced up at Treebeard who had returned. The tree bent down, creaking and groaning as woods clash and bowed: (You are Haldir of Lothlorien, the Marchwarden?)
A faint light of surprise shone in Haldir's eyes as he glanced up at the large Ent: (You know of my name?)
Treebeard straightened up again and a crack appeared in the barks to show the Treebeard was smiling: (You were the only being that the Guardian spoke of from outside.) the Ent paused slightly before he continued (you will take the Guardian away from Fangorn?)
Haldir straightened and his eyes narrowed: (Yes.)
The Ent studied him for a moment before he nodded: (Yes, of course,) Haldir stared at the resigned and sad tone in surprise. Treebeard continued: (the age of Ents and Tree Talkers are passing. The Third Age is coming to an end. There are no more Entwives. There are no more Ent seedlings. Fangorn…is dying…and I…I have lived too long. Take the Guardian…and show her life…for Fangorn has none.)
A soft look entered Haldir's eyes as he looked up at the ancient being: (You will not travel West?) to Valinor.
(West? No, young Tree Talker. I have lived too long in these lands, and I fear I will not be happy if I leave.)
Haldir conversed with the ancient Ent for the two days Skyler was in Entwash. He learned great wisdom from this being that had seen the transition of three Ages.