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Title: Lillah's Story
Author: Fianna Leighton
Rating: R
Disclaimer: All elves of LOTR belong to the estate of JRR Tolkien and are used with respect and deep appreciation.
LILLAH'S STORY
CHAPTER THREE: Reunion
The plain lay open before them from where they stopped on the road just outside the gates, waiting for the path to clear. Refugees still lined the road from Osgiliath, a rubble of ruins after the war. They waited patiently, aware of the curious gazes that followed them, three elves, although Lillah knew she did not look elvish with her ears hidden beneath her hair. She sat beside two definitely elven males, handsome, confident and well known to most who stared at them.
She wondered what it was like to be so notorious, to have people stare so much. The scrutiny made her uncomfortable; she wondered just what they thought. Both ellons seemed unaware of the gazes, both looking out over the plain in silence.
"How long will the refugees come," she asked quietly, disturbed by the number still flowing toward the city.
"They will come until Aragorn turns them away. They talk now of rebuilding Osgiliath, to take in the number that still arrives daily. They will soon have little choice," Legolas declared, leaning forward to peer at the lines of people. "The snows will come and many more will die if we cannot find them shelter."
Haldir sniffed faintly, his sharp gaze settling on the throng. "There is little here to comfort them, yet they still come."
Lillah thought of why she had. The city was not an elvish one, but it was here that she had been led, drawn by the word of the King, by his healing, his love for his people, his loyalty. It had been a rare thing to see, the blood of Númenor restored to its rightful place, the elegance of a man made to be King."
"They cannot stop, Aragorn draws them here. He is what they seek, they need," Lillah replied quietly. "He is the strength they lean on now."
Haldir looked down, his grey eyes softening. "And you, Lillah?"
She met his gaze intently. "I do not know why I came, really. Perhaps I had remembered that the elves had come, it is all a blur in my mind now."
"There are many things at work in this world we do not understand," he agreed, pulling his eyes from hers reluctantly.
She studied him a moment longer, admiring the wide set of his shoulders, wondering just how much he carried on those broad shoulders, how much he hid. She sighed, glancing at Legolas as well.
Strong, just as Aragorn was strong. They had been lucky to have such strength, so many had come forward to be tested. Elves, men such as Aragorn and Éomer of the Rohirrim, Faramir; so many names she had heard said with awe and respect, devotion. Even Gandalf, the wizard, a figure of great reverence as well as wonder, tested- who was now the epitome of his kind. Nor could one forget the small Halflings as well, the Hobbits. How amazing that a race so small and untoward could shape the future of the very world. Indeed, it was all startling. Their world had changed intimately in such a short time.
But what of the Elves?
Lillah glanced at the two beside her. What of these two? What had the war done to them?
*~*
Haldir rode behind Lillah, while she followed Legolas, riding the grey easily. The horse seemed quite docile with her, yet he had seen the fire in the animal's gaze, the fight the horse hid from her. She would not have recognized the angry animal he had helped calm in the stables. He could well imagine the animal in battle, a fierce and very protective companion for her husband, a shame then, to have died without the animal to aid him.
He studied her closely, content to ride behind, as it allowed him his perusal without making her nervous. She was slim, as most elven women were, long of leg and waist, her hair a thick rope down her back, trailing past her hip. She wore a heavy gown, most likely given her by the healers, that was too big, too rustic for her. He could imagine her in the fine silks and linens of the elves, weights that suited her frame much better than what she wore.
He found it amusing to be so caught up in watching her, enjoying it as much as being a bit concerned. He could not quite decide if it was interest, or curiosity, or both. What had led her to leave all she knew? Love did not seem a strong enough draw, yet he had only to look at Arwen to see it could.
He had no desire to know such a strong and demanding emotion that would rule him like that.
Legolas stopped a short distance from Elrond's tent, sliding off his horse fluidly. He reached Lillah before Haldir dismounted, sending him a slightly smug smile. Haldir only lifted a brow blandly, thinking the young elf did not want to step in between Haldir and something he wanted, but then he stopped abruptly, with a shake of his head, startled at the thought.
*~*
Lillah turned just in time to see Haldir pause, his face suddenly wreathed in surprise and then irritation. She felt Legolas grasp her elbow, drawing her forward. "What do you imagine he just was thinking," she asked the slim elf curiously.
Legolas flashed an amused look. "From his face, I would suggest leaving that question alone for some time."
She snorted softly. "Are you afraid of him, Legolas?"
The Prince stopped, staring down at her with a lift of a silver brow. "You have no idea of his stature do you?"
She pushed Legolas forward, wanting a moment to speak before Haldir caught up. "What do you mean by that?"
Legolas grinned faintly. "He is quite intimidating when he so chooses." The Prince grunted softly. "I met him after we had lost Gandalf."
Lillah had heard the stories; they had passed quickly among the realm.
"Haldir and his wardens stopped us when we came into the Wood," Legolas continued sourly. "If you had seen him then, Lillah, you would understand."
She did not have any more time to ask questions as Haldir walked past them to speak to the elven guard in front of Elrond's tent. The guard bowed and slipped inside the tent. A moment later, he returned, lifting the door so they could duck inside.
Lillah moved inside behind Haldir, taking a deep breath. Elrond knew her, knew her family as well, her father a member of his council years before, retired for some time to enjoy his gardens and books. Raen had not come from Imaldris originally, but had lived with Cirdan in Mithlond, the Grey Havens to most of Arda, since the last alliance had destroyed so many. Sent as an emissary, Raen had finally settled permanently in the valley of falls, to aid both Cirdan and Elrond as he could.
But Elrond had always made Lillah nervous, a powerful elven lord who had fought and survived the wars of the first and second ages, he seemed so distant, much like Haldir was, and unapproachable.
She quickly found he was not like that at all. She stepped underneath Haldir's arm inside the tent, straightening to find the elf lord turning toward her with a warm smile. He held out a hand as Haldir guided her forward, taking her cold fingers to rub them gently in his hand. A warmth spread rapidly down her arm, a healing energy she knew he released almost unconsciously.
"It is good to see you well," Elrond said softly, holding her fast to inspect her intently. "You seem to have recovered from your ordeal. I am sorry to hear of your family."
She bowed her head to hide the sudden flush of tears, unaware of the concern that creased Elrond's brow. "Thank you, my lord."
Elrond tucked her hand under his arm, guiding her to a seat in the middle of the room next to a low brazier that kept the room warm. "Sit, and tell me what happened."
She sat, aware of both Haldir who had moved to stand behind her, and Legolas waiting patiently near the door. She described the attack, staring hard at her hands, forcing the grief deep inside her chest, and then went on to explain her journey to Minis Tirith. She looked up finally, meeting Elrond's gaze nervously.
"I left Imaldris, my lord, left all that I knew behind and now I've lost everything."
Elrond shook his head, his gaze suddenly clouded, looking away for a moment. "Love," he sighed. He turned back to her with a smile that held much sorrow. "What we will do for love, hmm?" He patted her hand, his dark eyes glittering with much emotion. "But you are wrong, my dear. You have not lost everything. Raen is still among us, as well as your mother. In fact, I saw him only yesterday." Elrond's gaze suddenly twinkled as he chuckled. "He will be in far better spirits I am sure, when I next see him."
Lillah glanced up at Haldir and then back at the elven lord. "He is here?"
Elrond smiled wryly. "Indeed. He had hoped you would have heard of Aragorn's wedding to come to the White City. When we arrived and you were not here, he sent your brother to find you, but I have not heard that he has returned."
Lillah clutched her chest, her fear sharp in her heart. "Do you think he has been hurt as well?"
Elrond shook his head, pressing her hands into his. "Nay, Lalaith. I did not mean to frighten you, only meant to say he has not yet returned. I am sure he is fine."
Lillah stared at Haldir, then at Legolas. The orcs were still out there. If Rin had not been careful… if he had accidently run into the orcs… she shuddered, distraught to think she might have lost yet another.
A hand on her shoulder sent more warmth spiraling into her body, but not by magic. Haldir gripped her gently, a soothing touch of support even as he spoke. "I am sure it is more a matter of timing, my lord. Perhaps he has not had time to report to you."
Elrond nodded, rising to his feet. "Indeed, it is very likely, given the gathering here and all that has transpired. You must not fear. I have sent for Raen at any rate, he should be here shortly."
*~*
Legolas smiled faintly when the door opened once again to allow two tall elves into the tent, dark of hair and identical, the Imaldris twins bowed deeply before their father and then instantly turned toward Lillah, expressions wreathed in surprise.
"Lalaith!" Elrohir declared with a grin, striding across the room to gather the elf maid into his arms, kissing her boldly on her lips before turning her into the embrace of his twin, who managed only to garner a cheek with his kiss. Lillah pushed Elladan away with a startled laugh, clearly shaken by their greeting.
Legolas was not surprised, for the two elves were notorious for their romantic pursuits, and Lillah was a lovely, if still ill, elleth.
Elrohir moved to her side, studying her intently. "You have changed, meleth. How long has it been since you left us? Dare I say you were but an elfling?" He laughed, holding her chin, while Elladan settled an elbow on his brother's shoulder to stare at her as well.
Lillah stepped back, blinking, only to find Haldir behind her. Legolas watched Haldir brush his fingers across her elbow, holding her lightly. "She has been ill," Haldir said in a low voice, his stare sharp as it met both of the twins.
Elrond moved between Lillah and his sons, his glance to them full of warning, and then he smiled again at Lillah. "Do not mind them, they have not changed in all the years you have been gone."
"Indeed we have not," Elrohir agreed, stepping over beside Legolas to study him intently. "We have heard rumors that Aragorn healed her."
Legolas nodded, if warily. He knew the twins intimately, much better than Haldir, for they had ridden together on many occasions with Aragorn, sweeping the wilds of Arda for orcs and evil kind, rangers the three of them. Their interest in Lalaith was not surprising, but how they would react to Haldir's interest could be devastating to the elleth, who had somehow connected with the March Warden on an inner level. He knew it was only due to Haldir's sharp vision that they had found her quickly enough, and combined with Aragorn's skill in healing, had been the one to pull her through her terrible ordeal.
The twins would make light of it, teasing Haldir, and perhaps straining the tenuous hold she had on the guardian. A touch Legolas would like to see deepen between them.
"Aragorn has healed many these past days," Legolas said noncommittally, meeting the lively gaze of both twins sternly. "It is not for us to make light of such a horrendous occasion, my friends. Lillah is as yet still vulnerable; her emotions are not to be toyed with."
Elladan's brow rose, his voice low as he responded, lips curved in an amused smile. "Are you giving orders now, Legolas Greenleaf? Coming from you, that is quite funny."
Legolas scowled briefly, turning away from both twins to look toward the door where Haldir had moved moments ago, his back to them as he spoke with the guard.
"I am only suggesting you leave the two alone," Legolas declared softly.
Elrohir lifted a hand to his lips, tapping them with a forefinger. "Defending her and who else? Haldir?"
"It could only be," Elladan whispered. He gestured toward Lillah, who was watching Haldir from under her lashes. "Why the interest, Legolas? What has he done?"
Legolas shook his head, and breathed a sigh of relief when Raen pushed open the door, nodding regally at Haldir and then with a cry, he saw Lillah and rushed toward her.
*~*
Lillah nearly let go when her father embraced her tightly, the tears and grief thick in her throat so she couldn't speak, could only bury her head into his chest as she tried to stay in control of her emotions. Raen smoothed his hand over her hair, holding her lightly, his chin resting on the top of her head much as he had when she was young, a moment of security she found she needed more than she liked to think.
How she had been able to let them go, leaving all she knew behind seemed a distant memory, a blur of feelings and emotions that she could hardly bring forth, taken over by her grief and relief to find her father alive and well.
"Nana?" Lillah whispered in a choked voice, frustrated that she could not hide the emotion from the elves around her. Haldir was so calm, collected. His grief was nearly that of hers, perhaps more so for she knew the elves of the Galadhrim were a close family, no matter they were not related by blood. As their captain, she knew Haldir must feel responsible for their deaths, if mistakenly. Even so, the elf was a model of control, his face blank, eyes shadowed and unreadable as she glanced at him from within the arms of her father.
"Your mother is fine, and would have come with me but for a twisted ankle. Elrond has sent her a healer, but I told her it would be better for her to stay off of it for a while yet.
We will go to her shortly," he continued with a smile, holding Lillah out from his chest. "You look well, if tired, child. They have healed you?"
Lillah smiled faintly, sending a glance at Legolas as he stood near the door deep in conversation with the twins. Haldir nodded imperceptibly, blinking once as their eyes met. "Yes, I am healed, Father. As well as could be done."
Raen sighed softly, smoothing a tendril of hair from her brow. ""The grief is difficult to bear, I know. It will pass, my daughter, in time." He turned toward Elrond. "And who do I have to thank for such a boon as this, my lord?"
Elrond's gaze shifted toward Legolas and then Haldir. Legolas stepped forward when Elrond gestured, touching his fingers to his brow in greeting and the grasped the hand offered him warmly.
Raen smiled, gripping Legolas' hand tightly. "My thanks, young Prince."
"I had little to do with her recovery," Legolas admitted. "You must thank Haldir and Aragorn. It was they who healed her."
Raen hugged his daughter tightly, an arm around her shoulders. "Aye, and I will. But I wished to thank you as well. You all have looked after her very closely it seems. I cannot tell you how much that means to me. We thought her lost. The farm was destroyed, the place full of pain, and Lillah nowhere to be seen. My son has not yet returned and we believed her lost forever. Our sorrow was almost too heavy to bear."
Legolas understood very well. "We must thank the Valar for watching over her then, for it could have been only with their influence that she was able to travel so far. It still amazes me to think she rode four days and did not bleed to death."
The twins seemed far too interested in the story, their presence hovering just beyond his shoulder. Legolas turned slightly, sending a sharp elbow into Elladan's chest, and stepped hard on Elrohir's toe. "In fact, here, let me introduce you to Haldir. I am surprised you have not met, since Haldir, as Galadriel's emissary, travels occasionally to Imaldris." He led the two across the tent with a smile.
*~*
Haldir watched the exchange between Legolas and the twins with a deep sense of dismay, aware the twins were prodding the younger elf for information. They were incorrigible, but harmless. Their teasing was no worse than his brothers', but Legolas did not know that. Amused, Haldir watched Legolas turn toward him, drawing Lillah and her father away from the Imaldris duo. Whatever the young prince had done had not set well with either elf as both of them turned abruptly to leave the tent.
Legolas bowed respectfully to Elrond.
The tall elf lord smiled pleasantly, his gaze resting on the young elven woman. "Your father was terribly worried. He had hoped you had word of Aragorn's nuptials and would be here, and when he did not find you, he sent out your brother to find you."
Lillah did not look up. Haldir could sense her struggle to control the grief still too new.
Her father kissed her head. "The final outcome is that she is safe." The elf turned toward Haldir, holding out his hand. "And I have you to thank, as well as both Legolas and Aragorn."
Haldir gripped his hand firmly, meeting a very intense gaze. He smiled faintly. "You are welcome, too many have been lost." He lifted his chin, willing the sudden grief to pass, hardening his heart against the pain.
Raen watched him intently, refusing to relinquish the grip on Haldir's hand. "You have seen great suffering as well. I have heard the stories. They say you nearly left us as well. A great loss for all of us should the March Warden of Lorién been lost."
Haldir pulled his hand free with a faint cough. "I survived, as has your daughter. That is all that matters."
"Indeed," Elrond said firmly, moving between the elves. He smiled down at Lillah, taking her hand to lead her to a chair. "The days grow short for our kind. Who knows how long we shall remain now that the new age has come."
Raen frowned, moving to stand behind Lillah's chair. "We hear the call to the west." He pressed his hands to her shoulders. "Perhaps sooner than some."
Haldir's breath caught, his gaze dropping to Lillah, but she too stared up at her father in shock. "You are not leaving?" she demanded shrilly.
Raen's brows drew together. "Of course not, but I though perhaps after all you've been through…"
Lillah shook her head. "Nay, I am not ready to leave. Some day, but not now."
Raen nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to settle upon Haldir. "I see. At any rate, once your brother returns, we can leave for Imaldris at least."
Haldir felt a faint sense of dismay at the thought, his duty was to return, of course, to Lorien and the Golden Wood.
Legolas frowned and turned as the tent opened once more, allowing a young elf to enter. He moved quickly to stand before Elrond and bowed deeply. "We have found Rinethel's steed, my lord."
Haldir turned swiftly to face the messenger, angry that the elf had no thought to offer such news privately, for he knew Rinethel was Lillah's brother, missing as yet in search of Lillah. Lillah had gone white to her lips, staggering against her father. Raen's brows had drawn together in concern, his hands gripping Lillah tightly.
Haldir stepped forward with a nod at Elrond. "Where did they find it?"
The messenger touched his forehead respectfully. "Two days ride, March Warden, in a high valley to the north. The rangers say it was still saddled with little more to tell."
Elrond smoothed his fingers over his lips. "We must not jump to conclusions to quickly," he said, turning toward Raen. "We will send out a party to investigate."
Haldir nodded, and with a faint thought sent to Galadriel, touched his heart. "I will go, my lord."
Legolas smiled grimly. "As will I."
Raen looked between the two, and then lifted a brow as the door was flung open once again and both Elrohir and Elladan stormed into the room. "Rin has been lost! We must go at once to retrieve him."
Lillah looked at them all, her eyes wide and then Haldir watched her expression harden into a stubborn resolve with a sigh of resignation.
"I am going too," she said with such conviction he knew they would have to tie her to a post to keep her from going.
Raen only nodded, his face pale. "I will pray that he is well."