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Ruth woke up when Haldir gently shook his shoulder, the Elf's soothing voice clearing the fog around Ruth's mind. "Is it dawn already?" he murmured and slowly took a seat, finding Haldir smiling at him kindly when Ruth managed to rub the sleep for his eyes enough to at least open them fully.
"Yes. I hope you have rested somewhat," Haldir said and Ruth gifted him with a gentle, although slightly weary smile.
"I've rested sufficiently," Ruth answered. "We must return to Caras Galadhon as quickly as possible."
Haldir nodded and helped Ruth stand up. Ruth's body felt heavy, but his magic was fluctuating freely in his veins. It felt almost happy.
"I agree," Haldir said. "Do you feel well enough to ride on your own?" he worried and Ruth took a deep breath.
"I can," he answered and nodded minutely, and Haldir resisted the urge to contradict Ruth if not force him on Haldir's own horse without even suggesting that option first.
"Very well," but Haldir knew that wasn't an option so he opted for keeping an eye on Ruth on their way back. "Rest some more while I clean up our camp."
Ruth sighed and shook his head, lips tilting into a small smile. "No need to worry so much, Haldir," he said and the proud Elf frowned. "I am not made out of glass. I will not break."
Haldir's frown deepened and he bowed his head a little. He couldn't erase the image of Ruth on his knees with those enchanting eyes wide with shock and dexterous hands trembling with remnants of fear and terror. Haldir had a strong desire to protect the Istar from anything and everything that may cross their path, even though he had been made very aware of Ruth being more than capable of taking very good care of himself.
Ruth wasn't dependent on his magic but even though Haldir shouldn't feel so protective, especially now that Ruth could wield Magic again, the Elf couldn't stop worrying about Ruthímiel.
"I am sorry, Ruth," Haldir spoke in heartfelt apology. "I cannot stop worrying about you. I only wish to see you well."
Ruth chuckled and shook his head. "Perfect," he drawled teasingly, "another mother hen."
Haldir suddenly blushed. It shocked him because no one was able to make him actually blush since he was a youngling. No one except Lady Galadriel, that is. "I apologize," he said, not knowing what else to say.
Ruth laughed and Haldir raised an inquisitive eyebrow when the Istar covered his bigger hand with a small, gentle one and looked into Haldir's eyes. "You have nothing to apologize for, merén," (my friend) Ruth spoke warmly. "I am not used to having so many people worrying about my wellbeing. I should be the one apologizing to you for making you worry so much about me. I hate to burden you."
Haldir smiled lightly and looked deep in Ruth's eyes. "How many times will I have to tell you that you are no burden to me or to anyone close to you?" Ruth looked away from him when Haldir spoke and covered Ruth's hand with his. The Elf's closeness was sending waves of comfortable warmth down the Wizard's body and his cheeks were burning with heat.
"As many times as you deem it necessary," Ruth said with his head bowed. He gasped when Haldir cupped his cheek and took another step closer tilting Ruth's head up to gaze into those ethereal depths of wisdom and timeless loneliness.
"Then this will be the last time, Vanima," Haldir spoke and Ruth's breath hitched in his throat when he realized how close they were. Haldir bowed his head and unconsciously, Ruth climbed on his tiptoes with hands resting on Haldir's firm chest to steady him. "You are not a burden to anyone. You are beautiful beyond comparison, kind-hearted and wise. You are powerful and a great Istar. I shall never hear you speak of yourself in that manner again." Haldir's voice resonated in Ruth's chest and his sweet breath fanned over Ruth's blushing cheeks with each softly spoken word. He steadied Ruth by placing warm hands on the thin waist and pulled Ruth a bit closer.
"Haldir?" Ruth whispered in wonder when Haldir's eyes darkened.
"What is it in you that draws me so to your side?" Haldir murmured distractedly and Ruth trembled within the Elf's secure hold.
"Nóscone." (I do not know.) Ruth shivered when Haldir raised a hand to cup Ruth's cheek gently. He caressed Ruth's bottom lip with his thumb and Ruth let go of a wavering breath.
"Amin tyava vee'manka amin elee ranye e'a kaime." (I feel as though I have strayed into a dream.) Haldir whispered in the Elven tongue and Ruth's eyes darkened to almost complete green.
Ever so slowly they edged closer. Their eyes slid shut as their lips met and both felt warmth burst within their hearts. When they parted, Haldir wrapped strong arms around Ruth and pulled the smaller Istar against his chest.
Ruth rested his head on Haldir's shoulder and relaxed against the strong, firm, muscled body of the Elf. "Haldir..."
"I shall protect you with everything I am, vanima onnamin." (my beautiful creature) Haldir whispered. "Even though you are strong, maybe ever stronger than I, you shall never fear again for as long as I draw breath."
Ruth raised his head to look in Haldir's eyes.
The Fellowship has been right. He was attracted to this proud, royal Elf that held him so strongly and yet so gently. Haldir's words sounded honest and true, and yet Ruth was still afraid. He was afraid that now that he had found Haldir he would lose him; just like he had lost so many others before him.
"Amin gorguva a'wanuva lle, Haldir," (I fear I would lose you, Haldir.) Ruth whispered softly. "I would not bear to lose another man I came to love." Haldir cupped the back of Ruth's head and hugged him closer. Ruth buried his face in Haldir's chest as the Elf ran his fingers through raven strands breathing in te unique scent of the Green Istar.
"You shall not lose me, erelle." (little one)
"You cannot promise me that." Ruth whispered.
"N'uma," (no) Haldir said. "But I can promise that I shall give my all to stay by your side forever; if only you allow me to."
Ruth squeezed his eyes tightly shut and let go of a wavering breath.
Oh, how he prayed for this.
How he prayed to find someone to love.
And here he finally finds someone on the brink of war.
He knew Haldir would get involved; the Elves were bound by old alliances to fight alongside Men if the need should ever arise.
He knew Haldir would be on the front lines.
Should he deny him?
Should he push Haldir away?
His heart ached at the very thought.
He could not.
He could not deny himself the joy of having someone to love as a lover would.
He could not deny himself Haldir's protectiveness and his warmth.
He simply could not.
"Please," Ruth whispered and looked up in Haldir's warm eyes. "Please, do not leave me alone."
Haldir smiled lovingly and shook his head. "Noio," (never) he swore and pulled Ruth into another kiss, sealing his promise with it.
Whatever it took, whatever hardships awaited them in the future, Haldir would always give his all to come back to Ruth in the end.
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"Toror'amin!" (my brother)
Ruth and Haldir stopped their horses when they heard someone call out to them.
"Rumil!" Haldir called out to his brother before nodding at Ruth and both mounted off of their stallions while Rumil ran over to them, his face a mask of obvious distress. "What is it? What happened?" Haldir asked.
"Orophin came back from patrol. Many Orcs and Uruk-Hai passed over our borders following Anduin. Lord Celeborn fears they might catch up with the Fellowship before they pass the Falls of Rauros," Rumil reported quickly.
"They must be warned!" Ruth exclaimed frightfully while Haldir frowned thoughtfully.
"That is true, but we have no way of warning them. It has been 8 days since they departed from Lothlórien down Anduin. For all that we know they might have already made their way towards Rohan," Haldir answered and Ruth paled, lips parting without a word passing them as the Istar tried to think of a quick solution, although none came to mind.
"We cannot lose time," Ruth finally spoke, voice tight with worry. "Haldir, we should move for Caras Galadhon. I must speak with the Lady as soon as possible."
Haldir nodded and mounted his horse. "Rumil, go back to your men. Inform us immediately if you learn more."
"I shall." Rumil ran off quickly and Haldir and Ruth pushed their stallions to their limits as they rode towards Caras Galadhon. Night was already falling when they entered the city and after they've left their horses in the stables they rushed towards Galadriel's and Celeborn's chambers.
"Ruth!"
The Istar stopped in his tracks and turned around quickly. "Boromir!" he cried out in relief and Gondorian caught up with them immediately pulling Ruth into a tight hug.
"I was worried about you, Ruth! I heard about the Orcs and the Uruk-Hai."
"We are on our way to speak with Lady Galadriel," Haldir said and Boromir looked at him. "We have our own news to bring."
Boromir nodded and looked at Ruth, frowning when he noticed something different about the Wizard. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something different.
"Let's go. We must hurry," Ruth said and they rushed towards the Lady and Lord's chambers.
"Haldir, Ruthímiel, Boromir, you look distressed." Galadriel stood as they entered her rooms and looked at them with worry in her eyes.
"We have received news of Orcs and Uruk-Hai crossing our borders," Haldir said while Galadriel showed them to take seats.
"Yes. Grave things are in motion. We must act quickly," Celeborn said.
"What can we do?" Ruth asked.
"We have thought about our next move. We found out that Saruman is unleashing a great army. They are on the move as we speak. The Fellowship will reach the falls of Rauros earliest tomorrow. Sadly, they are on their own for now," Celeborn spoke gravely.
"So what is our plan?" Boromir asked.
"We must hasten," Galadriel said. "I wished to speak with you, Boromir. I have a great favor to ask of you."
Boromir nodded with a worried frown. "Speak, my Lady."
"I wish for you to ride for Imladris," Galadriel answered and Boromir raised an eyebrow in surprise. "It is time for the Sword of the King to be reforged. Lord Elrond must be informed of all that has transpired. I wish to entrust you with that task."
"Will he go alone?" Ruth asked and Galadriel shook her head elegantly.
"No. I am sending two of my Elves with him; Viresse and Luinil. They shall escort Boromir to Imladris," Galadriel assured the young Istar and Ruth nodded while Boromir smiled at him to show Ruth not to worry.
"What of Saruman?" Haldir asked, growling out the White Istar's name as though it were a curse.
"I shall ride for the Fangorn Forest," Radagast said. "It is time to awaken the Ents."
"The Ents?" Ruth asked. "But I thought they refuse to mix into the affairs of Men."
"This is not the time for old grudges," Celeborn said. "This threat concerns us all."
"What do you want me to do?" Ruth asked and Galadriel looked at him. Her eyes widened and a small smile tilted her lips when her gaze dove into his.
"You have found your strength," she spoke in a voice hardly above a whisper surprising Boromir and Radagast.
"I have. I can use my magic again and..." Ruth looked at Haldir and the Elf smiled at him. Without hesitation Haldir reached over the armrest of his chair and took Ruth's right hand into his left.
"You have found your heart," Galadriel concluded softly and Ruth smiled, eyes filling with warmth. Boromir cleared his throat and Ruth looked at him, blushing at the teasing smirk Boromir looked at him with.
"So you do not like him, eh?" Boromir teased and Ruth bristled. Boromir yelped when Ruth's fingers twitched and the Gondorian was hit with a Stinging charm.
"Sicnuth áliuth lah, luth twóre mahabé," (Do not tease me, you stubborn mule.) Ruth growled and Galadriel giggled while the others raised an eyebrow at Ruth, not knowing what he had said.
"Never mind that now," Galadriel said although her eyes were still gleaming with mischief. "Ruth, I would like for you to stay here in Lothlórien."
"Why?" Ruth asked in wonder.
"Saruman is gathering an Army," Celeborn said. "We have enough proof to believe that his first target will be Rohan. When the time comes we shall send our army to Rohan's aid."
"We wish for you to stay here so that you could ride out with our Army," Galadriel continued where Celeborn had left off and Ruth licked dry lips, gazing at the ground thoughtfully.
"That will give me sufficient time to get a good hold of my Magic again," he admitted before raising his head. "I shall stay," he agreed and turned to Boromir when the Gondorian straightened.
"When shall I move out?" Boromir asked.
"As soon as dawn breaks," Galadriel said and stood up closely followed by everyone else. "We shall prepare your supplies and I shall speak with Viresse and Luinil."
Boromir bowed at her. "Very well."
"Go and rest now. You and Radagast have a tedious journey ahead of you," Celeborn suggested.
"Blessed night!" the Lady wished and received equal wishes from everyone. Boromir, Radagast, Haldir and Ruth left the Lady and Lord's chambers and made their way to their own.
"I shall see you in the morning, right?" Radagast asked when it was his time to part with them.
Ruth smiled at him and pulled him into a loving hug. "Of course, Radagast. I would not miss wishing you a safe journey in a million years."
Radagast giggled and patted Ruth's head. "Sleep well, Ruth," he said, nodded at Boromir and Haldir and walked down a path.
"I shall see you tomorrow, Ruth," Haldir said and Ruth smiled at him.
"Blessed night, Haldir." Before Ruthímiel could react Haldir moved quickly and stole a light, chaste kiss from him, smirking and leaving without another word.
Boromir laughed at Ruth's bewildered expression and the Istar blushed before he slapped Boromir's shoulder. "Stop laughing," he hissed and Boromir wiped a few tears of mirth from his eyes.
"I'm sorry Ruth, but you should have seen your face." Ruth blushed again and grumbled something into his chin. "I am really happy for you," Boromir said and Ruth looked at him in surprise. They reached the glade where they spent their nights and Boromir moved for his sleeping bag. "I can see that you're happy."
Ruth frowned and took a seat on a nearby tall root. "I am happy, even though…" he hesitated and Boromir looked at him with a frown.
"What?" Boromir asked and walked over to take a seat beside Ruth.
"I am worried as well," Ruth confessed silently.
Boromir sighed and wrapped an arm around Ruth, pulling the Istar close, and Ruth leaned against Boromir's side resting his head on a strong shoulder. Boromir kissed the crown of Ruth's head and hugged him loosely. "What are you worried about?" he asked.
"I do not wish to lose him, Boromir," Ruth whispered and Boromir saddened.
He didn't know much about Ruth's life, but he wasn't dumb either. Boromir knew that in Ruth's long, long life he has had people he had loved, a family and even a few lovers and it was obvious that he had lost them all, whether it was to Death or something else.
"I do not remember my mother well," Boromir confessed. "I was very young when she died. But I do remember something she told me, just a few days before she died." Ruth tilted his head back a little to be able to look at Boromir. "It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all," he said and great sadness entered Ruth's eyes. "Do not despair, brother. Do not miss the chance to love just because there is a chance you could lose Haldir."
"Boromir..."
"We all care about you, Ruthímiel. I don't want to see you fall into the Shadow."
Ruth's bottom lip quivered a bit. Without a thought he wrapped his arms around Boromir's waist and hugged him tightly. He buried his face in Boromir's chest and shivered when the man hugged him back just as tightly before he kissed the crown of his head.
"I only wish to be happy," Ruth whispered and Boromir smiled. He kissed the crown of Ruth's head again and nuzzled his face in Ruth's hair.
"You will be, brother," he said in full conviction. "You will be."
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"Be careful," Ruth said and hugged Radagast. He, Boromir, Viresse and Luinil were ready to take off.
"You as well, Ruth. I shall see you again soon." Radagast climbed on his sleigh and road away quickly with one glance thrown at Ruth.
Ruth sighed and turned around to look at Boromir. The Gondorian pulled him into a hug and Ruth smiled into his shoulder. "Ride fast and stay safe," he whispered.
"Do not worry, Master Ruthímiel," Luinil said and Ruth looked at the tall Elf.
Just like all the others Luinil was quite beautiful, but he also had a build not quite often seen in Elves. He was muscled and tall with strong limbs. His hair had a red tinge to it under the right light and his expressions were more open than those of other Elves. He seemed warm and relaxed and Ruth couldn't help but smile at him. There was something familiar about Luinil. Ruth couldn't quite point it out and he didn't care either. The Elf seemed friendly enough and Ruth knew Boromir would be safe with Luinil.
"We shall make sure to reach Imladris as quickly as possible. We have already chosen a road that would take us away from the Orcs," Viresse said and Ruth looked at her.
She was a beautiful woman and another strange Elf. Her hair was brown and her eyes were a gentle brown as well. Even more, her hair was slightly wavy. Ruth has never seen an Elf with wavy hair. She was shorter than most Elves, but she carried herself like a warrior. Her eyes shone with intelligence and Ruth felt a painful pang hit his heart. Not knowing why, he chose to ignore it.
"Viresse, Luinil."
All four of them turned around when Haldir joined them.
"Lord Haldir," Viresse and Luinil spoke as one and bowed their heads at Haldir who returned it in kind.
"I wish a safe journey to all three of you," he said and looked at Boromir.
The Gondorian walked over to Haldir and offered him his hand. Haldir raised an eyebrow at Boromir, but shook his hand never the less, feeling Boromir's firm grip. "Watch over Ruth," Boromir said and Ruth's eyes widened while Haldir's eyebrow jumped to the edge of his hair. "I may not be here, but I will know if he is well or not. Hurt him, and Elf or not I shall have your head; do I make myself clear?" he threatened and Ruth blushed to the roots of his hair.
Haldir smirked and nodded at the human warrior. "Perfectly."
Boromir nodded and let go of Haldir's hand, turning around and pulling Ruth into a hug. "Stay safe, brother," he whispered, let go of Ruth and climbed his horse.
"Boromir?" the Istar called out and Boromir looked at him while Viresse and Luinil climbed their horses. "Be safe, brother. I shall see you soon."
Boromir nodded shortly and smiled at Ruth, and the three galloped away.
Haldir took a few steps forward to stand beside Ruth, who bowed his head as a prayer rolled off his lips. "He shall be safe," Haldir spoke in full certainty. "Viresse and Luinil are two of our greatest warriors even though they are the youngest among us."
Ruth nodded and looked up at Haldir with a small smile. Not being able to resist it, Haldir stepped closer to Ruth, cupped his face within warm hands and kissed him gently. Ruth sighed against Haldir's lips and relaxed.
"I hope you have managed to get some rest," Haldir said when they parted.
Ruth smiled at him and blushed lightly when Haldir took his hand and placed it under his right elbow. He covered Ruth's hand with his free one and started to lead Ruth back into Caras Galadhon.
Ruth, not knowing what else to do, leaned closer to Haldir and placed his hand over Haldir's making the tall, proud Elf smile. "I slept well enough," Ruth said. "You?"
"I have rested well. Orophin arrived with more news. They met no more Orcs or Uruk-Hai along our borders."
Ruth frowned and hummed thoughtfully. "This means they have already progressed further down Anduin," he murmured and Haldir nodded gravely.
"That is correct."
Ruth sighed and Haldir looked at him in slight wonder when Ruth leaned his head on Haldir's shoulder as they walked. "I only hope everything works out in the end," Ruth whispered.
Haldir squeezed the Wizard's hand in reassurance and kissed the top of his head. "It will," he said in a low voice. "I am certain that it will."
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And thus the plot thickens….