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Ruth crouched lower on the branch he was hiding on and moved a few leafs to the side. He smiled when he felt a warm breath on the back of his neck and big warm hands settled on his waist.
"Elealle ai'nat'?" (Do you see anything?) Haldir asked and Ruth hummed.
"N'uma," (no) he answered and looked up when a powerful call of an eagle echoed through the air. "Nan' Kyrd quen." (But Kyrd does.) Haldir nodded and shifted to a higher branch. Ruth followed him with his gaze and a small smile on his lips. "Mani elealle?" (What do you see?)
"Uruk-Hai," Haldir growled and Ruth took a look around.
"Let's return to Caras Galadhon. Your brother should be on his way to replace us," Ruth said.
"Very well," Haldir agreed and started to climb down.
Before Ruth could move though, he found himself trapped. His back met the three-trunk and Haldir placed his hands on either side of Ruth's head before leaning in and kissing Ruth. The Istar sighed into the kiss and Haldir deepened it, moaning when Ruth entwined long, elegant fingers in velvety blonde hair.
"Na'relinin'lle ten quellie," (You are too tempting for your own good.) Haldir muttered breathlessly and Ruth blushed.
"I did nothing," Ruth gasped and Haldir chuckled, resting his forehead on Ruth's and breathing in his Wizard's unique scent; the scent of snow and mountains, grass and spring, all rolled into one.
"You needn't do anything, lisse'amin. You tempt me by simply existing." (my sweet)
Ruth looked in Haldir's eyes and the proud Elf smiled at him lovingly with warmth in those incredible mercury depths.
Haldir closed his eyes and sighed when Ruth cupped his face within small, almost delicate hands; hands of a Healer and a Warrior. Haldir could describe Ruth in no other way. He was both a Healer and a Warrior, both Light and Shadow. He was the definition of Balance.
And he was his.
Haldir shivered when Ruth pulled him into a chaste kiss. "Lye poldora antuva n'alaquel," (We must go back.) he spoke reluctantly and Ruth smiled lovingly.
"Háe," he said, yelping when Haldir scooped him into strong arms and jumped down on the grassy ground.
"Toror'amin!" (My brother!)
Haldir turned with Ruth still in his arms and nodded at Orophin. The younger Elf smirked at the sight he came upon and Ruth blushed while Haldir smirked.
"You watch over him as though he is made out of finest glass, Haldir," Orophin teased and Haldir hummed with a smirk while Ruth rolled his eyes and jumped out of Haldir's arms.
"And yet you know I am not." The Istar shot Orophin a warning glance and the Elf laughed.
"We all know you are not made out of glass, elendil. Haldir is only very possessive." (elf-friend)
Haldir raised an eyebrow at his brother while Ruth chuckled and shook his head. "Don't I know it!" he muttered.
"I do not hear you complaining," Haldir drawled and Ruth smiled at him with doe eyes making Haldir suppress a growl.
"See? All I have to do is act all innocent." Ruth waved Haldir off as he bowed down and took his bow and arrows. "Now, I do believe that it is time for us to return to Caras Galadhon. I wish to speak with Lady Galadriel as soon as possible."
Orophin bowed at them, and both Haldir and Ruth could see that he was trying hard to suppress the need to laugh at them. "I shall not keep you then."
Haldir and Ruth bowed at him and started their way back to Caras Galadhon.
"Has something happened?" Haldir asked when they were a bit further from Orophin.
Ruth sighed and nodded. "I have had that dream again."
Haldir frowned. "And you are wondering if it is only a dream, am I right?"
Ruth forced down a swallowed and glanced around. "Háe," he whispered.
"The Lady will know. Do not worry," Haldir comforted the worried Istar, earning himself a smile which only grew once Haldir walked closer to Ruth and entwined their fingers together.
Ruth didn't know that the Elves were so free with showing their emotions. He was barely, if ever alone. Haldir was always nearby. The proud Elf was giving his all to be there for Ruth in every moment without being too suffocating. He even agreed to be Ruth's sparring partner and Ruth had to admit that he liked that very much. Other Elves accepted him as well, but they weren't always close. It seemed as though Haldir was doing his best to make sure Ruth wouldn't feel lonely.
But let it not be said that Haldir neglected his duties.
Just like today, Ruth simply joined Haldir's team. Where they went, Ruth went with them. There were also no complaints to that. Maybe Ruth has been wrong in his assumption, but it seemed as though many Elves were glad that they had an Istar in their ranks; an Istar Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn respected greatly and the one man that had managed to win the heart of one of their strongest warriors.
It had only been 5 days since Haldir has started to court him, but despite that Ruth already had a feeling he knew Haldir. He could tell that Haldir was a very dedicated Elf. He was honorable and, as Orophin said, quite possessive.
Not that Ruth minded.
Oh no.
If he were to be perfectly honest, he liked it. He liked having someone who would watch over him and hold him on the palm of his hand like the last drop of water in a scorching desert.
After centuries of being alone, having someone who cherished him so absolutely did wonders to his wounded heart.
They entered Caras Galadhon and Haldir tugged on Ruth's hand making him stop. "I must go and speak with Rumil," Haldir said and Ruth nodded. He smiled at the tall, proud Elf and the man bowed down and stole a kiss from him.
"I shall go and talk with Lady Galadriel. I shall meet you later, alright?"
"Very well," Haldir answered with a loving smile. "If I am done sooner, I shall look for you at our Lady's chambers." Ruth smiled and nodded.
With another kiss Haldir left and Ruth sighed with lips tilted upwards almost sheepishly. He made his way towards Galadriel and Celeborn's chambers. He just started to climb the stairs that would take him there when he suddenly felt a wave of weakness pass over him making him stumble. He held onto the rail of the stairs trying to catch his breath, covering his eyes with his free hand as the world spun around him.
"What the…"
Weakness grew and his knees met the ground. He heard someone call for him, but it sounded as though it was coming from a great distance. He raised his head weakly and through a thick mist saw two worried, deep blue eyes looking at him.
"Wámare." (Help me.)
And then everything faded into darkness.
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"Where is Frodo?" Aragorn asked and everyone started to look around the camp they had set up on the river bank.
"I hadn't seen him leave," Sam said frightfully.
"We must find him!" Pippin shouted.
"Hobbits, stay in the camp! Legolas! Gimli!" Aragorn snapped and the two moved. Once they were out of sight, Pippin turned to look at Sam and Merry.
"We need to help them look for Frodo!"
"They said we should stay here!" Merry countered, although he looked divided.
"But that's Frodo we're talking about!" Sam insisted and the two looked at him. Merry growled and nodded.
"Let's go."
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"Frodo!" Aragorn called out as he walked through the forest. He came upon old ruins and stopped in his tracks when he found Frodo sitting on a stone with the Ring in his hand. "Frodo, you've frightened us."
The Hobbit looked at him with soulful eyes and Aragorn felt a shiver of fear run down his spine. Frodo stood up but took a step back when Aragorn moved towards him.
"Frodo?" Aragorn asked and Frodo frowned. "Frodo, is something wrong?"
The Hobbit looked at the Ring and then back at Aragorn.
"Would you take it from me?" Frodo asked and Aragorn frowned.
"What are you-..."
"Would you take it from me?!" Frodo snapped and raised the hand he held the Ring in. "Would you give in to its call?" Aragorn looked at the Ring.
Silence dragged out between them as Frodo observed Aragorn carefully. The Numenórean raised a trembling hand. His eyes had darkened and his breathing became quick and shallow.
In the next moment it was as though the air cleared. Aragorn fell to his knees in front of Frodo took the Hobbit's hand and closed it around the Ring.
"I would go to Mordor with you if it were my Destiny to do so," Aragorn spoke weakly. A small, sad smile tiled Frodo's lips. Suddenly the call of an Orc horn echoed through the forest and Aragorn stood up.
"Go, Frodo," he said and drew his sword out of its scabbard.
"Aragorn..."
"GO!"
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"Frodo?!" Pippin called out, his voice echoed by Merry's and Sam's. They stopped in their tracks when they heard the sound of horns.
"Orcs!" Sam shouted and they broke into a run.
"Frodo!" Merry called out when he caught sight of the Hobbit further away from them. The Ring-bearer looked at them and the three froze in their places when they saw the shadows over his eyes. They needed no words to realize what was happening.
Frodo was leaving.
"Frodo, no!" Pippin cried out, but Merry grabbed his hand.
"It's his choice. We need to lead them away from him," he said and pulled Pippin along.
Neither noticed that Sam didn't follow them.
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Aragorn fought as best as he could, but there were just so many. Before he knew what was going on he was pinned to a tree with a shield around his neck and an Uruk-Hai aiming an arrow at him. The Uruk-Hai gaped and fell, and Aragorn saw Legolas standing behind the fallen monster. In the next moment Gimli jumped onto the scene, slashing and hacking one monster after another, while Legolas freed Aragorn from the shield.
"Where is Frodo?" Legolas asked.
"I let him go!" Aragorn said as they engaged in combat.
They fought with everything they had, giving their best to stay alive. A cold chill ran down their spines when they heard two frantic calls and found Merry and Pippin being carried away on the backs of two Orcs.
"Merry! Pippin!" Aragorn cried out frantically, but was stopped from following them by another Uruk-Hai. "Damn it!" He was forced to concentrate on the battle, hardly able to keep track of Legolas and Gimli. He killed the Uruk-Hai and looked around, dreading what he would find.
"DAMN IT!"
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"Frodo and Sam have long crossed the river," Aragorn said, tying a piece of his cloak around the wound on his arm.
"So, we failed," Gimli took a seat heavily and Legolas looked to the side with pain in his eyes. "The Fellowship failed."
"The Fellowship didn't fail," Aragorn insisted and the two looked at him with sparks of hope in their eyes. "The Fellowship didn't fail for as long as we stay faithful to our quest."
"Yes," Gimli grumbled with a smirk.
"We will not leave Merry and Pippin alone," Aragorn said and Legolas smiled at him.
"I shall follow you."
Aragorn placed his right hand on Legolas' left shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Take nothing. We run without stopping."
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With a sharp intake of breath Ruth jumped into a sitting position.
"Calm, Child." Galadriel soothed calmly and placed her hand on Ruth's shoulder. "Calm."
Ruth was breathing quickly and difficultly, trying to calm down. "My Lady..."
"I know what you've seen, Ruthímiel," she comforted and Ruth looked at her with frantic eyes. "I know, for I have seen it as well."
"Merry and Pippin..."
"Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli will take care of them. Frodo and Sam are on their way to Mordor. You know I speak the truth."
Ruth rested his elbows on his knees as he took deep, calming breaths, trying to calm his quickly beating heart. He shivered when he felt a gentle touch against his brow. Ever so slowly he calmed down, thoughts clearing and panic subsiding.
"What was that?" Ruth whispered. "Why did I see that?"
He looked at Galadriel and she smiled at him lovingly. "It is because you worry for them so much that our Mother has decided to grant you the ability to see their Fate."
"Does that mean She has made me a Seer?"
"In a way. You only see the events that are inevitable, events that have already happened."
Ruth breathed a sigh of relief. Galadriel smiled at him lovingly and ran her fingers through his hair. "I do not wish for more power than I already have," he whispered and Galadriel gazed upon him with understanding.
"Our Mother knows that, Child. She only wished for you to have some peace."
"And yet I only know more fear," Ruth spoke in a wavering voice. "I fear for Merry and Pippin. I fear for Frodo and Sam."
"That is normal, tiliathín yathár," (beautiful child) Galadriel whispered soothingly. "We all fear for our loved ones in times of great woe."
Ruth sighed and nodded his head. He was about to say something when Haldir rushed in, frantic and frightened.
"Ruth," he breathed out and rushed over, falling to his knees beside Ruth's bed and taking a hold of Ruth's small hands, clasping them within his own. "Telumendil told me..."
"I am well, Haldir," Ruth cut him off, eyes glimmering with reassurance.
"Ruth has had a Vision," Galadriel spoke up. "Fear not. I doubt it will happen again while he is awake."
Haldir looked first at Galadriel and then at Ruth. "Was it that dream again?" he asked and Ruth nodded.
"Lady Galadriel confirmed my fears," Ruth said. "It happened the way I have seen it."
"Can nothing be done?" Haldir asked, turning to his Lady.
"Events that have already come to pass cannot be changed," she answered and Haldir swallowed difficultly.
"Shall I see you to your chambers? You do not look well," Haldir offered to the Wizard who Ruth sighed and slowly stood up.
"I could use some rest," he whispered and Haldir gently wrapped his right arm around Ruth's waist as the Istar leaned against him.
"Come to dinner if you feel well enough," Galadriel said and Ruth nodded.
"Until then." The Elf and the Istar walked out of Galadriel's chambers with Ruth resting most of his weight on the tall, strong Elf.
"You are worried and weary," Haldir murmured as they walked towards Ruth's chambers.
"I am," Ruth whispered. He sighed and shook his head. "But there is nothing I can do about it now." Haldir hummed and nodded hesitatingly. "What did Rumil have to say?" Ruth asked and Haldir gifted him with a small smile.
"Our borders are safe. Apparently the Orcs decided it would be better if they rounded Lothlórien."
Ruth chuckled and shook his head as they entered his chambers. "Either that or Saruman had ordered them to go around," he said as Haldir helped him take a seat on the bed. Ruth rested his head on Haldir's strong shoulder. Haldir pulled him closer and kissed the crown of his head.
"You must rest," he spoke and Ruth nodded against Haldir's shoulder before tilting his head back to look at Haldir.
"Do you have someplace to go?" he asked and Haldir shook his head.
"I am supposed to be on guard duty tomorrow."
Ruth smiled. "I shall join you," he said, "but..."
"But?" Haldir raised an eyebrow at Ruth's hesitation, and the Wizard looked away.
"Would you - would you stay with me?" Haldir's lips parted in honest surprise. "I just - I don't know if I'll be able..." Ruth stopped talking when Haldir cupped his cheek and pushed his head up so that he could look in Ruth's eyes.
"I would not mind staying with you while you rest. I would come for you in time for dinner either way."
At those words Ruth gifted Haldir with the most beautiful smile Haldir had ever seen. Two weeks ago if anyone told him that he would meet a creature in this world more beautiful than Lady Galadriel, Haldir would have raised an eyebrow at them and told them that it was impossible. And yet here he was with Ruth, thee most beautiful creature he has ever set eyes upon.
"Thank you," Ruth whispered and Haldir kissed his lips gently.
"Tuluwa. You must rest," (come) he spoke and stood up. He took a seat at the head of the bed and Ruth lied down, placing his head in Haldir's lap.
Haldir smiled lovingly when Ruth sighed and nuzzled against the Elf's thigh. He placed his hand on Ruth's head and started to run his fingers through soft, raven tresses. Ever so slowly Ruth fell asleep, and Haldir rested back against a wall, eyes slipping closed.
Haldir had never felt such peace as he did in that moment. Ruth's scent, warmth and magic were filling the air and his very presence was so comforting and warm that Haldir simply relaxed completely. He opened his eyes and looked out the window, lips tilting into a smirk and snorting quietly as he gazed at the sleeping man resting so comfortably against Haldir, the Elf who has been slowly but certainly falling in love with him.
3 000 years.
3 000 years of waiting for someone Haldir could call his own. He had already stopped hoping he would find someone. He had made peace with the fact that the Valar simply deemed him strong enough not to need a lover by his side, and then they had practically thrown Ruth into his arms.
Ruth, who was both Light and Dark; the perfect union of Day and Night, Life and Death. His touch was both loving and gentle and yet it could be harsh and harmful if the Istar deemed it necessary. If he were to be perfectly honest, Haldir didn't want Ruth to go with them once they were called to arms.
He didn't want Ruth to fight again. Even though Ruth didn't tell Haldir much about his past yet, Haldir could see in those beautiful eyes that Ruth had seen a lot of pain and suffering. He could see that the Istar lost many people.
Haldir could see that Ruth had seen more death than any other man Haldir had ever met. He didn't see such pain in the eyes of Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn. He hadn't seen such shadows in anyone's eyes. There were older people out there than Ruth. The Green Istar would say that they were older and wiser than he is, that they have seen more than he would ever see, more than he hoped he would ever see.
But Haldir thought differently.
As much as he could understand, Ruth wasn't originally born in Middle-Earth. He traveled through many worlds, seen many things; fought many evils.
That was why Haldir wished he could stop Ruth from joining this war, but he knew it would be of no use. Ruthímiel felt obliged to defend Middle-Earth, even though he had yet to admit that it has become his home in every sense of that word.
Haldir could only hope that they would both come out of the war alive.
He brushed Ruth's hair behind his ear and smiled when Ruth sighed in his sleep.
Yes. He could only hope that they would both see the end of all things.
He could only hope.
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Another filler chapter. I must be boring you by now.