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Ruth leaned back against the trunk of the tree he was sitting under. Haldir was beside him, a quiet, reassuring, strong presence. Sitting on the branches above them were other Elves who were part of Haldir's team.
It was their duty to guard the borders for the night and until now everything has been quiet.
"Mani en'nowalle, lisse'amin?" (What are you thinking about, my sweet?) Haldir asked suddenly, the Elvish language rolling off of thin lips like a soothing lullaby.
"Nat'n'uma, anwale," (Nothing, really.) Ruth replied in kind. "Everything has been quiet lately. I cannot help but feel that something bad will soon happen."
Haldir frowned and the Elves on the branches above them shifted. "You should not worry, lisse'amin. When the time for battle comes we shall be ready," (my sweet) he said and Ruth smiled at the Elf.
"I know. I am simply not used to peace, at least not as much as I thought I was," Ruth admitted, and Haldir gifted him with a comforting smile.
"Why do you not sing for us, Master Ruthímiel? We have heard you have a beautiful singing voice. Time would pass quicker." One of the Elves spoke up and Ruth sighed.
He shook his head with a smile full of fondness, and Haldir chuckled and leaned against the tree trunk, his shoulder brushing against Ruth's.
Ruth rested his head on Haldir's shoulder and nuzzled closer to the proud Elf. A warm wind danced around them and ever so slowly Ruth started to sing.
"Gásta obés ófra ximáthe. (Been a long road to follow.)
Gásta bis cer háta súfram, (Been there and gone tomorrow,)
Kwide sýirthut yánam di zíthon; (without saying goodbye to yesterday.)
Car fáscam zútham eramam res, (Are the memories I hold still valid,)
Déi tun zútham éramam res? (or have the tears deluded them?)
Rimgásto fith bréth súfram (Maybe this time tomorrow)
Kífra beth halath ximáthomen, (the rain will cease to follow,)
Cer métha beth néstho da'di thum hóra. (And the mist will fade into one more today.)
Ithorúm ithorém ul bis éamath náramuth; (Something somewhere out there keeps calling;)
Cae lítham hrar? (Am I going home?) (1)
Ruth's voice faded in the final verses and those ethereal eyes stared sightlessly into the distance. Only the Valar knew just how many times Haldir whished he was able to understand Ruth's language. There was still so much sadness in Ruth's voice.
Haldir knew Ruth had yet to fully accept that Haldir loved him. He knew Ruth still questioned his decision to allow Haldir into his heart. He knew Ruth still doubted himself; doubted that at the end of all things the two of them would be together.
The problem was the fact that Haldir didn't know what to do to make Ruth see that Haldir would do everything in his power to make sure both of them survived the oncoming war. He wanted a future with Ruth. For the first time in his long, long life Haldir wanted something for himself.
A powerful cry made them all look up.
"Kyrd?" Ruth whispered and quickly stood up. Moments later his beautiful eagle landed on his outstretched arm. "What is it, my friend?" he whispered and a line of trills came from Kyrd.
"What does she say?" Haldir asked.
Ruth looked at him, a frown marring his beautiful features. "Thousands of Orcs and Uruk-Hai are leaving Orthanc," Ruth said. "They are marching for Rohan."
Haldir frowned at that. "We must speak with Lady Galadriel. The time has come to gather our forces."
"We shall stay here. Run for Caras Galadhon. Our borders will be kept safe," spoke Fathiel after coming out of the shadows. Haldir nodded at him while Ruth muttered something to Kyrd and set her off into the air.
"We must hurry. The Dark Army may need weeks to reach Rohan, but we cannot rely on that. We have no time to spare," Ruth spoke up.
Haldir nodded and after he bowed to Fathiel, he took Ruth's hand in his and broke into a run. Ruth kept up with Haldir splendidly, and they reached the glade where their horses waited for them quickly, mounting them and rushing back to Caras Galadhon.
Ruth looked at the star covered sky and his heart skipped a beat when a red star shone brighter for a moment.
War is looming on the horizon, he thought to himself. We must be ready. We must prepare.
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Dawn broke on the horizon when Ruth and Haldir galloped into Caras Galadhon. Many Elves turned their heads in their direction as they ran down many staircases and beautiful hallways on their way to Lady Galadriel's chambers. They ran into her rooms only to stop in their tracks when they saw two Elves already with her. They bore striking resemblance to Lord Elrond and Ruth realized that they were Elrond's twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir.
"Master Ruthímiel, Lord Elrond sends us with grave news," Elladan said and bowed at Ruthímiel. The Istar looked at Galadriel and she nodded at him while Haldir took his place beside Ruth.
"We have knowledge of the Dark Army marching towards Rohan," Ruth said and while Elladan and Elrohir looked at him in wonder Galadriel smiled a small knowing smile. "We know not how much time we have, but I fear that time is not going in our favor."
"You are correct, Master Ruthímiel. Father has said that the Army will reach Rohan on the next Sickle Moon," Elladan said and Haldir looked at Ruth.
"That is in less than 3 weeks!"
"We must inform them! They are not ready for battle!" Ruth cried out and looked at Galadriel.
"You are correct. I fear that we do not have enough men to both prepare for war and inform Rohan of what is to transpire."
"I shall go," Ruth said and everyone looked at him. "I shall go. I might be able to reunite with the Fellowship as well. We have no time to lose." Haldir looked as though he wanted to say something, but Galadriel spoke sooner.
"You are the fastest rider among us. Your horse shall carry you quickly. Haldir shall remain here and prepare our men. They shall move latest the day after morrow," Galadriel said and Ruth nodded at her.
"I shall prepare."
"We must ride for Mirkwood. Father hopes King Thranduil will be willing to send his army to aid," Elrohir said, and Galadriel shook her head.
"He is still too bitter and angry, nosseamin," (my kin) she whispered lowly. "I fear you shall find no help there."
"We must try, my Lady," Elrohir said. "Otherwise, Father fears the war has already been lost."
"Do not fret." Ruthímiel smiled when the twins looked at him. "Master Radagast has gone to awaken the Ents. There is no doubt in my heart that they will agree to fight. This war is not only the war of Men. It concerns us all, mortal and immortal alike." Ruth looked at Galadriel and she smiled at him kindly.
"Summon your horse. You must leave as soon as morrow shines through the branches of Lothlórien." Ruth nodded. "Haldir, I shall send word for the warriors to return from the borders. Lothlórien is safe. We have other things to worry about now. Go with Ruth. Help him prepare." Haldir bowed at Galadriel and nodded at Elladan and Elrohir, who returned in kind.
"Come, Haldir. I have much to do," Ruth said.
"May the Valar watch over you, Master Istar," Elladan and Elrohir spoke as one.
"I pray they keep you safe on your journey. Until we meet again." Ruth answered. Haldir bowed at the other three Elves and followed Ruth towards the Istar's chambers.
They walked quickly and in silence. Once they were inside Ruth's sleeping chamber Haldir grabbed the Istar's forearm and pulled him into his arms.
"Ilmenamin aut'ten'lle," (I don't want you to leave.) Haldir spoke through clenched teeth, face hidden in Ruth's soft, sweet smelling hair.
Ruth's breath hitched in his throat and he wrapped his arms around Haldir's waist. "Antamin, Haldir! Sina antuva umuva!" (I must, Haldir! This must be done!) Ruth whispered in Haldir's chest. His voice broke. His whole body was shivering. Suddenly he was afraid. He was very afraid.
What if something happened to him while Haldir was away?
What if something happened to Haldir?
What if – What if Ruth loses Haldir because he wasn't there to help in battle?
"Ruthímiel..."
"Gorgamin, Haldir! Gorgamin ten'lle! Gorgamin ten'lye!" (I fear, Haldir! I fear for you! I fear for us!) Ruth whispered and buried his face in Haldir's chest as though he was trying to become one with him.
"Fear not for me, lisse'amin," (my sweet) Haldir spoke, although his voice was wavering as well. Even though it has been several weeks, he felt as though he had known Ruth for his whole life. He felt as though he knew Ruth more than he knew himself.
He knew he would not be able to live without Ruth.
He would not survive losing him.
"For whom should I fear then, Haldir?" Ruth asked frantically and pushed away from Haldir to look into stormy, silvery-blue eyes. "I fear not for myself! I would not be if I lost you."
Even though the situation didn't call for it, Haldir's heart swelled. Ruth had never spoken anything out loud, but those words just proved to Haldir that Ruth indeed felt for him what Haldir felt for Ruth.
"And I would cease to be if I were to lose you," Haldir spoke warmly and Ruth's breath hitched in his throat. Haldir stepped closer and cupped Ruth's tear stained cheeks in his hands. "I shall sooner face the Armies of both Saruman and Sauron alone than allow anything to take me from you."
"Haldir..."
"This is not goodbye, a'mael." (beloved) Ruth's breath hitched in his throat and his eyes widened at the endearment. "We shall face our trials and meet again. Once this Dark Age is behind us, I shall allow nothing to part me from you, neither death nor the Call of the Sea."
"Haldir..." Ruth whispered and leaned onto the strong Elf's chest. "My strength. My shield. My love." Haldir squeezed his eyes tightly shut, and pulled Ruth into a strong embrace. "Don't leave me. We have little time until we must part. Please. Don't leave my side."
Haldir smiled and pulled Ruth into a kiss. Ruth sighed into Haldir's mouth and pressed closer to the proud Elf. Haldir wrapped his arms securely around Ruth and kissed him with everything he had.
"You shall not leave Lothlórien until you carry my mark on you," Haldir promised and started to push Ruth back towards his bed. "You shall not leave Lothlórien until every breath of air you take, every beat of your heart, every thought and every move you make carries my name on it."
Ruth's words were stuck somewhere in the back of his throat. His heart, his mind and his body craved Haldir. They craved everything the Elf was willing to give him.
He needed this.
He needed to feel Haldir's hands on him.
He needed to taste Haldir's breath.
He needed to feel Haldir's strength.
"Naminelle, Heruamin," (I am yours, my Lord.) Ruth whispered and looked in Haldir's eyes. He felt the minute tensing of Haldir's muscles. He felt it when relief washed over Haldir's strong body and he could do nothing else but smile when the Elf's eyes filled with love and need. "A're. Tul're. Tenna'tela en'ilya reirim. Naminelle." (Today. Tomorrow. Until the end of all days. I am yours.)
Haldir had no words so say. He could only act.
Ruth shivered when Haldir started to remove his clothes, bowing his head under the Elf's hungry gaze.
"Do not turn your eyes from me, a'mael'amin." (my beloved) Ruth swallowed and slowly raised his head as his shirt met the floor. "I wish to cut your face into my memory," Haldir whispered and a small smile tilted Ruth's lips. His hands shook with want and excitement as he reached up to slowly take Haldir's clothes off of him.
What seemed like hours later, he lied under Haldir's strong, warm body. For the first time in his long life Ruth knew what it meant to be adored. He felt what it meant to have every inch of his body cherished and marked.
For the first time in his life, he felt like he had found somewhere he belonged, someone he belonged to.
Someone he could call home.
Haldir's name escaped his lips like a prayer worthy of the gods.
Haldir's touch was cut into his skin.
Haldir's scent was ingrained in his senses.
Haldir's warmth and love and passion veiled his heart.
His lips and teeth marked Ruth's skin.
The way they moved, connected in ways not many lovers were, building up pleasure with each passing second, was cut into Ruth's memory for all eternity.
Tears trailed down his cheeks as they reached their peek together.
When Haldir pulled Ruth to his chest and cradled him as though he was the most precious thing in all the Worlds, for the first time in his life Ruth realized what true happiness meant.
And yet, at the same time, he realized that no pain could measure up to this.
"If only I had found you sooner," he whispered as Haldir ran his fingers through Ruth's soft hair. "If only I had found you sooner."
Haldir kissed the crown of Ruth's head. "We will find each other again, lisse'amin," Haldir promised quietly and hugged Ruth tighter to his body. He had never felt this complete. He had never known such pleasure. And yet he had never knew such pain either.
Ruth nodded, entwined his legs with Haldir's and closed his eyes.
Just for a moment he allowed himself to forget.
Just for a moment he allowed himself to enjoy what little time there was left for him to spend in Haldir's strong, comforting embrace.
With a sigh Ruth finally relaxed. Haldir's chest rose and fell with every breath he took and his heart beat strongly under Ruth's ear.
Haldir smiled as Ruth started to hum under his breath, and he cut the song into his memory, for the words which flowed down Ruth's lips were both a promise and a prayer.
A promise and a prayer Haldir had thought of as well.
Unaina kola no'ed'sul. (Soul carried away by the wind.)
Hoon sana no'ed'edan. (Heart stolen away by a man.)
Aiya Atara! (Oh Mother!)
Aiya arrnamaneluin! (Oh stormy sky!)
Aiya Arvandor! (Oh Heavens!)
Tinechoramin e'morinin'hume'amin! (My shield in my darkest hour!)
Sii' coiamin e'ranquille! (I now live in your embrace!)
Unainamin! (My soul!)
Hoonamin! (My heart!)
Melamin! (My love!)
Estelamin! (My hope!)
Aa' malle'amin coruvamin u'alaquel'lle. (May my road bring me back to you.) (2)
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Ruth swallowed difficultly as he placed the last of his supplies on Orion's back. The stallion nuzzled his head against Ruth's shoulder and Ruth smiled weakly at him.
"We will go soon, my friend," he whispered, patted Orion's head and turned to face Galadriel, Celeborn and Haldir. He tilted his head to the side in curiosity when Haldir took a step forward and offered him a long, cloth-wrapped thing.
"This has been in my family from the beginning of Time. I only hope it will serve you well," Haldir said as Ruth took it from his hands.
Ruth realized it was a long Elven sword and his breath hitched in his throat when he took the cloth off and grasped the hilt. He pulled it out of its scabbard and heard it sing.
"Its name is Ithiltincya, the Chain that Enslaves the Moon," Haldir explained.
"That is a powerful name," Ruth whispered and sheeted the light sword.
"It is in powerful hands," Haldir answered and their eyes met. No words were needed. Whatever they needed to say, they had said while they were in each other's arms.
This wasn't goodbye.
This wasn't fare well.
"I pray the Valar watch over you, Calenim'othar," (green paladin) Celeborn said and Ruth nodded at him before he looked at Galadriel.
"Our Mother will watch over you, Child," she said and smiled lovingly at him. "I pray for your safe journey. May the winds be at your back, the ground stand still at your feet and may the Heavens guard you."
"May the Valar watch over you, my Lord and Lady," Ruth answered. "I hope we shall see each other again." He was about to walk over to Orion, but hesitated. He turned and looked at Haldir. Faster than an eye can see, he ran over to him, stole a single, chaste kiss and vanished again before Haldir could do anything. Ruth mounted Orion swiftly and effortlessly. He fastened the sword to his belt and looked at the three Noble Elves. "Until we meet again," he whispered. "Rima, Orion! Rima yassen sul!" (Run, Orion! Run with the Wind!)
As the horse and his rider disappeared from sight, Lady Galadriel smiled and looked to the sky. When she spoke, it was in a whisper carried by the wind, echoing through the air.
"He was a boy with the world on his back;
A heavy heart and a broken soul.
He was a soldier with his soul tainted black,
But behind the darkness was a heart made of Gold.
He was a man with hands stained in blood;
Doing what Life has forced him to do.
He was a husband, a father of two;
A leader of many, chosen to Rule.
He was a Shadow, broken by Life;
A Traveler lost in Worlds and Time.
He was a Counselor to many in strife,
Never asking for a Shelter or a Dime.
He was a Child, saved by Love,
Sheltered from Darkness until he healed.
Away he was sent by the Heavens above
To a world where his Destiny will be Revealed.
Now he's a man, loved by many.
He no longer walks the World alone.
When Darkness breaks in the hearts of plenty
He will find his way Home."
As her words faded into silence, all three of them looked back at Caras Galadhon.
"We must prepare," Celeborn said and Galadriel nodded.
"Our Army shall be ready by nightfall." Haldir placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and Galadriel's lips tilted into a small, mysterious smile.
"That is well," she said. "That is very well."
Haldir smirked and Celeborn nodded.
"Everyone is getting ready for tomorrow," Celeborn spoke and as one they moved towards Caras Galadhon. "For tomorrow the Elves march to War."
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(1) Translation of 'Gravity' by Maaya Sakamoto
(2) Translated Variaton of Elyuria's song
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I'd like to thank CashyHoray1.00 for pointing me out a few beautiful songs! You've been great help, darling! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.