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People watched in wonder as the army of Gondor rode onto the streets. Their breaths was stolen by the two unearthly creatures riding the same horse; one with raven black, long braided hair, fair skin and almost invisible veins decorating it, dressed in an emerald green cloak and the other with even fairer skin, shoulder long blond hair and ice blue eyes.
Many have never seen an Elf, and no one has ever seen a creature of such dark beauty as the one riding in front of the Elf.
The men all climbed off of their horses and ran to their wives, mothers, sons and daughters, but Faramir, Ruth and Haldir continued riding towards the citadel.
"Why are they all staring?" Ruth muttered and Haldir chuckled while Faramir only smirked.
"Pardon my straightforwardness, Master Ruthímiel, but many have never seen an Elf, even less someone of your beauty." Ruth blushed, Haldir snorted and Faramir raised an eyebrow at him. "Why are you blushing?" he asked.
"Excuse him, Captain Faramir, but no matter how old he is, how wise and powerful he is, he still doesn't know how to take a compliment," Haldir drawled in obvious amusement.
"Haldir!" the Istar hissed under his breath and elbowed Haldir in the ribs while Faramir chuckled.
"I see modesty still exists in you. That is an admirable quality."
"Not if it makes everyone laugh at me," Ruth grumbled and Haldir suppressed a laugh before he leaned forward and kissed Ruth's shoulder, making Faramir raise an eyebrow.
"I didn't know Elves were so liberate with shows of affection," he commented and Haldir smirked at him.
"Is there another way to show that this fair creature is mine?"
"Haldir!" Ruth snapped and slapped Haldir's forearm.
"What? I thought you didn't mind my possessiveness." Ruth rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation while Faramir laughed at them. "You should laugh more, Faramir," Ruth commented with a small smile. "It suits you better than frowning."
Faramir sighed and shook his head. "I hadn't had much reason to laugh ever since my brother left Minas Tirith."
Ruth reached over to place his hand on Faramir's forearm. "Your brother will return, Faramir," he said. "For all you know he could be on his way back already."
Faramir nodded and Ruth moved back, and they continued to ride in silence.
Ruth shivered when they reached the top and he saw the white tree. His heart clenched when he saw the dried branches.
"Ruth? Mani naa ta?" (What is it?) Haldir asked worriedly.
"Nothing, love," Ruth whispered and mounted off of Orion, closely followed by Haldir.
Faramir followed after them and the guards at the door moved out of their way. "Maybe I should talk to him first," Faramir suggested warily. He and Haldir were walking behind Ruth who marched forward as though he knew every nook, crook and cranny of the citadel.
"I don't think so," Ruth brushed Faramir off easily. "I told you I wanted to have a talk with Denethor the first time I was in Minas Tirith. I didn't show myself then because I was supposed to observe everything from the shadows, but now there's nothing stopping me from giving that sorry excuse for a man a few pointers on how to be a good father and a good steward."
Faramir looked at Haldir imploringly, but Haldir just shrugged as though to say 'when Ruth's on a mission you don't get between the mission and him. You just don't'.
Faramir sighed and winced when Ruth pushed the door of the throne room open and marched in as though he owned the place.
"How dare you-..."
"Good day, Steward of Gondor," Ruth spoke and stopped in the middle of the room.
Denethor sneered at him and stood up, his beetle like eyes glimmering darkly. He looked at Faramir and his sneer deepened, making the young man bow his head and tense up. "You…" Denethor growled. "First you lost the city your brother fought to win back for us and then you allow these..."
"First and foremost, I do not like to be ignored unless I don't want people to notice me," Ruth drawled and Denethor glared at him. "And second, Captain Faramir and his men did their best to protect Osgiliath for as long as they could. They were outnumbered. More of Sauron's forces are coming. They would have been slaughtered had they stayed."
"Who are you?" Denethor growled and Ruth raised an eyebrow at him. "Who are you to think you have the right to march into my citadel and talk to me like I am some common peasant?!"
"Excuse my rudeness," Ruth drawled and Faramir looked at him with bewilderment while Haldir smirked. This was a side to Ruth Haldir has never seen, and if he were to be perfectly honest, he liked it. He liked it very much. "I am Ruthímiel the Green; an Istar," Ruth smirked and bowed mockingly, "and believe me, I had no problems putting down Kings. I will have no problems showing a mere steward to his proper place."
"Guards!" Denethor roared and the Guards started rushing in. Ruth flicked his right hand index and middle finger and the guards froze in their places. Denethor glared at him and Ruth only smiled.
"Did you miss the part where I said I am an Istar?" Ruth asked and Faramir had to try hard not to laugh. He suppressed it when he saw his father go red with rage.
"I know who you are, Ruthímiel the Green. I have heard of you. The Istar whose staff was broken, but who regained his power in some shadowy way. The Istar who fought with the Rohirrim at the battle of Helm's Deep."
Ruth raised an eyebrow at him. "Word sure does travel fast," he drawled dryly.
"Hah! Do you think I do not know what you and Gandalf are planning?!" Ruth frowned at that. "You think you are wise, Calenim'othar?" Denethor sneered. "You both think you are so smart, yet for all your subtleties neither you nor Mithrandir have not wisdom. Do you think the eyes of the White Tower are blind? I have seen more than you know! With your left hand you would use me as a shield against Mordor and with your right you would seek to supplant me." Ruth's frown deepened and his eyes slowly started to shift into a pure, mercury color. "I know who rides with Théoden of Rohan," Denethor spoke in almost a whisper. "Oh, yes. Word has reached my ears of this Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and I tell you now, I will not bow to this Ranger from the North, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship..."
"Who are you to deny the Return of the King?!" Ruth roared and the room shook. Denethor's eyes widened and he scurried back. "I won't even ask how you've gotten your sticky, little fingers on a Palantír, but what I would like to know is why you haven't done anything to stop this madness?! You are so blinded by your delusions of grandeur and power that you've chased both of your sons away! You've almost caused both of their deaths! You've brought Minas Tirith to its knees! You've destroyed Gondor! And you dare deny the right to the throne to the True King!"
"The rule of Gondor is mine; and no other's!"
"The rule of Gondor belongs to its King, not its steward!" Lightning clashed and the skies darkened and the wind picked up speed.
"Ruth!" Haldir snapped and was about to grab Ruth's hand.
"Boromir almost succumbed to the will of the Ring because of you. Faramir would have fought until his death because of you. DO YOU NOT VALUE THE LIVES OF YOUR OWN SONS?!" Denethor fell on his ass as Ruth prowled towards him, hair and clothes dancing in a strong wind.
"Says a wizard who sacrificed lives for the greater-..."
"I HAVE NEVER SACRIFICED ANYONE!" Ruth thundered and his magic exploded making everyone lose their balance. "I fought beside both friends and family and lovers. I lost my son and daughter. I lost everything. Seeing someone like you makes me sick, because you were given everything to make it possible for you to stop all of this, and yet you chose to sit in your chair and despair and bemoan your ill fate while feasting on the best of foods and finest of ails. Men, women and children die each moment because you were too big of a coward to see beyond your own selfish desires!"
Ever so slowly the wind died out, light started to enter the room and the storm quieted down. Soon enough everything returned to normal and Ruth looked down at Denethor as though he was less than a worm.
"Boromir had managed to fight off the pull of the Ring. Faramir did so as well. What do you think Boromir will think of you when he comes back and sees what you've done to his younger brother who he loves and respects? What do you think he will do when he finds out you have sent Faramir to his death?"
Denethor's eyes widened.
Haldir stood stoically in his place while Faramir looked at Ruth with amazement written all over his face.
No one had ever talked to his father like that.
Not even his brother.
No matter how many times Boromir stood up to their father he had never lashed out like this. And now this Istar, this stranger marches in as though he were the King and lashes out at Denethor for something that doesn't even concern him.
Obviously it does, Faramir thought to himself when he remembered Ruth mentioning that he had lost a son and a daughter. That explained the Wizard's anger at Denethor's deeds.
"What right do you have..."
"I may not have the right," Ruth pressed out through his teeth, "but I take it when I see a man fall so low nothing can save him anymore. You are nothing, Denethor. You will step down and allow men of greater wisdom and knowledge to take your place. You have done enough damage."
"I was wrong..." Denethor spoke in wonder. "You do not desire to place the son of Arathorn on this Throne." He smirked, eyes shining with insanity. "It is you. You want to sit on this throne! It seems you and I are not so much unlike..."
"I have no desire to rule." Ruth spoke and Denethor's smile faded, although the insanity was still clear in his eyes. "I am a Guardian, not a King. I am a Councilor, not a Ruler. You are neither a good steward nor a good father." Ruth had to suppress the need to spit on the cowering man. "And you should have been both." He turned his back on Denethor and smiled at Faramir before he unfroze the soldiers. "Gather every able man at the top of the citadel! We have to prepare for war!" Ruth ordered and the men straightened in their places, but then the Istar felt a shiver run down his spine and heard a sword leave its scabbard.
"Father, no!"
"Ruthímiel!"
Before Ruth had a chance to react Haldir grabbed him and unsheathed his sword as he turned them both around. A moment later Denethor's body met the floor and his head rolled away leaving a bloody trail in its wake.
Everything stilled for a second. Ruth looked at Faramir in horror only to choke up when he saw neither hate nor anger directed at him.
There was regret.
There was sorrow.
There was pain.
But there was no hatred or anger.
"Faramir..."
"Don't…" Faramir stopped Ruth and looked directly in his eyes. "He attacked you from behind. Lord Haldir protected you." He looked at the stunned soldiers. "Take his body and bring him into the tombs. He will be burned by the old traditions." The men nodded and a Lieutenant signaled two men to bring a carrier.
"You are now the steward of Gondor until your brother comes back," Ruth spoke compassionately. "I know you need time to grieve, but..."
"Years ago I might have grieved for my father," Faramir interrupted Ruth and the Istar smiled sadly. "I am sad that it ended this way, but I cannot help but feel elated," he said and looked at Ruth with desperation. "Does that make me a bad son?" Faramir's voice broke, and tears filled his eyes, and without thinking Ruth rushed forward and enveloped Faramir into a hug.
The young captain tensed up before he raised his arms and hugged Ruth back. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and buried his face in Ruth's shoulder, allowing himself this moment of weakness.
Ruth raised his head slowly and saw two guards carrying Denethor's body out of the room. With a flick of his fingers the blood was gone and Haldir nodded at him.
"Lieutenant?" Ruth said and the man nodded at him.
"Lieutenant Brema at your service, Master Istar."
Ruth smiled at him weakly. "Gather the men. We have much to prepare."
"Yes, sir." Brema saluted him and the soldiers left the room.
Haldir walked over to Ruth and Faramir and placed a hand on Faramir's back offering quiet comfort, earning himself a glance of grateful approval from Ruth. "Your brother will soon return, Faramir," Ruthímiel whispered. "You are not alone. We will all get through this; one way or another."
Faramir nodded weakly and raised his head. "We must light the beacons," he said as he took a step back and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. "We have nowhere near enough men to face the darkness of Mordor."
"I shall go." Haldir said. "Ruth..."
"Gandalf will force Théoden to listen. Theodred, Eowyn, Eomer and Aragorn will sway him if he even thinks of not answering Gondor's call for aid. Go and light the beacons. I will help Faramir with his men," Ruth said to his beloved and Haldir nodded and left the hall swiftly and silently. Ruth looked at Faramir and the younger man swallowed.
"I don't think I can do this. My brother is the warrior. My brother is the leader," muttered the young captain, making Ruth frown and hum.
"Come to me," Ruth said and walked over to sit on the first stair leading up towards the Throne of Gondor. The Chair of the Steward was empty and Faramir took a seat beside Ruth on the first step. "I have told this story to only two people. Not even Haldir knows this," Ruth confessed making Faramir frown in confusion. "I wasn't always Ruthímiel the Green. Yes, I have always been a wizard, but over 700 years ago my name wasn't Ruthímiel. My name was Harry James Potter." Faramir's frown deepened. "I am not of this world, Faramir. I come from a world different from this one where there are both magic-less humans and those who wield magic. My parents were murdered when I was 15 months old. Until my 11th summer I had lived with my aunt and uncle who couldn't stand me. They belittled me and abused me in ways that left many scars on my mind and heart. I didn't know who I was until a man came to me one day and told me that I was a wizard. He told me that I was famous in the world of the wizards. I was famous for something I didn't even know I did."
A smile full of melancholy and sadness decorated Ruth's lips, and a heavy sigh rolled off of them.
"You see, when the man who killed my parents tried to kill me, something happened. A curse that never failed to kill anyone rebounded because of my mother's selfless sacrifice. I wouldn't find that out until much, much later, but Voldemort, the man that had killed my parents, in his desire to achieve immortality split his soul into six pieces. Now, to split your soul you must commit the ultimate crime. You must kill an innocent."
Faramir paled at Ruthímiel's words, unable to comprehend just how desperate a man would be to achieve anything by splitting his soul into six pieces.
"By killing an innocent your soul will split and you must then store that piece into whatever object." Ruthímiel continued the story with Faramir listening avidly. "When Voldemort had killed my mother a piece of his soul embedded itself into my forehead and when he tried to kill me, that piece of his soul saved my life."
Faramir frowned and Ruth's eyes filled with bitter memories.
"I have been famous for stopping a mad man. When I had entered the world of wizards and witches, hundreds of expectations were thrust upon me. I was expected to be a savior, a hero, when all I wanted was to be just me; just Harry. I had faced many trials, lost many loved ones and once I defeated Voldemort once and for all, I thought I would have peace. I married a woman I loved dearly. She gave me a son and a daughter. And all three of them were taken from me not 13 years later."
Faramir's mouth went dry when Ruth looked at him, and those absolutely unique, enchanting eyes dove into Faramir's with a soul- searing gaze.
"I have been alone and broken. Not only because of losing everything that I had held dear, but because I realized that, for some strange reason, I couldn't die."
Ruth chuckled bitterly and Faramir's eyes widened.
"And trust me, I tried. I ended up a broken, hollow shell of a man. One day I thought I had succeeded. I pointed my wand at myself and said those two simple words. Avada Kedavra. A flash of green light and all the pain, all the suffering and sorrow would be gone. Or so I thought. I woke up in a beautiful green meadow. When I gathered the strength to stand I looked around and saw white shores as far as eyes could see and on the horizon, silver glass."
Faramir licked his dry lips, his heartbeat quickening when Ruthímiel tilted his head back a bit, gaze focused on something only he could see. The young captain tried to imagine those beautiful shores Ruth had just described, but he firmly believed nothing he could imagine could ever hold a candle to Ruth's sightings if the Istar's wistful expression was anything to go by.
"I met the Mother Of All then; the one who makes Magic possible. With her help I became a man. With her help I was finally able to stand again. I became the Guardian of Life. I didn't want to be the Destroyer. I didn't want to bring Death wherever I went, but Death followed me never the less."
Ruthímiel looked at Faramir who forced down a swallow, something inside his chest burning when those enchanting eyes gazed at him with sadness and compassion.
"I have traveled through many worlds, Faramir," Ruth whispered. "I have seen Civilizations rise and fall. I have loved and lost time and time again. And now I am here. I have found a man that loves me for who I am. I have found brothers and sisters I would give my life for."
Faramir tensed up when Ruthímiel raised an elegant hand and cupped the young captain's cheek, caressing it with his thumb.
"I may have been chosen to be something I never wanted to be, but I would like to believe that all my suffering has paid off. For even though a war is upon us, even though the times are dark and getting darker, I still hold in my heart a glimmer of hope. And that is what keeps me going. That was what had kept me going when I lost everything, when I was forced to fight time and time again against forces much stronger than Sauron. Nothing is invincible. No Evil is without weakness. For as long as we stand united, we have a chance to win."
Ruth stood up and offered his hand to Faramir, and the younger man looked at him with surprise and hope in his eyes.
"Rise, son of Gondor," Ruth spoke firmly. "Rise and face the role you've been given. You have strength far beyond what you may think. Rise and prove to the world and to yourself that you are more than meets the eye."
Faramir swallowed difficultly and looked at Ruth's offered hand. Ever so slowly he reached up and placed his hand in Ruth's. The Istar smirked and pulled him to his feet.
"Come. Your men are waiting for your instructions."
Faramir steeled his stance, straightened his shoulders and nodded his head. Strength he had only ever felt in the presence of his brother flooded Faramir's veins and he stood proud. "Yes. We have a war to fight. We must be ready," he said and moved forward.
Ruth smiled and crossed his arms over his chest. He looked out the window at the sky and closed his eyes.
Ginny. James. Lilly. Mother. Father. Albus. Ron. Hermione. Everyone. He opened his eyes and took a deep breath. Watch over us. Grant us your prayers. Help us win.
"Are you coming?"
Ruth looked at Faramir and nodded. "I am."
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"I should feel sorry for saying this, lad, but your father is an idiot," Gimli grumbled and Theodred chuckled while Eomer and Eowyn shot fond glances at Theodred.
"He is quite stubborn."
"Dwarves are stubborn," Legolas muttered. "King Théoden needs to think through his priorities."
"Elves have nothing on Dwarven stubbornness," Gimli gruffed and Legolas raised an eyebrow at him. He was about to say something when Aragorn walked into the room.
"Anything?" Eomer asked.
"Not as of yet. We shouldn't worry though. They must have only now reached Minas Tirith. It has been less than a day and a half," Aragorn answered, trying to sound unconcerned.
Suffice to say that he had fooled no one.
"Gandalf has taken over watch?" Legolas asked and Aragorn nodded.
"Yes. We must all be ready and well rested when Ruth manages to light up the beacons."
"Do none of you fear this war?" Eowyn asked and everyone looked at her.
"Of course we fear war," Legolas said with a slightly confused look. "Only a madman doesn't fear war."
"Then why are you all talking so lightly about it?" she asked.
"Because we fight for our freedom," Aragorn said. "We fight for our right to live as free men and women. There is no glory in war. There is only pain and sorrow in the hearts of those who survive, but it is for them that wars are fought. There is no fame and glory in taking a life, but there is in fighting for what is right."
Eowyn frowned and bowed her head a little.
"We fight to protect our loved ones, my dear sister," Eomer said. "We fight to protect our mothers and sisters and wives and children. We fight, we bleed and we die for them."
"What of them?" she asked and looked at Eomer. "What of those same mothers, sisters, wives and children who get left behind while men fight and die for them? What of them?!"
"They are left with a bitter memory," Theodred spoke gravely. "And a promise of a better future. Not all will die. Some if not many will come back. Those who died know what they died for and they are remembered as heroes."
"And what if there is no one left to remember?" Eowyn whispered painfully.
The men frowned and bowed their heads.
"Then the men failed," Aragorn finally said and looked at Eowyn. "If there is no one left to remember, then the men failed."
"And what if the Evil was defeated?" Everyone turned to look at Théoden when he spoke up. "What if through death a victory was achieved?"
"There is no victory in Death, King Théoden," Aragorn said and Théoden bowed his head. In that moment the door was slammed open and Gamling ran in, breathing as though he ran a mile.
"The Beacons are lit!" he shouted and everyone tensed up. "Gondor calls for aid!"
Théoden frowned and looked at Aragorn. He then looked at Theodred, Eowyn and Eomer before he nodded and looked at Gamling. "And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!"
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Boromir stood rooted to his place. Viresse and Luinil were standing in front of him with their eyes filled with sorrow, pain, joy, love and memories. So many memories.
"Have you remembered?" Elrond asked and the two looked at him.
"We have," Viresse said.
"Harry..." Luinil swallowed heavily. "We remember Harry. We remember our time with him."
"The Valar chose us to be reborn. Harry needs us."
"Harry?" Boromir asked and the Elves looked at him.
"You know him as Ruthímiel the Green. We have known him as Harry James Potter; our friend and brother," Viresse said and Boromir swallowed before he nodded.
"Father? Father!"
The four of them turned towards the entrance to the cave and found Arwen running in.
"Arwen..."
"Master Radagast arrived moments ago!" she spoke in a hurry. "He told me of the defeat of Saruman. Aragorn and the rest of the Fellowship are getting ready to face Sauron. A great battle is upon us. The Sword of the King must be brought to Aragorn."
"Where is Radagast?" Boromir asked.
"He is waiting for you in the great courtyard. He says you need to hurry."
Boromir looked at Viresse and Luinil and shivered at their determined countenances.
"We must ride for Gondor," Luinil said.
"No. Théoden will first want to gather as many men as possible. My soldiers already left Rivendell. The Rangers from the North are on their way as well. The Elves of Lórien have joined Théoden's army during the Battle for Helm's Deep. You shall ride for Dunharrow. Théoden will gather his army there," Elrond spoke firmly.
"We have no time to ride out," Luinil said. "We must get there as quickly as possible."
"Are you confidant in Apparating not only yourself, but Radagast as well?" Viresse asked and Luinil smirked at her.
"Oh please, Hermione. I thought we have gotten past you not trusting me."
Viresse smirked right back at him. "I do trust you, Ronald. I just down want you to splinch yourself, or worse; Radagast."
"I suppose you will side Apparate Boromir then."
"Of course," she said and looked at Boromir. He, Elrond and Arwen were observing the exchange with both confusion and amusement.
"So I suppose you were called Ronald and Hermione in your past lives," Boromir said and Viresse smiled at him while Luinil smirked.
"At your service," Luinil drawled and bowed mockingly.
"And this Apparation..." Elrond said.
"It is uncomfortable, but it is the fastest way to arrive from one place to another," Viresse explained simply.
"Which makes me wonder why H – Ruth didn't use that to simply Apparate to Orodruin and destroy the Ring," Luinil muttered into his chin thoughtfully and Hermione frowned.
"That is a good question," she murmured.
"It is because he is forbidden from doing so."
They turned towards the entrance and found Radagast standing there.
"Forbidden?" Luinil asked.
"Ruthímiel is the Guardian of Life; the protector of all that Lives. Possibly the most powerful being in the World." Radagast said and walked over to them. "He may use his powers to heal and fight, but in some things he isn't allowed to mingle unless directly involved. He has already crossed a lot of boundaries by joining the Fellowship and actively fighting by their side. Every day, he goes against the Rules of the Valar. It is why he weakens faster than he should."
"He's not allowed to mingle," Viresse concluded. "What would happen if he were to fight Sauron on his own?"
The way Radagast paled at Viresse's question should have been as good of an answer as any. "He would surely win," he whispered, "but you must understand that we, the Istar, have long ago made an oath not to use our full powers. Ruthímiel has never made that oath, but he is still bound by rules higher than those of a simple oath. Like I said; he broke many already. I fear what would happen if he breaks more rules than he already did."
Viresse and Luinil nodded while Boromir paled. "We must go."
"Let us return," Elrond spoke up. "I shall give you Aragorn's sword and you may leave immediately." Boromir, Viresse, Luinil and Radagast exchanged glances, neither of the three able to wait any longer.
We are coming, Ruthímiel. Stand strong. We are coming.
cut
Ruth swallowed difficultly as he looked down upon the streets of Minas Tirith from the balcony of his room.
Not enough, he thought to himself. The army of Minas Tirith is not big enough to answer the threat of Mordor.
He rested his hands on the handrail and leaned his weight on his arms, muttering under his breath. "The Rohirrim doesn't count more than 5000 men. If the Rangers joined it, the numbers would rise only to 5500. With the remaining Lothlórien Elves and with the Rivendell Elves their numbers climb to 6300 strong. There are only about 2000 able men in Gondor…" With a frustrated huff he pushed away from the railing and paced the balcony, rubbing his face with his hands, before entering the room.
Not enough. Not nearly enough.
"What should I do, Mother?" he whispered and took a seat on the bed. "This way they will lose. This way lives will be lost. What should I do?" A warm caress made him shiver and comforting warmth settled over his mind.
In that moment Haldir walked in only to stop in his tracks when he immediately noticed something different about Ruthímiel. "Ruth?" he called out and the Istar raised his head.
The Wizard's eyes were pure silver and as he stood up and the moonlight caught on his skin, Haldir realized it was glowing. It looked like liquid mercury. A flash of memory stirred in Haldir's mind and he suddenly remembered a night in the Lothlórien forest when he came upon a Nymph bathing in a small pond. A wave of raw power washed over him and his breath caught in his throat.
"You…" Haldir breathed out and those perfect lips tilted into a small smile.
"Háe. Hith gásthe lah, Haldir." (Yes. It is me, Haldir.)
The Elf took a small step back and forced down a swallow, even though his mouth was dry. It was the same as that time. He could perfectly understand the words coming out of Ruth's mouth and words formed in his mind as easily as Elvish. "Nith gásthe luth?"(Who are you?)
"Lam gásthe Ekhárthe do Uth," (I am the Mother of All) was the whispered answer, and a warm wind danced through the room.
Haldir frowned as realization hit him, and his heart started beating madly within his chest.
"Ruth ptéru tem leam wámaro, cer lam bíthe résomen hith. Séheme nóma ha Mithrandir cer Aragorn. Iliúrin Réiruhin quípthuma parma cártho Dimholt; va esé gáye." (Ruth asked for my help and I come to answer. Send word to Gandalf and Aragorn. The young King must take the path through Dimholt; the door under the mountain.)
Haldir frowned as a cold shiver ran down his spine. He knew of the horror residing in Dimholt.
Suffice to say, not even the bravest of Men would simply walk into the darkness residing in that place.
"Peth?" (why) Haldir asked.
"Vórum érthe bis. Vórum hith vadumen dího dui ísini Réiruhin. Vórum hith beth lévine yáve da luth phu." (An army dwells there. An army that can be ruled only by the true King. An army that will tip the scale in your favor.)
Haldir nodded minutely and 'Magic' smiled at him. She moved forward and stopped right in front of Haldir, raising one elegant hand and cupping his cheek. A shiver of warmth and strength passed over Haldir's body leaving him breathless, and his eyes slipped closed as he leaned into the tender touch.
"Lam nóscu lam seáthu athé sit lam seáthu luth tem leam yathár anásphano. Ilthómine cer eyéine kem. Luth íltha vei devou fóye. Ruth dámine umin ker imár vűramu."(I knew I chose well when I have chosen you for my Child's destined. Love him and cherish him. Your love has already given fruit. Ruth will finally gain what he always desired.)
Haldir opened his eyes and looked at Magic with a questioning stare. "Umin gásthe hith?" (What is it?) he asked, not knowing what it could be which Ruth desired more than anything in the world.
She stepped closer and flattened Ruth's body against Haldir's. Impulsively Haldir wrapped his arms around the lithe form, and a shiver ran down his spine when he felt something he had never felt before. A feeling of such warmth, love and possessiveness that it took his breath away.
"Íltha cer eréyo, iliúrin béath. Ilthómine kem." (Love and family, young Elf. Love him.)
In the next moment Haldir was blinded by bright light, hurrying to catch Ruth when the Istar swayed and collapsed against Haldir. "Ruth?" he gasped when he realized Ruth was unconscious. He picked the Istar up and carried him over to their bed, quickly laying him down on the soft covers before taking a seat beside his sleeping lover.
"Haldir?" Ruth whispered and opened his eyes slowly.
"I am here," Haldir answered quietly and gently caressed Ruth's cheek.
"Oh, Haldir…" Ruth breathed out as his eyes filled with tears and he threw himself in Haldir's arms.
Haldir frowned at him in worry and his heart ached when he felt the minute trembles shaking the small, yet incredibly strong body of his beautiful lover. "What is it, Ruthímiel? Do you remember what happened? What is wrong?" Ruth shook his head and buried his face in Haldir's chest. "Ruth..."
"Nothing, Haldir," Ruth cut him off and raised his head to look at the Elf, his beautiful eyes filled with love and adoration. "Nothing," he said and pulled himself together. "We must – We must send word to Aragorn." He pulled himself away from Haldir and moved beside him to get off the bed.
"Ruth!" Haldir grabbed Ruth's forearm quickly and stopped the Istar from walking away. "Please, what has…"
"Not now, Haldir," Ruth said, moved closer, climbed on his tip toes and kissed Haldir lovingly. "I have already told you that everything must happen in its proper time. Leave it be. We have a war to win and now we just might have a chance."
Haldir frowned, but the look in Ruth's eyes told him to wait. He nodded slowly and Ruth gifted him with a beautiful smile, before turning his back on Haldir and walking out on the balcony with the Elf following a few steps behind.
The Green Istar closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting it go slowly before raising his hands and opening his eyes, revealing orbs or clearest emerald Haldir has ever seen. The Elf gasped and stumbled when a pulse of raw power spread out from Ruth, and it appeared as though a pearly white aura danced around Ruthímiel's slight form, ruffling his clothes and hair.
"Gandalf, Aragorn, fear naught. I am merely sending you a message," his voice was carried by the wind and Haldir shivered when his lover's voice echoed around them.
The skies seemed to darken as the moon disappeared behind heavy clouds and the wind picked up speed.
"Hear me, my friends. I carry news."
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Everyone frowned when they saw Aragorn and Gandalf tense up while Legolas frowned and looked in the direction of Gondor.
"What is it?" Théoden asked.
"There is a voice in the wind," Legolas said and then his eyes widened. "It is Ruthímiel!"
At that everyone closed their eyes and listened.
"I bear news to you."
The Istar's loving voice caressed their senses and hearts, bringing peace to their souls even though the situation was dire.
"Our Mother spoke to me. Our forces will never be enough to defeat the army of Sauron. She offered advice. Aragorn, you must travel to Dimholt. Awaken the army that sleeps. Awaken them and lead them."
Aragorn's eyes snapped open and his heart sunk while the others looked at him, Gandalf and Legolas in confusion, for all three of them paled.
"Fear naught, my brother. They will obey. Fear naught."
Aragorn swallowed difficultly and looked at Gandalf, but before he could say anything, the entrance to their tent flapped open and in walked Gamling. "My Lords. Lord Boromir of Gondor asks for admittance," he spoke.
Still shaken from what happened minutes ago, everyone stood up just as Boromir, Viresse, Luinil and Radagast entered the tent.
"My friends, it is so good to see you again!" Boromir greeted happily and was soon enveloped in hugs by Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. "Where are Merry and Pippin?"
"They stayed with Lady Eowyn in Edoras," Aragorn said and Boromir frowned. He looked around at all the pale faces.
"What happened?" he asked. "You all look as though you've seen a ghost."
"Ruthímiel spoke to us," Gandalf answered. "He told Aragorn to go through the path under the mountain. Dimholt."
Boromir frowned at that and looked at Viresse and Luinil. "If you choose to walk that path, you will need this," Boromir said and took a step towards Aragorn.
He offered Aragorn a sword and the Numenórean frowned in confusion, taking the sword and removing the cloth it was wrapped in. Aragorn's breath hitched in his throat when he recognized the hilt. He gripped it tightly and unsheathed it as Boromir took a step back.
"I give you Anduril; The Flame of the West," Boromir spoke in a tight voice, feeling as though he was witnessing something extraordinary, "reforged from the shards of Narsil, the sword of the Kings."
Aragorn looked at the blade before he turned to his friends. Even though his heart was heavy new hope blossomed in his heart. "Tomorrow I ride for Dimholt," he said. "Who will follow me?"
"I will," Legolas spoke immediately.
"And so will I," Gimli volunteered.
Aragorn looked at Boromir and the Gondorian smiled at him. "I will follow you to the ends of the world, my brother; my King." Boromir bowed his head at Aragorn while Gandalf smiled and looked at Radagast, Viresse and Luinil.
"We shall stay with the army," spoke the Gray Wizard. "We'll all meet at Gondor."
Aragorn nodded and sheathed Anduril. "That is it then," he said and looked around. "Tomorrow the war for Middle Earth begins."
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Ruth took a deep breath and his shoulders relaxed. He shivered when Haldir placed his hands on his shoulders and leaned forward to kiss Ruth's neck.
"You must rest," Haldir said. "You've had an eventful day and an even more eventful evening. You must gather your strength."
Ruth smiled and leaned his cheek against Haldir's. "You get ready for bed. I will be there in a second."
"Do not take long."
"I won't."
Haldir turned and left. Ruth swallowed difficultly and looked at the darkness rising in the East. He looked down and placed his hand on his stomach. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut before he tilted his head back and looked at what little stars could be seen in the night sky.
We must win, he thought to himself. We must win.
His eyes filled with tears and his fisted his hand on his lower abdomen.
For all of us. We must win.
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And this my friends, is why you should ALWAYS practice safe sex. ;)