Everything changed after that day. The day Morgoth fell and the world began to heal. That day Haldir's world changed even more so. He and Hilda found out about the child she was now carrying. Pregnant in such a desolate place. Dale was ravaged and destroyed but it still stood in all of its broken glory and those with in it rejoiced that night in ways they never knew they could.
Erebor opened her doors to them. The humans, dwarves and elves came together then to help the injured and house and feed those with no home. The time for petty grievances had long passed. Haldir was no healer but he helped in other ways. He was great and fetching and he was also great at just being a comfort.
Hilda watched him as she helped patch up one of her own friends. She was stitching a large gash on his arm. Burt was his name and Burt was on of her best runners. "Oy calm down Burt your squirming around will have me stitching you to the bed sheets." She scolded him.
Haldir perked an ear to the annoyed sound of her voice and the whimpers of her patient. Burt could not have been older than 14, he was not yet a man and no longer a boy. Haldir found himself drifting towards them and he sat down beside Burt. The boy suddenly sat straight and didn't move though his lips twitched and his face twisted.
"That's a nasty looking wound. How did you get it?" Haldir asked the lad and kept his gaze on him. Burt fidgets and Hilda grumbles. "You might want to be still there or you will anger the doctor." Haldir smiled and him. "Look at me and just tell me what happened."
Burt looked up to Haldir and sighed. "I was running a message to the central tower. I just got there when this huge boulder fell from the sky. I was helping them pull one of the trapped from the rubble when the pile shifted and I fell into some glass."
"What happened after that?" Haldir asked and Burt looked off a but. Haldir's eyes met Hilda's and he saw the words 'Thank You.' on her lips.
"I wrapped my arm in shirt and we pulled 2 people out, I started to get a bit light headed and then I woke up on a stretcher." Burt's voice shook a bit and Haldir knew there was more to it but he did not press.
"That sounds frightening. How are you holding up?" Haldir took the tea that was about to be offered to Burt from where it sat and handed it to him. It was for pain and would help the lad relax. He took the tea and thanked Haldir before he sipped it and wrinkled his nose at the taste.
"We cant find any honey to cut the taste." Hilda said without even looking up,
"Well I will see about remedying that travesty immediately. How awful. Hold on a moment please Burt I am going to see if I can find something. I can't even drink that willow bark tea without it." Haldir shook his head and got to his feet.
Hilda giggled a bit and looked at Burt. "He seems to like you. You don't have elven lords seeking honey for your tea everyday."
Burt looked down at his stitched up arm. She had just managed to get 3 stitches in earlier. She was cleaning it off and getting ready to wrap him up. Haldir was returning with a wrapped bundle of plants. Sitting down once again he took the steaming cup of tea from Burt and placed it down on the table.
"There are other ways to sweeten a tea besides honey. The secret with these leaves is to damage them before you put them in your tea." He crumpled up a few of the long green leaves and placed them in the hot tea. "If I am mixing a sweet tea I just mix the dried version with the tea itself but this will do for now. I can show your people what to look for. It grows in greenwood and I am sure the King would be ok with foraging right now."
After a few minutes Burt lifted his cup of tea and sipped. While not super sweet it was far less bitter now. He nodded and sipped a bit more. "Have you found your people yet Burt." Haldir asked and Hilda pinched him on his thigh. He glared at Hilda and that was when he saw the frown on the boys face. "I don't have any people."
Haldir winced and looked to the lad. "I am sorry." He said gently and lay his hand on Burt's shoulder. "Well come on then Burt, I reckon I will be your people and make sure you are taken care of tonight. I could use some company that doesn't pinch me."
He glared again at Hilda as he and Burt walked from the room. He could hear Hilda's laughter down the hall. "You don't have to do this my lord. I am used to taking care of myself. The king gives me a bed and food and I work running messages."
"You should be learning skills at your age Burt. Can you read?"
Burt shook his head. "Hilda has tried to teach me but I don't really have the mind for it."
"That so?" Haldir arched a brow. "can any of your friends read?"
"A few." He said softly.
They turned a corner and made for the rooms Haldir had been using along with Hilda. The hall way quiet along this way. The healers had made sure there was quiet for the more injured and they were housed in rooms off this hall. Haldir held a finger up to his lips telling the boy to be quiet as they passed these rooms.
Finally Haldir opened a door and stepped inside Burt following him. "You can have that bed there." Haldir motioned to the small cot against the far wall. "It quiet down here and you could use the rest. You were brave today. Tomorrow you may be scared. It happens after battle sometimes." He went about getting things from cabinets to use to make a comfortable bed for the boy.
"Has it happened to you?" He asked his large brown eyes following Haldirs every move.
Haldir paused and looked to the lad and nodded." Yes it has happened to even me." He admitted. Then went to making the bed. "If you need to talk, you can come find me anytime."
This seemed to ease the lad's mind and Burt sat on the edge of the cot. "When you wake up come get some food. Rest for now. Don't dwell on what you have seen. I know it is easier spoken than taken to action. It is the best advice I can give you."
Burt kicked off his worn boots and Haldir now saw the boys clothing. Patched so many times the patches had patches. He lay down on the cot and Haldir quietly left the room. His heart breaking as he realized the uncomfortable truth about the lad. He had nothing and no one and after all this he would still have nothing and no one.
He had sent out word to Lorien about the victory and about the losses and the required aid. He was waiting for an answer now. Messaged passed between birds could reach Lorien in hours instead of days. Greenwood would respond first being closest. Galion was in charge and Haldir knew he would not hesitate to send help. As long as there was help to send. They had been under attack as well.
If it was not for Erebor things would be much worse. He stood upon the palisades and looked out towards Dale and all of the fires that dotted the area. "I knew you would not be drinking." Haldir heard Gimli's voice behind him and laughed. "You seem to have gotten to know me a bit Dwarf." He looked over his shoulder at Gimli. "My mind is full and my heart heavy tonight."
"Aye I understand that." Gimli said and pulled himself up to sit on one of the stones. "It is a victory yet there is so much sadness that comes with it. So many lost on the Pelennor fields. Such a victory with so much grief. This is no different and surely no different than you have seen Haldir. If it isn't too rude for me to ask, how old are you? What all have you seen?"
Haldir smirked and shook his head. "I am unsure actually. It happens to us all eventually. We know an approximation of our age. I am just over 4000 years old. I think." Haldir chuckled. Gimli just blinked a few times. "Where you there? During the last alliance?" Haldir nodded . "I was there. With Lord Amdir and I watched him fall along with Oropher and Gil-Galad. Great Kings of my people. Lost senselessly over ones ambitions." There was a bitterness to his words. "This feels the same Gimli."
"Aye Laddy, it does." He agreed. They were both battle hardened and grizzled in those moments.
The next day the first wagons filled with provision arrived in Dale from Greenwood. Galion had answered in splendid fashion. Just as Haldir had expected. More elves arrive to help. healers and masons. No time would be wasted, Dale would be rebuilt. Haldir found himself over seeing preparations along side Brand. They worked well together and before long all the able bodied were put to work.
The battle field had to be cleared. This was a gruesome task. All elves, dwarves and humans had been taken from the field and their burials were already underway. This was the rotting corpses of orc, goblin and filth. Large pyres began to dot the land and the dark smoke rose high into the sky. The ashes were scattered over the field. Once this process was done the fields would be plowed and crops would be planted from seeds that had been brought from greenwood. There would be time for certain crops to grow and feeding everyone would be priority.
Groups were organized to clear rubble. Much of which would be used in the rebuilding of the city. The elven masons worked with the human and dwarves to come up with plans. Things were beginning to run like a well oiled machine and the rebuilding of Dale began to look very hopeful.
Lorien sent aid as well. Wagons and help. Gifts of livestock for the pens . Mating pairs so that they could build their flocks once more. Then crates of chickens and other farm yard birds. Women and children began to take over that task. This is where he would find Burt most days. The lad traveled to Dale everyday and worked. He would also sneak off at night but would return to his cot before morning. Haldir's suspicions grew.
It was a rare moment he had with Hilda. They were both rather busy but given a few moments and they found various ways to express their feelings towards one another. This time had been behind a staircase in a forgotten storage nook. He leaned lazily back against the wall. His soon to be wife draped back against him. His hand caressing from breast to belly.
"I want to do something tonight." He said softly.
"Oh, today wasn't enough?" She chided him gently.
Haldir rolled his eyes. "Not that you naughty fireth." He laughed. "I have a feeling Burt has been sneaking off to meet up with his friends. They need to be brought back and given proper food and clothing. They need shelter. How you have homeless children in a city like Dale confuses me."
Hilda slides down so her head rests against his thigh and she reaches up to caress his cheek. "Haldir, This is a human city and Brand tries very hard to make sure those that are vulnerable are cared for. He makes sure the elderly have food and warm clothing in winter. He makes sure those without have something and these children he has struggled with. They do not trust anyone but their own. They have all been housed and cared for and each of them has run away. Then there are those like Burt who are learning to trust but are still loyal to their gangs."
Haldir's hand lifted to press to hers and he lowered it from his cheek. "I would like to try." He said softly. She nodded and smiled to him. "I do not think Brand will object."
Darkness fell upon Dale. The moon was absent from the sky and they were left with the light from the stars. Brilliant light to Haldir's eyes. So low she could barely see movement in the darkness, but Hilda was swift and sure footed and had a strange talent for being able to tell what things were even by just a dark blob in the night.
He could see Hilda in the shadows of an alley. They were waiting for their quarry to pass by. His steps were heard first. His steps were taken with care and for a human he was rather quiet. He passed by below Haldir. The elf's eyes followed the sound of the steps then fell on the shape of the lad. He wore a dark tattered cloak and over his shoulder was a sack. Silently Hilda moved out to follow and Haldir quietly moved among the rooftops.
Burt was cautious and far more crafty than most would give him credit for. He paused and listened for even the slightest of odd noise but heard nothing but the lonely sound of a city in ruin. The wind blowing past cracks in the walls around him, making that low howling sound. He continued on when he was sure there was none following him.
He ducked into one of the only buildings in the area that still had a complete roof. It had been a fabric shop once upon a time. It was small and sturdy built. Haldir stood upon its roof in silence and listened to the sounds of life inside. Children coughing and sneezing. The cry of one that was far too young to be without their parents. Every sound he heard from within was heart breaking.
"Here ya go Gwen it's got not a bit of rot on it." The oldest girl was putting an apple in a small girls hands. Burt was busy rationing out rolls and scraps of meat. Hilda was watching from a peep hole near the door . There was a flicker of light as a match was struck and a small lantern was lit. Hilda looked up and saw the shape of Haldir looking down to her from above, she then took a deep breath as she entered the building.
"Burt this can not go on like this." She said softly and all the children turned to look at her. Burt's eyes wide with fear then narrowed in anger as children began to herd children towards their escape route.
"Traitor." He hissed at her and took the stance of one willing to fight to protect his kin.
"You do not want to fight me Burt. Stop this foolishness right now. We just want to talk to you and help all of you." She was trying to explain then he caught the word we.
"We? Oh shit." He turned and ran after the others but was soon backing up and back into the room Hilda was in. A line of children following him. Then Haldir stepped out and in his arms was one that was just a baby. The child was perhaps a year old and upset. Haldir cradled the child and whispered to it softly. Gently trying to calm and comfort the crying baby. His eyes met Hilda's and she saw the deep sadness within them.
Hilda looked into the terrified eyes of each child there. "Now everyone just calm down. We are not here to hurt any of you."
"You filthy traitor I trusted the both of you." Burt yelled at them with tears running down his face.
"Shut up." Haldir suddenly barked at Burt. The stern tone and choice of words got Burt's attention and the attention of everyone else. He passed the baby to Hilda before walking right up to Burt making the boy back away. "Listen to me Burt. You have done your best here. You have managed to keep them safe and alive. Look at them Burt. All of them are underweight. All of them are sick." His voice began to take on a more gentle tone. "It is time you let me see to their care Burt. Before they get any more sick." He reached out and placed his hand on the slope of Burt's shoulder and the boy just crumpled in tears. Haldir held him up and and let him lean against him.
Hilda sighed and looked to the oldest girl. "What is your name?"
"Claressa." She choked out.
"Is this all of you Claressa? Be honest You can trust Lord Haldir and myself."
The girl looked around the room then back to Hilda and nodded.
"Ok Claressa let's get all of your things together. Then we will get a hot meal into all of you." Hilda smiled and looked to the baby in her arms that had finally quieted down and sucked on one of this little hands.
"Her name is Pebble." Claressa said softly.
"Pebble?" Hilda repeated and chuckled. "It is a good name."
It was not long before the elven guard got wind of what was happening and soon help arrived. There were 6 children in total. Burt and Claressa were the same age at 14. Toby was a feisty 11 years old. He scowled at everyone mostly. Then there was 8 year old Conal. Conal was very quiet and never spoke a word . Claressa explained he had never really ever spoken and that she didn't think he could hear. Gwen was 6 years old and she told everyone she was 6 years old. Gwen actually seemed excited about being found and eagerly kept asking if there would be desert too. Then finally there was Pebble who was now asleep in Hilda's arms.
Brand was watching as Hilda and Haldir lead the children passed him. He had no idea that there were children left behind in the city. Especially one that was just a baby. Haldir stopped beside him as Hilda got them inside and lead them off towards the kitchen. Haldir could see the look of disappointment in his eyes.
"We scoured the city you know. Looking for anyone left behind when we evacuated the citizens. We found many abandoned children then. I thought we had gotten them all. Now I know why Burt has been so eager to help. He has been taking care of his family." Brand sighed. "I feel like a failure right now. " He admits to Haldir.
"Hilda told me you have struggled with homeless children. I understand you are doing all that you can. You are not a failure Lord Brand." Haldir looked to the King of Dale from the corner of his eye. "If what I have heard is to be believed human children can be quite difficult to handle when they have experienced trauma."
"That is true Haldir and for us there is plenty of trauma to go around. " Brand spoke lowly and walked inside and turned towards the kitchen. Leaving Haldir with his thoughts.
"What has my March Warden looking so low?" The beautiful soft flowing voice pulled him immediately from his melancholy. He looked towards a cloaked figure and as gentle hands lifted to push the cowl back he saw the most beautiful golden and silver hair to ever be created and the glowing face of his Queen.