Hello, everyone! Please forgive the short chapter. I've been working on this story, and though I have more written, the other scenes have missing parts and are unpolished. Since this scene was complete, I thought I would share it as a chapter.

To all who are reading this, 1000x thank you.

CHAPTER LXXII

THUS WE MARCH

The day broke fair and windless in Lothlórien, but it could not erase the solemnity in the air. As sunlight crested over the horizon, piercing the gaps between the trees, five-hundred elven soldiers were gathering near the city gates, to receive well-wishes, and say goodbye to their friends and kin.

Indeed—at the behest of the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim—the Elves would honor old alliances, and come to the aid of King Theoden and his people.

Clad in full armour, his scarlet cloak fastened about his shoulders, Haldir surveyed the scene along with Orophin. "Thank you for staying behind," he told his brother. "The Northern Fences will be in good hands with you in charge."

His features set in grim determination, Orophin said, "If war reaches us ere you return, we will be ready."

His brother's words were bracing, yet they could not dispel all that he felt. As he stood there, watching his soldiers—half of whom were from the Southern Fences—Haldir could feel the weight of his responsibility pressing down upon him. After all, if there was one constant in war, it was death. How many will return, he wondered. How many will march to their deaths?

His thoughts shifting to his brothers, Haldir felt a renewed surge of apprehension. While Orophin was staying behind, war could very well be on his doorstep. And Rúmil…

Rúmil had chosen to go to Rohan.

When Haldir had learned of it—late last night after an important meeting in the war room—he had gone in search of his youngest brother at once. Alas, he hadn't been home.

Now Haldir searched the crowd, his tone grave when he addressed Orophin, "Have you seen Rúmil?"

The two of them scanned the scene for a moment. Then Orophin pointed. "There. Over yonder. Ithriel is with him."

Sure enough, there he was, in the shade of a mallorn-tree.

"Let us go see him," Haldir said, throwing thoughts of their disagreement to the wayside.

When they finally reached Rúmil, Ithriel had gathered him in a crushing embrace. "Take heed out there," she was saying. Upon noticing Haldir, she released the youngest sibling, and approached. "That goes for you as well, Haldir."

With these words, she threw her arms around him, and spoke in whispers. "Return to us when it is done. And bring Annalyn with you."

Hoping for such an outcome, Haldir watched as Ithriel went to stand by her husband's shoulder. Orophin, for his part, addressed his younger brother, telling him not to take any unnecessary risks out there. "May chance be with you."

"Thank you, brother," Rúmil replied, his hand falling heavily on Orophin's shoulder.

Since Haldir and Rúmil had not spoken in a while, it wasn't long before Orophin and Ithriel excused themselves.

There was an awkward silence at first. Then Haldir spoke. "Erynion told me that you had joined the company. Are you certain you wish to go?"

"War will find me whether I remain hither or go to Rohan. Please do not ask me to stay. Despite the rift that now yawns between us, I will not let you go off to war by yourself." His face a mask of contrition, he said, "As for Annalyn, I know that what's done is done. I cannot erase the past, and I know that I have wronged you both. But if I can help to save her and her people, I shall do it, Haldir. Gladly and without reservation."

Touched by the sentiment, Haldir made a heartfelt decision. At the end of the day, he could not march to war with bad blood between them. So, with forgiveness in his heart, he stepped forward to clasp his brother's arm. "It would be my honor to fight by your side. But like Orophin said, you must not be reckless. These are not Orcs we'll be fighting, but Uruk-hai."

Seeing Haldir's forgiving demeanor, Rúmil started smiling. "I will heed your words. And we shall make it home, brother. You and I, and your wife also."

By this point, most of the soldiers had concluded their goodbyes. As they started assembling into precise lines, Rúmil joined them.

Moving to the front, Haldir was surprised when his counterpart actually came up to him.

"You and I have not always seen eye to eye," Erynion began, his voice solemn but sincere. "But I want you to know that I wish you well, Haldir. May you return to us in victory." With that, the Marchwarden gave a bow.

After a blink or two, Haldir returned the gesture. "Thank you, Erynion." He meant it.

And so the host was in readiness to leave.

As the Lord and the Lady stood near the gates, Galadriel clasped her hands, and addressed all those assembled. "Rohan is at war, its people in need of aid!" Her voice echoed over the crowd. "March now. And may victory be at hand!"

So here was chapter 72. Sorry it was so short.

On a side note, I'm having trouble with this website. I no longer receive emails, and my story stats are stuck at 0. If ever, one day, the site malfunctions some more and won't let me post, this story is also posted on Archive of Our Own.

Since I have no way of knowing how many people are reading this, if you feel inclined, I would love to hear from you. Comments are writing fuel.

Anyway, thanks again!

CygnusRift xox