"I have found you an escort to Lothlorien" Elrond, Lord of Imladris said. The news was delivered with a resigned sigh, which was entirely unnoticed by his youngest daughter, who immediately launched herself at him.
"Thank you ada!" Isla squeaked, hugging him tightly. All of her older siblings had visited their grandparents' realm. All of her older siblings were widely travelled, but not her. She had always been kept back, with one good reason or another as to why she couldn't join the trip. Now, she was finally going somewhere.
"Marchwarden Haldir of the Galadrim will meet you at the stables. You travel in 2 days time." Elrond spoke stiffly, stifling a grimace as if this turn of events was the last thing he wanted. Isla did not spare her father a second look as she rushed to meet her escort.
As soon as Isla was out of sight, the Lord of Imladris deflated.
"Ada, are you sure about this?" one of his twin sons stepped forward.
"You've seen her persistence; she will not rest until she's allowed to go to Lorien."
"Why not let Elladan and I accompany her?" Elrohir followed his brother.
Shaking his head, Elrond responded "her identity would be obvious. The only thing protecting her is the enemy does not know what she looks like. To be accompanied by the two of you, it would mark her importance and then even orcs won't have much difficulty deciphering who is she is."
"Perhaps it's time you tell her, Ada. She should know why she's at risk and then she'll understand why she needs the protection" Arwen joined the conversation. She knew her younger sister best in the family. Isla would not appreciate secrets being kept from her.
"No. I promised Nanna I would keep her happy and safe. Knowing what dangers her bloodline brings would dampen her bright light. Your mother had the same risk, knowing about it did not save her." Elrond had been emphatic on this point for years.
"Then let's hope the marchwarden is up to the task" Arwen said, with some reticence in his voice.
"I don't doubt it sister. We fought with Haldir during the great war, he is skilled and calm under pressure. He is well suited for the job." Elladan defended his comrade in arms strongly, it was a bond that could only be forged in battle.
Elrond nodded. "The escort party cannot be large so as to draw attention, but Galadriel assured me Haldir is the best."
"How did you convince the marchwarden to leave his command for this journey?" Arwen murmured. Haldir had a reputation for being exacting and dutiful, he would not have been pulled away from his command easily.
"He knows why Isla needs the protection. He is being rewarded handsomely." Elrond did not offer any details and his children knew when the subject was closed.
"Well, he may be a skilled soldier, but has he ever dealt with a ball of energy like Isla?" Arwen said, a smile tugging on her lips.
To characterize Isla as a ball of energy would be an understatement, the marchwarden of the galadrim thought, as he found himself forced into a hug by the youngest Lady of Imladris. Isla had simply launched herself into his arms, forcing him to catch her and process her hurried "I'm-Isla-and-I'm-so-happy-to-meet-you-marchwarden!" at the same time.
For an elf who has spent the better part of the last millennium on the battlefield, dainty ladies of the realm were a distinctly foreign species. He quickly reminded himself that despite her sweet disposition, Lady Isla was in fact, a high value target for the orcs and he had a job to do – get her to Lorien in one piece.
When she finally let him go, Haldir set her down on the ground as gently as he could. He found himself towering at least a head over her. Looking down at her, he frowned. She was classically beautiful, with Lady Celebrian's large blue eyes and fair hair but her father's cheekbones. Her rosy pink lips and bright smile seemed unique to her, for Haldir could not recall any of her relatives sharing the feature. What was most distinct about Lady Isla, drawing out the marchwarden's frown, was the innocence that she wore so easily in her demeanor. This was a lady who had never seen death or conflict. She was too young to remember the great war and Elrond had undoubtedly kept her well hidden within Imladris' borders. Her blissful ignorance, while beautiful to behold, could well be a hindrance on the journey.
Haldir cleared his throat and stood to attention. Not used to such stiffness, Isla cocked her head in confusion.
"My lady Isla, my task it to ensure your safe passage to Lorien. Your task is to do exactly as I say, when I say it. Your safety depends on it" Haldir said with all seriousness. He looked at his charge with the full force of his command.
Taken aback, Isla was temporarily speechless. Seldom did people speak to her in such grave tones. As was typically the case with Isla, her speechlessness was temporary. Her smile returned as brightly as ever.
"I promise Haldir! Of course I want to get to Lorien safely. I'll do everything you say. But only if you call me Isla."
Bewildered by Isla's indefatigable brightness, the marchwarden silently nodded his ascent.
Isla dutifully met Haldir at the stables two days later, with her travel satchels in tow. Haldir had, as usual, arrived early and already saddled his horse.
"Haldir! Is this your steed?" Isla gestured at the majestic beast. Just like its master, the stallion exuded confident strength.
"Yes, Noro is his name."
"He's beautiful!" Isla exclaimed, reaching to touch him at once. To Haldir's great shock, the battle-hardened horse who typically tolerated no one near him save for the marchwarden, allowed the Lady of Imladris to run her hand gently along its neck. Haldir nearly dropped the reigns when Isla reached her arms around the horse and nuzzled her face softly into Noro's.
"He's so friendly!"
"Not with everyone" was Haldir's sarcastic retort.
"Really?" Isla asked, not quite believing it based on the current evidence.
The marchwarden quickly loaded Isla's satchels on her horse, Luna. As they led the horses out of the stables, Isla's family had gathered to say goodbye. Haldir stood aside to give them privacy. As she was speaking to her siblings, Elrond stepped forward.
"Lady Galadriel and I are entrusting you with that which is most precious to us, Marchwarden. Do not fail us."
"She will be defended, my Lord, with my life if necessary." Haldir said simply. He was an elf whose word is known to be his bond, one of the many reasons the marchwarden was held in such regard in his own realm and beyond.
"And your efforts will be well rewarded" Elrond reminded him.
With one final wave, the party of two were off.
