Title & Chapter Number: Guarded 1/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Lord of the Rings
Rating: PG-13 (Will be rated higher in later chapters)
Disclaimer: J.R.R Tolkien and his heirs own Lord of the Rings and the characters he created. I have made no profit from this story.
Warnings: Het fic
Betas: Fianna & Julie
Cast: Haldir/OFC, Orophin, Rúmil, Galadriel, Celeborn, Aragorn, Elrond, Elrohir, Elladan, Arwen
Timeline: Pre-Fellowship to Fourth Age, 3001- 100
Spoilers: Haldir doesn't die.
Summary: Haldir of Lórien has protected the borders of Lothlórien and those of his heart for three thousand years with the utmost vigilance. Indil has learned from bitter experience to protect herself, but also to live as thought the sun will never rise again. Can he remain so well guarded against one who is determined to claim him for herself?
Notes: I loved Haldir when I read the Fellowship of the Ring and I thought that his death in the movie was unjust. This Haldir is a blend of the book and movie character and hopefully it works. There is a listing at the end of this chapter of Sindarin words and phrases.
Chapter One: Neighbors
The smell of the farm assailed Haldir's nostrils long before the sight or sound came to him. He grimaced slightly and tried to steady himself against the ever-present onslaught to his senses. Stopping, he took a deep breath and shook his head as his eyes took in what awaited him up ahead.
All Elves possessed far stronger senses than those of mortal men. Keen sight and hearing was complimented by an exceptionally strong ability regarding smell. Therefore, an unwashed body or one manure pit, was enough to gag those who were unable to control their reactions to such stimulus.
Haldir was no weak child - he was the March Warden of Lothlórien and an Elf in his prime. Four thousand years had come and gone in what sometimes seemed like the blink of an eye. Often he was amazed at his own age and what he had experienced over the years.
A smile tugged at his lips as he watched the farmer's children race through the green pasture ahead. Peals of innocent laughter and jests greeted his ears as he enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon sun on his back. He stood quietly for a moment and crossed his arms over his chest as he watched the small boy and girl running here and there.
There were fewer and fewer children born to his people as they sought to leave the shores of Middle-earth for the Blessed Realm. In Lothlórien, there were no children at all and it had been nearly a thousand years since he had seen an elf babe held by one of their women. It gave him a sense of joy to see such innocence in a world that was slowly growing dark.
The soft breeze was refreshing as it lifted long silver-gold strands of his hair and whipped them about his face like a banner. He sighed and took a deep breath of the fresh, sweet air as his dark grey eyes rested on the farmhouse. It was like the enclosed settlements he had seen not far from Imladris; it had puzzled him that the Dúnedain preferred such crude hamlets.
He was aware that the Witch-King of Angmar had nearly destroyed all of the Dúnedain in Eriador a thousand years earlier. Stockade-type construction was a necessary precaution, but he still found them an eyesore.
The sight of Saelben and his two older sons coming out of the barn behind the cottage woke Haldir from his reverie. He sighed and resumed walking.
Within minutes, the small boy, Falathar, was before him with a wide smile set in a small dirty face full of intellect. Though only six, the child was uncommonly bright, and delighted in seeing Elves. "Haldir! What is in your pack?"
Haldir stopped and raised one dark eyebrow. "Such questions," he chided with a glint of humor in his eyes. "I believe that you grow more bold with every month that passes."
"My apologies, March Warden. Falathar does not understand his rudeness yet."
The small, wispy female voice made Haldir turn and his brow rose even higher. "Mistress Indil? Could it be that I have heard you speak? I am both surprised and flattered you choose to honor me with the sound of your voice."
Indil was only ten, but her aura was one of timeless grace and knowledge beyond the years of a mortal child. She was as filthy as Falathar and beneath the streaks of dirt her skin was taking on a distinctly rosy hue. "Come on, brother," she urged. "Let us go into the house and tell Naneth that we have a guest."
"No," Falathar whined. "I want to talk to Haldir."
The Elf noted, with a thinly disguised grin, that Indil had no patience for fools as she firmly took her brother by the arm and dragged the protesting youngster away. Haldir had never heard the child speak in his presence except to answer direct questions posed by her family. Bashfulness was not a quality that most of his kind possessed and he found it charming.
He smiled broadly as Saelben came toward him through the field.
"Mae govannen, Haldir o Lórien," Saelben greeted him with a returned smile and his hand over his heart. "I am well pleased to see your face again, nín mellon."
Haldir returned the gesture before relaxing. "The Lady wished for me to bring some items that Aragorn left in Lórien for you. Is there news from the northern realm?"
Saelben gestured toward the house and fell into step beside his guest. "Thranduil sends no word about the creature mentioned. I doubt that we shall see this Gollum's miserable face so close to the Anduin - Dol Guldur lies just over the river and I cannot imagine any living thing venturing so close."
Glancing over at the proud, dark-haired Dúnadan, Haldir nodded thoughtfully. "And yet you venture very close indeed."
A laugh broke from the man's throat. "I am deeply touched by your concern, mellon. Though I have not your years of experience and the gifts of Elf-kind to guide me, I think we will manage."
Haldir stopped and drew himself to his full height. He knew well that when he chose that he could be a very intimidating figure. "You are directly across the river from a place filled with vile creatures and three days away from help should you need it. I can understand your chieftain's desire for you to provide him with news, but I disagree with bringing your family here."
Saelben was only a few inches shorter than the Elf across from him and he felt no fear. "I have no kin to care for them in my absence and life in Eriador is harsh. Would you provide them refuge?"
"You know well enough that mortal men are..."
"Not allowed within the Golden Wood," Saelben interrupted with a dark frown. "Aye! I do know that well enough. I shall do my duty to my chieftain and my people as I swore many years ago by sacred oath. If my family, all that is left of my bloodline, is to die than we shall be together in the end and they will not be starving to death in the cold like beggars."
"Ada?" A strong voice questioned. "Nana wishes you to bring our company inside."
Saelben nodded. "Aye, Belegorn, tell her we shall be inside at once." The moment the young man ducked back inside the door, he sighed. "I thank you for your concern, but it is not necessary."
Haldir held his ground. "You have my concern, mellon, whether it is necessary or not. May I ask you a question?"
"You have but to ask," Saelben replied.
He sniffed and turned his deep grey eyes on the man before him. "How many years have I known you now?"
A grin began to creep over the Dúnadan's stern face. "Ten and not a day more -far too long if you ask me. Why?"
Haldir glanced around the mostly dirt yard that surrounded the ramshackle cottage before him. He noticed every blade of sparse grass that managed to survive and each stone; nothing was too small or too great to escape the observation of the March Warden of Lothlórien. Finally, he brought his gaze back to his friend. "I ask because time is different for Elf-kind as you are aware, but I do believe that there is a stench here that has existed since you built on this patch of soil."
"Ah," Saelben said with a cunning look. "That would be the manure pit." The Elf quirked one eyebrow. "I know what it is, Saelben, but as you do not raise crops I am curious why you have a need for it."
"Lothlórien has a March Warden and guards to keep out intruders, but alas, I do not. So I have a manure pit that seems to have the same effect... especially on any elves who might covet this glorious patch of land."
The pair shared a good, long laugh before Saelben slapped Haldir on the back and led him inside.
~*~*~*~
Warmth washed over Haldir as he pushed himself back from the table. He was stuffed with good food and his blood was singing from the fragrant, sweet wine that his hosts had provided him. Content, he allowed his gaze to wander over those seated at the table.
Saelben was debating the finer points of trade with the Rohirrim with his eldest son, Adarion. The two were very close in both looks and temperament; tall, with long black hair, penetrating grey eyes, and a countenance so stern that few would guess the effusive good humor that lay dormant just below the surface.
Adarion was one and twenty, still considered a boy to his people, but he already had traveled to Imladris alone and often rode to the Gladden Fields to meet with Thranduil's messengers.
Haldir let his gaze shift to Saelben's wife, Oloriel. She was a lovely woman, though lacking by elven standards, with a mane of thick black hair that cascaded around her shoulders in a riot of curls. Her beauty was greatly enhanced by the compassion of her heart and the dream-like quality of her voice. He had been stunned the first time he had heard her singing to her children; the clear, dulcet tones drifting easily from her throat were like those he often heard in Caras Galadon. Few things still held the power to surprise him, but Oloriel had been a pleasant shock.
Belegorn was different from his elder brother and father, but not in appearance. He was quiet and seemed happy to read books - though they were a rare and precious commodity in these parts. His interest was primarily in Elven lore and archery. Haldir had given him some instruction on his monthly visits to the isolated homestead and found himself much impressed by the youth. At fifteen, Belegorn enjoyed trekking alone along the deserted path to Lórien's northeastern border with messages. He sat close to his younger brother and sister and showed them the sort of genuine interest that marked him as one wise beyond his short years.
Haldir had known the smaller children since they had been born. He had held each of them as babes and had found that the experience made him miss the fact he had not married and had children of his own. It was an uncomfortable thought that led to introspection best ignored. He was March Warden of Lórien and had chosen the path of guarding his people long ago.
The sadness that lingered in his heart and the longing for another life was pushed aside. He stiffened and sat straighter as he willed the traitorous feelings to leave him.
"Are you all right, nín Brannon?"
Haldir blinked and stared across the table into the strange, astute gaze of the little girl watching him. "I am fine, Indil. You should not address me as a lord, for I am not. I would rather you simply use my name."
She seemed to mull over his words as she pushed her dinner across the wood plate. Her expression was one of confusion as she set her fork down and focused her grey-blue eyes upon his face. Freshly scrubbed, she was rosy-skinned and her dark hair was gathered back into a long braid. Though ten, her entire being radiated an ageless grace. "How can you not be a lord? You look like one to me."
A chuckle escaped his throat as he leaned forward. "I thank you for the compliment, but I assure you that I am not a lord among my people. My father was one of Lord Celeborn's servants and later a soldier and my mother was a weaver from Doriath. I would wager that you carry more noble blood than I, Lady Indil."
The child's dark eyebrows shot upward in surprise. "I think you are a lord and so to me a lord you will stay."
"Are you tormenting our guest?" Oloriel asked with a laugh as she finished wiping Falathar's mouth clean. She set the dirty linen aside and shook her head as she gazed down the table at the pair. "You have my most sincere apologies, Haldir. Indil can be most uncooperative when the mood strikes her."
Haldir shook his head. "Nay, I confess that I have enjoyed hearing her speak." Pointing at his plate, he smiled at the mortal woman. "I must compliment you on the fine meal, Oloriel. Who deserves the credit for catching such exceptional fish?"
Oloriel nodded towards her daughter. "Indil spent all morning fishing and I am quite pleased with her."
He returned his gaze to the little girl across from him. "I thank you, Indil. Perhaps tomorrow we could walk to the river and you could show me where you caught our dinner."
Indil blushed a dark red and turned her eyes away from him.
Falathar used his sister's silence to his advantage. "Now will you show me what is in your pack?"
The excitement in the child's demeanor made Haldir grin as he reached down and pulled the tanned leather travel pack into his lap. He opened it slowly and rifled through for a moment, but though his eyes were on the shadowy interior of the bag; he could sense the gaze of the family upon him. "What have we here?" He murmured as he pulled out a toy sword.
It was hand-carved from smooth beech wood and engraved with Elvish script. The words read, 'I belong to Falathar the Bold', and it had been made by Haldir's younger brother, Rúmil, while they had been on watch. Haldir handed it to the boy with a serious expression. "Now, you must treat this sword with respect, Falathar. Remember that you should never use it to torment your family."
"I will save it for Orcs!" Falathar promised with sincerity before swiping the toy from the Elf's hands and escaping from the table.
Haldir next drew out a thick book bound in dark brown leather. On the cover the title was etched into the leather with gilded embroidery that sparkled in the firelight. He held the book out to Belegorn with a smile. "I thought you might enjoy a new book. Can you read Elvish script?"
Belegorn accepted the heavy volume and set it on the table before him. He licked his lips nervously and ran his fingers over the Tengwar letters that gleamed in gold.
"Beren and Luthien," Belegorn breathed. "Thank you, Haldir!"
He nodded at the young man. "You are most welcome, Belegorn. There are other tales from the First Age as well and the next time we meet I will expect you to have read the first few chapters."
Belegorn nodded and gripped the book fiercely. "I promise that I will have read the first three chapters at least."
Saelben relaxed in his chair with a friendly smile on his lips. "It would seem that you have gone through a great deal of effort, Haldir."
"I found myself pleased to do so," he answered honestly before pulling a small bundle from the pack. "This is for you, Adarion. I thought it might be of aid to you on those cold nights camping in Gladden Fields."
The tall young man rose from his seat and in three strides stood before Haldir. With a simple nod, the lanky youth accepted the bundle and with nimble fingers unlaced the simple twine holding it together. The plain cloth fell apart to reveal a grey cloak that mirrored the one that Haldir himself wore. It was spun of the finest grey wool in such a fashion by the Elves that it was extremely light and yet protected against the harshest of the elements.
Adarion smiled, a rare sight, and nodded his thanks.
Haldir waited until the table was cleared and the children were gathered before the fireplace before speaking once more to Saelben. "Aragorn left this for you and Oloriel with a letter in the hands of the Lady. She wished me to bring it to you with all haste, but as you know Orcs have been on the move as of late. I apologize for delaying my trip."
Saelben set aside his pipe and moved closer to the Elf. He shrugged and took the package as well as the letter before sighing. "I hold nothing against you, Haldir. Your first duty is to your people and we understand that. I confess that when Aragorn first introduced us that I thought you haughty and filled with self-importance, but my opinion of you has softened over the years."
"Truly?" Haldir questioned.
The man nodded and chuckled. "Aye, now I find you merely haughty."
Haldir's eyes widened at the jest, but he laughed. He knew well that he was considered by many to be both grave and arrogant; a charge that was warranted on many occasions. Seeing Oloriel near the table again, he stood and gave her a slight bow before his eyes scanned the room. "Where is Indil? I have a gift for her as well."
Oloriel finished wiping her hands on her apron before sitting beside her husband. "The night is fair so I expect that she has gone to the rise just above the riverbank. If you would not mind bringing her back with you, I would be grateful."
He nodded and let himself out of the cottage.
The night was indeed fair with the breeze cool and sweet as it blew west across the Anduin. The sky was a deep black filled with the light of thousands of stars. Haldir felt as though he were floating on an island of tranquility as he gazed up at the crescent moon glowing amidst the jewels twinkling above. There was no sound but that of the river flowing as he made his way toward his goal. The ground was slightly slopped and covered with grass that was soft underfoot and smelled sweet. He stopped as he arrived on a small knoll that had a magnificent view of the mighty Anduin rolling by and the black forest of Mirkwood beyond the far bank. The water sparkled with rare radiance as it reflected both starlight and moonlight from the heavens.
Haldir found he had to take a moment to drink it the beauty of this spot. It was far different from the perfection of Caras Galadon, but he treasured it and locked the scene away in a secret place deep within his heart. When he was weary while seeing to his duties on the northern borders, he would remember this place in every minute detail as he did all the other scenic lands he had seen in his travels.
"You are a brave girl to come out here alone and in the dark," Haldir commented softly as he stood beside the child while she sat gazing up at the sky. "Many would not venture far from their home."
Indil shrugged and continued her study of the stars. "I am not afraid," she replied simply.
Haldir smiled. "May I sit?"
She looked up at him and nodded. "Do you look up at the stars from your home?"
"All the time," he answered as he sank gracefully to the ground beside her. "I often thank Gilthoniel for gifting the heavens with the stars she made."
Indil gazed at him with confusion in her eyes. "Gilthoniel? I thought Elbereth made the stars."
Haldir relaxed and felt a sense of peace wash over him. "Elbereth has many names: Varda, Gilthoniel, Tintallë, Elentári, even Fanuilos because of her shining white appearance."
"Have you ever seen her?"
The question nearly made him laugh, until he saw the serious expression on her face. "No, I have not been so blessed. Though the Lady Galadriel saw Elbereth many times during her youth in Valinor. You ask many questions on this night, Indil."
A smile crept across her small face and the expression in her eyes gave him the uncomfortable impression that she had witnessed eons and not a few meager years. "Nana said once that you were very wise and I wanted to see for myself."
"Ah," he stated with a knowing glance. "You wish to test me. I warn you that few are allowed to test the patience of a warden of Lórien."
Indil seemed unimpressed by his mock glower and noticed for the first time that he held something in his hands. "What do you have there?"
Haldir held out his hand and offered her the small package. "A gift for you."
She hesitated a moment before her slight fingers wrapped around the item. Her eyes narrowed as she concentrated on opening the present and finally she was rewarded as the linen fell open to reveal a small comb. It was shiny and reflected the light from the heavens with dazzling brilliance that seemed to enchant her. "Thank you, Haldir!"
He found himself flattened back against the ground as the child flung herself against him. "You are welcome, but I think you should remove yourself from my person."
Instantly, Indil was on her feet and fairly dancing about in a circle. "This is the most beautiful thing in all the world!" She waited a moment for him to rise before beginning her interrogation. "Where did you get it? Did you make it? Do Elven ladies have such treasures? Is it silver?"
Her excited babble took him off guard and he stared at her in undisguised shock for a moment before finding his voice. "I acquired it from a friend who is a silver-smith, many Elf ladies do have such combs, and yes it is silver." Haldir gestured up the hill. "Perhaps we should go back."
Indil seemed disappointed but nodded. "As you wish, but I will have you know that Falathar will torment everyone with that fool sword you gave him."
Haldir chuckled as they made their way up the hill. "I have no doubt that you can defend yourself."
~*~*~*~
The sun was not long in the sky when Haldir stood just outside the cottage door fastening his cloak. He was sorry to be going, but he was also eager to head back to the Golden Woods. The home of his people always called to him from a distance and that summons was never appeased until he had once more set foot on the land of Galadriel and Celeborn.
"You are leaving early," Saelben remarked as he eased out the door and shut it softly behind him. "I thought you had planned to stay until this afternoon." Haldir nodded and picked up the pack at his feet. It stored lembas he had brought with him from Lórien and a few other items that were for his comfort on travels. "I had thought to stay longer as well, but as always I hear the call of my people and I must answer."
Saelben rubbed his whiskered chin before speaking. "In his letter Aragorn instructed me to search the lower vales of the Anduin for this Gollum and so I will. He also further instructed that I am to send word of either a discovery or of failure to Queen Galadriel. So expect to see Belegorn in the next few weeks." "I will make my guards aware that he will be coming," Haldir assured him. "Navaer, Saelben."
The mortal man held his hand over his heart. "Navaer, Haldir."
Haldir nodded and turned as he walked away from the farm and toward his home. The stench of the manure pit did not seem so overwhelming on this day and he wondered if he had gone mad. With a small shake of the head, he ascended the ridge before him and continued on his way never looking back.
~*~*~*~
mae govannen - well met/welcome
nín mellon - my friend
nín Brannon - my lord
Navaer - farewell (Sindarin version of Namárie)~*~*~*~
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