Title & Chapter Number: Guarded 4/?
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 Four: The Lady of Light
Haldir watched the child across from him with interest and compassion as she leaned over her younger brother. There was an expression of such sadness on her face that he ached to offer her some small token of comfort.
Words were useless in the face of such misfortune and he remained silent.
The small company would reach the safety of Lothlórien in the morning and Haldir was glad. The thought had occurred to him to press forward thru the night, but the sight of Falathar's pale, drawn face illuminated in the starlight had quickly changed his mind.
He had sent Halbarad and Dorlas north with supplies and word of Saelben's death for Aragorn.
Three days of swift marching had brought them far, but even though young Falathar slept dreamlessly in a healing trance, the break had been necessary. Haldir had considered it lucky that Thoron had found Indil's shoes where she had discarded them. Although she often had to be carried by himself or Thoron, Indil had shown her quiet strength in remarkable ways.
She did not weep nor did she complain about the long hours spent clinging to the back of an elf, despite the rough jostling. Haldir had not dared leave either child unattended for a moment and so she had been forced to relieve herself with an elf standing nearby. He knew mortals had much different thoughts on the courses of nature so he was certain that she had been embarrassed even though no eyes were upon her.
In the darkness she drew close to Falathar and never left his side. Her loyalty was such that Haldir had been forced to warn her sternly that she must eat and sleep for she had at first refused to do either. Often, she would stare at him from her position near her brother, but she said nothing.
The first morning after the attack, at the brook, Haldir had healed the minor cuts and bruises she had sustained with ease. The rib that she had cracked was more difficult and he yearned for Lord Celeborn's presence.
Celeborn was a skilled healer and renowned for his ancient wisdom -for he had seen the stars rise over Cuiviénen when the Elves first awoke in the beginning. He was a kinsman of Thingol and had learned much from both his lord and Queen Melian in Doriath. Though reserved in nature and more interested in solitary pursuits than his consort, Celeborn was also a great warrior and not one to underestimate in any manner.
Haldir had been born in Forlindon the same year that Pelargir was founded in the Second Age. Long years passed in the court of Gil-galad before the Lady Galadriel had summoned his mother and father to Lothlórien. He had been thrilled and excited to be leaving the stuffy confines of royal protocol behind for freedom. Once he set foot amidst the mallorn trees of his new home it was as though no other place existed for him.
Orophin had been born just after the family had arrived in Caras Galadon. Haldir saw that there was much love between his parents and Celeborn and Galadriel. Long had his father dwelled with Celeborn as friend, soldier, and in later years as a counselor. Daerion had been silver-haired and blue-eyed as many of Celeborn's people with a wit that could be cutting when his temper was roused. Not as patient as his master, Daerion had eagerly sought to aide those fighting Morgoth, but his hasty nature was tamed and much improved upon meeting his wife.
Menelwen possessed the golden hair of the house of Finarfin and was kin to the lady, Galadriel. She was fair, but not nearly as beautiful as her cousin. She was proud of her Noldor-Vanyar heritage and possessed their striking grey eyes. Haldir could remember many times standing before her and knowing that she could see into his very soul. Her talents had been as a weaver and many of his days as a child were spent listening to her at the loom as she hummed or told him tales of the glory that was Aman.
An aura of sadness seemed to overshadow her even when she smiled as the years passed in Lórien. The memory made Haldir frown as he sat staring up at the frosty stars high above. Seldom were smiles seen on her fair face as he and his brothers had grown to their manhood. As they aged, she withered slowly, though her appearance changed not at all. Often, she took counsel with Galadriel behind closed doors. When she emerged there was a silence that clung to her like the morning mist that grasps the forest floor in the Spring.
Where once there had been great joy in her countenance and merriment in her eyes, there was left only an uncomfortable quiet that transformed her into more a statue carved from marble than a living being. He had often observed her sitting at her loom in their talan with a faraway look in her eyes that was frightening to behold.
Daerion grew distant and found excuses not to return home; preferring instead to train each of his sons in the twin arts of diplomacy and war. He possessed high expectations, but was a compassionate teacher. The faults of his children were rooted out and turned to strengths. He taught them to be proud of who they were and what they were as well as their responsibilities to themselves, their rulers, and their people.
Haldir had just been named as a new warden by Celeborn when he rushed home to share his news with Menelwen. He was certain that she would be overjoyed at his achievement, but their talan was deserted. A sense of dread had crept over him slowly as he searched nearby stairways for sight of her.
'She has gone, Haldir.'
He had slowly turned to find his Queen standing just behind him. The question in his mind would not pass his lips and he stared at the radiance of the lady before him with a mute tongue.
Galadriel's blue eyes were filled with sympathy and a wisdom so vast that he felt as though he were drowning. She shook her golden head sadly and sighed. 'The sea yearning was too strong for her to resist. Menelwen fought her desire to return home for countless years; it was her love for her family that kept her in Middle-earth for so long. The need to go to Valinor grated upon her as each decade passed until finally she counted every hour with pain in her heart. There are others making the journey with her that are afflicted as well.'
A small smile crept onto her face and she reached out to cup his cheek. The touch was tender and her hand was surprisingly cool. Her voice was soft, but husky as tears shimmered in her eyes. 'Do not despair, Haldir, son of Daerion, for she will find peace as will you with time. One day you will see her again and she will be glad of it. Take heart, young warden, for the world ever changes and what seems devastating is not without purpose.'
"Are you all right?"
Haldir blinked away the tears that were boiling up and stared blindly at the figure before him. "What?" Disorientation made him take a second, harder look at who had spoken to him. The others were either on guard, eating lembas, or looking over Falathar.
Indil was staring at him with concern. "I asked if you were all right. Are you?"
"I'm fine," he answered gruffly as he gestured toward her brother. "You should lay down and get some sleep for we leave at dawn."
She reached out and brushed her small fingers against his cheek. The wetness made her frown and she held her hand beneath his nose with accusation. "You were crying."
The declaration floated between them and Haldir cleared his throat. He felt as though he were going mad that he should lose his control like an unschooled child. The idea that he was being examined so closely by a mortal girl that had breathed only one decade angered him.
Haldir's expression became passive as he pointed once more toward her brother. "Go lay down, Indil, and sleep for I grow weary of opposition."
"No."
"What?" Haldir felt his brow wrinkle as disbelief flooded him. "Do as I tell you at once, child."
Indil instead sat directly before from him with her arms crossed. "I will not for you are sad too. Falathar is sleeping and I cannot speak with him. So, I will speak with you instead."
Haldir was still pointing and about to use a much harsher tone when Ciryon turned toward him with questioning eyes. The thought of being hounded by his brothers with questions and innumerable jests made him lower his arm with a frown as he nodded at Ciryon.
The other Elf shrugged and returned to guard duty.
"Why are you sad?" Indil asked softly. "Are you hurt?"
He shook his head and sighed. "Nay, I was remembering something that happened long ago. You should not concern yourself, tithen aras. The night is nearly spent and too few are the hours you may find rest."
She chewed her bottom lip as her fingers fiddled with the blades of grass that littered the ground between them. The quiet seemed deafening to her as she listened to the night wind blowing through the trees; it nearly sounded like a song, but it brought her no comfort. "Haldir, what happens when we die?"
"I know not what becomes of mortal men," he answered truthfully in a gentle voice. "It is said that they travel to the Halls of Mandos in Aman and rest there before they leave the circles of the world. There are those who claim that men's souls go on to the halls of their ancestors, after Mandos, where they join those who have gone before them. Still others say that the spirits of men go to Eru and sing blissfully for eternity before his throne."
Her eyes narrowed as she plucked a blade of grass. "What if you cannot sing?"
Haldir fought back the smile that threatened to break free at her innocent words. "I think that Eru would teach all to sing that could not." He reached out and brushed back a stray strand of dark hair that threatened to blow into her eyes. "Now will you seek some rest?"
"Must I?" She whined.
He nodded and patted the soft grass beside him. "Yes, you must, for you whine as badly as your brother and I shall not have two like him following me about."
The jest worked and he could see her face turn red in the darkness before she laid down beside him. She curled up into a ball and laid her small hand upon his as sleep swiftly moved to take the girl over. A yawn broke free as she mumbled groggily, "Will you watch over me?"
"Always," he promised her with a smile.
Once her eyes fell closed and her eyelashes were dark crescents upon her cheeks, he sighed and stared up at the heavens as he tried to think of a reason that Orcs would come so far to slaughter a simple farm family. There was no sense in it - not even if they knew them to be Dúnedain spies.
He determined that he would find the answer if it took him all the long years of his life.
~*~*~*~
The garden looked deserted, but Celeborn knew all too well that appearances often served to deceive. He glided down the long staircase carved into the rock of the earth as his bright eyes scanned for any sign of his consort.
"Come, Celeborn, and join me for I would much like the company."
Her voice had come from the shadowed recesses of the garden where her meril bushes grew thick and luxurious. The red and white blooms scented the air with sweetness and vined plants bearing pale gold flowers created a living canopy over the seats sculpted from the dark grey granite of the earth.
The sun was just rising and cast long, narrow shadows across the open lawn. He crossed it slowly while enjoying the sight of the rose-gold morning defeating and driving away the deep lavender of the dying night. The dew was refreshing on the soles of his feet as he padded toward his wife of countless centuries.
There were times that he truly forgot how long they had been married... the bliss of their union had lessened his desire to count something so meaningless as mere years. They had time immemorial with which to love one another and he never ceased to thank the Valar for the gift of his mate.
He smiled and nodded to her as he drew near to where she sat. "I thought perhaps you had come here." The expression in her star-like eyes made him pause before sitting. "What is wrong, nín mell?"
Galadriel stared pensively at the white blossom she held in her hand before letting it fall into her lap. "I fear that I have made a grave error in judgment, hervenn, and much suffering will be the result."
"You take too much upon your slim shoulders," Celeborn whispered as he reached over and clasped her hands between his. "Always you are eager to assign yourself blame for things which are beyond your control."
She offered him a wan smile that dissolved. "Is Laurelóme not my fault? The cruel fate that has befallen her was one that she might have been spared if I had but spoken my mind. My temporary silence has brought eternal quiet down upon one filled with joy."
He sighed and shook his head before drawing his wife into his embrace. Gently, he kissed the crown of her golden head before drawing back to gaze down into her fathomless eyes. "Laurelóme made her choice and it was the wrong one, but yet death has given way to life. I do not see how your warning would have made any difference to her - for she was ever bound to heartbreak and sorrow. Unwise was her first pursuit in the name of love and also was this one for she knew her chosen lover was bound to another."
"My heart is greatly burdened," Galadriel confessed softly. "I have had visions of Nienna weeping bitterly over Laurelóme in the Halls of Mandos."
Celeborn raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers before smiling. "Cast aside this self-doubt that plagues you for Haldir will arrive this morning. Do not let the child see you so distraught."
She touched his face and relaxed in his arms as the song of birds greeting the morning lifted her spirits. "As ever, you are truly wise, nín meleth."
They read one another's every thought and emotion as they listened to the sound of dawn breaking all around them.
~*~*~*~
Haldir walked slowly down the path toward the Lord and Lady's talan. The mellyrn trees soared so high that they gave the false impression of thrusting into the clouds. Golden leaves fell all around and the breeze sent them fluttering like small sheets of gilt.
The road had been long and he was much gladdened by the sight of his home.
Indil trudged beside him with her small hand lost in his fist. She gazed about with wonder in her eyes and her mouth hanging wide open. The way the sunlight dappled everything looked as though some pixie had splashed the woods with molten gold. Never had she seen anything so lovely in her life and for a brief moment she forgot why she had been brought to Lothlórien.
"Who is singing?" Indil asked as she stared up at Haldir with wide eyes. "Where are they? I see no one."
He smiled down at her and indicated the tree trunks. "You must learn to observe everything around you, Indil. My people are singing, but they raise their voices from high in the trees themselves, for that is where we live."
She followed his gesture and smiled broadly at the lacy-looking staircases that curved upward around the immense, ancient tree trunks. "It is beautiful here."
"On behalf of my people, I thank you," Haldir answered with a quick bow of his head.
Suddenly, Indil stopped dead and turned around to look behind her. She watched as Thoron, Ciryon, and the others bore Falathar up the nearest staircase and ascended until she could no longer see them. "Where are they taking my brother?"
He reached down and took the little girl by her shoulders. Gently, he turned her towards him and leaned down. "Lord Celeborn is waiting in Thoron's talan to help heal your brother. There is nothing to fear, Indil. Now let us continue on for the Lady should not be made to wait."
As they approached the largest mallorn, he stopped before the delicate looking staircase. "Will you be able to climb or should I carry you?"
"I can climb," Indil offered in a wavering voice. In truth, she was no longer sure because her side still throbbed on occasion and she could not see the top. When she glanced up at the Elf and saw his raised brow, she held out her arms to him. "It is a long way."
Haldir easily scooped the little girl into his arms and began the climb. He was surprised again at how very little she weighed and how she was clinging to him with her face thrust into the crook of his neck. "Are you afraid of heights?"
Indil nodded. "A little, I guess. I have never climbed been up a tree before and the stairs seem spun of silver thread."
"They are sturdy, let me assure you," he answered with a soft laugh. "You will not fall unless I do and that will not happen."
She peeked over his shoulder and felt a sharp jolt of surprise and fear at how high he had already climbed. Quickly, she buried her face back in his neck. The scent of his skin drifted up her nose and it seemed the odor was a mix of newly cut grass and flower pollen... with sweat mixed in. "You smell funny."
Haldir nodded to one of Galadriel's handmaidens as she drifted by before answering. "After eight days of physical exercise, I need a bath - as do you."
The child looked up into his face. "I did not say you reek, I said you smell funny. You do not smell like my Ada or my brothers."
"Ah," he mused with a glimmer of humor lurking in his dark eyes. "That is probably because I am an Elf and I am certain there are many differences between our races." He froze at the top of the seemingly endless staircase as Indil began to fiddle with one of his braids. "What in all of Arda are you doing?"
She stared at the braid she held so close to her face. His hair was silky and softer than anything she had felt before. Squinting, she examined it more closely. The color was neither true silver or true gold, but a unique mixture of both. "Your hair is very soft and it looks like starlight."
Haldir removed his braid from her fingers before setting her down beside him. "I shall take that as a compliment, but you should always ask before you touch another. It is only polite."
"I'm sorry," she offered with sincerity.
He nodded and smiled. "You are forgiven, Indil. Now let us go before the Lady of Light and garner from her the wisdom she offers."
Indil unconsciously took a deep breath and held it as they moved forward.
~*~*~*~
The pair crossed through a large archway onto a talan so large it could have held the entirety of Indil's old home laid out straight. The floor was smooth, polished white wood and in the center was a small, sparkling pool of water. Directly before them was a set of wide stairs made of the same wood with a landing above.
Two guards in silver mail and deep grey garments stood at attention on either side of the landing. There were no weapons visible, but they were armed and should they fail to protect their sovereigns, archers were hidden in nearby trees who also watched over Galadriel and Celeborn.
A brightness began on the landing that was startling to Indil as it began to move toward her down the stairs. In the center of the light was a tall lady with long, flowing golden hair and bright blue eyes that looked to be filled with stars. She was clothed in a simple white gown that fell around her ankles and a diadem that was made of silver and gold graced her noble forehead.
The lady looked as though she were fashioned from moonlight and sunlight and was the most beautiful being Indil had ever laid eyes upon... except for the creature who trailed behind her.
She was not as tall, but her presence was strong. Her hair was as dark as night as it fell around her waist and her features were delicate and flawless; looking upon her was like looking at perfection itself. She had eyes of crystalline blue that sparkled like the finest of jewels. The long gown she wore was pale blue and embroidered with silver thread in designs that Indil had never seen before. A delicate necklace hung around her neck on a pale silver chain and the clear gems glittered in the light.
The golden lady smiled each of them. "It eases my heart to see you both, Haldir. I know that the road has been harsh and you are greatly weary. Go now, and seek some rest, I shall call upon you later for I much desire to speak with you further."
Haldir placed his hand over his heart and bowed his head. The judgment of his fair queen was flawless and he obeyed her in all things with the knowledge that she would not lead him astray. He found his free hand clutched fiercely and looked down to find Indil staring up at him with fear in her eyes.
"Nay, do not leave me," Indil entreated with tear-filled eyes.
He felt an embarrassed flush spread over his cheeks as he sensed Galadriel's keen gaze upon him. "You must stay here with Lady Galadriel, Indil. No harm will come to you, I promise."
Hot tears spilled down the little girl's face, but she continued to clutch his hand. "You promised to watch over me always. Please do not go..."
"Stop this foolishness at once," Haldir insisted harshly as he freed his hand. "You show great disrespect with this behavior." The bleak expression that crossed her face was replaced with one of shame and he felt his heart softened. He reached out and wiped away her tears before caressing her hair. "I know you miss your family and you are frightened, but you must be strong. I will see you again."
"You will, March Warden, but it shall not be for many years," Galadriel intoned softly. "It has been determined that Indil is to live in Rivendell. Lord Elrond's sons, Elladan and Elrohir, have already set out on their way here."
Indil swiped furiously at the tears threatening to break free as she listened to the news. She had heard from her parents and older brothers many good things about Lord Elrond and Rivendell. Yet, there was a great fear within her that she should not see Haldir, whom was a dear friend of her family, for so long. It occurred to her that her brother had not been mentioned. "What about Falathar?"
The lovely blue eyes of Queen Galadriel settled on her own for an instant before she smiled. "Your brother will of course be joining you, Indil. Lord Elrond has been most generous in his offer to foster you both and I am certain that Aragorn will readily agree when he returns to Rivendell." She moved forward slowly and softly stroked the child's downy cheek. "You carry such sadness in your heart and also great joy for life. I am very much reminded of your mother though you favor your father in appearance."
The darker haired lady eased to Galadriel's side. She smiled and it was filled with a wistfulness that was both heartbreaking and breathtaking all at once. "I agree, Belenaneth, she has the aspect of her father, but especially in her eyes." There was a pause, before she spoke again. "I am Arwen, daughter of Elrond, and you will be most welcome in Rivendell - do not be afraid."
Haldir tried to process the words of his queen and glanced down at Indil. It was not his place to interfere with her upbringing. Would it not be better for her to grow up among her own kind? He reasoned. The Dúnedain are close to Rivendell and travel back and forth would be safe. Though distressed at the thought of not seeing Indil and Falathar regularly, he knew it was for the best.
He bowed once more and quietly left the talan before the child could realize he had gone.
It was only when his feet touched the earth again that Galadriel and Arwen's words rang in his ears once more. She favors her father in appearance. Perplexed, he stalked towards the mallorn trees on the outskirts of Caras Galadon where his own talan was located.
Haldir had thought it strange that they should think Indil resembled Saelben, for she did not. A thrill of unease tingled along his spine as he came to a dead stop. When he cast mind back and replayed the faces of Oloriel and Saelben he realized that she bore no similarities to either aside from her dark hair. He cursed himself for not seeing the facts far earlier; he who prided himself on missing nothing had missed something very important.
Galadriel had never met Oloriel...
"Indil is not the child of Saelben and Oloriel," Haldir breathed softly.
He continued toward his talan with such a dark glower on his countenance that the other Elves avoided him entirely.
~*~*~*~
tithen aras - little deer
nín mell - my dear
hervenn - husband
nín meleth - my love
belenaneth - great mother~*~*~*~
~ Next Chapter ~
~ Previous Chapter ~
~ Library Main ~
~ Author Index ~ Character Index ~ Title Index ~
~ Hall Of Fire ~ Gallery ~
~ Links ~ Shops ~ Map ~ News ~ Rules ~ Lists ~ ~
This page is in no way affiliated with New Line Cinema or Tolkien Enterprises, and no profit is being made.
The information contained herein is NOT to be used to spam or in any other way harrass its members. Be advised that abuse of this site will not be tolerated, and the appropriate legal action will be taken.
Hall-Of-Fire.Com v.4.0, Copyright © 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 by Cristine Cook-Fireheart. All rights reserved. This web site may not be reproduced in any form, except as occurs in normal browser caching, without express written permission from the author.
Website by Infinite Connections Design.
