Title & Chapter Number: Destiny’s Moment 2/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I am writing fan fiction solely for my own enjoyment and do not claim any copyright or ownership nor do I have intent to make financial gain from Tolkien's wonderful world. Jadriel is my character conceived from my mind. Embrelle is a character who was from the mind of my good friend, Milena, who graciously allowed me to continue the story when she decided not to help with the writing.
Warnings: Het Romance, some violence, rape (only minimally described)
Betas: Dorothy…'The Great'
Cast: Haldir/OFC, Legolas/OFC, Rúmil, Orophin, Galadriel, Celeborn, The Fellowship, other OCs
Timeline: TA around the time of the Fellowship
Spoilers: None
Summary: Feeling saddened by her mother's death and abandoned by her father, Jadriel makes a heart wrenching decision. For Jadriel this moment of destiny comes when she chooses to give up her elven heritage and leave Lórien. She begins a new life as a human and lives as a ranger. She makes a new friend, Embrelle. The present story picks up where Jadriel feels compelled to return to Lórien and is faced with her past in an effort to help the Fellowship.
Notes: Alternate titles I liked: "Jadriel's Choice', and my personal favorite "How to Loose a Marchwarden in 10 Millennia". Dedication: To Dorothy, my beta, who has worked hard to help me correct my many grammatical and spelling flaws and have given me encouragement to keep writing. My deepest heart felt thanks for all her enthusiasm and hard work.
Part II: Return to Lórien
Some hours passed, late afternoon approached as the traveling companions waited on the Fellowship. Embrelle shifted and wiggled in her position, her usual eagerness and restlessness becoming increasingly more apparent. Embrelle marveled at the quiet patience that Jadriel used to maintain her vigilant watch for the Fellowship. Jadriel appeared to seamlessly blend into the surroundings, steadfastly sitting with no movement at all for untold hours at a time. There were times that if Embrelle had not known Jadriel was beside her, she would not even have been able to see her friend. Embrelle thought the grace and stealth Jadriel possessed in these woods appeared as natural for her elven friend as horseback riding came to her. The woods seemed a part of Jadriel and Jadriel a part of the woods.
Jadriel tapped Embrelle. "The Fellowship has entered the woods. Come. We must follow them. Boldly, they have approached; and quickly, they shall be overcome. I know this to be true, for even now the guardians of these Golden Woods are nearby. I have seen some move forward already."
"Gandalf? Is Gandalf with them?" Embrelle asked anxiously.
Jadriel turned to her worried friend, but she could offer no words of solace. "I count only eight. He is not among those present. I am sorry, my friend." Jadriel’s face reflected the pain Embrelle felt in her heart.
Embrelle closed her eyes for a silent moment. No, my mentor! How could I have failed? What path shall I follow now? A single unnoticed tear rolled down Embrelle’s cheek at the thoughts.
Jadriel crept quietly in the direction of the Elves converging on the Fellowship. She was careful to remain under the cover of the trees. Embrelle matched her movements hoping not to give away their position. Suddenly the Fellowship was surrounded. Arrows from every direction were trained on the Fellowship by the fierce wardens of the Galadhrim. Haldir appeared from behind a tree to speak to the group. No, not Haldir! Of all the Marchwardens in Lórien. What a bitter piece of luck! Jadriel sighed to herself and mustered her courage. The two companions watched as the confrontation unfolded. Jadriel heard Haldir say something contemptible to the dwarf. She silently smiled to herself. It would be like him. She saw the one called Aragorn beseech Haldir for aide. It appeared as though Haldir was refusing and would turn them out of the Wood to the menace of the Orcs. Finally, Jadriel felt she could watch no longer. She stepped into plain view and called through the trees, "Haldir O’ Lórien!" Silence fell over the entire party as all stared in her direction. So we did arrive undetected after all. She thought with satisfaction.
Haughtily, he turned and walked briskly toward her. It was apparent to Jadriel that he had no desire for others to hear what he planned to say. As he neared, with a whispered growl of anger in his voice, he spoke in perfectly formed Westron words. "Jadriel O’ Lórien, what is your purpose in these Woods?"
"I come not for myself."
"What, then? Many years have passed since your leaving."
"I only ask that you grant the Fellowship an audience with the Lady of the Wood. They have traveled far, from Rivendell with Lord Elrond’s blessing and favor."
"They carry great evil with them. Why should I allow their passage through our sacred forest?" Haldir scowled under his breath.
"Failure of their quest could mean the end of Middle Earth as we know it for all, including Elf and Man. They must be protected. An Orc party is following. If they are forced out of the Wood they will be slaughtered. Haldir . . . please . . . consider these words before turning them away. I think the Lord and Lady would feel as Lord Elrond."
What’s this? Jadriel had stooped to begging? Haldir stared into her eyes, coldly, and frowned. "And WHAT would YOU know of the Lord and Lady’s thoughts THESE days." The words cut Jadriel like a knife. "Let them make their case before me, then I shall decide," Haldir stated and abruptly turned to go back to the Fellowship. As he was leaving he looked over his shoulder to Jadriel and commanded, "Come, and bring your companion who is hiding behind the tree." Embrelle, startled at the reference to her presence, got up quickly to follow Jadriel back to the Fellowship. Aragorn gave Jadriel an imperceptible smile and nod of acknowledgement. He knew Jadriel to be a friend who had provided aide in past times.
Haldir’s Wardens led the Fellowship, Jadriel and Embrelle up the trees to observation talans where all would spend the night while the pursuing Orc party passed. Formal introductions were given. Then for some time a very heated discussion between Haldir and Aragorn ensued. The exchange finally ended abruptly when Haldir walked over to the ring bearer and commanded, "You will follow me!"
As the Fellowship prepared for the journey to the heart of Lórien, Jadriel approached Haldir. "Marchwarden, I ask permission for leave of Lothlórien for myself and traveling companion. We are no longer required. We have pressing matters elsewhere that must be attended." She awaited his response.
"I cannot grant you leave. All must be brought before the Lord and Lady for their judgment." These were the words Jadriel dreaded. She could feel Embrelle bristle beside her.
"But we must leave. I have not found Gandalf! I must know what has happened!" snapped Embrelle. With that, she started to charge the Marchwarden.
Jadriel grabbed her friend’s arm to stay her movements. "Use care, Embrelle. We must do as he commands. We cannot take on the whole Galadhrim. Perhaps we will learn of Gandalf’s fate from the Fellowship."
The entire party set out single file to the great tree city of Caras Galadhon. To what fate, Jadriel knew not. At least the safety of the Fellowship had been secured. Jadriel followed behind the group with Embrelle as Haldir led them to the Lord and Lady. All too familiar were the steps to the ruling talon. She had walked them many times in her years. Dread filled her heart as they entered.
Haldir bowed and presented the Fellowship in front of the grand staircase.
The smells of the Mellorn trees filled the air. The glint of the lanterns appeared as starlight in the thick forest. The shimmer of the golden leaves danced in the gentle night breeze of Caras Galadhon…all so familiar and yet so foreign to her now.
Jadriel had left this life behind some twenty-nine years ago. She had never allowed herself to look back at that decision to leave her elven heritage... her life… behind. She had in fact only ventured back to the edge of the forest once... many months ago. The emotions stirred from this act nearly consumed her. She tried to put the weakness of that day behind her.
Countless years of loneliness as a ranger filled her thoughts now at she recalled that fateful day she took up her human heritage and left behind all links to the elves. A chill of bitterness filled her at the loss of her mother and the heartbreak of her father’s abandonment that lead her to leave this paradise on Arda.
Last year when she dared to venture back to the edge of the beautiful Golden Wood, her home for more than twelve hundred years, she never revealed herself to anyone for fear of repercussions. Yet now, because of the duty she felt for the Fellowship and their great mission – so important to all the people of Middle Earth, so vital was their need to be protected and succeed – that she felt compelled to risk exposure and whatever consequence would be incurred. So now here she was walking into the very heart of Lórien for the first time in years. Earlier today she had stood on Cerin Amroth and gazed at the site of Caras Galadhon for the first time in ages. The sensation of home and the view nearly overwhelmed her. The sights, the smells, the feel of the trees all tugged at her heart. It took every bit of elven – yes elven not human – strength she could muster to resist the sense of loss she was feeling, to resist the urge to breakdown in front of the Fellowship or her kinsman at her seemingly foolish decision to leave.
As she walked through the city and up the winding staircases to the royal flet, she had continued her idle thoughts of home. The sight of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel entering the grand staircase in front of the Fellowship snapped her from this stream of self-pity. They would speak with the Fellowship first – and when their task was completed – deal with her treachery. How would she explain her presence here? What would she say? A wave of shame and fear spread over her like wildfires across the plains of Rohan. She was unable to squelch it. She was embarrassed to even think it at this place, much less to explain it to the Lord and Lady. No explanation had she ever offered anyone. She had simply left. Yet to help the Fellowship was a worthy enough reason, no matter the consequences. She sighed inwardly and resigned herself to accept whatever punishment that would be incurred by her actions.
The Lady bid the fellowship goodnight and peaceful rest. They were to be escorted to the camp on the forest floor. As they filed out, they sent grateful glances toward Jadriel. They had no idea of the turmoil that had been unleashed in her soul.
Haldir escorted the Fellowship away from the royal talan and motioned for Embrelle to follow. Until this point, Embrelle stood in the background, still, quiet and poised for the unexpected, just as Jadriel and her father before had taught her. Embrelle remembered her father’s words…Em, little one, you must remember that as a warrior your advantage in being a woman is that you are small and can often go unnoticed. You must resist the urge to bound in like a charging steed. Watch, wait, and observe for your time…"
Embrelle found herself walking down the great spiral staircase with a group of strangers, going she knew not where, and her only tie to anything remotely familiar was in the great room with the Lord and Lady. She could not stay quiet any longer.
She chimed in, "umm, excuse me…" and was ignored. Louder and with some insistence she said, "…EXCUSE ME!"
Haldir, stopped, stood for a moment, turned on his heel to glare coldly into her eyes. "Can all humans be as irritating as you, or do you excel in comparison?"
Murmurs rose amongst the Fellowship at the standoff between the Marchwarden and the slight female. Before someone could say anything, Embrelle’s infamous temper flared. She raised herself as tall as she could, pushed her shoulders back, stuck out her chin in a defiant gesture and spat back her answer with equal disdain. "Pardon me, your Lordship, I meant not to irritate but to gain your attention so that I might inquire as to where we were going. As you are well aware, my travelling companion is in with the Lord and Lady." How dare he! After all, what am I supposed to do? Just meekly follow and not know what was going on?
Haldir narrowed his eyes at her impudence. There could be heard a sharp intake of breath by the group. Haldir replied, "I am the Captain of the Guardians of Lórien not your ‘Lordship’. You will address me properly if you expect a response." The Marchwarden stiffened his posture and continued. " Rest assured my lady, you will be rejoined with your companion at MY earliest possible convenience. At this time, the Lady Jadriel has business with the Lord and Lady that is none of your concern." That said, he resumed the task of escorting the group to the Wardens that waited on the lower talan.
Embrelle was trying to digest all that had transpired. How mercurial these elves were. With that the lovely elf she had noticed walking beside her turned and clapped her around the shoulders, "Well done little one. Not many are willing to stand up to Haldir." He held out his hand and smiled warmly, "My name is Legolas of Mirkwood". Caught off guard, she smiled weakly and offered her hand. "Well met Legolas. Embrelle of Rohan". Taking her hand in an exaggerated flourish, he gallantly kissed her hand. At this point the rest of the Fellowship chimed in with introductions. Gimli practically pushed Legolas out of the way, to more gallantly kiss her hand. She was actually grateful for the interruption because she felt herself blushing quite profusely after the handsome Legolas had kissed her hand. She hoped it had gone unnoticed.
Embrelle received the remaining introductions with enthusiasm and warmth. Legolas leaned against the trunk of the great Mallorn, observed the exchange and smiled inwardly. She was definitely a charming little spitfire, and she blushed in quite a beguiling manner. This might turn out to be a very interesting little arrangement.
Haldir observed the greetings with impatience. "While elves are immortal, I do not have a millennia to complete my task. You will follow the Wardens to the accommodations that have been prepared for your stay. Introductions can wait for a more appropriate time!" With that, the party left to continue their journey to the forest floor. Chuckles could be heard from the spiral staircase as they descended.1
~*~*~*~
Haldir quickly returned to the royal talan and stood awaiting instructions from the Lord and Lady. The Rulers motioned Jadriel to come forward. She stiffened as she approached the center bottom of the grand staircase and positioned herself directly in front. She bowed, placed her right hand over her heart, eyes cast to the floor of the talan in silent respect for the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim. She dare not move her posture. She awaited her fate.
Lord Celeborn spoke first. "Long years have pasted since you have revealed yourself to any of Lórien. State your purpose for being here." The voice seemed to boom at Jadriel.
For a long moment she remained silent. Mustering the strength to form words she said, "I ask nothing for myself," her voice shaking with her first words but she found the courage to continue. "My only thought was to lend my voice to that of the Fellowship in request for your assistance. Their need was great, their mission critical. I respectfully ask only for your leave to exit Lórien and return home." She uttered her response in perfect Sindarin – a tongue she had not used in years.
Celeborn stood, silently studying the young elf when she heard her name spoken by another.
"Jadriel" This time it was the melodic voice of Galadriel. So whimsical and musical, it could mesmerize – humans certainly. Jadriel dare not look up.
"Yes, my Lady?"
"It has been some time since you tarried in the Golden Wood of your youth. Would you not stay at least a little while and rest before your journey?"
Jadriel could almost feel the warm smile of Galadriel. She could not believe her ears – elven or otherwise. Welcome – she bids me welcome.
"My Lady, I am unworthy of your kindness. I humbly ask only for your leave."
"My dear child, you are my niece – the daughter of my brother – you are always welcome. This is and has always been your home. The house of your father has remained untouched since the day of your departure. It has awaited your return. Will you not stay and take some rest. You have toiled hard and long over the years. I feel in my heart the great pain and loneliness that you have endured."
Jadriel knelt in disbelief. No punishment…no retribution…just open arms. Unspilled tears of joy, of regret, of pain welled in her eyes. She did not look up at the Lord and Lady for fear they would crest over their shallow containers and drain down her face. She was strong, hardened with the years on the open ranges of the North. She did not want them to see her weakness.
In a moment she was more composed. She dared to break her bowed posture and look upon them. It was the first time she had gazed on the Lord and Lady in years. Their looks were not that of anger or wrath as she had expected and feared all these years that she longed to return home. Their looks were soft and gentle as a parent, full of warmth and love that she had not known in a long time. They had welcomed her back – a fact she found yet difficult believe.
Galadriel spoke again. " Will you not refresh yourself in your father’s talan and join us later for the evening meal? We could talk more then. I will have fresh gowns brought to the talan. Haldir will escort you there. Rest now my child. We have much to discuss." Galadriel smiled once more at her niece, her elven luminescence and starlit eyes shone brighter than Jadriel had ever remembered.
Graciously, Jadriel inclined her head once more to the Rulers of the Galadhrim, "Thank you, My Lady, My Lord. You have been most kind."
To this Haldir walked behind her, bowed to the Lord and Lady and extended his right hand to her. Jadriel took the offered hand with her left and rose from her bow. Silently, they exited the royal talan.
Without a word, they descended the many steps of the spiral staircases to the flet of her father, which was located in the same Mallorn tree as the royal palace. A million thoughts raced through her head. Jadriel had trouble processing the implications of the unexpected response from the Lord and Lady. Even more unsettling was this walk with Haldir. It was the first time she had been truly alone with him since their meeting. Of all the patrols they could have encountered, it was amazing to Jadriel that it was his they happened upon…or was it? Perhaps the subtle touch of the Lady’s skillful hand was at work here. Nothing, it seemed, was hidden from the Lady. Jadriel was beginning to suspect that even her supposedly undetected visit last year had not gone unseen by the Lady.
Jadriel had no idea what to say to Haldir. When she left, she had never said good-bye, never gave an explanation…she just left. It had been especially cruel to him. They were to be bound, betrothed for some two hundred years. She had known him all her life. And now he seemed a stranger – distant, cold, dutiful – the Marchwarden doing his service for the Lady. This was not the Haldir she had always known. What could I possibly say to him?
"Many years have passed." The cold words crept from his lips as he calculated the timbre of each syllable.
Except when she plead with him for the Fellowship, she had not looked him in the eye since the night before she left. She could not look at him now, either. What excuse could she give for her cruel actions? Actions so purely selfish . . . so unmistakably human. She never even considered how her actions would affect those around her. All she had thought about was herself. She never said good-bye to anyone, never gave an explanation – she had simply left, abruptly, alone, in the dark of night so many years ago.
She walked a few more steps, mind racing like a Mearas in the wind. The thought of her own Celestar gave her strength.
"I have no excuse for my actions, there are no words in Elvish or Westron to offer explanation or condolence for the thoughtlessness I demonstrated toward everyone . . . to you . . . Haldir" Her voice cracked as she choked out his name. A name she rarely uttered in the lonely years of her exile for the fear the loss would be more than she could have born.
Haldir studied her from the top of her now short silvery-golden hair, to the ragged travel tunic and down to the worn road boots. He apparently had no problem looking her over. In fact, she thought he might actually be relishing in the discomfort he was now causing her to feel.
At this moment, to him, she looked so frail and human. Not at all the noble and powerful elf he had remembered. She appeared warn and road weary. She had completely transformed her elven persona to that of a human. A hint of sadness glinted from his eyes. Many of their years together had been glorious. How had that all ended in just a moment? He remembered feeling as though his heart had been ripped from him when he heard the news of her sudden departure. Sadness and anger had welled up in him. No one knew the extent of his pain, except perhaps Galadriel. She had not spoken of it to him out of respect and courtesy for his position. He had carried on.
The discomfort of the silent steps continued. Finally he said, " Long I looked for your return."
Stunned more by his response than Galadriel’s, she looked away as shame and regret welled once more. "My actions toward you do not warrant such consideration." The words were all she could think of. So long had she thought it impossible to return home that she had given up and shut out all memory of those she had loved in her past life.
As they reached the talan of her father, her long time previous home, his rigid formality relaxed somewhat. Turning to face her at the doorway, he grasped her hands lightly and spoke, quietly, with a softness she had not seen since her arrival, "There has been no other."
For a brief moment their eyes met. The meaning of that simple statement came through clearly to her. Then suddenly, the moment was gone. His formality returned as he released her hands. His voice returned to that of the regimented Marchwarden of Lothlórien in service of his Lady. "The Lord and Lady will be expecting you in two hours to dine. May I escort you to the table?" Clearly he had instructions to make this request.
Jadriel turned to him and with a rather formal reply - ingrained in her from years as a member of the royal family - and said, " Thank you, I would be honored to have your assistance."
As he turned to leave, she closed her eyes and whispered under her breath, "Nor has there been any other for me."
He hesitated briefly, turned and gazed once more in her eyes but only for a moment. He then bowed respectfully and took his leave of her.
Jadriel sucked in a slow deep breath and slumped against the closing door within her house. She could not believe the events of the last few hours. She wanted to seek Embrelle’s counsel but time did not permit. The Lady would be waiting.
~*~*~*~
1 The preceding paragraph regarding Embrelle was partially written and otherwise adapted from writings of my friend Milena regarding her character of Embrelle
~*~*~*~
~ 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.
