Title & Chapter Number: Destiny’s Moment 4/?
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 IV: The Work of Dreams
Struggling from the exhaustion of pain, Haldir managed to make the last few steps to enter the city. He was greeted by many of his wardens rallying to assist. Randir shouted, "Bring his brothers. Orophin is patrolling near the east wall."
"What happened? Was there an attack?" Randir probed, examining his Captain.
"No, Lórien is in no danger at present. I must get to the Lord and Lady," being deliberately evasive in answering the young warden’s question.
"Please, sit for a minute until your brothers arrive."
"I have no wish to remain. I must get to the Lord and Lady. Allow me to get up!" barked the Marchwarden.
Orophin arrived just in time to save the young warden from Haldir’s fury. "Brother, what has happened?" Concern washed over the face of Orophin as he surveyed his brother’s condition.
"I will not speak of it here. I must get to the Lord and Lady! I have a duty that I must attend for them," growled Haldir, taking all leave of patience and control with the attention his condition was drawing.
Rumil witnessed the exchange that had taken place between his brothers, then knelt beside Haldir. Probing for sites of injury, his hand hovering just over Haldir’s body, searching for the telltale waves of energy disruption. The greatest were located over his rib region and thigh. Lightly touching these areas, Rumil whispered a few phrases of a healing spell.
"Doila ile, Rumil," Haldir mumbled, collapsing from the relief. The heartfelt ‘thank you’ did not go unnoticed by all present. Haldir must have endured great pain.
"I will attend the Lord and Lady in your stead, Haldir." Orophin added. Hearing these words, Haldir drifted fully into unconsciousness.
"Rumil, take him to his talan quickly. I must go to the Palace to see the Lord and Lady." With this, Orophin hurried off in the direction of the royal talan.
Arriving at the private sitting suite, Orophin bowed to Celeborn and Galadriel. "My Lord, My Lady. Haldir has been injured gravely. I do not know the circumstances. He denied attack. I have come to inform you and to offer my services in his place."
"Thank you, Orophin. Your services will not be necessary. You are free to attend your brother tonight. Where is he presently? I wish to see him," Galadriel offered.
"He is in his talan. I will accompany you there if you wish, My Lady"
Galadriel left the palace to arrive at the talan of her Marchwarden. She was deeply concerned for him. But it is not his body so much that needs my healing touch, as it is his heart, for Galadriel knew why he had become injured. She knew how much he tormented himself privately for things over which he had no control. As she gazed over his limp form, she knew his physical wounds were not so grievous that they would not heal quickly, but the pain of his mind and heart was another matter. She spoke reassuringly to him. "Haldir, my faithful Marchwarden. Rest now. All will be well."
"My Lady, I am sorry for…" the words were barely audible through his raspy dry throat.
"Rest now in the Sleep of Healing." And with this Sleep let the Work of Dreams to renew you to wholeness. With these words, she gently touched his brow. Haldir fell into a deep slumber that would last until healing was well on its way. With a satisfied smile, she looked at his brothers.
Rumil and Orophin had witnessed the graciousness of the Lady toward their brother many times. As always, the Marchwarden had received the special favor of the Lady. They were grateful in this instance, for her powers to heal were far greater than their own.
"He will rest this night. When he awakens, his condition will be much improved. Thank you for you diligent care of My Captain." She took her leave of the brothers.
~*~*~*~
When Jadriel left the Lord and Lady, she could not go back to her father’s talan … her talan. She chose instead to descend to the forest floor to seek out Embrelle. As she hurried toward the Fellowship’s encampment, she ran across Aragorn. "Mellonamin, ile elee Embrelle?" My Friend, have you seen Embrelle? The Westron words seemed to echo in her mind even as she spoke the elvish sentence to Aragorn. She knew she had already stayed too long in Lórien, as she now spoke in the elvish tongue reflexively.
"No, not in some time, My Lady" He smiled. To him, it seemed her transformation to Elven had been complete. He marveled at how the pale blue gown clung to her body. He was not used to calling her "My Lady" but somehow "Raven" - the only name he had known for her - did not seem appropriate. He knew her to be a fellow ranger and a friend, and was unaware of her Elven heritage - until yesterday.
She frowned at his inspection. "Strider, do you know where I may find her? I am in no mood for your speculative glares. I am who I have always been to you - a friend. Tonight I held audience with the Lord and Lady. This required some adjustment from my usual attire. You may address me as you have always by Raven or if you prefer by my given name, Jadriel."
"I am sorry, Raven," Aragorn smiled, her words immediately establishing that the Raven he had come to know and trust was still there, beneath the fine elven gown. His use of the name "Raven" seemed more natural and comfortable to him at the moment. He sensed she was in need of anything that could make her feel more comfortable. Her given name was as big of an adjustment as her attire for him. They were both extraordinarily beautiful and somewhat out of place on this ranger. "She left for a walk some time ago. I believe she was headed for one of the garden streams over in that direction," indicating by pointing over her shoulder. "May I be of further assistance to you?"
"No. Thank you. You have already been a help, mellonamin. Is there anything the Fellowship requires tonight?"
"We have all that we need for the present. Doila ile." With that, he turned to leave.
Jadriel hurried toward the garden path, hoping to come upon Embrelle soon. Over and over she replayed the conversation at dinner. She could make no decision. A part of her wanted to stay and serve in the Guard as a warden. She had wanted it all her life, but Lórien was a painful place for her. Too many memories haunted her, especially at night. She doubted she would get much rest this night.
Jadriel saw Embrelle in the distance. As she approached, Jadriel’s eyes caught sight of a figure in the shadows slipping silently away. She paid little heed to the person leaving, as she was intent on getting to Embrelle.
"Embrelle, I am so happy to have found you!"
Embrelle turned with a start. It was obvious she was lost in deep thought or perhaps a daydream. Lothlórien could inspire either in humans who were fortunate enough to experience the Golden Wood.
"Embrelle, are you ok? I am sorry to have left you. My duties to the Lord and Lady have occupied my time until this moment. I am sorry to have been such a poor hostess in my homeland." The apologetic words spilled from her mouth, for she knew Lórien could be as frightening and intimidating a place, as it was beautiful.
"I am fine. I have found this Fellowship to be quite engaging. But what of you? Will there be consequences?" She was filled with concern for her friend, for she had sensed the fear and foreboding Jadriel suffered as they walked to have audience with the Lord and Lady.
"Celeborn and Galadriel wish for me to return to Lórien. I would not have expected it. They have offered me to join their Guard. All my life I had wanted that, but they had refused … feeling it was below my bloodline to serve the Galadhrim in this manner." The puzzlement was evident on her face as Embrelle listen to the tale.
"What of your Haldir. Have you seen him yet? Surely that Marchwarden was not the Haldir of which you spoke. He was one of the most arrogant and self absorbed beings I have ever met."
"Yes I have seen Haldir. And yes, you have also met him. That is his way…when he is working…he takes his duty very seriously. He can be quite different when you get to know him well." Embrelle listen intently as Jadriel continued, "He seemed outwardly angry. However as we parted, his demeanor softened. He allowed me to know he had waited on me for quite some time. He was supposed to escort me to the Lord and Lady tonight, but never showed up. Perhaps he thought better of his actions. I am not sure. There was certainly a coldness that I had not experience previously."
Embrelle studied her friend carefully. "It seems to me some part of him still cares," she stated cautiously.
Jadriel turned from her friend to stare at the bubbling water of the stream. She had always found comfort and serenity in flowing water. Struggling to organize her words, she continued.
"It is said that once an Elf truly gives his heart to another, it is forever." She was speaking of Haldir, of course, but she was searching her own heart for this truth. There was a bittersweetness to these words, for she knew that if true neither of such a pair would be truly happy or complete without the belonging to the other…and this state would last forever to those immortal. Had she cursed Haldir to this fate? She had never meant to hurt him, in her mind, there was no going back to what they had had.
Abruptly, Jadriel changed the direction of the conversation. "I intend to leave tomorrow."
Embrelle’s eyes widened. "What! Why so soon?" Embrelle had hoped to learn more of the Fellowship.
"My work here is finished. I sought only to help the Fellowship gain passage, not reestablish my roots."
"They will not be leaving yet. Rumil has told me of a feast that is planned to welcome the Fellowship. It is to occur tomorrow night." Embrelle was hopeful, as she had come to realize that she had wanted to get to know the Fellowship better after all, especially one certain elf.
"I feel I can best help the Fellowship by scouting ahead with Ariel to search out possible danger. This would necessitate my leaving ahead of them." Jadriel said somewhat matter of factly. There was a coldness that covered her heart and shaded her words.
"I understand the feast is also in your honor, mellonamin."
The use of the elvish word startled Jadriel. Embrelle had picked up more than the sights of the Golden Wood. Had Embrelle wanted her to stay longer? She of all people knows my resolve on this matter.
"Would you not also be negligent of you duties if you failed to attend a gathering hosted by the Lord and Lady?" Embrelle continued presenting her argument to her friend.
"Very well. I have always done my duty. However, I plan to leave at first light on the following day. You may accompany me if you wish or stay longer." She studied her friend closely. There had been more behind Embrelle’s request than just simple concern for a confused elven friend.
Somewhat unsure of her words, Embrelle announced. "It is my intention to join the Fellowship…if they will allow it. Perhaps I could assistance…"Her face saddened. "Gandalf has fallen. Maybe the lessons he had taught me would benefit the Fellowship in some small way."
"Very well, mellonamin." Jadriel returned the elven courtesy Embrelle had shown her. "You must do as you feel appropriate. You are a guest of the Galadhrim. I plan to leave after the feast as soon as it is acceptable."
Abruptly, Embrelle’s demeanor changed. "You should dwell in Lórien for a while!"
There was an urgency in her voice that Jadriel recognized. What does she sense concerning me? The thought reverberated through her mind. Jadriel had known that while Embrelle’s abilities gained from her Maier heritage were immature, they were also very powerful when it came to her ability to sense danger or discern the emotional states of others.
"I sense something of a change in you, Jadriel, since you have arrived here. It is as though the heavy cloud that has overshadowed you, all the time I have known you, has thinned. I know no more than this. In some way, coming to Lórien has helped you. I can feel it. Do not ask more on this matter. I cannot explain it further. This is all I can tell you. If you chose to stay, I would offer my assistance to the Fellowship in your place."
Embrelle’s troubling words did not help the underlying sense of unease that crept into the back of her mind since her experience in the bath. Both walked back to the camp without further conversation. The Fellowship all seemed to be asleep, lying in peaceful rest that they all so desperately needed. Safe within the protected boarders of Lórien they slumbered. Even Embrelle appeared weary as she approached her bedroll. Jadriel settled near Embrelle as they had often done when camping in the forests near Rohan. As Embrelle drifted off to sleep, Jadriel’s eyes met with Legolas’. Smiling, she inclined her head in a silent thank you for watching over her friend, then laid back hoping to get some rest. Jadriel stared at the stars in the night sky. The stars had always been a source of strength and comfort to her, for she, like all elves, loved the starlight… just as the night of The Awakening. Tonight, they provided little consolation. For the love of Elbereth! She would get little rest tonight.
~*~*~*~
Orophin and Rumil did not sleep either. They sat attentively and watched over Haldir. His sleep was deep. He did not move nor did he seem to be dreaming.
But indeed his mind was active and dreams flooded this healing state. Never had he experienced such dreams. They were so vivid. So real, he felt as though he were reliving every scene from his life once more.
He dreamed he woke on a sunny hill surrounded by a ring of Mellyrn. This was Cerin Amroth. His favorite place to view the city and escape the torment of his brothers. They delighted in teasing him, and this day was no exception. They had followed him. High above, they pounced for the "attack" binding their older brother as their "captive". "For the honor of Lórien!" shouted Orophin. "We are victorious!" followed his younger sib, Rumil. Haldir quickly loosened his bonds and chased his brothers toward the gates of the city. As they neared, the brothers turned suddenly and grabbed their older sibling by the tunic. They dragged him into their favorite swimming hole. The noise of the scuffle gave way to the laughter of young elfling voices. Haldir’s heart was light. Thoroughly soaked and properly exhausted from their romp in the spring, all the brothers trudged homeward merrily.
Haldir saw his father. He was a simple elven woodcrafter, a maker of the famed Galadhrim Bows. Haldir often watched his father carve for hours…. copying each knife stroke. He listened to his father’s devotion to his service of the Lord and Lady. "No job is too small, utinuamin. The Guard is not the only way to serve the Lord and Lady." But the young Haldir was not convinced. He often would sneak into his father’s workshop to borrow one of his father’s bows and practice deep in the woods. That was until his brothers caught him one day. The devotion of Haldir’s father to his craft had gained him special notice by the Rulers of the Galadhrim. Haldir saw the first time his family was asked to dine with the Lord and Lady. The first time he stood in front of the Lady. He remembered the gentle touch of her hand on his chin as she stooped to say hello. He bowed gallantly toward her just as he had seen her Wardens do. "How may I be of service to the Lady of Light" This brought a smile to the Lady’s face as she gazed upon the young elfling. He had never stopped saying that to her in all his years since.
He saw the elf maiden who stole his first kiss. He relived the fires of his first sexual experience. Few encounters since had matched the heat of that sunny afternoon on Cerin Amroth that Haldir experienced in his late adolescence. Haldir saw he was now an adult. The handsome new Warden of the Galadhrim soon found he enjoyed the company of many Elf maidens. Perhaps it was the uniform. Perhaps the charm he had cultivated over the past few years. He had developed quite a reputation. His brothers never let him forget it. Often they would tease him with wagers on his conquests. He paid them little heed. His skill and courage brought him honor and favor with the Lord and Lady. He rose quickly through the ranks of the Guard to the position of Captain of the Marchwardens. He remembered the pride on his father’s face. He could feel his father’s warm embrace. "Well done, utinuamin." He smiled, as he had always loved to hear his father call him ‘my son’.
He remembered the equally warm embrace of the Lady on the dark day that he received the news that his parents had been killed. He was just a young adult elf learning of life himself, but he found he was the eldest in the family. His younger brothers looked to him for strength and guidance in those days. He became very serious and solemn…aloof and arrogant if he believed the descriptions he had heard from others. The Lady took interest in him. She had always admired his dedication to her service. Haldir threw himself into his work. This is how he had survived.
It was sometime afterwards; he met the Lady’s older brother, Orodreth. Orodreth loved the Guardian way. He wanted to learn all he could from Haldir. The two elves became fast friends. They often traveled together abroad. They fought in a number of campaigns together. On more than one occasion each had stepped in and saved the other’s life. Returning from the Northern Fences, often they could be seen lounging under a Mellorn, recounting tales of their conquests and drinking homemade berry wine acquired from some swooning elf maiden.
One day they received an urgent call from the Northern Fences... a small village of humans located near their borders had been attacked by Orcs that day…help was desperately needed or all would be lost. The wardens on patrol had sent word requesting reinforcements. Haldir’s wardens knew that if the Orcs finished the town, Lórien would be their next target of attack. Orodreth accompanied Haldir’s patrol. The battle was heated. The wargs ran swiftly over the horses of the village. Houses burned. Arrows sailed through the air in all directions. Many Orcs were killed. A number of villagers had fallen. Haldir drew his long sword from its sheath. He quickly slashed the head off an Orc who was just about to stab his friend. Orodreth returned a grateful stare and bolted past him just in time to save a village maiden. It was this day that Orodreth found the "mela en’coiamin" as he later told Haldir. Ryanna was a village maiden with fair hair and soft features. As she lay draped over his arms, Orodreth promised he would stay with her until she recovered. To this, Orodreth was true. Haldir saw little of his friend over the next few months. Haldir would occasionally visit the village as he was in charge of the wardens that protected it while Orodreth remained. He had never seen his friend happier than on the day he announced their marriage. Haldir had misgivings, as joinings with mortals were short lived and doomed to end in death for one or both, but he celebrated his long time friend’s happiness in his usual robust style.
~*~*~*~
Jadriel found she could no longer lie still and stare at the stars. Frustrated with the underlying current of anxiety she sensed, she finally left the camp for a walk among the trees. For over an hour, she drifted down the paths of the great tree city struggling with the choices she must make. Both Galadriel and Embrelle urged her to stay for her own safety. What could this mean? What could they sense? Should she even know the answers to these questions? Her wandering had led her along the path of the Fountain Stream that supplied Galadriel’s Garden. When she looked up, she realized she was standing at the entrance to the Garden, and Galadriel stood at the bottom of the stairs beckoning her to come forth. Jadriel glided down the steps and bowed graciously to The Lady of Light.
"Perhaps the answers you seek are here, my niece. Will you look in the mirror?"
"No, My Lady." Jadriel lowered her eyes in sadness.
"But this knowledge might be beneficial to you." The Lady stopped short of imploring her niece.
"I do not want the knowledge of the mirror. The past I can do nothing to change. If I could I would. I no longer wish to be reminded. The future is as a stream of water. It can flow in an infinite number of possible paths after a storm. I care not to worry for futures that will never occur. Nor do I care to fret over the one future that I can do nothing to prevent. I live in the present. That is how I have survived. I have no need to see the present in the mirror. My future was decided in that moment that I chose to leave my beloved Lothlórien. Because of the bitterness I felt at my father’s abandonment, I thoughtlessly gave up the one person who has never done me harm. I hurt the one person who has loved me without condition all my life. Haldir deserved no such treatment; he had done nothing but care for me. I cannot bear to even look upon his face at this time. No, My Lady, I do not want the knowledge of the mirror. I will not look in the mirror. " With these words, Jadriel bowed respectfully to honor the Lady of the Wood and took her leave of Galadriel’s Garden. Downhearted, the Lady watched as her niece disappeared from view over the top of the great stone staircase.
~*~*~*~
Doila Ile – Thank you
Mellonamin, ile elee Embrelle? – My friend, have you seen Embrelle?
Mellonamin – My friend
Utinuamin – My son
Mela en’coiamin – Love of my life~*~*~*~
~ 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.
