Title & Chapter Number: Destiny’s Moment 6/?
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 VI: Coming of Age
The vivid scenes of Haldir’s life continued to unfold in the dream state of Galadriel’s healing sleep.
Haldir relived the blossoming of his love for Jadriel. Over the years that passed, their relationship grew slowly… as gently as that first kiss. Often their displays of affection consisted of walking under the starlight…a good night kiss…long evenings watching the sun set in an observatory talan above the forest on Cerin Armoth…rambunctious swordplay…hunting expeditions in the woods. Jadriel and Haldir dare not risk their life-long friendship.
Haldir remembered the heat of their first physical moments together. He had risen early on that day intent on inspecting the progress of the training ranks. As he entered the observation talan that overlooked the practice fields he nodded to Drill Captain Endil. He noted that the captain snapped smartly to attention at his arrival. Haldir smiled inwardly at the reaction. Tall and imposing, the Marchwarden stood staring impassively at the activity on the practice fields, making mental notes of issues he wished to further address with the drill instructors. Haldir’s sweeping gaze came to rest on the far corner of the archery field and he smiled.
From his position behind the Marchwarden, Endil spoke proudly. "She has worked many hours with Dimnar. He has progressed rapidly under her instruction."
The Marchwarden watched attentively as Jadriel stood behind her trainee and patiently instructed him in proper arm and hand position. He shuddered imperceptibly when he saw her hands come to rest first on the trainee’s hips, then thighs in an effort to correct his stance. He marveled at the patience and fortitude she had with the inexperienced archer. He allowed a soft smile to cross his face as he watched her demonstrate once more for her student the proper technique. Haldir turned to his drill captain. " Instructing is a compromise for her. She much desires to be a warden."
The drill captain spoke to his commander. " I had my doubts, at first." Haldir shot him an annoyed glare, but Endil continued unperturbed. "She has proven herself to be a valuable member of my training team. She is well liked, patient and has excellent technique."
Haldir lowered his gaze to the talan floor. "Aye, her heart lives in the forest and yearns to be on the marches, but the Lord and Lady would never agree to her becoming a warden. I would never be able to live with the consequences should something happen to her out there," Haldir added somewhat regretfully.
"Come, Drill Captain, let us begin the inspection and end this day of practice." Haldir motioned for Endil to follow.
As Haldir completed the inspection and dismissed the ranks, he took this time to speak to each of his instructors, passing on observations he had compiled while watching the practice earlier. He waited to the last to speak with Jadriel, who continued to gather equipment together as he approached. Haldir busied himself with collecting spent arrows.
When she saw him, she stopped and smiled. "Does the illustrious Captain of the Galadhrim have nothing more important to do than resort to menial labor?"
"Nothing more important than to speak with one of my top instructors, Melamin."
She returned the compliment with one of her sparkling glances and continued the task at hand. "I am nearly done, I can finish putting away the practice equipment."
"It would be my pleasure to assist," his hand closed around her fist as she pulled the arrow from the target.
She smiled at the gesture. "Any words of wisdom for one of your ‘top instructors’?"
"Just continue as you are, the drill captain speaks highly of your training skills."
Jadriel stowed her equipment in the storage talan. As often was her habit since childhood, Jadriel slung Haldir’s quiver over her shoulder. As an elfling, she had felt so honored to carry the quiver of the Marchwarden. Haldir had happily indulged her in this practice. Haldir smiled at the gesture and was thankful as his arms were laden with practice weapons.
Their stroll back to the city along the path was peaceful and pleasant in the late spring weather. The birds sang merrily. The breeze was warm and inviting. The fragrance of the blossoms permeated the air of the forest with the sweetest of scents.
"The Marches have been quiet of late, my Captain. May I join the next patrol?"
Haldir smiled. She always tried to gain a foothold to the fences with the Guard. He liked her quiet persistence. "What of the Lord and Lady?"
Jadriel’s face saddened. "They would not hear of it. They do not wish me to be in harms way."
"Nor do I, Melamin." Haldir added warmly.
"But I can take care of myself. I am capable!"
"I know you are, Melamin. I cannot go against the wishes of the Rulers." Haldir sighed inwardly, thankful he could use that as an excuse. He had no desire to see her injured in battle.
As they approached the great mallorn that supported his talan, they walked in silence. Jadriel seemed to be lost in thought, brooding.
"What of your father, Melamin? Would it not be better for you to stay close to be of aid?" He hoped to distract her from her wishful prodding for a border trip.
Jadriel cast her eyes downward as she ascended the great spiral staircase with Haldir. She sighed deeply and shifted the quiver to the other shoulder. "He does not wish my company…of late."
"Melamin, I do not believe that is the case."
Jadriel’s pace slowed, her shoulders drooped perceptively. Haldir removed his quiver from her arm as they approached the door to his talan. Jadriel looked solemnly into his eyes. "Why does he not love me anymore?"
Haldir dropped his burdens as they entered the threshold of his door and turned to Jadriel. "Melamin, long have I known your father…many centuries before you birth even. He loved you and your mother very much," He said, wrapping her in his arms.
Jadriel had her face nearly buried in Haldir’s chest. "But now my mother is gone, and he can’t love either of us." She fought hard not to cry.
Haldir felt Jadriel stiffen somewhat in his embrace. She looked at him sternly. "Why are Elves so weak?"
The astonished look on his face gave away his immense surprise at the question. "Weak?"
She continued her case. "That’s right…weak! Humans lose family all the time. Humans die, yet their kin do not stop living. They don’t shut each other out. They cling to each other and give each other strength. I have seen it with my mother’s family. Nearly a third of their village was lost in an Orc raid, yet they continued with their lives. They have the courage to face death and go on. Elves have not the courage to face death. They dwindle and fade."
"Melamin, it is different for Elves. Elves bind once, forever. Bound pairs will ultimately be together whether here or Valinor. That was never to be the case for your parents. Your father loved your mother so much he was willing to risk life-long grief to spend a season with her. He knew when he joined with her their time would be short, never would he have imagined just how brief. He was unprepared for your mother’s early death and is truly lost without her, but that does not make him weak. He will never see her again…knowing this, his grief is great."
Jadriel’s expression was a mixture of anger and despair. "I too loved her greatly and neither will I see her again. Yet, I live. I go on. I love my father dearly. Is that love meaningless to him? Does he love his own daughter so little that he can find no reason to live even a little longer? Is my love so worthless that he wishes for death? Nay, I do not think he loves me anymore." She trembled in Haldir’s soft embrace.
Haldir stood looking into Jadriel’s eyes, "It is not that he does not love you. He misses the one that he can share time with…as with no other."
He pulled her close to him, never breaking his gaze from hers and smiled gently. "Melamin, do you trust me?" He allowed his hands to slide down the length of her arms to lightly grasp her hands. He pressed her hands to his chest as he watched the reaction in her eyes.
She looked at him with wide, innocent, trusting eyes. The look was that of the expectant child he had known since birth every time he was teaching her something new. He held her close and closed his eyes. His own courage for once was wavering. He could not look at her and had to remind himself…She is a child no more. She has walked this path with others. This is permitted, if she desires it. He certainly desired it. He had dreamed of this moment for decades, the feel of her touch, the warmth of her closeness, the sweet scent of her body, the heat of her passion. But her child like trust in him was nearly his undoing. She is a child no more. I love her dearly. I would never hurt her, he once again reminded himself.
He guided her hands to the under edge of his tunic and whispered softly to her. "Trust me, Melamin" He prompted her to remove his tunic.
Tentatively, carefully, agonizingly slowly, she slipped the tunic over his head to expose the firm, battle hardened chest of the warrior before her. As she reached out cautiously to touch him, she acted as if she had never before touched one in this manner. Her soft hands traveled over his chest and down across the ripples of his abdomen, sending shivers of pleasure through his body. He inhaled slowly, deeply to the caress. His muscles tensed at the glide of her hand over his skin, making her gentle inquiring touches nearly unbearable. "It is so smooth, as silk," her wide-eyed expression revealed her wonder at the texture of his skin.
To Haldir, her touch was as penetrating as any blade he had felt in battle. It burned as fire, coursing through his very essence. He guided her hands to the lacing of his leggings. "You may continue if you wish." She smiled warmly at him. He could feel the trembling of her hands as they brushed across the front of his leggings, where he could feel his burning desire rising within. Slowly, she pulled at the lacing and slid the garment to the talan floor. Standing back, she stared, amazed at the sight of the Marchwarden before her. He knew Jadriel had never seen him this way. She did not take her eyes from his body to even look at him as he spoke.
"I have dreamed of this day," he said, closing the distance between them. "Will you trust me, Melamin?"
As Jadriel pulled him close, pressing his body to hers, Haldir could feel her heart pounding. He felt the caressing touch of her hands slide down his back, over the firmly curved cheeks of his backside and around to the front of his thighs where she took hold of his hands. "I trust you, my instructor," she whispered as she guided his hands to her tunic.
Gently, almost reverently, he removed her outer clothes. He allowed the strap of her chemise to slip off her shoulder as he slid the other down. The garment slid effortlessly to the floor. His eyes were filled with the splendor of the sight before him. So beautiful, he thought his breath would fail him. She was like and yet unlike all the maidens he had ever known. Taller than most, and lean. While she had soft pleasing curves, her muscles were firm, strengthened by years of training for battle. This athleticism of her body was so very different from the softness of the many elf maidens of his past, yet remarkably stimulating to him. He felt his control faltering as she continued her slow, methodical exploration of his body. She placed his hand to her breast, where he could feel her nipple respond to his touch. He allowed his hands to travel down taking in the firmness of her honed muscles, around her hips and finally up her back. As he pulled her against him to kiss her, he could feel the coolness of her skin pressing against the heated length of his arousal. The sensation was tantalizing…scintillating…overwhelming…
Haldir scooped Jadriel into his arms and placed her across his bed. In the remaining hours of the afternoon, Haldir experienced the heat of a passion he had not known since his youth and bestowed to Jadriel a form of love that he had never felt compelled to give another.
Afternoon gave way to night. The moon rose slowly over the Golden Wood, its light filtering through the window of the bedroom where Haldir and Jadriel lay in each other’s arms, bathing them in a silvery glow. Haldir watched the shadows cast by the leaves dance across Jadriel’s skin as the breeze whispered through the trees. He pulled her close as sleep approached them both. He savored for one last time this day the warmth of her skin and the sweet scent of her hair. "Amin mela ile, Melamin," he whispered softly.
She turned to gaze into the depths of his grey-blue eyes. "My father, he…" Jadriel started to speak then thought better of it. She smiled warmly to Haldir. "My heart is glad I trusted you this day, my instructor." Her kiss was the last thing Haldir remembered that day.
~*~*~*~
The years continued to reveal themselves in his dream.
Guarding the northern fences of Lórien often kept Haldir away from the city. Jadriel understood his duties to Lothlórien were of utmost importance to all the Galadhrim and respected his need to be away. As the years passed, Orc attacks became more commonplace at the edges of the Golden Wood. More of the wardens spent longer stints of time protecting the boarders of Lórien. This was true for the Marchwarden as well. Haldir found his duties rarely brought him into Caras Galadhon. The times he returned he relished in spending with Jadriel. Haldir saw the time when a particular dangerous threat to the Golden Wood developed. Many of his wardens were dispatched to the boarders. Rumblings of invasion were heard from many travelers. Haldir stood in the top of a tall birch overlooking the northern plains. He was on edge with the increase in rumors of an attack from the Orcs of Dol Guldur. Night after night he and his wardens stood vigilant, yet there was no invasion. The peace and quiet was nerve racking even for one of elven resolve. Haldir could feel the dark of the shadow looming. He did not know exactly when the attack would occur. Weeks passed with no visible sign of invasion. It was on these types of occasions, when Haldir was away for extended periods, that Jadriel took advantage of the time by herself to hone her skills. She would practice for hours ever hoping to surprise Haldir by beating him in an archery duel. She wandered off into the woods for days alone to track wildlife, fish or practice her stealth skills. One day Jadriel announced to Celeborn that she was planning such a trip into the forest.
Concern crossed the wise elf’s face as he stared into her eyes, "My dear please do not venture too far from the city for the borders are unsafe at this time."
Jadriel looked at Celeborn with resolve, "Do not fear, my uncle. My travels will not take me to the borders. I plan to stay in the heart of the forest."
Celeborn studied his niece; "Will you not stay to prepare for the Ceremonial Feast of the Season? There is much to be done. Galadriel would very much like you to participate. Orodreth will be attending." Celeborn and Galadriel’s continued hope was to interest Jadriel in the gentile ways of elven maidens. Jadriel had always tried to find ways around such persuasions.
"My father?" Jadriel stumbled over her words. She often longed for her father to show interest in life again, but his grief had been too great. He was dwindling and remained alone. He only took audience with the Lady and then only rarely. Jadriel acutely felt the loss of her father’s company. Oftentimes she was filled with sadness, occasionally with anger but most of the time utter loneliness consumed her. She always held out hope that his slow dwindle toward death would reverse and the father she had known would return to her. "Atar is coming. I will be prompt in my return. Thank you my Lord." With that, Jadriel kissed her uncle and lit off toward the forest floor.
As she headed toward the great white gate of the city, Jadriel ran across Orophin and a company of wardens preparing to head toward the North Fences.
"Ai’seler, where are you going so armed?" Haldir’s brother asked seeing Jadriel walking down the path toward the gate. Orophin noted that Jadriel was outfitted with her long sword, bow, many arrows and provisions. She has taken on the appearance of a warden of the Galadhrim except for the uniform. He smiled, for Jadriel never made pretenses about her desire to be a guardian of Lórien.
"I plan to travel a short distance up the Silverlode and camp. Where is your counterpart?" Jadriel meant Rumil, for Orophin and Rumil were often seen together.
"He has been away for weeks with Haldir. I am to take my company to replace them. Haldir will be returning in a few days. Is there a message I may give to him?" Orophin added with a quirky grin. This was the way he always managed to insert information regarding Haldir to Jadriel. He awaited her usual answer.
"Tell him I have gone fishing." This was Jadriel’s way of letting Haldir know she would be waiting on him when he returned. Most every one else took it literally as Jadriel was usually on her way out of town on one of her excursions when she used the line. "Take care, tororamin" My brother take care of your brother for me. She smiled at Orophin. He understood her meaning and returned the gesture.
"Take care, ai’seler." He waved as she left the great white gate of the city.
The Silverlode had been peaceful enough the first day. As she walked through the woods on the dawn of the second day, Jadriel could feel a growing unease. For no specific reason Jadriel could understand, her path kept drawing her northward toward the borders. First she followed an eagle. The magnificence of the beautiful bird captivated her. She followed its flight for many hours. When at last she bid the eagle farewell, she found that she was many miles north, away from the Silverlode. Next, an unusual cloud formation mystified her. The shape and colors were so unusual; she climbed a treetop to get a better view. The warm southern wind blew gently through the trees of Lórien and with it the cloud drifted ever northward. When the cloud finally dispersed, Jadriel knew she was uncomfortably near the border. She had promised the Lord and Lady she would not venture near the borders of their land. She knew Orc activity was on the increase, but she was drawn by a force she found hard to resist to work her way northward. Near the edge of the forest her uneasiness peaked. She heard a disturbance that seemed to be coming from outside the forest. Jadriel scurried up a nearby tree to gain advantage in an unoccupied observation talan. She shuddered involuntarily at the activity on the plain below.
In full charge with swords drawn, the Guardians of the Galadhrim were running across the plain toward an equally fierce group of charging Orcs. Arrows by the dozens were soaring toward the Orcs, only to be answered by an equally menacing shower of Orc arrows directed toward the Elves. Haldir was leading the charge. Her heart sank. The uneasiness she had felt had been his impending peril, Jadriel could sense this clearly now. As the two groups met in a tumultuous clash of weapons, individuals dissolved into a blur of greys and blacks with occasional glints of silver from swords. Even with her elven eyes, Jadriel could not distinguish Haldir. She seemed to sense he was unharmed. Closer to her, Jadriel was able to observe a more acute threat. A second group of elves was charging the battle scene only to be running toward an impending ambush from the Orcs. Rumil was leading this group. They were so close to her position, she could distinguish golden inlays of the Galadhrim bows clearly. Jadriel realized she had to do something.
From the grassy mound, Haldir could see his brother’s plight but could not get to him to lend assistance. His heart pounded; his rage boiled as he beheaded a charging Orc. He frantically worked his way across the battlefield trying to close the distance between his brother and the Orcs that lay in ambush. Suddenly Haldir saw swift arrows flying toward the Orcs. One by one the Orcs fell by the hand of the unknown archer in the nearby tree. Haldir could just barely see the source of the arrows but did not recognize the shooter. Several of the Orcs nearest to his brother fell, but the rest were not dissuaded. They quickly overtook Rumil’s party. The group of elves fought bravely but Haldir noted several elves had fallen. Rumil appeared to have more than he could easily handle. Just as one of the Orcs might have landed a lethal blow, another arrow felled the would-be attacker and Rumil was safe. This time the unknown archer was running in full stride across the battlefield toward his brother. Haldir could see the archer was not one of his wardens but another of the Galadhrim. The valiant efforts of this brave member of the Galadhrim were doomed to be insufficient as the sheer number of Orcs attacking Rumil’s company was too overwhelming to effectively handle. One of the Orcs caught Rumil behind the left shoulder. He fell to his knees. The running archer’s arrow stopped a second blow from this Orc. Haldir saw the archer draw a sword and engage another Orc coming toward Rumil. Haldir found he could focus no longer on Rumil’s situation as the battle had surged toward him. He bellowed in frustration for his brother as he spun to slay a would-be attacker. He slashed off the sword arm of a second and skewered the third through the midsection. All the while working his way toward Rumil’s direction.
"To the right! Charge!" Haldir barked to his wardens. He needed to get reinforcements on Rumil’s side of the plain soon or many more elves would be lost.
Haldir and a small group of his nearby wardens ran in the direction of the fallen Rumil. Standing around him and fending off a fierce Orc onslaught were several of Rumil’s elves and the unknown archer. With sword drawn, Haldir engaged an Orc approaching his brother. Blow after blow weakened and finally destroyed the attacker. The oncoming tide of Orcs seems to ebb and flow like the waves of the distant seas. When Haldir’s wardens gained an advantage, the Orcs would withdraw. When the Orcs gained an advantage the wave would surge forward. Haldir was always careful to interpose himself between his brother and the approaching Orcs. The tumult of battle raged all around. Finally, his wardens seem to gain the upper hand and fewer Orcs approached or had to be suppressed.
Haldir was bumped from behind. He wheeled swiftly around with sword drawn to subdue the would-be attacker. As he spun around, his sword met in a clash of metal with another, stopping it abruptly. Haldir stood face to face with his opponent. Both froze for a moment and stared at each other in disbelief. In that moment, Haldir realized the warrior was not an Orc but the unknown Galadhric archer. To his astonishment the warrior was Jadriel. Jadriel gave a smile of recognition. Haldir gave a nod of affirmation, validating her actions. Both then were compelled to turn their attentions to the battle that raged around them. In the next second, Jadriel and Haldir were fighting side by side to subdue the remaining Orcs that threatened his brother and the rest of the Galadhrim.
As the sounds of battle diminished and the last few Orcs were defeated, Haldir realized he was required across the plain. He cast a questioning look to Jadriel.
She instantly realized his dilemma. With a nod of her head she replied, " Go, I will see to Rumil’s safety and care. We will take the wounded to the trees."
At these words, Haldir bolted across the plain in the direction of the remaining onslaught. Finally the battle subsided. The Orcs were vanquished from the area. Some ran for the direction of Mirkwood, many more lay dead. Elves not involved in battle were checking the fallen kinsmen for signs of life. Much work lay ahead as many Elves lay injured or dead. The task of gathering and tending to the injured would take much time. With every living guardian the Elves discovered, sounds of rejoicing could be heard. The task of burying the dead would also take much of the day. Sounds of laments rang equally as loud in the crisp morning air. The sun ablaze rose in the eastern sky, its hues of fiery red and gold, a herald to the slaughter of the previous night.
Jadriel lifted Rumil over her shoulder and started toward the observation talan she had found. Other wounded were also carried to the treeline by those able. When Jadriel reached the talan, another warden of the Galadhrim offered to carry Rumil to the security it afforded. Jadriel was glad for the assistance, as she was exhausted from battle.
"Is there a healer among you?" Jadriel asked.
"He is attending many of the fellow injured. Our losses have been great, but thank the Valar, the Orc loss was greater. The green plain now appears as a sea of black to me." Tenlar added with a sigh of sadness. He was weary, even for an Elf. The battle had been great.
Once in the talan, Jadriel attended the nearly unconscious Rumil. She turned to Tenlar. "If you bring me some clean water, I will dress his wounds." She began to inspect for injuries. Jadriel methodically worked from his head down. Speaking softly to the dazed Rumil as she withdrew a small flask from her belt pouch. "Here, this will strengthen you and ease the pain, my brother," she offered the elvish brew. Rumil sipped groggily then drifted to sleep. Carefully, she stripped the garment from his injured left shoulder and cleaned and dressed the gash. She removed some healing powder from her belt pouch and placed it in the oozing wound. "Here, this will assist in slowing the bleeding." Satisfied, Jadriel covered the wound with a pressure dressing.
Just as she finished, Jadriel was aware of a familiar presence. Haldir had entered the talan and bolted to his brother’s side. He stared at Jadriel but said nothing. Instead he proceeded to access his brother’s condition.
"Rumil has been injured gravely behind his shoulder. He has lost much blood. I have tended to the would and gave him something for the pain as no healer was available." Still Haldir remained silent. With these words, Jadriel arose and walked away leaving the two brothers. She stopped near the edge of the talan and surveyed the battlefield. The plain did indeed appear to be carpeted in black. This was the first time Jadriel had witnessed battle. How sorrowful a site, Elves scurrying around the black heaps to assist the injured and remove the dead.
Haldir had been too engrossed with concern for Rumil to respond to Jadriel’s reports. After he had fully assessed Rumil’s state, Jadriel heard Haldir murmur an ancient elven healing spell over his brother, who finally fell silent and stirred no more.
Jadriel took this opportunity to speak once more to Haldir. " You have said nothing, are you angry with my actions today?"
Haldir looked up with a start. Between the battle and Rumil’s injuries, he had forgotten just how astonished he was to find Jadriel on the battlefield.
"No, Melamin." The words were soft and caring, not at all what Jadriel had braced herself to receive. Haldir rose from Rumil’s side and walked over to face her. Reaching out to gently take hold of both of her shoulders, he continued. "You fought with as much courage and valor as any of my wardens. You saved Rumil. You have brought great honor to your name this day. How could I be angry?" This was the highest form of praise Jadriel could have received from her life long hero and instructor. Haldir released her shoulders to place a hand gently on her left temple. This was not the touch of the Marchwarden but of her lover. Jadriel closed her eyes and savored the moment. Haldir allowed his fingers to slide between the weaves of her braids. He noticed she wore a decidedly masculine hairstyle, as was often her habit. He loved to see her hair flowing free and loose about her shoulders, and found himself wanting to unbraid her hair one weave at a time to relish in the silkiness as it flowed over his fingers. He allowed a soft smile at the thought. However, this was neither the time nor the place. "It is just that I cannot protect you as I wish when you are on a battlefield."
"But you are wrong. Do you not see? You have and always will protect me. Your knowledge and skill goes with me wherever I may go. All your years of training follow me," she countered.
Haldir smiled. He knew her dream of becoming a warden. He could tell just how much her performance today pleased Jadriel. He was equally proud of her performance. She had shown herself to be a great and skillful warrior. "Melamin, we will discuss your travels to the border another time. There is much I have left to do here. The danger is not over." All he really wanted to do was take her in his arms and hold her . . . shield her from the violence she had experienced today. As always, when her eyes sparkled from some excitement, she looked more beautiful to him. At this moment, Jadriel was simply radiant. Haldir allowed his hand to slide to the back of her neck to cradle her head as he leaned forward to kiss her. Just then, rustlings of an approaching guardian drew him back to the reality of the situation. He broke the contact to stride across the talan and greet his warden.
"Marchwarden, your brother Orophin approaches with reinforcements."
"Very well, prepare the injured for travel. We will leave for Caras Galadhon by midday. With this, he turned to look over his shoulder at Jadriel, " I will return when I am finished." He left to organize his wardens leaving Jadriel to attend Rumil once more. Jadriel, weary from the battle, saw to Rumil’s comfort first then curled up near the trunk of the great tree and fell asleep.
When Haldir returned from his duties, he found Jadriel in peaceful slumber. The previous night had been long, even for his liking. A few hours of rest would be refreshing. He walked over to where Jadriel slept and lay down beside her. Holding her gave him strength and comfort. He wrapped an arm over her waist and placed his head near hers. So close was he that he found his face nuzzled among the silkiness of her hair. Through the scent of battle, he could distinguish the familiar fragrance of his beloved. He felt a surge of warmth course through his body culminating in a rising heat in his loins, sensations just the sight of her could elicit sometimes. The pressure of her body against his made them nearly unbearable. Haldir sighed, too long had his duties kept them apart. But there would be no release for him this day. Too much responsibility weighed upon him on the Northern Fences. His wardens depended on him to conduct himself as the Marchwarden. Weakness in any aspect of his life was not allowed for the Marchwarden of Lórien when on patrol. He sighed once more; there could be no concessions for his personal needs. He pulled himself closer to Jadriel hoping the closeness of their bodies would be comfort enough after so many weeks apart. Haldir drifted into a much-needed sleep. So sound was her sleep, Jadriel never stirred.
Later that day, Haldir was already organizing his elves when Jadriel arose. Haldir watched as slowly the severely wounded were lined up to be carried down the path toward the city. Jadriel had insisted on carrying one end of the litter that supported Rumil to allow another able-bodied elf to remain to protect the borders. Haldir smiled while watching her. He was impressed with his long-time love. If he had to rate her performance as a warden, she would score exceptionally high. He knew that would please her very much. Perhaps he would not mention this to Jadriel. That would only encourage her to pursue a path that was contrary to the wishes of the Lord and Lady. Still, on this day, Haldir was very grateful she had happened along against the wishes of the Rulers’ of the Galadhrim. Rumil would be around to tease him yet another day.
~*~*~*~
Melamin – Literally means "my love", however generally used here as Haldir’s long time nick name for Jadriel
Amin mela ile, Melamin. – I love you, Melamin.
Atar – Father
Ai’selar – Little sister
Tororamin – My Brother~*~*~*~
~ 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.
