Title & Chapter Number: An Unexpected Love 25-26/26
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website: Éowyn's Musings
Fandom: Middle Earth
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All characters are J.R.R. Tolkien's, well; I'm playing with their feelings a bit :) I'm not writing to make any profit but for writing's sake, and because I love the world of Middle-Earth.
Warnings: Angst (I guess).
Betas: Undomiel ... you're a gem :)
Cast: Haldir/Éowyn
Timeline: TTT Movieverse AU
Spoilers: Some for Books & Movies
Summary: After loosing Aragorn to Legolas a broken and angry Éowyn finds love where she least expected it...
Notes: Haldir did not die at Helm's Deep, or did you see a grave? Basically I'm following the books and the movies. However I made some "slight" alterations :) Aragorn isn't in love with Arwen but with Legolas and they are already bound. Also, Éomer wasn't exiled but went to Helm's Deep with the rest of Théoden's army.
Chapter 25 - Nightly Encounters
Haldir's anger had multiplied. How dare she treat him as if nothing had happened? As if his whole world had not broken down around him, burying him beneath the rubble. His life lay in shatters, his heart broken. And Éowyn had acted as if she had been the one who had been wronged.
The cold steel in his hands woke him from his reverie. Soon his twin knives would be stained with the blood of the King of Gondor. He would get his revenge before his hurt would consume him. Why? This one question shot up once and once again. Why had they betrayed him like that? Why had she betrayed him? Him, who loved her with all his heart and soul. Had everything been just a game for her? A small voice inside his head tried to make him reconsider, begged him to first speak with Éowyn. But he silenced it quickly.
He was about to leave the room, the very chambers he had shared with Éowyn. But as he opened the door he found his way blocked by both Legolas and Orophin. "Ah Haldir, at last..." Legolas' hands shot forward, pushing Haldir into the room, making him stumble and crash to the floor. Orophin glared at him and as he spoke his voice was low with anger. "What exactly do you think you are doing? Have you lost your mind to treat Éowyn like that?"
Haldir was stunned, not only by the fact that his own brother was lining against him but also by the anger he saw in Legolas' eyes. For the first time in his long life something had gotten him to loose his temper. Haldir laughed; a cold laugh, bare any emotions. "Has she sent you here? To find out why I wronged her? I will tell you why ... because this is just what she deserves." He struggled back to his feet and continued. "And this," he added raising the knives in his hands, "is just what Aragorn deserves..." Legolas stared at the Guardian questioningly. "And what, prey tell, did they do? What did the man I bound my life to do to you?"
Slowly Haldir related the things he had seen from the battlements to the two elves before him. "You cannot be serious. You really believe that..." Legolas shook his head. "Éowyn told us during dinner that she had finally left her past behind her, by thanking Aragorn for healing her, for bringing her back to you. The only true love of her life." He gazed at the Lórien elf, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by a feeling of pity. "She would never do anything to hurt you knowingly. Haldir, whenever she speaks of you her eyes are lit from within. There is still time for you to set everything to rights again."
Orophin now stood beside his brother, his arm around his shoulder. "Legolas is right. Seek her out. Do not make her pay for your foolishness..." He shook off Orophin's hand, "Have you been listening to me at all? They are together; they must have been ever since they first met... Legolas, you bound yourself to a man unworthy of you. And I was so close to making the same mistake..." The Prince just stared at him. "You think I would have remained with him under such circumstances? No, Haldir. And deep down inside, you know it, too. Does your heart not scream out to you? Not in hurt but disbelief?"
Legolas moved towards the March Warden and lay a hand upon his shoulder. "Is the love you feel for her not worth fighting for?" Slowly Haldir nodded. It had to be as Legolas said; his jealousy had made him see things that were nonexistent. He dropped the knives he was still holding and left the room, closely followed by his brother and the Elven Prince.
~*~*~*~
Aragorn had witnessed the scene between Haldir and Éowyn, and before Legolas and Orophin had followed Haldir, his Prince had whispered to him. "Find her, follow her, do not leave her alone." He didn't know what exactly had happened, but Legolas had sounded urgent. So he had excused himself from the remaining dinner guests and left the hall in search of Éowyn.
And he had found her. In the gardens, surrounded by darkness she sat under an old willow tree. She seemed to be so forsaken and alone that it almost broke his heart to look upon her. He had approached her, slowly lowering himself to the grass next to her. Taking her into his embrace, trying to comfort her, trying to take away the pain he could feel emitting from her.
~*~*~*~
Soon the three elves were out in the palace gardens. And they saw Éowyn, still curled up in her grief. But she was not alone. Seeing Aragorn holding her made something snap inside of Haldir. It was only due to the strong hands of his companions, that he did not strangle both humans on the spot. Hearing the struggling elves, Éowyn looked up and for a fleeting moment caught Haldir's eyes.
Then he finally freed himself from the grip of Legolas and Orophin and turned on his heels. Éowyn, still oblivious of what was going on, jumped to her feet and ran after him. As she finally caught up with him she called out for him. "Haldir, what is it that makes you shrink away from me? What have I done to you?"
He turned abruptly, gripping her wrists and pulling her closer to him. "Never ever speak to me again. I cannot stand your sweet face anymore. Did you enjoy it? I have to admit that you put up a very believable show indeed. But it was all a lie, was it not?" His eyes were flaring, never had she seen him like that. "Haldir, what has come over you?" she tried, unable to comprehend what was happening.
"I finally saw you for what you really are. A deceiver, a liar, in one word, you are human! Just like your beloved Aragorn. I hope you will be happy with him. You can be proud of yourself. You destroyed two first-borns on the way..." He let go of her wrists and was about to turn his back to her again when she reached out to touch his face. "Haldir, meleth nín..." He caught her hand, forcing it away from him. "Next time you try to touch me you will regret it. Leave me alone, never come under my eyes again!"
And with that he was gone into the night. Beyond reach. Éowyn sank to the ground. He had not hit her physically, but his eyes had been like thousands of daggers, all aimed at her heart. There had been no trace of his love for her in those cold eyes. And with his last comment he had ripped it out of her chest, leaving her to bleed, to die.
~*~*~*~
It was like this that Legolas, Orophin and Aragorn found her a few minutes later. She looked like a scared deer, cornered by its hunters. No, she was not frightened anymore; she was broken. Whatever had come to pass between the two, Haldir must have done his worst. Orophin rushed to her side, holding her in his arms, softly stroking her golden hair. Trying to soothe her with gentle words, but feeling that her pain was beyond healing.
Had she been hurting after finding out about Aragorn and Legolas, now she was in agony. She clung to Orophin, feeling him grieve for her. Legolas broke the silence finally as he muttered to Aragorn, "I should not have asked you to follow her. Seeing you together, it only confirmed his foolish ideas." He kneeled by Éowyn's side. "He saw you. Saw you with Aragorn this afternoon. And he believes..." Her eyes locked with his, "He thinks that I have never been truthful towards him. It sickens him to see me because he believes that I never ever wanted to be around him in the first place, that he has given his love to someone unworthy of it."
She gazed at the Elven Prince and managed a weak smile, "And I am. He is one of the First-Born; I would only bring misery over him. Maybe this is his only chance to leave me without suffering too greatly from it..." Both elves and Aragorn stared at her in disbelieve. "You cannot mean this. Éowyn, you are everything to him. His life, his soul. That is why he is so scared of loosing you. And that is why he has probably managed to do so." Orophin looked at her intensely, trying to search her mind, "Has he? Has he lost the only thing he could ever be proud of? The only true love of his life?"
"He will always have my love. But if it is his wish to live without me in his life... I'm not going to force him to be with me, no matter what the cost might be." Orophin kissed her forehead and muttered, "Well, we shall see about that." Slowly he stood and raised Éowyn. Her eyes were vacant, as if she had lost herself. "You go after him. I'll look after her." Aragorn took Éowyn's hand and led her back to the palace. Legolas and Orophin shared a glance and nodded. "I think we have not managed to make our point clearly just now. My dear brother needs stronger arguments to turn him around I think."
Legolas smirked, "Indeed. And it shall be my pleasure to wake him up." With that they set out to search for Haldir. Both had the feeling they knew where he was.
~*~*~*~
Haldir had run back to their chambers, no, there was no `their' anymore. There never had been. He would make them pay. He would... `Haldir,' a voice said inside his head. `How could you? What do you think you were doing?' Galadriel's voice, filled with anger. Never had he heard the sweet voice of his Lady speak to him in such a manner. `I thought you loved her, but your actions tell a different tale. How dare you? Did you set out today to destroy her life?' Rage, hardly held back.
`My Lady, she has betrayed...' Galadriel cut him short, `It is you who betrays her. There is nothing between her and Elessar. She went to him only out of gratefulness. He healed her, brought her back to your arms. How blind can one be? The proud March Warden, haughty Haldir. Haughty indeed.' She almost spat. `Your arrogance disables you to see things as they really are. You do not see what you just did to her. How dare you speak of treason and betrayal? You did not even grant her the chance to explain herself. You are unworthy of her love.'
Haldir sank down on the bed, staring at the pillow Éowyn's head had rested upon just a night ago. Once again he saw the images of the previous afternoon, but now he finally understood. `What have I done?' The tone of his Lady's voice changed. `She might never forgive you, but you have to try. Try to mend the wounds you have inflicted upon her soul. There is no life for you without her. You know that. Find her; beg her to forgive you. Swallow your foolish pride and finally listen to what your heart tells you. I will not see you return to the Golden Wood without her...'
With that her voice was gone. Haldir was alone, alone to ponder on his Lady's words and on what he had done. He had seen the grief in her eyes. Why had he not paid attention to it? No matter what he had said, she had still been willing to forget it. The touch of her small hand, her voice speaking words of love. And he had thrown it back into her face. Would he ever be able to make her forget this? She had been right when calling him a vile creature, unworthy of being an elf.
Never before had he felt regret, but now his heart was cramping every time he thought of the words he had given her. Slowly he got up, moving through the room, opening the door. He would find her. Had to find her. With shaking legs he started his exploration of the palace only to be stopped after making just a few steps.
"Haldir," the voice of Legolas. He turned and barely saw the fist of the Prince before it hit his jawbone. He tumbled backwards against the wall. "If you intended to break her heart, well, congratulations." Orophin's hand closed around his brother's throat. "You were always to be trusted with destroying everything true and good around you. I had hoped that you would have learned by now." Orophin's eyes shot sparks at him.
Haldir did not try to fight himself free. He deserved this, and much more. When Orophin's hand finally let go of him, he let himself slide down to the floor. "Legolas, Orophin. Please tell me that I am not beyond hope. That I have not damaged the bonds between our hearts beyond repair." He covered his face with his hands and for the first time in centuries he started to weep. `Sweet Elbereth, what have I done?'
~*~*~*~
Chapter 26 - Lovers Reconciled
Legolas and Orophin stared at the elf in front of them. Had he finally come to his senses? Orophin knelt down by his brother's side. To see Haldir like this broke his heart. Never had he witnessed him crying. His voice had never sounded so sad and grieved. He sighed deeply. "No, but you will have to fight for her. She thinks that this might be your only chance to part with her without having to suffer too greatly. She is willing to give you up..." Haldir looked up, stunned.
"And what happened that you finally see your errors?" Legolas had lowered himself as well. "My Lady, she made me see the truth. Forced me to..." He had to force himself to speak coherently. Too great was the shame he felt. He had injured the most beautiful soul he had ever known. And even now she was trying to see some good in everything he had done.
Orophin put an arm around Haldir's shoulder, pulling him closer to himself. "I hope you will heed her words, brother." Haldir nodded weakly. "Éowyn did not deserve any of this. And still she loves you, loves you enough to let you go."
Haldir glanced at his brother, seeing him frown through a veil of tears. "If only she would hate me. I could handle it. I could, and would, beg her to forgive me. But..." Haldir shook his head, "How can I ever make her understand that I do not wish for a chance to forsake her. How can I make her see that I regret my actions? I cannot allow her to give up on us. It would surely break her as it would me..." His voice trailed off.
The Prince of Mirkwood stood again, offering his hands to the two siblings before him. "Well, then I think we have to help you winning her back. But before I raise as much as a finger for you, meldiramin..." A smirk appeared on his face, "You will promise me that you will never ever get anywhere near Aragorn with those knifes of yours..."
~*~*~*~
Éowyn was tossing in her sleep. Blue eyes were watching her, a hand holding one of hers. Aragorn had not left her side ever since she had broken down in the gardens. Now she lay on a soft bed in one of the palace's many guest quarters. The King was pondering on what had come to pass just a few hours ago. And he scolded himself for his stupidity. What had made him kiss Éowyn? The truth was simple, and still it hit him like a lightning bolt. He loved her, yes. But not like he loved Legolas. He was not in love with the beautiful woman in front of his eyes.
He felt drawn to her, but more out of an urge to protect her. As if she was his sister... Had his beloved known this as well? Never had he shown any sign of jealousy, well, now he knew why. And Éowyn had been hurt, partly due to his own foolishness. Had he seen Legolas in a similar situation, he would have thought the same as Haldir had. But he would have at least listened to his lover's explanations.
Quietly the door opened and Legolas entered the room, smiling. "He has come to his senses, at long last. Thanks to Galadriel actually." Seeing the puzzled look of the King he added. "She spoke to him, and I believe told him in no uncertain terms what she thinks of his actions." Turning his head towards Éowyn he muttered, "How is she?" Aragorn shook his head, "She hasn't said a word ever since you two left in search of Haldir."
The Prince sighed deeply. "I believe she will not speak with him. She is determined to let him go. To spare him more hurt..." he chuckled, "as if that was still possible. Haldir told us that he wishes to bind himself to her. So he is way past the point of no return." Aragorn smiled at Éowyn. "She is the one for our dear friend. Unfortunately this love hasn't change anything about his haughtiness and arrogance. But," he added more seriously, "it's also partly my fault, isn't it? Because I was unable to see the truth about my feelings for her..."
The eyes of his companion lit up, "Oh, so you finally came to terms with that?" The elf smirked. "Then you would not mind doing something to get them back together, would you?" And as Aragorn shook his head in response, he continued. "Seek out Éomer and explain everything to him. And please, try to keep him from killing Haldir..."
~*~*~*~
The morning dawned and Éowyn woke finding herself gazing into the blue eyes of Legolas. "How are you, my Lady?" She sighed as the memories of the previous day seeped back into her consciousness. "I still can't believe that this is the end. My heart is aching for him, but..." Legolas finished for her, "But you will not see him or speak with him. Still, I believe he would love to speak with you. Will you not allow him an interview?"
"Legolas, I will not be the reason for his fading. If this is the one chance for me to ensure this, then I will be damned if I don't use it. No matter how much it grieves me, no matter how it breaks me..." Her voice trailed off; obviously she tried to convince herself of what she had just said. Legolas smiled sadly at her, "No matter how much he regrets his deeds?" She shook her head, determined to see it through. And still...
Her heart was yearning for him; her soul ached to be with him. His cold eyes had haunted her in her sleep; she knew being without him would undo her. But her mind told her that it might be for the better after all. He was immortal, she had only been granted a limited span of time here in Arda. And eventually her death would trigger his. No, she would not give in to the longing she felt. She would harden herself, as she had for years during the days of Gríma.
Legolas' voice woke her from her daydream. "But you will surely see your brother. I believe he wishes to show you something..." Éowyn didn't see the small grin on the elven face, nor the sparkle in Legolas' eyes. She only inclined her head in approval. "Fine, you may excuse me now my Lady. And I urge you, please reconsider. Haldir wishes for nothing but a few moments of your time..." To himself he added, `Just about the rest of your life.'
~*~*~*~
Éomer had been furious at first. But thanks to Aragorn he had soon calmed enough to see Haldir. The Guardian seemed broken. The air of pride had given way to deepest regret. He almost begged the King of Rohan for his aid. "I cannot be without her, Éomer. If she can ever forgive me, I will use the rest of my days to heal the wounds I caused her. I will cherish and worship her. She is the reason I am in this world, without her, my life is nothing but darkness. She is my light, my sun..." Before he realized it, he had agreed to help the miserable elf before him.
And now he found himself walking by his sister's side, about to trick her into meeting Haldir. He led the way to the chambers Éowyn had occupied until last night. Suddenly she turned to her brother, staring at him. "What is the meaning of this? Éomer, what exactly do you wish to show me?" He quickly opened the door, pushing Éowyn into the room. "Just someone who needs to speak with you. And sister, you need to speak with him as well!" With that he backed away from the door, closing and locking it behind him.
~*~*~*~
Éowyn stared at the closing door, hearing the key being turned. How dare he lock her in with... Only now did she see the other person in the room. Haldir stood opposite of her, his dark eyes seeking out hers. There was no more coldness in them, only pain and fear. "Éowyn," his voice was no more than a whisper. "How dare you. Now you even turn my brother against me! I have nothing to say to you anymore, Haldir of Lórien. All I want is to get away from you as fast as I can." She turned quickly, unable to keep up the pretence much longer.
His eyes had melted her heart, his grief reaching out for her soul. But she would see her plan through. She would save his life by forsaking him. She would... Haldir's hand closed about her wrist, softly turning her around again. Soon she stood face to face with the elf who held her heart. "Please, listen to me." Éowyn tried to break free, shaking her head violently. "No, I will not listen to any more accusations. Let go of me..." Involuntarily she repeated the words he had used the night before.
His next action came as a surprise to both her and himself. He dropped to his knees in front of her, glancing up at her face. "Forgive me, please forgive me." His hands shook as he took her sweet hands in his, kissing them. "I am nothing without you, I cannot bear even the thought of loosing you. You were right when you said that I am unworthy of being an elf. And I am also unworthy of even looking at you. I had no right to treat you as I did. I will never forgive myself for it..."
Éowyn was stunned. Each of Haldir's words made her heart cramp in misery, aching from seeing her beloved in so much pain. Slowly she withdrew her hands from his grip, in a last effort to retreat from him. But the sigh this caused from him made her heart break. She placed a hand on top of his head, softly caressing his silken hair. She knew that she could never leave him. It would destroy both of them. Gradually she lowered herself, until once again she was face to face with him.
"Amin mela le, Haldir." She raised her second hand to his face. "There is nothing I have to forgive you, meleth nín. And I will never allow you to speak so low of yourself again." With that she took him into her arms, holding on to him, unwilling to ever let him go again. She felt his face turn against hers, felt his lips kiss her cheek softly.
"Amin mela le, nín anoriel. Cuiamin, feä-nín. Amin mela le." He drew back a little, looking into her eyes. "I thought I had lost you, I thought I had never really had you. I did not see the truth. I did not realize that it was only my actions that almost caused me to lose you. Éowyn, beloved..." She smiled, leaning in to kiss him gently. "You will never lose me, Haldir. Nín Aran Fuin Ithildin."
They were together again; ready to face whatever lay ahead of them. No matter what it was, they would face it side by side. Neither of them had expected to find love in the other. But through all the terrors they had to endure, they had grown together. Finally they knew that their love was strong enough to survive anything. They had realized that nothing could be more terrible than being apart from the other. Soon they would journey to the Golden Wood. And there they would eventually find out how they could remain together, forever.
But right now, nothing mattered. They were resting in each other's arms, the memory of the previous night nothing more than a shadow that was fading quickly. Beyond the door two men and two elves were smiling at one another. They had restored the bonds between two hearts that were beating as one. Quickly they unlooked the door and then retreated, leaving the two lovers behind.
There was much to be done for tomorrow would be Aragorn's coronation. But one worry had already been taken off the King's shoulders. Éowyn and Haldir would attend, together. Never again did Aragorn wish to see Éowyn suffering the way she had, and neither did Legolas wish for his friend to be in so much agony again. But this only the future would show.
FINI
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