Title & Chapter Number: You Saw His Eyes (A Ballad) 2/4
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Middle Earth
Rating: R
Disclaimer: LOTR character are not mine and I write only for non monetary reasons
Warnings: Some minor (het) sexual content, violence
Betas: Julie
Cast: Haldir, Orophin, Rumil, other character's I have created
Timeline: Sometime before Helms Deep
Spoilers: It's long but lots of Haldir
Summary: Haldir and his brothers find their hands full when they come to the aid of a small keep. Haldir will find out that Galadriel's premonition that he had some changes coming in his life happen quicker than he expects, and finds the results as challenging as anything he'd encountered before.
Notes: None
The hill overlooked the golden wood, and Haldir knelt thankfully as their journey would soon be ended. It had not been a pleasant one, and he looked back over his shoulder at his companions. Rúmil stood with his back to him, scanning the hills behind them, and Orophin knelt in front of the girl, who sat staring at nothing, disconsolate and today unresponsive when they spoke to her. It had not been that way when they first set out. He shook his head. He was unused to the emotions humans could display and had been taken aback when he finally broke the sleeping spell he had placed over her. Furious was not even close to describing her reaction. Only his quickness had saved him from being impaled by her knife as she had hurled herself at him. He sighed as he remembered.
He laid Geillis gently down on the ground as they stood to watch the keep burning now in the far distance. He crouched beside her and reached out to dispel the magic induced sleep when Orophin stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
“Be prepared for anything, my brother, for I do not trust her to be sane when she wakes.”
Haldir rested his hand on his brother’s for a moment, and then laid his hand gently over her eyes, speaking the Sindarin words softly.
Geillis sighed, her eyelids twitching for a moment, and then they flew open, filled with both pain and horror. The girl hurled herself off the ground, knocking a surprised Haldir onto his back as he caught her wrist, the knife she held only a few inches from his throat. He held her there for a moment as she stared at him in fury, then Orophin and Rúmil dragged her off, pulling her arms behind her back as she struggled futilely, trying to twist out of their grasp. Finally she calmed down and they reluctantly released her as Haldir rose. He tucked her knife into his belt as she stared furiously.
“What have you done? I hate you, you had no right!” Geillis demanded angrily, her chest heaving with her fury.
She pushed past Haldir, and Rúmil and Orophin both stood back as she stared at the glow of the burning keep in the distance. She stood stiffly, but Haldir could see her shoulders were trembling. Her hand rose to her lips, as if to stifle a cry, then she sank down to the ground, unable to control the tears as they fell. Orophin and Rúmil looked at each other, then at Haldir in concern, but he shook his head. They retreated a short distance away from her, and crouched, waiting for the tide of emotion to recede.
“I am glad I do not have such strong emotions.” Rúmil murmured as he watched her. He looked at Haldir. “It is a good thing you are quick. I fear she would have cut your throat and not been sorry for our loss.”
Orophin sighed. “I agree, although I would have been sorry to kill her.”
Haldir only grunted, his eyes on Geillis as she sat sitting with her head on her knees. At least her shoulders were no longer shaking.
Orophin put his hand on Haldir’s shoulder once again. “I do not think her words were heartfelt. Only her anger provoked them.”
Haldir looked at them then stood up. “I do not fear her words, brothers, only her grief, if she allows it to overcome her.” He walked away and was quickly lost in the shadows. The two turned back to Geillis, and sat down.
“I think I fear Haldir’s own piece of mind if she despairs overmuch,” Rúmil whispered. Suddenly, they heard a branch snap behind them and a muffled curse. Orophin looked at Rúmil in shock. “I think he just walked into a branch!”
When they finally pulled her to her feet, she only stared at them, her eyes red from her weeping. She ignored Haldir, who shrugged as he pulled his bow over his back. Motioning to his brothers, they pushed her between them, forcing her to walk behind Haldir as they set out.
Geillis stared at the gray clad cloak that hovered in front of her, oblivious to where she set her feet or their surroundings as they moved over the plain. Several times she stumbled, only to have either Orophin or Rúmil catch her and set her back on her feet. Whether Haldir looked back she did not care to notice. She followed where he led, and when they stopped, she drank whatever they gave her. Their Lembas bread at first she pretended to eat, throwing it out when they were not looking, but her dragging steps soon revealed she had not eaten and Haldir had taken to crouching down in front of her when he gave her the bread and waiting there until she stuffed it into her mouth, and then waiting still longer for her to chew it and swallow before he would leave her. It was the only time their gazes would meet. Haldir watched as each day Geillis became less focused as she retreated inside of herself.
Haldir rose from the hill and ran swiftly back to his brothers. “We will sleep in Caras Galadhon tonight,” he said, pulling Geillis to her feet. She stared at him, but her gaze was unfocused. He frowned, and then turned to stride up the hill, Rúmil gently prodding Geillis to follow him. They reached the sanctuary of the trees and had only gone a few steps when several of the Silvan elves dropped from the trees.
“Long have you been gone, Haldir?” one of them said as he looked curiously at Geillis.
Haldir glanced back toward Geillis. “Our journey did not go as planned.”
Another elf stepped forward to peer into Geillis face. “She walks as if in sleep. What have you done to her?”
Orophin and Rúmil snickered and Haldir glanced at them sternly. “I have done nothing. She is under no spell of mine.”
Orophin turned away for a moment, clearing his throat, but Rúmil could not resist.
“Well, I wouldn’t quite put it that way, brother.”
Haldir’s eyes narrowed as Rúmil shrugged and said, “Well, if you hadn’t put that sleeping spell on her…”
“Rúmil…” Haldir began in warning, his expression for once filled with frustration and anger. The elves looked at him in surprise, for it was unusual for Haldir to lose the tight control he had on his feelings. Their eyebrows rose in amazement.
Haldir adjusted his bow, and gripped Geillis’s arm, drawing her forward. “We must reach the city tonight. I must have word with the Lady of the Wood.” The other elves nodded and blended back into the trees.
~*~*~*~
Galadriel and Celeborn stood waiting in the audience chamber. Word that Haldir had finally made it back to the Golden Wood had preceded him as he entered the city. The girl he brought with him had sent surprised whispers through the elves as he slowly climbed the pathways high into the trees.
Galadriel watched them step onto the audience platform, noting as they did so the tension on Haldir’s face as he bowed before her. Rúmil and Orophin stood a pace behind the girl as she stopped, staring dully at the floor in front of her. They looked over their shoulders at the edge of the platform, then at each other, retreating a step further as if to block the edge. Interested in their behavior, Galadriel glided down the steps, focusing her attention on the girl.
Celeborn stared at her curiously, and spoke first. “Who is this child you bring before us, Haldir? She looks to be human. But her mind is not here with us.”
Galadriel laid a hand on his arm. “She has met with terrible pain. Grief clouds her mind. She has shut us out.”
Haldir raised his eyes to meet Galadriel’s, and she looked briefly into his mind.
“You also have had a difficult journey, Haldir, and it saddens my heart to see your pain. Your decisions in this matter were made from a compassionate heart. Do not trouble yourself needlessly. They were sound.”
Haldir bowed at her words, but his face did not clear of its tension.
Galadriel crossed the few steps to the girl and wrapped her hands on either side of her face, lifting Geillis’s eyes to meet her own.
Geillis started as her eyes met brilliant blue ones that reached into her soul. She gasped as she stared at them. She focused slowly on the vision before her, and was pulled back into consciousness. She realized that the vision before her was real; she felt the warm hands that held her face. The vision was an elven woman, her silver hair glistening in the glittering light behind her, her eyes dark as she stared down at her. Pain flooded Geillis’s mind as the mental blocks she had built were torn down, and she remembered. Anger returned and Galadriel stepped back as the brown eyes hardened and became the striking focus on the girl’s face.
Galadriel looked askance at Haldir, and he nodded.
“It cannot be.” Galadriel said as Celeborn stepped next to her, looking from Haldir to the girl.
Geillis stared at the elves in front of her, they were ethereal, dressed in shimmering robes of white and silver and they stared back at Geillis curiously. She noted that they stood on some type of platform, and with a start, that they were high amid a forest of huge trees. She could sense Haldir’s brothers behind her and glancing at them she noted that they stared at her warily. Did they think her depression so overwhelming that she might leap over the edge? They were probably right. She took a step toward the edge of the platform and froze when Haldir reached out to grip her arm.
“Don’t even think about it,” he growled.
The elven woman glided effortlessly until she stood before Geillis. Her azure gaze was so powerful that Geillis stepped back without thinking and felt Rúmil and Orophin’s hands grasp her arms, preventing her from moving further back.
“I am Galadriel,” the elf said in a deep, melodious voice. “I am the Lady of the Wood, Lady of the Galadhrim. Haldir is my captain, Guardian of the wood, the Galadhrim and the land of Lothlórien. And he has brought you, a human, inside my realm against our laws. Do you not think he should be punished for this?”
Geillis’s gaze shifted to Haldir who stared back, his dark eyes hooded. She felt the anger that was like a rock in her stomach and her eyes narrowed. Galadriel lifted a long brow and glanced at her captain.
“I do not think I will ask that of you. From his thoughts I see you have had words. You have much pain and sorrow in your heart; he wishes only to help you heal it. It may be his punishment to do so, I have not yet decided.” She walked around Geillis as she bristled, unwilling to accept the lady’s words.
“I do not need his help,” she snarled, glaring at Haldir. “He has done more than help, of which I did not want.”
Haldir frowned and stiffened. Geillis folded her arms stubbornly across her chest as the other tall elf moved between them. He was the same height as Haldir, but his hair was streaked with blue tinted silver strands, his eyes a deep indigo. He lifted his chin, his eyes studying her inquisitively.
Galadriel glanced at him and smiled. “My husband Celeborn, Lord of Lórien.” The lady’s gaze drew Geillis as moved closer. “You are angry, and from your grief it is understandable. Some day you will realize it was for you that he took you away.”
Geillis gritted her teeth, forcing back the anger, the sorrow that threatened to engulf her once again. “And it did not matter what I wanted, Lady of the Wood?”
Galadriel tilted her head, but Celeborn spoke instead. “In your state of mind, you could have made an impetuous decision. Where would that have led you?”
Geillis turned her gaze on him. His blue eyes met hers calmly, waiting for her to answer.
“With my family,” she said as his eyebrows rose.
“And you would be dead,” he stated and Geillis stiffened, her chin rising defiantly.
“And what is wrong with that?” she asked.
“Life is a precious thing, especially for one of your kind. To throw it away needlessly is foolish.” Celeborn held out a hand. “You have much to live for, child, though you may not believe it.”
Geillis shook her head, refusing to accept the Lord’s advice. “So now where am I to go? I have no one left.”
Galadriel moved to her side, reaching out to take her hand. “Do not concern yourself with that now. Come into the city; rest your eyes and your heart. We can help you in more ways than you know. You will your ease here. I will have the wardens show you to a room where you may reside.” She pulled Geillis forward until she stood in front of Haldir. He dropped his gaze to his feet as Galadriel sighed softly.
“As for Haldir’s punishment, he will be unable to attend to his duties as Captain of my guard, and so he shall be my captain no more,” Galadriel continued softly and Geillis watched Haldir’s jaw clench in anger, but he did not look up at the lady.
“Orophin as his second in command will take charge of my Galadhrim, for Haldir will not have the time. He will be reinstated when I feel you have control once more of your emotions. Until then, you will see much of him. He will be your shadow. I do not fear you will harm anyone here, but only to yourself.” She moved back as Geillis glared at Haldir. “Although I see from your gaze that perhaps Haldir should fear some harm.” She smiled at Haldir, who nodded curtly, and handed Geillis’s hand to him, which she jerked back.
Haldir eyes glittered dangerously as he took her elbow in a tight grip that she could not ignore. He pulled her along swiftly, leaving the audience chamber to quiet murmurs behind them.
Galadriel turned to Orophin as he stepped before her.
“My lady, you are wise and I do not think to know your intentions, but perhaps to remove Haldir from his position is a bit harsh. He only did what he thought best.”
Galadriel smiled softly, gripping Orophin’s shoulder. “It is as much a gift as a punishment, Orophin. Do you not see the thread that ties these two together? I know of Haldir’s reasons for traveling to Lord Aidan’s keep. He has spoken of his beliefs to me before. It is only Elrond who will know the truth, and I will send for him. We cannot go to all this effort if the girl throws herself from a cliff in a rash decision. She knows not yet what lies in store for her. She only sees torment.”
Orophin sighed. “But you have not seen them together. I fear for his sanity if he has to stay by her side. She may see only torment, but I fear torment is all Haldir will feel.”
~*~*~*~
Geillis paced the small confines of the Talan, as Haldir had called this room, set in the lower branches of the huge trees. He had called them Mallyrn, and in truth she had never seen trees so huge. He stood just outside the doorway; she could see the edge of his shoulder as he leaned against the vine-covered wall. The windows of the room were open and a slight breeze ruffled the strands of her hair as she stood opposite the door, looking up into the city before her. Amidst the branches of the trees, hundreds of tiny lights twinkled, the whole canopy above her filled with the arching elegant elven structures as they wound themselves about the tree trunks. She could see a few elves gliding silently along the walkways, all with similar blond hair as Haldir’s.
Frustrated at being dragged here against her wishes, she stood with her hand on her hip. What did she want? If she was honest with herself, she really did not know. The elves made her nervous; she did not know what kind of powers they had. The Lady Galadriel? She seemed to be able to read her mind. Did that mean they all could? She shivered at the thought, making a note to control her wayward thoughts around Haldir.
She sighed. She had cost Haldir his position among his warriors. He must be furious with her. Well, it was his fault; he had made the decision to remove her from her home! But no, she berated herself it was also her fault. The lady had said he would be reinstated once she had control of her emotions. Control! How was she able to control her emotions when it only took a small glance from Haldir to set her heart racing? Was this what her mother had felt?
She sat on the bed, and then looked up to see Haldir standing in the doorway. “Don’t tell me you can read my mind too.”
Haldir smiled in amusement. “No, I cannot, but you must have been thinking of me if you say such.”
Geillis cheeks grew flushed as his grin widened. She stood up to look out the window, better to avoid seeing him. But she could sense him as he leaned against the door frame.
“Do you not wonder what the inscription on your sword says?”
Geillis turned to him abruptly. “How do you know it has an inscription?”
“I saw it when you drew it the first time we fought the Orcs. The sword is of elven make. You know this, do you not?”
Geillis turned back to the window, gripping the edge tightly. She held her breath for a moment as he stepped up behind her.
“How did you come by it?” he asked, his words a whisper in her ear as he leaned over her shoulder. Geillis began to tremble and looked away. “Did you perhaps steal it?” he murmured softly against the opposite shoulder.
Geillis shivered and brushed past him to stand in the center of the Talan and Haldir turned slowly to face her. “You know I did not,” she insisted, hating the fact that she could not seem to breath properly with him so close.
The elf smiled, keeping his distance for the moment. “I must admit the truth of our journey. We did not just happen by your keep.”
Geillis’s eyes narrowed and she frowned, stiffening as he stepped closer once more. “So Rúmil’s injury was contrived?”
Haldir shook his head. “That, no. We were ambushed in the gully, but it only made our way into your keep easier.”
Geillis’s chin rose in anger. “So you are saying you came to us for a reason? And what, pray, was that?”
Haldir stood next to her, his grey eyes glittering as he looked down at her, locking her gaze with his. Her knees threatened to wobble as he continued, pulling a lock of her hair through his fingers. “I came to see you.”
Geillis jerked away. “And why would you wish to do that? I could be no concern of yours. You did not even know me.”
Haldir arched a brow, but his expression was veiled as he looked at her. “But I did know you. We had met before.”
“But I was only a child. Are you a stalker of children too?”
Haldir looked offended. “Nay, not in the way that you are thinking.” He clicked his tongue irritably as he turned to the window for a moment. “I only mention it because even as a child you drew my attention. You see, your eyes reminded me of another. But it was not until later that I realized who it was.”
“And so you had to come to verify your suspicions were correct.”
“Yes. But I fear once I saw you again, that reason no longer seemed important,” Haldir whispered, his eyes glinting as she stepped back against the onslaught of his gaze.
Her knees gave out and she sat on the bed, sucking in a shaky breath. This was getting out of control. Frowning, she looked up at Haldir. “Could you have healed my fa… Lord Aidan?”
Haldir expression froze in surprise at her choice of words. “I am sorry, but no. It was too late.”
“And I am to believe you.”
He frowned. “I do not lie.”
“Do you not? Perhaps you do not lie with words, but in deeds? You came to us as if in need, yet you had an underlying purpose for being there. It seems to be such a coincidence then that the Orcs attacked twice! How easy then, with the Lord fatally injured, that you felt you must save me?” She was growing angrier by the minute.
Haldir crossed the room to stand in front of her as she stood up from the bed.
“I did not contrive the Orc attack, if that is what you mean. If you expected me to leave you to die, I could not.” She could see him grind his teeth in frustration. “Lord Aidan asked me to take you with us. He died in my arms! How could I refuse?”
“Oh, how could you refuse?” Geillis laughed as his eyes narrowed in anger. “Please, you had already made that decision, did you not? Everything fell neatly into place.”
Haldir looked down at her, his eyes glinting dangerously. “You go too far, little one.”
Geillis laughed again. “But that is what is so funny. Why did you come, Haldir? What drew you? Me? Why? What is so luring that you, the wonderful, loyal Guardian of the great Lothlórien, would pursue a human female? For what, a quick romp in the hay somewhere?” She stopped as his face paled in fury.
His mouth was a thin line of anger as he stepped closer. She could not move back as the bed lay behind her knees and a simple push would put her on her back. She looked up at him, her gaze meeting his defiantly.
“Can you deny that you have desired me as well? Tell me truthfully that you have no thoughts of what could be. Your face reveals your emotions.” His eyes glittered as he gripped her shoulders. His head lowered slightly and Geillis found she could not breathe. “But I did not take you for that reason, although I will admit my thoughts may have strayed in that direction once or twice.”
He smiled lazily, a slow curve of his lips that she found almost frightening and she closed her eyes as his lips descended toward hers. She couldn’t do it. She twisted her head, avoiding his kiss.
“I will not be like my mother!” she cried, pushing him away and he stepped back to allow her past. She crossed to the window, staring outside while she clenched the ivy-covered sill tightly. Haldir was silent and then crossed to the door, stepping back outside. He stood just outside the door on the platform overlooking the stairs that led down to the next level.
~*~*~*~
Rúmil reached the top step to the talan, Orophin several steps behind. In front of them Haldir sat next to the door resting his forehead against his palm while his arm rested on his knee. His face held such a gloomy expression, along with irritation that his brother’s froze for a moment in dismay. Orophin grasped his hand, pulling him to his feet as Rúmil grinned cheerfully.
“How is to be the feisty maiden’s shadow?”
Orophin frowned at him, pushing him aside.
“Do not listen to him, Haldir. He only wishes it were he.” Rúmil leaned over to peek into the Talan, noticing that Geillis lay curled on the bed, sleeping.
Haldir folded his arms across his chest with an aggravated sigh. “Not well. I fear she does not want my company. Perhaps it would have been better if the Lady had chosen Rúmil. Then he could be the one to bear the brunt of the maiden’s temper.
Rúmil grinned again. “Have you had to bear her temper, brother? Or perhaps you’ve been the cause of it?”
Orophin punched Rúmil’s shoulder. “We did not come here to tease Haldir. This is serious business.” He turned back to Haldir, who looked at him in amusement.
“The weight of your office must now bear heavily on your shoulders, brother, for you to become so serious.”
Orophin looked offended by Haldir’s jibe but then grinned sheepishly. “Aye, standing at your side has never been a burden. But to find myself in your position and to take on the weight you carry so easily on your broad shoulders has me dragging my steps in despair. I fear we must leave on the morrow to tend the watch. It will not be an easy thing without you at our side. We only go for a short time as we go to watch for Lord Elrond’s arrival. The Lady has spoken to him, and he will be here within the week.”
Orophin clasped Haldir’s shoulder, frowning as Haldir’s expression hardened. “The Lady’s decision was harsh, Haldir. I do not understand her reasoning.”
Haldir slid a hand through the strands of his silver hair and looked out into the trees. “When we left I spoke of my suspicions about Geillis to the Lady. She would not tell me all, but said that upon our return, I would find myself torn between two things that would could perhaps change my life here.” He moved away from his brothers, standing at the edge of the platform. Rúmil looked at Orophin curiously. “I find that what she spoke of has come to pass. I am torn, angry at her decision to remove me from my post, and yet my heart gladdens that I am forced to stand watch over this woman who shreds my peace of mind.”
Orophin stepped behind him. “The woman has bewitched you perhaps.”
Rúmil moved closer as well, serious for once. “I can only say, brother, that your path has been set long ago, and you can only follow it as best you can.”
Haldir sighed, placing his hands on each of their shoulders. “You are loyal brothers and glad I am to have you.” His grip tightened. “And if I hear that you are slacking in your duties, you will have me to answer to.” He grinned as they both looked at him in mock horror.
Geillis lay curled on the bed, listening to the elvish voices as the three brothers conversed outside her door. She could not understand what they said, but the rise and fall of their inflections and their muted laughter told her that they were close, their tones first serious and then teasing. What would it been like, to have brothers or sisters to talk to as she grew up? It had been so lonely. Her mother dying during her birth had left her in the care of her father. His marriage to the Seer, an attempt to provide a mother for her, had failed miserably. Geillis had instantly taken a dislike to the woman, and the woman’s ability to wrap Lord Aidan around her finger had led to various heated arguments between them. She could not believe the woman had stopped her father from sending her away; more likely it was the other way around. But she had not been there a year when her father and the Seer had been attacked on a journey from the keep, and her new “mother” was killed. Her father had mourned her loss for a long while.
She sat up, easing her sword from its scabbard, hoping Haldir could not hear it. Turning the blade in her hands, she studied it for a moment. It was beautiful in its simplicity, a simple polished handle of black wood that gleamed in the rays of sunlight dancing through the window. The hilt was etched in swirling tendrils of ivy, not enough to mar the handling of the weapon, but embellishing its simplicity. The blade was curved slightly, the edge razor sharp. And along the edge, elvish writing swirled along the blade, the sweeping script burnished into the steel.
She had known it was elvish, for her father had admitted it when he had thrust the weapon into her hands. It had been given to her mother, he had snarled. He had wanted to burn it, cast it aside, but could not. It had been her mother’s dying wish that she have it and she had forced Lord Aidan to agree as she drew her last breaths. Her last breaths, he had snarled again. Her last thoughts had lingered on her elvish lover, never caring that it was her human husband who stood by her side!
In the years since, he had made it clear her mother had betrayed him. And yet he had treated Geillis as well as he was able, teaching her to fight, to shoot. His tempers she learned to avoid, since she was often the object of them if she was not careful of her words, and his reach had been long.
She ran her fingers down the length of the elvish script. Who had given this to her mother? Her father said he never knew, as he had not gone with her on that journey. But she had come back changed in more ways than one. Her heart had become closed to him, her thoughts mere whispers and her gaze often faraway. He had lost her before he even knew what had happened, and it galled him to know it was only a look and a touch that had changed her.
She laid the sword on the bed as she heard a feminine voice outside the Talan. Crossing to the door, she stepped alongside to peek out, not wanting to be seen. Haldir stood at the top of the stair in front of a young elvish woman dressed in several layers of sheer pastel robes. Her silvery hair hung free to her waist and she was thin and lithe as she stood smiling at Haldir, her eyes warm with undisguised attraction. He was smiling back in seeming amusement as she gestured with graceful hands, and Geillis felt a stab of jealousy as she turned away.
Of course there would be elven women attracted to him, she berated herself, then jumped as Haldir spoke behind her.
“I have to leave for a time, and I thought you might like to bathe. It has been a long journey. You can go with Ethenya and she will help you.”
Geillis stared at the girl as she ducked under Haldir’s shoulder to enter the Talan. She smiled at Geillis as she glided up to her, taking her arm.
“We thought you might like a respite from the attentions of our brave March Warden,” she whispered as she pulled Geillis out of the Talan. “Word has spread throughout the city of the Lady of the Woods decision and it has provoked some serious discussion as to the fall of our greatest warrior.” They stepped quickly down the stairs as the elven woman pulled her along. “Not many of us know the common tongue, but I learned from Haldir when we were younger.”
Geillis stopped. “You and Haldir?”
A sultry smile whispered over Ethenya’s full lips. “It was a long time ago. We were very young, and Haldir has changed much since then.” She seemed to shake off her memories and frowned with dismay at Geillis. “Does this upset you?”
Geillis shook her head. “I did not want to be the cause of Haldir’s demotion.” To her surprise the elven woman laughed.
“Do not be concerned. Haldir has ever followed his own path, never caring for the dangers or the cares of others. It is good to see that he has been brought to earth for once. He is a strong elf, no matter that Galadriel has placed this punishment upon him. He will be back where he belongs as March Warden.” She gripped Geillis’s arm, staring at her frankly. “It is you that the discussion hovers around.”
Geillis froze as Ethenya laughed again, her voice tinkling merrily as she pushed open an ornately carved wooden door. She pulled Geillis inside, shutting the door firmly behind her. Immediately, several more maidens hurried close and soon Geillis was surrounded by a bevy of giggling whispering Elves, laughing merrily as they felt her hair and clothes, speaking swiftly in Elvish as Geillis stared uncomfortably around her. The room’s stone floor had large basins set into it, large enough for one or two! Nearby steam emanated from a large kettle and she could see other elven women lying in the baths, water steaming as they stared at her curiously.
Ethenya shooed the others away to moans of disappointment and led her to an empty bath. Filling with water from the kettle she motioned for Geillis to undress. She laughed as Geillis blushed and picked up a large cloth that she held in front of her. “You are modest I see. Come undress, and we will shield you from the others.”
Geillis stripped quickly and stepped into the water, sinking up to her chin as she slid down. Ethenya sprinkled petals and herbs into the water and called for help as she gently pushed Geillis’s head under the water. Geillis came up sputtering. She felt hands brush her, and then the aroma of flowers permeated the air as they began to wash her hair. Geillis sighed happily as she leaned against the stones. She had never had a bath like this.
Ethenya smiled as she sat next to her, watching as the elves continued to scrub Geillis’s long hair.
Geillis squinted up at her, as soap ran down the side of her face. “So I am the center of discussion. What do you wish to know?”
Ethenya grinned wickedly, leaning toward her. “What do we wish to know? How you have managed, in such a short space of time, to prick the cold indifferent shield our March Warden has built around himself? You do not realize how many broken hearts our fair and handsome warden has left weeping behind. He cares for no one, other than his very handsome brothers. They are three of a kind. Loyal, steadfast but of the three, Haldir has always been aloof.” She sighed theatrically, her green eyes dreamy with her thoughts.
“I have known him well, I have been lucky. But that was so long ago. He has hardened his heart toward us all. Perhaps being pursued by so many has made him aloof, but I do not think there was ever any interest of any others here.”
Geillis coughed as they poured water over her head. “Perhaps its not women he is interested in.” Ethenya let out a delicate laugh, shaking her head adamantly.
“Nay, never that. Rúmil, hmmm maybe, but Haldir, nay. His love has been Lothlórien, and his loyalty and heart our safety. And for that we cannot fault him.”
Geillis pushed the wet hair out of her face. “Why do you tell me all this?”
Ethenya wrapped the large cloth around Geillis as she stepped out of the tub. “I have never seen Haldir unable to control his anger or expression. He has iron control over his emotions, but when you came into the city, we could all see that he had lost that control. We want to know how you did this.”
~*~*~*~
Haldir sighed inwardly as he watched Geillis as she sat moodily by the bank of the river. Her temper had grown short the last few days. She turned glancing back at him as he sat behind her on a log, his legs folded neatly as he watched her. She frowned and he uncoiled his legs. His sigh as he stood up made her rise from where she crouched by the bank.
“Why do you sigh, March Warden? Do you tire of your duties as my shadow? I must be rather tiresome for you,” she said as he shook his head.
“Nay, Geillis, it is only my inactivity that makes me sigh. I did not mean for you to feel you are tiresome,” he said as she scowled, and he knew he had not eased her temper.
“Well, perhaps I tire of your constant vigilance. Do you feel I am such a threat that I must have a constant guard?” she asked as her eyes began to glitter angrily.
Haldir smiled in amusement. “Nay. I obey what orders I have been given, and until the Lady says otherwise, I will be beside you as she requests.”
Geillis bristled with anger and stomped up the bank to the path. Shifting her sword that lay along her back she turned to glare at Haldir. “Ah so I am not a threat.” She laughed sourly. She turned back to the path and began to stride down it as Haldir followed close behind. She whirled suddenly, drawing her sword and Haldir froze as she pointed the tip at his chest. “Are you so sure, March Warden?” she asked. His chin rose as he gazed at her, his eyes glittering icily and he reached out toward her slowly.
He pushed aside the sword and then gripped her wrist with a swift movement when she backed up a step. He stared at her haughtily, aware of the sudden doubt that flashed in her eyes. She fought his hold as he twisted the sword from her grip. He pulled her toward him, drawing her close against him. “That is twice you have drawn a weapon on me, after the first I should have killed you. You will not do so again,” he growled, staring down at her heatedly. You are stubborn and quick to anger, you must learn to control it.”
“She is like her mother then.” A deep melodious voice spoke from behind Geillis and she turned slowly as Haldir looked past her and backed up, releasing her wrist to bow deeply.
Before them stood a tall elf, dark of hair and eyes, and dressed in a dark wine-colored cloak that looked heavy with golden embroidery. On his forehead he wore a golden circlet of leaves and his lips curled slightly in amusement. Geillis stared at him and gasped as she finally looked up into his glittering dark brown eyes that were so like her own.
Galadriel stepped from behind the tall elf, her pale coloring a startling contrast to his darkness. He smiled as she touched his arm. “Geillis,” she said in obvious response to Geillis confusion. “This is Lord Elrond, Lord of the elves of Rivendell.” Geillis hastily bowed her head, and Elrond bowed his head slightly in return.
“My lord,” she said as their eyes met once again.
Elrond looked past her to Haldir. “I owe you my thanks, Haldir of Lothlórien, for your keen eye and intervention.”
Haldir bowed again as Elrond’s eyes rested on her once more.
“You are very much like your mother,” he repeated. He moved closer and touched a lock of her hair that hung over her shoulder.
Geillis flinched at his touch, and stepped back. “I am not like my mother at all,” she denied hotly and Elrond smiled in amusement.
“In the few short minutes I have observed you, young Geillis, you have shown me more of her personality than you know. You did not know her, did you?”
“She died when I was born,” Geillis answered shortly.
Elrond frowned. “So that is why I could not find her. She would not tell me who she was. She did not want me to follow her.” He shook his head sadly as the memories flashed in his eyes. He looked down at her. “And to find out that she had a child. You would not have been left there had I known.”
Geillis stared at him in amazement and then looked away with a shudder. “Would you have? Taken in a child of half human blood?”
Elrond looked at her in surprise, glancing back at Galadriel
“She knows nothing of our history, Elrond.”
Elrond looked back at Geillis sadly. “A great disservice has been done to you, child, for the histories of the elves make up a great portion of the history of Middle Earth.” He gripped Geillis’s chin gently, turning her to face him. “I am of human blood, Geillis, and yes, I would have brought you within my home if I had known you were alive. You did not belong there.”
Geillis pulled back, denying the tiny flame of hope that had blossomed inside, refusing to believe what they seemed to infer. “Why would you have come? What makes you believe that I am your… daughter?”
Elrond laughed his eyes crinkling in his amusement. “Other than your striking resemblance to your mother?” He gestured to Haldir, taking her sword, which Haldir handed him. “I gave this to your mother when we parted. She was a warrior in heart and mind. Full of life she was, unafraid even when surrounded by Orcs and evil creatures. Of our meeting I will tell you later, but know this, this is my sword. Shall I read the inscription to you? It says in elvish:
Hen cathrol-matha vae Elrond Ada-I Orch ess nin istatha- y nin gostatha vae.
‘This sword blade- wielded well by Elrond King- The Orc will know me- and fear well, death.’
He handed the sword to Geillis, and she slid it into her sheath, her hands shaking slightly as he smiled. Geillis shook her head in denial only to have Galadriel touch her arm.
“It is clear to anyone who looks at you both that you have the same eyes, Geillis. You have the grace born of an elf, skills that no human could achieve. It was these things that Haldir keenly observe when first he came to Lord Aidan’s keep. It was only at that moment he did not connect who it was that you reminded him of. Come, we will go to my chamber where we can rest, it has been a long journey for Elrond. He has others who will wish to meet you Geillis, for you have a whole family that awaits you, if you will but let them.”
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