Title & Chapter Number: The Sundering 7-9/25
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Middle Earth
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: LOTR characters are not mine and I write only for non-monetary reasons.
Warnings: None
Betas: Julie
Cast: Haldir, Orophin, Rumil, other character's I have created
Timeline: Future AU
Spoilers: None
Summary: The world is reborn and Haldir returns to Middle Earth from Valinor.
Notes: none
~ 7 ~
Celeborn turned as Haldir announced himself, smiling. He waved Haldir to a chair and they sat near Galadriel. She studied Haldir for a moment.
"We did not speak with you alone on the matter with Raven, Haldir, as I felt you would agree." She smiled when he nodded. "But we have more concerns that we did not want to speak of in front of Raven."
Celeborn leaned forward, his eyes direct as they met Haldir's. "We need information about the humans, as you once did before, you must observe them keenly. Our survival, the protection of our lands will be directly affected once we make contact with the mortals."
Haldir frowned. "I fear they have not changed too much, from what Raven has said some are still violent. Do they not learn from the lessons of the past?"
Galadriel sighed. "Many have I am sure, but there are always those who refuse to see what is right. Even among elves we have those with little compassion." She said as she stared at Haldir. He frowned remembering Orvith's words earlier.
Celeborn leaned back, crossing his arms and tapping his fingers on his lips. His eyes grew hard as he sighed. "We must protect ourselves first, then offer assistance second. You must go prepared for the worst, Haldir. I fear we may be sending you into grave danger. This is new territory for us, but you have faced these trials before." He rose to pace in front of them.
"I will go, with my brothers and two more." Haldir said, rising as well. He stood in front of Celeborn. "Fear not, we will return."
Celeborn smiled, gripping Haldir's shoulder, pulling him into his embrace. "I fear our hearts would be grief stricken, should we lose you Haldir. You are like a son to me. I give you a grave responsibility and you shoulder it with ease." He smiled, as Galadriel rose.
"I also request you watch over young Raven, Haldir. I feel she is important in this, and I fear for her safety when she returns." Galadriel turned away, as Haldir watched her curiously. It was not often Galadriel had to compose her thoughts.
~*~*~*~
~ 8 ~
Haldir frowned as he wrapped the choufa around his head, tucking the long strands of his hair underneath the fabric. Already the sun burned brightly, and he narrowed his eyes against the glare. Raven stood a short distance from the tree line, atop a small hill of sand. He watched, her cloak snapping in the strong breeze that swept the sand in a small drift about her feet. She reached into her belt, pulling out a small object that glinted metallically in the sun, and held it in her palm, turning slowly until she faced him. Seeing his look, she hurried back down the hill, sliding in the soft sand to reach him.
"Are you ready?" she asked as she watched the others wrap the cowling around their heads. She smiled as Rumil stared at the balm she had told him to apply to his face.
"If you don't want to be peeling the skin from your face, Rumil, you had best apply that." She laughed as he grimaced. "You all are so pale. I do not know how your skin will react to the sun. But hopefully with your art of healing you will be able to accustom yourselves to the sun."
She looked back at the small round object in her hand, noticing Haldir's interest. "We call this a compass. It is very ancient." She handed it to him and he examined it, twisting it one way then the other.
"It points the directions, this symbol is for north." She turned him to the north, showing how the arrow turned with him to rest over the odd symbol.
Haldir nodded. "Then this symbol means west?" He turned again, and the arrows moved again, continuing to point to the north. He returned it to Raven. "You use it to guide you."
"Yes," she said seriously. "It has been handed down to all the seekers in my family for ages. It is a gift worth my life."
"Then it is a gift you must protect with great care," he said as she tucked it back into her belt.
~*~*~*~
Raven sat back on her heels as the sky began to lighten once again. They had traveled south for four days, then east for two more. For the first two days, she had forced the elves to rest during the hottest part of the day, fearing the sun on their skin. Now she stared at them in amazement. Despite their pale coloring, all had become quickly accustomed to the sun. Haldir's face and hands had darkened considerably, but he did not seem to burn. Perhaps her ointment along with their ways of healing protected them. Whatever it was, they could almost pass as one of her people if not for their height, and of course their hair and ears once they removed the choufa around their heads. But she would at least gain entry back into the village without question. She grinned, thinking of the shock once the village learned what they really were.
She looked up as the stars began to fade. They had done much traveling at night. Another few hours and they would stop to rest. The village was near; she had traveled this way many times. The barren sands had given way to rocky, hilly terrain. This area was even more dangerous during a sandstorm as you could not burrow into the soft sand here. She turned her head, looking for Haldir, and found him kneeling on a low rise, staring at the sky as well. They must miss the coolness of the wood, but they had not complained. She could make out his brothers as they rested near him, talking quietly among themselves.
She rose, and saw the sharp turn of Haldir's head as she did so. He always seemed aware of her wherever she was. She climbed the hill toward them, and he rose.
"The village lies only another day distant," she told him as he turned to her. He had removed the choufa and his hair glinted in the dim light.
She frowned, which prompted him to say, "You do not want us to reveal who we are until inside the village."
"I am not trying to hide who you are, Haldir. Only take advantage. I do not know what has happened since I have been gone. There are those that covet my position, even some who have no ability for finding water. They think to use other means to find it. If Andarion could not delay their petitions, I may be too late." She brushed away a stray hair that blew into her face.
"What did you mean when you said you would not be able to provide for your family if you do not remain a seeker?" Haldir reached out to tuck the stray hair back behind her ear as it blew once more across her face.
Raven shivered at his touch, avoiding his gaze. "If I am not the seeker, then they can be forced into slavery. I will be unable to protect them. It is the way of the strongest to survive." She shook her head, pushing away the worry that gnawed at her heart. Had she been gone too long? She did not see the surprise that crossed Haldir's features as he drew back for a moment.
She stared off into the distance. "My sister Willow is only fifteen, but very pretty. I have seen men look at her already. My sister and younger brother are twins; Sareth and Indirion are only eight.
Sareth may have the seeker ability, but it is too soon to tell yet, but he hopes to follow in my brother's footsteps." Raven closed her eyes and sighed.
Haldir could feel the worry that she tried to ignore, and wanted to reach out to her, but she seemed distant.
"My brother and I took care of them after father was killed." Raven turned to him. "But he is gone now too. I can't lose them, Haldir." Her face was pale and beautiful in the waning moonlight.
Haldir reached out, resting his hand on her shoulder. "We will be in time, Raven."
She sighed, looking back at the rising sun as the rays began to wash the sky in color as it neared the horizon. She began to turn back and abruptly froze, causing Haldir to look up into the sky. She whirled around, seeing the sands shifting slightly.
"A storm is coming," Haldir said, as she nodded quickly and leaped down the hill. Shouting for the elves to take cover, she whirled frantically, pushing them to hurry. She could feel the storm now, the breeze stiffening as the storm raced over the desert. It was moving fast and she stared in dread at the hill, knowing it would sweep over them in moments. A sandstorm seemed almost alive as the roar of the wind engulfed her. She began to pull up the choufa and turned back to see the elves disappear as they covered themselves with their cloaks. Her eyes widened in amazement when they blended into the hill completely. She gasped in surprise when Haldir wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against him as he rolled into a hollow below a large rock, throwing his cloak over them just as the storm breached the hill, the wall of swirling sand sweeping down over them in its fury. Trembling violently, Raven tucked the edges of Haldir's cloak around her, conscious of his body pressed to her back. The cloak ruffled violently in the sandstorm, but to her amazement it held out the sand.
Haldir shifted, and Raven bit her lip as his arm wrapped around her waist. She could feel his breath on her hair as he leaned on one arm, the overhang of the rock protecting them as well. Trying in vain to control the violent tremors that shook her, she closed her eyes, and felt Haldir reach up to brush back the hair that hung over her face.
"You are frightened?" he asked. She nodded, biting her lip harder, and heard him chuckle softly. "Yet you travel alone. You have much courage."
She gasped for breath, fighting back the fear that threatened to engulf her. It was always this way. Every time she endured the terror, not knowing if this storm would be her last. "Sometimes you must face what you fear the most," she said stiffly, "but it does not get any easier."
She felt him smile against her hair, and flinched when he reached up to rest his fingers on her temple. She trembled as she heard him whisper under his breath.
"Do not be afraid," he murmured as he began to chant softly in his Elvish tongue. She closed her eyes, feeling of warmth swept over her, then inhaled a shaky breath as she realized that the fear had receded. Haldir removed his fingers, placing his arm around her waist once more. Keeping her eyes closed, she was suddenly unsure whether it was good to find the fear pushed away since she was now extremely aware of Haldir's length pressed against her back and his arm draped casually over her waist. If she moved, she would press further against him. She felt him smile.
"Relax. I will not bite you," he said with a soft laugh.
Suddenly, her eyes flew open as she felt the sand begin to erupt in front of her chest. She shrank back against Haldir, staring in horror as a scorpion poked its head out of the sand. She could not reach her knife; it lay beneath her. Haldir tensed, and she froze, watching the creature as it climbed out of the sand, its claws snapping as it tested the air. She didn't move, but squealed as Haldir's knife suddenly pierced the scorpion, its body twisting around the point of the dagger as it pinned the scorpion to the earth. She had not even felt him move, let alone draw his dagger.
Haldir frowned, shifting slightly as Raven pressed back against him. The scorpion had not frightened her, but his movement had. He closed his eyes, willing the fires that were growing inside him to wane, but they only burned hotter as she continued to tremble. The gods were going to make him suffer, he could see, as he rested his hand on her hip. The close confines forced him to dwell on the effects her nearness was having on him. Again, he shifted, unwilling to reveal to her what her nearness was doing to his body. He closed his eyes, listening to sound of her breathing as she slowly relaxed.
With a sign, he forced away the heated thoughts that were arousing his senses, concentrating on her words earlier. The sounds of the sandstorm raging around them grew dim as he pondered what course of action he would take. Her breathing grew softer as she fell asleep, the spell he had placed on her to quiet her fear finally taking effect. He reached up to push away the fall of hair that slid down to cover her face.
He had seen her tension increase this last day as they drew closer to her village. She had grown pensive, her worries reflected in her eyes as she stared at the horizon ahead of her. He only hoped they would be in time, for he feared what she would do otherwise. He pulled the dagger out of ground, shoving the dead scorpion under the edge of his cloak, then slid the knife back into his belt and leaned against the rock behind him. He was certain she was going to need him to hold her position as seeker. From what she had said, the status of water seeker was highly coveted. He did not know how her ability worked, and was sure it was this that intrigued the Lady of the Wood. Elves were known for their psychic abilities, but he had not known humans could have them as well. It was an interesting thought.
He closed his eyes, relaxing into the meditative state he rested in, as the storm continued to rage over them.
~*~*~*~
~ 9 ~
Raven woke the instant the storm abated, just as she normally did, unaware that Haldir had cast a spell to make her sleep. She heard Haldir grunt softly as her elbow dug into his ribs, and she quickly pulled the cloak away from her face. Rolling away from him, she stood up, and he rose gracefully as well.
She saw the other elves emerged from behind sand covered cloaks. All seemed to be well, and she stared at the sun to gauge how much time had elapsed. It was late morning still. They would have to travel the remainder of the day to reach the village before nightfall.
Rumil squatted, pulling the choufa from his head to shake out the sand. Squinting at the sun, he sighed. "I fear I will never complain again about anything to do with our wood and coolness." He grinned as Orophin shook his out as well.
"I agree. I had thought to become accustomed to the sun, but I swear it burns brighter each day." He began to wrap the covering over his head once more.
"I have come to respect the stamina of yon Raven. She walks in this heat as if we were in the wood." Orophin glanced over toward Haldir, who was looking out at the sand covered hills. "She has engaged our brother's thoughts much of late," he added as Rumil stood up next to him.
Rumil grinned. "I noticed he did not hesitate to take hold of her when the storm came." He winked at Orophin. "Do you think he thought only of her safety while under the confines of his cloak?" Haldir turned to stare at them, and Orophin laughed. "Nay, Rumil. You know he did not." He snickered, ignoring Haldir's continued stare as they gathered their weapons.
Haldir ignored their laughter, knowing they would need to keep up their spirits to endure the unending heat. He turned and searched for Raven. She was speaking to Orvith, who stared at her inquiringly. Haldir folded his arms, gazing at his feet as he tilted his head to listen.
"We can be at the village by nightfall if we travel the rest of the day," she said. "We must reach it before the sun sets to gain entrance. We do not allow anyone to enter past dark."
Orvith nodded, his question seeming to be answered, but he stared at her for a long while as she greeted the others. Haldir frowned, watching him. He would need to speak to Rumil and Orophin.
~*~*~*~
The land began to flatten as they traveled further east. The sun was descending toward the horizon when Haldir began to hear the sounds from the village. It lay hidden yet over a low rise. Raven pressed onward, her pace quickening as they neared the hill. He glanced at his wardens, noting their increased wariness as they cleared the hill. He paused for a moment in surprise, not knowing what he had expected to see.
The village lay atop the next rise, surrounded by a tall wall of metal panels that reflected the sun in a blinding glare. Had the sun been behind them they would have been blinded. He admired the resourcefulness of the builders. He could not see what lay behind the metal wall, but they had caused a great commotion along the upper walkway with their approach.
Raven stopped just shy of the gates, folding her arms as she stared at the faces that looked down at her. The men looked at her in astonishment as she called out.
"Open the gate, Willem. I have returned."
One of the men shook his head. "We thought you dead, Raven Windswept. Perhaps you are only a ghost!" Laughter echoed behind him.
Raven grinned back. "I am not dead, and I bring friends to meet with Andarion. Open the gate so we may enter!"
Willem grinned, and the gates began to open. Haldir's brows rose in surprise as he took in the village inside.
The area in front of the gates was lined with curious faces as they entered the compound. A large open area that looked to be a common area was filled with an odd assortment of buildings. Some were made of metal panels like the walls, many out of brightly colored tents that fluttered in the breeze. He could see some of the wall panels around the village had been vented to allow the wind to flow through it, and he was sure it was because of the sandstorms. They crossed the open area as Raven greeted many, most looking at her with welcoming smiles. She seemed well liked here.
She halted in front of a large stone building, the only one that he could see. Its doors were closed and two men stood guard outside. They frowned at Raven as she approached.
"You cannot enter, Raven. Andarion has called the elders to council and even now hears petitions." The guard sneered at Raven as she glared at him, her fists clenching by her sides.
"I am not dead yet, Gunthor. I will speak with Andarion. You must let me enter." But the guard shook his head, his hand resting on the sword at his side.
Haldir watched her stiffen, but turned as a cry sounded from beside her. A young woman was struggling in the grip of a large burly human, his gray hair unkempt and dirty. She broke free of him and ran to Raven, and Haldir could see the resemblance between the two sisters as Raven wrapped her arms around the girl.
"I was so afraid you would not return," the girl wept as Raven stared contemptuously over her sister's shoulder at the human.
"Be still, Willow. I am back. I will not allow him to touch you again," she said as she glanced back at Haldir.
Haldir fought back a smile, noting that the young girl was now included in the circle of his protection. He nodded his agreement, and Raven turned back to the guard only to have two small children force their way through the tangle of bodies to reach her side. Haldir's brows rose in amusement. The two could not be more different, and yet she had said they were twins.
The young girl hugged Raven's hip tightly, but her eyes locked curiously on Haldir and his wardens. She did not seem afraid of them, and Haldir smiled, seeing Rumil wink at the girl, making her smile.
The young boy stood in front of Raven, and she knelt in front of him, hugging him briefly. Haldir frowned as he heard her whisper to the boy.
"Sareth, you and Indirion must get inside the elder chamber. I must see Andarion before he agrees to any petitions. Our lives depend upon it. I will tell you a secret you can use to make them listen to you before they drag you away." Both children continued to hug Raven as if they were only glad to see her. "My friends are elves," she whispered softly. Haldir saw them stiffen, their gazes resting on him and his wardens in an astonishment that was quickly hidden. The children learned survival at a young age. They laughed, kissing Raven, and hurried off in opposite directions.
Willow had stepped back at the arrival of her younger siblings. Haldir glanced at his brothers and saw that they had moved slightly, enclosing her as she stood behind Raven. She stared at them for a moment, but said nothing.
Raven folded her arms across her chest again as a tall human male broke through the crowd surrounding her. He was dressed in a black tunic, and his blue eyes swept hungrily over Raven as she stiffened. Haldir tensed as he studied the man, his instinct telling him that this one would cause trouble.
The human strode up to Raven, reaching out to grip her arm. Haldir stepped forward, catching the man's wrist before he could reach Raven. "Do not touch her." Haldir commanded softly as the man stared at him angrily. Wrenching his wrist from Haldir's grip, he stepped back, eyeing Haldir sourly.
"Where did you find this rabble, Raven? Do you not see the elder chamber doors are closed to you?" His gaze swept over Raven again. "You have been gone too long this time. You are too late."
Raven frowned, her eyes narrowing. "But I have found water, Rorik. Water that flows above the earth, deep enough to stand in." She spoke the words loudly, and excited murmurs swept through the crowd.
Rorik scowled. "A fine story. Do you think we believe such tales? More likely you have deserted us for another village. You look too well to have traveled all this time in the desert so long. You would have run out of water and be dead from the heat sickness."
Raven's eyes narrowed, her chin lifting in defiance. Rorik's expression grew furious and he reached out as if to strike her.
Rorik gasped as Haldir gripped his wrist once more, twisting it behind his back, forcing the man to back up several steps. The man went down on his knees, and as Haldir released his grip, Rorik pulled out a small blade that Haldir kicked easily out of his hand. Rorik rose, rubbing his wrist angrily as Haldir regarded him arrogantly.
Reaching up, Haldir pushed back the choufa that covered his head, revealing his long silvery hair and elven ears. His wardens followed suit, and the crowd around them gasped in astonishment, their voices rising in excitement. Rorik stared angrily as Haldir rested his hand casually on his sword.
Raven turned as the doors to the chamber swept open, the guards jumping back in surprise. Indirion ran out, avoiding Rorik's outstretched grasp as she slid in front of Rumil. Rumil smiled, resting his hand on her shoulder as he continued to watch Rorik. One elven brow rose in arrogance as Rorik scowled at him. Raven knelt again as Sareth broke free of the men who stepped out of the building, shielding their eyes against the brightness of the sun. One human stepped forward and she bowed her head to him briefly.
"Raven, I had lost hope you would return. You brother tells me you have brought us elves, but I thought he only told tales to make me listen. I find he tells me the truth."
Raven sighed, but smiled. "Andarion, I feared I would not return as well, except for the generosity of the elves behind me. May I present to you Haldir, March Warden, Guardian of the Woods of Lothlórien." She turned to Haldir, waving him forward.
Facing Andarion, Haldir bowed, watching Rorik from the corner of his eye. Andarion was tall, almost as tall as Haldir, and wore a long white robe that brushed the ground in front of him. His long gray hair was pulled back at his neck and he wore a round metal disk over his chest. He studied Haldir curiously, an amused smile hovering on his lips. He turned to his council, and they leaned toward him. Violent nods and heated whispers grew louder until Andarion raised his hand for silence.
"Raven, we have met in council. You know what this means." She rose. "Does it not matter that I have found enough water that we may never have to move again?" she asked as the voices around them rose in excitement.
Andarion held his hand up again until it was silent. "I fear that is hard to believe, yet in front of me stands a legend." He smiled at Haldir. "But our laws must be considered."
Haldir frowned. "You are the leader here, my lord," he said quietly, but his voice carried over the crowd as he stepped closer. "You have the power to overrule your laws. I have come as Emissary from My Lady Galadriel, Queen of the Lothlórien Elves and from Lord Celeborn, her husband. But I also come to offer water rights, but only if Raven remains the seeker."
Andarion's eyes narrowed, and his stare met Haldir's direct gaze. Then he smiled. "I see Raven has found a defender, and an honorable one at that." He turned back to the council as they gazed at Haldir. "We must discuss this further. Please enter the chamber." Rorik interrupted with a snarl, "The petitions have been made, Andarion! You cannot revoke them!"
Frowning, Andarion turned to him. "The council has made no decision yet, Rorik. I will do what is best for the village. Be gone now. You will hear of your petition when we have decided. I will speak now with the elves, and show them we have some courtesy left." He looked at Raven. "I will speak with the Emissary, young Raven. Show our guests some courtesy and have food and drink brought. I will speak with you later."
Haldir glanced at Raven as she nodded stiffly, her eyes meeting Haldir's. He smiled and ducked inside the council chamber, Andarion following and closing the doors behind them.
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