Title & Chapter Number: The Sundering 10-11/25
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
~ 10 ~
Raven stared at the closed doors for a moment, watching as the guards moved back into place. She frowned and turned to Rumil and Orophin.
"Do not be concerned for Haldir," Orophin said. "His reputation as Emissary is well deserved and he will speak truly. Be assured he will make his wishes clear, whether by use of words or actions. He can be very persuasive."
Raven grinned sheepishly. "I suppose I must trust him, must I not?"
Motioning for them to follow her, she crossed the open court to a large brightly colored tent. Inside the cool darkness, tables were set up and Raven bade them to make themselves comfortable. Rumil and Orophin joined Raven as she sat in the doorway, watching the elder chamber doors intently.
Willow hurried in, carrying several large mugs, and Raven watched as her sister handed one to Orvith. He smiled at Willow, his eyes following her.
Raven glanced at Rumil. "Should I be concerned?" she asked as her gaze returned to Orvith.
Rumil followed her gaze and shook his head. "Nay, Orvith will not step over the boundaries of his honor. He only smiles in appreciation of her beauty."
Raven smiled distractedly, her eyes once more on the doors of the elder chamber.
"She has little patience it seems." Orophin chuckled as they watched Raven. She jerked her head toward them, scowling, and they grinned. Rumil reached over, resting his hand on hers.
"You will prevail, Raven. I know my brother well."
Raven sighed, turning away from the doorway. Indirion ran into the tent and stopped, looking at Raven. She then stepped closer to Rumil, touching his arm gingerly.
"You seem solid enough." She grinned as Rumil smiled at her. "Can you teach me something in your language?" she asked, looking up into his face.
Rumil laughed. "Are you certain we speak another language?"
"Of course you do. Our language does not fit you at all."
Rumil stared at her in surprise. "You see much. I will tell you how we say welcome. We say `mae govannen'. He watched Indirion close her eyes, rolling the words softly over her tongue.
"Mae govannen," she repeated, catching his inflections exactly.
Rumil smiled. "I see you will learn quickly. You should speak with Haldir. He speaks many languages. Alas, I can only speak elvish and some of the common tongue."
Indirion continued to speak the elvish words softly under her breath. She glanced at Raven, who was once more staring at the elder chamber. "I am worried about Raven," she whispered, moving closer to Rumil. "She has always disliked Rorik. He hurt her."
Rumil frowned. "How did he hurt her?" He glanced over to Orophin, who leaned forward slightly.
Indirion looked over to Raven. "It is not for me to tell. But I fear he will do worse now she has come back."
Rumil's gaze met Orophin's. "Why do you tell us this?"
"Raven has brought you here. If she trusts you, then so do I."
Orophin sat back. "You are wise for one so young. So you think we can protect her?"
Indirion glanced outside. "I think the other elf will protect her," she said as she turned back to Rumil. "But he cannot do it alone."
Rumil smiled, resting his hand on Indirion's shoulder. "Haldir will surprise you. But we are also here, and will do what we can."
Indirion grinned as Sareth ran back inside, carrying a small bow. He ran up to Orophin. "I carry a bow, too." He laughed, showing the small weapon to the two elves.
Orophin picked up the bow, gently pulling back the string. "A fine weapon it is too, Young Master. I can see you will be a warrior of strong renown." He smiled at Sareth.
Sareth grinned broadly as Raven turned back to smile at him. "My brother gave me that." He frowned. "But he was killed by Rorik before he could teach me to shoot."
Orophin and Rumil exchanged a look.
Raven turned her head, scowling. "Sareth, there is no proof of that. Hold your tongue."
Sareth grimaced. "You know he did it, Raven." He gripped Orophin's arm. "You all carry bows. Can you teach me? And maybe even the sword as well!"
Raven shook her head in irritation. "Sareth, you are deplorable. The elves are not here to teach you to fight."
Sareth drew himself up to stare at her haughtily. "And who will protect you if I do not learn, Raven? I am the man of the family now."
Raven smiled softly at him. "I am sorry, Sareth. I did not mean of offend you. Yes, you are the man of the family." Suddenly she frowned, leaping up as the doors to the elder chamber opened.
Andarion walked out, searching for Raven as she crossed the courtyard. He smiled as she approached. "We have spoken in length to the March Warden. He is most persuasive."
Haldir stepped out into the courtyard as torches were being lit, his eyes narrowing. His silvery blond hair looked almost white against his sun-darkened skin and he searched the courtyard for his brothers.
Raven folded her arms across her chest as the courtyard filled once again with curious faces. Andarion smiled, waiting for all to come and then ascended a hidden stair set into the side of the building. He stood above them as the other members of the elder council gathered behind him. An excited murmur rose from the crowd, and Raven saw Rorik angrily push his way to the front.
Rumil and Orophin stepped in beside Haldir. "He is one to watch closely, brother," Rumil said softly, gestured toward Rorik.
Haldir glanced at Rumil, then turned back to study Rorik. Orophin saw Willow squeeze through the crowd to stand beside Raven. They hugged each other briefly as Indirion and Sareth burrowed between the bodies to reach their sister as well. All four stood wary as Andarion held his hand up for silence.
"We have met in council." He gazed down at the crowd, folding his arms over his chest. "We met because we feared the loss of a seeker that we have relied on for many years. Her family has served us well." The crowd murmured agreement. "The council has honored all requests for petitions. We have heard them and considered each carefully. What we do today will impact our lives forever. Today we have been given a great gift." Andarion stared down at the faces below him. "We must weigh the benefits to our people, and we must allow you some say in what we now do."
He frowned as the elders gathered beside him. "We have heard a petition from Rorik to become our new water seeker. Even though he does not have the mark of seeker, he has presented us with proof he can detect the water we so desperately need." He looked down at Rorik, who nodded arrogantly. "Yet we also have our seeker who has returned from certain death." The crowd waited in anticipation.
"You have seen the elves she has brought with her. Long have we known they existed. They have renewed their lands while we face desolation and hardship here. Once again our water is almost gone. How many more times we will move our village, losing loved ones?" Andarion paused. "I have spoken at length with their Emissary. What Raven has said is true."
The crowd gasped in excitement, but Haldir frowned as he watched Rorik. "They have agreed to allow us access to the water within their borders. And the council has decided we must accept their generous offer."
The crowd cheered loudly as Andarion held up his hand for silence. Haldir watched Rorik eyes narrow in fury as he pushed his way out of the crowd. The crowd quieted finally.
"We will move the village near the elven lands, and because it is Raven Windswept who brought the elves to us, she will remain as seeker."
Seeing Raven sighed in relief, Haldir smiled. She would not know the effort it had taken to make these elders listen. Their minds had been closed to any fact but what their laws allowed. It had taken his outright refusal to allow them entry to the wood and access to water to make them consider any other option.
He observed the faces around him. They were excited, yet wary. It would be a long journey to move the village and he sighed. He turned as Orophin touched his arm.
"We will lead them to the borders, then?"
Haldir nodded. "I fear the journey will go slowly. My heart yearns to see the green coolness of Lórien soon.
"Fear not, brother. You have done what must be done. We knew this would occur. Our duty is not yet finished here. I fear Raven will need your protection even more now."
Haldir glanced at Raven, seeing that she was surrounded. Rumil nodded. "Aye, she has made an enemy of the one called Rorik, long past, I think. He will not take this well." He stared at Haldir for a moment. "She has been hurt by this Rorik."
Haldir eyes narrowed. "How do you know this?"
"Indirion sees much more than her sister realizes. The young girl is wise beyond her years. She would not explain, but I fear what her words meant."
Frowning, Haldir turned back as Raven approached him, remembering Galadriel's words. She had faced trials she kept from herself. Was this what she meant? He tensed as Raven smiled up at him.
"You seem so grim, Haldir of Lórien, when the occasion merits high spirit. What has you so perturbed that you stare at me in such a way?"
Haldir pushed away his brother's words. "I am sorry, Raven. It is an occasion to celebrate, is it not?" He smiled down at her, his eyes twinkling in sudden humor.
Raven laughed, as the crowd began to disperse, the flickering lights of the courtyard casting shadows. She led them into the large tent again where many of the villagers had gathered. Sitting down at small table in the corner, she grinned as Willow brought more mugs of wine.
"My sister works too hard, I fear." Raven laughed as Willow grinned, her gaze resting for a moment on Orvith. Haldir frowned as he sipped the wine.
Rumil grinned, butting Haldir with his elbow as he sipped his own mug. "Do not look so overbearing, Haldir. He only smiles."
"I assume you have this under your control, then?" Haldir said softly.
Orophin grinned as Indirion pushed her way toward them. "Aye, as he has taken this young one under his wing as well." He laughed as Indirion grinned at Haldir.
"Mae govannen, Haldir!" she said as Haldir's brows rose in amusement.
Haldir smiled. "Do I speak to an elf? You speak my tongue so smoothly. You must have Rumil teach you more, for it rolls off your tongue like honey." He grinned as Indirion blushed.
"I have only learned that one thing, Master Haldir. But I wish to learn more! Do you think it all right that Rumil teach me?"
"Only if it is something you truly want. You would make an excellent emissary, young one, if you can learn to speak well."
He looked back at Raven, who was speaking to several men who were pulling out assorted musical instruments.
Indirion followed his gaze, and smiled brightly. "Raven loves to dance, although she does it rarely." A haunted look came into her eyes as she added, "She fears to draw attention to herself." When Haldir smiled, Indirion's attention returned to him "You should dance with her, Master Haldir. She will not be afraid then."
Haldir frowned as Rumil and Orophin snickered. "I do not know your dances, young one. But I am sure my younger brothers would enjoy the chance to learn some new ones."
Rumil laughed. "Oh no, brother. You shall not escape so easily. I will be sure to let Raven know how much you enjoy the dance." He grinned as Haldir scowled at him as Raven returned to the table.
The music sang brightly, dispelling the shadows that had lingered in her mind, and Raven smiled as she sat back down. Indirion was grinning and Raven glanced from Rumil to Haldir as she realized the two must have been discussing her. Rumil sat back with a grin as Haldir stared at him haughtily.
She sipped her wine as Orophin leaned forward, watching as the tables were moved to allow dancers more room. He grinned and glanced over at Haldir, ignoring the March Warden's narrowed gaze.
"You must teach Haldir some of your dances, Raven," Orophin remarked as Raven looked at him, startled.
She glanced at Haldir, noting the scowl that crossed his face. "Nay, I will just sit and listen tonight. They do not play often."
Haldir sighed to himself in relief. Rumil shook his head, laughing at Haldir's expression.
Raven straightened suddenly as Sareth pushed his way to her, his face wet with tears. She clasped him to her as he held up his bow, which was broken in two.
"I was trying to practice," he cried as Raven gathered the bow. "Rorik grabbed it and said he was going to break you like he broke my bow. Raven, I do not cry for my bow! I am frightened for you! He was so angry I think I would have had worse but for Andarion who approached us."
Raven scowled and turned as Rorik entered the tent. Haldir's eyes glinted dangerously as he stared at him. He would teach this one a lesson if given the chance, but he would be patient. Rorik ignored them, gathering several mugs of wine and left, glancing back with a hostile glare at Haldir.
~*~*~*~
~ 11 ~
The days passed as the villagers began to pack. Haldir and his brothers walked along the pathways between the brightly colored tents and metal houses, Haldir shaking his head in bemusement as the assorted living arrangements were dismantled. The tents fluttering in the cross breeze from the vented walls were packed into carts and the air was filled with excitement as they passed.
The elves moved with wariness as they surveyed the village. Raven and her family had begun packing her tent and he had left Orvith and Ceridyn as guard. The day was warm this morning, as he had begun to realize how much the head covering they had worn had helped in the heat. They crossed behind a row of tents, heading back when they heard a piercing scream. Immediately, he and his brothers pulled their bows free, nocking arrows as they ran quickly back toward the screams.
The sound of blades clashing met Haldir's ears as he swept around a low cart packed with furniture. Andarion and several of the villagers fought with other men, and Rorik had Raven pressed against his chest, a long dagger across her throat as he dragged her away from the walls of the village. The panels behind her tent lay strewn across the sand.
Haldir's gaze swept over his elves, both of whom were fighting against two others, and he pulled his sword free, sliding the bow back over his shoulder at the same time. His eyes narrowed as he fought, the strange men retreating outside the walls. He turned, hearing a cry, and saw that Willow sat on the ground holding Orvith's head against her legs as she wept, brushing the hair from his eyes. Haldir returned his gaze to Rorik, who continued to back up, several more men gathering around him, sheathing their swords as they retreated now over the next rise. Haldir's eyes narrowed icily. He gazed around quickly, and slid his sword into its scabbard as he ran quickly to the support tower that stood behind Raven's tent. He scaled the metal tower easily as Rumil and Orophin stepped onto the fallen panels, bows pulled back as they waited for Haldir.
Andarion ran up, breathing heavily in the heat as he stared at Rorik in the distance. "It is too far! We cannot reach him in time and they are too far for you to shoot!" He gasped as the elves ignored him.
Haldir reached the top of the tower and pulled his bow from his shoulder. Balancing easily, his face grim, he nocked an arrow, slowly pulling the bow back as his eyes locked onto his target. His eyes narrowed and the bow creaked loudly as he pulled back. He frowned and tilted his head slightly, pulling the bowstring tighter yet, pushing the weapon past its limit. He released the arrow only a moment before the string broke. The arrow flew over the heat shimmering sands to land squarely in the back of one of Rorik's men. The man fell without a sound.
At once Rumil tossed up his bow, which Haldir caught easily. He nocked another arrow. Again the bow creaked with pressure, but held as Haldir aimed once more, his gaze frozen stonily onto the retreating men. The arrow coursed toward them as they tried to scatter, but found its mark easily. Another of Rorik's men fell and Rorik snarled as he struggled with Raven.
Haldir drew again, his face expressionless, and Orophin aimed as well, and two sets of arrows flew through the air. Rorik cried out in pain as Haldir's arrow caught him in the leg. He loosened his grip on Raven.
Raven felt him gasp in pain, and twisted away from the knife at her throat. Rorik swore at her, clutching at her tunic, but she twisted from his grip. He stood up, clutching his thigh. Raven turned in time to see him stagger back, his eyes growing wide with astonishment as another arrow pierced his chest. He groaned, dropping to his knees.
She stepped back as Rorik fell to the sand, clutching the arrow in his chest. "This is not over," he gasped. "I am only the messenger." He coughed, blood dripping from his lips as he gasped again, his eyes glazing.
Raven crawled away from him as Rorik's men fled, several more falling to the elven arrows before they could flee. Raven stared at them, then staggered to her feet to run back toward the village.
Haldir quickly descended from the tower as Rumil and Orophin knelt next to Ceridyn. They shook their head and Haldir scowled. He knelt next to Willow as she sat weeping. She looked up as Haldir placed a hand on Orvith's forehead. The elf opened his eyes weakly.
"I waited for you, March Warden." He coughed. "I have tried to redeem my honor, I . . ." He coughed again violently as Haldir held his shoulders. "We fought them, but they separated us . . . we had to choose . . . too close for arrows." He gazed painfully at Willow above him for a moment.
Haldir bent over him. "Be still Orvith. You redeemed your honor long ago. We will heal you and you will be well."
Orvith shook his head. "I am called, Haldir. I must go . . ." He closed his eyes for a moment. "Haldir . . ." he said as Haldir bent closer. "Is it wrong to care for a mortal?" he whispered as he gripped Haldir's tunic.
Haldir frowned. "Nay, Orvith, it is not."
Orvith sighed. "I . . . I thought not ." He gasped again, his breathing slowly rasping in his chest. "Haldir, my lord, if it is not wrong . . ." He coughed, his eyes becoming distant, "then you must not hide it further." He closed his eyes, sighing briefly. Haldir grimaced as he moved his hands over Orvith. Willow moaned as she laid her head on Orvith's forehead.
"It is my fault!" Willow cried as Raven ran up to them. "I . . . I left them here and Rorik found me. He dragged me back, and used Raven and me to make them choose. They could not fight all of Rorik's men, for they held us apart."
Haldir shook his head. "Be still, Willow. He is not dead yet. I will not allow it." Haldir rested his hands on Orvith's wound, and Willow watched in amazement when the blood stopped flowing. Slowly the skin tightened and closed. Haldir sighed, brushing his sleeve across his forehead. "He only sleeps, Willow. I can not heal it fully now, but he will not die today."
Haldir rose and pulled Willow from Orvith. "It is not anyone's fault, except perhaps mine for not staying near. My elves knew the dangers they faced. Do not weep. When elves die, they go to the Hall of Mandos and will be reborn someday."
He gathered her to him as Raven sank down next to the two elves. She stared up at Haldir, her eyes blurred with tears as she shook her head.
"I am sorry, Haldir. I promised Galadriel you would all return."
Rumil gripped Raven's elbow, forcing her to stand. "We knew the dangers, Raven. Galadriel sees much more than you or I."
Andarion frowned as he stepped forward. "We did not think Rorik would go this far. I am sorry."
Indirion stood up from where she knelt next to Ceridyn. "He was an evil man, Andarion, but you refused to see." Her young face was filled with anger.
Andarion looked down at her in surprise, and Raven grabbed her arm. "You must not speak to Andarion that way," she whispered, and Indirion scowled.
"Why, you know what he did to you, Raven. Yet you would not reveal it to anyone. I tried to tell you, Andarion, but you would not listen. Rorik was filled with hatred." She pulled her arm free of Raven's grasp as Raven's face went white.
"I have seen him leave the village, Andarion. I followed him where he went. He hides who he is!"
Andarion frowned. "What do you mean, Indirion? Where did he go? We all leave the village at times."
Indirion shook her head. "He is from the black lands. I could not follow far, but he traveled there and met creatures I had never seen before."
Haldir frowned, unease settling into his heart as he knelt next to Indirion.
"Peace, little one. Do not speak further for you will frighten the other villagers. See, they have come to see what has happened. We must speak of this alone with Andarion." Indirion nodded, grimacing and Haldir rose.
Raven sat in the chair in the council chamber, one of a few buildings left standing. Indirion and Sareth sat huddled at her feet. Rumil and Orophin stood at the door, their faces grim in the dim light.
Andarion paced back and forth as Haldir knelt in front of Indirion.
"You are as brave as your sister to follow Rorik. What if he had found you?" he asked as Indirion sniffed loudly. They had placed the injured inside the chamber and she stared at them sadly.
"I have learned from my sister how to travel the desert. I followed them as far as I could, but the black lands frighten me. There is great evil there."
Andarion sighed. "We do not venture close to the black lands. Strange things seem to happen there. I cannot believe Rorik came from them."
Raven closed her eyes. "I can, Andarion. Father knew, I think. He also went out one day when Rorik was gone, and only Rorik returned. My father knew the desert. Even you said it was odd he did not return, but I could not prove anything."
She trembled as Haldir stared at her, her face growing pale. "Rorik followed me once, as I left as seeker. In a sandstorm he found me. I could not get away." She stared at Haldir as his face hardened, his eyes glinting as he looked at her. "He threatened to kill my brother," she whispered.
She looked over to Andarion, who had stopped pacing. "He told me he killed father. I was afraid, Andarion. But he killed my brother anyway, after he found out what Rorik had done. He went to him. I tried to stop him. I tried!" she cried, covering her face in her hands.
Haldir rose, facing Andarion, who sat down in a chair. They were all so single minded, these mortals. Did they not see what lay before them? He scowled angrily as he turned back to Raven, his expression softening as he knelt in front of Indirion.
"You said you saw strange creatures that he met with," Haldir said, the unease growing inside of him.
Indirion looked up at Haldir. "I did. I do not know what they were," she whispered, rising to stand before Haldir. Their eyes met, and Indirion did not look away from Haldir's direct stare. "They were as tall as you are. Big, ugly. They spoke a language I could not understand and Rorik answered them in the same. That's how I know he must be from there." She glanced over to Andarion.
Haldir drew her attention again. "Do they carry weapons?"
She nodded.
"Long black hair and skin?"
She nodded again.
"Orcs!" snarled Rumil. Indirion stared in surprise at his vehemence. Haldir rose slowly, turning toward Andarion.
"It is even more imperative you move quickly. If Indirion is right, we have a greater evil than Rorik that will soon shadow this land. I must return to Galadriel as quickly as possible."
Raven pushed the remains of her tent into the cart, and leaned against it, staring up at the stars above. She trembled as she twisted the corner of the tent in her hands.
She felt awful. Her insides were a writhing mass of horror as she allowed herself to recall all that she had hidden inside her heart. That horrible sandstorm when Rorik had attacked her. She had pushed it all away, hidden it deep within her. Now it was all free, rolling around in the pit of her stomach.
What must Haldir think of her? In her fear, she had blurted it out. But the way it had come out made it sound as thought she had agreed to his advances, at least to her mind. She turned toward the cart, clutching the sides in a grip that whitened her knuckles as she fought back the urge to weep.
Haldir stood in the shadows, watching her. He frowned, seeing her torment as she stared at the stars above. Did she look to the stars for answers or forgiveness? She must learn to forgive herself first. He clutched at his head as a bright white light flashed behind his eyes.
Shaking off the spots that danced before him, Haldir drew himself into his mind, blocking out the outside world.
Before him stood Galadriel, in front of the pool that fed her mirror. "I have seen the desolation, Haldir. Do not grieve for your warden. His spirit has entered the halls as it should." He nodded as she smiled sadly. "I have long feared what you now find true, March Warden. Long have I waited for a sign I feared would come. We are not the only immortals the Valar have brought back. Iluvatar has allowed Morgoth to shadow the earth once more. Be wary, Guardian." The light flashed again in his mind and Haldir rubbed his eyes as he stared once more into the darkness. His head throbbed with Galadriel's words and he frowned. It was the unspoken thoughts that pushed him forward.
Raven whirled and gasped in fright as Haldir stepped close, her eyes wide.
He reached out to grip her arm. "Do not be frightened," he said as she stepped away along the cart.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean for you to frighten me so. I was not paying attention." She avoided looking at him, tucking the stray ends of the tent further into the cart.
Haldir followed her around the cart. "I wish to speak with you, Raven. Why do you walk away?" he asked as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"I am just tired, Haldir. I think I will go find the children and retire for the night." She started to step away, but Haldir caught her wrist.
"Why do you run, Raven? Do you fear what I think?" he asked as she turned her head away. He reached out gripping her chin to face him gently. "It is not for me to judge you or your actions. But know that elves do not force themselves on a woman against her will. The act of doing so is inconceivable." He stared at the large grief-filled gray eyes that looked back at him.
Raven pulled her chin away, but could not free her wrist. He stepped closer to her. "Will you not let me help you?"
Raven stared at him, suddenly angry. "What can you do? It has been done. I cannot change the past." She shuddered, pushing away the tears that threatened to fall.
Haldir smiled. "I cannot change the past, Raven. But I can help ease your mind if you allow me to."
Raven sniffed, rubbing her nose as she began to shove the contents of the cart around again roughly. She flinched when Haldir reached in to grip her hands, pulling her to face him.
"Anger does not help, Raven. Perhaps you need something else to replace the fear that fills your heart," he said as she wrenched her hands free.
"How can you know?" she asked as she stepped away from him. Haldir's eyes glittered as she stared at him angrily. "You have no idea what I have gone through."
He stared down at her haughtily, his eyebrows rising in disdain. "I have lived for thousands of years," he said furiously. "I have seen and lived through many things you could not even bear to imagine, young mortal. Do not dare to tell me that I cannot understand your pain." He released her and turned to leave when Raven caught his sleeve.
"Haldir, please," she whispered as he turned back to her. "Forgive me. I don't know why I said that." She inhaled a shaky breath. "In all the years since my mother died I have had to be strong, to care for my family. Father did what he could and so did my brother. But I raised the children. I find it difficult to speak what is in my heart." She gripped his sleeve tighter as she stepped closer to him, pleading for understanding.
Haldir frowned, barely controlling the impulse to crush her in his arms. She did not need his attentions at the moment. He pushed away the thought as she stared at him, her gray eyes searching his.
"What do you want, Raven? I will protect you as I can, and will lead your people back to the borders of the elven lands. I fear more that I cannot speak of tonight. Your people are in grave danger here."
Raven pulled her gaze from his with difficulty. She wanted to lean against him and have him wrap his arms around her. But he would probably laugh. She frowned as he tilted his head to the side, trying to read her expression.
"I don't know what I want, Haldir," she whispered. "I am afraid." She avoided his gaze.
Haldir smiled as she looked away. He reached out, placing his hands on either side of her head. She stared at him hesitantly. "Close your eyes, Raven. I can ease the pain in your heart." She obeyed. Haldir's gaze narrowed on hers as he murmured softly.
Raven sighed as she listened to his voice, and she reached up to lay her hands on his. The riot of emotions that had twisted her stomach seemed to fade and she gripped his hands as she felt her knees weaken with the sensations that spread through her.
She began to tremble when his voice paused, but she did not release his hands. She opened her eyes to see him staring at her in an odd way, and she closed them again as he smiled, leaning toward her.
She gasped slightly as his lips brushed hers gently, and then he released her. Raven opened her eyes to see him fade into the shadows, and she sank down to sit beside the cart.
~ 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.
