Title & Chapter Number: The Sundering 17/25
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
~ 17 ~
Indirion stared at the expanse of trees around her as they entered the city of Caras Galadhon, her eyes wide with wonder. She ran forward to clasp Rúmil's hand. "This is where you live?"
The tall blond elf smiled and nodded. "Indeed, this is it, young lady."
"They are so tall! And you have built houses in them!" She giggled and turned back to look at Sareth, noting that he was not gazing at the trees but rather at the elves who passed them heading back in the direction from which they came.
She noted their weapons and their grim, serious expressions. "Where are they going, Rúmil?" she asked him inquisitively.
"Another set of guardians go to relieve those out on the border, Indirion. Haldir will be leaving too since we have now returned." Rúmil nodded a greeting to several elves who glanced curiously at the humans he guided.
"Haldir is the captain, isn't he?" Indirion skipped to keep up with Rúmil's longer pace.
Rúmil smiled at her endless questions. "Yes, I thought you knew that already. He has long held that post. Orophin and I strive to match his talents in both fighting skills and negotiation, but I fear we are not as gifted."
Indirion was silent for a moment. "Rúmil, do you think he likes to make Raven angry?" She glanced up at him as he laughed.
"No, I do not think he does it on purpose. I think only that they do not want to admit they are strongly drawn to each other." He glanced down at Indirion as they began to climb the great stair leading to the Lady and Lord's talan. "You are so young. I sometimes forget that you see much more than you should."
Indirion turned to gaze back down at the city as they climbed, clutching Rúmil's hand a little more tightly. "Raven is very frightened, Rúmil, but she won't talk to me about it. Is she in danger? Is that why they sent her here?"
Rúmil hesitated, unsure how much he should tell her. "I cannot say why they brought her here, only that Haldir was very upset that she thought to aid in the fighting." He smiled down at her. "I fear his heart could not take the thought of her being in danger."
Elves watched them from both near and far as they climbed the steps, passing many talans on the way. "Why do they stare so, Rúmil?" Indirion asked.
Rúmil grinned, releasing her hand to rub her head. "They are surprised and curious. Humans do not often enter Caras Galadhon, and never since we returned from Valinor. Raven was the first, and now you are here. They fear it portends great changes for us, and we do not take well to change." He rested his hand on her shoulder as they reached the audience chamber.
Indirion gazed around her, taking in the leaf-shaped floor covered in golden leaves from the canopy above them. Looking up, her eyes widened and she slid behind Rúmil to peek around him as Galadriel and Celeborn glided slowly down the steps to meet them. Rúmil grinned and pulled her back to his side, but continued to rest his hand on her shoulder as she stared shyly at the elven couple.
Galadriel smiled. "Why do you withdraw, child? We have spoken before." Her arm swept out. "You are here in my home now. What do you think of our city?"
Indirion glanced back at Sareth and Willow, who stood slightly behind her. They appeared as awestruck as she was.
Indirion turned back to Galadriel. "It is beautiful, my lady. But where is Raven?"
Galadriel's laugh tinkled merrily as she stepped down the last step, leaving Celeborn's side. "Raven has been summoned and will be here shortly. She finds the steps tiresome, I fear." Still smiling, Galadriel clasped Indirion's hand. "I see you have hounded poor Rúmil with your questions. I will have to have Haldir commend him for his willingness to answer all you have thought to ask." She smiled at Rúmil as he bowed in thanks, his face flushing slightly.
Celeborn smiled and stepped down to grip Sareth's shoulder. "You watch my guardians high on the stair with such interest. Perhaps I shall have the wardens find time to teach you some defensive skills whilst you stay here."
Sareth's eyes widened in surprise and pleasure. Willow grinned, patting her brother on his head as she stared wistfully at Galadriel. She lowered her eyes as Galadriel turned to her.
"I see your thoughts clearly, Willow. You have found favor with one of my elves, I hear." She smiled as Willow blushed. "Do not fear, Willow. I do not find fault with you or Orvith. Perhaps such a union is the will of the Valar. But to answer your question, I do not control the schedules of the guardians on duty. That is Haldir's task. You must speak with him if you hope to find young Orvith stationed near you. It is Haldir's choice to make."
Willow pouted. "I fear I will never see him again, my lady. Haldir seems to put Orvith as far from me as possible. It is not fair."
Galadriel looked amused. "I will speak to him. Perhaps I may move his heart a bit, but I think your entreaty would have more effect. You must be strong in your desire, Willow."
The Lady's attention shifted as Raven hurried up the stairs, holding the green tunic-dress high about her ankles so as not to trip. She swept toward her family, and they gathered around her. Her face lit with joy, she knelt, hugging both Indirion and Sareth as they both spoke at once, their excitement rushing their words until Raven held them out at arm's length.
"Hold your tongues!" she said with a laugh. "I cannot understand a word either of you say, you are both so excited. You must wait and tell me later. Right now I must greet the Lord and Lady properly." She turned and bowed to the lady, taking both the children's hands.
Both Galadriel and Celeborn smiled. "I am pleased to see you reunited." Galadriel said. "Go, Raven will show you where you shall stay." She gazed at Raven, who bowed again in silent gratitude, then led her family back down the stairs.
~*~*~*~
Raven rolled her eyes as Indirion flooded her with questions while they settled in for the night. Galadriel had moved Raven to a larger talan so they might all stay together. She folded the green tunic and placed it into a chest, then straightened as she caught Willow's wistful gaze at the material.
"Do not look so sad, Willow. Galadriel is having a tunic made for you as well. She seems to enjoy changing our way of dress." Without thinking, she added, "I still have not gotten my own clothes back from Haldir, " then pressed her lips together as they turned toward her curiously.
"Why does Haldir have your clothes?" Sareth asked as he leaped around the room attempting to slice the head off the chair with an imaginary sword.
Raven knew she was flushing. "He took them after I slipped and fell in the mud. He was going to have them cleaned. He was just being nice." When Willow and Indirion looked at her, their eyebrows raised, she ignored them and shut the lid of the chest. She slid into the large bed she would be sharing with Willow and pulled the blanket up to her chin.
Sareth leaped around, stabbing the chest and then turned to stare at her. "He didn't help you take off your clothes, did he?" he asked innocently.
"Sareth!" Raven tried to look angry rather than embarrassed.
Sareth shrugged, turning back to slash at the chair once more. "I wouldn't want to have to speak to Haldir about you, you know. I might have to teach him a lesson!" he added as the girls smothered their laughter in the pillows.
~*~*~*~
Raven woke suddenly, chilled to the bone, cold sweat soaking her nightgown as she shivered uncontrollably. The darkness in the talan was overwhelming and she slid out of the bed to light the lantern with shaking hands. She heard Willow sit up as the light began to glow softly.
"Raven, are you all right?" Willow whispered.
Raven shook her head, trying to control the shudders that gripped her. She huddled in the chair, her knees drawn up to her chin as she stared at the light. Willow slid out from under the blankets and pulled one off to wrap it around Raven's shoulders. She bent and hugged Raven as she continued to tremble.
"I am so afraid," she whispered back. "but of what I don't know." She was vaguely conscious that Willow was hugging her tighter. "I can't seem to shake off the dream. Even now it haunts me." She began to weep softly.
Willow rested her chin on the top of Raven's head. "If only Haldir were here, he would know what to do." She smoothed Raven's hair. "But Orophin said he left today for the borders." Raven nodded shakily. "Have you had dreams like this all this while?" she asked as Raven looked up at her.
"No, never like this. I have not been able to sleep much since I looked into Galadriel's mirror, but never have I had a dream such as this. It frightens me still."
"Perhaps if you speak of it, it may lessen its hold on you."
Raven shook her head violently. "No, Willow. I could not trouble your mind with the horror I feel now." She clutched the blanket tighter.
Willow straightened, her arm still around Raven. "Perhaps Haldir's presence has some hold on your thoughts. He is not here and suddenly you dream of this darkness. You told me about your vision, and it frightened me, but I feel Galadriel is right that Haldir is important to you."
Raven shrugged, curling tighter into the blanket.
Willow sighed as Raven fought to shake off the darkness, then pulled Raven to her feet. "Perhaps if we went to Haldir's room, his presence there might soothe you." She dragged Raven to the door.
Raven hesitated, then nodded shakily. With a quick glance at the sleeping twins, they left the room and hurried along the paths to the stairs leading up to Haldir's talan. Quietly, they ran up the long line of steps, Raven gripping her blanket firmly about her as they passed several darkened talans. Raven giggled nervously as they hurried up the last few steps.
Rúmil stepped out of his talan as they passed, watching the two girls climb higher. He frowned and began to follow them soundlessly.
They reached Haldir's door, and Willow gazed around her, noting that his talan gave him an excellent view of the surrounding city. Then they pushed open the door and went inside. Raven crossed the room to light a lamp, then sat down in his chair, still shivering violently.
Willow paced, noting the room was neat but bare. "Well, at least he is not untidy," she remarked. She noticed his tunic lying on the bed and walked over to it, wrinkling her nose at the stains that still covered the fabric.
"So you weren't the only one to fall in the mud, sister." She grinned as Raven scowled at her. Raven stood up and walked over to the bed, grabbing one of Haldir's pillows and clutching it to her. Willow smiled and picked up the tunic. "I will take this and clean it. I am much better at that than you-you never take enough time. Then you can give it back and take the credit."
"So you are stealing Haldir's clothes now? I think you will find they will not fit either of you," Rúmil said severely.
Raven and Willow gasped simultaneously, and turned toward the doorway where Haldir's brother stood with his hands on his hips.
"I only take his tunic to clean it." Willow glanced at Raven, who still hugged Haldir's pillow to her chest. "And Raven is plumping his pillows for him." She laughed as Rúmil lifted a brow, but Raven only tossed the pillow back on the bed and sat down on the edge.
Rúmil studied Raven, a worried frown crossing his face. He turned back to Willow. "I think that tunic tells an interesting story. Perhaps you know it?" he asked slyly as Willow stared down at the garment. She shrugged, glancing over to Raven.
Rúmil transferred his gaze to Raven. "Perhaps in exchange for not telling Haldir you have invaded his room, you might tell me the tunic's story?" Raven blushed red, and his eyebrows rose even higher.
"Now I think I must hear this story after seeing such a reaction." He grinned and crossing the room to sit beside her, one strong arm wrapping around her shoulders. Then he frowned as he felt her trembling.
"It was nothing, Rúmil. You will hear of it soon enough," she grumbled. "I am sure the story has everyone laughing."
"Ah, but what we see is not often the full story," he said as she avoided his eyes. Grinning now, he knelt in front of her, his curiosity fully roused.
"We fell into the mud, that is all," she muttered.
He laughed. "Haldir does not just fall into the mud, Raven. He must have had some assistance." He tapped his fingers on his lips as he gazed at her. "Knowing my brother's habits, after rolling in the mud, which I am sure was extremely distasteful to my obsessively neat brother, he had the overwhelming urge to bathe." Rúmil laughed, rocking back on his heels as Raven's scowl confirmed his theory.
"And," he continued, "knowing my brother as well as I do he must have been quite furious that you succeeded in tumbling him into the mud." He rose to his feet and pace merrily in front of Raven, his hands folded behind his back as he continued to speculate aloud. "Therefore he would have made sure you were in the mud as well-if you weren't already-which would have made you angry. And knowing full well his bath would be ready and waiting, he must have decided to drag you along,." Rúmil laughed again as Raven face turned beet red.
"Ha! Orophin will relish this story as much as do I, poor Raven. I fear you have chosen one who hides his sense of humor well. But once awoken, you should fear the consequences!" He glanced back over at her, and his grin abruptly vanished as he took in the desolate expression on her face.
He came over to her and once more knelt before her. "I apologize for my levity, Raven. I now see that your mind is fraught with darkness. Tell me, what shadows have dampened your spirit?" His brows drew together as Raven shuddered and covered her face in her hands. He reached out and brushed back the hair that fell over her cheek. "Let loose the darkness that blinds you now," he said gently. "Did you come to Haldir's talan to find respite from your dark dreams?"
Raven nodded and Rúmil stood up, studying her for a moment. "I may have something that will ease the terror in your heart." He caught hold of her hands and drew her to her feet, pulling her back outside and down the stairs where he stopped at the level below Haldir's. Willow trailed behind, still holding Haldir's tunic. "Wait here for a moment," he directed them both.
He entered his room, and Willow peeked around the door to see what he was up to, then grinned and turned back to Raven. "He is nothing like Haldir," she remarked.
Rúmil came out, glancing at Willow. "No, I am not like Haldir, although I sometimes wish I had his wisdom." He smiled and turned to Raven.
"I think my mother would have liked you to have this. Long ago she had one made of each of us, although it will not seem like long to you if you look at our faces." He held out a small locket, hung on a tiny silver chain. Raven accepted it, staring at Rúmil in confusion. He stepped closer and brushed a finger alongside the locket. At once it sprang open, revealing the image of a younger Haldir in its tiny oval frame.
Rúmil smiled as her eyes widened. "She used to wear them often, changing each day, although I think she wore Haldir's more often. He was her firstborn, and though she tried not to, she favored him the most. He looks a lot like her." He folded Raven's fingers over the locket, adding, "Haldir may not approve my giving it to you, but I care not. He was uninterested in such things when she left us, and so I kept them. I fear I have more sentimental feeling than Haldir has." Rúmil watched Raven gaze down at the locket in her hand with an expression of yearning.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"It may help you to hold the darkness at bay. I do not know." He motioned to Willow, who caught hold of Raven's hand and drew her back along the paths to their room. Inside, Willow urged Raven into the bed, where she curled up, clutching the locket to her breast like a lifeline as she closed her eyes with a sigh.
Willow climbed in beside her, brushing a stray lock of hair off her sister's face as Raven finally sank into what seemed to be a peaceful sleep.
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