Title & Chapter Number: Voices on the Wind 1/1
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: All characters belong to JRR Tolkien, New Line Cinema and Peter Jackson, I just borrow them them to play with, except for Haldir…I'm keeping him…
Warnings: angst, bittersweet
Betas:
Cast: Haldir
Timeline: Takes place as the Fellowship seeks sanctuary in Lorien after Gandalf's death.
Spoilers: Nope
Summary: of Helms Deep
Notes: The red cloak revealed, Haldir says goodbye to Lorien. Whos' the narrator? Orophin?,Rumil? Woman, Man? I wrote this after listening to Loreena McKennitt's Dante's Prayer.
The night air was becoming increasingly chill.
The temperature usually remained quite mild within the Golden Wood, but this night the cold spreading darkness that had gripped most of Middle Earth snaked its way into the heart of Lothlorien. I suppressed a shiver, not wanting to acknowledge the foreboding that such a change in climate might herald.
~*~*~*~
Only four days before, many in Lorien had heeded a call to arms and marched at dawn to the Rohan stronghold at Helm's Deep. The flickering sparks of the alliance between the races of Elves and Men being rekindled in the face of Sauron's darkness. I remember adding my voice in a song of strength and hope as the archers knelt before the Lord and Lady. The blue twilight of dawn paling their faces transparent as they awaited their charge.
"Astalderea... Nai tirurvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu Vilya." (May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.)
The archers stood and saluted as their chosen leader, Haldir, the March Warden of the Galadhrim, broke formation and strode to the forefront. He bowed low to the Lord and Lady, his pale hair falling like a curtain of light across his face.
"Sana sima Haldir." (This is for you, Haldir.)
Galadriel raised him to his feet and presented her Warden with a crimson cloak of office.
"Wear it proudly, March Warden, for its honor suits you."
The Lady of the Wood was right. Never had I seen the handsome Galadhrim look more commanding. My breath caught in my throat as Galadriel placed the cloak upon his broad shoulders.
Haldir kneeled again and kissed his Lady's hand.
"I shall treasure your gift in my heart." he spoke softly before rising to his feet once more.
Without fanfare or delay Haldir turned towards his archers and commanded the elven army to advance. I tried to catch his eyes as he turned to follow, but his gaze remained forward and steady. Haldir was never one for prolonged goodbyes.
Those left to tend Lorien watched as the last archer passed beneath the giant Mallorn. All must serve, I thought. In our own ways we will all fight this battle. As if to echo my thoughts, Lord Celeborn took his lady's hand and led her away. Like so many of us, she looked weary and vulnerable.
~*~*~*~
Shivering again, I wrapped my cloak tighter to my shoulders. Something was amiss.
Closing my eyes I leaned upon the rail of my talan. I sent my senses outward to search the odd chill breeze.
It was faint at first, not unlike a soft moan from the trees. But as I stood and listened, it grew stronger and more melodious.
There were voices on the wind and they drifted high among the golden branches and dipped low again to wrap themselves around me.
My hair stirred in the sonorous breeze, calling me out and grabbing a taper from the table I quickly made my way down from the talan.
When I reached the bottom I realized that I was not the only one to have heard these voices. Many had gathered and were following the strange breeze.
The contingent led to Nimrodel, the sacred river that flowed though Lorien and as I approached the silvered waters ,the voices rang clear.
"A Elbareth, o menel palan-diriel, le nallon si di ngurthos! A tiro nin, Fonuilos." (O Elbareth, from heaven gazing afar, to thee I cry now beneath the shadow of death, O look towards me! Everwhite.)
The far banks of the river seemed to glow with light that at first seemed too bright, but as my eyes adjusted I could see the faint shadows of figures within the lummen.
The haunting voices were strong now and sang as one in their lament.
Within moments the light began to dim and the source of the keen was revealed. My eyes widened at the sight, for I recognized the faces of some of the archers that had marched to the Helm.
//Oh Elbareth, there were so many faces!//
In stunned silence I stood upon the bank, unable to focus my thoughts. Then I saw it, a flash of crimson, and my heart fell.
Haldir stepped onto the far bank.
I closed my eyes tightly, unable to quell the rush of tears that abandoned them. I did not wish to see this. It was not real.
A hand upon my cheek, warm and soft. Delicate breath upon my neck, as a familiar voice whispers to my ears and melts into my heart. The softest kiss upon my trembling lips, honey sweet, and tender. I lean into the spectral embrace, as warm flesh holds me close. I open my eyes and reach out... only to see Haldir still standing upon the far shore, his grey eyes locked in mine... and I understand.
//This is goodbye.//
Haldir of Lorien would lead his men to the Halls of Mandos. With a last look over his shoulder, the silver warrior faded into crimson mist, followed by the archers and I stared out over Nimrodel in stunned silence for what seemed like an eternity before I knelt to the ground.
Taking up my candle, I placed it upon a felled golden Mallorn leaf and set it adrift in the waters of the river.
Haldir's whispered words still echoed in my ears as I watched my tiny ship of light float down the silvery waters.
"Cast your eyes to the ocean, Cast your soul to the sea, When the darkness seems endless, Please remember me"
A breeze caressed my neck, much warmer now, and upon the wind I heard it whisper to my breaking heart.
Please remember me... please remember me... Saes rin amin...
FIN
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