Title & Chapter Number: Haldir's Redemption 6/9
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: LOTR
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I own nothing but my soul. No money is being made from this story and all rights and privileges belong to the Tolkien Estate.
Warnings: Angst, H/C
Betas: Beta'd by Hawk....thanks sooooooo much hun!
Cast: Haldir/OFC and most of the elves and fellowship including some of my own characters
Timeline: Just before the fellowship arrives at Lorien and after they leave
Spoilers: LOTR, Two Towers
Summary: Sequel to Haldir's Therapy. Haldir has been injured at Helm's Deep and finds that he needs Nerie more than he thought possible but his stubborness and arrogance gets way too much in the way. Plenty of angst, assault, pain and battery……..and forever love…..all say aaahhhh!!
Notes: Feedback always appreciated. This is an ongoing story.
The wind whistled bitterly around the barren tundra. The darkening of the night falling, the deepening gloom doing nothing to make the group of Lorien and Imladris elves feel secure. The group moved as quickly as they could to gain the safety of the river Bruin and Imladris. Despite the speed of their horses, they knew they were being followed.
"You and Nerie run to the borders. My wardens will be watching." Arvarno shouted above the howling gale, wheeling his stead around. His eyes peered into the gloom and tried to assess who followed the group.
The first dark arrow hit the ground with a loud thump, making his horse skitter and jump answering the unspoken question. Haldir scowled, turning in the saddle to face Arvarno, his pale flaxen hair loose and flying in the wind.
"Nay I can help!" Haldir yelled.
Arvarno shot him a look of anger.
"Get your wife and child to safety Haldir. Then we shall see if I need your help!" Arvarno replied tightly.
A thin wail from Eirien filled the air making Arvarno's eyes dart to Nerie's form in the gloom, then back at Haldir as if to make the point.
The rest of the elves turned their horses to face their foe. Bow and sword at the ready for any enemy that came close enough for them to strike at. Another arrow landed against the turf just yards away. Screams and jeers could be heard in the dimming light as the orcs came ever nearer to their quarry.
"GO!"
Haldir nodded but his anger did not quell. He grabbed the reins of Nerie's horse and ignoring his crying daughter, Haldir kicked, pushing his steed into the night and towards the safety of Imladris and the river Bruin but he hated every second of it. Never had he felt so useless, so weak against a common foe and even now, as he rode hard, Haldir had every intention of returning as soon as Nerie was safe.
Then his eyes glanced sideways to the rider beside him as her horse rode full gallop, one hand clutching to the bundle that was tied against her body, cocooned in safety for now. The woman's eyes were huge, even in the dim light and Haldir could see that Nerie was terrified and felt instantly guilty. This was how she lost her family all those months before and Haldir knew that, whatever happened; he would never leave her alone again. His life had been saved the last time he left his wife and as Haldir saw the Bruin in front of them, the sound of rushing water reaching his ears as a welcome sound of safety, Haldir knew that the decision had been made. He would not help Arvarno, though his warrior extinct screamed at him in protest.
Slowing the horses, Haldir and Nerie made it to the other side of the fast flowing river to be met by an unseen voice.
"And what would you want in these lands?"
Haldir peered up into the trees and quickly determined where the voice had come from but could not see the speaker. Ignoring his still crying child and the attempts of Nerie to quieten her, he replied in a loud sure voice
"My name is Haldir of Lorien. I seek safety for my wife and child. Arvarno, my friend, and your captain is fighting for his life. Go to him wardens of Rivendell. Save my friend!"
Haldir looked up at the treetops and heard nothing. After a few seconds the roar of hooves came towards them and thundered past, ignoring the warden of Lorien and his family. Haldir watched them disappear, his heart in his throat in anticipation of the battle that would never come.
"Greetings Haldir and Nerie of Lorien. I have come to take you to Rivendell. Please follow me."
Haldir turned his head to see an elf. He was dark haired, like Arvarno but his looks were more exotic. High cheekbones framed his large dark eyes. His build was that of a warrior but thin and lithe. He held his head high with a proud bearing but his eyes could hold onto your secrets and you would give them willingly. Haldir nodded, recognising the Noldor who accompanied Elrond on most duties in Caras Galahron.
"Mae Govannen Erestor. It has been a while since I have seen you."
Erestor turned his horse around and smiled; though the smile held no warmth to it.
"Mae Govannen to you all."
Another wail pierced the air and Erestor winced at it.
Nerie looked up at the Noldor and shrugged.
"I am sorry my lord. Eirien is hungry."
Erestor's eyes flickered to the wrapped bundle; an eyebrow raised in a fashion in which reminded Haldir so much of Elrond.
"It cannot be done now. We need to go to Rivendell immediately. Follow me." Erestor replied, kicking his stead into a canter and rode ahead of Haldir and Nerie into the dark safety of Imladris's trees.
Haldir shook his head at the frown that Nerie gave him and followed Erestor's trail.
After a few miles the horses slowed to a walk but Erestor still would not let them stop so Nerie, with a struggle, fed Eirien on horseback. The feeding was uncomfortable and took longer than normal. When it was finally done, Eirien fell asleep lulled by the movement of the horse's gait. Nerie's head bounced, eyes closed, fighting sleep as much as she could. Haldir saw his wife slump in the saddle and leant over. With some effort, Haldir placed Nerie in front of him, the child asleep in her mothers bonds. The blonde Lorien elf held onto his wife with his strong arm as he guided his horse with his legs. Luckily his stead did not really need saddle or bridle and knew where to go with a simple touch.
The faint morning light broke over the high mountains when Haldir saw the first sight of Rivendell, its elegant form dipping out of the forest that surrounded it like a child playing hide and seek, and he was glad. His thoughts along this journey had been that of his friends whom he had left behind and he felt sorely troubled at leaving them. Were they all right?
It was then that a rumbling could be heard making Haldir pulled back. He turned his head to see a group of elves galloping up to them; all were covered in mud, blood and gore. Ahead of them was Arvarno, his face in obvious pain. The dark haired elf pulled up behind Haldir and gave a small smile.
"I see you made it then and did as you were bid. I must say that is a first." The warden's voice was quiet in the early morning air and Haldir quickly assessed his friend from what he could see from his vantage point but saw no obvious injury but knew instantly something was terribly wrong.
They rode along in silence, Nerie bobbing against Haldir's chest with the gentle pace of the horses walk. Arvarno rode just behind until they arrived at the entrance of Rivendell itself, the haven of elves. It was as beautiful as when Haldir had seen it over a thousand years before. Not much had changed apart from the rampant growth of trees and plants that prospered around the city walls and buildings.
They rode into the courtyard and Erestor dismounted, giving the reins of his horse to a nearby elf whom led the horse away. Haldir gently shook Nerie, who awoke with a start to find she was in the large open area of an enclosed courtyard. The architecture was beautiful and organic in design but all the buildings lay on solid foundations. None lay in the trees as in Caras Galadhron.
Slowly sliding downwards, Nerie's feet hit the cobbled surface as her legs wobbled from being in the saddle too long. Haldir dismounted in one fluid graceful movement and stood next to Nerie, an arm around her waist in protection and support. It was then that he saw Lord Elrond appear at the top of the steps, regal in dark purple as his dark hair was swept back away from his face. He smiled gently at the visitors, his eyes scanning over those who were covered in filth.
Arvarno dismounted slowly and awkwardly and took two unsteady steps forward toward his Lord and master. Haldir gasped as he saw Arvarno tremble at the struggle to remain standing. Finally the blonde haired warden saw why his best friend had seemed so uneasy those last few miles.
"I bring Haldir and Nerie of Lorien my Lord. They claim sanctuary." Arvarno croaked, then promptly collapsed onto the ground, the broken shaft of an arrow in his back.
~*~*~*~
Nerie tucked the blanket around Eirien. Now three months old, she has lost her newborn look and now had blonde curls that shone in the candlelight.
"She is a beautiful child." A quiet voice murmured, making Nerie turn to see Elrond at the entrance of the apartment offered to Haldir and herself for their entirety of their stay.
His smile was gentle as his eyes twinkled in the shimmering light to which Nerie smiled in return. It had been three days since the fleeing to Rivendell and Elrond had quite taken to Eirien, spending time to talk to Nerie and cuddle Eirien whenever he could.
"Thank you Elrond. You are most gracious." Nerie replied warmly, happy to be safe once more.
For the first two days, she had woken with nightmares. Images refreshed in her mind from when she last came face to face with orcs and Haldir had held her comforted her. Loved her till dawn and promised never to leave, always to be with her. Standing and walking towards the door, she indicated to the living quarters.
"Miruvor?" she asked, passing the Lord of Imladris to walk to the nearby dresser where a decanter of the elixir stood, glass goblets nest to it.
"Please, that would be wonderful." Elrond replied, following Nerie then sat on one of the lounge chairs, placing his hands along the back of it and relaxed into the cushions.
Even in this short time Elrond was amazed at this human who, in such a short time, had learnt Sindarin and Quenyan and could also read both. He was also amazed at the gentleness of her soul despite all that life had thrown at her. She remained strong but quiet. She seemed assured in her love for Haldir and secured in the fact that she was loved equally and Elrond felt envious of that for they held what he once had and which he had longed for ever since.
Taking the offered glass from Nerie, who then sat opposite him, Elrond smiled as he raised his hand in toast to her and sipped its contents, allowing the smooth sweet mixture to dwell on his palette and ooze down his throat.
Nerie shuffled against the cushion raising and tucking her legs under her.
"How is Arvarno?" Nerie enquired, tucking her hair behind her ear.
Elrond nodded.
"Well. Very well, indeed. In fact, I think he can leave the infirmary in a day or two but I am afraid he will not be able to go to his duties immediately. I am afraid you will have two very grumpy wardens under your feet for the next week or two." He replied, humour in his voice.
Nerie giggled.
"I am glad he is alright. Did he tell you that he saved Haldir at Helms Deep?"
Elrond shook his head; his eyebrow raised in the expression Nerie was beginning to understand.
"I will let Arvarno and Haldir have that pleasure Lord Elrond. They can tell it far better than I."
The dark haired elf chuckled as he sipped his drink. It was then that Nerie decided to ask. The promise of healing Haldir had gone to one side, forgotten in the injuries of the elves that had returned from their skirmish with the orcs. Maybe now it was time.
"Elrond?" Nerie paused to see she has his full attention and butterflies began to fly in her stomach. "I was wondering if you have decided in helping Haldir regain his strength. I had hoped . . .."
"I have read the letter from Galadriel and from what she has told me, Haldir has refused her help though he will not say why to neither she or I, which is most puzzling. But I will assess him tomorrow. I have been a bit busy over the last few days." Elrond interrupted a lopsided smile on his lips. Nerie instantly blushed.
"Oh I am sorry, I do not mean too. . ."
"Shh child." Elrond replied, taking the last of the liquid and standing.
Placing the glass back on the sideboard, he turned and smiled to Nerie.
"I will see Haldir tomorrow, that I promise. And now goodnight for it is late and I am sure you are tired. I will see myself out."
With a quick smile and a nod of his head, Elrond swept from the quarters leaving Nerie to relax.
~*~*~*~
Haldir found Nerie snuggled in blankets, her breathing soft and even the quiet of the room, and smiled at the sight. Long blonde hair nestled and tumbled around her shoulders, her skin pale under the blue glow of the full moon that shone through the open window.
Silently, he sat down on the side of the bed, his hand placed on her hip as he gazed at his wife. For two days she had been troubled by nightmares and for two nights he had comforted her. As the moonlight shimmered through the window, Haldir's thoughts returned to the leaving of Lorien. He knew then that it would be the last time he would see his beloved wood. A feast had been held the night before and though much laughter and love was shared that night, promises made, actions forgiven and forgotten, there was also tears shed as well. Nerie had been distressed at leaving her home and had allowed him to ease her pain of leaving but she had known that he needed to leave. The call to the havens had begun.
Haldir and his brothers had sat on the porch for a good few hours of the feast talking of old days, of deeds done, tricks played. Haldir had given Rumil a new sword as a token of his remembrance and affection to him. Orophin was given a new bow. All three brothers had cried that night for they knew that they would meet again one day but the ache of parting made that fact no less painful to bear.
Haldir sighed deeply. He thought of Galadriel and Celeborn, two people who had become his mentors and parents. His own stubborn pride had made him refuse Galadriel's offer to heal his injuries. His own shame had been the decision. It was hard enough to be an elf who no longer held a title, but also to be forever held in duty to his lady if she had healed him. There was always a bit of independence in his soul, despite his loyalty to Caras Galadhron and Haldir felt that if Galadriel had tended to him, that last piece of freedom would be gone. He would forever be in her debt.
Shaking his head as his heart ached for those he had left behind, Haldir knew that the call would come. It was almost a relief when it had for it gave him the perfect excuse to leave Lorien with the last vestiges of dignity he felt he had.
A cry pierced the silent night and Haldir immediately raised himself from the bed and went to Eirien's room. The child whimpered in the darkness and he smiled, carefully picked up his daughter and pressed his cheek against her downy head.
"Shh little one. Ada is here. Shh" he crooned, gently swaying his body to soothe and comfort.
Haldir heard footsteps behind and turned his head to see Nerie, hair tussled from sleep, walk into the room.
"You need not have got up a'maelamin. She is alright." Haldir murmured as Nerie placed her head against his arm; the scent of the healer's rooms still lingered on his clothes.
Eirien's eyes were shut, once again in peaceful slumber. Haldir chuckled quietly at the fickleness of the child. He always seemed to have the touch to soothe his daughter, much to the annoyance of Nerie at times. Placing his daughter back into her cot, he turned, gently kissed Nerie on the forehead, and led her back to their room. Nerie helped Haldir undress, which led to gentle lovemaking in the moonlight. Later Haldir held his sleeping wife in his arms and felt ready to face tomorrow and whatever it would bring. Tomorrow would be the start of his healing.
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