Title & Chapter Number: Haldir's Therapy 1-5/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: LOTR
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: I make no money from this. All characters apart from my own belong to Tolkien et all. I own nothing but my soul :-)
Warnings: Angst, H/C
Betas: Kissaki, Alex from Haldir Lives
Cast: Haldir, Rumil, Orophin, Galadriel, Celeborn, the Fellowship (briefly), Men of Rohan, Arvarno, Nerie... too many to mention...read the story :-)
Timeline: Just before the fellowship arrives at Lorien and after they leave
Spoilers: LOTR, Two Towers
Summary: Haldir saves a gypsy girl who's family have been decimated by raiding orcs on the borders of Lothlorien. She breaks the hard emotional shell that Haldir has and both heal each other, heart, body and soul.
Notes: Feedback always appreciated. This is an ongoing story.
Chapter 1 - Watching in the trees
Haldir silently motioned to his brothers, who sat on alternate trees, to be silent and to watch. They watched the caravan go by, the horse's breath steamed in the winter air as snow lay thickly on the ground and whirled about them. Haldir took no notice of the cold wind as it howled around his shoulders, making his hair flail his face. Irritated but not distracted, Haldir slowly moved his hair out of his eyes when a movement caught his eye. Peering through the falling snow that made humans blind, Haldir saw with ease an Orc group slowly following the caravan into the covering of the trees.
Haldir watched them as the caravan stopped amongst the trunks of the trees. He heard humans shouting whilst they dismounted from the ramshackle carts that was home to the nomads of the plains.
Haldir knew most of them well for this caravan was also a trading caravan and had gained the trust of the elves over many years. Haldir spotted a figure known to him. A tall man with a wide girth with heavy dark clothing unshackled a side part one of the carts and pulled it upwards. In doing so, two long poles fell downward which made an instant shelter, all be it crude. Haldir knew this man as Arlan, leader of this particular tribe of nomads who was a pleasant and easy going man who had a laugh that Haldir considered far too loud. Haldir and his brothers watched as the Orcs' waited as the humans set up camp.
Sensing their impending approach and hating Orcs as much as the next elf, Haldir, using his hands, signalled to Rumil and Orophin that the waiting was over.
Haldir reached for his bow and quiver. He took an arrow from the quiver and notched the arrow into the string, his fingers strong against the elven silk. Drawing back to full strength, Haldir's breath became stilled as he concentrated on the nearest Orc. As the Orc stood, ready for the attacking run, it fell dead before it hit the ground. An arrow imbedded deeply into its left eye socket. The rest of the Orcs screamed in defiance as they ran towards the humans. Haldir could hear the screams of the humans, some of them women and children as his and his brother's arrows hissed into the running band of Orcs.
Men, grabbing swords, leapt forward to protect their families. Arlan took a large axe and cleaved the head of the nearest Orc before it could do any damage.
Haldir watched, as a solitary figure whose features were hidden by a dark blue cloak, kept the women and children back away from the fighting. He then turned to see that the Orcs were winning this fight. Most of the men were dead, littering his beloved forest floor. His brothers leapt from their hiding places and into the fray. Blood and mud flew around as both elves and men fought the Orcs but Haldir's interest stayed with the group of women. He saw the group of Orcs split into two, the largest in number to hunt the women and children and he knew he must act.
Silently, he leapt from his perch, bow in hand, his quiver already on his back and an arrow notched, ready to fly. He ran towards the group of women and children, Orcs bearing down on them like a black wave. The first of the women had swords but their skills were no match and were slain in one blow. Arrows flew from Haldir's bow as the Orcs massacred the group. Children screamed and cried and were suddenly silent.
By this time, Haldir's brothers had finished of the last of the Orcs behind Haldir and came to assist. Haldir and his kin finished the Orcs but all the women and children lay dead or dying. Haldir's heart sank at such a loss. He stared at the blank expressions of the dead children and silently, inwardly, he wept for their souls. He had seen these children born and raised. Some he had even spoken to and taught their first lessons in elvish. Now lay by his feet, all were dead.
Haldir turned and nodded to his brothers as thanks and to ensure all was well with them. He noted Arlan on the ground, a deep bloody pool surrounding him but still he breathed. Haldir swiftly came to him and knelt down. Noting his wounds were too deep to heal, Haldir placed a warm hand on Arlan's' chest in comfort.
'Haldir!' Arlan hoarsely whispered as he opened his eyes. Blood dried around his nose and oozed from his mouth. He coughed, his whole body shaking in convulsions.
"Shhhh," Haldir whispered unsure what to say to a dying man.
"My daughter. Is she safe Haldir? Do you have her?"
Haldir frowned and Arlan realised his daughter may yet be alive.
"She wears . . ." Arlan coughed again, his breathing laboured as blood filled his lungs. "A blue cloak. . . Find her . . . Haldir."
Arlan's breath became silent as Haldir felt Arlan's heart stop.
Haldir gently closed the gentle giants' eyes.
"Your love and guidance towards your people will be remembered always Arlan. This I pledge."
Haldir then stood up and turned, his eyes searching amongst the bodies. He could see no blue cloak.
"Rumil, Orophin. We need to search for a female wearing a blue cloak. Did you see her?" Haldir asked, his body tensing for another loss.
Rumil and Orophin shook their heads.
"Nay brother," Rumil answered as his own eyes searched. Haldir frowned. This was not going his way. He was frustrated and angry and getting angrier by the minute.
Rumil noted his brothers' face and said nothing, knowing full well that if he did, Haldir would show his disapproval.
Orophin stopped still suddenly stood stone still and signalled to listen and pointed to an area of forest. Haldir nodded, for he could hear the noise of something easing its way through the forest as quietly as it could.
Haldir signalled for Orophin and Rumil to walk either side of him in a fanning arc so that they may catch whoever was making the noise and deal with them appropriately. As they followed, they eventually came across the figure. Dressed in a full-length dark brown cloak, which hid all features, the creature walked stealthy along the path towards the high falls of Lorien. Snow blindly swirled under the unrelenting wind of the storm. Unsure if this was one of the nomads, Haldir deliberately stood on a nearby twig. The hooded cloak swung around and he heard a gasp of fear. Then it ran.
Cursing under his breath, Haldir and his brothers gave chase but always staying behind the running figure. He did not want to make it trapped.
Haldir lost sight of his brothers as he ran into the opening of the high falls. By now the wind had increased to a wailing howl as if banshees rode the air above. He saw the figure cautiously step onto the first precarious steps of the crossing over the falls. The water thundered downward into the chasm and he looked downward into the mists below.
He walked softly over to the crossing. The creature was on the third step, tottering with balance. It turned and Haldir could hear the laboured breathing but the hood still hid the creatures' face. Haldir then spotted Orophin on the other side of the crossing, making his way, sword in hand, to the creature. Haldir cursed under his breath as he realised that the figure had seen Orophin as well and whilst trying to watch both elves, was losing its balance. He watched it as the figure unbalanced and ungracefully fell down into the mists of the falls but not before he noted the back of the cloak was covered in mud but the front was blue! A female face came into view as the hood fell away and she screamed.
Throwing a few choice words at Orophin, Haldir swung his quiver round from his shoulders and threw it and his bow at Orophin as he prepared to leap into the mists. He had promised Arlan he would look after his daughter if he found her. Now he had found her, he wasn't prepared to let her die for his brothers' mistake.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 2 - Keeping the nightmares at bay
The coldness of the water hit Haldir's face unnoticed as he plunged into the tumbling water under the waterfall. His eyes open as he dove downwards searching for the girl. Haldir kept under water for as long as possible, then needing to breath Haldir kicked upwards and hit the surface with a shuddering gasp. Taking in several large gulps of air, his eyes searched the banks of the river, then kicked downwards again into the water. Haldir did this repeatedly, his heart desperate for a glimpse of the girl, then something moved past his hand. Haldir looked to his left to see the girl, eyes closed and not moving. Her limp form being dragged further down by the undercurrents, her cloak swirling around.
Kicking his legs, Haldir swam over and placed his right arm around her, then using his legs and remaining arm, propelled himself upwards to the surface. As Haldir hit the surface of the water he saw Rumil shouting at him from the edge of the river. Haldir kicked against the torrent, dragging the prone body with him. Finally he felt gravel underneath his feet and he stood, dripping with ice cold water. Haldir didn't feel the acute coldness that would kill a normal man but he knew that if he didn't get the woman warm she would die. Heaving the woman's body upwards, Haldir ignored the snow that fluttered down as the storm eased and walked to the bank where Rumil was waiting then gently placed the woman on the ground. Her blonde hair strewn around her face. Eyes shut and mouth open in a silent plea for air.
As Haldir knelt down and pushed the hair away he saw her lips and nose where purple and her face a deathly white. Haldir thought of what to do as he looked at her delicate facial features but full lips as he placed a hand on her chest and noted she wasn't breathing.
Rumil stood quietly, watching his brother. Orophin silently arrived and Haldir shot him an irritated glance but he would deal with him later.
Realising that the water must be in her lungs and it must be removed, Haldir turned the woman over and stood over her. Leaning downwards, he placed his hands around her waist, noting he could almost touch his fingertips as he did so, then gently he lifted her upwards, her head lolling down. Rumil ran forwards to support her head as the water ran from her mouth and nose. Rumil stroked the woman's face gently as Haldir lifted several times. Finally, no more water came and satisfied that the water had been removed, he lay Arlan's daughter down and turned her over again.
"She needs the breath of Varlan Haldir." Rumil whispered.
Nodding, Haldir came upward to the woman's head and knelt downwards. He looked at Rumil, who nodded in support, Haldir opened the woman's mouth with his hand, then leant forwards. Her lips were icy cold against his as he pushed warm air from his lungs into hers. Haldir lifted his head to see if it had worked but noting her chest did not rise on its own, Haldir bent down again and placed his lips on hers. Again, he blew warm air into her lungs and felt her body shudder. Quickly he pulled away to see the woman take a large breath inwards and gasp, then cough uncontrollably. Haldir was pleased that the woman breathed but knowing that the cold would kill her turned his head to Orophin and ordered.
"Fetch provisions from the camp and send word back to Lothlorien. The bodies of Arlan and his people need to be dealt with and we have a responsibility to this human."
Orophin, feeling guilty for his actions may have caused anothers death, nodded and ran into the woods. Haldir watched him, knowing he would have to reprimand his brother for disobeying orders but he, the March Warden, had to be obeyed to keep the borders of Lothlorien safe. Orophin was still young and had to learn.
"Rumil, get a fire started. She needs to be warmed."
Rumil nodded and ran to the edge of the wood and began to collect pieces of wood from the forest floor, then placed them in a pile and quickly lit them. A blazing fire roared into life and Rumil ran back to get more wood.
Turning his attention back to the woman, Haldir watched, as she lay unconscious and shivering on the rough pebbles of the shore. Her eyes remained closed but the colour in her cheeks had improved. He noted the womanly if slight figure as her wet clothes clung to Arlan's daughter. Haldir needed to get the woman to the heat and comfort of the fire so knelt down and easily picked the young woman into his arms and carried her to the fire, her head nestled into his neck and shoulder. Haldir found this touch comforting and he strangely enjoyed the contact as he came to the fire.
Rumil placed his cloak on the soft floor of the edge of the forest and watched as Haldir came over. Haldir nodded his thanks.
Laying the woman down onto the cloak, he realised that he needed to get her out of the wet clothing. She shivered perversely with cold, her bottom lip juddering against the top. Haldir's strong fingers found the clasp to the cloak and undid it, then pulled the cloak from her. Haldir lifted the Arlan's daughter upwards so that he may pull the cloak away completely.
Haldir then bit his lower lip, a habit from when he was a child when he was unsure what to do next. Haldir was experienced in how a female looked like but was completely at a loss for a human.
The woman remained unconscious. Haldir shrugged, knowing that propriety would have to wait as he reached forwards to the tunic fastenings. With Rumil's help, the top was quickly removed and Haldir found a thin cotton shift that was long enough to cover her hips and decided that for her pride it would be left on. Rumil removed her boots and between them Arlan's daughter was soon undressed apart from the cotton shift.
As they undressed her, Haldir found himself fascinated by the similarity of the female human look to elven maids. Her build was more slightly more stocky to that of an elven maid but she was tall for a human. Small breasts could be seen clearly under the wet cotton as well as the mound of hair that lay between her legs. Haldir was surprised at that. Elven ladies were hairless in that area and to see hair there intrigued him. He spotted Rumil's rueful grin and feeling slightly ashamed, Haldir covered the woman with Rumil's cloak, then stood and began to take off his outer clothing and placed it by the fire to dry. He then turned and helped Rumil set up making camp.
Orophin soon returned with food, wineskins and another couple of cloaks.
Haldir took the cloaks from Orophin and placed them on the sleeping woman.
Night fell and the firelight cast a warm glow around the encampment. The fire crackled as it burned as three elves sat next to each other. By now the snow had stopped and the wind had eased, though the clouds still raced over them. Rumil stirred the stew that boiled in a small metal bowl that hung over the fire and ignored Haldir as he quietly berated Orophin who hung his head in shame. Rumil knew his brother's temper well enough without being on the end of it.
"Learn little brother and obey, for I fear someday you will do more harm than good," Haldir hissed, then dismissing Orophin, he turned to look the woman.
She was moving, her breathing easier and he could hear her moans. In one fluid movement, Haldir was by the woman's side. Though her eyes were closed, Haldir could tell she was near consciousness.
"Wake little one. You are safe now," Haldir whispered in westron.
Nerie's eyes slowly opened, then focused on Haldir. Instant terror showed on her face. Though she had had dealings with elves with her father, she still feared them. Her father! She sat suddenly and looked around.
"What have you done to my father? Where is my camp?" she cried, her eyes darted this way and that, frantic with worry and fear.
Haldir lowered his head then faced her with no emotion showing.
"All were slain. Your father is dead. I am sorry."
Nerie's mouth opened, pure shock in the words had left her speechless.
"No you lie," she whispered, when the words sank in.
Haldir shook his head as he licked his lips. He wished he had more experience with humans and was unused to this show of emotion. He felt the rawness of the fear and the pain and inwardly shuddered.
"Nay, Arlan's daughter. I lie not. Your father and your people where all killed by the Orcs and will be buried."
Nerie raised her hands to her mouth in horror. She was alone, her father was dead and here she sat, with elves, which she most feared and would most likely leave her alone tomorrow to die on the borders. Panic set in as Nerie's heart pounded and the breath of life had left her. Not knowing what to do but get away, Nerie suddenly flung the covers aside and ran away from the camp and the elves. Her cries of distress filling the night time air. Orophin and Rumil stood instantly but Haldir's hand stayed them.
Haldir watched her as she ran, the moonlight shining on the cotton shift her legs running as fast as they could carry her as they occasionally stumbled over the snow covered pebbles. Haldir easily raised himself and began to run after her. He kept an easy pace with hers, gaining every second step.
They ran along the river's edge to where the larger rocks lay. Eddies of water twinkled and swirled in the moonlight as Haldir watched her slip and fall over into the shoreline.
Running faster, he arrived just as she caught her feet for a second flight. Realising the elf was near, Nerie blindly swung her hand out in self-defence and Haldir redirected the blow.
"Don't hit me girl," Haldir's voice hard and cold, as he held onto the now squirming girl.
Nerie flailed with both her arms and legs trying to catch another blow. Haldir's mouth tightened as he turned around her and lifted her up, her blows now useless against his arms and body. Soon her cries of horror changed to cries of despair and she now hung loosely in Haldir's arms.
Haldir sighed heavily as he lowered both the girl and himself down onto the smooth pebbles. Great sobs heaved the girl's body and Haldir felt them acutely. He had seen elven mothers comfort their crying children by encircling the child with their arms and holding them close.
His own childhood had been lacking with the overtly love of a mother and with slight trepidation, Haldir shifted his body slightly and pulled the girl into his chest, his arms surrounding her. Nerie lay in his arms, past caring to worry where she sat as the enormity of the loss hit her. Orophin and Rumil padded silently to where they sat. Haldir looked at them to ask for silence. Orophin and Rumil nodded and waited. Haldir felt the tears soak through his thin under tunic as the woman cried her loss.
Eventually, the sobs subsided to be replaced by sniffs. Nerie looked up into the face of the elf, which held her. His elven features not as elegant as the two that stood away but nevertheless beautiful in her eyes. His blonde hair was slightly unkempt after the earlier immersion into the lake of the moon that lay underneath the High Falls of Lorien. His build seemed stockier than the standing elves and his warmth was welcome against her body, as it was a very chill night. Nerie shivered, as Haldir looked downwards to the female human in his arms. Her eyes were red and swollen, her cheeks still wet with tears and her hair full of knots and tangles but she reminded Haldir of an elven child whose world had tumbled down and Haldir, despite his arrogance and pride, was touched. Then shaking his head with disgust at himself to be so moved by the plight of a human, Haldir arose and stood, assisting Nerie in the process.
"What do we call you?" Haldir asked, his voice hiding any remnants of earlier emotion.
Nerie sniffed again and rubbed her nose with the sleeve of her under tunic.
"Nerie," she replied.
"I am Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien, keeper of its borders. These two . . ." Haldir indicated with his hands, " are my brothers Rumil and Orophin."
Rumil and Orophin nodded in what Nerie considered a short and polite manner.
Feeling that this was enough Haldir began to walk towards the encampment, then stopped when he realised Nerie wasn't following.
"If you want food and shelter you must stay with us tonight. Tomorrow we will find you shelter with others of your kind."
Rumil watched as Haldir walked away. Never in a century, had he seen so many emotions on Haldir's face as he had done over the last few hours. He noticed that Nerie was staring at them, and Rumil shrugged, almost apologetically, then turned and followed his brother.
Orophin waited until Nerie followed. Feeling still raw from his brother’s earlier words, he felt the need for other company and this human would be as good as any for he would get no sympathy from Rumil.
When they arrived back at the fireside Nerie wrapped herself back into the cloaks of the elves, thankful of their warmth. Rumil brought over a wooden bowl full of vegetable stew that steamed in the night. Nerie took it, though not feeling particularly hungry but realising that this probably was the only meal of the night.
She watched as the elves sat slightly away from her. She heard their lyric language and understood none of it. Shrugging to herself, Nerie picked at the stew, blowing on it before the pieces of vegetables entered her mouth. It tasted surprisingly good. Before long the stew was eaten and Nerie felt exhausted. Nerie placed the bowl at her side, she lay down and wrapped the cloaks around her. She sniffed the fabric and it smelt of woodland moss and fire smoke. Her eyes were as heavy as her heart and silent tears began to fall again then sleep came as a welcome release.
Haldir glanced at the female human as he ate. He talked to his brothers about what to do with the Nerie.
"We can scout the edges. Send word out for sight of other humans," Orophin mumbled his mouth full of stew.
Haldir frowned.
Rumil shook his head.
"You know at this time of the year that humans hardly come here. We will never know why Arlan and his tribe came this way. They should have been following the elk."
Haldir nodded at this. He had a feeling that this girl would be more a nuisance than he initially thought.
"We can’t just leave her on her own Haldir. She will die," Orophin interjected.
Haldir sighed. Most of the time his life was enjoyable. The rank of March Warden was a high title amongst elves and he had gained a reputation of being one of the best wardens. He just wished he had gained more insight on how humans reacted and behaved. The most he gained from experience was when he ejected humans intent on entering the borders of Lothlorien and most were not grateful.
"She shall come with us back to the main camp tomorrow. You sent word to Lord Celeborn?" Haldir asked, his head turned to Orophil.
Orophin nodded.
"Yes brother," he replied. "The reply should be back tomorrow."
Haldir nodded again.
"Fine then. We shall see what the Lord and Lady wish us to do about this matter."
Haldir turned as he heard Nerie cry again.
"Let us get some rest. We have work to do tomorrow. Rumil, you are on first watch. Wake me in four hours. I shall take next watch."
~*~*~*~
Chapter 3 - Long ago, too near
Haldir slipped downwards into his cloak, wriggling slightly to get comfortable. Slowly Haldir slipped into the elven meditation used to sleep lightly. Only when he was home in his own bed could he sleep soundly. Images of his childhood fleeted past in his memory. Loneliness. Pain. Haldir knew these feelings well. His childhood hadn’t been a happy one. Not being as elegant as the other children, Haldir had been teased relentlessly. His mother had been sympathetic but never outwardly showed her emotions of love to him or to his brothers. Haldir knew that she loved him but sometimes, just sometimes, he wished he had been cuddled when he cried, feeling so lost and alone. Over the years, the lack of contact had made Haldir seeming cold, hard and arrogant. Haldir used this as a shield to hide his true emotions and only his brothers know how he felt about things and dared to confront them. Pushing aside his emotions and using other skills, Haldir excelled in bow and sword so when Haldir was given the title of March Warden, most where not surprised. Haldir instantly recruited his brothers alongside but he took his title seriously. Besides, the loneliness of the job pleased him as it gave him peace of mind away from the city elves and their taunts.
Rumil’s hand instantly awoke Haldir, who nodded and slowly stood and watched his brother make his way to his own cloak. Soon all that could be heard was the sleeping breath.
Haldir padded over to Nerie. Her tangled hair glimmered in the moonlight as she seemingly shivered. Haldir’s mouth tensed, then turning he grabbed his own cloak and placed it onto Nerie’s sleeping form.
Haldir then crouched down near Nerie and looked out towards the lake. Owls skated the winter woodland tops looking for prey, their cries making Haldir’s mouth turn upwards into a slight smile. The moon waned in the sky as the clouds eased their grip and stars shone brightly against the midnight sky. Well he remembered how he used to hide here to get away from his tormentors and he felt at peace. Then Haldir realised his head itched so he unravelled his braids and began to unknot his hair with his fingers, which had been tangled by the water. Soon the knots where gone and as he began to re-braid he heard a change in Nerie’s breath.
"Don’t be afraid of us Nerie. We won’t harm you," Haldir murmured
Nerie turned over to watch Haldir braid his hair, his fingers working quickly through the complex motions.
"What will you do with me?" Nerie asked, her voice quavering.
Haldir gave her an intense stare.
"We shall go to the watcher’s post. There we shall get word from the Lord and Lady themselves on what to do. Then we shall decide."
Nerie felt so deeply alone. She shifted slightly under the cloaks.
"Why did you save me?" she whispered.
Haldir tied the final braid and sat down beside Nerie.
"Your father I knew well Nerie. He asked me to ensure your safety if I found you."
Nerie nodded, the mention of her father threatened new tears to fall.
"I thank you for your kindness Haldir, March Warden of Lothlorien." Nerie’s voice wobbled as fresh pain bubbled up to the surface.
Haldir watched as tears fell silently down Nerie’s cheek. Yes he knew pain and loneliness well and it pained him to see this young woman in deep anguish. Emotions in turmoil for the first time in years, Haldir leant over and placed a reassuring hand on Nerie’s shoulder.
Nerie nodded slightly, then turned over and sobbed quietly. Haldir’s heart felt heavy for he knew the tears of pain. Haldir, lost to what to do bit his bottom lip, then decided that to be near was enough. He sat there, his hand on Nerie’s shoulder until her breathing subsided into sleep. Noting where the moon now stood high in the sky, Haldir stood and taking a final glance at Nerie, went over to Orophin and woke him. As Orophin stood, Haldir took his cloak and laid down on it. Orophin frowned as Haldir did this, wondering where Haldir’s cloak was, then seeing it on Nerie’s sleeping form, Orophin nodded to himself and crouched down to watch.
The sun rose up past the mountains to the east as Nerie woke to the sounds of the elves breaking camp. Nerie sat up as the fire hissed as Orophin poured water over the dying embers.
Haldir noted the movement and grabbing the now dry clothing and boots, walked over to Nerie.
"Dress. We must move soon," Haldir ordered. He felt unsettled around Nerie for she showed emotions that he had long forgotten. He would be glad to be rid of this human.
Nerie blushed as she realised that the clothes Haldir held were hers, pulling the cloak tighter around her. She wondered out of the elves, which had undressed her.
Haldir frowned and dropped the clothes next to Nerie.
"Dress," Haldir repeated then turned abruptly.
Nerie grabbed her clothes and attempting to keep her pride intact, dressed quickly. As she pulled her boots, Nerie saw Rumil come over with something in his hand.
Nerie stood and bent to pick up her cloak. As she came up, Nerie saw that Rumil was waiting patiently with something in his hand.
"Lembas bread Nerie. To break your fast with."
"Thank you Rumil. You are kind," Nerie replied, feeling slightly silly at feeling so scared of the elves. Her eyes glanced to where Haldir stood as he picked up his quiver and swung it onto his back.
"What’s wrong with Haldir?" Nerie whispered taking a bite of the Lembas, unsure to why the March Warden was so abrupt with her this morning after showing compassion last night.
Rumil smiled ruefully and whispered.
"Don’t worry about Haldir. His, as you say, bark is worse than his bite."
Nerie nodded as Rumil placed a hand on Nerie’s shoulder.
"Come! We should have been long gone by now," Haldir shouted.
Sighing, Nerie attached her cloak around her shoulders, then with Rumil’s help she picked up the other elven cloaks and walked over to Haldir. Nerie saw Haldir’s face held an expression of coldness as he picked up his bow and began to walk towards the woods. Orophil, Rumil and Nerie followed silently behind.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 4 - Angers betrayal
Haldir set a fast pace and Nerie was able to attain the pace, even brushing her shoulder length hair with her fingers to untangle it and plaiting it so it was out of the way. Soon enough though Nerie stumbled several times as they made their way into the deep wood towards the watchers base camp. The wood seemed a bare and a desolate place that dwelled with darkness and despair. Nerie brooded her feelings as she walked with the elves. Tendrils of roots tripped her feet making Nerie stagger. Several times Rumil or Orophin had saved her from falling on her knees. Haldir's temper was getting short.
'We should be at the watcher's post by now' he thought at they walked through the bare trees.
Haldir quickened his pace again. Rumil came up to him several minutes later.
"Haldir, your pace is too fast for Nerie,"
Haldir snorted in disdain.
"Then carry her dear brother. We must hasten on."
Rumil looked at his brother in disgust. He had never seen his brother so angry or so obnoxious in his behaviour.
Rumil paced himself so that he fell back to Orophin and Nerie and placed a hand to pull Orophin back slightly. Nerie doesn't notice, too full was her head of what lay before and tragic loss of her whole tribe and family.
"Haldir is being a an utter dwarf. I have never seen him like this before," Rumil muttered under his breath.
"It's the girl," Orophin replied, watching Nerie nearly trip again. "She has touched a raw element in him. Something from centuries back."
Rumil raised an eyebrow at his brother's insight. Orophin had a skill of knowing emotions and how to read them well. Some had called him an empath but Orophin knew he had not that skill.
Rumil nodded.
"Maybe brother. Maybe. But we must do something. If we keep at this pace, we will kill her ourselves. She had been through much. To be honest, I am amazed that she walks so strongly after all she has been through. I did not realise human women could be so strong."
Orophin cast a slight smile at Rumil. Nerie glanced back at them, wondering what they were saying. Switching to westron, Orophin said.
"Do you wish me to carry you Nerie. You must be tired at the pace of an elf."
Nerie's pride kicked in.
"No thank you," Nerie replied coldly, thinking the elf teased. "I can manage."
Rumil shrugged to his brother and walked ahead of Nerie whilst Orophin thought of what would happen when they got to the watcher's post.
After several hours it was clear that Nerie was now extremely tired. Rumil looked back and noted that she lost her footing more and more, her steps heavy in their tread. Rumil had had enough of Haldir's behaviour and ran forwards yet again.
"Do you want to kill her Haldir because that is what you will do if you keep this pace. Let her rest for pity's sake," Rumil hissed.
Haldir looked at his brother scowled. He then realised that his anger was against himself for feeling the emotions he did not want to remember. He never wanted Nerie harmed for his actions. Haldir’s shoulders slumped as he slowed his steps and nodded.
"Let us rest. There is a brook nearby."
When they arrived in the small break in the trees where the brook fled downwards, Nerie sank to the edge of the water and drank deeply. The cold water was refreshing and thirst quenching. As she sat back on her legs, drying her mouth with the edge of a sleeve and gasping because of the coldness of the water, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Nerie turned to see Haldir handing her some dried fruit wrapped in a large green leaf.
"This should give you energy to continue. We have another two hours to walk. Are you up to it?" Haldir said softly.
Shaken at the March Warden's seemingly change of attitude, Nerie took the fruit from Haldir.
"I will be able to continue Haldir. Thank you for the food."
Haldir nodded courteously then sat on a nearby rock.
"Do you have siblings?" Haldir asked, guilt in his voice for his actions. His recent behaviour was unbecoming of the March Warden.
Nerie shook her head and looked at the food in her hands.
"No. There was only my father and myself. My mother and father went their separate ways. I heard she died last winter," Nerie paused and wondered what Haldir was up to asking such questions.
Haldir nodded. Unsure of what to say next, he kept silent.
A lonely crow screamed above them jolting them both out their private reveries.
Haldir stood and placed the remains of the berries in a side pouch that hung on his belt. He held out a hand to Nerie and assisted her to stand. Nerie nodded her thanks.
"Rumil, Orophin it’s time to leave," Haldir called.
Once again the elven pace began but this time Haldir kept it to a pace that Nerie could cope with. Soon they would be at watchers point and Haldir would know what was to be done.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 5 - The Decision
Haldir nodded when he heard the message from the courier. They were to guide Nerie to the city where she would be cared for until spring and then, if possible, taken to a human settlement.
Haldir turned and went to find his brothers. Haldir found Nerie who was already asleep, exhaustion hitting her when they finally arrived at the main base of the elven watchers of the borders. Loath to wake her, Haldir stepped forward to be stopped by Rumil.
"Let her rest some more before we leave Haldir. Don’t forget she nearly died yesterday."
Haldir shot him a glance of anger. How dare he! but Rumil stood his ground. He didn’t care about his brothers feelings and still feeling angry about Haldir’s behaviour earlier hissed.
"Or would you tell Lady Galadriel how you killed her yourself through your selfishness and arrogance."
Haldir stared at his brother in shock. Never had he been talked to like that but nevertheless Rumil was right. Too shocked and ashamed to answer, Haldir turned abruptly and left the platform via the ropeway and strode onto the forest floor.
Rumil’s shoulders sagged as he watched his brother depart.
"That wasn’t wise Rumil. He knew his actions would have hurt Nerie. Why do you think we stopped and our pace slower afterwards. He has many responsibilities as March Warden, Rumil." Orophin whispered as he slipped next to Rumil. "This is just one of them."
Rumil nodded in mute silence.
Haldir walked till he knew he was far away from the watchers base to be seen or heard then he found a fallen log and sat heavily on it. Rumil’s words had cut him more deeply than he dare admit. What was wrong with him? Had the stresses of March Warden been too much? Haldir ran his hands through his hair, then over his face in resignation.
He would fully admit to himself that he had been hurtful with his treatment of Nerie but not cruel . . . not really. It was just the pain that she carried. Haldir could feel it keenly. He hated the emotions it brought back, memories of centuries of torment and loneliness. Haldir sighed deeply, then stood to return. They would stay the night and let the girl rest. Then in the morning at first light they would depart. Decision made, Haldir made his way back to the watchers base.
Rumil was waiting for him as he climbed up. Saying nothing, Haldir sat down next to Rumil and covered himself up with his cloak, the snow lightly falling.
"I’m sorry . . . for . . ."
Haldir stopped Rumil with a raised hand.
"What you said I needed to hear Rumil. I have been confused over the past day or so. The emotions passing through this human has hit me more deeply than I care to think of brother," Haldir sighed.
"Maybe the Lady of Light can help you?" Rumil asked as he placed an arm on Haldir’s for support, fully aware of the torments Haldir had gone through as a child.
Haldir smiled grimly.
"I fear that nothing can help me Rumil. This is something that I have to see through myself," Haldir answered.
Orophin walked over to where they sat and settled himself next to Haldir.
"Is Nerie comfortable?" Haldir asked once his brother was sat.
Orophin nodded as he pulled his own cloak around him.
"Yes," he replied. "I have put on an extra cloak as the snow has started again."
Haldir nodded his head, then leant back against the bough of the tree and closed his eyes. Tomorrow would be a long day.
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