Title & Chapter Number: Haldir's Therapy 6-10/?
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 6 - Moving the Curtain
They arrived at the city of Caras Galadhon in the late of the afternoon. Nerie was weary but the site of the huge trees raised her spirits a little. Here was somewhere that she could rest, that she could grieve. Haldir stood next to her on the ridge, his eyes never growing tired of that glorious city hidden amongst the sacred Mellyrn trees. Then realising they should enter the outskirts, Haldir led the way.
Orophin and Rumil waited at the bottom steps to the palace of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Nerie bade them farewell and found her self walking up the steps into the huge trees behind Haldir. Nerie's mouth was open in awe at the size of the trunks and the buildings that seemed to hang down between the rafters of the upper branches. Slowly upwards they walked until they came to a great platform. Haldir had been here many times as part of his duty as March Warden but he never stopped loving the site of home for his apartments were attached to the royal household. Haldir's mouth was dry as they came to the main chamber for receiving guests. He stood in awe as he saw Lord Celeborn and the Lady of Light herself walk slowly down from the dais. Their bodies seem to shine with moonlight and glittering stars. Fair Galadriel always made Haldir's heart sing with joy as he noted her long silver tresses.
Nerie watched these celestial figures seemingly drift towards her. Feeling as if she was unworthy and ashamed of her appearance in front of these beautiful elves, Nerie diverted her eyes and looked at the floor. Nerves and grief knotted her stomach and she gripped her hands tightly to her sides.
'Look up child. You are home with us. We will not harm you.' The gentle voice appeared in Nerie's head making her look up suddenly in shock to be held by the beautiful blue eyes of Lady Galadriel.
"My . . . lady . . . I," Nerie stammered.
Lady Galadriel smiled gently and Nerie knew that despite her sorrow and despair, she was safe.
"You have been through much, daughter of Arlan," Lord Celeborn began, his voice seemingly gentle to Nerie. "You father was a gentle trader who shall be missed. A lament will be sung for him and your people."
Nerie's eyes wavered from the faces of the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien, lost for words, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
Lady Galadriel, sensing the mixed emotions, placed a gentle hand and guided her to a tall, beautiful female elf who stood patiently on the side.
"This is Alasse. She is one of my house maidens. She will take care of you whilst you live amongst us. Anything you desire will be provided. Now rest. You have been through great anguish and sorrow and you must be tired."
"Thank you," Nerie whispered as Alasse gently guided her to the guest quarters. As they pasted Haldir, Nerie stopped in front of Haldir. Suddenly lost for words to express her thanks to Haldir for saving her life, Nerie moved forward and hugged Haldir. Haldir, completely at a loss for such a show of emotion stood stiffly as she touched him. Nerie stood back, nodded, then walked with Alasse to the guest rooms, her last glance was at Haldir as she was guided away.
Haldir watched her go, glad she was safe and relieved that he could return to his beloved forest.
Lady Galadriel turned and regarded Haldir with a concerned eye.
"And what of you Haldir? I sense your anguish. Tell me what happened out there in my forests?"
Embarrassed that the Lady of Light should be so concerned, Haldir bowed slightly.
"Your Highness. I feel better now I have seen your beauty yet again."
Lady Galadriel smiled gently and walked over to where Haldir stood.
"I can sense you Haldir. You cannot hide from me, you know that."
Haldir looked up into those blue eyes. twinkling in the lights of the palace.
A gentle hand rested on his arm, and he looked to see Lord Celeborn had come over.
"Old friend. We have trusted you for over two thousand years to keep our borders safe and this you have done faithfully and true. Never have you asked anything for yourself. If my lady is concerned then so am I."
Feeling slightly trapped and not wanting to bother his lord and lady, Haldir's face flushed. Galadriel could see from Haldir's discomfort that he did not wish to talk about it then.
"I will call to see you later Haldir so we can talk. First send your brothers back to the border to cover your duties then go to your home. You need to stay here for a few days," Galadriel softly whispered and Haldir watched as Lord Celeborn nodded in agreement.
Resigned but always obeying, Haldir made his excuses and left. He found his brothers on the next platform down.
"You both must return to the borders. I leave you Rumil in charge while I am gone."
Rumil raised an eyebrow at this.
"Why?" Orophin asked.
"The Lady of the Light has commanded me to stay," he paused, then to emphasise that it would be a short stay he added, "I will be back in a few days."
Rumil nodded. Haldir and his brothers hugged briefly then Rumil and Orophin were gone, back down the stairs and into the forest. Haldir watched them go and sighed. He then turned to ensure no one had heard him and then walked to where his dwelling lay. He could do with a bath and some proper sleep.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 7 - The Accident.
Haldir dressed in his court clothing. The bath had been refreshing and Haldir felt deeply cleansed. He disliked his court clothing. It felt almost alien to him for he spent most of his time in the heavier grey clothes of the border watchers. The fine silks rustled as Haldir moved when he pulled the heavy velvet over coat around himself. Floor length and the colour of the night sky, Haldir stroked the fabric as the coat hung from his shoulders. He thought of the journey past and wondered if Nerie had settled in.
Deciding to visit Nerie, Haldir walked from his quarters to the main part of the palace. Haldir breathed deeply the air of the city of Caras Galadhon, enjoying the breeze on his face as he walked up to where the guests rooms where situated. The first person he met, worryingly, was Alasse.
"Why aren't you with Nerie?" Haldir asked, coldness in his voice as he thought Alasse was neglecting her duties.
Alasse curtsied slightly, nervousness apparent with the March Lords' annoyance.
"Lord, Nerie has asked to be alone. I am attending her by getting her more clothing," Alasse replied, then added in defence, "She is safe in the top guest rooms."
Haldir nodded his dismissal and Alasse almost fled down the steps to the levels below.
Haldir began to walk up, then stopped suddenly.
Is this the right thing to do? Should I see her? Haldir pondered as his hand rested on the rail of the stairs, the coldness chilling against his fingers.
Haldir's soul ached from the recent battering of emotions that this girl had caused him so why did he want to see her?
A crash from above broke through his thoughts and Haldir, on instinct, ran to the noise. He swung open the door to see Nerie crouched on the floor picking up pieces of a glass.
Nerie had at first looked around the apartment that she has been given. It was large and airy with a large comfortable bed to the right, storage ahead in cupboards and seating and a short table to the left with an ewer of water and goblets. Also on her left was the door to the balcony where Nerie stood for a while and watched the elegant elves go about there business. Nerie felt empty and deeply alone. Alasse hovered and explained when food would come and where Nerie could and could not go. Nerie needed to be alone and sent Alasse away. Nerie sat on the bed and began to cry after she sent Alasse out of the room. Nerie did not want an audience as she grieved for her father and her tribe. Finally, after no more tears could be shed, Nerie had stood and helped herself to a glass of water that sat on the low table but with her shaking hands she had dropped it. Now she picked up the pieces worrying that she would be in trouble for breaking her hosts things.
She looked up suddenly as Haldir ran into her room and that distracted her. She gasped as pain shot through her hand. She looked down to see a piece of glass piercing her right palm and blood dripping on to the marble floor.
Haldir leapt to Nerie's side as soon as he heard the cry. With gentle hands he lifted the hand to inspect the damage, then without saying a word, guided Nerie upwards and walked to the couch on the balcony. Haldir sat Nerie down, then knelt down and ripped a piece of fabric from his silk under tunic and inspected the hand again. Nerie watched, her other hand clamped in her mouth to stop herself crying. Her hand throbbed in agony.
"This is going to hurt Nerie. Are you ready?" Haldir murmured as he readied to pull the glass out.
Nerie just nodded, fully aware that whatever was going to happen, it was going to hurt. She tensed her body in preparation.
Haldir gently pinched the glass fragment amongst his forefinger and thumb, nodded to Nerie to brace herself and pulled sharply upwards.
Nerie cried out, instinct telling her to pull her hand towards herself but Haldir stopped her. Scowling slightly, Haldir placed the remnant of his tunic onto the open wound and pressed firmly. Nerie accepted the help but tears came. Ashamed that she had caused so much trouble within a short period of time, Nerie wished to be left alone but Haldir would not let go of her hand and after a few minutes, Nerie realised that Haldir wasn't going to let go and accepted the help she was being given and stopped tensing her body.
Haldir noticed that Nerie had relaxed, then gently took the cloth away to inspect the gash in Nerie's hand. It was deep and blood oozed . Haldir sighed and Nerie took it as a sign of anger.
"I am sorry Haldir. I did not mean to drop the glass. Please don't tell Alasse for I know she would be cross at me," Nerie's voice trembled.
Haldir placed the cloth back onto the hand and pressed again, then looked up at Nerie with head to one side and a slight smile asked.
"And why do you think Alasse would admonish you for a broken glass? Are you not allowed accidents?"
Nerie felt embarrassed and blushed so she lowered her head.
"I don't think she likes me much," Nerie whispered.
Haldir noted the blush and smiled to himself. At that moment Alasse came back into the apartment and saw Haldir kneeling down next to Nerie, then the glass and blood on the floor.
"Is everything all right my lord?" Alasse asked, concern in her voice, as she came out onto the balcony.
Haldir nodded.
"Go fetch the healer. Nerie has a wound that needs to be attended to, then clean up this mess."
Alasse nodded then ran out of the apartment and soon returned with the healer of Caras Galadhorn.
The tall dark haired elf dressed in light blue tunic and dark blue breeches walked over to the couch where Haldir and Nerie sat.
"My lord, you ask for me?" his voice solemn as he saw the blood.
Haldir, using his authority in his voice replied.
"Yes Stalan my friend. Nerie has cut her hand badly. It needs attending to."
Stalan bent down and lifted the cloth, then nodded at Haldir and began to clean and seal the wound.
"I will leave you in Stalan's hands Nerie. I came to ask if you would like to walk the boughs if you were not too tired. I shall come back later," Haldir said, concern in his voice, then nodding his leave, he left the apartments.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 8 - Seeing Into the Soul
Haldir walked back to his apartments, his mind going over what had just happened. He felt guilt in making Nerie jump. It seemed that even when he was trying to be considerate, all he did was cause her more pain. His heart felt heavy as his feet led him home.
The Lady of Light was waiting for Haldir when he arrived back to his rooms. He gasped slightly to see Lady Galadriel sitting quite comfortably in Haldir's favourite lounge chair. She smiled as Haldir walked into the room.
"Haldir. Come sit with me. I feel we need to talk," Lady Galadriel said quietly.
Haldir's stomach knotted. How much did she know?
Galadriel's smile broadened.
"More than you would suspect Haldir my friend and champion. Now sit."
Haldir's eyes opened widely, then he remembered that the Lady of Light could read the minds of others if she so chose. Slightly embarrassed that his thoughts where so open to her, Haldir nodded and sat next to Galadriel.
Galadriel watched him with her starlit eyes for several moments then began.
"Haldir. You have been a loyal elf and friend for over two millennia. In that time I have seen you grow and develop into one of the best warriors and watchers I have but I have also seen the agonies you carry and you carry them hard and deep Haldir."
Lady Galadriel paused as she watched the mixed emotions play across Haldir. Did she know him so well? Galadriel smiled benevolently as Haldir bent his head down in shame.
"Nerie has so much pain it emanates from her as light does from the sun and you sense it. This grief is going to last and she needs someone who has seen the pain and has the experience in passing through it and I hoped that someone would be you Haldir, but you must heal first before you can undertake this task. You have your own battle to fight."
Haldir nodded silently fully aware of what Galadriel was guiding him to.
"You wish me to go to the Glade of Remembrance?"
Galadriel nodded as Haldir looked up.
"Yes," she replied simply
Haldir sighed and rubbed his hands over his face, suddenly feeling exhausted. Nerie had opened a door that now could not be shut and he would have to face his demons. For centuries Haldir thought he had locked them away for an eternity, never having to deal with the agonies he received as a child.
Galadriel watched, her love for her favourite warrior evident on her face. Concern was in her voice as she whispered.
"You do not have to face them alone. I will come with you."
Haldir looked upwards to see the Mother of Elves, Lady of Light looking upon him like his mother never would. Never did. He could feel tears forming in his eyes and he blinked them away, ashamed of his reaction.
"I am but a warrior my Lady. What did I do to deserve such an honour of your presence and help?"
Galadriel smiled at the way Haldir was attempting to hide his emotions. Sensing he would go that night to the glade and release his tormenting demons, Galadriel replied.
"Because I reward those who have served me well Haldir. Apart from that, Lord Celeborn considers you a friend as do I. And friends help each other do they not?"
Haldir nodded in silence.
Galadriel stood gracefully.
"The time is of your choosing. I will know and I will find you. I will meet you in the glade."
After Lady Galadriel had left, Haldir sat on his bed. His emotions in turmoil.
Fear gripped his heart and for a moment Haldir thought he was going mad as a rush of anger and hatred, fear and deep, deep loneliness hit him. Haldir panted at he fought his own internal fears and slowly the feeling subsided.
After a while, Haldir was drained emotionally and physically so he laid on his bed and closed his eyes. Sleep came willingly and peacefully for Haldir knew that when he was home, he slept deeply and the nightmares could not reach him.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 9 - Awareness
Lady Galadriel arrived at the guest apartments just as Stallan was about to leave. Nerie watched as Stallan bowed and murmured.
"My Lady," as he walked of the room. Alasse waited patiently and curtsied and left as Galadriel gave her leave to go.
Nerie watched nervously, her good hand clutching her injured one. She stood as Galadriel came over to where she sat, outside on the balcony. Lady Galadriel motioned her to sit as she herself sat on the bench.
"I heard that you had an accident. I take it Stallan has used his skills to stop the pain."
Nerie gulped nervously and in respect, lowered her eyes.
"Yes my lady. My hand doesn't hurt anymore."
Galadriel smiled at this then her emotions turned to curiosity.
"What do you think of our Lord Haldir?"
Nerie was unnerved the question, looked up sharply. What did the Lady of Light mean?
"Haldir can help you heal but first you must help me, help him heal himself."
"Is he injured my Lady?" Nerie asked, concern in her voice.
Galadriel smiled gently.
"Not in any wound that you would see child. Do you know how old Haldir is in your years?"
Nerie shook her head.
"Haldir has been with us for over three thousand of your years. He is still young in the eyes of the elves but in that young heart of his holds a great pain he now has difficulty in healing and it all began with you."
"Me?" Nerie gasped, suddenly scared that she was the reason for someone elses pain. She swallowed as her stomach knotted.
Galadriel, sensing the fear gently touched Nerie's hand to reassure. To Nerie it was a touch of wonder and warmth.
"Nay child, not that way. Your pain and loss has opened a hole in that hard shield that Haldir has held for nearly two and a half thousand years. There is loneliness, pain, fear and desolation in that soul of his and it needs to be released before it tears him apart."
Nerie, wide eyed, was shocked. Would that explain the reaction Haldir had to her?
Galadriel smiled again.
"What has injured him my Lady to make him like this?"
Galadriel sighed deeply.
"His mother, though she loved her children, was never to display her love outwardly. As Haldir grew, his stature was a thing to be ridiculed by his peers. Haldir was a stocky child, not like the elf you see today. The other children called him half dwarf and heavy set. Haldir was tormented for years and having no love to ease that pain he became hard to emotion. He excelled in sword and bow and all the ways of the warrior to escape what he could not fight. Himself."
Nerie's hand came up to her mouth as she sat in silence, shocked to hear how someone like Haldir had suffered so much as a child but it explained everything. Nerie understood now.
Galadriel nodded.
"I sense Haldir is ready to release his fears and fight his demons. There is a place that the elves use to help remember those who have past and to help heal. It is also a place where torn souls are cleansed," she whispered.
"What do I have to do?" Nerie asked, now ready for the task.
"I have told him that I would meet him at the Glade of Remembrance. Once he has faced his demons his soul will be raw as yours is now Nerie. You both need time to heal and to find peace. Do what needs to be done."
At that Galadriel stood in one fluid motion and walked to the doorway. Nerie stood and watched her leave but just before she walked through the doorway Lady Galadriel turned.
"He will go there tonight. I will call for you. He will need us both. Alasse will now help you bath and dress into some new clothes. After that some food will be brought to you."
Nerie nodded in acceptance.
Galadriel nodded in respect and thanks then left leaving Nerie standing on the balcony.
~*~*~*~Chapter 10 - Demons and Tortured Souls
Haldir walked down the woodland path, his cloak wrapping itself around him. Night was now upon him and the night air was crisp and sharp and smelled of winter. Haldir knew where he was going. His heart and soul tormented him when he woke, neither letting him eat or drink, such was the need for release. His sharp eyes spotted a glimmer of light as he walked towards the Glade of Remembrance. As he padded towards the glade entrance, he saw Galadriel standing there alone but he could sense another nearby.
"My lady," Haldir whispered, his voice shaking against his will.
Lady Galadriel motioned with her hand to the centre of the glade. The air was still and quiet. Slim standing stones stood in a circle. Rough and hewn from the ground, they stood grey against the darkness of the woodland. Minute silver glimmers of light seemed to shine from the stones when the moonlight shone down.
"Step inside the circle Haldir and face your demons. You are not alone," Galadriel ordered.
Haldir felt his body tremble as he walked between the stones and stood in the circle, then sat cross legged in the center and watched his Lady of the Light murmur the enchantment to begin.
"Aaya taurn quessir ya lon ba n'la. Sinome esta a ar edhel ya ans seer. Falla ho rosva corm. Tula a' lye!"
Haldir heard the words and waited. After a few seconds a flickering light shot from one standing stone to another. A white mist, softly at first then growing thicker every second, began to roll around the circle. Powerful arcs of light reflected off each stone around the stones.
Haldir watched with trepidation. He had only seen this once before centuries back when he had been the watcher of the elf friend. His friend has seemingly been in agony, more than Haldir thought he could bare but at the correct time with the help of the pendant that Galadriel made him wear, Haldir had walked into the circle and guided his friend back to reality. That elf had taken days to get over the trauma and as Haldir watched the lights grow in intensity, his stomach knotted and he tensed his body.
He screamed as the first tendril of light touched him, his body driven senseless as the powerful spirits entered.
Galadriel watched as Haldir fell backwards. Turning slightly she whispered.
"Nerie. You can come out now," Galadriel waited until Nerie stood by her side. "Remember what I told you. You go into the circle and guide him back. Use whatever elvish words I have taught you." Galadriel added.
Nerie nodded, her hand on the pendant Lady Galadriel had given her. The long dress that she wore partly protected her against the chill of the air and Nerie pulled her cloak around herself.
She watched, her heart in her mouth at the spectacle in front of her.
Haldir's mind swirled in the mists and he staggered around. He wasn't home or anywhere he knew and for once in two millenia, Haldir felt terrified.
A familiar figure came out of the mists.
"Well, if it isn't half dwarf. You disgust me! You are not fit to live in Lothlorien. You are a freak of nature, no natural elf could look like you. You do not belong here. Go away!"
Haldir's eyes looked in horror as he saw his old tormentor. Though he had died in skirmish fighting nearly five hundred years ago, Therod stood in front of him, seemingly taller than Haldir could ever remember.
"You don't belong here," Therod sneered, a snarl on his face as he walked so that he stood directly in front of Haldir and looked down.
"You have passed Therod. You cannot hurt me!" Haldir shouted, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Is that what you believe half dwarf?" and with that Therod grabbed Haldir and threw him to the ground.
"Now. Let us see if you believe that I can't hurt you," Therod added menacingly as he walked over towards where Haldir lay.
Nerie clenched her hands, ignoring the pain it inflicted in her right palm as she watched Haldir jerk on the floor screaming.
"Tua amin! Tua amin! Tampa!"
Galadriel placed a hand on Nerie's arm.
"It has begun," Galadriel whispered.
Haldir smashed back onto the floor. His nose was bloodied as he crawled into a ball. Fists came down onto his back then feet kicking into his sides. Between gasping in pain and for breath, Haldir screamed for Therod to stop.
"Help me! Help me! Stop!"
Therod's laughter rolled around Haldir as another foot dove into Haldir's ribs. Haldir felt uncontrollable pain seer into his side and he vomited harshly.
Therod's laughter grew louder.
"Come on half dwarf. Fight me! Make me stop."
Haldir slowly rose to his hands and knees as Therod came down and yanked him upward by his tunic. Haldir hung, his feet barely touching the ground as he felt Therod's breath on his cheek. Then holding him back, Therod raised his fist and threw a punch into Haldir's face, making it jerk backwards. Then he slapped Haldir until blood poured from his mouth and Haldir whimpered.
In disgust, Therod threw him back onto the floor, Haldir's body hitting it in a sickening thud.
"You disgust me Haldir. You are not worthy to call yourself an elf. If you cannot beat me here then I will taunt you in your dreams. You will never get rid of me."
Crying now like a child, Haldir crawled into a ball, his hands over his ears.
His body screamed in agony which each movement made worse.
Therod stood over the broken form, his face one of disgust and hatred.
Haldir saw Therod's feet and waited for the next kick or punch.
"Why do you torment me so? What did I ever do to you to hate me this much?" Haldir choked as he spat out the blood.
Therod came down to where Haldir lay and in a quiet voice answered.
"Because you were always better than me Haldir. You always beat me in sword or bow practice and that humiliation I hated. I hated you then as I do now."
Haldir raised his head to see another fist aimed for his face coming in but Haldir dodged it just in time. His feet flew out and knocked Therod to the ground and in one swift movement Haldir was on top, fists raised. Punches rained down on Therod as Haldir fought back, ignoring the pain in his back and sides. He felt he was fighting for his life. No longer would he be the under dog to Therod. No more would this elf haunt his sleeping dreams.
Anger raged and tore through Haldir's soul as he continued the assault, then suddenly Therod tipped Haldir off with a swift punch that dazed Haldir and he fell heavily onto his shoulder with Therod on top of him.
Therod's fists came down raining blows on Haldir who protected himself with upraised arms. Then with alarming speed, Haldir threw his fist upwards into Therod's face and he fell backwards with the force. Haldir followed through and placed his hands around Therod's neck, squeezing the life from him. Therod's eyes bulged as he gasped for air as his hands frantically clawed at Haldir's arms.
"Yield!" Haldir shouted, his hands tightening.
"Never!" gasped Therod as his face began to redden.
"Yield!" Haldir screamed. Though Haldir hated Therod for what he did he could not kill another elf.
After a few seconds he felt Therod nodding for his voice was not able to vocalize, so tight was the grip of Haldir around his throat.
Haldir broke his grip and fell away from Therod as agony washed over him. He watched as Therod, his face shocked, fade back into the mists and once again Haldir was alone.
Pain from where he had fought overcame him, and once again tears fell as Haldir shook. Once again he was alone with no one to help him. Crying like a child, Haldir curled up into a ball for comfort.
"Mother," Haldir whispered. "Mother,"
Galadriel motioned to Nerie to stand at the entrance of the circle.
"Remember, once you are in there you are alone. I cannot help you. You are the watcher Nerie. You have to bring him back to us."
Nerie, her mouth dry and with jaw clenched with determination nodded.
Then taking a faltering step forwards into the light, Nerie looked back at Galadriel's solemn face, then turned back to face Haldir and stepped into the light. Nerie's skin tingled with the passage that seemed to take an age, then she was through.
She saw Haldir curled into a ball and sobbing so hard, it brought tears to Nerie's eyes. As she silently wept, Nerie heard him whisper,
"Atara, Atara," as she walked over to Haldir.
Nerie knelt down besides and gently placed a hand on his arm and he jolted back from her, his eyes wide with fear. Blood was now dried around his mouth and nose and bruises were showing themselves on the noble elf's face and arms.
"Minamin, minamin. Haldir. Minamin," Nerie whispered as she placed her arm once again on Haldir's shoulder. This time he did not jolt back but seemed to be searching with his eyes.
Haldir heard a gentle voice coming from the mists."My child, my child. Haldir. My child."
"Mother? Where are you?" Haldir called, an edge of panic in his voice.
"My child. Haldir, my child. My child."
Haldir sat up and wiped his eyes. Ignoring the pain in the hope of getting comfort, Haldir stood up and followed the voice.
"Mother! Mother!" Haldir repeatedly called as the voice got nearer and nearer. Now he staggered in his pace, his bruised body refusing to do its masters bidding.
"My child. I am here. I am here my child."
Nerie heard Haldir whisper an answer to her calls.
"Atara? Manke Naa lle?"
"Minamin. Haldir, minamin," Nerie repeated. "Minamin."
Nerie watched Haldir's body judder and shake as she heard.
"Atara! Atara!"
"Amin sinome," Nerie whispered hoarsely as emotions rushed over her. She placed her arms around Haldir's shaking form and hugged him with all her might. "Amin sinome minamin."
Haldir fell downwards in despair then he felt warm arms surrounding him and seemingly lift him off the floor and into the mist. A deep sense of peace ascended to Haldir. Love he had denied for so long crept into his soul to replace the anger and the loss. Haldir closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation of love and warmth. Of security and of peace. As he opened his eyes again he saw a female holding him. Memory brought him scents of his mother and Haldir began to cry again for release.
Nerie saw Haldir open his eyes and seemingly focus on her face, then he began to cry like a child whose mother had returned. With tears in her eyes, Nerie was reminded of her loss. For mutual comfort she hugged Haldir as they sobbed.
Eventually Nerie sensed that someone was standing next to her. As she looked up she saw the beautiful face of Lady Galadriel. A single tear shone in the moonlight.
"Nerie. You have brought him back to us. For that I cannot thank you enough. You have shown courage beyond your young years and Haldir is back with us," Galadriel whispered as she bent down and placed a comforting hand on both Nerie and Haldir.
"Your work is not done though. Tonight you must stay with Haldir to ensure his dreams are peaceful. He has much healing to do over the next few days."
Nerie nodded, her face wet with tears.
Galadriel then turned and motioned to waiting elves who padded silently over to the broken form of Haldir. As Nerie stood unsteadily, Haldir was lifted with great care. As he was moved he whimpered softly and without a word, Nerie placed her hand in Haldir's. Nerie wiped her face with her other hand as she moved with the group until they came to Haldir's quarters. There they laid Haldir on his bed, then the elves bowed in respect, then left Galadriel and Nerie alone with the sleeping form of Haldir.
Nerie watched as the Lady of Light picked up a cloth and wet it in a bowl of sparkling water. Then, after squeezing out the excess, Lady Galadriel turned and walked over to the bed. With gentle hands, she cleaned Haldir's face of his blood and noted the bruises.
Lady Galadriel shook her head in amazement. She had sensed the spirits, the turmoil and the hate in the Glade of Remembrance. As she stood there she had wondered, as she watched, if Haldir would survive.
Galadriel then turned and placed the cloth on the side next to the bowl and turned to Nerie.
"You have only been with us but a day but already I can see you are more than an ordinary mortal. Would you stay with us? I feel we have much to offer each other."
Nerie's eyes filled with tears. No longer was she alone and she had a place by right. Nerie smiled shakily, truly honored by the Lady's words.
Galadriel smiled beautifully as she came forwards and hugged Nerie to her. Nerie breathed deeply the scent of the Lady of Light. She smelt of night time air and of woodland jasmine.
Galadriel then leant back and guided Nerie to the other side of the bed.
"You must stay with Haldir tonight. That is your final task. All you have to do is to be here for if he wakes he will be disorientated. You must keep him safe. I will come by tomorrow morning to check how you both are. I will post guards in case you need assistance. Just call and they will come."
Lady Galadriel watched as Nerie climbed upon the bed next to Haldir and sat with her body against the bed rest, then she leant forwards and kissed Nerie on the head like a mother does a child.
"Sleep well Nerie, watcher of Haldir. May you have a peaceful night."
Nerie watched in silence as Galadriel walked back around the bed and out of the room. The door shut quietly behind her.
Nerie sighed deeply and felt her shoulders slump as the tension eased from her body. She turned over and looked at Haldir, who now slept deeply. His breathing was easy and gentle. In the moonlight Nerie saw a change in Haldir's face. Gone were the lines of worry from around his eyes and mouth. He looked at peace.
Nerie sighed again then yawned. Deciding that sleep would not do anyone no harm, Nerie snuggled down the bed so that her head rested on the soft pillow. It smelt of Haldir, woodland herbs and moss. Nerie suddenly shivered for the first time. Realizing that coldness had seeped in, Nerie sat up and pulled a heavy but soft blanket that lay over the end of the bed upwards towards her and in the process, covered Haldir at the same time.
Once again, Nerie leant backwards into the pillows, pulling the blanket upwards to her chin.
As she lay there, her eyes slowly closing, she heard Haldir murmur.
"Atara. Atara."
Fearing that Haldir would wake, Nerie carefully moved closer to Haldir. He turned over at that point, pinning Nerie's arm between Haldir's head and shoulders as he placed his head on her chest.
"Atara," Haldir whispered as Nerie smiled, initially out of shock and embarrassment, then out of compassion, for Haldir lay as a child would next to its mother for comfort.
Nerie placed her arm more comfortably into the crevice of Haldir's neck and surrounded his back so that her hand came near his shoulder. With her other hand, she pulled the blanket around.
Finally satisfied that Haldir was truly asleep, Nerie closed her eyes and soon sleep came to those tired eyes.
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