Life's Path

Title: Life’s Path
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: R
Genre: romance
WARNING: Adult themes, sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord of the Rings. All the characters and place names displayed belong to JRR Tolkien. I do not intend to, nor am I making any financial gain from the writing of
this story.
Feedback: Yes please!
Beta: Tracy; Thanks for keeping my story online!
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.

Chapter 10 – Impending Journeys

Annis found it relatively effortless and natural to balance her duties as a warden and Haldir. No wardens ever mentioned knowing of the relationship and even if it was known there was no behind the back snickering or complaining. Annis was still treated the same; still getting the undesired patrols as much as anyone else.

When they were lucky enough not to be patrolling at the same time, Annis and Haldir spent all the free time they could in each others company. Their nights were filled with the passionate coupling of their bodies and soul. The days were spent idly talking about the past. Annis easily forgot that Haldir, even though appearing to be near her age, was actually hundreds of years older than herself. He had experienced much during his time on this land. She never tired of hearing the tales of the distant lands and allies, both elves and other races, who had passed through the land, leaving their impression whether good or bad behind.

During all of their conversations, a small voice in the back of Annis’ mind kept whispering quietly, almost demanding, to know of what the future held for them. Annis soon discovered whenever the subject of the future was broached; Haldir answered it in a physical manner, covering the small voice with his passion like a blanket putting out a fire.

Then, during one patrol, Annis found herself snapping at innocent elves. She had no reason for her anger, yet it was there and causing a great deal of alienation with these innocent elves. After returning home, she realized that the source of her anger must have been Haldir.

He had been infuriated when he heard a warden had fallen asleep in the midday sun while on patrol. This was when Annis became coous ous that the bond between herself and Haldir was strengthening. Her mother had spoken of the bond shared by two elves when she was younger. Annis remembered her spinning the tale of how love could transcend distance, connecting lovers together forever, allowing them to always be with each other. Annis had dreamed of this intense bond as a young girl, fantasizing about how it would feel to have a love as deep as that, but yet she was not prepared for the reality of how it felt. Not having her mother nor Elgaria to turn to, Annis proceeded to seek out counsel from the only other female she trusted.

******
Annis arrived back in the city from patrol early one morning. With Haldir still out on patrol, this seemed a good time to talk to Galadriel. Swiftly, she changed out of her uniform and into a light blue gown. She freed her hair from its tie, allowing it to flow down her back. As she exited her talan, the delicate scent of the blooming flowers filled the air. The sun warmed her skin as she walked towards the high talan in the trees. A light breeze made the tree branches move, creating a soft, yet comforting, rustling. The day was truly beautiful. Sensing that Galadriel could be found in the palace garden, she walked towards the garden entrance.

Upon entering the flower strewn paths, she saw Galadriel intently reading a book and sitting on an ornate white stone bench under a beautiful rose bush, alive with many perfect red blooms. Annis stood quietly for a moment, admiring another blooming rose bush she was near to, her fingers touching the silky petals gently. She was so engrossed in admiring the vivid yellow color of the bud that she jumped slightly as Galadriel closed her book and spoke to her.

“And what brings you here? Missing my company or lonely since Haldir is out on patrol.” Galadriel’s voice was light and teased gently.

Small ruddy red patches appeared on Annis’ cheeks. Why was she surprised that Galadriel knew about her and Haldir, for her power of intuition was strong? Nothing happened in her kingdom withoer ker knowledge. Annis approached slowly as Galadriel patted the bench next to her. Though she had come to talk she suddenly was very nervous, feeling as she did the many times she had been called to her father’s study.

“Come sit and tell me what troubles you.” Galadriel pushed a piece of Annis’ hair out of her face when she took a seat.

“I have come seeking your wisdom on the subject of love.”

Galadriel gave her a motherly look before clearing her throat with a chuckle.

“Wisdom of love? Annis, no one could possible have such a thing. An understanding maybe, but not wisdom.”

“I just feel that being raised away from my heritage that I do not quite understand the bond between two lovers, and was hoping you could offer me guidance.”

Annis felt her face heat up as she spoke the words and looked at Galadriel with her head bowed a little. Galadriel’s smile did not fully mask the faint amusement. The wise elleth gently touched her face, turning it up to look at her own.

“What about the bond? Surely my granddaughter explained how two lovers’ very beings can become one when the emotions are strong enough.”

“Aye, Naneth talked to me of the bond that two could share, but I did not expect to feel…anger. I found myself almost reliving Haldir’s anger. I was upset at innocent…”

Her sentence was cut short by Galadriel’s laugh. Touching Annis’ cheek, she replied. “Oh, Annis, my dear, the emotions shared include everything, and not just love. And with Haldir, I am not surprised that anger is the strongest emotion right now. When love is still budding, the bond comes through with the strongest emotion felt. Sometimes it is love, devotion…even anger. In time you will adjust and learn to suppress the emotions you receive. They will become a shadow in your mind.”

Galadriel got up and walked towards a rose bush, plucking a bloom from it. She seemed to study it intently for a moment.en ten turning back, she motioned for Annis to join her.

“Annis, have you thought anymore on what we discussed when you returned from the attack?”

Annis nodded slowly and made herself busy looking down at the grass, studying each blade.

“Annis? You know the time is near.” Galadriel tenderly touched the top of Annis’ head, running her hand down her hair and placing the rose bloom behind her ear. “The decisions you are to make should be made by this and not your hea Sh She tapped her head gently.

Annis nodded, and yet did not speak. She knew what her decision would be. She had known it even before coming to the Golden Woods. Yet hearing that the time was near made her realize that her own life and that of her family’s would be forever separated.

“Come, I have some news which should bring a smile to your face. Celeborn and I have been invited to Rivendell to visit your grandfather. When Haldir returns, he will be informed of this and be instructed to prepare a group of wardens for the journey. Of course I shall need a personal guard and I do believe I choose you.”

Annis could not hide the smile which graced her face. She had missed Elrond greatly and her heart was overjoyed at the thought of seeing him. After a moment of joy, she suddenly frowned and looked to Galadriel. What would or could be going on to have Galadriel leave the Caras Galadhon and risk the journey to Rivendell.

“May I ask why you are visg?” g?”

Galadriel did not answer, but Annis saw a slight flicker of coolness flash across her face, her mouth being drawn tight. Then a smile quickly replaced the coolness. So quickly that Annis even wondered if she had truly seen anything change in Galadriel’s expression at all. Galadriel walked back to the bench, reached down and picked up the book she had been reading earlier. Just then an elder advisor entered and nodded to Galadriel.

“I must take my leave now, Annis. Remember the choices you are to make soon should be made by your mind and not your heart, though your heart does have a funny way of helping your mind.”

With those final words, she departed with the elder following behind her. Annis stood staring at the empty entrance and then moved to sit back on the bench. Her mind was going many different directions; the choices rushing through her mind, colliding and sparking many small questions. Though the thought of seeing Elrond warmed her heart, he would no doubt help ease her mind on the choices to be made.

******
It was late in the evening by the time Haldir returned from his patrol. Rumil was providing his weekly report to him in the training talan; he ensured his brother that all was well and to go rest. Haldir frowned on the outside, but on the inside he was more than happy to hear that he was not needed. It just meant he was to see Annis sooner. Oh how he missed Annis; her laughter, her touch, just her presence seemed to ease his soul. As he grabbed his pack and turned to depart, he was greeted by Lord Celeborn entering the door. Haldir quickly bowed his greeting and stepped to the side to allow him to enter. Celeborn nodded his head slightly in return but did not enter; rather he turned and walked into the night. Haldir followed as Celeborn walked towards the darken training fields. He wondered to himself what matter brought the lord out so late. Celeborn walked to the training field, looking at the targets from the days practice. He stopped at the furthest one and then turned back towards Haldir. Haldir stood quietly watching his movements and waiting for him to speak. Celeborn sighed deeply and ran two fingers over the bridge of his nose.

“I trust all is well on the borders.”

“Aye there was a slight skirmish on the northern border but none of the wardens were injured and the orcs were pushed back promptly.”

“The orcs appear to be growing bolder as of late.”

“Aye, they seem to be more organized. They are no longer ragged and stray bunches but structured and controlled groups.” Haldir shifted his weight a little and dropped his pack by his feet causing a soft thud to echo through the field.

“I believe gone are the days of peace. For I fear we are entering another period of hostilities and that brings me to why I am here.” Haldir watched him intently, waiting for him to continue. “Lady Galadriel and I have been summoned to go to Rivendell. Lord Elrond fears what we do. His land has been suffering at the hands of the orcs also. He believes the time has come for the elders to meet and discuss what course of action to take. The concern has now arisen that they are not acting alone. Some force is behind the grouping and raids”

Haldir sighed and ran a hand over his face. It had been a long time since Lady Galadriel had left the safety of Caras Galadhon. Surely another could represent her, for she had many advisors who could talk for her and knew her wishes. The journey would not be without perils and her safety would be at risk. Celeborn smiled slightly and looked to his trusted March Warden.

“I know what you are thinking Haldir, I voiced the same concerns and more but Galadriel wishes for this. She has already chosen Annis to ride by her. We will be leaving in two days.”

Haldir was a little takeck tck that Annis had already been picked. His face flushed a slight crimson as he felt his authority was undermined. Celeborn touched his shoulder gently and squeezed it.

“Haldir, you should know by now that my wife works in mysterious ways. Never does she choose an action without knowing what the outcome may be. She did not intend to challenge your authority. Please assemble a group of wardens to depart in two days.”

With that, Celeborn turned and left Haldir standing alone. Grabbing his pack, he walked towards his talan, thinking hastily on whom to take, the risks and the route.

******
Annis was sitting on the window seat with an open book on her lap. The gentle breeze blowing both the pages and her hair as she looked out into the night sky, her mind miles away. Her fingers idly rubbed the page for she had reread the same words over and over. She sighed and shut the book, knowing she would not read anymore for that night. Sas bas both excited and nervous about the impending journey. Her ears heard the approaching footsteps and she smiled. Quickly, she got up and moved towards the door. Her timing was just right and she jumped into the arms of Haldir, who smiled and spun her lightly around.

“You are late, my love.”

“I was caught up by Celeborn. But then you already know of the impending journey.”

He gently placed her back on the ground and walked towards the window, looking out. Annis followed behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist, she laid her head against his back.

“Are you upset with me? I promise you I played no part in Galadriel’s choice.”

Placing his hands over her own, he let out a gentle sigh before he responded.

“Nay Annis, I know better than that. I am just surprised at Lady Galadriel’s choice to travel at such a time. This journey will not be without risks and perils.”

Annis nodded her head against his back and smiled a little.

“Well I am glad we are going. I can show you Rivendell. Share with you a part of my life now.”

“Annis….this is not a pleasure trip.” Haldir turned and looked at her, his eyes serious. “Do you not know the purpose of this journey?”

“To visit Elrond for he extended an invitation. Galadriel has already informed me.”

“You are still innocent in many ways. Lady Galadriel has not left these woods in many years. Do you truly think she would now choose to travel just to visit Elrond? Risk the perils that may await us.”

Annis blinked a little, feeling silly. Maybe she had seen that strange reaction when she asked Galadriel the purpose of the journey. Haldir kissed her forehead lightly.

“You know as a warden that the orc attacks have grown worse. Lord Elrond and others are concerned that there is more to their attacks than random acts of violence. He has summoned the leaders to talk of this. That is why we travel. This is not to be a pleasurable journey, my love.”

Annis nodded slightly, understanding but not having words to say. She leaned her body against Haldir’s chest, this time her hands wrapped around his waist and slowly stroked his back. His lips rested on her forehead and started to gently kiss the skin. She lifted her face and let her lips capture his; pushing her tongue into his mouth tasting the sweetness that she had missed so much, her hands pulling at his tunic. Haldir’s hands fumbled with the laces on her tunic. Feeling his arousal against her body, she pulled her lips away and stroked his hair which fell down his back.

“I feel I have been missed.”

Haldir smirked and, with one swift movement, picked her up in his arms. He carried her to the bedroom and gently tossed her onto the bed, kicking his boots off as he pulled the tunic over his head, tossing it to the side. He leaned over, resting his body against hers and pushed his left knee between her legs, separating them. His right hand entwined in her hair and pulled her head back slightly as he licked and nipped on the sweet flesh of her neck. His left hand pulled the tunic up, freeing her breasts and allowed his hands to run over them. She moaned and closed her eyes, running her hands over his well defined chest.

He broke away from her and pulled the tunic fully over her head, throwing it to lay on his own. He stroked her face, looking down at her beauty, his fingers tracing over her enchanting red lips, then recaptured her mouth, kissing her deeply. His hands rubbed down her body tenderly, caressing over her now pert nipples. His lips moved down her neck and made their way to her breasts, the skin tasting slightly of roses. He licked and bit at her nipples, smiling as he heard her soft moans of pleasure, his own body ready for more. He moved his hands down to tug on her leggings, pushing them down and freeing her lower body for his touch. Then he hastily undid his own, using the motion of his legs and feet to kick them off. He heard a giggle as his movement shook the bed. He looked up feigning indignation.

“Does something amuse you?” He let his hands gently tickle her sides.

As she giggled at the touch, Annis’ tried to push the offending hands off. Haldir smirked a little and leaned down using his body weight to pin Annis down, his hands still tickling her waist unmercifully. atchatched as her face turned red as the giggles turned to laughter, her whole body convulsing to get free. Between the laughter, her pleas for him to cease came thru. He laughed and moved his mouth by her ear.

“So will you ever laugh at the March Warden again?”

“No…never….” She said, gasping for breath.

He moved and caught her lips with his own, pushing his tongue into her sweet mouth. Their tongues dueled as the kiss deepened, his left hand sliding down her side and gently across her thighs, resting for only a moment between her legs. Then he started to rub her clit, his thumb making circles as he watched her face, loving the expressions she made as the pleasure took her body. With his other hand, he gently shifted his hardness to her wet entrance, moaning slightly as the tip rubbed against the outer lips. He moved his hands up her body and rubbed her arms as he took them and raised them above her head. He then entwined his hands with hers, pinning her arms over her head. With one swift movement, he entered her, watching her face as she closed her eyes and moaned, her hands gripping his tightly.

Haldir’s own eyes closed as the warm wetness enclosed him and caused his whole body to shudder. He started to thrust slowly at first, enjoying the feeling. He opened his eyes and leaned down, kissing her deeply as their bodies started to move together…her hips knowingly keeping pace with him. His body wanted more…to be deeper within her so he released her arms. He moved back so he knelt between her legs and lifted them allowing them to rest on his shoulders. Annis gasped as he entered her deeper. He leaned back over her, his hands on either side of her head. He could feel her feet gently hitting his shoulders as he moved himself in and out. He moaned loudly as he thrust harder, feeling her hands gripping onto his arms, her moans filling the room, mixing with his own. Their bodies in unison reached their peaks, both shuddering and crying out. Haldir collapsed onto Annis and kissed her neck as they mutually gasped for breath. With a simple, “I love you,” he rolled off and pulled her closely to him.

They slept this way for the rest of the night.