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 11 - Childhood Retreat

Excitement and anxiety filled the air in the days prior to the journey; Caras Galadhon was filled with frenzied activity as supplies were gathered and packed. It was decided a small group would travel more quickly and easily than a large one. Five wardens, including Haldir and Annis, were selected to travel with the Lord and Lady. Haldir had the wardens spend their day gathering and packing quivers, for he wanted to be prepared in case of the worse scenario. While the wardens prepared, he and Celeborn charted the journey, marking areas that may harbor danger and selecting escape routes. After completing this task, they walked to the stables where they hand picked the fastest and sturdiest horses.

The party left as the morning sun was gracing the tops of the trees. Even though the hour was early, many had lined the tree covered path leading out of Caras Galadhon to bid the precession farewell. The air was subdued and a strange foreboding seemed to hang over the group, for most had never seen the Lady leave her home of Caras Galadhon. Haldir rode out in front with another warden, then Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, Annis followed the Lady, and the other wardens trailed her. They rode in silence for a long while, all eyes on the surrounding trees and shrubs as they neared the exit of the grand Golden Woods. Only Galadriel seemed at ease, which caused Annis to smile as she thought of the great powers Galadriel possessed. Surely she would know or have seen if they were to be attacked…would she not? As if on cue Celeborn rode to the front and Galadriel slowed her white mare down so Annis soon was riding next to her.

Looking over at Annis, Galadriel smiled causing her eyes to twinkle a little, and then slowly she pulled her blue cloak hood over her head, tucking any stray hair into it. Annis nodded and pulled her cloak hood over her head as the others in the group followed suit.

“So long it has been since my eyes have seen the world outside my home,” Galadriel said as she took the terrain in.

Long brown grass covered the ground, for no rain had fallen for a long period. Annis was familiar with the concern people had that a drought would kill the crops which fed the many villages and towns dotting the land. A slight breeze blew causing the grass to rustle, which was harsh when it invades one’s senses. Jagged rocks scattered the land as though some giant had randomly thrown them from a high perch. It contrasted drastically to the beautiful, green lush forest they had just left. Annis felt slightly torn; the terrain reminded her of the land surrounding her home of Minas Tirith, but still missed the soothing sound the leaves made as the breeze blew through them in Caras Galadhon.

“Has much changed since then?” Annis looked around, her eyes trained for any movement which was out of place.

“Aye…the land holds many reminders of the battles of years past. Would you believe that use to be a field covered with vivid blooms? Your great-grandfather use to sneak out and pick them for me.” Galadriel pointed to a now parched field which stood just outside the edge of the woods and smiled broadly as the memory took her back. Annis waited a moment before speaking, not wanting to interrupt her thoughts.

“Will this journey be safe? For surely you have seen the outcome.”

“Ah my sweet Annis, the gift of foresight is not all telling, it gives possible outcomes. For nothing is set in stone due to certain elements, one being the individuals who can adjust the outcome of particular events.”

“So then you only see snippets of what may happen?” Annis contemplated a moment on this and nodded her head “Of course…so then there is always a chance to change what the future will hold.”

“Sometimes but not always, things such as birth and death can not always be avoided. What can be altered is when it happens.”

Just then Celeborn rode back and pulled up on the other side of Galadriel. His eyes looked to Annis for a moment before his face was illuminated by a wide smile.

“Annis, you take after your grandmother so. To see you riding next to us brings back such memories.” He looked to Galadriel and spoke, “Remember when we rode to Rivendell to escort Celebrían to Elrond so she may take her place with him.” Galadriel laughed lightly and Celeborn turned his attention to Annis. “She rode so fast that she failed to notice we were left behind. Upon turning she saw we were a distance behind so she turned her mare and rode back with such a look of distaste on her face, scolding us for deliberately taking our time.”

“Aye, she was convinced we were against her binding to Elrond and would do anything to stop her…including traveling so slow he would tire of waiting for her and find another.” Galadriel chimed in.

“You were against their binding?” Annis looked at them both.

“We desired for her to wait until she was slightly older, more mature, for she was so head strong that sometimes she failed to see logic behind actions. She tended to always follow her heart. I felt giving them space and time would ensure they were choosing the right path. We had no other child and I wanted the best for her,” Celeborn replied.

Annis must have looked confused or shocked because Galadriel touched her arm and shook her head as Celeborn finished.

“Nay Annis…we did not try and stop the binding for we knew their love was true. As I said, there are certain things that one cannot change and their love was one of them. Elrond was the perfect match for her, his love was pure and strong. All we asked is that she waited until she was older. But she was resolute to be with him as soon as they discussed the future. Soon I saw no point of her waiting, for all she did was brood so we escorted her to her beloved and…well you know the rest of the story since you are here riding next to us.”

Annis smiled to them both. They then continued talking of her grandmother…the elleth she never had a chance to know. Their stories made her laugh and the day passed quickly. Annis had expected to stop for the night but instead some lembas was passed out and the group kept moving. She did not feel too tired and was thankful for the warden training.

She looked to the front and watched Haldir’s body move on his horse. Her eyes fell to his toned legs gripping the horse and smiled as for a brief moment she allowed her mind to wander; picturing their bodies entwined together, her hand running up his thighs as she kissed his lips. A cough jolted her mind back and saw Haldir had turned and was looking at her strangely. Annis realized he must have felt her desire and blushed. Quickly, she cleared her mind, remaining alert for the rest of the night.

******
The group entered the outskirts of Rivendell early on the third day. They had only stopped for a few brief times, so good time was made. Annis smiled to herself as they rode closer and she watched the land she knew so well illuminated by the early morning sun.

Upon entering, Annis glanced around and saw that not much had changed since her last visit. Even though it was deep in a forest, it differed greatly from Caras Galadhon. Instead of talans in trees, the elves lived in elaborate houses with large windows looking out at the waterfalls, which dotted the view while the many small streams ran thru the forest providing gentle background noise.

Annis looked over as she saw Elrond, with his advisors close behind, walking down the stairs from his palace with a wide smile across his face. He looked to Annis, and she saw a frown as his eyes studied her appearance. He averted his eyes and stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for the party to stop and dismount. Haldir slowed his steed which allowed both Celeborn and Galadriel to pass him. Celeborn stopped his horse and dismounted, then walked over to assist Galadriel from her mount. Celeborn offered his arm, which Galadriel lightly touched and they walked to Elrond where greetings were exchanged. A warden rode forward and took the reins of their horses and brought them back to the wardens.

It took all of Annis’ will power to not dismount and run to her grandfather. Haldir nodded to the wardens and all dismounted, and then stood by their horses pending further instructions. Elrond stepped away from the small group and stood on a step so he was to some extent looking down on everyone. He looked towards Haldir and the wardens.

“Welcome to Rivendell. Arrangements have been made for your comfort. I would first ask you to take your horses and rest them after such a journey then join us in the Great Hall for a meal. I know one in your party can lead you to both.” The last sentence was said with a slight iciness to it.

“Thank you my lord. We appreciate your hospitality.” Haldir bowed in respect.

Elrond smiled as he lead Galadriel and Celeborn up the stairs and into his palace. Annis watched feeling left out of the happy greetings and conversation which she could hear just faintly. Never had she been so ignored by her grandfather and it hurt her deeply. Haldir looked to Annis and cocked an eyebrow.

“Well…do you plan on leading us up to the stables or are we to bed here for the night.”

Annis averted her eyes from the doorway where the group had disappeared into and reluctantly lead the group down to the stables. There they all unloaded, groomed and fed the weary horses. After completing the task, the wardens grabbed their bags and followed Annis to the guest area; there she found the rooms prepared for the wardens. It did not take her but a few seconds to see that there were only four bedrooms prepared. Smiling slightly she sensed her own room, the one she used many times when visiting Elrond in the past, was prepared for her.

Haldir noted the rooms and eyed Annis. He felt a slight tension knotting in his stomach. He had seen Elrond’s face when his eyes took in his granddaughter’s appearance and now seeing that no room was prepared in this area showed that Elrond had not known of Annis’ decision of becoming a warden. Haldir turned then entered the nearest bedroom. Tossing his bag on the bed, he wiped his face and sighed deeply. Many thoughts ran through his head. He jumped as suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“Come…walk me to my room. I can give you a tour as we go.” Annis smiled widely and moved to stand next to Haldir. The excitement shining in her eyes making them twinkle.

“I should stay here and refresh myself for we are expected at the feast.”

“Haldir…surely you can spare a few minutes to walk with me. I will change quickly and then we will walk back and you can refresh.” Annis smiled brightly.

Haldir tried to resist, but found his resolve weakening. Quickly, Annis grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the room. She gleefully pointed out the secret hidings places she had used as a child, laughing at the memories. She had greatly missed Rivendell, her second childhood home. She came to the wing that her brother, sisters, and she had shared as children. The walls were still decorated with figures depicting the great stories of the Elves that had come before them. Haldir eyed the surroundings and smiled as the image of a young Annis running through the halls played in his mind. As they moved passed a room that had served as the playroom Annis and her sisters had shared, Annis did not notice Haldir lagging behind and continued towards her room.

Haldir stepped inside the playroom and looked around at the contents. Not much had changed since the girls had abandoned the room, as they grew older. Many well-worn dolls lined the walls. It was a strange mixture of both human and Elf dolls. Haldir’s eyes caught one human doll, which wore a green tunic and had a small wooden carved sword in its hand. As he walked over to take a closer look, he bumped into a small table causing a pile of papers to fall on the found. As he knelt down to gather them up, his eyes caught a drawing of a young girl and an Elf holding hands sitting in a tree. He felt a strange mixed of amusement and jealousy as he saw the words “Annis and Legolas.” He jumped slightly as he heard a cough and looked backwards with the drawing in his hand to see Annis leaning by the door.

“Did you stop for playtime?” She said as walked to him, took the picture and laughed. “Ah you have found my secret out.”

Annis looked at the picture again and smiled as the memories of Legolas flooded back. Legolas had always been nearby in her life until recently. She had grown up with his constant presence since he visited her father numerous times. She always ran to him and spent many hours quizzing him on life in Mirkwood. He obliged and enjoyed spinning long stories of life. Legolas offered her a look into the life which she so desired. She remembered drawing the image of her and Legolas, entertaining the idea briefly that they were to be bound soon after her mother had discussed the love and binding of Elves. However, as Annis had grown, she had found that her feelings for Legolas were more like those to her brother. She had long forgotten her brief crush. Haldir broke her thoughts by gently caressing her cheek.

“It is rather strange to see this room. I forget before you came to Caras Galadhon you had a very different life and are not as old as I. Most others I know I have grown up with or have watched them grow up. I missed that with you.”

“My age does not matter…I know what I want. I will tell you anything you want to know, Haldir, about the life I had before I chose this path for I have nothing to hide. This picture was a silly childhood crush. I have always felt that I did not belong in Minas Tirith. This was my refuge from the confusion. When I came here, I felt as if everything was normal.”

Haldir smiled and gently wrapped his arms around her, kissing her forehead gently. Annis looked up and gently let her lips meet his. The gentle embrace turned to a tighter one quickly and Annis let the picture drop to the ground. They were both so consumed by their feelings that they failed to hear the footsteps or feel the stern gaze, which watched with disapproval. Then as a slight cough came from the door, they broke apart and looked over to see Elrond standing in the doorway with a neutral look on his face.

Haldir stepped away from Annis swiftly and bowed his head in respect as his face colored quickly with a bright blush. Annis quickly regained her composure and moved to embrace her grandfather who allowed his arms to hug her quickly and release her. His eyes never left Haldir.

“Ah my sweet granddaughter, I thought I would find you in this wing since no other room had been prepared for you. March Warden, I trust you find your accommodations to your liking?”

“Yes M’lord. Thank you for your hospitality.”

Haldir did not move. He felt a mixture of embarrassment and belittling by the look and wording from Elrond. Elrond looped his arm around Annis’ shoulders and turned them to leave the room. Without looking at Haldir, he dismissed him swiftly.

“March Warden, your lady and lord are changing and the feast will start soon. You should see to your appearance.”

Annis felt the sudden angry flash in her mind and looked back at Haldir, feeling rather helpless with her grandfather there. She attempted a smile but it faded as the stone face of Haldir greeted her. She kept looking over her shoulder as Elrond moved her towards her room, Haldir not looking at either of them as he moved quickly out of the wing.

******
Annis leant down by her door and grabbed the bag she had tossed to the side when she noticed Haldir was not following her. She opened the door immediately seeing her favorite flower, a special yellow water lily, decorating her room in numerous vases. She looked back at Elrond with a smile, his face changing from a disapproving look to one of happiness. She dropped the bag and ran back to his arms.

“Thank you, Grandfather, they are beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you, my granddaughter. Now stand back and let me look at you for it has been too long since my eyes last saw you.”

Elrond pushed her back and twirled her, as he had many times before when she was a mere child. She laughed as she spun and stopped to face him and saw a slight look of anger….almost hurt in his eyes.

“Grandfather…what…does something trouble you?”

She watched as he moved by her and stood looking out of the window, the gentle breeze blowing his hair gently back and making his robes rustle slightly.

“My dear Annis, I am taken back by your choice. I knew of the decision to let you go to Lothlórien, but a warden?”

Annis moved so she stood by him and gently took his hand in her own. She remembered the days when she was a small girl standing much like this looking at the night sky.

“I needed a chance to see what I wanted in life.”

“Was there ever a doubt in your mind? But that is not what troubles me. What troubles me is a Princess of not only Minas Tirith but also Rivendell would choose a path such as a warden. Surely you do not plan on staying as such.”

Annis pulled her hand back and looked at him, rather surprised at the disapproval that filled his words. She thought he would have been proud of her choice of protecting others; she was not prepared to defend her choice.

“Of course I do. I have a place and calling for which I was meant to be. Defending Lothlórien is a natural choice. I have always enjoyed the skills associated with fighting and defense. Mother rode beyond the borders many times.”

“Aye your mother did, even though she was told not to. Moreover, she made the choice out of desire not a sense of duty. The times she left the safety of Rivendell, she was looking for your father. And now I fear you choose a path by listening with your heart, and not your mind. What do you think you father will say when he finds that you are not only a warden but that you are keeping company with the March Warden?”

Annis stood straighter as the reality that her grandfather disapproved of not only her choice of path but also of whom she wanted to share it with. She looked away from his face as she spoke harshly.

“Grandfather, I love you dearly, but my life’s path is my choice. I can not make choices to please others.”

Elrond moved, taking her hands into one of his own and raised her face to look at him with his free hand. His eyes were now soft, the harshness of his tone gone.

“Aye, you need to choose a path of your own but within that choice you need to remember who you are. You are a princess, one that stands to be a leader for others. You have a home here in Rivendell, remember that.”

Annis smiled slightly and fell forward to rest her head on his shoulder. Elrond kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair for a few moments.

“Come, Annis, change. Surely by now the others will be concerned that both of us have lost our way to the Great Hall.”

Elrond left her room with a smile and nod as he closed the door behind him. Annis sighed and ran a hand thru her hair as her mind was flooded with many emotions. Slowly, she walked to an ornate dresser, which held a few gowns. She selected her favorite light purple gown, and after freshening up, pulled it on. She made her way toward the banquet, suddenly afraid of how Haldir was feeling. She heard the merry laughter and took a deep breath as she entered, making her way to the table where her family sat together.

******
Haldir maintained his stony silence as he walked towards the guest area as his mind replayed the scene repeatedly. He growled slightly to himself as he saw Elrond’s disapproval of him. He pushed the door to his room open roughly, and slammed it behind him. Elrond had not said anything, but Haldir could read him and his dismissal with barely a word had been intended to put him in his place.

He had been brainless for even letting Annis enter his life or heart. He sat in the edge of the bed for a moment, calming himself. A knock at the door made him look up as one of the other wardens entered. Haldir nodded and got up from the bed. He wanted to make his excuse and stay away from the hall, but knew that would not be for the best. He would not let Elrond belittle him so. Annis was a grown Elf and with a mind of her own….aye, she was old enough to choose who would be by her side. The other warden moved outside and waited for Haldir.

He dressed swiftly, and then exited his room, nodding as he passed the warden. They walked in silence, Haldir studying Rivendell as he walked. Though both Caras Galadhon and Rivendell were in deep forests, they differed greatly. Rivendell, as its name sounded, centered on the magnificent waterfalls and streams while Caras Galadhon centered on and in the trees. He heard the merriment as he approached and took a deep breath. Upon entering, he saw Annis sitting at the main table by Elrond. She was laughing as herself, Elrond and Galadriel seemed to be sharing a slight joke. Haldir knew his place and walked to a table that held the many advisors of Rivendell. He nodded as a few familiar faces greeted him and was soon discussing the latest news and reminiscing on battles passed.

******
The feast lasted for a few hours before Elrond, Celeborn, and Galadriel all arose to depart. Soon after their departure the other tables started to empty. Annis sat still watching Haldir and when she saw he was almost alone she too arose and walked towards him, her gown softly rustling with her movement. Haldir was talking to his equivalent, Maresto, of the Rivendell guards. Maresto, who stood slightly taller than Haldir and was a few years younger, had moved quickly to his position and was well regarded. Maresto saw Annis approach and smiled broadly.

“Ah I see the fair Annis has gifted us with her presence.”

“Maresto, it has been long since I saw you. I trust you are well.” Annis smiled and touched his arm gently.

“Aye, I have been well. Lord Elrond had mentioned that you were visiting Caras Galadhon. I will not lie; I was quite shocked you chose to go there and not here.”

“I am sure grandfather was too, but I needed to see more than just this forest to make the decision which lies before me.”

“You mean there was even a doubt of which path you would choose? Who was the one who would scream and throw a tantrum when they had to leave? Who trailed behind any who would let her while her siblings chose to stay in their play area?” Maresto laughed as he spoke and shook his head. Turning to Haldir, he spoke freely. “I can not tell you the number of times Annis’ voice was heard pleading Arwen to let her stay here.”

Haldir felt it hard to maintain his calm appearance for Maresto was a handsome elf with raven black hair whose eyes were a piercing green, which seemed to absorb one into them as their gaze fell upon you. Haldir found it hard to see him so friendly with Annis.

Annis blushed slightly and laughed at Maresto’s words. Her eyes fell on Haldir for a moment and caught his look. She knew what she needed to do.

“Maresto, I hate to be so rude but I truly need to steal Haldir from you.” She turned and looked at Haldir as she spoke. “The lady needs to talk to you a moment.”

“Annis, I hope that I may see you a while tomorrow.” Maresto said as he gently touched her arm.

“I will stop by the great hall tomorrow. Now please excuse me, the journey has tired me.”

Maresto bowed as Annis departed, his eyes watching her every movement for a moment before turning back to Haldir.

“I bid you goodnight, then, since your lady calls for your presence.” Once again, he bowed and walked to a remaining small group.

Haldir bowed and walked the way Annis had departed. Upon exiting the room, he felt the cool air of the night and eyes watching him. Without a look over, he spoke, “It now takes lies for us to be together?”

His words seemed to come out harsher than he initially meant. He felt a slight jealousy of what had passed between Annis and Maresto. He heard her soft laughter and her hand wrapping around his own pulling him towards a path entering a garden.

“Nay, it was not meant like that. Maresto would have insisted that we spent all night talking and I quite selfishly did not want that. I wanted some time with you alone.”

“Alone…so no one sees? So no disapproving looks can be thrown on us.”

“Haldir?” Annis stopped walking and turned to face him, her right hand touching his chest and studying his face, which was a mixture of hurt and anger. “Is that what you truly believe? That we are sneaking around?”

“Annis, I saw the way Elrond looked at you… us. He need not say a word for all was said in his actions.”

“Haldir, I will not deny that grandfather was surprised at my appearance. However, his displeasure is with me, not you. I will let the whole of Rivendell know my feelings if that is what it takes to make you happy.”

She caught his face between her hands and kissed his lips lightly. Then let it go and stepped back. Haldir watched puzzled as Annis hitched her dress up and jumped with one swift movement onto a stone bench. She smiled at him and then dropped her dress and held her arms out to the side dramatically.

“I, ANNIS DAUGHTER OF ARWEN AND ARAGORN, DECLARE MY UNDY….”

Haldir grabbed her quickly before she could continue and brought her down into a tight embrace. He held her closely and laughed heartily as he kissed her forehead.

“Enough. I know you love me, and I love you. Now let’s not give Lord Elrond more reason to be displeased when he thinks I have led you down the path of ill repute.”

Annis laughed and pulled herself closer to his body, needing to feel the warmth it offered before they parted for the night. Haldir leant down and kissed her passionately before pulling free of the embrace. They turned and walked slowly towards Annis’ room. There they embraced and kissed one last time before Haldir left for his own room.