Arlothiyenne: A Tale of Destiny

Chapter Nine: Arlothiyenne's Remorse, Haldir's Playful Notions.

 

Celeborn carried Arlothiyenne back to the healing tents, her still awake, but her eyes resting. He could sense she was emotionally, and mentally drained from the ordeal. Elladan and Elrohir rushed ahead of them to warn their father of Arlothiyenne's condition.

 

Celeborn was almost there when Arlothiyenne looked up and around them. Elves, both females and males, were staring at her. News had traveled fast about what she had done. None of them seem to look down upon her, or be judging, she sensed they were only concerned for her. She looked at her ada, who seemed to hasten on.

 

“Ada, they are all staring at me.” she said childlike.

 

“Yes, my daughter, they are. They have heard of your bravery and are only concerned for your welfare. Quiet your thoughts and rest.” he told her.

 

They came to the tent where Haldir lay inside, beside himself. Galadriel standing there, with her grandchildren beside her, all worried about her. Arlothiyenne looked at them sheepishly.

 

Galadriel smiled warmly. “Arlothiyenne, child are you alright?” she asked reaching out as Celeborn passed and brushed a stray hair from her eyes.

 

“I feel strange, nana. I do not know what came over me, or why. Other than that I am unharmed.” Arlothiyenne told her assessing herself.

 

“Elrond knows about it, and is waiting inside for you. Haldir is beside himself with worry.” She told Arlothiyenne.

 

Celeborn walked through the tent's flap and set Arlothiyenne down to walk, but her knees buckled. Haldir nearly came off the bed when he saw her near fall, but a healing assistant urged him to lie back down. Arlothiyenne steadied herself, with Celeborn and Galadriel standing next to her holding her in place. Elrond seeing her, came to look her over. Checking her eyes, her temperature, and for any marks. Gandalf came into the tent to look in and offer assistance.

 

“Arlothiyenne. Do you have any pains, aches, anything that I should know of?” Elrond asked looking deep into her eyes for signs.

 

“No. I just feel strange. It is hard to describe. I feel as though I was cast out of my own body and something took over. A trance maybe. Now I feel, really cold and clammy. I do not understand this.” she admitted.

 

“She was in a trance. I felt it strongly. She was still there, but yet she was not. Her body temperature is now below normal levels, cause the rising heat, left her more quickly than it had come on. The feeling she cannot describe is alienation. From the information she sucked out of the Orc.” Gandalf spoke as he came to stand before them all.

 

Arlothiyenne thought on it. He was right, she did feel alienated, a little. She looked at him. “I think that is it. Why?” Arlothiyenne asked tired.

 

“Cause, you took on memories that are not yours. The first time is always the worst one. It will pass, little dove.” he said smiling. Haldir behind Gandalf spoke.

 

“Arlothiyenne?” his voice boomed in the silence. She looked at him, a tear escaped her, but not of sadness, but of joy seeing him healing and nearly well now. She was amazed, she had done that. She wobbled over to him, with Elrond helping her, and sat on the side of the bed next to him. He reached for her, grabbing her hand and bringing it to his lips to kiss the knuckles. “Are you alright, meleth?” he asked searching her face, reaching up with his free hand and brushing her hair behind her ear.

 

“Yes, just really tired is all. I need to sleep.” she told him. Her eyes looked droopy, her face seemed ashen from the days events.

 

Haldir was concerned and looked up quickly. “Will someone bring a cot so that she can stay here. I will watch over her.” he said pulling her gently to him for a loving embrace. Stroking her hair.

 

Elrond looked down at him, perhaps a little irritated with him. But his voice never showed it. “Haldir, how can you watch her, when you yourself are unable to get out of the bed?”

 

“I am fine now, little weary, but I can and will do it. Now please get her a cot.” he persisted.

 

Seeing there was no way to say no, he waved for an assistant to find a cot and bring it. Galadriel watched with the others as the assistants brought in a cot and made up the mattress. “Perhaps we should all leave and return later to check on them.” Gandalf suggested.

 

They all agree, but Elrond, ever the healer, helped Arlothiyenne to the cot and covered her up. He made sure she was tucked in before turning to Haldir. “Haldir I will be back in a couple of hours. She should sleep for that long if not longer. She has had a tiring day. I will send dinner in later for the two of you.” Erlond washed his hands in the basin, and dried them. Putting down the towel, he looked up. “Oh, and Haldir, do not get out of the bed. That is an order!”

 

Haldir was not listening to him. He knew it, he shook his head and left the tent to look in on other patients.

 

Haldir was on his side watching Arlothiyenne sleep. So soundly she did so, it worried him. What had happened to her with that beast? He had in his unconscious state felt her touch his soul, saw her thoughts, felt her emotions. For a moment, they were one flesh, soul and mind. He had sensed something was wrong before he heard of her visiting the captured Orc. But did not know the full extreme of it. He laid there for some time watching the rise and fall of her chest, listening to her breathing. He longed to get up and touch her face. Kiss away her burdens. It was a longing, unlike any he had ever had before.

 

Several Hours Later.....

 

Haldir had failed to rest while Arlothiyenne slept in the cot near him. All he could do was just watch her sleep. Worried that she would sleep forever. The flap came open, the last rays of daylight peeking through, and the tall figures of Elladan and Elrohir walked through with Rumil between them. The three elves glanced over at Arlothiyenne who was now sound asleep at seeming peacefulness.

 

“Hello Brother. We have come to visit for a moment.” Rumil announced in hushed tones.

 

Haldir sat up with relative ease and looked at his younger brother. “I see that.” he told him as his gaze shifted back to Arlothiyenne.

 

Elladan and Elrohir took up seats on each sides of the cot where Haldir lay, their eyes meeting his. It was a well-known fact that the two twin elves had their father and grandmother's abilities and knew they were reading him.

 

They stared at him. “What?” Haldir asked, his eyes shifting from elf to elf. Resting on the oldest of the two twins, Elladan. Rumil reached out and touched Haldir's hand.

 

“Brother, Orophin is bad off. He is running a fever and is delirious with it.” Rumil said worried.

 

Orophin. He had forgotten about his middle brother. How foolish of him. “What is Elrond saying?”

 

“They are not sure, but the wound is very infected. They are trying every treatment they know of. He said he would keep us Posted.” Rumil said softly, careful not to wake the elleth up on the other cot.

 

Haldir's gaze went back to her, but still he responded to what Rumil told him. “Good. I want to hear news as soon as you all know something.” he said.

 

“Haldir, you are worried for her aren't you?” Elladan said. Haldir looked at the dark-haired elf. Elladan already knew the answer, he was just trying to get Haldir to admit it.

 

“Aye, I am. Why does she sleep so? What happened to her?” he asked.

 

“Haldir, she has had a tiring day, look what she has done. First lessons in her abilities to heal drained her, not to mention-” Rumil said without finishing his thought.

 

“What happened to her in that dungeon? All I heard was that she went, and was planning on killing it. Can any of you tell me?” he asked. His need to know strong, he eyed them each.

 

None of them said anything. A booming voice came from the tent opening. “They cannot fully tell you. But I can.” The three looked up and saw Elrond in the door. He walked in silent as a cat. He looked to his sons. “Perhaps you should both take Rumil to see Orophin. I know he has waited to see him for a while now.” Elladan and Elrohir wasted no time to help Rumil up and leave.

 

“Elrond? What happened?” Haldir asked again.

 

“You know that during your healing, Arlothiyenne connected to your soul. There is a connection between the two of you now, that was not there before. I cannot be sure, but when she connected to your mind she saw something.” Elrond sat on the edge of the cot and looked at the Marchwarden. “It is my belief, and the belief of both Galadriel and Gandalf, that she saw the Orc that attacked you. The one they brought in. After healing you, her rage was not gone, it took over her. The hate she had for the thing fueled her anger, for not only harming her people, but for you. She killed it.” he said.

 

Haldir understood that part, but he wanted to know how she killed it. Especially it being so much bigger than herself. Elrond saw his want for information. “Haldir, sucked it clean of all knowledge, and slew it.” he told him bluntly.

“Sucked it? How?” Haldir was stunned by this and was curious.

 

“Her abilities for healing swings two ways. One for healing, and the other to take life. We were stunned to learn that with that killing touch comes the ability to retrieve information. An exchange of sorts. Just by touching him, she was able to make the beast weak, and suck out what she needed. We are not sure of what would have happened if she kept holding him. Reports from Celeborn and the others that witnessed it, she merely touched him, and he was burned and went limp. Taking a sword she had stolen from the guard, she then did the kindest act she could do, showing total compassion. She killed it swiftly, ending its pain.” Elrond.

 

Haldir's mouth fell open. “She killed that thing. Will this ability be harmful to all that touches her?” he asked.

 

“No, Haldir. Only when she glows with the blazing light. In the height of anger. She sleeps, cause it was her first time of doing it. On top of the healing she performed, it overwhelmed her. Worry not, she will awaken. In essence, took out vengeance on you behalf.”

 

Haldir was stunned. His Arlothiyenne did that. Knowing the elves respect for all life, friend or foe, she, his Arlothiyenne had committed an act such as this, but with kindness in the end. Oh, how he admired that indeed. Made him love her even more. He looked up at the Elf Lord and smiled. “Makes me love her even more. I am so proud of her.”

 

Elrond smiled. “We all are. Now I must leave to attend other patients. Should she awaken, let me know. I will send assistants by ever so often. Remember do not get out of this bed!” he said standing. Haldir's eyes were on Arlothiyenne, he was not listening again. Elrond shook his head.

 

“Lord Elrond?” Haldir started, “How is my brother?”

 

“He is resting, but not out of the woods. His fever is burning high. We are doing everything we can for him to get the fever down. All we can do is wait. I will keep you posted.” Elrond said smiling at him slightly as he left the tent.

 

Haldir just stared at the door, but soon turned to look at Arlothiyenne. He could stand it no longer. He moved to the side of the bed, placing his feet upon the soft grass and began to lift himself off the cot. He walked slowly as he could to the cot where Arlothiyenne laid. He wanted to hold her tight, make her pain go away. He knew deep down, the depth of despair she would feel after her first kill. It was what all warriors felt when they did it the first time. He sat on the chair beside her cot and waited. She would need him when she woke. The words rang in his mind as he stared at her. 'My strength is your strength.'

 

He reached out and took her hand in his, and caressed the knuckles with his fingers. Oh how the love he had for her came through. Almost in desperation, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. He wanted so much to take away the memories of what she done upon himself. He leaned down, and kissed her lips softly with his own. Coming back up, he whispered in her ears. “I love you.”

 

Deciding to leave her there, he let go of her hand, covered her up and stood up, his strength slowly returning at this point, he waled back to his own cot. Lying down he was on his left side facing her and watched as she slept some more. Hoping and praying she would wake up soon, so he could look into her eyes once more.

 

Waking up.....

 

Arlothiyenne did not know how long she had slept, or even where she had been. To her the day's events seem to be a dream. A nightmare even. She looked up at the ceiling which was not a hard ceiling, but one of finely made canvas. A tent. A noise came to her ears off to her right side. She slowly moved her head to find a sight, she never thought she would be so glad to see. Haldir.

 

He was sitting up and looking at her. Sitting up abruptly, she gazed at him. He was alive! Her heart filled with utter joy seeing him there, looking well and smiling at her. She sensed his overwhelming relief of her being near him. He stood and wobbled to her cot. She reached out for him, and he gladly took her into his arms. The warmth and comfort of his embrace, filled her with such joy.

 

She cried out. “I thought I lost you.” she told him through the tears. He rubbed her back comforting her.

 

“You know you could never lose me.” he assured her. He pulled back and looked into her eyes and then smiled. “You saved my life. Thank you.” he said kissing her face all over finally leaving a soft, gentle peck upon her lips.

 

She was a little surprised, but wrote it off. She was glad he was there. Memories of that day came flooding back. From the moment she saw his body there, racked with injury, to the slaying of the Orc responsible. She remembered the anger she had felt, the feeling of his mind spilling into hers. Then the horrid look of the beast after she had injured it. She felt it all. Remorse rose up as the tears formed. Her hand covered her mouth. “What have I done?” she asked almost sobbing.

 

He shushed her quietly. Taking his hands and running it through her long honey brown tresses, soothing away her pain, her anguish. This was normal he knew it. “Do not cry, meleth. It is alright. I promise. Shhh.” he said low and smoothly. It was like silk to her. She felt very little comfort, but also knew that it was all over, at least this part. After seeing what the Orc held in its mind, she knew more was coming.

 

“You do not know what I have done, Haldir. The bad thing I did.” she told him, her tears falling harder.

 

“I know perfectly well, what you have done.” he told her pulling her up into his lap holding her tighter.” he smoothed her hair again trying to calm her. “Do you not know, I would never leave you? I am here, you needn't worry any longer.” he rocked her. She buried her face in his neck, holding him tightly as she did.

 

“I killed it, Haldir. I killed that beast that harmed you and the others.” She said, her voice coming out with deep regret laced with disgust for herself. “What I did to him, was bad.” she pulled back from, searching his eyes for disapproval, but there was none there. She buried her head in his shoulder again.

 

“I know. I am very proud of you. The courage you have shown, the compassion, and the healing you have done.” he pulled back a little, looked down at her and caressed her hair again. “If it were not for you, I would not be here.” he kissed her cheek that was exposed to him.

 

Though her head was buried in his shoulder, he listened as she spoke, holding him tighter. “I had to save you, Haldir. I need you. You are very dear to my heart, you are my 'Deer'. She told him, calling him the name she did when she was a child. He smiled. Gods how he loved her, this was the one true moment of realization. Come to think on it, he always had loved her. His feeling soared through him raw, and true.

 

He looked up at the ceiling thanking the Valar for the realizations. But the knowledge was too soon to be known. He knew it. He said the only thing that he could. “And you, lirimaer are dear to mine.” he kissed her head again. She sat there tightly holding him more, then stiffened.

 

She pulled back and looked at him. He knew from their recent connection what she was thinking. She had remembered injuring him on the way to the city. She opened her mouth to say something but quickly shushed by his finger to her lips. “Do not think about apologizing for it. I do not blame you. You could not help it.” he kissed her nose.

 

She stared at him briefly then hugged him again. He stiffened a little, feeling a twinge. “Haldir. How are your injuries? Do I need to fetch the healers?” she asked running her hands softly over his bandaged torso.

 

“I am fine. Thanks to you.” he said smiling.

 

Her demeanor changed to that of a mother hen, watching her chicks. She looked up at him. “ You sure? I could have them bring something for pain.” she said to him concerned. It was cute to him how she switched from being vulnerable, to a nag in sight of a second.

 

“I am fine. A day or two, and it will like I was never injured. Now stop fretting and get some more sleep.” he commanded with a laugh.

 

"I am not tired. I need to find Nana and Lord Elrond. I have some apologizing to do," she said throwing the covers off.

 

"Tonight? Lirimaer, can it not wait until morning?" he asked with a whiny irritation in his voice. He lightly grabbed her waist trying to keep her in the bed.

 

"No, Haldir. It cannot wait. I pushed Elrond away from you when he gave up all hope and when Nana tried to calm me down, I burned her," she said wriggling out of his grasp.

 

“Truly? Now that is something. Pushing away and burning the Lady. Bad Girl, Arlo. Bad Girl. Should I put you over my knee and spank you for that?” he asked jesting with her. Arlothiyenne did not really find it funny and just stared at him. His small smile faded and turned to seriousness. “Alright, lirimaer, I understand. If you must, I will not stop you. Will you at least return tonight?” his eyes filled with hope.

 

“Of course, Haldir. But I insist you rest, so no waiting up for me,” she told him, her tone sounding like that of a mother.

 

Haldir feeling playful still, puckered out his bottom lip, looking like a small child in attempt to look cute. Arlothiyenne smiled at him. “Yes, nana,” he said obediently.

 

Arlothiyenne went to him, and put his arm around his neck. “Now I am going to help you back into bed. So stop your belly aching, and quit being stubborn.” she insisted, smiling and stifling a chuckle. She began to lead him to his cot.

 

“Alright, since you want to help to bed, how about helping me with some other things while you are at it.” He was teasing, but she had not quite gotten his meaning until she looked at him and knew exactly what he was implying. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared at him appalled and completely exasperated at his statement.

 

“Haldir of Lorien! How dare you speak to me like that!” she said mocking a shock look, but then arched a brow naughtily. “Besides, I may consider that in the future.” She wiggled her brow and giggled playfully.

 

Haldir chuckled heartily, but was slightly unnerved by her reply. Never had he thought she would say anything like that to him. He looked a little unkempt by the whole things and laughed nervously. “Yeah, right, my princess. You and Me? Now that is a thought.” Deep down, unbeknownst to her, that is exactly what he wanted. But he would not admit that to her.

She shook her head and smiled at him. “What will I ever do with you, you big flirt?” she asked him. Placing her arm about his waist, she helped guide him to sit upon his cot. “I definitely like this playful side of you. You should do it more often,” she giggled more at him.

 

He looked up at her and smiled wickedly, “Maybe now that you are back, I can be that way more. Like you told me on the border, I have become a little bit of a stiff arrogant, aloof elf.”

 

“Well, I love the playful side, but I also love the arrogant side too. It gives you a protective air. So do not go terribly soft on me. I will need that arrogance if you are to train me in the weaponry department. It is nana and ada's wish.” She helped him lie down, covered him up with the blankets, and bent to kiss his forehead. He looked up at her, his eyes now showing that tiredness she knew he had been feeling all along.

 

“I will do whatever it takes to help you. You have my word.” He promised.

 

“Good. I knew I would have that. Now I have to go. Rest well, my gallant Marchwarden. I will not be gone too terribly long.” She said looking down at him as he closed his eyes. He glowed anew with something that she had not seen before. Peace. He kissed his cheek and left the tent to find her parents and Lord Elrond.

 

*~*~*~*~*

 

Arlothiyenne strolled to the city, her mind reeling from the images she had seen in the Orc's mind. So troublesome they were, horrid even. But what struck her heart and mind more was the things she had seen of her true parent's beginnings.

 

She wondered why she had not been told sooner of the facts. Why so secret? She had known a little of where they came from, but not of the circumstances surrounding them. The only ones that knew the answers, were her parents. She had to find out why she had not been told.

 

Other things she had seen was clouded, and extremely confusing. But important. Her nana needed to know them soon.

 

She stopped, closed her eyes and reached out to find her mother. After a moment, the image of her ada's study played before her. They were there, with Gandalf, and Elrond.

 

She opened her eyes, and made her way up the nearest set of stairs and found her way to the Palace.