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: Marcia and 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 13 – False Beliefs

Haldir walked towards the woods longing to be home for there he had hiding places where he could be alone to think. The only sound heard as he walked was the soft rustle of his boots on the undergrowth and the light chattering of birds. He followed a well-worn path until it reached a small clearing where it opened to small creek. He sighed and stood for a moment not ready yet to go back and face anyone. Turning to his left he saw a trail which looked as if it would lead back towards Rivendell. Unlike the other, this trail was not as well worn. He pushed through the branches rather aggressively, as if punishing them for his anger. The whole time he walked, his mind would not settle as it played scenarios and thoughts nonstop. All these years he had waited to find the one with whom he could bind, the one who made him burn with desire. Never had he expected that upon finding her, would he be greeted with such hostility. He shook his head as he thought of Elrond. Most families would be more than honored for him to choose their elleth as his own. Why would Elrond be so against him? Was he not an honored March Warden, protector of not only the Golden Woods but also the great lady…the mother-in-law of Elrond? Why did Galadriel and Celeborn not disprove of his love for Annis. The walk did little to calm his mind or soul, on the air he heard muffled sounds which were not those of any animals.

As he approached closer to a thicket of branches, he made out voices. Slowly he moved closer, his arm made no noise as it slowly parted the bushes so he could see what lay beyond. His heart leapt into his throat as his eyes saw the figure of Maresto and Annis sitting close together, holding hands. He heard the words Maresto said, Elrond and her father approved of him…he had their blessing to be with her. He felt physically ill but could not move away for surely this was not what it seemed. He let out a strange muffled sound as he watched with horror as Maresto claimed Annis’ lips, laying his body on hers as he comma himself comma had done so many times. He could stand no more for he wanted to charge into the clearing, throw Maresto off Annis. His anger shocked even himself, for never had he thought such thoughts of another elf. He pulled his arm back not noticing the sound it made for all he heard was the throbbing of the blood rushing through his head. He moved swiftly back the way he had come for he could not stomach the thought of seeing anyone right now. So this was why Elrond did not want him with Annis, Maresto was to be the one for her. Of course, that is why he was Elrond’s leader and most trusted warrior. However, why would Annis have lied to him…why? He completed the trail bringing him back to the starting point. Looking to the sun, he was surprised to see how much time had passed. He also failed to notice the many Rivendell elves that moved out of his way as he strode out from the trail and towards his room, his face clouded with such anger. “So Maresto and Rivendell was what Annis desired, then she may have it!” He thought as he pushed his door open and slammed it shut. He paced back and forth like a caged troll, unable to think clearly or settle the anger that was boiling hotter as he relived the moment of seeing Annis and Maresto kissing. He kicked a chair causing it to fly across the room and growled. He then pushed Annis out of his mind and heart, shutting them from any thoughts of her.

Haldir could not take being in the room and strode out to where the meeting was being held. He was unsure how much time had passed since seeing the betrayal but the sun was even higher now in the sky. He leaned against a wall looking in to the circle of elves. The colorful tunics and gowns indicating the many different lands represented there. Haldir recognized many of the elders and their aides sitting around. He saw Galadriel and Celeborn to the right of Elrond and to his left was none other than Maresto. The discussion was getting heated; he saw Elrond stone-faced looking towards the group from Mirkwood, surprised to note that Legolas was not there. The Mirkwood Elves were for forming parties to hunt all the orc packs that were ravaging the lands. His eyes fell onto Maresto, whose head was nodding in agreement with the Mirkwood elf. He grimaced wanting to stride over and challenge him. A voice brought him back and he looked towards Galadriel who was addressing him.

“Haldir…I asked what was your view? Do you think it is wise for us to hunt the orcs?”

He felt all eyes on him and straightened up as he took a breath to calm himself then spoke.

“I feel hunting the orcs will do nothing but leave our lands unprotected and endanger ourselves. There is more behind their movements than just random attacks. We need to assess who or what force is organizing them and then take care of that. For we all know that the orcs are generally disorganized and do not work well with each other.”

“We understand that Haldir but what should we do? Stay in our lands huddled away while they slowly move closer to our hunting areas and make it so our young can not enjoy the pleasures of the land.” Maresto said looking at Haldir intently.

“So then Maresto you are suggesting that you leave your young here and go on an aimless patrol. Therefore leaving Rivendell and the ones you love without protection?”

“I am not stating that Haldir…I am just stating that…”

“I understand what you are stating but yet I do not believe you have the wisdom to understand that the orcs are not the problem as I stated. A force is behind…”

“I heard you also Haldir, how do you suggest we find this supposed force, if not by patrolling.”

By now, both elves were staring intently at each other and the air was thick with tension. One of the other lesser-known elves nodded in agreement with what was being said, he spoke up.

“I agree with Haldir, leaving our lands unprotected would be neglectful. How about if we put a small band together consisting of our best trackers and warriors? Thus we are not depriving our lands of the protection and yet tracking that which is moving these orcs, giving them the confidence to dare to tread within our boundaries.”

There was an air of agreement as voices concurred with what was being said. Though some remained silent, including Maresto, who was staring intently at the wall above Haldir’s head. Elrond had been eyeing the discussion between the two and moved his eyes between the two, catching Galadriel’s eye with a raised eyebrow. Haldir remained in his position joining the discussion about sending a small patrol consisting of the best elves to hunt the force. He was relieved that as he spoke with the others his mind was moved away from Annis and Maresto. However, his eye caught one of Maresto’s elves bending over talking into his ear with which Maresto got and after a word with Elrond he left in great haste.

******
Annis lay for a moment but then felt a dark cloud floating into her mind, an anger that she had never felt before. She sat up and shook her head as if that would clear the ill feelings that seemed to be bedded deep in her mind. Then as quickly as it came, it was gone. Annis blinked and stood, sensing a strange emptiness in her mind. She looked around feeling as if eyes were watching her but saw nothing. She shrugged a little and made her way back slowly towards Rivendell. She smiled a little as she decided she would bring Haldir a feast of summer fruits and wine. She walked to the palace kitchen and retrieved a light brown wicker basket then moved towards the fruit gardens. She heard a slight commotion coming from Elrond’s meeting area and knew the gathering was getting intense. She nodded a little to herself, this must have been the anger she felt, Haldir was there and was trying to control himself. She smiled as she imagined him in the meeting stone-faced as he listened, trying not to be disrespectful to the other’s views. She looked back to the large stone wall covered in ivy that closed the meeting off from prying eyes and then walked into the gardens, busying herself with the treat she had planned.

After retrieving all she needed, Annis moved back to the kitchen to prepare the fruit. The cooks smiled as she walked in and allowed her room to spread out to clean and organize the fruit. She hummed lightly as she cored the apples and pears, then sliced them laying them onto a glass plate, sprinkling sweet spices and then garnishing with a mint leaf. She prepared a sweet dipping sauce, which was made of honey and cream, placing it in a matching small bowl in the center of the apples and pears. She took strawberries she had gathered washed and placed them around the outside of the apples and pears. She stood back admiring her handy-work with a self-satisfied smile. Taking the plate in her hand, she looped the same basket on her arm and walked towards the stairs that led to the wine cellar.

The darkness and cool air was a contrast to the light and warmth of the kitchen. Annis shivered as she made her way down the wooden spiraling stairs. Even as a child, she had always had a fear a cave troll was waiting at the bottom of the stairs to grasp her ankles through the gaps of the stairs, pulling her into the darkness. She lit a lamp then placed the basket and plate onto a table. She browsed the numerous racks of bottled wines looking for the perfect one to accompany the fruit. She wanted this evening to be special, to be with Haldir within her home of Rivendell. Upon choosing two bottles of sweet wine she placed them into the basket, picked the plate up, blew the light out, and walked hastily to the stairs, still half expecting that cave troll to appear.

******
The meeting had not gone on much longer for it was soon decided once the groups left Rivendell to their respective homes, they would send five of their most skilled warriors to meet in the outskirts of a small human town by the name of, Prionot. The town was quiet mainly made up of farmers and the woods around it were heavy thus offering the gathering group protection. Haldir turned down offers to share the evening meal with others, bid goodnight and walked to his room. He needed time alone for even though the meeting had blocked Annis for a little while, the memories had come flooding back.

He reached his room and entered not bothering to light any lamp instead sitting by the window staring out. His eyes did not focus on anything, so he missed the figure moving by and into the hall outside his room. He heard the knock distantly but did not react. The door creaked and as he heard her voice closed his eyes, gripped the arms of the chairs, unable to turn around.

“Haldir? Why are you sitting in the dark? I brought you something I thought you might enjoy. I spent the best part of my day preparing this for you. How was the meeting for I heard intense voices echoing over the wall? I felt your anger, what was wrong?” Annis spoke cheerfully, for she had no knowledge of the anger brewing which she caused.

“Best part of your day? Are you sure there was no other best part?” He said with a stern yet hushed voice not moving from his position in the chair.

“Now what is that suppose to mean? Did I miss some training? For surely you did not instruct us to do anything?”

She thought back hoping she had not missed any warden training he had scheduled without her knowledge. She placed the plate and basket onto the table moving towards him. Standing behind the chair, she reached over the back touching his shoulder and was shocked when he sat up pulling his shoulder away from her touch as if it had hurt him. She took a deep gulp and moved to face him. His face caused her to step back for the gaze was icy and seemed to be set in stone, with a smoldering intensity.

“No you did not miss any training, at least none offered by myself or any other wardens.” He moved away from her walking to the table looking at the fruit and wine. He sneered a little as he turned back looking at her. “Ah a peace offering or maybe a pity basket so I may drown my sorrows.”

“Peace offering? Pity? Haldir I do not understand why you seemed so angry. Surely the meeting did not go that poorly?”

Annis started to move towards him concerned something had passed in the meeting. She was confused and reached out to touch his hand only to have him pulled it away. He stepped away from her moving to the other side of the table as if it was a wall baring her from touching him.

“The meeting was not the problem Annis, just the lies and betrayal which pass between us. Maybe it was a game for you, to see the differences or similarities of elves. I hope I have satisfied your curiosity that all male elves are not the same.”

“Haldir you are confusing me for your words are making no sense.”

“Sense? The only thing that makes no sense is you. Why would you shame me in front of Elrond, make me believe you desire to be mine and mine alone. Yet all along, you had another plan. Was it that Elrond disapproved so much that you seek one whose approval and blessing was already had?”

“Haldir, why are you saying such things? I never played any games or had any plans. Has grandfather spoken to you, is that it? You are angry with me for his words are you not? But I am not him; I am Annis…your lover, the one who wants...”

“My lover? The words are meaningless now. Elrond needs not to speak to show his disapproval. Now please leave me be. You are my warden and nothing more than that.”

His eyes looked at her with coldness as his voice carried a monotone quality. His actions and words catching her by surprise, confusion floated through her mind as she once again advanced towards him.

“You do not mean those words, surely. What ever he said insert comma we will over come them. He will see my way…our way soon enough. Now please let’s stop this silliness and enjoy what I prepared.”

She reached for the basket and plate but Haldir was quicker. He grabbed the plate and threw it over her head so close that her hair moved with the breeze of it passing by. She cried out as she moved her head to the side then glared at him, his face had a strange smile and he eyed the basket. She reached for the basket at the same time as he did, her nimble hands reaching the handle quicker and slid it close to her body. He smirked raising an eyebrow and then motioned to the door.

“I bid you goodnight warden.”

“I did nothing wrong! Whatever it is you believe, whatever you think is wrong.”

“I know what I know Annis and your words are hallow. Go be your grandfather’s pet, the perfect daughter, bind with the one they have chosen for you. For I no longer desire for you to be mine.”

“Chosen for me? No one has been chosen for me. Please Haldir, do I not deserve the respect to know what was said so we may talk about it for I am lost as to what has caused this anger.” Her hands gripped the basket as if it was an anchor holding a boat to a dock during a storm.

“Respect? I have respected you enough not to toss you from this room, now I do not have anything more to say. Goodnight warden.” His words laced with coolness.

“If I leave this door Haldir, I will truly become nothing more than a warden to you.” Annis’ confusion started to give way to anger, her mind struggling with what he was saying.

“I am waiting for that moment Annis, truly I am.”

Those words pushed her, anger finally boiling over as she grabbed a bottle of wine throwing it at him, catching the outside of his head as he attempted to side step. The bottle smashed against the wall, sending wine everywhere. With one swift movement, Haldir was around the table, attempting to grab her arm. Annis struck out at him, hitting his face hard enough to leave a mark. He grabbed the hand that had struck him and dragged her towards the door. He pulled the door open, then pushed her out and slammed the door behind her. It was so quick Annis could not react; she stood looking at the closed oak door before her. She kicked the door in frustration causing it to shake slightly. As she turned to walk away, she saw two wardens at the end of the hallway whose faces bore looks of amazement. She straightened herself out, pushed her shoulders back, held her head high and smiled nodding in acknowledgement as she passed them leaving the hallway swiftly.

As she walked, the blood ran to her head, making it seem as if someone was playing drums on either side of her head. Upon exiting the hallway, Annis gasped for breath moving quickly so she could lean against the cool stone wall of the building. Her eyes closed tightly as a sob made its way out of her throat. If anyone were to ask her later how she had made her way from that position to her room, she would not be able to tell them for everything became a blur to her. Tears poured from her eyes, as harsh and bitter sobs rocked her body. She truly felt as if she could die from her heart aching so much. Annis lay face down sobbing on the bed, her mind replayed the exchange between Haldir and herself, trying to decipher his words to find the meaning behind the bitter hatred that had emerged and cut her so abruptly from his love and his life.

******
Haldir heard the kick on the door and watched as it rattled from her anger. For a few moments, he was keyed-up and walked around his room stopping to glance from his window to see if he could see where she had gone. Not seeing her movements, his mind allowed itself to fill in her actions, picturing her running into the arms of Maresto. He snarled slightly and then sunk into a chair as the reality came crashing in that he had truly let her go. He did not move from the chair for either dinner or to answer the knocks of the other wardens. He rested but did not truly sleep due to the fact his mind would not settle. A small voice seemed to be trying to make him doubt what he saw, pleading with him to talk to Annis. Not yell or scream this time, to see what truly was behind her actions.

The morning light seeped through the thin draperies that covered his window and he watched as it crept towards his feet. Upon getting up, he changed swiftly then walked to the dining area. He sat alone eating not enjoying or even tasting the food. His eyes did not focus on anything in particular until he heard a small chorus of young voices giggling and talking with the high pitched tone which only is able to be reached by young Elleths change to lower case. He cringed as they chose to seat behind him, parts of their conversation seeping into his mind.

“Oh he looked so handsome when he rode in, even if he is a human.” One elleth said.

“Half-human. There is a chance one could make him change his mind and come live here in Rivendell, just as Annis has decided.”

“Oh Enthrial, you are such a dreamer. He will never come to this world for he stands to inherit the throne of his father. Besides the only reason he has arrived is due to the wedding of his sister.”

Haldir frowned slightly trying to decipher what he heard but could not completely understand since parts of the conversation were missing. He wondered who had come, not many half-breeds existed and a small voice echoed that it was surely Annis’ brother, Eldarion. But why….wedding? Of course. Annis had betrayed him more than he had thought. She was to marry Maresto. It had been planned the whole time for there was no other reason her brother could have known in such a short time. He had been just an inconvenience to Elrond and his plans. Of course, an elvish binding was not completed in a public ceremony but maybe for the sake of her father and his followers she was going to be married in a human ceremony.

His thoughts were interrupted by a warden’s voice who announced that Galadriel desired to speak to him. He pushed back from the table and glanced at the Elleths change to lower case who were huddled laughing. He frowned and strode quickly towards the exit.