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 14a – Parting of Paths (revised)

((As some may know I was working without a beta on chapters 13 and 14. I had two great people step forward and offered fantastic advice and edits. I changed chapter 14 slightly. Enjoy!))

Annis awoke the next morning before the sun had even broken the top of the trees. Upon looking in the mirror, she sighed loudly at the pale face with red swollen eyes looking back at her. She did not bother to light any candles for there was a small amount of predawn light filtering through a window. Annis walked to the area her warden uniform
lay, folded it neatly then collected the other articles that represented her status as a warden for she had chosen her path not less than an hour ago. She moved towards the curtains and stood by the window breathing in the cool early morning air. Her head turned slightly as her bedroom door creaked. She watched as a figure entered, sneaking as to not make a sound. Annis moved swiftly to a nearby table grabbing a vase, preparing to defend herself from the intruder. If she hit the intruder with the vase, it would provide enough time for her to move to her sword. The figure focused on her bed, thus not seeing her movement. She moved closer and then threw the vase, narrowly missing the targets head, smashing into pieces against the wall above it.

“What the…” The voice was male and the figure spun quickly towards the direction the vase had flown from.

Annis gasped as soon as the voice broke the silence.

“Eldarion! What are you doing sneaking into my room…nay what are you doing here in Rivendell!”

“I should thank the stars you missed me. I know you have grown but surely you are not too old to give your brother a hug instead of lobbing a vase at him!”

Eldarion stepped forward as Annis regained her composure and ran into his arms quickly.

“Oh I am sorry. Nevertheless, you should not creep into ones room at the break of dawn. Now what are you doing here? Is everything all right? Oh no….father, mother?”

“Everything is well, Annis, please do not worry. I have come carrying a letter from father for both grandfather and yourself.”

“How did he know…oh never mind, I am silly for asking that.” Annis smiled a little knowing her mother could sense where she was and Elrond more than likely had made a mental contact with her.

“I think you need to lessen that grip for you are going to squeeze the very air I need out of my lungs.” Eldarion laughed gently and kissed her forehead holding her.

Annis slowly allowed her grip to loosen and then walked to the large candelabra sitting on the same table from which the vase had been taken. Lighting it, she turned and took in the sight of her brother. For even though not much time had truly past since she had left Minas Tirith, it had felt like years had flown by. He looked strikingly like her father, though he had gained a few inches over her father’s height. As she studied him, his own eyes took her in and his brow creased a little.

“Annis, you look tired and drawn. What is wrong?”

She shook her head not wanting to speak for fear she would not make it through the first few words.

“Annis, you were always an awful liar now please, what is it that is causing the rings below your eyes?” Eldarion moved forward and touched her arm.

Annis tried to maintain her composure but it broke in a wave of sobbing, and rapid retelling of the events since she had left Minas Tirith. It was amazing Eldarion was able to understand much of anything but as she spoke he moved her to sit on the edge of the bed, holding her hand, gently touching her cheek now and then to wipe the tears that fell. He was encouraging and tender as she reached the end. They sat in silence as Annis regained her composure, her face turning a bright red as she realized she had spilled her heart out to her own brother.

“I wish I had words to ease the pain but unfortunately I am not wise in the ways of love. Sometimes our paths take drastic turns which hurt, Mother spoke of that so many times.”

Annis stifled a slight giggle for she had never thought of her brother as romantic or that he ever listened to their mother’s words when she spoke of love. He looked at her puzzled.

“And that is thanks I get for listening to you?” He asked in a teasing tone.

“All this time I believed whenever mother spoke you closed your ears.”

Eldarion laughed as slowly he stood and stretched.

“Nay, she is rather hard to ignore. Now speaking of love and paths I bring a letter from father.”

He pulled a letter from the pocket of his tunic and handed it to her. His smile seemed frozen for a moment and he turned, walking to the window as Annis opened it. The seal was broken so she knew Elrond had seen it already. As her eyes read the words her father had written her mouth drew into a tight line. Upon finishing, she folded it up and set it on her lap. She sighed lightly and got up walking to the window to stand by her brother.

“A wedding so soon? I was not prepared for it. When did father decide?”

“Soon after you left. I was prepared for your ranting and screaming. I am surprised you remain so calm.”

“The past few days and hours have removed what little surprise can be left in this world for me. The timing is so strange since I had just made a choice about my life’s path and I should travel home to inform mother and father in person.” Her eyes went towards the folded warden’s uniform laying on the chair. “I was actually biding time until I could see Galadriel to tell her of my choice to embrace my elvish side.”

“So then am I to assume you are returning with me?”

“Aye, I will ride with you for how can I disappoint father and the others.”

“That news warms my heart so.” The voice spoke from behind them, making them both turn to see Elrond stood in the doorway smiling. “Then we will ride to Minas Tirith tomorrow. The groups are leaving slowly as of today. My duties as host are all but over and now my duty as a grandfather begins.”

Annis nodded and managed a smile.

“Aye and my duty is to be by my sister’s side. I need to forget my feelings for a moment and think of Alodia’s. My own choice has been made as to which path I will take and now she has made hers. I may not like the one she has chosen but I will be there for her.”

Elrond moved towards his grandchildren, wrapping his arm around Annis’ shoulder squeezing her towards his body. She fell into his embrace, comforted for the time being to be near her family. She had no more energy to be angry, no matter what had been said between Elrond and Haldir. Now was not the time for that discussion.

One of Elrond’s aides appeared and informed him the group from Mirkwood was gathered in the courtyard. Elrond nodded and walked towards the door. His eyes looked over Annis and Eldarion before he smiled widely.

“Long has it been since I have been to Minas Tirith. I look forward to the ride and the celebrations which are to be coming.” He turned and exited to resume his duties as a host.

“I need to talk to Galadriel.” Annis moved forward to retrieve the uniform. “Will you come with me?”

“Nay I need to clean up a little before I present myself to her. It has been long since I have seen her and I do not wish to look like I have fled from a horde of trolls for the past days.?”

“I do not believe she will be concerned of your appearance and will be pleased to see you. Shame she cannot return to Minas Tirith with us. I am sure father and mother would be thrilled to have her presence at the wedding.”

“Why do you not ask her? She may surprise you and decide that she wants to make the journey to join the celebration.”

“I do not feel she could for there are matters in their lands right now calling for her attention. Are you staying in your old room?”

“Of course, though looking at it I wonder how long grandfather is going to believe we are the children which played in these halls so long ago.”

“I know. The playroom has not been changed since we last used it.”

Annis said the words quietly as she remembered the day she and Haldir had arrived. How quickly things had changed. She then gathered the uniform up and walked out with her brother, their paths splitting at the end of the hall. His path taking him towards his room and hers towards the wing occupied by Galadriel and Celeborn. She took a deep breath as she stood before the door to Galadriel’s room. She hoped that Galadriel would not question her too much for her emotions were a churning storm under her skin, waiting to be allowed to burst forth again as they had with Eldarion.

After knocking on the door lightly, the voice of Galadriel beckoned her to enter. Galadriel was sitting on the small balcony that overlooked a rose garden. She smiled at Annis, motioning for her to take a seat near her. As Annis moved forward she saw Galadriel’s eyes looking at the uniform for a moment before looking back over the
garden.

“I do not need my powers to see what is on your mind this morning.”

“I have made my choice; I am resigning from the wardens. It is the best for all involved. Though I will return and stand by your side as an aide for I now understand that my place is to serve you to the best of my abilities.”

“Are you sure of leaving the wardens? Is this decision based on your heart or on the logic within your mind? For it is hard not to hear and sense the restlessness which looms over you and Haldir.”

Annis blushed unable to look at her, keeping her eyes cast down as she spoke.

“There is no restlessness looming over us, not anymore for he made it clear for whatever reasons that I am no longer anything but a warden to him.” The word came out harsh and Annis choked back a few tears.

“So then this is a decision based on Haldir.” Galadriel’s hand moved to take one of Annis’ holding it tenderly.

“Not entirely. I would lie if I were to say the thought of his iciness being a part of my daily life was not a deterrent to being a warden but I did truly listen to you and grandfather, the words you spoke to me, the paths you laid out before me. I am choosing to serve with the powers you both say I possess for I can protect those I love most by being trained to use the senses I have inherited. I will ride with Eldarion home to stand by Alodia’s side and inform father of the choice I have made. I do not feel he will be surprised to know that I am embracing my elvish side.”

“Ah the wedding, Elrond spoke to me of that. I wish I was able to be part of the celebration but my duties call for me to return to Caras Galadhon, though I hope to see Eldarion before we depart.”

“He is preparing himself to come by. I understand why you cannot travel with us. Both you and Celeborn will be missed greatly for it would be nice for everyone to be present but alas, I know sometimes duty makes things impossible. When do you choose to leave?”

“I hope before the night falls. Annis, are you sure this is what your truly want? For once you make the choice you can not go back.” Galadriel’s smile faltered a bit as squeezed Annis’ hand lightly, her piercing eyes seeming to be reaching into the very core of Annis.

“My mind has been decided. I am sure you will forgive me for not discussing this with Haldir but I am sure he will not be too greatly upset by my choice.”

As Galadriel slowly stood, she removed her hands from Annis’ and touched her cheek gently. She bowed over lightly kissing Annis on the forehead and then moved towards her room.

“Then it is so Annis. Travel with a light heart and enjoy the celebrations that await you. Until you return to your new home, know that my eye and my heart will also be near you.”

Annis stood placing her uniform on the bench. They embraced and she smiled as she stepped back and moved towards the door. A few tears formed as she took one last look back at the warden’s uniform and then walked back to her room starting to prepare herself for the journey back to Minas Tirith.

******
Haldir walked towards Galadriel’s room his eyes watching the hustle as preparations where made for the journeys back to the respective lands from which the groups had come. He also noted Elrond’s elves were preparing bundles of supplies for the respective groups. He exhaled deeply as he walked up the stairs bringing him to the hall that housed his lord and lady’s rooms. Just thought of Elrond seemed to make his lip curl. He was ready to leave for he needed to be free of the place that had torn his life part. He did not even knock as Galadriel’s voice called for him to enter.

Walking in he saw that Galadriel was packed and ready to leave. He smiled knowing now that they were to leave promptly. He saw his lady standing on the balcony. He walked behind her and bowed in respect.

“My lady, you called for me?”

“Aye, we are to leave soon. I have had Elrond prepare the supplies for us and I assume that your warden’s will not need too much time to prepare.”

“Nay, with Elrond providing the supplies all that is needed is for us to ready the horses which can be done promptly.” He had uttered the name Elrond with iciness.

Galadriel turned and eyed him slightly. She walked to the chair where Annis’ uniform was placed and stood behind it, her hands lightly touching the top of the back of the chair.

“We will ride with one less.”

Her eyes fell to the chair and Haldir’s followed. His jaw clenched when he saw the uniform for he did not have to be told that it was Annis’. He was quiet for a moment not knowing quite what to say. He regained his composure.

“I do not see riding with one less will affect us at all.”

Galadriel shifted her eyes so they were looking Haldir over. Studying him and he shifted on his feet feeling as if she was delving deep within his mind.

“So it does not surprise you to see her uniform?”

“Nay, I am not. She had made her choice. She played her game and now she is to take her rightful place.”

“Game?” Galadriel raised an eyebrow and moved to stand near the edge of the balcony. “So you are happy to see her leave?”

“Happy? Happiness is not the appropriate word...”

Haldir was interrupted by a knock on the door. Galadriel called out for the individual to enter. Haldir’s eyes met with those of Eldarion’s. At first he believed he was looking at Aragorn until he focused on the face not only the eyes. Eldarion smiled and bowed in
respect. Then was beckoned over by Galadriel who touched his face and smiled.

“So much like your father. Much as Annis looks like your mother, you are your father.”

“Annis did not only take her looks but the stubbornness too from what I am to understand.” Eldarion said with a laugh and looked to Haldir.

“Ah you have never met have you? Eldarion, son of Aragorn, may I introduce my March Warden, Haldir. Your father and he fought side by side in numerous battles.”

Before Haldir’s name was spoken, Eldarion was smiling. However, his face changed quickly upon the utterance of the name, the smile ceasing and turning to a tight-lipped gaze.

“I have heard much about you.” This was all Eldarion uttered as he bowed slightly and then turned his look away from Haldir.

Haldir felt his lips twitching in anger at the greeting he received. He knew now it was the whole family against him. He grabbed Annis’ uniform and bowed.

“I shall take my leave now for I have much to arrange if we are to leave soon.”

He did not even wait for a response as he strode out of the room, the uniform’s scent invading his nose as he moved. It smelled strongly of Annis and he felt his resolve for hating her melting slightly as he remembered the many days and nights their bodies came together as one. He shook his head and pushed those thoughts out. He walked swiftly to
gather his wardens, assigning tasks swiftly to get prepared for the journey. He tossed Annis’ uniform onto his bed and then strode to the stables. While he prepared the horses with the other warden’s should not be possessive, he noted that Annis’ horse had been moved away from theirs. He found himself feeling a pang of pain in his heart knowing now she was not to return. He quickly reminded himself he would not have to look at her. She could have Maresto and be happy here in Rivendell.

******
Galadriel had watched the exchange with slight amusement. Though as much as males attempted to be strong they were just as weak as females when it came to the hurt of loved ones. She felt a slight pang to try to intercede and bring back those she knew should be together. Yet, she knew to intercede could do more harm than good. Just as Elrond had started the ripples, she would do better to try to calm the waters not add to the ripples. She gently touched Eldarion’s arm as she guided him to sit with her on a bench.

“Haldir is a fine warrior and elf. You should not judge him harshly on the words of others.”

“I do not need to judge him to know Annis has been hurt.”

“Aye and he has been hurt too. You see, my child, things here are convoluted and confused greatly. All sides believe what they saw, heard and feel yet they are all wrong to a degree.”

“All I know is Annis is heartbroken. Never have I seen her so willing to leave Rivendell and something she has desired for so long. She was given a chance to fight and protect.”

“She has made a choice, Eldarion. You know each of us have choices to make, paths to choose, and she has chosen the one she feels will serve her best. Now enough about this,
about you.”

With that they sat and talked, Celeborn joined them after preparing a few things and sat with them. They only ended when Haldir came to say things were prepared. Eldarion got up bidding them both goodbye and moved, almost pushing past Haldir. His anger still deep within him for no matter what Annis had been hurt.

******
The evening drew near and slowly the last of the groups left. Soon only Galadriel’s group remained. They collected in the courtyard preparing to leave as Elrond walked out with Galadriel and Celeborn. Haldir sat on his stead waiting, trying to focus on the journey ahead of them. His eyes saw movement from his left and he watched with a cold face as Annis, Eldarion, and Maresto emerged from a walkway. Annis briefly looked to Haldir then shifted her eyes away focusing on Galadriel and Celeborn. She walked to them and hugged them both bidding them safe journey before moving to stand next to Elrond. Galadriel and Celeborn mounted their respective horses and the group was ready to leave. Haldir offered a curt nod to Elrond and urged his horse on, not able to look back at Annis as he felt his stomach knot in anger and jealously to see Maresto standing so close to her.

Annis felt sickness wash over her as she watched Haldir leave. She wanted to run after him, scream at him, hit him, remove comma and kiss him. So many emotions conflicted within her. She felt Elrond touch her arm gently turning her to move away from the exit to the woods she was standing watching.

“Come, we must now prepare ourselves for the journey before us.”

Annis nodded and then turned refocusing her mind on the days ahead of her. It worked for a while as she hustled around helping obtain supplies but as soon as she entered her room she found Haldir creeping into her mind. She lay back and allowed tears to fall. How things had ended this way she could not grasp. This had meant to be a time of happiness not the sadness that now consumed her. She slowly wiped the tears away and sighed. No, it was time to be strong for the choice had been made and there was no turning back. She rolled onto her side not bothering to change out of her dress and let a restless sleep take her.

******
The next morning she arose and prepared for the journey ahead of her. She smiled a little as she thought of her family. She then walked out to the courtyard where Maresto had already prepared the horses, her own standing by his. He offered a smile and she smiled back.

“Come now, is the thought of all this that depressing?”

“Nay just not what I had expected when I came here that is all. Nevertheless, as Galadriel seems to enjoy reminding me, there are many paths we can choose and this is the one that I have chosen. I will rejoin her and be an aide, training the skills both she and Elrond feel I possess. What of you, how do you feel about what lies ahead?”

“Excitement for I have desired this for so long. To prove myself worthy of the challenge and honor. A chance to ride with others and to protect not only Rivendell but all lands which are being savaged by the orcs.”

She smiled and put her pack onto her horse as Elrond and Eldarion joined them. She had never seen her grandfather dressed in a tunic and leggings. His sword and bow over his back made her smile. For he had always been so regal that she forgot he had lead his own troops in battle many times. They all mounted and started the journey to Minas Tirith.