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!
Betas: Marcia and Kym.
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.

Chapter 15 – Returns and Reminders

Haldir barely spoke on the journey home. He focused on the land, his eyes scanning trees, bushes and long grass for any unnatural movement. Whenever he felt Annis even slip into his mind he refocused on what duties awaited him upon his arrival home. As they rode, he concluded he would lead the search party from Caras Galadhon, though he had not discussed this as of yet with Celeborn. He needed time away from Caras Galadhon, the memories of Annis, and he possessed the needed skills for the tracking of the driving force behind the orcs.

Upon entering the edge of the woods, he took a deep breath inhaling the air, he was sure it tasted and smelt so different from that of Rivendell. Even though his wardens were well trained he sensed their presence quickly. Soon a horn was heard which resounded through the trees as if its sound was carried by the wind, though it was in reality a series of lookouts relaying to each other the arrival of the party. By the time they arrived at Caras Galadhon, many had assembled to greet them. Galadriel dismounted and greeted her advisors then with a nod to Haldir, she and Celeborn preceded to their palace. Haldir dismounted and as he was loosening the saddle he felt a firm hand on his shoulder, not bothering to look he tossed his pack over his shoulder on the ground a few feet from Rumil was standing.

“I trust that everything is well Rumil?”

“Aye, things are just as you left them. Borders secure, all wardens accounted for, though it seems you have a warden unaccounted for.”

“Annis has chosen to stay in Rivendell.”

“Rivendell? Surely you are teasing, brother. Why would she stay there while you are here?”

Haldir did not answer as he started to pull the reins over his horses head and then turned to lead him to the stable. Rumil picked Haldir’s pack and followed behind, his face full of confusion.

“Haldir, what happened? What did you do?”

Haldir stopped and turned, his blond hair flying over his shoulder. His face hard and cold with anger.

“Why do you automatically assume I did something to her? How is it you do not seem to question what she could have done to me?”

“Let me rephrase my words then. What happened between you two to make her wish to stay in Rivendell, after all she went through to be a warden.”

Haldir turned guiding his horse into the stable, he saw the other wardens had arrived before him and were busy at work.

“Rumil, I do not feel the decisions which were made concern anyone other than Annis and Galadriel."

He turned and handed the reins to the stable hand and grabbed his pack from off the shoulder of Rumil. Without a word, he pushed by and walked back towards his talan. His mood had been bad enough but now Rumil’s insistent badgering was making it worse. His footsteps were loud, as if he was slamming his feet down as he walked. Rumil followed behind not deterred by the foul mood of his brother. He was determined to find the underlying problem of what had caused Annis to return to Minas Tirith. Haldir pushed the door to his talan open and entered, attempting to slam it shut before Rumil could get in, but he heard the flat sound of the wood door hitting a hand and knew Rumil was now inside. He heard the chair cushion give a slight muffled sound as his brother sat down.

“So brother, are you planning on telling me or should I prepare to be sitting here all evening? Which you know I am quite capable of doing.” Rumil said eyeing his brother.

Haldir shook his head and tossed the pack to a corner. He wiped his hand over his face and glared at Rumil. He knew Rumil would not let this go, once Rumil had stayed in the same spot for two days just to prove a point. As tempting as it was to test his brother’s determination, right now Haldir was not in the mood to have company for an extended period.

“There is nothing to tell, she chose Rivendell, quite plain and simple to understand. Now I bid you goodnight.”

“Annis would not make that decision, not without being pushed. For she will not be allowed to carry arms, not under the watchful eye of Lord Elrond.”

“Watchful, that is one way of describing Lord Elrond. He has power over her that none other than her father can compete with.” Haldir sighed and fell into a chair across from Rumil, his resistance starting to falter, as he had not truly spoken to anyone of what he had seen or experienced.

“But surely Annis would not cave so easily to the will of her father.”

“I would not have thought so, but what I saw made me doubt anything she has said or done since she arrived here. I think to her this was a game, a spoiled princess trying to see what else was out in the world she was hidden away from for so long. Now she has tasted what it is like to be something denied her for so long she has taken the path her grandfather and father had planned for her.”

“Haldir, those are harsh words. I cannot believe this was ever a game to Annis. She thrived here, she loved it here, and she loved you. She would not turn her back so easily from all this.” Rumil looked at him intently; his own face a study of disbelief.

“Rumil, I do not lie. I only know what I saw. She…she has another in her life. One with whom she is going to bind.” Haldir said in a voice, which contained no anger anymore but deep sadness.

“Nay, you have misunderstood something she has said. It is not possible for she has pursued and desired you.”

“It is not what she said, it is what I saw and heard, her body willingly beneath another’s, Maresto talking of the future and the approval he has from both Elrond and her father.”

He bowed his head and shook it, not able to look at Rumil, his heart aching greatly. It was so painful for him to tell anyone else that the one he loved so had betrayed him with another. No male could stand for the shame, but for Haldir it was made worse in his mind, since he was the March Warden.

“Maresto? It is not possible. This makes no sense. Never was his name mentioned, never did she act as if there was another. No….it is impossible! You are wrong Haldir.” Rumil shook his head rigorously as he spoke.

“Why is it you are so quick to assume I am wrong? Have I been so bad in my life? Why is it not possible for you to grasp Annis is wrong not me. Why do you not feel hurt for me? Feel the shame I feel now.”

Haldir looked at his brother with fiery eyes, the hurt obvious from the reaction of his brother. He pushed his body up and moved towards the door, brushing past his brother as he shifted his eyes.

“Haldir I did not mean it like that. I am not doubting you. Truly I feel there is a misunderstanding.”

“Please say no more Rumil. I desire to be alone.” Haldir opened the door and waited for his brother to depart.

Rumil said nothing more as he got up, slowly moving to the door. He touched Haldir’s shoulder gently then left without another word. He knew at this moment no words other than those blasting Annis would be satisfactory to Haldir’s ears. Still Rumil fought with what was told him. He walked swiftly to Orophin’s talan to discuss what had passed between him and Haldir.

******
Haldir did not rest; instead, he spent the night writing down attacks from the orcs, where they happened and when. He studied it hoping to find a pattern. He sighed heavily as the sun broke through the window of his talan. He stood stretching his body and walked to the window. He looked out and felt a pain in his heart knowing that Annis was not near him. Soon the pain gave way to anger. He cursed under his breath, at the weakness he was feeling. He closed his eyes for a moment to refocus himself. He then grabbed the paper he had been working on and moved towards the palace office.

Upon arriving, he saw Celeborn and Galadriel talking to a few advisors. Celeborn looked up and nodded his acknowledgement of Haldir’s presence. Galadriel looked up and beckoned him forward as she dismissed the advisors.

“What timing you have Haldir, we were discussing the affairs at hand. We need to assembly the group quickly if they are to meet the others in a timely fashion.” Celeborn spoke as he sat down in his chair.

“That is why I am here. I have drawn a list up already. I will have the group ready to move by sunrise tomorrow by the latest. As it is a small group, it will be easy to prepare.” Haldir stepped forward presenting the paper to Celeborn.

Celeborn read over it quickly and raised an eyebrow then held it for Galadirel to look at. Stepping forward she took the list and quickly raised her eyes to look at Haldir, who was standing looking at intently at them. Galadriel seemly opened her mouth to speak but Haldir spoke before she could utter a sound.

“I know the leader of the group I have named may surprise you but please listen to my reasons. The plan was to send the best and that I have done. I have the best tracking skills of all the wardens. Orophin is a capable leader; he will be able to run the wardens smoothly without my presence for I have trained him myself.”

“Haldir, I am not going to deny any of the words you speak. I think it is a wise decision that you go. Orophin may however, harbor some disappointment at the choice he is to remain while Rumil is to go.”

“Orophin will know it is for the best. Rumil has always been a stronger tracker. The others are the strongest out of the wardens. They have always been the ones able to track the orcs to their encampments around the Golden Woods.”

Celeborn nodded and smiled as Haldir spoke. He knew Haldir well enough to know that the March Warden had thought his Lord and Lady would deny him permission to lead the party. Nevertheless, that was the farthest from the truth for they had discussed it and had already made the decision to have Haldir be the leader. What Haldir said was undeniable for he was the best tracker. The need to find what was behind the orcs’ attacks was critical and needed the best. Orophin was a fine leader and Celeborn had not doubt that he would keep the woods around Caras Galadhon protected.

Galadriel took her seat and watched Haldir. She sighed slightly as the events of the past few days seemed to fall around her. She wondered if things would align to where they were meant to be as she had seen in a vision last night during her dreams. She smiled softly as she spoke, her words though brief were full of the concern she felt for Haldir.

“Haldir, travel swiftly and safely.” Haldir managed a small smile and bowed his respect to them both, then turned to gather the group together.

Celeborn watched him leave and turned to look at Galadriel. He gasped his hands together pushing his two fingers together and brought them to his lips as he thought for a moment. He inhaled then spoke shaking his head slightly.

“He believes Annis is not to return does he not. Why would you let him believe such a painful thing?”

“I have struggled with that myself, my love. I could end his pain so simply but yet I feel this needs to unfold without anymore interference from by us. Too many have become involved and have caused much confusion. But trust me my love, I feel soon everything will realign and when Annis returns it will be not with the heavy heart she carries now. I do recommend though that you seek another warden to travel to the meet the others.”

“I thought it was decided Haldir would go?” Celeborn look slightly confused at his wife’s words.

“Aye he is going but he will not complete the task at hand I am afraid. Rumil will be able to stand in for Haldir but another will need to go to help. Send the warden a day after the others leave.”

Galadriel reached over and touched his hands lightly and smiled. Her eyes sparkled brightly and Celeborn took her hands in his own raising them to his lips. She was a mystery creature sometimes. Her word games and puzzles causing one to spend hours wondering what was truly to happen but still he loved her with every fiber of his being.

“Then I will make it so and I hope you will take mercy on one and enlighten them as to the secrets which are hidden in your pretty head.”

Galadriel laughed lightly and moved her free hand to touch his cheek gently.

“I could but then what fun is it.”

******
Rumil was elated at the chance and Orophin took the news with a knowledgeable smile. He felt no anger, for he knew to remain behind to lead the wardens was just as important. He watched his older brother as he gave directions for all to assemble back at the training area by the setting of the sun. Orophin allowed Haldir to leave the clearing before following him.

He knocked lightly on the door and heard Haldir’s voice call from within the talan. Orophin walked in and stood in the doorway of the bedroom watching as his brother packed a few supplies, frowning as his eyes saw a bundled warden’s uniform on a chair in the corner of Haldir’s bedroom. He knew it was Annis’ and walked over to touch it lightly before speaking.

“Rumil spoke with me of last night and the events which have transpired since you and Annis left here. I am not sure I can offer any words which will help with the pain you are feeling.”

“There are none brother.” Haldir stopped packing for a moment and looked to Orophin not sure what more he could say for he had no energy right now to discuss Annis.

“I will say this once and that is all. I am sure you truly feel betrayed and are sure what you saw and heard was the truth but I want to say I feel there is more. Do you not remember the twisted tales of love, passion, and conflicts that were read to us when we were mere elflings? How one word could cause a nation to fight?” Orophin bent over grabbing Annis’ tunic top and walked over handing it to his brother. Squeezing his hand as he passed it over to him. “Be safe brother and come back to us.”

Orophin touched his shoulder and then turned before Haldir could answer. Haldir stood holding the tunic in one hand watching his brother leave. Haldir did not stop his own hand raising the tunic to his nose and he inhaled. The scent of Annis filled his nose and seeped into his brain; her laughter, her smile, the slight snoring sound she made when she was exhausted. He missed her more than he wanted to admit. He sighed frustrated at his weakness and tossed the tunic into his pack.

******
Haldir and the others left just after dusk, moving swiftly through the woods and making it to the flat plains before sunrise. They started their journey to the appointed meeting place, moving easily and with little attention. In just a few days, they arrived at the edge of the fields that created the boundary to the human town. They kept to the edge of the fields and moved into the woods. Unlike their home, this forest was dark and dead. Tree roots were popping up through the ground and the earth was covered with a thick damp moss. Not much sun made it through the dense canopy creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere. Rumil blew his horn gently and the group awaited the answer. Soon an answer echoed through the trees and the group dismounted, for the horses found the tree roots hard to maneuver. They soon came upon the small group seated in a small clearing. Most had arrived already and greetings resounded through the clearing.

Haldir looked around the clearing and noted the Rivendell elves were still to arrive. He threw his pack down and leaned back on it. His weight caused it to pop open and the contents spilled out. He shook his head a little and sat up turning to push the contents back in. Rumil had sat near him, leaned over eyeing something; he grabbed it and looked at Haldir.

“What is this brother?”

Haldir looked over and saw he had Annis’ tunic in his hand. He had forgotten he had pushed in into his pack. He grimaced and reached for it but Rumil jerked it back.

“And why pray tell me, why are you carrying this?”

“I am not carrying it. Orophin gave it to me and I must have placed it in my pack as I was trying to ready for the journey now please give it back.”

“Why do you want it back so?”

“Rumil…I have no patience for this right now.”

“It is a simple question. Why do you wish for it back? Surely you do not desire to carry it with you.”

“Rumil…give it to me.”

“Ah but why? Just let me toss it aside and we will be done with Annis completely. Toss her into the woods and from our lives.”

Haldir growled lightly under his breath and lurched over attempting to grab the tunic from the hands of Rumil. Rumil shifted and rolled away, allowing Haldir to grab the back of his cloak. Haldir pulled him back and climbed onto his younger brother. The others in the clearing seemed to freeze and watch the two roll around on the ground.

Rumil kicked about attempting in vain to keep the tunic from the reach of Haldir but could not. Haldir grabbed it and yanked it free of Rumil’s hand then pushed off his brother’s chest. Haldir stood looking down at his brother, who was laughing as he looked to his older brother.

“You do not need any words Haldir, for your actions have spoken volumes. You love her, as much as you try to lock it away, you love her. Do not run from it…embrace it…fight for her. Are you not the March Warden?”

Haldir felt his face heat up as he felt eyes upon him and Rumil. He looked out of the corner of his eye to see the group was watching intently. Turning he moved into the edge of the forest, holding his head high and not looking at anyone. Once he was in the cool darkness he leant against a tree, Annis’ tunic still in his hand. Why could he not let her go, she had betrayed him, hurt him but his heart still needed her. He lifted the tunic to his cheek and leaned on it gently. He leaned back and slide down the tree trunk until he felt the cool moss comforting his body. He sat there in silence his mind replaying the times they had spent together.