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 - Thanks so much fro the feedback and guidance keeping me on the right track.
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.

Chapter 17 – Ceremonial Interruption

The under side of the clouds were tinted by the soft light of the early morning sunrise, though Haldir did not notice as his eyes remained fixed on the land before him. He had ridden nonstop and now as he came to the top of another grassy hill, he could see the mountains Minas Tirith was carved into on the distant horizon. He spoke gently to his horse stroking its sweaty neck. “Just a little further…that is all I ask.” The horse shook its mane and pounded its front hoofs as if to tell him he would give all he had left of his energy. Haldir gently tapped his heals into the sides of the horse urging him for the last run.

As he rode, Minas Tirith grew closer. He could see the front gates were decorated with white flowers and streamers. The sight caused his heart to beat quicker, as he hoped he was not too late. He pushed his horse for the final few miles and came to a stop as he entered the main gate. He slid off the horse and saw two guards step forward smiling in greeting. Maybe if Haldir was not so concerned with other events, he may have found some humor in their appearance, since one was as wide as he was tall and the other thin as a new saplings branch.

“Ah…my lord, can we get a stable hand to take care of the horse?” The larger of the two guards spoke. His round face and barrel shaped body indicated to Haldir he most likely was only a mere gate guard and never rode into battle.

Haldir nodded and pulled the reigns over the horse’s head as he heard the guard call for a stable boy. The smaller of the guards, who looked as if he would blow over if you breathed on him, smiled and looked Haldir over.

“So you’re here for the wedding….of course you are. Brides side from the look of those.” He pointed to Haldir’s ears and cracked a smile with numerous holes from missing teeth. “Well you are just in time, though very close, for the bells sounded not too long ago, so the bride must have entered the main hall already.”

Those words were all Haldir needed to hear before he ran towards the path that led to the top of Minas Tirith, where the palace was located. He heard a few chuckles behind him but did not bother to look back. His feet made no sound as he moved easily through the twisting streets, which climbed, spiraling towards the palace compound at the top. He heard laughter ahead of him and saw a group of people moving through a small gate, leading into the main courtyard. Haldir resisted the urge to barge through and throwing the people to the side. Instead, he came to a stop and walked behind the group. It seemed to be an eternity before he was able to get through the gate and past the group.

He saw the main hall and moved to it swiftly, pushing the large wooded doors open quickly. The usually spacious hall was now crowded with chairs and as his eyes surveyed the room his heart leapt into his throat as he saw her, standing at the front of the hall. The groom was holding her hand as they both looked to the mister performing the service. Haldir saw the groom’s clothing and knew he was from one of the noble families loyal to Aragorn, but that did not stop him. Instead, he moved forward down the aisle towards the couple. On either side of the aisle, the chairs were full of people, a few of which looked as he past them.

“Stop, for she does not love him.”

As Haldir spoke the words, they echoed around the quiet hall. He could see movement out of the corner of his right eye as Eldarion and Aragorn stood up and turned to look at him. He heard the ruffle of dresses and robes as individuals turned looking at him. A slight muttering filling the hall as the guests started to wonder who this intruder was but Haldir did not care.

“You know it is true…you love me. We can be together. My words and actions were harsh but this is a drastic step to make me pay for them. Give me another chance and I will prove my love and loyalty to you.”

He saw Aragorn looking to Elrond, who was now standing by his son-in-law. Both their faces seemed to be a strange mix between anger and confusion. Haldir felt an arm touch his and he looked over to see Legolas, Aragorn’s trusted friend, his face stern yet his eyes pleading for him to come with him. Haldir turned back to the front not wanting to be held back. Then movement by Aragorn caught his eye and he saw Annis moving quickly towards the aisle. His eyes flinched as he tried to grasp how Annis had moved to the side by her father. Haldir looked back to the front as confusion set in. He saw the bride had turned and was standing, staring at him with an open mouth, shaking her head muttering “I do not know him…who is he?”

It was not Annis…it was not Annis getting married. She had hair similar to Annis but it was not her. His heart beat hard as he grasped what was before him. His eyes locked with Annis’ for a brief moment before he felt himself being pulled backwards by Legolas. He saw Aragorn had moved quickly to the other side to talk to the groom’s family. It seemed to be in slow motion for him, his face flushed a bright red and he made a choked sound. He then turned and rushed back out heading to the side and leant on the wall gasping for breath.

“Quite an entrance you made old friend.” Legolas spoke quietly and touched Haldir’s shoulder.

“I thought it was her, I thought she was marrying. I forgot…I completely forgot she had sisters. The talk made it sound as if it was Annis.”

“I assure you Annis is not marrying any. She has been like a caged cave troll, pacing all week…snapping at innocent ones. But now I feel I understand the reason behind her mood.”

“I drove her away Legolas, allowed my mind to create a picture of events instead of allowing for the rational side to listen to what had happened.” He shook his head in shame.

“Haldir, love and the bond which forms drives us to do many strange things.”

“Aragorn, Elrond, Galadriel….they will never forgive me for the mockery I have made of Annis’ sister’s marriage.”

“Nay, do not be so harsh on yourself. Firstly, Galadriel would never be one not to forgive and that is if there was something to forgive.”

“I left my duty Legolas, left the group to come here, without Galadriel’s permission. I have never done such a thing. In all my years as the March Warden, I have never abandoned my duties. And now I do and it was for love…how weak am I?”

He slumped against the wall, the feelings of embarrassment and defeat seeming to melt his spine for a moment. Legolas steeped forward and touched his arm.

“My dear friend, you have never allowed yourself to live. You managed to close yourself off in a protective shell. You served and commended greatly but denied yourself any pleasure. Oh aye maybe physical pleasures but no pleasure to your soul. Galadriel above all knows this and will not think a moment more on it once she hears about these events. Annis is a fine choice for you. Both of you as stubborn as the other, both new to the feelings you are experiencing.”

“Annis? How could she ever forgive me for the words I said to her?”

“Haldir, talk to her. That is all you can do.”

“I am afraid of what she may say. Afraid she will toss me out as harshly as I did her.”

“Oh my dear friend, I know Annis well, she will be upset and hurt but underneath all of that is one who loves you. Fight for her Haldir.”

Legolas released his hold of Haldir’s arm and leaned back on the wall watching Haldir. Haldir closed his eyes as the true depth of embarrassment set in. Any hope he had of winning the approval of her father and grandfather surely had left now. He wiped a hand over his face and stood up looking out on the courtyard. He could not speak for his throat was dry. The brief relief he felt at Annis not marrying was being masked by the fear now of what would happen. The act that was to show his devotion for her had seemly turned into an embarrassment for not only him but for Annis’ family. His eyes moved to the wooden door of the hall as he saw it start to open. He watched as a young girl ran over to the great dining hall. Her eyes looking to Haldir for a moment before she disappeared with a giggle. Legolas pushed off the wall and looked at Haldir.

“I believe the ceremony is over and they are to depart to the great dining hall for the feast.”

“I should leave then before I cause anymore embarrassment. For surely Aragorn will be ready to see to it that I am thrown out of Minas Tirith.”

“Oh I dare say it will not be that drastic. You intentions were good meaning, maybe a little untimely but still well meaning.”

Just then, the hall doors opened and people streamed out lining the way to the great dining hall. Haldir was ready to move out of sight, even if it meant taking a leap off the side of the palace walls but Legolas held onto his arm just smiling.

*****
Annis could barely sit still through the last moments of the ceremony. She had attempted to follow Haldir but she quickly sat back down when her father took her arm and turned her to her seat. After sitting back in her place, Annis felt a cool hand on her arm and look over to see her mother smiling gently, the look telling her to be patient.

Aragorn had quickly noted it was Annis, not Alodia, Haldir had been intending to stop and swiftly settled all with the other family. A few slight laughs and nods in Annis’ direction made her face flush brightly. Alodia smiled at Annis and turned to her groom.
Annis’ leg twitched with nervous energy. She had been surprised to hear Haldir’s voice and even more surprised at the words he spoke. Nevertheless, her surprise was giving way now to anger. What was he thinking or was he thinking at all. This was Alodia’s day…what did Haldir think he was doing by barging in like that and why did he believe she was marrying. How dare he intrude after being so mean to her. She shook her head a little and nervously sat through the ceremony. Once the final vows had been spoken, the couple kissed and turned to face the crowd that clapped and cheered. No one seemed to remember the interruption, as they streamed out of the hall and lined the way to the dining hall. Annis moved away from her family and pushed out of the hall.

Looking over to the wall, she saw both Haldir and Legolas standing by the edge. Haldir’s face was still a bright red and looked grim. She did not hesitate as she pushed through the crowd and moved towards him. Her own emotions ranging from happiness that he had said he loved her to pure anger at his actions and words in Rivendell. She saw Haldir look up and stand straighter as she approached him. She stopped a few steps from him, not sure what she wanted to do. She barely noticed Legolas moving away from them.

They stood staring at each other intently. Annis was about to speak but she saw Haldir’s eyes shift to the space over her shoulder. She did not need to turn to know that her father was behind her. She felt his cool hand on her upper bare arm. She opened her mouth to speak but he shook his head and moved his eyes towards the door of the dining hall.

“Go Annis, Alodia will need you there.”

“Father, she has her attendants and….”

“Annis.” He said with the firmness she had heard many times in her life and knew that now was not the time to push any further. She looked to Haldir and turned away. She walked towards the hall swiftly and disappeared behind the door without looking back.

Haldir watched as Annis left and then turned his eyes back to Aragorn.

“I regret deeply my intrusion to the ceremony. I was foolish and I understand if you choose to have me taken from the very walls we stand within.”

Aragorn’s face seemed harden in stone at first then a smile broke his lips. He reached out grabbing Haldir’s shoulder and squeezing it gently.

“Haldir, I would not think of having you taken from these walls. Maybe the timing was ill but you are welcome within these walls. I would like to ask that you stay until after the feast for I feel we have much to discuss. I just do not have the time right now.”

Haldir face showed the surprise at Aragorn’s words. He was ready to be thrown out but instead Aragorn seemed to harbor no ill feelings. Haldir nodded.

“I would welcome the chance to explain things.”

Aragorn nodded and turned waving for a servant who was walking towards the dining hall. She came over and Aragorn quickly gave her instructions to set Haldir in a guest room. He turned and smiled.

“Now I must go and finished my fatherly duties. First, I hear my second youngest desires to marry and now Annis has chosen to leave these walls. It is a bittersweet moment for me. Now please rest and I will send for you soon.”

Aragorn smiled and turned walking back towards the dining hall, he was joined by Legolas, who had remained at a discreet distance. Haldir watched and closed his eyes for a brief second recovering his bearings. He looked at the maid who was standing nearby. She smiled and blushed slightly then turned quickly. She did not speak, instead she turned and motioned for Haldir to follow her. Haldir followed behind her, his eyes looking at the door wishing he could see inside. He wondered what Annis had chosen. He was perplexed. First, he had believed her to marry another and remain here. Now he heard her plans were to leave these walls. His mind was confused and he felt a slight pain throbbing in his head from all the thought. The girl moved swiftly and soon he was in an ornately decorated room. The wood of the bed was a deep brown color and was contrasted with deep red throws. He did not notice the girl move and start a fire; instead, he walked to an overstuffed red chair and fell into it. He looked to the door as he heard the latch catch from it being closed. He was alone and leaned back as the thoughts running through his mind, replaying the moments from the day in slow motion. He ran a hand over his face and shook his head. How could he, the March Warden, have been reduced to a foolish suitor? What power had Annis over him? He sighed and tried to shut his mind down just for a few moments to regain his composure.

******
Annis was greatly distracted. Her body was present at the feast, she heard her own voice laughing at times but she felt a million miles away. Her mind was trying to grasp the presence of Haldir. She wanted answers, why did he charge in? What was the cause of his anger towards her? She sighed softly and looked around the hall. She had watched her father re-enter and wanted to run to him but did not as she saw he was occupied with the guests. Had he sent Haldir back? She felt eyes upon her and looked up to catch Elrond looking at her intently. He managed a smile and turned as Aragorn neared him. She tried to read their lips as they exchanged hushed words. Elrond’s face gave nothing away but that did not surprise Annis.

As the minutes past, she felt as if the room was closing in on her and closed her eyes. Soon the talking and eating gave way to speeches of allegiance and love. She listened but heard nothing truly, her mind miles away as she sorted her emotions out.

Soon the speeches gave way to spirited dancing. She watched and waved numerous suitors away who wanted her to dance. Instead, she rose from her seat and moved towards the exit. She had to find out what had happened. She was angered at the thought that no one had consulted her or even told her what had happened. She looked around noting her father, mother, and grandfather were deep in conversation with a group, she moved swiftly towards the door. As her hand touched the wood of the door, she was stopped by a hand on her shoulder.

“And where is my dear sister going without allowing me the honor of a dance?” Eldarion eyed her and smiled. She did not respond instead her eyes looking to the door. “Ah should I guess you are going to seek out the one who spurned you? For you do not even know if father had him thrown in the dungeon for intruding.”

Annis glared at her brother, who in return was laughing finding his teasing to be quite entertaining, if only to himself. She gripped his hand and pulled him out of the door. She felt the cool air of the night hit her skin and pushed the door closed behind them. She then turned on Eldarion, her eyes smoldering with the anger and confusion.

“Tell me what you know.”

“Know? I know nothing, why would I know what was said between father and Haldir? How would I know what father plans to discuss with him as soon as the feast is over? Maybe father needs to change before going to the cells for it is rather dirty.”

Annis inhaled deeply as her brother’s words taunted and teased her. She turned quickly pushing her brother against the wall, clinging to his tunic causing her knuckles to turn white as she gripped the fabric.

“Enough! Tell me what you know and stop your games. I have had enough of words that explain nothing. Where is he? What has father told you?”

Eldarion was startled at his sister’s strength and actions. He moved his hand to cover hers pulling them hands off his tunic and then smoothing the fabric down. He shook his head and touched her cheek gently, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

“Calm yourself for he is safe. Father has put him into the guest quarters until he can speak to him. Father is neither angered nor upset. He knew briefly of Haldir and what had happened.” Eldarion looked away as he said the last words.

“You told him?” Annis spoke softly.

“Aye, I had to. They sensed something wrong, you were snapping at so many people. They were concerned and I could not allow them to worry when I knew the cause. I am sorry. I did not mean to betray the trust between us. It was concern and love that made me speak.”

“I am not upset. I had assumed someone had told them of Haldir, for mother mentioned his name to me. I cannot grasp what has happened between the time I left and when I came here. What was he thinking, barging in like that?”

“He was thinking with his heart. Something I think you should do now. Release the anger and hurt for a moment Annis. Think of what his love for you drove him to do. He ran in before everyone and pledged his love. An act a normal man could barely bring himself to do let alone a proud elf to do.”

Annis could not speak for put that way, she knew it was the truth. She nodded and looked towards the wing that housed the guests.

“Which room?” She asked quietly, looking back to her brother.

Eldarion hesitated before pointing to a window with a faint light in it. She nodded and turned her dress ruffling with the movement. Eldarion’s voice caused her to stop and look over her shoulder at him.

“Remember Annis, he is proud and for him to do what he did took something so deep….so true that he deserves time to speak.”

Annis did not reply. Her own mind was still in turmoil between anger and love, she wanted to hate him, to make him pay for the hurt he had caused but she knew that the words her brother spoke were true. Haldir was proud…too proud sometimes. What had caused the change of heart?