Life's Path

Title: Life’s Path
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: NC-17 (later chapters)
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!
Timeline: A.U. Not following movie-verse.
Summary: Annis is drawn to Caras Galadhon to find her life’s path and love.

Chapter 2 – Lothlorien

Annis mounted her horse. To her left Arwen was hugging Alodia aindeinde as Aragorn gave last minute instructions to Eldarion. Eldarion gripped his father’s arm and nodded. He then made his way to Annis’ horse. She lent down, grabbing her brother’s arm, as he looked up at her, his eyes glistening slightly with tears.

“Take care little sister for you will truly be missed, though I feel sorry for Lady Galadriel and her elves. I wonder if she realizes what she is getting.”

“And for a minute I thought you actually meant to be nice.” Annis smiled at her brother. He had never been one for words, much like their father, so he took her hand and kissed it.

vel vel swiftly and safely. Remember us here.” Eldarion turned and joined their sisters.

Alodia and Ninde had already bid Annis goodbye and ran to the gate to watch the party ride out. The party consisted of Aragorn, Arwen, Annis and 3 guards. Aragorn wanted to keep it small enabling them to move quickly.

Aragorn urged his horse forward out of Minas Tirith’s gate with Arwen closely behind. Annis took one last look at her home. She would miss her family but felt little sadness leaving. She took a deep breath and urged her horse through the gate. She heard her sisters calling and turned to see her brother holding their shoulders. She smiled as she waved and then caught up to her parents. Her journey to her new life had started.

******

“Haldir, I need you to go to the edge of the Golden Woods and bring me back what is waiting for me.” Galadriel said as her March Warden stood in front of her.

“Your wish is my command. But may I ask what it is I am bringing back?” Haldir asked with a puzzled look. For Lady Galadriel loved her riddles.

“I have asked Arwen to bring me her first born daughter. I feel that she has many great things ahead but if she stays at Minas Tirith she would be lost.”

“Her daughter? She is willing to come here?” Haldir had a look of concern on his face. He was thinking about dragging a screaming child back to Caras Galadhon. Did he not have better things to do than to bring back a child? He was the March Warden of Lothlorien!

Galadriel laughed sweetly. She knew what Haldir was thinking and the vision of him bringing a screaming Annis back to the city amused her greatly.

“Nay Haldir put your mind at ease. She is more than happy to be here. And I entrust you with this task because you are my March Warden. She is a princess of Gondor and should be greeted so.”

“Aye Lady Galadriel. She will be greeted as you see fit. Forgive me.” Haldir bowed his head.

“Please, no apologies Haldir.” With that Galadriel turned and asce the the stairs to her palace.

Haldir turned and left to gather a couple of his wardens. He was ashamed of himself for belittling the task given to him. He should have known Galadriel would have not asked him to do anything trivial. And even if she did he should not put his pride above her request. He entered the warden training area where he saw his brothers, Rumil and Orophin, practicing. He gathered them and told them of the task.

The three left Caras Galadhon towards the edge of Lothlorien to meet their guest. Haldir couldn’t help but wonder what was so special about this princess. Surely Arwen and Aragorn could raise their daughter with no help. What had Galadriel seen in the princess’s future that required her to come here?

******

Annis had grown weary from the long ride. After 4 days on a horse all the muscles in her body ached. But she refused to let on that she hurt even a little. She felt she had to prove herself to Aragorn. Wanting him to see she was able keep up. Annis took a deep breath as her horse stumbled a bit causing her body to scream out in pain. She reminded herself that Aragorn had said the Golden Woods were not much more than half days ride and willed herself to be strong.

She saw her father stop his horse on a ridge and rode up next to him. When seeing the woods below she felt her heart leap into her throat. She knew she was looking at the legendary Golden Woods. She had never seen a forest that was so beautiful. It was strangely radiant.

Aragorn turned to the guards pointing to an area where he wanted the camp to be set up. He then had Arwen and Annis dismount, as they were to continue into the woods on foot without the guards. Annis followed her parents after grabbing her pack, glad to be off the horse and able to stretch her sore body.

Upon entering the woods Annis felt her heart beat quicker. She couldn’t believe she was in the Golden Woods. So many times she had read about it and now she was here. She looked around wondering if the renown Galadhrim Warriors were watching. She tried to use her senses but couldn’t feel anything. Not that she had ever been good at it. She noticed her father tensing a bit as he looked around.

Annis looked to her left thinking she saw movement and ran into the back of her father causing her to drop her pack. Aragorn had stopped as an elf came out from behind a tree. Annis saw 3 elves and watched her father greet the front elf.

“Haldir it has been many years since our last meeting.” He bowed and then grabbed the elf’s arm in greeting.

“Aragorn, King of Gondor. It is good to see you in better times. Arwen too many years have passed and this is…?”

Haldir turned his attention to the young lady behind Aragorn. She was even more beautiful up close. He had been expecting a child not a grown female. He had watched her from his hiding place and admired how her tall, lean body moved with such grace. But unlike many other elleths she had a figure. Must be from Aragorn’s side Haldir had thought to himself as he adjusted in the tree getting ready to drop down. Now her eyes looked at him with awe. He smiled, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Annis.

“Haldir, March Warden of the Galadhrim Warriors may I introduce my daughter Annis.” Arwen pushed Annis forward a little.

“Annis Princess of Gondor may I welcome you to Lothlorien on behalf of the Lady Galadriel who awaits your arrival. We have been sent to escort you.”

Annis looked into the eyes of Haldir. She had never seen any male like him before. She had seen Legolas many times and thought he was attractive but Haldir was so different. His broad shoulders, his eyes…such power came from his very being. Annis could barely find her voice.

“March Warden, thank you. I look forward to meeting the eminent Lady Galadriel.”

“We must depart now before it gets much later. Even these woods are not safe at night from orcs.” Haldir turned to Aragorn.

“I understand for we too must depart back to our camp before night falls.”

Annis was shocked to hear her parents were not coming to the city. She didn’t want to go alone. She felt panic taking over and turned to Arwen who saw the fright in her eyes. Taking her daughters hands she quietly spoke:

“My child, this is where our paths must separate. You must go now and be strong. You have nothing to fear for we will always be with each other. This is what your heart and soul have always wanted. Go and fear not, for my love goes with you.” Arwen hugged Annis and stepped away.

Aragorn stepped forward trying hard not to show how much this was breaking his heart and took Annis in his arms.

“My little one, you have done nothing but made me proud everyday of your life. I love you and never forget that. You go with my blessings. Open your mind to the new life and always be true to yourself. Remember you will always be a princess of Gondor.” He kissed her cheek and joined Arwen.

Annis turned from her parents, mustering all her inner strength for this was what she had always wanted. She was surprised to see how intensely Haldir was watching her.

“I am ready whenever your party is March Warden.”

Haldir approached Aragorn and Arwen.

“Haldir, I entrust her safety to you.” Aragorn gripped his old ally’s arm.

“My friend I promise her safety. I bid you both good bye and hope your trip back is without swift and free from trouble.”

Annis watched her parents leave and saw Haldir near the opposite side of the clearing motioning to his brothers to move. Grabbing her pack, Annis took the cue to follow him. She was struggling to put the pack on when suddenly it got light. Turning she saw her pack in the arms of another elf. She had noticed there were 2 other elves but not paid much attention to them for the March Warden had had her full attention.

“Err...thank-you.” Annis said to the elf that bore a resemblance to Haldir.

“Rumil, my name is Rumil and the other is Orophin.”

Annis looked over at the 3rd elf seeing he too bore a strong resemblance to the others. Rumil saw her puzzled look knowing what she was thinking. She was a beautiful creature he thought to himself. Those eyes, he could get lost in their color.

“Aye, we are all brothers.” Rumil said with a slight chuckle.

“Really? All 3 of you are brothers!” Annis was amazed. At no time had she seen them act like siblings. “Thank you for taking my pack, Rumil. May I ask how far do we have until we reach Caras Galadhon?”

“A little over a days walk. We will rest soon since night is falling and then in the morn we will continue.”

Annis’ eyes got wide. She was to sleep out here with just these 3! She had never been alone with only men when she traveled. Her father had always made sure at least 1 additional female was in the party. A voice broke her thoughts.

“Come we must start.” Haldir called from the edge of the clearing.

His eyes met Annis’ causing feelings to stir in his soul not felt for hundreds of years. He could see the fear and excitement in her eyes but there was more hidden. He sensed passion in their depths. A slight smile formed on his lips as he thought about exploring those passions. As swiftly as he thought about these fantasies he banished them from his mind. This was not the time to have these feelings he chastised himself.

Annis looked into his eyes getting lost in their beauty. She thought she saw a slight smile on his lips but as quickly as she saw it, it was gone. She watched him turn swiftly and leave the clearing. She quickly followed him and heard the others behind her.

After a few hours of traveling in silence, the woods started to darken. Haldir knew it was time to stop for the night. He was amazed Annis had kept up with little trouble. She moved quickly and this impressed him greatly. Many found it hard to travel with the wardens for they were physically the best of Galadriel’s elves. He found the tree he was looking for and stopped the party. Without saying anything, Rumil climbed up.

Annis watched in awe as Rumil ascended the tree with such ease. She had heard the tales of their abilities but it was another thing to actually see them in action. Haldir turned to Annis as a ladder was throwwn. wn.

“Please climb up.” He pointed to the ladder.

She climbed the ladder relieved she was not expected to climb the tree. She noticed Haldir climbing near her and almost lost her footing watching his muscles flex as he climbed. She reached the felt above and pulled herself through the hole. It was a small platform but somehow cozy. She saw Rumil had lit a small lamp and was preparing some food. Her eyes fell to Haldir who was opening some bundles in the far corner. He moved with such ease and grace but yet was so powerful. She was so engrossed she did not sense Orophin coming through the opening and was startled when she saw him next to her.

“You had better work on your senses.” He laughed and joined Rumil.

“So who has first watch?” Orophin asked Rumil.

“I had the last watch. So I believe it is your turn.” Rumil answered looking at Annis and not wanting to leave her.

“No, you are wrong brother. I had the last watch!”

“Nay Orophin, it was I who did it last. Any how I need to rest after carrying an extra pack.”

“Please, that did not task or tire you!” Orophin scoffed at his brother.

Haldir approached his brothers to settle the minor argument.

“Orophin, you will take the first watch since Rumil is pring ing the food.” He turned to where Annis stood and pointed to an empty spot. “Please join us. You must be hungry and thirsty from your journey.”

Annis watched as Orophin grabbed some food and swiftly left the flet. She saw him give an angry look, which seemed to go unnoticed by Rumil. She moved silently to the spot Haldir had pointed to and sat down. It was a welcome relief for her aching body. Haldir passed some lembas and water to her.

“Thank you much March Warden.”

“Please, my name is Haldir.”

“Thank you Haldir.” She smiled blushing a little at saying his name. She couldn’t understand why she felt so giddy! She had never been like this before.

As they ate in silence, Annis looked up noticed Rumil staring at her. He smiled not showing any embarrassment of being caught looking at her so boldly. Blushing she looked down and continued to eat thinking about the two brothers sitting with her. They were so much alike but yet so different. With Haldir she felt an air of arrogance and power. His whole being was so strong. Rumil seemed to be more open and friendlier. He did not seem to have so much arrogance. She smiled thinking of her own family. How different the 3 sisters were from each other. Oh how excited they would be sitting here with these 2 she thought. Her sisters where naturals when it came to flirting and conversation. That was not something that came easily to Annis. She was not shy but didn’t play games very well. Annis looked up and saw Haldir looking at her intensely once again but could not tell what he was thinking.

Haldir saw her eyes glaze over and wondered what she was thinking about. He let his gaze travel over her toned body - she was breathtaking. She was in great physical shape even for his standards. He looked over and saw a bow sticking out of her pack.

“Are you proficient in using the bow?”

“Aye, I like to think I am. But I am sure compared to you and your wardens I would pale in comparison.”

“Well maybe when you are settled we can practice together.” Rumil quickly chimed in, looking at his brother with a smile.

“Are females allowed to practice in the open?”

“Of course!” Rumil laughed at such a question, but soon felt bad when he saw Annis frown at his answer. He quickly tried to make her feel better.
“Why do you ask? Are females not allowed to practice at Minas Tirith?”

“No. My father does not believe a woman should practice those skills. He would rather I learn the ways to be a lady and wife.”

Rumil smiled at Annis. He saw her eyes sparkle with such fire talking about her father’s belief. He admired that a lot. He loved passionate females for they tended to have much spirit in everything they did.

“Rumil, get the sleeping area sorted out for our guest.” Haldir said, breaking his brother’s thoughts.

Haldir didn’t approve at how his brother was looking at Annis. Rumil was renowned for breaking hearts and Haldir refused to let her become the next victim. He knew Rumil never meant to hurt anyone but he was looking for something special in a partner. Unfortunately Rumil didn’t seem to know what it was himself. He saw Rumil finish making the sleeping area and turned to Annis:

“Please lie down and rest. We still have a long journey tomorrow. Do you require anything else?”

“No, thank you so much for everything.”

Annis got up and stretched. She didn’t notice the 2 sets of approving eyes watching her. She went to the area Rumil had setup, took off her outer cloak and laid down under the blanket. She didn’t have time to think about the journey for her exhausted body fell into a sleep right away.

Haldir enjoyed watching her stretch for it showed her body off. He tried to shake the feelings she was awakening in him. He looked and saw that Rumil was also enjoying the view. A strange feeling came over him. Jealousy? “Of course not” Haldir thought to himself “I am just ensuring her safety as I promised Aragorn, even if it was from Rumil.” Haldir blew out the lamp and sat next to Rumil. Neither needed much sleep for they were trained to go long stretches without rest. Even in the dark Haldir’s sight was powerful so he could still watch the sleeping Annis. He felt a smile form on his lips as he closed his eyes and thought back to watching her throughout the day.

Rumil saw a smile on Haldir’s face and wondered what he was thinking about. It couldn’t be that Haldir was thinking about Annis. A worried thought crossed his mind. He did not want to be competing with his own brother for her attentions. Annis intrigued him. She was so different from others he had known. He closed his eyes for a short rest before relieving Orophin.

******

Annis was woken by a hand on her shoulder and rolled over. She rubbed her eyes almost thinking she was dreaming when she saw Haldir crouching next to her. Slowly her mind cleared and she remembered where she was. She got up and put her cloak back on. Looking around she noted that just Haldir was on the flet with her. She picked up the blankets and folded them.

Haldir stepped forward taking the blankets from her. He let his fingers gently rub over Annis’ fingers. Her skin was so soft. He looked at her eyes and felt the fingers that had touched her skin tingle. He sensed someone coming up and broke away. He turned to put the blankets away.

She looked into his gorgeous eyes and felt herself being pulled into them. For the first time since they had met, he seemed to let down his arrogant guard. She thought she saw his cheeks h slh slightly. Then as quickly as she saw the changes, his arrogant front came back. As he turned away, she went and got her pack.

Rumil and Orophin came up through the opening. Rumil noted that his brother’s face was a little flushed and wondered what had happened. He saw Annis putting her pack on and went to her.

“May I carry that for you?”

“Thank you but no. I cannot allow you to carry it, for I wouldn’t want to give you an extra burden and tire you out again.” She said with a slight smile on her face.

“Oh my brother, it seems you are losing your touch.” Orophin laughed out loud and slapped his brother on his back, then jumped down through the opening.

Rumil turned from Annis and quickly followed his brother. Haldir watched with amusement as his brother retreated down the tree. He walked to Annis and took the pack from her.

“Haldir what are you doing? I don’t need any help!”

“As a guest, Lady Galadriel would not approve of me letting you carry your own pack. And you wouldn’t want the lady to be mad at me would you?” Haldir raised an eyebrow as he looked at her and put the pack on his back.

“No, I wouldn’t want that but I don’t want you to think I am helpless and unable to carry my own burdens.” Annis looked at Haldir with concern.

“Helpless is not a word that comes to my mind when I look at you. I believe you could carry this pack with no problem. But that is not the point. Now come, we must start our journey.”

Haldir went to the opening and threw the ladder down for Annis. She quickly went down and joined the others who were near by. After pulling the ladder back up Haldir jumped down barely making any noise and joined the group.

Rumil looked at his brother and was surprised to see Annis’ pack on his back. Haldir gave a smug smile and turned to lead them. Orophin looked at both his brothers and laughed. It had been a long time since Rumil was bettered by anyone and now twice in a matter of minutes. It was going to be a good day, Orophin thought to himself.

Annis fell behind Haldir not making eye contact with Rumil who she could tell was upset. Orophin smiled and walked up next to Annis.

“I wouldn’t worry too much. Rumil will soon forget his hurt pride.”

“That is good to know. I would at least like to be settled a few days before making enemies.”

“Enemies? Trust me, you will not make enemies. I think you are going to have the opposite problem.”

“Opposite problem? How do you mean?”

“Little one, you are very different than the rest of us and others will be intrigued by that. You will soon have many friends and suitors.”

Annis felt her face heat up. She looked at Orophin who was smiling kindly. Suitors? He must be joking she thought.

“Surely I am not that different? I understand I am a half breed but I am still an elf.”

“Physically you are different than us. If you understand what I mean.” Orophin gently laughed.

“Yes, I am going to be the odd one out again.” Annis sighed.

“I didn’t mean it in a negative way. You will fit in fine so do not worry.”

He gently touched her shoulder for assurance. Annis looked at him and smiled. They talked idly as they walked. Rumil walked behind for a while but soon joined them, the incident at the tree forgotten.

Haldir could hear them talking. In a way he wanted to be back there but couldn’t allow himself to be. Even with his brothers he made sure to keep his authority while they were out as wardens. He never compromised his status as March Warden.

Annis didn’t notice the many hours that passed as they walked. Orophin and Rumil kept her mind busy with their talking. She was really enjoying their company. Orophin was a tender soul, concerned about others feelings and was putting Annis’ fears at ease. While Rumil was the clown and a flirt, always saying something witty or finding reasons to touch her arm. She found it hard to believe he was flirting with her. Men usually passed her and went for her sisters. She was enjoying the attention, although she wished that it were Haldir with her. He was the one that intrigued her the most. She would steal glances as he walked out in front of them. She loved to watch him move. He had such grace and power mixed together.

Annis noticed out of the corner of her eye that Rumil and Orophin had fallen a bit behind and were talking quietly. Rumil’s face had a silly grin on it and she wondered what they were up to. She turned her attention back to Haldir who was slowing down as the trees thinned out. All of a sudden she felt a strong pair of arms around her body and her eyes were covered.

“What are you doing?” She struggled against her restrainer.

“Stop struggling and let me guide you.” Rumil’s voice came from directly behind her.

Rumil was enjoying the feeling of Annis against him though her struggling was causing a hardness to grow and he hoped she would not notice what she was causing. He guided her to the clearing and saw Haldir giving him a disapproving look but he did not care. He and Orophin had thought it was the right way to show Annis her new home.

“Princess of Gondor behold Caras Galadhon.” And with that he removed his hand from her eyes