Vaniel, My Heart
folder
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
37
Views:
5,942
Reviews:
8
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
37
Views:
5,942
Reviews:
8
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 32 - Bitterness
Vaniel, My Heart
Chapter 32: Chapter 32 - Bitterness
by Sienna
Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work. Original characters are part of the story and owned by the author.
Vaniel, My Heart
by Sienna Dawn
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 32 - Bitterness
Two years later ...East Lorien
Vaniel sighed and contemplated her husband. She shook her head in exasperation and silently left their flet, walking down the winding stairway that wrapped itself around the massive mallorn. Heading toward the ground, she caught sight of Orophin and Rumil, who were headed her way.
Haldir's love of solitude meant that his talan had been built deliberately distanced from the center of the elven community, giving the brothers time to privately discuss the reason for their visit. As their sure steps neared the grove of trees where they knew Haldir's talan resided, they espied Vaniel descending toward them.
Trying to appear calm, Vaniel slowed her walk and waited for the two elves to catch up. Below her, she did not hear the brothers' conversation.
"It has been two years, Orophin, and still he has no sight." Rumil walked slightly ahead of his brother who had been elected Marchwarden in Haldir's place.
Orophin sighed, "I cannot force him to take the Straight Road, Rumil. If he refuses to go then there is nothing we can do." Orophin fell silent as they reached Vaniel's level.
"Sister!" Rumil greeted Vaniel, his eyes sparkling with true affection.
Vaniel smiled and held out her hand toward Rumil while her eyes cooly gazed at Orophin. She had long forgiven his role in Athryn's escape that fateful night of two years' past, and although she well understood he too had fallen victim to Athryn's violence and had been assaulted by her, Vaniel still found it difficult to understand how Orophin could have accepted Thranduil's request to assume Haldir's former duties. If nothing had quenched Haldir's spirit, it had been this last blow. Since then, relations between the brothers had not been as warm as before. That they were cordial to one another was true, but Haldir reserved a grim silence whenever Orophin was near although his relationship with Rumil had not suffered at all. And although Vaniel had not questioned Haldir, she well knew her husband felt deeply betrayed by Orophin's actions.
She watched Orophin now, distress showing on her face and she well knew he saw it there. Nodding cordially, she extended her hand in greeting and the tall elf quickly took it. How alike the three of them were, Vaniel mused. How alike and yet how different. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if the situation was reversed, Haldir would never have accepted any position that would demean his brother.
"Welcome, Orophin. Duties at the borderland have kept you away from us far longer than anticipated, have they not?" Her jibe was well aimed and she saw by the sudden flare of his eyes that it had hit the mark.
Turning with satisfaction, she walked toward the talan she shared with Haldir. "I do not think Haldir is receiving visitors today." Was all she said before she stepped aside and let the brothers pass.
Rumil's eyes held a worried look and he tried to linger behind Vaniel, but she turned abruptly and left the talan, leaving the brothers alone with Haldir.
Rumil slowly stepped inside the private balcony that fronted the talan and saw Haldir sitting quietly on a low stool, an arrow in his strong hands. Estelim, Haldir's faithful hound, sat at his master's feet and quickly raised his head. With a soft snort, the hound announced the brothers' entrance and Haldir's back stiffened. Rumil stepped aside to let Orophin pass and allowed his eyes to examine his older brother. Haldir had lost none of his physical prowess as the Healers made certain to ply him with exercises. And while his body had healed, Haldir's eyes had remained sightless. No one was certain why this had happened and some even questioned if perhaps this was a punishment by the Valar for his role in Athryn's death.
Sightless Haldir was, but his senses had sharpened beyond the norm for elves and he turned at once, recognizing Orophin's unique scent. He also realized that Rumil shadowed him.
Standing, Haldir made to return to the indoor area of the talan, parting a sheer transparent curtain and disappearing inside. Estelim followed close behind.
Turning to Rumil who gave him a slight shrug, Orophin sighed and followed his older brother inside.
Parting the curtain, Orophim looked around the little room. It was a small area, dotted with scrolls and a small bed. Was this where Haldir slept?
Just then, Haldir sat and turned his sightless eyes toward the entrance, "Are you in the habit of entering a chamber uninvited, brother?" Haldir's voice was unemotional, indifferent. His sightless sapphire eyes were calm.
Orophin frowned. Was it always to be like this? "Haldir, I am come to see how you fare." He stepped inside the room, followed by Rumil.
"How I fare?" Haldir laughed and sat on a wooden stool. "I fare as well as I can, brother." Haldir's blonde head swiveled toward Rumil but he said nothing. Estelim sat at Haldir's feet and watched the scene before him with an intelligent gaze.
Rumil studied his older brother with a deep worry. Something was not right here.
"Come you to ask me to sail to the West? Is that it?" Haldir's question suddenly intruded in the uncomfortable silence.
Orophin sighed and turned to Rumil.
Taking a step toward his older brother Rumil answered, "Haldir...it is true, we desire you to sail, but for your own welfare. It is said that all ills are healed in the Blessed Realms." He eyed his brother with concern.
Haldir laughed and crossed his arms. "That is not true for Athryn was not allowed to enter Valinor and never found the Straight Road."
But it was Orophin who spoke now, "That may be so, but it was because darkness had tainted her soul. Your injury was not caused by darkness." But too late he realized his words could be used against him, and just as he thought this, he saw Haldir slowly stand, his sightless sapphire eyes blaze in anger.
"And I was marred by that darkness, or have you forgotten, Orophin of Lorien?" Haldir asked sarcastically, punctuating the last words effectively. He waved his hand and turned away, "Leave me and come not again to tell me what I can or cannot do!" Walking slowly toward the bed, he laid down, placing a hand over his eyes, making sure they understood the conversation was over.
But Rumil, whose heart was heavy at this estrangement between them, stepped toward Haldir, his hands held out. "Haldir," he whispered, "we are concerned...surely in the Blessed Realm there can be healing, and peace. You have earned your right to enter Valinor. Surely the Straight Road will not be denied you or Vaniel." Rumil's voice was gentle and Haldir heard the worry and affection there.
But he shook his head. "Nay," said Haldir, "I have come to believe that this is a punishment, Rumil. The Valar have judged me and found me wanting. The Straight Road will never be mine." Haldir's chest heaved with a silent sigh and he feared the deep pain of his soul would spill over and shame him with its tears.
"Then," whispered Rumil, his heart heavy with pain, "let Vaniel go." He came to sit at the edge of the bed, carefully watching Haldir's face.
"I have never stopped her, but she says that she will not take the Straight Road without me." Haldir rubbed his face and sat up on the bed, swinging his long legs around, "It has happened again, brother. First Athryn and now Vaniel." Haldir lowered his face into his hands. Rumil came to sit beside his distraught older brother, while Orophin watched quietly, finally beginning to understand the demons that tormented Haldir. Estelim, sensing that not all was well, padded softly around to Haldir and whined gently, sitting before his master.
"Listen, brother," Rumil began slowly, "Vaniel remains with you because she loves you; you are bonded, you are her husband, her life mate. She cannot abide without you, nor can you without her. But she must take the Straight Road or her spirit will surely fade. You cannot see her," and he winced at his own words, hating to cause Haldir pain, but he knew this had to be said, "but we can. She is fading, Haldir. Vaniel must take the Straight Road and find healing and peace, for her short life has been too filled with pain. She is yet very young. You are older, you have lived many times her experience and you know I speak the truth." Rumil's eyes were clear as he watched Haldir's face.
Finally, Haldir sighed and he nodded, "I will try and make her understand, but you do not know my wife." He allowed himself a small smile and Rumil smiled in return while Orophin relaxed somewhat.
Walking over to Haldir, Estelim nuzzled his master's hands and rested his golden head on Haldir's lap.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 32: Chapter 32 - Bitterness
by Sienna
Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work. Original characters are part of the story and owned by the author.
Vaniel, My Heart
by Sienna Dawn
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 32 - Bitterness
Two years later ...East Lorien
Vaniel sighed and contemplated her husband. She shook her head in exasperation and silently left their flet, walking down the winding stairway that wrapped itself around the massive mallorn. Heading toward the ground, she caught sight of Orophin and Rumil, who were headed her way.
Haldir's love of solitude meant that his talan had been built deliberately distanced from the center of the elven community, giving the brothers time to privately discuss the reason for their visit. As their sure steps neared the grove of trees where they knew Haldir's talan resided, they espied Vaniel descending toward them.
Trying to appear calm, Vaniel slowed her walk and waited for the two elves to catch up. Below her, she did not hear the brothers' conversation.
"It has been two years, Orophin, and still he has no sight." Rumil walked slightly ahead of his brother who had been elected Marchwarden in Haldir's place.
Orophin sighed, "I cannot force him to take the Straight Road, Rumil. If he refuses to go then there is nothing we can do." Orophin fell silent as they reached Vaniel's level.
"Sister!" Rumil greeted Vaniel, his eyes sparkling with true affection.
Vaniel smiled and held out her hand toward Rumil while her eyes cooly gazed at Orophin. She had long forgiven his role in Athryn's escape that fateful night of two years' past, and although she well understood he too had fallen victim to Athryn's violence and had been assaulted by her, Vaniel still found it difficult to understand how Orophin could have accepted Thranduil's request to assume Haldir's former duties. If nothing had quenched Haldir's spirit, it had been this last blow. Since then, relations between the brothers had not been as warm as before. That they were cordial to one another was true, but Haldir reserved a grim silence whenever Orophin was near although his relationship with Rumil had not suffered at all. And although Vaniel had not questioned Haldir, she well knew her husband felt deeply betrayed by Orophin's actions.
She watched Orophin now, distress showing on her face and she well knew he saw it there. Nodding cordially, she extended her hand in greeting and the tall elf quickly took it. How alike the three of them were, Vaniel mused. How alike and yet how different. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if the situation was reversed, Haldir would never have accepted any position that would demean his brother.
"Welcome, Orophin. Duties at the borderland have kept you away from us far longer than anticipated, have they not?" Her jibe was well aimed and she saw by the sudden flare of his eyes that it had hit the mark.
Turning with satisfaction, she walked toward the talan she shared with Haldir. "I do not think Haldir is receiving visitors today." Was all she said before she stepped aside and let the brothers pass.
Rumil's eyes held a worried look and he tried to linger behind Vaniel, but she turned abruptly and left the talan, leaving the brothers alone with Haldir.
Rumil slowly stepped inside the private balcony that fronted the talan and saw Haldir sitting quietly on a low stool, an arrow in his strong hands. Estelim, Haldir's faithful hound, sat at his master's feet and quickly raised his head. With a soft snort, the hound announced the brothers' entrance and Haldir's back stiffened. Rumil stepped aside to let Orophin pass and allowed his eyes to examine his older brother. Haldir had lost none of his physical prowess as the Healers made certain to ply him with exercises. And while his body had healed, Haldir's eyes had remained sightless. No one was certain why this had happened and some even questioned if perhaps this was a punishment by the Valar for his role in Athryn's death.
Sightless Haldir was, but his senses had sharpened beyond the norm for elves and he turned at once, recognizing Orophin's unique scent. He also realized that Rumil shadowed him.
Standing, Haldir made to return to the indoor area of the talan, parting a sheer transparent curtain and disappearing inside. Estelim followed close behind.
Turning to Rumil who gave him a slight shrug, Orophin sighed and followed his older brother inside.
Parting the curtain, Orophim looked around the little room. It was a small area, dotted with scrolls and a small bed. Was this where Haldir slept?
Just then, Haldir sat and turned his sightless eyes toward the entrance, "Are you in the habit of entering a chamber uninvited, brother?" Haldir's voice was unemotional, indifferent. His sightless sapphire eyes were calm.
Orophin frowned. Was it always to be like this? "Haldir, I am come to see how you fare." He stepped inside the room, followed by Rumil.
"How I fare?" Haldir laughed and sat on a wooden stool. "I fare as well as I can, brother." Haldir's blonde head swiveled toward Rumil but he said nothing. Estelim sat at Haldir's feet and watched the scene before him with an intelligent gaze.
Rumil studied his older brother with a deep worry. Something was not right here.
"Come you to ask me to sail to the West? Is that it?" Haldir's question suddenly intruded in the uncomfortable silence.
Orophin sighed and turned to Rumil.
Taking a step toward his older brother Rumil answered, "Haldir...it is true, we desire you to sail, but for your own welfare. It is said that all ills are healed in the Blessed Realms." He eyed his brother with concern.
Haldir laughed and crossed his arms. "That is not true for Athryn was not allowed to enter Valinor and never found the Straight Road."
But it was Orophin who spoke now, "That may be so, but it was because darkness had tainted her soul. Your injury was not caused by darkness." But too late he realized his words could be used against him, and just as he thought this, he saw Haldir slowly stand, his sightless sapphire eyes blaze in anger.
"And I was marred by that darkness, or have you forgotten, Orophin of Lorien?" Haldir asked sarcastically, punctuating the last words effectively. He waved his hand and turned away, "Leave me and come not again to tell me what I can or cannot do!" Walking slowly toward the bed, he laid down, placing a hand over his eyes, making sure they understood the conversation was over.
But Rumil, whose heart was heavy at this estrangement between them, stepped toward Haldir, his hands held out. "Haldir," he whispered, "we are concerned...surely in the Blessed Realm there can be healing, and peace. You have earned your right to enter Valinor. Surely the Straight Road will not be denied you or Vaniel." Rumil's voice was gentle and Haldir heard the worry and affection there.
But he shook his head. "Nay," said Haldir, "I have come to believe that this is a punishment, Rumil. The Valar have judged me and found me wanting. The Straight Road will never be mine." Haldir's chest heaved with a silent sigh and he feared the deep pain of his soul would spill over and shame him with its tears.
"Then," whispered Rumil, his heart heavy with pain, "let Vaniel go." He came to sit at the edge of the bed, carefully watching Haldir's face.
"I have never stopped her, but she says that she will not take the Straight Road without me." Haldir rubbed his face and sat up on the bed, swinging his long legs around, "It has happened again, brother. First Athryn and now Vaniel." Haldir lowered his face into his hands. Rumil came to sit beside his distraught older brother, while Orophin watched quietly, finally beginning to understand the demons that tormented Haldir. Estelim, sensing that not all was well, padded softly around to Haldir and whined gently, sitting before his master.
"Listen, brother," Rumil began slowly, "Vaniel remains with you because she loves you; you are bonded, you are her husband, her life mate. She cannot abide without you, nor can you without her. But she must take the Straight Road or her spirit will surely fade. You cannot see her," and he winced at his own words, hating to cause Haldir pain, but he knew this had to be said, "but we can. She is fading, Haldir. Vaniel must take the Straight Road and find healing and peace, for her short life has been too filled with pain. She is yet very young. You are older, you have lived many times her experience and you know I speak the truth." Rumil's eyes were clear as he watched Haldir's face.
Finally, Haldir sighed and he nodded, "I will try and make her understand, but you do not know my wife." He allowed himself a small smile and Rumil smiled in return while Orophin relaxed somewhat.
Walking over to Haldir, Estelim nuzzled his master's hands and rested his golden head on Haldir's lap.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~