The Forgotten Ring

Disclaimer: All familiar characters of this story belong to the awesome world and works of JRR Tolkien, who is an unparalleled genius of this genre. All unfamiliar and original characters, animals and places are of my own invention. I do not derive any monies from this work and created this story solely out of the love and respect that I hold for all of the works related to this canon.

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The Forgotten Ring
by Sienna Dawn


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Chapter 46 - What Do You Say?

What do you say to someone after a thousand years of separation? The tht pht plagued Eridani, as her eyes took in the breathtaking sight of the elf on the balcony. He had matured and grown, she could tell from his stance and his posture. There was no arrogance there any longer, but instead confidence and composure. No doubt used to giving commands.

She suddenly remembered she had stopped breathing and filled her lungs with air and watched him disappear inside the building. She resisted the urge to run inside and intercept him there. No, she decided, let him come to her. It must be his decision.

And within moments, Eridani had gotten her wish, as he stood before her, silently waiting.

She looked into Haldir's eyes, so clear and so blue. And in those eyes she saw something indefinable. Was it pain? Uncertainty? She looked at his body, strong and well muscled still. His hair braided at the sides, his mouth still full....a mouth that had been made for kissing. His lifeforce glittered even more strongly and she marveled that this was possible.

Then her eyes met his again and there rested.

Haldir watched her lovely face, as her emotions raged and misted her eyes with tears. He could still read her heart and he knew she loved him. And yet, he knew, that somewhere in her mind she doubted herself. Why this was he knew not, but he was determined to show her the depth of his love for her, no matter what it took. He was glad now that he had listened to his inner self and decided to proceed with care. They were both standing at the edge of a precipice, and one false move would tumble them to their doom.

Breaking the silence first, Haldir smiled and reached out his hands toward her. "Eridani, how joyous is my heart at finding you hale and safe!" His eyes gently explored the brown depths of her eyes.

Without taking his offered hands, Eridani smiled in return. A true and genuine smile. "Thank you, my Lord. My heart is gladdened to see you as well, safe and hale."

With dismay, Haldir realized she was addressing him very formally. This would take more time than he had thought. He cared not, Avonea was safe in the hands of the competent Tamarcil.

Eridani, watching him closely, remarked, "Does something trouble you, my Lord?"

Haldir shook his head. "Nay, nothing my Lady. What can trouble me on such a glorious day?" He looked about him. "Bright gay flowers adorn the groves and all of Arda smiles on this fine afternoon!" He brought his kind gaze down to her eyes.

With a jolt, Eridani suddenly knew that this Haldir was not quite the same warrior she remembered. How had his spirit deepened, she reflected as she gazed at him. She knew this was a side of Haldir that he had always managed to keep deeply hidden and was amazed he was now openly letting her see it.

Without touching him, she stepped around to his side and said, "Come, my Lord, let us walk."

Side by side, they walked amongst the bright flowers, each lost in the longing to hold and be held by their heart's love.

It was some time later, after they had discussed much of the history of Middle Earth after the sacking of Avonea, that Haldir came to relate his findings in the pits of Durzad'dum. Eridani had listened to all with a somber expression and had lowered her gaze when he came to the finding of Eadril's body.

Eridani, in turn, told him as much as she knew of the discovery of the Ring and that in the last moments had the Valar revealed to her Saruman's full intention of securing the Rings and ruling Arda.

Neither mentioned the long years of separation.

Then she had peppered him with questions about their friends, old Palace gossip, and mostly, although very discreetly, about his own responsibilities. To all questions, had Haldir answered in truth, although not entirely describing in complete detail what his responsibilities were. He wanted to come to that gently and with care, mindful of his proposal to her so long ago.

It was when she had asked him, "And so who has the Council found to rule in Eadril's and Ronihim's stead?" while her eyes bored into his meaningfully, that he had almost faltered and given up on his plan to proceed slowly.

But his quick wit had rescued him, "Councils are always the same, my Lady. They twaddle and dwaddle."

With that, had had laughed heartily and answered, "Aye, 'twould seem nothing changes...." her voice softened then, "....even after a thousand years."

Haldir had decided to let the insinuation pass without comment, and instead nodded in agreement, replying with a smile of his own, "'Twould seem so, my Lady." And he had been glad she had nursuursued the matter further.

After a while, Eridani expressed her desire to rest and Haldir walked her back to her rooms. Looking deeply into her eyes, he asked her, "May I return tomorrow morn and once more enjoy your company?"

Eridani smiled and nodded, "Yes, my Lord, that would be most pleasant."

Smiling, she turned away and gently shut the door behind her, leaving Haldir alone to ponder what to do next.


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(To be continued...}