Strange Allies

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A/N: Since His Hatefulness refuses to talk to me we are on our own here for a while. If I didn’t know better I would swear he wants to avoid what he knows is in store for him. But, alas, he is the one who set this train in motion and it will reach its destination whether he wants to ride it or not!

MarzBar - Well, I don't see why not. Technically, she "outranks" elves being the daughter of a "god" in a manner of speaking. But I dunno. Unfortunately no matter what happens she's going to get hurt. But life is like that sometimes, yes?

Aragorndreamer - I like talking to you! If you've taken the time to encourage me - er HIM - the least I can do is thank you for it, yes? ;-) They definately have a lot of issues to deal with.

A Reader - Honestly, I do, too. His Hatefulness had all kinds of horrible things in mind but I laid the smack down on him. I don't want to hurt Legolas and I just feel terrible for him so you're not alone. You know, I don't think I could, either, but I'm not in the position to make that choice or that call. It's a bad situation all the way around. Funny how it just sort of crept up - it was a gradual thing. Oh, well. I do hope you continue to read it eventho there's a lot of pain in store for everyone. Not just Legolas.

Sandra - Oh, now! Poor Legolas! He trusted her and HIM and look what's happened! Oh, I know, but I still do feel sorry for him and I couldn't blame him if he was very mad at her and held a grudge. But that's just ME. And I'm not like either of those others. I still adore Legolas (much to His Haughtiness' disgust).

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The faint sound of faint singing drifted to his ears and he stopped walking, listening intently. It seemed to be coming from straight ahead of them and he gazed into the distance, shielding his eyes with his hand from the bright sunlight.

“What is it?” Annowe asked anxiously pausing next to him.

“Sounds like someone singing,” Haldir answered softly. “It is beautiful.”

Annowe clapped her hands excitedly, startling the horse. “Goldberry! She is waiting for us!” She breathed, her eyes shining with joy.

Haldir cocked his head to her in acknowledgement and they started off again as the singing grew increasingly stronger. Shortly, he could make out a slim figure on the far hilltop, her arms spread wide as she danced and swayed to the sound of her own lovely voice.

With a squeal of delight, Annowe took off running toward the figure leaving Haldir and the horse to follow at their own pace. He smiled wistfully at the sight of the nymph running so excitedly to greet her older sister, her hair flying behind her and catching in the sunlight.

It was with a heavy heart that Haldir slowly followed after her. The time for their parting was eminent now and he must face it. Would Annowe leave him in the care of her sister while she returned south to Legolas, as she had wanted to do so long ago? Or would she stay to see him to the Havens?

He sighed wearily at the thought. Her first instinct would be to return to Legolas, he was sure of it. She wanted desperately to get to Legolas and he had told her that once they reached the Barrow Downs she could leave him if she desired. And the guilt of betraying the young prince’s trust had begun to eat away at her. That alone would drive her back into Legolas’ arms; Haldir knew it!

How quickly time had passed! It had never mattered much to him, he had seen mighty oaks born and ruined and it had seemed like the blink of an eye to him; but now the days that had once seemed liked years suddenly began to melt away in front of his eyes and for once in his life he became very aware of how short one day truly was. He and Annowe had been together for less than one snow and now he would leave. He felt as if he had lived an entire life with her and now it was over! His very spirit wept at the thought.

So many words left unsaid and now she would leave him, they would part forever and yet still remain bound to each other. He could almost feel the pain welling up inside of him.
In his most secret heart that she had never touched, Haldir fervently hoped the words she had spoken in the heat of passion were true – she did not want him to leave.

There were still so many things he wanted to say to her before he departed for Valinor. Could he bring himself to speak them? Or at least show her those desperate things inside of him? Or would he leave for Valinor with all those words unspoken?

Which pain would be worse – the pain of telling her and parting from her or the pain of not telling her at all and parting? He shook his head sadly. One would be just as bad as the other. But did she not deserve to know nonetheless?

The sound of the nymphs’ laughter drifted to his ears as he approached. Soon he would be just a distant memory to her. But he had known this all along. He had known it and still bonded with her. He wanted to turn back the hands of time, to make it stop so he could hear her sighs of pleasure once again. But time was heedless of him now and marched callously on. He could feel it slipping by and was powerless to stop it.

“Haldir!” She cried happily as he joined them. “This is Goldberry, my sister.”

The March Warden smiled slightly and inclined his head to Goldberry. The two looked nothing alike aside from their laughing eyes and bright smiles.

“Come,” Goldberry invited. “You must be quite weary from your travels. Let us eat and drink then you may rest and tell me your tales if you wish.”

Annowe grinned happily and slipped her arm through her sisters as Haldir followed them. Seeing the two of them together made him long for his own family. But he had left them without so much as a last word. Who would tell them of his departure?

Now his family was in danger. The entire world was in danger and what was he doing? Was he protecting Lothlorien as was his duty? No. Was he protecting Galadriel and his brothers? No. Was he trying to stop Sauron from subjugating middle earth like the noble Prince of Mirkwood? No.

He was doing none of those things. He was fleeing to Valinor! Well it would be no wonder if Annowe never gave him a second thought once he left! She could never admire and respect him for leaving just when he was needed the most no matter what he had taught her! He was disgusted with himself. This was cowardice, pure and simple! How dare he be called away when he was so desperately needed here? He must stay. He could not leave – not like this!

Suddenly, he stopped and called to them. He could not do this. He could not leave. It was madness to abandon everyone and throw away his newfound happiness.

“What is it, Haldir?” Annowe questioned, turning back to him.

“I cannot leave,” he said imperiously, his mind made up now. He would stay and fight; he would fight against Sauron and he would fight for Annowe.

The two nymphs looked at each other and blinked. “I did not think you had a choice,” Annowe murmured puzzled.

“He does not,” Goldberry agreed softly. What ever made him believe that he did? She wondered. If he tried to fight The Call he would find himself driven mad in a very short period of time. It was not something she wished to see again.

“Nevertheless I am not leaving,” he declared. “I must return to defend Lothlorien.”

“Are you mad?” Annowe gasped in horror. “You can’t just go back!”

“I must,” he said simply. It was the only way. He needed her to understand that now.

“No, you do not. You must go to the Havens,” she explained patiently. “You said you heard the call and you will not be able to fight it for long.”

“I know this, little one,” he said softly. “But this is something I must do for my own reasons.”

Frowning, she folded her arms across her chest. “What reasons? Tell me!”

The elf sighed heavily as he drew nearer to them. How could he explain it to her? No matter what he said she would think that he was doing this to get Legolas totally from her heart and mind but that was only partly true. The rest of the matter was a bit more complicated.

He needed to prove to himself that he could be just as noble and he knew that Galadriel needed him. Even if he could not make it to Lothlorien, he had a very good idea that Rivendell would also be under attack and his help would be greatly appreciated there.

“I cannot simply leave while you stay behind to fight,” he said proudly. “I cannot leave when I am needed here.”

Annowe snorted in disbelief, fearing for his sanity. What had gotten into him? Why had he only now decided that he could not go to Valinor? Why didn’t he want to turn back when she first had her vision of Galadriel?

Goldberry watched the two of them and held her tongue. Whatever had transpired between them, she was not sure she wanted to know. Ulmo had simply told her to expect her younger sister and an elf heading for the Havens. He had not elaborated on their relationship but it appeared to Goldberry that there was much more going on between them than simply guide and traveler.

“Perhaps you could remain here for a while and consider the situation,” she suggested gently. He could not fight the call for long and if he tried – she shuddered at the thought.

He considered this as he looked from one sister to the other. He wanted to stay for more reasons that he was prepared to admit but how long could he deny his fate? And if he stayed for Annowe would she even know? Would he let her know? Could he bring himself to let her see that in him?

With a sigh he nodded in agreement. It would give him time to think and consider his situation. He knew it was madness but he could not leave! And he did not want Annowe to return to Legolas! There were too many reasons for him to remain here and he was determined to do so. No matter what the cost.

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