Life's Path
folder
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
19
Views:
6,479
Reviews:
39
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
-Multi-Age › Het - Male/Female
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
19
Views:
6,479
Reviews:
39
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
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.
Revelations
Title: Life’s Path
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: NC-17
Genre: romance
WARNING: Adult themes, sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord of the Rings. All the characters and place names displayed bg tog 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 7 - Revelations
Annis lay awake in Haldir’s arms, listening to his breathing as her head rested upon his chest. It felt so right to be in his arms. His voice broke her thoughts.
“Are you awake Annis?”
She rolled over and saw his beautiful face half lit by the moonlight coming through the window. He smiled and pushed some stray hair back from her face.
“We should leave before our hosts wake. It will be better for us, less to explain.”
“I wish we had something to leave them for all their kindness.”
Haldir smiled, cradling her face he placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Maybe one day, we can repay them for all they have done. Now let us prepare.”
******
He threw the covers off and got up. Looking back at Annis, his heart caught in his throat. She was so beautiful. He wanted things to stay this way but knew they could not. He pulled his trousers on and looked around the room, gathering what little they had. He, however, could not resist turning and watching as Annis got up. He smiled and felt himself getting aroused as she pulled her dress on. He turned his attention away; there was no time for such feelings. They must leave.
******
Annis swiftly dressed and quietly walked into the kitchen. After taking some bread and fruit she found a small piece of paper and ink. She wrote a quick note thanking the family and leaving them instructions that if they were ever to travel to Minas Tirith to bring this letter with them.
She reentered the room and smiled as she watched Haldir move around the room, still amazed at how well he had healed. When he looked up, he smiled and walked towards
With a final look around, he turned and walked out the room. She followed him quietly. They remained quiet for a while, ensuring that they were far enough away so as not to wake the family. Annis moved closer to Haldir and touched his arm gently. He took her hand into his and smiled. They walked this way for quite awhile. Annis felt at peace and completed. She let her eyes watch Haldir walk, his muscles rippling and his blond hair gently blowing in the breeze.
Soon she sensed a change in his mood. He had started moving quicker, looking around urgently. She sighed slightly to herself; it seem that he closer they got to Caras Galadhon the more he seemed to be retreating from her.
******
Haldir found that his full strength had almost returned and moved swiftly. He was anxious to return home. He needed to know how the orcs had come so close and more importantly how many had been lost. His heart darkened for a minute, thinking back to the clearing and the bodies.
His eyes swept over Annis as she moved next to him. Even with the now fading bruises, her beauty and grace shone through. ovedoved ahead of her, his eyes alert for any sign of trouble, with neither of them armed any attack could be fatal, and he was determined not to let that happen.
After almost a day’s travel Haldir sensed his brothers were near. He stopped and called to Annis and then he sped up.
******
Annis followed him closely. Her eyes caught sight of their rescue party coming over the horizon on horses. Orophin was in the lead, Rumil followed close behind with two extra horses. Orophin dismounted and ran to them.
“It is good to see you both. How badly are you injured?” He grabbed Haldir’s arm tightly and pulled him for a hug. Then stepped back looking at the fading wound on his head.
“I am well brother. My injuries are healing. It is good to see you.”
Rumil followed quickly and grabbed Annis.
“Are you alright?” His eyes falling to the bruise on her face.
“I am well. It looks worse than it is.” Her hand gently touching the bruise.
“Elgaria has been worried sick. She was relieved when Galadriel told us you both were alive.”
“How many did we lose?” Haldir turned to his brothers, after greeting Rumil.
“Now is not the time to talk about this. We must get back to Caras Galadhon.” Orophin replied.
“Tell me brother.” Haldir grabbed onto Orophin’s arm tightly and stared intently at him. Orophin flinched a little and bowed his head. Annis watched and waited. She knew the answer was not good.
“We lost eight, brother. Six of them new wardens.” Orophin held his brother’s arm tightly.
Haldir turned his back and bowed his head.
“This is my fault. I should have known better.”
“Known what brother? That the orcs would attack us there? They have never ventured to that side before. It is no ones fault. It happened.” He rested his hand on Haldir’s shoulder.
Annis watched the two and turned to Rumil. Her heart had jumped into her throat hearing how many had been lost. Suddenly she grabbed Rumil. He had said Elgaria was worried but nothing of Varro.
“What of Varro? He was out in that area.”
Rumil bowed his head and Annis knew the answer.
“Oh no…not Varro.” She bowed her head and wept silently. Her heart sunk and ached. She had lost her friend and Elgaria, how must she be feeling?
They stood quietly, no one saying a word. Orophin broke the silence.
“We should be departing now. If we travel hard we will make the border by nightfall.”
Annis moved towards Haldir and touched his shoulder. Haldir shrugged her hand off without acknowledging her and mounted his horse. She fought back more tears and mounted the horse Rumil held for her. As they rode, no one spoke, as Haldir and Annis each lost in their own thoughts.
Haldir was berating himself. He felt responsible for the loss of lives and hated himself for enjoying Annis’ company while others mourned. He couldn’t even look at her. How could he have enjoyed such pleasure?
Annis meanwhile thought of Varro and Elgaria. How could she face Elgaria? She had survived the attack. Her heart physically hurt and was not made any better by Haldir’s abrupt coolness. She rode behind the others suddenly doubting herself. She should have never left Minas Tirith.
As night fell they reached the outer borders, and slowed the pace as they entered the forest. They would be at the stables soon and then from there they would walk to the city.
They entered the stables, to the greetings of the other wardens, all offering their relief that both Haldir and Annis were well. Haldir took the greetings with his usual stone-face and silence. Annis thanked them all and made her way to Haldir, needing to speak to him. But as she reached him, he turned and walked towards one of the lead wardens. She sighed and turned as she blinked back tears. Rumil stepped up and took her arm. He led her towards a tree and ascended to the flet. Annis followed swiftly. She sat down in the corner and drew her knees close to her body. Rumil sat down next to her. His eyes were soft and full of concern.
“Annis, Haldir deals with his pain alone. He takes the loss of any warden as a personal failure. It is the way he is.”
“But he acts as if it is my fault. I did nothing wrong. I lost a friend.” Her tears ran down her face.
Rumil pulled her gently into his arms and held her as she cried. She cried for her friend and fellow wardens who lost their lives. Her sobs stopped sometime later and she sat up wiping her eyes.
“I am sorry. That was unbecoming of a warden.”
“It is all right. I will not tell anyone. The truth be told, the first time I lost a friend I cried too. I am not going to say it gets easier but you learn that death is just the beginning.” He held her hand and offered her a smile. “Now lie down and rest. I am sure that Galadriel has much to talk to you about.” He handed her a blanket and gave her a final smile as he left the flet.
Curled up on the flet, Annis found herself remembering her trip from Minas Tirith to Caras Galadhon. Her first meeting with Haldir. She wanted to understand him. She knew that he had enjoyed her company and body as much as she did his. How could he just banish those feelings? She closed her eyes and let sleep take her.
******
Haldir talked to the warden for a while. He needed to be far away from Annis for the guilt was eating him up. He left the warden and sat on the edge of the clearing. He felt he needed topunipunished for enjoying physical pleasure at such a time. At the thought of Annis, though, his body started to react. He pushed her out of his thoughts as he heard a branch snap and without looking back, said, “What is it Rumil?”
“What happened out there?” Rumil replied as he sat next to his brother.
“What do you mean?”
“I can sense that something is irritating you, more than just the deaths. Annis is in tears on the flet.”
“Annis is young and needs to learn how to deal with death. That is all.”
“That is not all brother. Why do you ignore her so?”
Rumil looked at his brother intently, his eyes burning into Haldir’s eyes. Haldir sensed his brother was seeking the answer and looked the other way. Rumil suddenly took a deep breath, seeming to have found the answer.
“Ah is that what this is about. The mighty March Warden breaking his own rule and enjoying the company of a warden.”
Haldir said nothing to his brother.
“Why, then, ignore her? Annis is a fine match. She is a strong female, one that can keep up with you.”
“You know nothing Rumil. She…I mean I enjoyed physical pleasures while others were mourning the loss of their loved ones. I am the March Warden. I should have been thinking of them and not myself.”
“Haldir, my brother, you are allowed to enjoy yourself and find love. Nothing is written that the March Warden cannot have love. You have made this self-imposed rule. It is not fair to blame Annis. She needs you. She has lost her friend.”
“Annis needs to learn the way of the world. She will be all right. She will find another.”
“Maybe shesn’esn’t want another.” Rumil reached for his brother’s shoulder and touched it gently. “Haldir, maybe it is time for you to settle down. You have given so much to Caras Galadhon that you have forgotten yourself.”
Haldir shrugged his brother’s arm off his shoulder. He didn’t want to hear any comforting words right now. He stood and turned to his brother.
“I know what is best for myself. I do not need your thoughts on the issue.”
With that he turned and left Rumil sitting alone. Rumil sighed and got up.
“I do not think you do know what you need.” He said quietly and left to head back to the flet.
******
Annis awoke and saw Rumil looking out at the raising sun. She got up and stretched her arms above her head. She walked slowly and stood next to him.
“Good, you are awake. We will start our journey back home then.” He turned and handed her a fresh uniform and new sword. “I believe you may want these. Though the dress is not all that bad.” He smiled cheekily and descended the flet.
Annis swiftly put the fresh uniform on and descended the flet, landing next to Rumil and looked around but did not see either Haldir or Orophin. Rumil seemed to know what she was looking for.
“They have gone ahead. Haldir wanted to speak to Galadriel and Celeborn. So I am afraid you are left with my company.”
Annis tried to cover her disappointment for she had hoped to talk to Haldir.
“Your company is always welcome.” She turned and headed out with Rumil walking close behind her.
******
Haldir had wanted to leave without Annis. He needed space and wanted to talk to Celeborn alone. He had hoped to walk alone, but Orophin had insisted on coming with him. They walked in silence, as Orophin had always known when his brother did not want to talk. As they got closer to Caras Galadhon, Haldir could hear the mourning for the lost wardens. His face-hardened as his heart sunk. They entered the city after midday. They walked towards the palace and saw Celeborn and Galadriel descending the stairs as they came up.
Haldir bowed and greeted them. “My lord and lady, I am sorry for the loss. I have failed you.”
“You have not failed us. The orcs surprised us.” Galadriel looked at him and smiled gently.
“I should have been prepared for anything. No lives should have been lost. I have failed the families of those lost.” He looked down.
“Haldir, you were injured. Each warden knows that there is risk in what they have chosen to do. Each family is relieved that you and Annis are alive. Now you should have your wounds checked.” Galadriel raised his face gently.
He shivered at the mentioned of Annis’ name. He nodded to Galadriel, wanting to believe what she said. He turned and looked at Celeborn.
“My lord, I was hoping to talk to you about reinforcing the area attacked.”
“Nay, Haldir. My lady is right. You should see a healer about your wounds. We will have time to talk about that issue later.”
“But I am healed. Annis…well I believe Annis healed them.”
Galadriel looked at Haldir with a strange smile.
“What do you mean?”
“I was injured worse than this. And I felt a strange warmth from where Annis had slept on my arm.” His face flushed red and he looked only at Galadriel, though he could feel Orophin’s eyes on him.
“Annis…a healer? Interesting, as far as I know she was never taught these skills. And for one so young to posses them is even rarer. Still, you should see a healer and ensure that the wounds are healed.”
She snapped her fingers and a healer stepped forward. Haldir knew better than to argue any further. He bowed to them both and followed the healer to a side room. Orophin turned and left quickly. Galadriel turned to follow Haldir but Celeborn stopped her.
“What does this mean? First she reaches you and now she is healing at such a young age.”
Galadriel smiled a little at her husband.
“She is our granddaughter. Did you not think she would inherit some of our power? As I said before…I believe she has many great things ahead of her.”
With that she turned and left her husband.
******
Annis walked in silence behind Rumil, her mind on Haldir. How could he act so cold to her? She had thought that they had finally broken through the layer that had kept them separated. Wondering if Rumil knew anything, she caught up to him.
“Rumil, what makes your brother so…”
“Cold and detached? I believe it is due to him being the eldest and was left taking care of us. He never had time to enjoy himself. Now he is the March Warden, he feels he is not allowed to find any pleasure in life. He is in pain. He feels he has failed the families who lost wardens. Annis please do not give up on him so easily. He does truly care for you and needs you.”
Annis stopped and faced him, anger boiling in her. “I too have lost a close friend and colleagues! He has rebuffed me each time I tried to get close, and then we finally connect, but as soon as we near Caras Galadhon, he acts as if nothing happened.”
She turned from him and walked ahead of him. They walked in silence for the remainder of the journey.
Upon approaching Caras Galadhon, she could hear the mourning. She felt tears forming and wiped her eyes. She felt Rumil’s hand on her shoulder and she gave him a weak smile. It was not fair of her to be angry with him for his brother’s actions.
“Come, Galadriel will want to see you.”
******
Upon approaching the palace, Galadriel was exiting towards her gardens. Annis knew that Galadriel had known she was close. Annis bowed to Galadriel, who offered her a warm smile and took her hand.
“Thank you Rumil. If you would like, Haldir is with the healer, and ing ing your brother, he is trying to escape her. I am sure she would appreciate your help.” She softly said.
Rumil bowed and departed, leaving them alone. Annis had tensed upon hearing Haldir’s name.
“Come, walk with me Annis.”
Galadriel took Annis by the arm and they walked in silence for quite awhile. Yet, Annis could feel her in her mind. She blushed a little knowing that Galadriel would know all.
“Do not worry, I was young once too.” Galadriel sat and patted the spot next to her. Annis sat down and looked at her. “We have much to talk about. I believe you posses a strong talent, do you know what it is?”
Annis shook her head ‘no’, not sure what she meant.
“You are a healer Annis. It is rare for someone so young to be able to heal the way you healed Haldir.”
“I did not heal him.” She said, confused, “It was the ointment given to us. I brought some back with us.”
“No Annis, it was not the ointment. It was you. I can sense it in you and more importantly, Haldir felt it.”
“But if I am a healer, why did I not heal my own injuries?” Her hand stroked the side of her bruised face.
“Because you have not learnt to use it. With time and training you will learn to use your skill. But there is another more important skill you have. You have the ability to use your mind. It is a powerful and rare skill, Annis.”
Annis sat opened mouthed at what she was hearing.
“But I have heard you before in my mind. Surely it is no different than that.”
“Nay Annis, I made contact the first time. This time you made contact with me. You posses many powerful skills and I believe that it is time to teach you how to use them.”
Galadriel continued to talk as Annis listened intently to all she said. Her head starting to swim with all revelations.
Author: Elfgirl69
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Rating: NC-17
Genre: romance
WARNING: Adult themes, sex
Disclaimer: I own no one from The Lord of the Rings. All the characters and place names displayed bg tog 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 7 - Revelations
Annis lay awake in Haldir’s arms, listening to his breathing as her head rested upon his chest. It felt so right to be in his arms. His voice broke her thoughts.
“Are you awake Annis?”
She rolled over and saw his beautiful face half lit by the moonlight coming through the window. He smiled and pushed some stray hair back from her face.
“We should leave before our hosts wake. It will be better for us, less to explain.”
“I wish we had something to leave them for all their kindness.”
Haldir smiled, cradling her face he placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Maybe one day, we can repay them for all they have done. Now let us prepare.”
******
He threw the covers off and got up. Looking back at Annis, his heart caught in his throat. She was so beautiful. He wanted things to stay this way but knew they could not. He pulled his trousers on and looked around the room, gathering what little they had. He, however, could not resist turning and watching as Annis got up. He smiled and felt himself getting aroused as she pulled her dress on. He turned his attention away; there was no time for such feelings. They must leave.
******
Annis swiftly dressed and quietly walked into the kitchen. After taking some bread and fruit she found a small piece of paper and ink. She wrote a quick note thanking the family and leaving them instructions that if they were ever to travel to Minas Tirith to bring this letter with them.
She reentered the room and smiled as she watched Haldir move around the room, still amazed at how well he had healed. When he looked up, he smiled and walked towards
With a final look around, he turned and walked out the room. She followed him quietly. They remained quiet for a while, ensuring that they were far enough away so as not to wake the family. Annis moved closer to Haldir and touched his arm gently. He took her hand into his and smiled. They walked this way for quite awhile. Annis felt at peace and completed. She let her eyes watch Haldir walk, his muscles rippling and his blond hair gently blowing in the breeze.
Soon she sensed a change in his mood. He had started moving quicker, looking around urgently. She sighed slightly to herself; it seem that he closer they got to Caras Galadhon the more he seemed to be retreating from her.
******
Haldir found that his full strength had almost returned and moved swiftly. He was anxious to return home. He needed to know how the orcs had come so close and more importantly how many had been lost. His heart darkened for a minute, thinking back to the clearing and the bodies.
His eyes swept over Annis as she moved next to him. Even with the now fading bruises, her beauty and grace shone through. ovedoved ahead of her, his eyes alert for any sign of trouble, with neither of them armed any attack could be fatal, and he was determined not to let that happen.
After almost a day’s travel Haldir sensed his brothers were near. He stopped and called to Annis and then he sped up.
******
Annis followed him closely. Her eyes caught sight of their rescue party coming over the horizon on horses. Orophin was in the lead, Rumil followed close behind with two extra horses. Orophin dismounted and ran to them.
“It is good to see you both. How badly are you injured?” He grabbed Haldir’s arm tightly and pulled him for a hug. Then stepped back looking at the fading wound on his head.
“I am well brother. My injuries are healing. It is good to see you.”
Rumil followed quickly and grabbed Annis.
“Are you alright?” His eyes falling to the bruise on her face.
“I am well. It looks worse than it is.” Her hand gently touching the bruise.
“Elgaria has been worried sick. She was relieved when Galadriel told us you both were alive.”
“How many did we lose?” Haldir turned to his brothers, after greeting Rumil.
“Now is not the time to talk about this. We must get back to Caras Galadhon.” Orophin replied.
“Tell me brother.” Haldir grabbed onto Orophin’s arm tightly and stared intently at him. Orophin flinched a little and bowed his head. Annis watched and waited. She knew the answer was not good.
“We lost eight, brother. Six of them new wardens.” Orophin held his brother’s arm tightly.
Haldir turned his back and bowed his head.
“This is my fault. I should have known better.”
“Known what brother? That the orcs would attack us there? They have never ventured to that side before. It is no ones fault. It happened.” He rested his hand on Haldir’s shoulder.
Annis watched the two and turned to Rumil. Her heart had jumped into her throat hearing how many had been lost. Suddenly she grabbed Rumil. He had said Elgaria was worried but nothing of Varro.
“What of Varro? He was out in that area.”
Rumil bowed his head and Annis knew the answer.
“Oh no…not Varro.” She bowed her head and wept silently. Her heart sunk and ached. She had lost her friend and Elgaria, how must she be feeling?
They stood quietly, no one saying a word. Orophin broke the silence.
“We should be departing now. If we travel hard we will make the border by nightfall.”
Annis moved towards Haldir and touched his shoulder. Haldir shrugged her hand off without acknowledging her and mounted his horse. She fought back more tears and mounted the horse Rumil held for her. As they rode, no one spoke, as Haldir and Annis each lost in their own thoughts.
Haldir was berating himself. He felt responsible for the loss of lives and hated himself for enjoying Annis’ company while others mourned. He couldn’t even look at her. How could he have enjoyed such pleasure?
Annis meanwhile thought of Varro and Elgaria. How could she face Elgaria? She had survived the attack. Her heart physically hurt and was not made any better by Haldir’s abrupt coolness. She rode behind the others suddenly doubting herself. She should have never left Minas Tirith.
As night fell they reached the outer borders, and slowed the pace as they entered the forest. They would be at the stables soon and then from there they would walk to the city.
They entered the stables, to the greetings of the other wardens, all offering their relief that both Haldir and Annis were well. Haldir took the greetings with his usual stone-face and silence. Annis thanked them all and made her way to Haldir, needing to speak to him. But as she reached him, he turned and walked towards one of the lead wardens. She sighed and turned as she blinked back tears. Rumil stepped up and took her arm. He led her towards a tree and ascended to the flet. Annis followed swiftly. She sat down in the corner and drew her knees close to her body. Rumil sat down next to her. His eyes were soft and full of concern.
“Annis, Haldir deals with his pain alone. He takes the loss of any warden as a personal failure. It is the way he is.”
“But he acts as if it is my fault. I did nothing wrong. I lost a friend.” Her tears ran down her face.
Rumil pulled her gently into his arms and held her as she cried. She cried for her friend and fellow wardens who lost their lives. Her sobs stopped sometime later and she sat up wiping her eyes.
“I am sorry. That was unbecoming of a warden.”
“It is all right. I will not tell anyone. The truth be told, the first time I lost a friend I cried too. I am not going to say it gets easier but you learn that death is just the beginning.” He held her hand and offered her a smile. “Now lie down and rest. I am sure that Galadriel has much to talk to you about.” He handed her a blanket and gave her a final smile as he left the flet.
Curled up on the flet, Annis found herself remembering her trip from Minas Tirith to Caras Galadhon. Her first meeting with Haldir. She wanted to understand him. She knew that he had enjoyed her company and body as much as she did his. How could he just banish those feelings? She closed her eyes and let sleep take her.
******
Haldir talked to the warden for a while. He needed to be far away from Annis for the guilt was eating him up. He left the warden and sat on the edge of the clearing. He felt he needed topunipunished for enjoying physical pleasure at such a time. At the thought of Annis, though, his body started to react. He pushed her out of his thoughts as he heard a branch snap and without looking back, said, “What is it Rumil?”
“What happened out there?” Rumil replied as he sat next to his brother.
“What do you mean?”
“I can sense that something is irritating you, more than just the deaths. Annis is in tears on the flet.”
“Annis is young and needs to learn how to deal with death. That is all.”
“That is not all brother. Why do you ignore her so?”
Rumil looked at his brother intently, his eyes burning into Haldir’s eyes. Haldir sensed his brother was seeking the answer and looked the other way. Rumil suddenly took a deep breath, seeming to have found the answer.
“Ah is that what this is about. The mighty March Warden breaking his own rule and enjoying the company of a warden.”
Haldir said nothing to his brother.
“Why, then, ignore her? Annis is a fine match. She is a strong female, one that can keep up with you.”
“You know nothing Rumil. She…I mean I enjoyed physical pleasures while others were mourning the loss of their loved ones. I am the March Warden. I should have been thinking of them and not myself.”
“Haldir, my brother, you are allowed to enjoy yourself and find love. Nothing is written that the March Warden cannot have love. You have made this self-imposed rule. It is not fair to blame Annis. She needs you. She has lost her friend.”
“Annis needs to learn the way of the world. She will be all right. She will find another.”
“Maybe shesn’esn’t want another.” Rumil reached for his brother’s shoulder and touched it gently. “Haldir, maybe it is time for you to settle down. You have given so much to Caras Galadhon that you have forgotten yourself.”
Haldir shrugged his brother’s arm off his shoulder. He didn’t want to hear any comforting words right now. He stood and turned to his brother.
“I know what is best for myself. I do not need your thoughts on the issue.”
With that he turned and left Rumil sitting alone. Rumil sighed and got up.
“I do not think you do know what you need.” He said quietly and left to head back to the flet.
******
Annis awoke and saw Rumil looking out at the raising sun. She got up and stretched her arms above her head. She walked slowly and stood next to him.
“Good, you are awake. We will start our journey back home then.” He turned and handed her a fresh uniform and new sword. “I believe you may want these. Though the dress is not all that bad.” He smiled cheekily and descended the flet.
Annis swiftly put the fresh uniform on and descended the flet, landing next to Rumil and looked around but did not see either Haldir or Orophin. Rumil seemed to know what she was looking for.
“They have gone ahead. Haldir wanted to speak to Galadriel and Celeborn. So I am afraid you are left with my company.”
Annis tried to cover her disappointment for she had hoped to talk to Haldir.
“Your company is always welcome.” She turned and headed out with Rumil walking close behind her.
******
Haldir had wanted to leave without Annis. He needed space and wanted to talk to Celeborn alone. He had hoped to walk alone, but Orophin had insisted on coming with him. They walked in silence, as Orophin had always known when his brother did not want to talk. As they got closer to Caras Galadhon, Haldir could hear the mourning for the lost wardens. His face-hardened as his heart sunk. They entered the city after midday. They walked towards the palace and saw Celeborn and Galadriel descending the stairs as they came up.
Haldir bowed and greeted them. “My lord and lady, I am sorry for the loss. I have failed you.”
“You have not failed us. The orcs surprised us.” Galadriel looked at him and smiled gently.
“I should have been prepared for anything. No lives should have been lost. I have failed the families of those lost.” He looked down.
“Haldir, you were injured. Each warden knows that there is risk in what they have chosen to do. Each family is relieved that you and Annis are alive. Now you should have your wounds checked.” Galadriel raised his face gently.
He shivered at the mentioned of Annis’ name. He nodded to Galadriel, wanting to believe what she said. He turned and looked at Celeborn.
“My lord, I was hoping to talk to you about reinforcing the area attacked.”
“Nay, Haldir. My lady is right. You should see a healer about your wounds. We will have time to talk about that issue later.”
“But I am healed. Annis…well I believe Annis healed them.”
Galadriel looked at Haldir with a strange smile.
“What do you mean?”
“I was injured worse than this. And I felt a strange warmth from where Annis had slept on my arm.” His face flushed red and he looked only at Galadriel, though he could feel Orophin’s eyes on him.
“Annis…a healer? Interesting, as far as I know she was never taught these skills. And for one so young to posses them is even rarer. Still, you should see a healer and ensure that the wounds are healed.”
She snapped her fingers and a healer stepped forward. Haldir knew better than to argue any further. He bowed to them both and followed the healer to a side room. Orophin turned and left quickly. Galadriel turned to follow Haldir but Celeborn stopped her.
“What does this mean? First she reaches you and now she is healing at such a young age.”
Galadriel smiled a little at her husband.
“She is our granddaughter. Did you not think she would inherit some of our power? As I said before…I believe she has many great things ahead of her.”
With that she turned and left her husband.
******
Annis walked in silence behind Rumil, her mind on Haldir. How could he act so cold to her? She had thought that they had finally broken through the layer that had kept them separated. Wondering if Rumil knew anything, she caught up to him.
“Rumil, what makes your brother so…”
“Cold and detached? I believe it is due to him being the eldest and was left taking care of us. He never had time to enjoy himself. Now he is the March Warden, he feels he is not allowed to find any pleasure in life. He is in pain. He feels he has failed the families who lost wardens. Annis please do not give up on him so easily. He does truly care for you and needs you.”
Annis stopped and faced him, anger boiling in her. “I too have lost a close friend and colleagues! He has rebuffed me each time I tried to get close, and then we finally connect, but as soon as we near Caras Galadhon, he acts as if nothing happened.”
She turned from him and walked ahead of him. They walked in silence for the remainder of the journey.
Upon approaching Caras Galadhon, she could hear the mourning. She felt tears forming and wiped her eyes. She felt Rumil’s hand on her shoulder and she gave him a weak smile. It was not fair of her to be angry with him for his brother’s actions.
“Come, Galadriel will want to see you.”
******
Upon approaching the palace, Galadriel was exiting towards her gardens. Annis knew that Galadriel had known she was close. Annis bowed to Galadriel, who offered her a warm smile and took her hand.
“Thank you Rumil. If you would like, Haldir is with the healer, and ing ing your brother, he is trying to escape her. I am sure she would appreciate your help.” She softly said.
Rumil bowed and departed, leaving them alone. Annis had tensed upon hearing Haldir’s name.
“Come, walk with me Annis.”
Galadriel took Annis by the arm and they walked in silence for quite awhile. Yet, Annis could feel her in her mind. She blushed a little knowing that Galadriel would know all.
“Do not worry, I was young once too.” Galadriel sat and patted the spot next to her. Annis sat down and looked at her. “We have much to talk about. I believe you posses a strong talent, do you know what it is?”
Annis shook her head ‘no’, not sure what she meant.
“You are a healer Annis. It is rare for someone so young to be able to heal the way you healed Haldir.”
“I did not heal him.” She said, confused, “It was the ointment given to us. I brought some back with us.”
“No Annis, it was not the ointment. It was you. I can sense it in you and more importantly, Haldir felt it.”
“But if I am a healer, why did I not heal my own injuries?” Her hand stroked the side of her bruised face.
“Because you have not learnt to use it. With time and training you will learn to use your skill. But there is another more important skill you have. You have the ability to use your mind. It is a powerful and rare skill, Annis.”
Annis sat opened mouthed at what she was hearing.
“But I have heard you before in my mind. Surely it is no different than that.”
“Nay Annis, I made contact the first time. This time you made contact with me. You posses many powerful skills and I believe that it is time to teach you how to use them.”
Galadriel continued to talk as Annis listened intently to all she said. Her head starting to swim with all revelations.