Emerald

Title: Emerald 7/?

Author: Ambur

Beta: Fianna

Rating: R

Warning: Slight sexual descriptions between Haldir and Serena.

Summary: Orophin is ready to open his heart, but to what end?

REMINDER: Orophin does not speak westron in this story. All conversations he and Emerald have are in elvish. Emerald also reaches adulthood in this chapter


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Chapter 7


Serena bolted upright in her bed when she heard the scream. She flung the covers away and hurried quickly into the guest room where Emerald had been staying since Orophin had left for the borders two weeks earlier. The girl had been plagued with nightmares since he had left and tonight was no exception. Emerald was thrashing wildly on the bed, her eyes wide open, staring blankly. Her face pale with terror, arms outstretched in front of her, she wailed loudly in fear.

Serena jumped onto the bed and grabbed Emerald, shaking her, trying desperately to wake her. Emerald struggled against Serena, as if she thought she were being attacked. Serena shook her harshly, “Emerald wakeup! Emerald! It’s Serena…you are dreaming! Wake up Emmie!”

Emerald shook her head violently and cried out in her sleep, “No Haldir, you must pull back…Haldir…behind you….Haldir no!”

Serena straddled Emerald then, shaking her violently, “Emmie wake up! Tell me what you see! Wake up.”

Emerald gasped suddenly as her gaze met Serena’s. Emerald fell limp into Serena’s embrace, her body shuddering with her sobbing. Serena stroked her hair, struggling with the urge to ask her what she had seen in the dream. This was the 3rd time Emerald had cried out to Haldir in her sleep warning him of some unforeseen danger. Serena rocked the girl as she cried, “Shh Emmie, it is all right now. You were only dreaming.”

Emerald pulled away slightly to regard her friend’s face, “Oh Serena…it was horrible. It felt so real…I have never been so terrified in my life. It’s the same every night, yet there is always more. Oh what could it mean?”

Serena’s expression was desperate as she licked her dry lips nervously. “Perhaps if you were to talk about it…you might feel better.”

Serena’s eyes narrowed when Emerald refused, burying her face against the she elf. Out of patience, Serena grabbed Emerald’s upper arms and shook her as she spoke, “Tell me damn you! I know you see him! Tell me what you see? You see his death don’t you.”

Emerald struggled to free herself, her eyes wide with fear as she still shook her head no, “Nay…Serena…you are hurting me…I don’t want to talk about it.”

“I don’t care if you don’t want to talk about it! You tell me what happened to Haldir…tell me now you little witch!”

Emerald’s sharp intake of breath caused Serena to pause. Emerald had not been called a witch since she was a small girl. Serena stopped shaking Emerald and stared into the girl’s pain filled eyes. Serena clutched her to her, sobbing now, “I am so sorry Emmie. I didn’t mean it…I…am just so afraid for him. Every time you call his name…I know you see his death. I just feel so helpless to stop it. Forgive me…”

Emerald pulled herself from Serena’s arms to embrace Serena tightly. Emerald could feel Serena’s fear and desperation penetrate her very soul and she had no comfort to give the elleth. For it was true, Emerald had indeed seen Haldir’s death, many, many times since coming to Lothlorein. The girl sighed heavily, holding Serena close. “It I true Serena. I have seen him, struck down from behind, but I know not where he is or what it means. The dreams are but flashes here and there. I see many things, many wretched things within this dream.” Emerald voice trembled softly. “I call out to him, but he does not hear me. There is too much noise from the battle raging. I try to reach him, but I am pushed back from the fleeing hoards…”

Serena’s eyes seemed to light up with hope. “You are with him Emmie? You are there with him?” Serena pulled her closer, “Oh you must be if you can see him so close. You can save him! You can stop this from happening. Of course! What else could this mean? You are being given a vision so that you may change the course of what will happen. Why else would you dream this over and over?”

Emerald tried unsuccessfully to pull away from Serena who seemed to be in another world. Her eyes had gone a bit wild, “I know you can save him Emmie! Your white magic can save him.”

Emerald said nothing, only wrapped her arms around her for comfort. Emerald did not know what the nightmares meant and she did not want to know. She did not know where the place in her dream was or if she was actually there with Haldir or not. She knew one thing however, she did not want the responsibility of saving him. What if she failed? Could she live with herself? Would Serena forgive her? What could she do in such a battle as this?

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Orophin’s sigh was deep. He stared blankly out into the night sky. Silence had been his prevailing theme since taking his place along the borders. His heart was heavy and both his brothers knew the cause of it. Rumil had tried unsuccessfully to tease Orophin into a better mood, but he remained somber. Haldir nudged Rumil with his elbow, encouraging him to try once more to lighten the middle brother’s mood. Rumil sauntered over to Orophin, plopping most ungracefully beside him. Orophin did not even flinch at the sudden intrusion to his privacy.

Rumil glanced back at Haldir and shrugged. “Come now brother. What is this face? You are even dourer than our elder, if that is possible. Why is your mood so depressed?”

Orophin tugged at the sleeve of his tunic before shrugging slightly. “I am weary. It has been a long while since I have guarded our borders. Mayhaps I am out of practice.”

Haldir approached his brother then, sitting to the other side of him. “Nonsense Orophin! You are too skilled a warden to ever find yourself out of practice. You are thinking of Emerald and have been even since we left the city.”

Orophin turned to speak, but Haldir silenced him with his hand. “Do not try and deny it. I see the sadness in your eyes. It reflects the longing in your heart. Do not forget brother, only to well do I understand what it is you feel.”

Orophin sighed again, his shoulders sagging as if he hed the weight of the world upon them, “I have hurt her.”

Rumil and Haldir exchanged glances before Rumil pressed. “How so? You two are the best of friends. What could you have done to hurt her so?”

Orophin swallowed hard. He had never even admitted it aloud to himself. Dare he admit it now in the company of his beloved brothers? What would Haldir say? Would Rumil poke fun at him? What wohapphappen if he dared to admit it openly? Orophin glanced sideways at both his brothers before speaking softly. “I am in love with her and I cannot tell her. I dare not. I know she loves me and she does not understand. I try to make her understand, but only end up grieving her so.”

Orophin’s gaze rose to meet Haldir’s. Orophin had been so adamant with himself that he would never admit the truth, but now he found he could not hold it in any longer. He must be honest with himself about his feelings for her, “I feel as if my heart will burst from my chest if I cannot have her. I ache for her…I can still smell her…hear her sweet voice…I still feel the lingering touch of the softness of her skin to my finger tips.” Orophin laughed bitterly, “And what can come of it? I cannot have her only to lose her to death in the end. It is to the point where it causes me more grief to be near her, yet I cannot bear to stay away. This pain in my heart is driving me mad. Haldir…brother…please tell me what to do.”

It was Haldir’s turn to swallow hard. He did not know what to say to Orophin. He had never believed anything more could come of this, but he knew what the girl meant to his brother. He knew what Orophin meant to her. Though he could not deny what Emerald had done for his brother, nor could he deny how his brother had made all the difference in her life. Perhaps he had been harsh in his judgment of this relationship. Yes Orophin would eventually lose her, but what of the years he could have with her? Wondrous years full of love and companionship, perhaps even more. Too long had Orophin’s spirits been marred by the loss of that fickle she elf Celeste. Not until Emerald had come to Lothlorien had Orophin even dared to smile again, much less find friendship in another.

Haldir placed a reassuring hand over Orophin’s arm, “You should go to her upon our return, take her in your arms and tell her how you feel.”

Orophin and Rumil were both startled at Haldir’s response. A single tear slid down Orophin’s cheek as he smiled at Haldir. “You do not think me a fool?”

Haldir laughed, “Of course I do! But no more of a fool than I am for Serena.” Haldir’s expression grew serious, “I do not know what will come of it brother. It grieves me to think you will have to know the pain and grief of her passing, but if you do nothing, you will regret it forever. If you do not take the chance to know of what could come of this…you will never have peace Orophin. If you love her, you must tell her.”

Rumil poked him playfully in the rib, “She will be eight and ten in less than one weeks time. She will be a woman in mortal years. You have no reason to dally with this. You must tell her how you feel before some other elf more fair of face steals her away from you.”

Orophin narrowed his eyes at Rumil before pouncing playfully onto his younger sibling, knocking both of them from the flet onto the ground. Haldir rolled his eyes, shaking his head in consternation watching the two of them grapple on the forest floor.


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Emerald did not go to the gates to greet Orophin upon his return to the city. After all, their parting had been disquieting. It had been quite a struggle not to go and throw herself into his arms, but she had not been sure how he w rec receive her. She had also been honest with herself about not knowing how or when she was going to tell him she was leaving…and did not know when or if she would ever see him again. The realization of it had taken its toll on her and she had spent most of the morning locked away in her talan already grieving his loss to her.

Through her tears her mind wandered back to the Lady’s words. There were so many in need of her, the Lady had told her. She must go to Minis Tirith. Her mother would have gone. Her mother would never deny a living thing her healing skills. Emerald had a special gift and there was more than just physical ailments to be tended too. This is what Elrond had prepared her for. It was time she honor the Valar for they gifts they bestowed to her and use them for the benefit of others. She had asked the Lady would she ever return to the Golden Wood again. What she had truly meant was would she ever return to Orophin again. The Lady, who was fond of speaking in riddles had only smiled so lovingly at her and said, ‘What does your heart tell you, young Emerald?’

Emerald’s heart ached at the words. She did not know what her heart told her. She was so confused and so frightened. She thought she would die if she would never see him again. He had been the few things to bring her joy and now she was supposed to simply give that away? She clenched her fists, slamming them onto the mattress. Why must she go? Were there not other healers? Why did it have to be her? It was not fair! The Lady had told her hearts were breaking in the white city. Well what about her own heart! It had been broken more times than she could remember and now, because of this insignificant city and its folk, she had to leave the one she loved with all of her heart.

A sob escaped her lips as the guilt of her words and feelings began to pour over her. It was not the White City’s people who were at fault, for they lay besieged by the armies of Mordor. She jerked, her hand closing over her mouth when there was a soft knock at her door. How could she tell him? Would he be angry? Would he understand? Would her heart survive if he did not care?

Orophin stood outside her talan door listening to her ragged breathing and soft cries. He wondered why she had not come to meet him. Had he wounded her so that she could not bear to look at him now? “Emerald…please open the door. We must talk.”

She bit into her knuckle so hard she drew blood. Slolwy she stood to her feet, still staring at the door, her mind racing with what she should do. Orophin began to pound harder.

“Emmie, this is silly. Open the door. I’m not leaving until you speak to me.”

Still she made no movement to go to the door.

Orophin gave an exasperated sigh before placing his hand over the knob and began to enter without her bidding. She ran to the door and pressed her weight against it. “Emerald, what are you doing? Stop this and let me in.”

“Orophin…I’m sorry…could you please just go away…I will speak with you later.”

His brow furrowed, “No I will not go away. Move away from the door and let me in. I do not want to enter forcefully, but I will if you do not stop this nonsense.”

Emerald’s mind raced. She knew her much lighter weight could not stop him from entering and he was already pushing his way inside. With a defeated whimper, she moved a way from the door and let him enter. He came inside and closed the door before turning to face her. Upon seeing her distraught state, his expression softened as he took a step toward her. “What kind of welcome is this Emerald? I have been gone from you for a month and thought of nothing but you while I was away. Why did you not come to greet me?”

She turned from him. Seeing him brought the anguish of parting home to her so forcefully she nearly swooned from the pain. Orophin wrapped his arms around her and she tried to pull away, but his arms were like steel bands and held her to him tightly. She desperately tried not to cry, but crumpled against him when he spoke, whisperingly tenderly into her hair. “Emerald, sweetling, why do you cry? Why is your heart breaking?”

She took a deep breath and turned herself in his arms, her lips trembling as she tried to bravely smile through her tears. “I…I…have only missed you so…th…that is all…”

He chuckled softly, pulling her tightly into his embrace placing her head against his chest, “You expect me to believe these tears of joy for my return? I will know the reason why your heart is breaking. You know me better than that Emmie. You know I will not leave you in peace until you tell me the meaning of this.”

She shook her head adamantly against his chest when he scooped her up and sat in a nearby chair holding her on his lap. “I am so-sorry Orophin…” She hiccupped. “I did not mean for you to have such a dreary welcome.”

He placed a kiss on the top of her head, stroking her hair now, “I think you did not mean for me to have a welcome at all when you denied me your presence at the city gates. Many other wardens were greeted with hugs and kisses from their loved ones and I was left standing alone like an oaf waiting for you to come to me.”

Orophin grimaced when his words, meant only in jest brought about another round of tears. “Emerald I meant it only in fun. I thought perhaps to try and make you laugh as opposed to your tears.”

Emerald peered up at him, wiping her runny nose on the sleeve of her tunic and tried once again to give him a brave smile. “I am sorry to fuss so Orophin. Truly, it is only because I missed you and I…I did not know how you would feel if I came to greet you. I thought perhaps…you would not want to see me. Our last words to one another were not very friendly.” She placed her head back against him, “I thought you might be angry with me if I came.”

“Angry!” He said a bit incredoulsy, squeezing her so tightly he made her gasp. “Nay Emmie! I have thought of nothing but holding you just as I am now. Of course, I did not bargain for all of these tears, but just as long as I have you in my arms, I will allow them, though I do not accept your reasoning for them. I will not force you to tell me the truth behind this until you are ready.”

His comforting words and his embrace had quite a calming effect on her. Orophin was however a bit perturbed that he must wait to tell her of what was in his heart. He had fantasized on how it would be as he had made his way back to the city. This certainly was not how he imagined his homecoming, but she was here with him and that was all that mattered to him. He would just have to be patient and bide his time for the other.


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Serena lay in Haldir’s arms, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Haldir had not even given her time to speak welcome to him before shoving her backward onto the bed, covering her body with his and crushing his mouth against hers. Haldir had been aggressive in his lovemaking, trapping her body beneath his, not even supporting his weight on his forearms. She did not mind being helpless underneath him. Having him against her like that had made her feel safe and deliciously warm. She could not deny the nagging in her heart at his seeming urgency with her.

“Forgive me Serena for seeing to my pleasure only. It was much too soon, I know. I will make it up to you ten fold, my love.”

She giggled softly; pressing herself closer against him, “Do not worry of my pleasure husband. Having you move within me is exquisite no matter how long. You always fill me completely. My body, my heart, my soul, you are my anchor in an uncertain world.” She kissed his chest softly as her expression grew solemn, “I would die without you Haldir. You must never leave me. Promise me you will be with me always.”

Haldir tightened his grip around her, “I will always be with you Serena. Never forget that. No matter where I am called…no matter how long I am away from you…my heart is yours always. You complete me.”

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Haldir watched Serena as she prepared a hearty meal for him. He sorely missed her cooking when he was away from the city. Lembas and dried venison sticks could become tiresome very quickly. Serena laid out the place setting before stopping to regard him, “How did Orophin fare being away from Emerald?”

Haldir chuckled softly, “I thought perhaps we would have to tie him to a tree to keep him from running back to her. I am glad our watch was only for a month. He opened his heart to Rumil and I. He loves her, Serena. He loves her with every inch of his heart. He is going to tell her so and plans to court her before asking for her hand.”

Serena’s expression became aloof as she turned from him. Haldir stood and went to her, “Serena? What is it?”

She turned to face him, her expression worried and sad now. “She is leaving. The Lady is sending her away.”

Haldir reared back in surprise. “Sending her away? Where? Why?”

“She is sending her to Gondor, to the White City. They are in desperate need of someone with her skill. She is leaving in a week’s time and…she does not know when and if she will return to us.”

Haldir turned away. “No! It cannot be. Not again! My brother will be devastated…this news will destroy him. The Lady cannot send her away. Not when she was so unrelenting about their friendship forming. She said Emerald would heal my brother’s pain and now…his heart will be torn into! Emerald cannot leave.”

Serena cupped his face in her hands, “She is leaving. She accepted the Lady’s decision before you returned from the borders. That is why Emmie did not come to meet him. She was so sick at heart over this. She did not think she could hold a brave face for him.”

Haldir pulled away. “She did not need to hold a brave face! She needed to come to him and discuss this with him. Does he have no say in this matter? I do not understand this! This is exactly what I feared for him. More pain and more grief! I must go to the Lady. I demand to know the meaning if this.”

Serena tried to stop him, grabbing at his arm, “Haldir do not go before the Lady when you are angry! Wait until you are ready to hear reason…”

“What reason can be found in this? This is madness. I will not have my brother’s heart shattered again.”

Serena cringed when she heard the door slam shut. She knew the Lady would forgive his impertinence, as she would understand Haldir’s concern for his brother. Serena knew Emerald’s heart was breaking as well and she wondered when the girl would tell him. The longer she put it off, the worse it was going to be. She knew Orophin would be furious and only hoped he would not say things that could not be taken back. She hoped he would try to understand, even though Emerald did not understand it herself.

It seemed almost a cruel joke. Both Emerald and Orophin so desperately needed and wanted someone to love them and they had found one another. It was almost as if the fates had delivered them to each other and now…the same fates were trying to rip them apart.