 Series Title: "Hidden Hero" 2/WIP ===== The nagging sound of birdsong and the scent of cooking food roused Haldir early the following day. He found both welcome, though the smell moreso, as it indicated there were other elves somewhere nearby. Haldir discovered his mouth actually watered in appreciation of the aromas of elves breaking their fasts; he hurriedly rose and dressed. He was not surprised to find no water in the basin designed for washing -- just as there had been no drinking water in the skin the previous night. Clearly no one had resided in this talan for some time; it would need tending if he were to stay on living here. Once dressed, Haldir descended as quickly as possible, still wary of his physical weakness. He reached the base of the mallorn tree that supported his flet and sat for a moment in rest on one large root. His sensitive ears could make out the sounds of elves at meal close at hand. He stood and dusted himself with deft fingers before moving toward the direction of soft song and friendly chatter. He would wash later... "Haldir! You have returned!" a friend greeted him, rising and moving gracefully to his side. Haldir felt a smile dash to his lips as the elf Henarth bowed politely to him. He bowed in return, hoping he didn't seem clumsy. As he straightened it occurred to Haldir that it was possible that none here in this small circle swiftly gathering round him had been informed of his demise at Helm's Deep. Then again, it was also possible they were showing the typical restraint of their kind -- waiting for him to speak first and offer explanation. "I find I am quite uncommonly hungry," he said, glancing from familiar face to familiar face with pleasure. He was more than hungry for food, he realized, as he was greeted again and again. A younger elf approached him, grinning widely. "The meal is just begun, Haldir," Rachdanon informed him, gesturing to a seat at a long table covered by delicate swinging tarps and heavily laden with food. He allowed his friends to guide him to a seat and smiled his gratitude as others filled his plate and cup. Soon he was eating and listening as several of the other elves bantered warmly with one another while a few played in the nearby clearing. Two elves were singing a happy song, harmonizing sweetly. Haldir was, indeed, home again. He ate his fill and more and drank the honeyed wine until he felt almost giddy. "You were long away," Tuluwen whispered, leaning toward him. It was plain she didn't wish to press, but was curious. "Such a long tale," he replied. His voice sounded far more weary than he'd expected. He took another small sip and continued, "But I am glad to be here. Very glad." "So many have sailed," she said, sadness shadowing her face. "And others departed to fight or have moved away to other lands. Each one is greatly missed." "I noticed there were but a few lights among the flets last night," he said, cocking his head and staring into her face. "Fewer and fewer as the months pass. I suppose soon it will be impractical -- or even unsafe -- for any of us to remain." Unsafe? He had not yet inquired of the news of the lands beyond Lothlorien! "How fares Middle-earth?" he asked, forcing his tone to stay calm. "You do not know?" she asked, her face clearly surprised by the question. "The War of the Ring is over and won," she said. "Many elves went to Minas Tirith in Gondor for the coronation of the new King. Most have not returned," she finished, sighing softly. He sat pondering her words. So there had been a Great War after the battle at Helm's Deep? And the One Ring was obviously destroyed, if Elessar was now king. "You are fatigued," Tuluwen remarked, concern in her voice. "You need to rest, Haldir. You have come some way, I think." He nodded. "Yes, and this wine has gone to my head, it seems." He rose in his place and waited for those close by to notice him and quiet. "Many thanks for this hospitality," Haldir said, turning his face to briefly glance at each of the elves in turn. "I find my long journey has taxed me, so I will return to my flet to rest." Several elves rose and followed him from the table and he was gently embraced by more than a few of these before he finally found his way to the base of the mallorn tree that held his home. Tuluwen came running, her feet seeming to float above the forest floor. "I brought you skins of water and wine," she said, offering him the leather straps. "Many thanks. There is little there I find," he replied, carefully slinging the skins before offering her a small bow. "You need only tell us and we will gladly help you make things homely again," Tuluwen said. "I, for one, would be glad to see you remain here with us." "I cannot say where my path might lead," he replied solemnly, "but I am hopeful I may remain for now. I dearly love Caras Galadon. And perhaps I am still considered a marchwarden?" Her soft laughter trilled sweetly on the warm breeze. "You are ever welcome -- and ever a marchwarden, should you desire to be one. We are short on those who would protect and lead in Lorien these days." "I need time to... recover from injuries," he said, deciding to share at least a small part of his recent past. "But I'm certain I'll soon be able to manage a bow and guard the city, if not the wider expanses of Lorien." "Again, Haldir, this will be most welcome. The finest elf warriors went off to battle. Not many are here now, I'm afraid." "What of Rivendell and Lord Elrond?" he inquired. "He is surely still in Gondor, seeing his daughter wed to the King and made consort and queen." "So Arwen Evenstar did not sail?" "No, indeed not. She will remain behind when her father departs." "And the Lord and Lady? What of them?" he asked, finally summoning the courage to ask after Celeborn and Galadriel. "They, too, went into Gondor. We all are hopeful they will return, at least for a time. They are sorely missed." He had no doubt of that. The Golden Wood would not be the same without the Lady of Light and her Lord... Henarth approached, but stood aside, waiting. Tuluwen noticed his presence and nodded in his direction. "I have taken enough of your time, Haldir. I'll speak with you again." "Many thanks for your kindnesses. It is a pleasure to speak with you after this long time." She turned and walked gracefully away. Haldir turned his attention to Henarth. "Please, speak, my friend," he said. "I thought to carry up wood for your fire, oil for the lamps and other necessities." "You are far too kind," Haldir replied. "You will be pondering whether or not to remain, I imagine," the elf said, a smile on his lips. "I suppose I would hope to encourage your thoughts to lean toward staying on, for at least a time." "I think I'll know very soon what is expected of me," Haldir replied. "I'm not sure the decision is mine alone to make." Henarth's expression turned serious. "Whatever you decide, you will always be welcome here in the future. And all here will respect the choice you make." His tone was grave. Haldir could see his friend understood the seriousness involved and was anxious to show his support. "While I reside in Middle-earth I will ever hold a special place in my heart for this land and the people residing in it," he said. "I am hopeful I might offer my strength to Lorien -- and all of you -- in the future." They bowed their heads toward one another and Haldir turned to climb back to his talan, Henarth following behind him. While Henarth came and went bringing supplies to the flet, Haldir moved slowly from place to place, putting things to rights. His talan was beginning to seem quite comfortable again. "What of your brothers, Haldir? Why did they not return with you?" Henarth asked, setting down a large barrel that had the scent of apples. "We were separated," Haldir replied. He felt no desire to say more, though he knew sooner or later he'd need to explain things to his friend. "I'm not sure where they are just now." True enough. Henarth glanced into Haldir's face, but stopped short of any inappropriate searching. "Well, I'm off. You should rest and enjoy solitude. I hope to see you at the evening meal." "Many thanks for your kind efforts. I don't think I'll come down again until morning, though. I have much to think about." "Good rest, my friend," Henarth said, placing a gentle hand briefly on Haldir's shoulder before departing. Haldir opened the barrel and drew out an apple. He rubbed it absently on his sleeve as he looked out at the view from his flet. The breeze was moving through the trees and making a song of the stirring of leaves and branches. Haldir sat and bit into the apple, delighted by the sweet tang as he could not recall being in the past. 'Perhaps,' he considered, 'I will be more appreciative of all things in this second-life.' Certainly it seemed true so far... "I wish to remain in my home for just a little," he breathed, his words a kind of prayer. "Please allow me some few days to know the pleasures of this city." He closed his eyes. Somehow he knew his days in Lothlorien were numbered... -the end part two- |