Post by Elrond on Dec 26, 2011 20:59:25 GMT -5
Okay this was written for the lady Galadriel and her OC Ethiriel who is the adoptive daughter of Haldir. I hope you like it, Critique is welcomed and I will gladly make adjustments to make it better if need be. Mind you I have not written much of anything in a very long time so I have fallen to a nooblet level in writing.
Haldir was working his patrol on the western boarder, the night was cold and a harsh rain picked up. Haldir had given his orders to the rest of the troop and where they were to were to keep watch. He took his Brothers Rumil and Orophin with him and he scoured the very edge of the golden wood. It was nights like this that the larger orcs seemed to like to come out along with their pets. The three brother spaced out and cover more ground but kept withing ear shot. Visibility was not as clear for the heavey rain and the an Anduin river seemed to have gained a great rapid current. Haldir's irritation grew, Not just at the rain but at the sickening stillness he felt. Deep in his heart he knew something to be afoot. His brothers seemed to pick up on this and cast worried looks and continued to keep watch. It was with the sudden crash of thunder and flash of lightning that Haldir heard it, a scream of a terror and the howls and jests of orcs. His brothers heard it as well for they sprang to his side as his keen gaze searched the surrounding area. It was then he saw it, a glint of cold steel. Haldir and his brothers rushed forward for better vantage and gasped at what they saw. A small band of elves that had decided to leave Mirkwood and head to the Grey havens were being assaulted by a large mass of orcs. This was also the same band Haldir was sent to greet and guide them to Caras Galadhon.
"Rumil, Quickly go and gather the rest of the western watch," Haldir kept his intense blue gaze locked onto the orcs and armed his bow, "and tell them to make all haste."
Rumil made to argue but was silenced by His elder brother's upraised hand. "You are the swifter of the three of us Rumil, I am relying on your speed of foot."
Rumil felt the wisdom of his older brother's words and sighed, "Aye brother, I shall, just do not do anything brash before I return." With that said Rumil rushed back into the treeline and faded into the darkness of the night.
The rain continued to pelt down with the furry of a waterfall. Orophin and Haldir both knew they could not stand here and do nothing as their kin were being slaughtered so they both raised their bows and loosed their arrows into the horde of orcs. The white fletched arrows of the Galadhrim found their marks but not all slew their targets for the heavy rain did effect their aim somewhat. The two elves continues to rain arrows upon their foes, how ever between the two Galadhrim there was not enough arrows to take out all the orcs. The brothers looked to each other when their quivers had been emptied and then back to the orcs. The Orcs started rushing the two elves, crude swords raised and howls of anger upon their lips. The two brothers dropped their bows to the ground and drew their blades ready to face the threat. The orcs washed over the elves like a wave crashed upon the shore. The two brother were hard pressed to keep back to back or stay near each other as the orcs rushed upon them and the furry of the raging storm did not help matters. Blood was shed and sparks flew as steel was met with cold steel, Haldir and Orophin wielded their fine blades and parried and slew many an orc blade and many an orc, but for every one cut down two took the place of the fallen. The two elves found themselves being herded toward the Anduin. They tried to veer in another direction but the orcs simply kept pressing them closer to the rapid running river. The Storm continued to rage around them and the wind whipping about and the lightning flashed and the thunder roared, each flash made eyes alight with hatred and blood-lust or a fiery determination. Haldir's saber arched around hewing down orc after orc and their black blood spurted from their wounds. Orophin was doing much the same with his own blade. Both Elves were covered in gore, both their own and that of the orcs they slew. The rain pelted down as if in an attempt to both cleanse and hinder all on the field. Twas a dance of death that was taking place, then they heard it, a cry. This one sound spurred the two elves on their blades singing as they cut the air before biting into orc.
"GO HALDIR!" Orophin yelled out to his brother over the sound of pounding rain, thunder, and orc screams, "FIND THE ONE WHO YET STILL LIVES!" Orophin fought on and he caught sight of movement amongst the trees that made him fight ever more valiantly. Rumil had returned with more of the Galadhrim.
Haldir heeding Orophin drove deeper into the thrall of orcs. He was deep into their ranks now and fighting his way to the wailing sound. His eyes went wide when he found the source. A mere little elfling barely a year of age in elf years was cowering before large orcs. He went to charge them, but he failed to notice archer near and realized his mistake when suddenly his vision flashed white and a muffled cry fell from his lips. He nearly stumbled as the dark and thickly shafted projectile slammed into the right side of his chest, but he managed to keep from falling and refused to slow his pace. He heard the tell tail whispers of the white fletched arrows that now rained death done upon the orcs. Rumil had returned and this gave him energy to continue his assault. Rumil saw the dark arrow strike his brother and cried out his name but the sound of battle prevented his voice from reaching Haldir so he charged into battle his blade drawn to join Orophin as did a number of the other Silvan elves while others stayed high in the Mallyrn trees and fired their arrows from their long bows.
Haldir had by now made it closer to the little elfling and began hacking away the orcs that threatened the child but his blade was stilled as the little one screamed and he looked to see a very large orc now held the child by a leg and held her hanging above the raging Anduin river.
"If I where you, pointy ears, I would pu'down that ther blade or the brat 'ere takes a dip." The orc sneered and shook the poor elfling.
Haldir stood still both hands upon the hilt of his saber and his grip tightened till his knuckles went white the tip of his saber was pointed down and rain washed over him and the orc as they stood at an impass. Haldir then let the saber slip from his hands and listened as the mitril steel blade clattered upon the wet cold ground. The orc laughed darkly and his sneering smile went all the wider, he knew well whom he now had.
"Show 'ese pointy eared scums what 'apans ta those who defy Mordor!" The orc yelled that those nearby.
Haldir could hear his warriors getting closer and he started to hear his brothers calling out to him. He still had his daggers that his hid, one in the folds of his tunic and the other in his boot, but he could draw nither till help was closer. He made not a sound as an orc hand slammed the hilt of a heavy mace between his shoulder blades knocking him to his knees and causing white hot pain to shoot through his arrow wound. Haldir lifted his head, his eyes shown with determination, defiance, and a fiery will. Haldir barely even made a sound when one of the filthy orcs twisted the arrow that was embedded in the right side of his chest. He squeezed his eyes shut as wave after wave of pain washed over him and made him feel sick from the twisting of the black projectile. The March Warden quickly regained control of his senses though and looked right at the large orc that held the elfling.
"Let the infant go filth." Haldir ground out.
"Well since ya asked so nicely." The orc moved the elfling back over the raging river and dropped her.
Haldir sprung forward as one of the orcs swung a crude scimitar at him, Haldir spun away but he still felt the jagged blade slice into the flesh of his side but he ignored it. White fletched arrows now rained down slaying the orcs around Haldir to give him cover from the orcs that swarmed him. The large orc that had dropped the elfling tried to step in his way but Haldir threw one of his hidden daggers embedding it into the skull of the orc and without thinking he leaped into the raging waters of the over flowing Anduin. He faintly heard the voices of his brother shouting out after him as he dove into the frigid river and began to swim after the child whom he could barely see. The river's current swiftly carried both away from the gruesome battle field. Rumil and Orophin shouted ofter their brother but were soon forced back into combat to finish off the orcs.
Haldir forced him self to swim hard with the current of the Anduin and was able to catch up elfling and wrapped her securely in one arm and fought to keep both their heads above water. The frigid waters of the Anduin bit deep into his wounds and he new he had to get both him and the elfling out of the river before they both froze or drowned. True elves did not feel cold like edain but he was injured and the elfling but an infant. The river continued to carry them swiftly away and the March Warden continued to fight to keep both their heads above the water. Both were suddenly pulled under the churning waters and tossed about violently but an increase of strength of the current and Haldir felt himself slam into a rock that lay under the surface of the Anduin. The way he hit the hard rock forced the arrow deeper and also snapped the
shaft. It took ALL his self control not to gasp or cry out as his vision blurred more so than it already was from being under the waters surface. He then realized that this rock had kept them, himself and the elfling from moving so he gather his legs under him and push off and up and they broke the surface. This all happened in the span of a minute but for the elfling it could have been a minute to long.
Haldir fought hard to get to the riverbank, but alas the rushing current always swept him away before his hand could grasp the bank. As his hope started to dwindle he saw an out stretched root and made for it. As he got closer Haldir reached out and with great relief found his hand grasping the root. The swift flowing river was ever pulling at him and the precious life he held onto threatening to rip them from the safe hold he held onto. With a grunt he pulled himself and the elfling closer, he dared not release the elfling to use both his hands for fear of her being swept away. He looked around and saw just near was an almost nest like entanglement of two roots wrapped together and a crook that was big enough and strong enough to hold the elfling and it was but a hair's breath from the bank of the river. He maneuvered himself so he was able to place the precious bundle into the cradle of root and pulled himself out of the frigid waters. He scooped up the elfling and made his way along the outstretched roots and onto the bank and several feet away from the flowing Anduin. He fell to his knees with a grunt and looked at the elfling in his arms and his eyes went wide with horror. Her lips tinged blue and no motion from her chest to show she was breathing. He layed her down and placed a pointed ear to her little chest and heard a feint heart beat, her lungs we're flooded. Haldir gently yet swiftly turned the young one over and massages and rubbed her back in the motions to force her to cough, and cough she did expelling all the water that has gathered in her lungs and started to cry in between coughs.
"Breath penneth." Haldir said softly, "Just breath."
When the little elfling was through coughing she wailed and began to cry harder. Haldir Not knowing what else to do picked up the little elleth and held her close. This helped to quiet her cries and her little fist grabbed at his soaking wet tunic and buried her face into his chest. Haldir looked down at her in dismay. So young and so frightened, plus the fact that the blood from his arrow wound was now soaking into her clothes and not just his own. Ai his wounds, now that the imminent danger
of the Anduin was over he felt them full force and the pain made him dizzy. He looked down at the broken shaft of the crude black arrow protruding from his chest and felt the flesh on his side gaping wide. His cloak even though sodden would still be better used to bind his side wound over letting it remain gaping and open to the elements more so that it already had been.
"Penneth I need you to let go," He said as he tried to remove her but she whimpered and began to wail, "Shhhh penneth I am not going to leave you, I am here but I need to bind this wound, Please understand."
This seemed to work and she loosened her death grip and let him lower her onto his lap and he took his sodden cloak and wrung it out as best he could before using the knife, that thankfully remained in his boot, and cut his cloak into strips and used them to bind his side. As soon as Haldir had his side bound tightly the little elfling reached up for him and he picked her up carefully cradling her against the left side of his chest to avoid irritating the right side that the dark arrow still protruded from. Haldir with much effort on his side got to his feet and nearly stumbled as the world around him started spinning. He shook his head lightly to clear his vision and slowly started making his way back to the Golden Woods. The Anduin had carried them a great deal south but Haldir could still make out the great Mallyrn of Lothlorien on the horizon. The rain also seemed to have let up and was passing further north, for it was but a sprinkle now. Haldir began his long walk home the elfling securely in his arms and his tunic once again grasped firmly in her little fists and her head resting against him, the sound of his heartbeat seemed to lull her to sleep as her breathing evened out from her crying to the occasional hiccup. Her golden hair was plastered to her face much like his own was, Haldir gently brushed her hair behind her delicately pointed ears as he continued to walk on. As he made his way back to Lorien he studied the bundle in his arms. She was indeed just barely over the age of one in elf years. Other than his own blood soaked into her little torn dress and the near drowning she seemed to be fine other than the obvious trauma to her mentality. As he turned his focus back onto his path towards home he felt his energy and strength wane, Haldir stumbled a few times but pushed himself on. After all this little elfling had been through he was not about to let himself fall out here and keep her from knowing safety. Blood continued to seep from the arrow wound and his side fared no better, both pained him greatly but he kept his discomfort from his face as the little one now laid her eyes upon his fair features seeming to study him as he had studied her. Her eyes though still held a fearful and haunting look and every sound made her grip his tunic ever tighter and squirm to try and get even closer.
The howling of the wind made the poor elfling panic and she kicked out to try and get closer to the one holding her and to get away from what ever made the noise, that horrible noise, it sounded like the monsters that came out of no where, out of the dark. Where her little foot struck made Haldir cry out and fall onto bent knee, her foot had struck the broken shaft of the orc arrow. His vision flashed white hot and became blurred as he gasped from the pain, he tightly closed his eyes as he fought to regain him composure. The elfling in his arms stilled instantly and turned her bright watery blue eyes onto his pained face, she whimpered and started to cry, turning her face against his shoulder. She was confused and now the one whom she felt safe with was suddenly acting like the others did. Was he to fall like the others did and not wake up, was one of the thoughts that ran through her little head. Haldir opened his eyes and looked down at the elfling in his arms and sighed. Slowly he reached over with his right hand being careful not to jar the arrow in his chest and placed his hand upon the child's back.
"Silde penneth, all will be well," Haldir said quietly to the elfling, "I promise all will be well."
"I will not let any harm befall you, I promise." Haldir said, and he meant it. It was a Vow he would not let be broken.
Haldir trudged on, his energy dwindling ever more, Haldir stopped and leaned against a small tree that was along the path he chose heading back to Lothlorien. The March Warden took deep steadying breaths and stilled the tremor of his body, he looked down at the face of the child in his arms and found her to be asleep. He smiled down at her, he could not explain it but the more she clung to him the less he wanted to let her go, but alas with his line of duty there was not time in his life for a little one. He sighed sadly and went to continue his long walk back when he heard the sound of horses hooves upon the earth. Haldir's eye looked up and saw three horses and two riders upon the horizon, Haldir smiled his brothers finally decided to show up. He leaned back against the tree again and awaited his brothers and the little one snuggled closer to his chest, her little fists still clutching his tunic.
"HALDIR!" Came the cry of both Rumil and Orophin as they saw their water sodden brother leaning against a small tree the elfling safe in his arms. Relief washed over them at seeing their brother alive and whole.
They reined their horses to a stop and the gray stallion that was without rider also came to a halt. The brothers dismounted and rush to their elder brother's side. They took in his appearance and their eyes went right to the arrow protruding from his chest to the shreds of fabric bound around his midsection. Sodden clothes still tinged red from his own blood and the still more recently fresh blood that still oozed from the arrow wound, they took it all in.Their gazes then landed on the elfling in the brother's arms, whom was now awake and whimpering clutching Haldir's tunic tightly in her little hands. The gray stallion that followed riderless made his way over and basically shoved Rumil and Orophin aside much to their displeasure. The stallion nosed his master's face, then turned his attention to the squirming elfling. The stallion put his nose right up to the little elf, the warm breath of his nose tickling her and the stallion smelt and inspected the bundle. The little elfling squealed and giggled and finally, she smiled a pure smile. Haldir shook his head and smiled at the antics of his horse, trust Maethor to make things right when the time called for it.
He turned his gaze upon his brothers, "What took the pair of you so long?" was his simple question, spoken in a teasing manner.
"You jump into a rushing river, after an elfling and are carried some miles from the golden wood," Orophin shot back but with a smile on his face, "Leaving us and the others to deal with the orcs and you ask us what took US so long?" Orophin laughed.
Rumil on the other hand was not to quick so jest. "Haldir what happened to not being brash!?" He took a step towards his brother his eyes filled with worry. "I mean LOOK at you!" Rumil went on worry and concern laced his voice, "You have an arrow embedded into your chest, and if I had to guess your side is torn open as well!" Rumil exclaimed and acting as a mother hen.
Haldir sighed, he could always count on his youngest brother to be a mother hen. "Rumil I am fine no life threatening injuries though the longer we tarry here they could very well become that." Haldir said calmly though with a sigh.
The little elfling in Haldir's arms began to whimper and cry again afraid of the slightly raised tone of Rumil. She turned her face away from that of the horse and buried it into Haldir's shoulder. The grey stallion nickered softly and nuzzled both Haldir and the elfling. Rumil went quiet and his sad gaze fixed upon the elfling, he felt a fool, she had been through a traumatizing ordeal and he went in at his brother with a raised voice. He closed the distance and gently reached out and brushed a golden lock of hair behind one of her delicate pointed ears. At the touch she cringed and whimpered and clutched Haldir's tunic all the tighter.
"Forgive me penneth as I meant not to frighten you." Rumil said solemnly. The child whimpered and cringed.
Haldir grunted as the fabric around the arrow wound grew tight. "Let us return to the woods." Orophin said as he turned and mounted his horse turning his mare to face the golden wood. His voice was laced with worry for his brother but he kept his face calm.
Haldir nodded in agreement to this, the sooner they got back the better. The wounds he bore began to cause great pain and standing in itself was becoming straining. Rumil went to go take elfling from his brother, The silence of the night was torn asunder by the shrill scream of the child and Rumil jumped back as though he was just burned. His eyes wide and looked to his brother's face. Haldir's eyes where held tightly shut as his head was ringing. It appeared he would be the only one to handle the child of the moment.
"Brother I am so so-" Haldir cut his brother off.
"Tis fine Rumil none of us could have even predicted that." Haldir sighed and looked down at the shaking elfling in his arms. Considering all that happened he was not surprised at the reaction but he certainly did not expect such a violent vocal one.
"Ai Valar it will be a wonder if a Nazgul does not come hunting for us....." Orophin looked over a brow raised and his mare shifted under him. Nither one of the two quite appreciated the sudden scream but nor did they blame the little child.
"The sooner we return the better." Haldir went to the side of his gray stallion, "Please kneel Maethor." The large gray stallion did as asked and Haldir mounted carefully so as to not bother his wounds or the elfling in his arms. For once he was glad his brothers took mind to place a saddle on his horse as it helped him to keep balance in his injured state. He let Maethor have his head and simply held his seat in the saddle. Rumil went and mounted his own horse and the three brothers made for their return to Lothlorien.
Haldir was working his patrol on the western boarder, the night was cold and a harsh rain picked up. Haldir had given his orders to the rest of the troop and where they were to were to keep watch. He took his Brothers Rumil and Orophin with him and he scoured the very edge of the golden wood. It was nights like this that the larger orcs seemed to like to come out along with their pets. The three brother spaced out and cover more ground but kept withing ear shot. Visibility was not as clear for the heavey rain and the an Anduin river seemed to have gained a great rapid current. Haldir's irritation grew, Not just at the rain but at the sickening stillness he felt. Deep in his heart he knew something to be afoot. His brothers seemed to pick up on this and cast worried looks and continued to keep watch. It was with the sudden crash of thunder and flash of lightning that Haldir heard it, a scream of a terror and the howls and jests of orcs. His brothers heard it as well for they sprang to his side as his keen gaze searched the surrounding area. It was then he saw it, a glint of cold steel. Haldir and his brothers rushed forward for better vantage and gasped at what they saw. A small band of elves that had decided to leave Mirkwood and head to the Grey havens were being assaulted by a large mass of orcs. This was also the same band Haldir was sent to greet and guide them to Caras Galadhon.
"Rumil, Quickly go and gather the rest of the western watch," Haldir kept his intense blue gaze locked onto the orcs and armed his bow, "and tell them to make all haste."
Rumil made to argue but was silenced by His elder brother's upraised hand. "You are the swifter of the three of us Rumil, I am relying on your speed of foot."
Rumil felt the wisdom of his older brother's words and sighed, "Aye brother, I shall, just do not do anything brash before I return." With that said Rumil rushed back into the treeline and faded into the darkness of the night.
The rain continued to pelt down with the furry of a waterfall. Orophin and Haldir both knew they could not stand here and do nothing as their kin were being slaughtered so they both raised their bows and loosed their arrows into the horde of orcs. The white fletched arrows of the Galadhrim found their marks but not all slew their targets for the heavy rain did effect their aim somewhat. The two elves continues to rain arrows upon their foes, how ever between the two Galadhrim there was not enough arrows to take out all the orcs. The brothers looked to each other when their quivers had been emptied and then back to the orcs. The Orcs started rushing the two elves, crude swords raised and howls of anger upon their lips. The two brothers dropped their bows to the ground and drew their blades ready to face the threat. The orcs washed over the elves like a wave crashed upon the shore. The two brother were hard pressed to keep back to back or stay near each other as the orcs rushed upon them and the furry of the raging storm did not help matters. Blood was shed and sparks flew as steel was met with cold steel, Haldir and Orophin wielded their fine blades and parried and slew many an orc blade and many an orc, but for every one cut down two took the place of the fallen. The two elves found themselves being herded toward the Anduin. They tried to veer in another direction but the orcs simply kept pressing them closer to the rapid running river. The Storm continued to rage around them and the wind whipping about and the lightning flashed and the thunder roared, each flash made eyes alight with hatred and blood-lust or a fiery determination. Haldir's saber arched around hewing down orc after orc and their black blood spurted from their wounds. Orophin was doing much the same with his own blade. Both Elves were covered in gore, both their own and that of the orcs they slew. The rain pelted down as if in an attempt to both cleanse and hinder all on the field. Twas a dance of death that was taking place, then they heard it, a cry. This one sound spurred the two elves on their blades singing as they cut the air before biting into orc.
"GO HALDIR!" Orophin yelled out to his brother over the sound of pounding rain, thunder, and orc screams, "FIND THE ONE WHO YET STILL LIVES!" Orophin fought on and he caught sight of movement amongst the trees that made him fight ever more valiantly. Rumil had returned with more of the Galadhrim.
Haldir heeding Orophin drove deeper into the thrall of orcs. He was deep into their ranks now and fighting his way to the wailing sound. His eyes went wide when he found the source. A mere little elfling barely a year of age in elf years was cowering before large orcs. He went to charge them, but he failed to notice archer near and realized his mistake when suddenly his vision flashed white and a muffled cry fell from his lips. He nearly stumbled as the dark and thickly shafted projectile slammed into the right side of his chest, but he managed to keep from falling and refused to slow his pace. He heard the tell tail whispers of the white fletched arrows that now rained death done upon the orcs. Rumil had returned and this gave him energy to continue his assault. Rumil saw the dark arrow strike his brother and cried out his name but the sound of battle prevented his voice from reaching Haldir so he charged into battle his blade drawn to join Orophin as did a number of the other Silvan elves while others stayed high in the Mallyrn trees and fired their arrows from their long bows.
Haldir had by now made it closer to the little elfling and began hacking away the orcs that threatened the child but his blade was stilled as the little one screamed and he looked to see a very large orc now held the child by a leg and held her hanging above the raging Anduin river.
"If I where you, pointy ears, I would pu'down that ther blade or the brat 'ere takes a dip." The orc sneered and shook the poor elfling.
Haldir stood still both hands upon the hilt of his saber and his grip tightened till his knuckles went white the tip of his saber was pointed down and rain washed over him and the orc as they stood at an impass. Haldir then let the saber slip from his hands and listened as the mitril steel blade clattered upon the wet cold ground. The orc laughed darkly and his sneering smile went all the wider, he knew well whom he now had.
"Show 'ese pointy eared scums what 'apans ta those who defy Mordor!" The orc yelled that those nearby.
Haldir could hear his warriors getting closer and he started to hear his brothers calling out to him. He still had his daggers that his hid, one in the folds of his tunic and the other in his boot, but he could draw nither till help was closer. He made not a sound as an orc hand slammed the hilt of a heavy mace between his shoulder blades knocking him to his knees and causing white hot pain to shoot through his arrow wound. Haldir lifted his head, his eyes shown with determination, defiance, and a fiery will. Haldir barely even made a sound when one of the filthy orcs twisted the arrow that was embedded in the right side of his chest. He squeezed his eyes shut as wave after wave of pain washed over him and made him feel sick from the twisting of the black projectile. The March Warden quickly regained control of his senses though and looked right at the large orc that held the elfling.
"Let the infant go filth." Haldir ground out.
"Well since ya asked so nicely." The orc moved the elfling back over the raging river and dropped her.
Haldir sprung forward as one of the orcs swung a crude scimitar at him, Haldir spun away but he still felt the jagged blade slice into the flesh of his side but he ignored it. White fletched arrows now rained down slaying the orcs around Haldir to give him cover from the orcs that swarmed him. The large orc that had dropped the elfling tried to step in his way but Haldir threw one of his hidden daggers embedding it into the skull of the orc and without thinking he leaped into the raging waters of the over flowing Anduin. He faintly heard the voices of his brother shouting out after him as he dove into the frigid river and began to swim after the child whom he could barely see. The river's current swiftly carried both away from the gruesome battle field. Rumil and Orophin shouted ofter their brother but were soon forced back into combat to finish off the orcs.
Haldir forced him self to swim hard with the current of the Anduin and was able to catch up elfling and wrapped her securely in one arm and fought to keep both their heads above water. The frigid waters of the Anduin bit deep into his wounds and he new he had to get both him and the elfling out of the river before they both froze or drowned. True elves did not feel cold like edain but he was injured and the elfling but an infant. The river continued to carry them swiftly away and the March Warden continued to fight to keep both their heads above the water. Both were suddenly pulled under the churning waters and tossed about violently but an increase of strength of the current and Haldir felt himself slam into a rock that lay under the surface of the Anduin. The way he hit the hard rock forced the arrow deeper and also snapped the
shaft. It took ALL his self control not to gasp or cry out as his vision blurred more so than it already was from being under the waters surface. He then realized that this rock had kept them, himself and the elfling from moving so he gather his legs under him and push off and up and they broke the surface. This all happened in the span of a minute but for the elfling it could have been a minute to long.
Haldir fought hard to get to the riverbank, but alas the rushing current always swept him away before his hand could grasp the bank. As his hope started to dwindle he saw an out stretched root and made for it. As he got closer Haldir reached out and with great relief found his hand grasping the root. The swift flowing river was ever pulling at him and the precious life he held onto threatening to rip them from the safe hold he held onto. With a grunt he pulled himself and the elfling closer, he dared not release the elfling to use both his hands for fear of her being swept away. He looked around and saw just near was an almost nest like entanglement of two roots wrapped together and a crook that was big enough and strong enough to hold the elfling and it was but a hair's breath from the bank of the river. He maneuvered himself so he was able to place the precious bundle into the cradle of root and pulled himself out of the frigid waters. He scooped up the elfling and made his way along the outstretched roots and onto the bank and several feet away from the flowing Anduin. He fell to his knees with a grunt and looked at the elfling in his arms and his eyes went wide with horror. Her lips tinged blue and no motion from her chest to show she was breathing. He layed her down and placed a pointed ear to her little chest and heard a feint heart beat, her lungs we're flooded. Haldir gently yet swiftly turned the young one over and massages and rubbed her back in the motions to force her to cough, and cough she did expelling all the water that has gathered in her lungs and started to cry in between coughs.
"Breath penneth." Haldir said softly, "Just breath."
When the little elfling was through coughing she wailed and began to cry harder. Haldir Not knowing what else to do picked up the little elleth and held her close. This helped to quiet her cries and her little fist grabbed at his soaking wet tunic and buried her face into his chest. Haldir looked down at her in dismay. So young and so frightened, plus the fact that the blood from his arrow wound was now soaking into her clothes and not just his own. Ai his wounds, now that the imminent danger
of the Anduin was over he felt them full force and the pain made him dizzy. He looked down at the broken shaft of the crude black arrow protruding from his chest and felt the flesh on his side gaping wide. His cloak even though sodden would still be better used to bind his side wound over letting it remain gaping and open to the elements more so that it already had been.
"Penneth I need you to let go," He said as he tried to remove her but she whimpered and began to wail, "Shhhh penneth I am not going to leave you, I am here but I need to bind this wound, Please understand."
This seemed to work and she loosened her death grip and let him lower her onto his lap and he took his sodden cloak and wrung it out as best he could before using the knife, that thankfully remained in his boot, and cut his cloak into strips and used them to bind his side. As soon as Haldir had his side bound tightly the little elfling reached up for him and he picked her up carefully cradling her against the left side of his chest to avoid irritating the right side that the dark arrow still protruded from. Haldir with much effort on his side got to his feet and nearly stumbled as the world around him started spinning. He shook his head lightly to clear his vision and slowly started making his way back to the Golden Woods. The Anduin had carried them a great deal south but Haldir could still make out the great Mallyrn of Lothlorien on the horizon. The rain also seemed to have let up and was passing further north, for it was but a sprinkle now. Haldir began his long walk home the elfling securely in his arms and his tunic once again grasped firmly in her little fists and her head resting against him, the sound of his heartbeat seemed to lull her to sleep as her breathing evened out from her crying to the occasional hiccup. Her golden hair was plastered to her face much like his own was, Haldir gently brushed her hair behind her delicately pointed ears as he continued to walk on. As he made his way back to Lorien he studied the bundle in his arms. She was indeed just barely over the age of one in elf years. Other than his own blood soaked into her little torn dress and the near drowning she seemed to be fine other than the obvious trauma to her mentality. As he turned his focus back onto his path towards home he felt his energy and strength wane, Haldir stumbled a few times but pushed himself on. After all this little elfling had been through he was not about to let himself fall out here and keep her from knowing safety. Blood continued to seep from the arrow wound and his side fared no better, both pained him greatly but he kept his discomfort from his face as the little one now laid her eyes upon his fair features seeming to study him as he had studied her. Her eyes though still held a fearful and haunting look and every sound made her grip his tunic ever tighter and squirm to try and get even closer.
The howling of the wind made the poor elfling panic and she kicked out to try and get closer to the one holding her and to get away from what ever made the noise, that horrible noise, it sounded like the monsters that came out of no where, out of the dark. Where her little foot struck made Haldir cry out and fall onto bent knee, her foot had struck the broken shaft of the orc arrow. His vision flashed white hot and became blurred as he gasped from the pain, he tightly closed his eyes as he fought to regain him composure. The elfling in his arms stilled instantly and turned her bright watery blue eyes onto his pained face, she whimpered and started to cry, turning her face against his shoulder. She was confused and now the one whom she felt safe with was suddenly acting like the others did. Was he to fall like the others did and not wake up, was one of the thoughts that ran through her little head. Haldir opened his eyes and looked down at the elfling in his arms and sighed. Slowly he reached over with his right hand being careful not to jar the arrow in his chest and placed his hand upon the child's back.
"Silde penneth, all will be well," Haldir said quietly to the elfling, "I promise all will be well."
"I will not let any harm befall you, I promise." Haldir said, and he meant it. It was a Vow he would not let be broken.
Haldir trudged on, his energy dwindling ever more, Haldir stopped and leaned against a small tree that was along the path he chose heading back to Lothlorien. The March Warden took deep steadying breaths and stilled the tremor of his body, he looked down at the face of the child in his arms and found her to be asleep. He smiled down at her, he could not explain it but the more she clung to him the less he wanted to let her go, but alas with his line of duty there was not time in his life for a little one. He sighed sadly and went to continue his long walk back when he heard the sound of horses hooves upon the earth. Haldir's eye looked up and saw three horses and two riders upon the horizon, Haldir smiled his brothers finally decided to show up. He leaned back against the tree again and awaited his brothers and the little one snuggled closer to his chest, her little fists still clutching his tunic.
"HALDIR!" Came the cry of both Rumil and Orophin as they saw their water sodden brother leaning against a small tree the elfling safe in his arms. Relief washed over them at seeing their brother alive and whole.
They reined their horses to a stop and the gray stallion that was without rider also came to a halt. The brothers dismounted and rush to their elder brother's side. They took in his appearance and their eyes went right to the arrow protruding from his chest to the shreds of fabric bound around his midsection. Sodden clothes still tinged red from his own blood and the still more recently fresh blood that still oozed from the arrow wound, they took it all in.Their gazes then landed on the elfling in the brother's arms, whom was now awake and whimpering clutching Haldir's tunic tightly in her little hands. The gray stallion that followed riderless made his way over and basically shoved Rumil and Orophin aside much to their displeasure. The stallion nosed his master's face, then turned his attention to the squirming elfling. The stallion put his nose right up to the little elf, the warm breath of his nose tickling her and the stallion smelt and inspected the bundle. The little elfling squealed and giggled and finally, she smiled a pure smile. Haldir shook his head and smiled at the antics of his horse, trust Maethor to make things right when the time called for it.
He turned his gaze upon his brothers, "What took the pair of you so long?" was his simple question, spoken in a teasing manner.
"You jump into a rushing river, after an elfling and are carried some miles from the golden wood," Orophin shot back but with a smile on his face, "Leaving us and the others to deal with the orcs and you ask us what took US so long?" Orophin laughed.
Rumil on the other hand was not to quick so jest. "Haldir what happened to not being brash!?" He took a step towards his brother his eyes filled with worry. "I mean LOOK at you!" Rumil went on worry and concern laced his voice, "You have an arrow embedded into your chest, and if I had to guess your side is torn open as well!" Rumil exclaimed and acting as a mother hen.
Haldir sighed, he could always count on his youngest brother to be a mother hen. "Rumil I am fine no life threatening injuries though the longer we tarry here they could very well become that." Haldir said calmly though with a sigh.
The little elfling in Haldir's arms began to whimper and cry again afraid of the slightly raised tone of Rumil. She turned her face away from that of the horse and buried it into Haldir's shoulder. The grey stallion nickered softly and nuzzled both Haldir and the elfling. Rumil went quiet and his sad gaze fixed upon the elfling, he felt a fool, she had been through a traumatizing ordeal and he went in at his brother with a raised voice. He closed the distance and gently reached out and brushed a golden lock of hair behind one of her delicate pointed ears. At the touch she cringed and whimpered and clutched Haldir's tunic all the tighter.
"Forgive me penneth as I meant not to frighten you." Rumil said solemnly. The child whimpered and cringed.
Haldir grunted as the fabric around the arrow wound grew tight. "Let us return to the woods." Orophin said as he turned and mounted his horse turning his mare to face the golden wood. His voice was laced with worry for his brother but he kept his face calm.
Haldir nodded in agreement to this, the sooner they got back the better. The wounds he bore began to cause great pain and standing in itself was becoming straining. Rumil went to go take elfling from his brother, The silence of the night was torn asunder by the shrill scream of the child and Rumil jumped back as though he was just burned. His eyes wide and looked to his brother's face. Haldir's eyes where held tightly shut as his head was ringing. It appeared he would be the only one to handle the child of the moment.
"Brother I am so so-" Haldir cut his brother off.
"Tis fine Rumil none of us could have even predicted that." Haldir sighed and looked down at the shaking elfling in his arms. Considering all that happened he was not surprised at the reaction but he certainly did not expect such a violent vocal one.
"Ai Valar it will be a wonder if a Nazgul does not come hunting for us....." Orophin looked over a brow raised and his mare shifted under him. Nither one of the two quite appreciated the sudden scream but nor did they blame the little child.
"The sooner we return the better." Haldir went to the side of his gray stallion, "Please kneel Maethor." The large gray stallion did as asked and Haldir mounted carefully so as to not bother his wounds or the elfling in his arms. For once he was glad his brothers took mind to place a saddle on his horse as it helped him to keep balance in his injured state. He let Maethor have his head and simply held his seat in the saddle. Rumil went and mounted his own horse and the three brothers made for their return to Lothlorien.