The ones left waiting
Thunk
An arrow sunk into the target perfectly in place. It was lined up with the others to outline a specific image. Easily spotted even at a distance due to the red fletching on the arrows. In this case a simplified zinnia flower. Though calling it simplified may be a bit of a misnomer. Even without fine detail to depict this many petaled flower through carefully placed arrows took skill and concentration. Especially at the distance this particular archer was working at.
Thunk
Nock, draw, release, another arrow set into place.
Thunk
“I see you like being left behind about as well as I do.” The voice nearby didn’t spoil Haldir’s aim. He’d be a poor marchwarden if he could not pick up on another’s presence nearby. Even when focusing intently on his current project. “Legolas,” he acknowledged tonelessly even as he placed another arrow right on target.
The elven prince frowned slightly at the response and the expressionless look on the marchwarden’s face. He watched as Haldir continued to draw and place each arrow. His position never shifted outside the action, expression unchanging. “Though I’m starting to think it's far worse for you at the moment.” Haldir finally lowered his bow at that. The white wolf which had been laying down beside him sat up and leaned against his leg. Her head was within easy reach of his hand and Haldir sank his fingers into her fur. “It is difficult.”
The pair had a friendship of sorts long before either knew Gilriant. The bonds the young elf built with both of them had drawn them closer together. Deepened the connection between the two in the way it does for two people that have someone in common they care deeply for. Those that wanted to help each other look out for someone. Different depths and different types of relationships made it an evolving process. It also had fostered a certain amount of trust between the two.
“Is this the first time you have been separated for this length of time?” Legolas knew that there had been short periods of time they had not been in close proximity from each other. Those were measured in hours, not the days the current one had slipped into. “Yes,” Haldir responded, a muscle in his jaw flexing. “While I understand there is a good point and lesson in this, I do not wish to do this again. It feels wrong.”
Tindil came into sight, pacing over to Haldir to nudge the elf. While he wasn’t as attached to the marchwarden as Hallows was, the deer could and did interact with at times. It wasn’t often needed but the archer’s distress was evident. Legolas watched with concern. “Is there anything I can do to help?” The marchwardened obeyed the nudge by the deer and scratched around the base of his antlers. An action that soothed them both.
“You are already helping.” Legolas cocked his head to the side. “I am unsure how.” Haldir looked over at him with a faint smile. “I would say the patrol that the scouts decided I should go on was a good distraction.” “I may have suggested you would be helpful on that but they are the ones that sought you out.” The prince countered. Lifting an eyebrow, the marchwarden waved a hand at the multiple containers of arrows with different colored fletching for each that were nearby. “I hardly think these arrows came to be here all on their own. Or the large blank targets at varying distances. They were not here the day before this one.” Of this Legolas had no ready counter and remained silent. “As I thought.”
Picking up his head Tindil wandered over to Legolas, giving him a demanding nudge. “Of course I’m not ignoring you but I would rather think Haldir needs your company more than I.” Despite the words the prince stroked a hand up the deer’s nose and then between his antlers. Hands still buried in Hallow’s fur the marchwarden watched with an air of faint amusement. “You do know why he is doing that, correct?” Legolas looked up with a surprised air. “What do you mean? He’s always greeted me.”
Haldir’s amusement only seemed to grow stronger as he gestured to the bows, “Grab one, we can shoot and talk at the same time. It will do me no harm to practice this while engaged so. There is also every reason for you to try this for yourself.” Still looking baffled, Legolas moved to follow the direction, Tindil trailing after him. “I would suggest you pick a closer target than I for your first attempt. Start with a basic circle, then add petals to the outside. A sunflower might be appropriate.” The reccomendation did not bring any clarity to the prince, but he went ahead and took the dark brown fletched arrows to start with.
“There are many things that I understand because of the strength of my connection to Gilriant and role as his mentor and teacher growing up. We’ve come to realize that it's not always obvious to others. Especially after the one interrogation I had to go through when his family realized the depth of our bond.” Haldir picked up an arrow as he spoke, getting back into position. Hallows resumed her spot lying down next to him. “Now everyone knows what Hallows is, but not necessarily everything about her connection to me.”
A little baffled as to why Haldir was starting with this, Legolas selected a target of his own. While a part of him wanted to prove he was just a skilled marksman as the marchwarden, he also knew the wisdom of his words. Heeding the advice he picked a closer target and released his first arrow. “She’s a physical representation of the more mature magic from his first life. I always thought it was a clever way to help balance out the more mature parts of him so they weren’t completely lost in the transformation.”
“Well there is some hope for you yet.” Haldir replied dryly, lining up his next shot. “I certainly think that was part of it. As the more mature part, she also knew some of the things that Gilriant would need.” Legolas kept his eyes on his target as he responded. “Like a teacher, someone to ground his power and help him contain it as needed.” “Yes, that was likely part of it, yet it was not all of it. There are others that might have filled the teacher role better than I.” The marchwarden let the silence fall, giving the prince time to think through the possibilities. The curve of the center circle had started to form for Legolas before he spoke again.
“You are a guardian of the forest, a sworn protector. You were not wed or courting anyone.” “Nor did I intend to or desire to wed anyone,” Haldir agreed. “Form a close bond and be a part of someone’s life, that I was open to.” Carefully he started outlining another petal. “That combination perhaps made me a good choice for his eventual role as the bringer of balance to the land. The fact I have very much learned to use every bit of the connection I have to the forest opened up the possibility I would be a teacher and able to ground him. Yet what I felt Hallows examining was not my memories or anything else with my mind. Ultimately it was my fea that she judged and found worthy.”
That had Legolas looking at him sharply, even as Haldir continued to smoothly select targets and place his arrows. Unbidden, the memory came to him the first time he looked into Tindil’s eyes and felt a little tug. Exhaling he raised his bow again to pick the next placement for his arrows. There were many potential implications from all that information. Ones he would need to think about. The marchwarden had fallen silent again, allowing him time to consider. The Prince had the circle just about completed by the time he spoke again.
“Hallows only allows you, Gilriant, or his close family to touch her.” Haldir kept his focus on his target. “All true, for a variety of reasons I am sure you can work out for yourself. She also helps me know when he needs me. I think she also gives him some peace of mind by knowing that a part of him is always ready to defend me. Even though he does know I can defend myself.” Now there was a faint hint of exasperation.
Now Legolas had the sour twist of emotions tracing through him. “I’m aware of the issue of his desire to protect everyone but not necessarily himself. Which is likely part of why Hallows chose you as someone that would defend him even if part of her purpose is to protect you.” It was an interesting implication that Gilriant’s magic knew of both parts of the need, and found a way to fill it. It implied a connection to the young elf’s subconscious desires. “I’m uncertain if my father understands the depth of it.” Which is why it was so frustrating that the two of them were both left behind. Gilriant’s personal guard likely knew it as well, but they weren’t part of the soldiers that were chosen for this particular trip. While Legolas understood the logic of the choices, it did not mean he had to like it.
“At least Hedwig is keeping him safe and can fetch me if I’m needed immediately.” That was a clear reassurance that could calm both of them. “Fawkes in part keeps an eye on Maglor as well as Imladris I think as part of Gilriant’s desire to keep his father and family safe.” Legolas’ voice was dry in response. “If his goal is to not have personal guards, he’s going about it poorly. My father is not likely to let up as long as he has any self-sacrificing tendencies. Especially after what happened with my mother.”
“He’s speaking to you of it then?” Haldir asked with mild surprise. “A little, but enough for me to piece some things together.” Legolas lowered his bow and moved to collect the container of yellow fletched arrows. “It’s helped me to understand him better, and why he does things a certain way.” Lowering his bow to take a look at the flower design, the marchwarden reached for the green fletched arrows now. “You may want to enlighten Gilriant. It may save us a headache when the two of them get frustrated with each other over this.” Which with the young elf’s independent spirit it would happen at some point. Likely the only reason it had not so far was that the personal guards were indeed his friends now and he was happy enough to have them along. As always, that was a two-edged sword. The young elf would want to protect them more than let them protect him.
“Gilriant is going to get hurt,” Haldir stated with calm resignation. “He is going to stumble and fall because that is part of learning how to use his gifts and also because he is stubborn. We cannot prevent this for to prevent this is to keep him an unlearned child and earn his resentment.” Legolas was quiet, listening to the marchwarden. “He is going to befriend the other races and form close bonds with some, and then be hurt and grieve when they die.” There was an air of certainty tinged with pain at this fact. “We cannot prevent that either. What we can do is help him heal, and the certainty that we will be here when he needs us.” A faint smile flickered on Haldir’s face. “And on occasion stop him when he has gone too far in his stubbornness. That too helps him for I do not abuse this privilege.”
Legolas considered both what Haldir was saying and what he was not. There was a purpose to this, that much was clear. The marchwarden wasn’t spilling any of Gilriant’s secrets, just laying bare information that Haldir had come to understand. It said that the marchwarden trusted Legolas, but also thought he needed this information for some reason. As much as he spoke bluntly, he also laid game-trails for the prince to follow, to come to his own conclusions about things. While Legolas could and did make decisions quickly, he could also take information and consider it.
The prince didn’t need to ask what Haldir got out of his relationship with Gilriant, not when it was obvious to any who watched them. The young elf trusted the marchwarden totally, and valued him beyond measure. Only once did one of those trying to court the young prince attempt to get between the two. Gilriant quickly and viciously tore that elf to verbal shreds reminding all why it was a poor choice to anger a bard or scholar. You might not come to physical harm, but your social standing and sense of worth would be greatly wounded. While some might want to be with the young prince for the social standing or power, Haldir clearly held no desire for it. The young elf would draw attention to himself over having it drawn to the marchwarden. Even if he didn’t particularly enjoy being the center of things at all times.
Love, faith and trust flowed in equal measures between the two for anyone with eyes to see. To the blind they might only see how Haldir looked out for Gilriant. However when you looked closely you could see the young prince making sure the marchwarden was looked after as well. That he had what was needed to make him comfortable. The young elf asked Legolas to make sure that Haldir was okay while he was gone. The greenwood’s prince would have done it anyways as the marchwarden was his friend as well. Still, Gilriant made certain that Haldir’s needs were not overlooked or forgotten. Maethel had advised him quietly once before that if the marchwarden were ever hurt, it would be best to stand back and let the young elf take out his wrath on the offending party.
Thinking about it made Legolas realize he wanted something like that for himself. While he had not the opportunity to really look at the relationship between his parents, or cause to examine the ones between bonded pairs he did know, this was hard to miss. Of course there were a few small differences between what Haldir and Gilriant had and what he wanted, but those key factors would not change. How he would get that was something to think about later. In this moment there were other more pressing concerns.
Like why Haldir started this conversation about Legolas’ interaction with Tindil, then digressed with the marchwarden’s connection to Hallows. There was a great deal of information to disseminate and consider. The first thought being that there was some sort of correlation. One that the prince needed to pay attention to. The primary concern at the moment would remain making sure that Haldir was well.
“None of that can be easy on you. Watching someone you love get hurt and needing to allow it to happen, I do not think I could do that.” For some reason this statement elicited amusement out of Haldir. “I believe you are stronger than you think,” the marchwarden replied. “I also think you need more practice at this. Your lines aren’t quite straight.”
“It’s a curve, it's not supposed to be straight.” Legolas protested, any more than those lines of yours are straight.” “Yes but mine are not crooked, I think a child could do better than your effort.” Haldir’s haughty expression was belayed by the playful words they started bandying about. “It is not close to being finished. Obviously it will look far different when I am done. Or do you lack sufficient ability to envision what it will look like upon completion?” The marchwarden replied dryly, “I think it would take a master artist to even start to imagine what your picture is intended to be.” “Perhaps it is best that you pay more attention to your target rather than what I am doing. That last arrow that landed was far from the rest.”
The pair continued to trade barbs back and forth as their individual images progressed. Haldir’s was completing more slowly than Legolas’, in part due to the fine precision needed at the distance he was working with. This was the prince’s first attempt at such a practice, so it was not as precise as it could have been. He was going about it wisely, as in getting the general lines and adding more arrows between spaces to better define them. It gave him a greater flexibility to work on the design without worry of going too far off.
Haldir’s target canvas was close to full when he suddenly stiffened. Highly attuned to his friend’s movements Legolas instantly relaxed the arrow on the string of his bow, aiming both downward. “What is it?” Even as he asked, a cold chill shimmered into being deep inside him. Like someone had stood between him and the sun. Hallows sat up at the marchwarden’s side. “He’s raised his mental defenses, which can block some of our connection. At a guess, they have found the orcs.”
That brought a line of tension to both elves. It was not just Haldir’s bonded and Legolas’s friend headed towards danger. It was also the prince’s father and people. They were both ellons of action, wanting to be in the thick of things. To be so far separated from those they cared about knowing they were about to engage rather brutal fighters was difficult at best. “How can I help,” Legolas asked quietly. Even though he had reasons to be concerned, it was the marchwarden’s inexperienced bonded that was going into a fight. So he would do his best to look after his friend.
In lieu of an answer, Haldir dropped the green fletched arrow back into its container and strode to a nearby tree. He pulled on a quiver, bow still in hand. “You think you will be needed.” While it was not a question, the marchwarden answered Legolas anyways. “With the fight, no. With the aftermath of fighting orcs, yes.” At the prince’s watchful gaze he added, “There are plenty of soldiers with them. Hedwig is keeping watch. So it is not the damage to his hroa I fear. It is the wounds to his fea I am concerned about.” Legolas’s eyes widened in comprehension. “Any encounter with them wounds his fea.” The marchwarden gave a short nod.
“Yes, and part of this exercise is to help him figure out how we can counter that.” If Thranduil was going to insist on them being separated for this fight, they would make the most of it. Haldir’s presence could be providing a layer of shielding. So being apart would give Gilriant the chance to pinpoint more reasons behind the damage. It would not have worked well at an earlier point in time as the marchwarden was needed to keep the worst effects at bay. Now that the young elf had a better grasp on how to cope with it, this was the time to try. Especially with the highly skilled warriors that would be with them. It minimized the risks while allowing them to learn.
“Well, another thing my father may be less than pleased to learn about after the fact.” At that Haldir managed a quick smile. “He is not privy to all that we are and do. The king may be choosing to involve himself, but some things are still ours to deal with.” While the marchwarden had a point, Legolas was fairly certain that his Ada would not necessarily agree with it. Which would be something for that pair to weather. All they could do for the moment though, was wait to see if Haldir was correct or not.
Hallows had gotten up and followed Haldir, keeping close to his side as they waited. Legolas had set his bow to the side and gave in to Tindil’s demands for attention, scratching the deer around his antlers. Suddenly the marchwarden sucked in a breath at the same time Hallows tilted her head back and sounded an angry howl. At his side Tindil pulled back to paw at the ground and brandis his antlers to the south east of them.”What is it,” the prince demanded. At the edge of his awareness he could feel something powerful coursing through the forest. It was headed in the direction the deer threatened.
“Even when I was injured, I have not felt pain like that.” Haldir grimaced. Even with the distance that separated them it stabbed through the bond he had with Gilriant. “Almost corrosive.” While Legolas considered the implications of that, the marchwarden relaxed by a degree. “Hedwig helped him.” Comforting, but the entire situation was concerning. “So we are back to waiting with very little information as to what is actually happening, I like this not.” The look on Haldir’s face spoke volumes about his agreement on the matter.
Thankfully at least for Haldir’s peace of mind, Hedwig showed up a short time later, trilling anxiously. “Worried more than outright alarmed, but I was right that I would be needed.” The marchwarden glanced at Legolas. “I am sorry you cannot go with us.” The prince shook his head. “Do not be concerned with that. Take care of Gilriant, that is what I need most.” A faint smile flickered on his face. “Though if you could convince my father to come back swiftly that would be appreciated.” With an inclination of his head, Haldir vanished in a flash of sparkling snowflakes as Hedwig swept him away. Hallows had vanished from sight as well.
Legolas turned towards Tindil. The deer had stopped brandishing his antlers but remained agitated. Taking a step towards him, the prince held out a hand and was rewarded with the deer bumping his nose up against the palm of it. “Well, at least you are staying with me.” He ran his hand up Tindil’s head, stroking between and around the antlers in an action that soothed them both. “I suppose I should be concerned with what that means, but I find for now I do not care.”
*
Haldir quickly took stock of the scene Hedwig brought him to. That it was the aftermath of a battle which held a certain amount of reassurance. The soldiers paused at his appearance and then continued about their duties as Haldir made his way towards Thranduil. The ice phoenix had brought him to the edge closest to the forest, and away from the center of action. Which was likely a good thing as he did not desire to have warriors coming down from a battle react to him as a potential threat.
He noted the group of large men clustered to one side. The tallest of them hovered near where a young bear was situated between most of the wolves with a raven flying about. “Skin-changers?” Haldir asked quietly once he reached Thranduil’s side. “Indeed.” The king’s reply was clipped. Though the marchwarden doubted that was his source of aggravation. “It would appear there is some additional information I needed.” At that, Haldir lifted an eyebrow even as he replied in a respectful tone. “There are some things that cannot be predicted before they happen.” “And some you can draw a reasonable prediction about. Like the severity of the damage he took from being grazed by one of the foul beast's arrows.”
“Is that what happened? From the pain he was in I would have thought far more than a graze.” Thranduil glared at him. “We would not have allowed him to be grievously injured, despite what risks he was taking.” “I did not doubt your ability to protect him, King Thranduil. I merely know his ability to attract both trouble and chaos,” Haldir placated.
Both their gazes quickly went to watching the scene unfold in front of them. Especially attentive when the raven shifted back to the tall dark-haired elf. Both watched intently at the interaction with the youth and then adult skin-changer. Even more so when the wolves drifted off to start cleansing the battle scene. It was a good thing that the Starlight Wolves could do that, it certainly made one less thing they needed to be concerned over. That however did not completely alleviate any worry either elf had over the safety of Gilriant.
When the prince finally turned and headed back towards them, he showed no surprise at Haldir’s presence. When Gilriant reached them, he did allow himself to rest some of his weight against the marchwarden. While he was picking up plenty of information through the bond, the fact the young elf allowed himself to do so, told Haldir more about how he felt than anything else.
“Artos is their leader I believe. He agreed to allowing the wolves to keep watch over them. He also would like me to come visit them after they get settled.” The young elf glanced over towards the group, a faint smile at seeing the group of men accepting some supplies from elves with a somewhat reluctant air. “Pride they have in spades, as most races do. I think they are, however, a bit intrigued by me. So that will aid with interactions.” “How shocking that a race known for shifting their shapes into beasts would be intrigued by an elf that can turn into a raven.” Thranduil’s voice was caustic, yet that only seemed to make Gilriant smile more. “Yes they did seem rather interested in that little fact.”
“After you have recovered we will talk about you visiting them. For now we are regrouping. Stay with Haldir. Later we will also be having a discussion about what other information I should have been given.” Thranduil strode off at that, calling out commands in a sharp tone. Gilriant looked over at his bonded. “I do think I have angered him.” The marchwarden gave him a look. “The King does tend to get prickly when he is both concerned and upset.”
Hallows trotted into view, nosing her way between them. “Come, Hallows can carry you.” When Gilriant started to protest the marchwarden gave him a look. “Don’t. You are coming down from your first battle high and the reason I am here is that you are dealing with other things as well. I will walk besides you for now, ride behind you only if it is needed.” After a brief moment theyougn elf gave in allowing his bonded to help him up on the wolf’s back.
“Are you angry with me?” Gilriant’s voice was far more quiet now. “You know the answer to that,” Haldir replied gently. “Perhaps, but I appreciate hearing it.” After studying him briefly the marchwarden put his hand over the young elf’s. “No, I am not. And I am fairly certainly Thranduil’s anger comes from a place of concern.” At that the prince relaxed. “True, he’s still adjusting from all the healing.” Exhaling, he gave his bonded a small smile. “Thank you for coming.” “I’ll always come when you need me.”