Chapter 28
"You want to come with us?" Gandalf asked, his body struck stupid as he was staring at would likely become the eleventh member of the fellowship. Haldir, regal as ever, simply gave one nod, his eyes conveying his deepset determination. Gandalf just...stared. To have a Lothlorien elf willingly come on this suicide like venture? Well, mor eor less just to say it was not something that he was expecting that the other would uptake. They had not sent envoy to Imladris, and as such he had just assumed that they had no interest. Yet, here was one valiant elf willing to become a part of their journey. "You do realize that we are going on a trip that spells almost certain death?" Gandalf asked, wanting to make sure.
"Mithrindil, I understand this, yet...Seeing the courage of those you have with you, the wide amassment of creatures that live upon this land, I find myself, wanting to help. I have already ensured that My Lady is willing." Gandalf sighed heavily. They had Legolas, which was already more than what he had expected. The elves tended to stay out of the affairs of others. He knew that haldir had an alternative motive, he understood that, but he also understood that he would not stop the other from tagging along. He could not, not really. If he refused the other would simply trail behind them.
"Very well," He gave in. "If you are willing, I am not one to deny the chance for more help." Haldir smiled hand over his heart and a smile on his lips.
"My lady," Haldir said, standing from his bow.
"You wish to follow Loki, and Legolas, to learn more." Galdadriel stated, always knowing more than what he would ever wish to put into words. He bowed his head, somewhat shameful that he was letting this desire get to the best of him. "Tell me, why is it that you risk yourself to aid such a helpless venture?"
"I find myself curious." He admitted. He could not look at her even knowing that she would already see everything he wanted to hide. There was no use in lying. "Loki, I...Find myself curious of him. Of his magic, how he came to this world, he is shrouded in mystery and...I simply find myself curious." Galadriel seemed to smile in her next words.
"I understand your curiosity well. He is far beyond his mortal years, if he is mortal at all, and I find myself also curious of this strange being. His magic is stronger than almost anything I have seen in my long years." She gazed knowingly at Haldir. "Your curiosity is well founded, but...is this the only reason you truly have for wishing to leave?" Haldir bit his lower lip, he could never hide such things from his Lady.
"I worry for the Prince," He whispered. Galadriel smiled. "I...I know His highness can protect himself, but Thranduil did not realize that he was going to be joining this venture, and I...I simply wish to ensure that nothing happens to him, as best as I can."
"Your relationship with the young prince has spanned decades, you have been there for him, as he has been there for you, in your best moments, and in his darkest. I understand your concern, and I understand your fear. Though you understand The young Prince capable, you also are understanding of his predicament. Is that right?" Galadriel said, a small gleam in her eyes.
"Yes, my Lady," Haldir admitted.
"Then, I allow you to leave." Haldir's face snapped up, eyes locking with his Lady in shock. Blue met blue as Haldir felt a spark of such intense gratefulness that he could not possibly describe with words within his vast vocabulary in any of the languages that he had learned in his long time.
"My Lady," he breathed, unable to say much more. She smiled, laughing lightly.
"My dear, you have fought for my lands and me for far too long. I would not deny you this. Prince Legolas is the youngest elf of our kind. He is mature beyond his years, and yet even still...he is still a young elf. He is brash, impulsive, and strong in his emotions. You will leave, to ensure that he is safe, whether I give my permission or otherwise. He is much like you in your protectiveness." haldir moved to speak at that but Galadriel lifted a hand. "It is understandable. He is the youngest elf to be born of full blood in a long while. He is still young, and yet taking on this endeavour alone. Most likely without his father's knowledge, or permission. It would be my honor to allow you to protect the young son of the King of the Woodland Elves, our future king, and to ensure his safety. Loki, you are wary of. As well as worried over, and you are curious, as is wont with our kind. I cannot bring myself to deny your curiosity."
"Thank you, my Lady," He said, which was about as close as he could get to verbally describing his feelings, but he knew his Lady felt them. She smiled.
"Be safe, and protect the two young ones."
"We have another member." Gandalf, one who always spoke in riddles barring the one time it may do well to use more caution. Legolas stared at him, shock flooding his eyes, and Loki simply rolled his eyes, leaning back against the tree. The rest of the Fellowship, promptly went...well it was chaos. In the end, however, nobody refused his new addition.
"We do need to get going, however," Aragorn spoke up. A sense of somber realization settled upon the people in the gathering. "Hopefully we will be able to reach the isle before nightfall. Hopefully." They all nodded and Haldir parted ways with the people that he had been with for so long, giving them a smile and a bow of his head, turning to join Legolas and Loki in a boat provided by his Lady.
"You decided to join us," Legolas said, staring at Haldir, a small smile curving on his lips.
"Of course, You cannot very well leave to have all the fun without my Prince, that would just not be fair." Haldir inwardly smiled as Legolas shoved him slightly.
"I am glad you are with us." He said softly.
"It is dangerous," Loki spoke, his eyes scanning the shoreline. They were tinted green, something which fascinated him, but at these words Legolas turned to him, worry flooding his own.
"You are right. Something is not right."