Title: Voices on the Wind
Series: None.My first Fic ever….
Author: Leanan Sidhe
E-mail:Hannally@aol.com
Pairing: Haldir/?
Rating: None.
Summary: Aftermath of Helms Deep
Disclaimers: Don’t own nuthin…..
Notes: Some cloak questions answered, Haldir says goodbye
to Lorien. Whos’ the narrator? Orophin?,Rumil?
Woman, man? I wrote this after listening to Loreena McKennitt’s Dante’s Prayer.
Warnings: angst, bittersweet
Sindarin Translations at end of story

~%~

The night air was becoming increasingly chill. The temperature usually remained quite mild within the Golden Wood, but this night the cold spreading darkness that had gripped most of Middle Earth snaked its way into the heart of Lothlorien. I suppressed a shiver, not wanting to acknowledge the foreboding that such a change in climate might herald.

~%~

Only four days before, many in Lorien had heeded a call to arms and marched at dawn to the Rohan stronghold at Helm’s Deep. The flickering sparks of the alliance between the races of Elves and Men being rekindled in the face of Sauron’s darkness. I remember adding my voice in a song of strength and hope as the archers knelt before the Lord and Lady. The blue twilight of dawn paled their faces transparent as they awaited their charge.

“ Astalderea…….Nai tirurvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu Vilya”(*1)

The archers stood and saluted. Their chosen leader, Haldir, the March Warden of the Galadrim, broke formation and strode to the forefront. He bowed low to the Lord and Lady, his pale hair falling like a curtain of light across his face.

“Sana sima Haldir”(*2) Galadriel raised him to his feet and presented him with a crimson cloak of office.

“ Wear it proudly, March Warden for its honor suits you”

The Lady of the Wood was right. Never had I seen the handsome Galadrim look more commanding. My breath caught in my throat as Galadriel placed the cloak upon his broad shoulders.

Haldir kneeled again kissed his Lady’s hand.

“ I shall treasure your gift in my heart” he spoke softly before rising to his feet once more.

Without fanfare or delay Haldir turned towards his archers and commanded the elven army to advance. I tried to catch his eyes as he turned to follow, but his gaze remained forward and steady. Haldir was never one for prolonged goodbyes.

Those left to tend Lorien watched as the last archer passed beneath the giant Mallorn. All must serve, I thought . In our own ways we will all fight this battle. As if to echo my thoughts, Lord Celeborn took his lady’s hand and led her away. Like so many of us, she looked weary and vulnerable.

~%~

Shivering again, I wrapped my cloak tighter to my shoulders. Something was amiss.

Closing my eyes I leaned upon the rail of my talan. I sent my senses outward to search the odd chill breeze.

It was faint at first, not unlike a soft moan from the trees. As I stood , it grew stronger and more melodious. There were voices on the very wind. They drifted high among the golden branches and dipped low again to wrap themselves around me. My hair stirred in the sonorous breeze, calling me out. Grabbing a taper from the table I quickly made my way down from the talan. When I reached the bottom I realized that I was not the only one to hear these voices. Many had gathered and were following the strange breeze.

The voices led to Nimrodel, the sacred river that flowed though Lorien. As I approached the silvered waters the voices rang clear.

“ A Elbareth, o menel palan-diriel, le nallon si di ngurthos! A tiro nin, Fonuilos.”(*3)

The far banks of the river seemed to glow with light. At first it seemed too bright, but as my eyes adjusted I could see the faint shadows of figures with the glow. The voices were strong now and sang as one in their lament. Within moment the light began to dim and the source of the voices were revealed. My eyes widened at the sight, for I recognized the faces of some of the archers that had marched to the Helm.

Oh Elbareth, there were so many faces. In stunned silence I stood upon the bank, unable to focus my thoughts. The I saw it, a flash of crimson, and my heart fell.

Haldir stepped onto the far bank. I closed my eyes tightly, unable to quell the rush of tears that abandoned them. I did not wish to see this. It was not real.

A hand upon my cheek, warm and soft. Delicate breath upon my neck, as a familiar voice whispers to my ears and melts into my heart. The softest kiss upon my trembling lips, honey sweet, and tender. I lean into the spectral embrace, as warm flesh holds me close. I open my eyes and reach out to see Haldir still standing upon the far shore, his grey eyes locked in mine and I understand.

This is goodbye. Haldir of Lorien would lead his men to the Halls of Mandos. With a last look over his shoulder Haldir faded into crimson mist, followed by the archers. I stared out over Nimrodel for what seemed like an eternity before I knelt to the ground. I took my candle and placed it upon a felled golden Mallorn leaf and set it adrift in the waters of the river.

Haldirs whispered words still echoed in my ears as I watched my tiny ship of light float down the silvery waters.

“ Cast your eyes to the ocean
Cast your soul to the sea
When the darkness seems
endless…Please remember me…(*4)

A breeze caressed my neck, much warmer now, and upon the wind I heard it whisper……

Please remember me………..please remember me…..Seaes rin amin…….

~%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%~

FIN

*1 May the Valar protect you on your path under the sky.

*2 This is for you Haldir.

*3 O Elbareth, from heaven gazing afar, to thee I cry now beneath the shadow of death, O look towards me! Everwhite.

*4 Chorus of Dantes Prayer~ Loreena Mckennitt