Chapter 17

The End of a Journey

Haldir clipped the golden leaf shaped clasp over his cloak, sliding the heavy red fabric over his shoulder. Rested, if not by choice, he felt clear headed yet also filled with a rare sense of impatience. His time in the mortal's city had not been long, in the elvish sense of time, yet his journey to this place seemed so. Mairen was his, accepted by her own words, yet he would not feel comfortable until they were once again back in Lórien.

But his impatience to be gone from these lands was not important, only Mairen mattered. A Mairen of healed soul and heart, a Mairen that chose her fate based upon her own feelings and not on responsibility. He could not ask for more.

And he'd been ready to accept the consequence if her heart had truly desired a life in Rohan. Blessed Valar she had not, and her face after his kiss, in that brief moment they had shared, told him far more than she realized. Brought his own forgotten memory rushing to the surface of his consciousness, reminding him with a faint rueful feeling of disquiet that Mairen was not the only one the Valar had played games with. How he could have put aside that knowledge that she was already his, that already in another place and time, they had bound not only their hearts, but their souls?

Had they even known?

He closed his eyes, resting a hand on the door frame. No. There was no way he would have allowed that to happen, had he any choice. Too much was at stake, he'd only wished to show her what she could have, what choices were hers to make.

Indeed, choices that he thought he had made had truly been the Valar's.

He sighed quietly, glancing over his shoulder for the shadows that followed him so closely. Did the Valar tire of the game yet? Had the bonding, such as it was, been done so that they could not choose otherwise? It seemed so, yet he doubted the answers were so simple, or emotional.

Did Mairen realize that they were one, that this ceremony was only that, a ceremony? He brushed a hand over his eyes. It would be a long ritual of mortal expectations. King Éomer's description of the whole process had nearly made him shudder with frustration. It would be a very long trial, with more drinking of all things, and yet more hinted than that. He was told he would know what to do. Haldir shook his head. The Rohirrim seemed to thrive on ceremony and drinking. He sighed, opening the door. Truly, Lórien seemed like a paradise.

Mairen combed her hair, allowing the light brown tendrils to fall over one shoulder nearly to her waist, the length far longer than she had ever allowed. Was it her elvish soul that preened in the mirror, admiring the glossy strands, or was it her Rohirran side that chose to be lax in her normally stringent decisions regarding her hair. Long hair, too long, was a disadvantage in battle. A handle for the enemy to grasp if braided behind her, a detriment when it swung in her eyes. Yet the elves all wore their hair long, male and female. And even the Rohirrim men did so, sometimes hanging to the middle of their back. Why did it concern her so much suddenly?

She laughed at her image in the mirror. It was a silly thought, but one that kept the more tantalizing ones at bay. Too quickly her thoughts turned to Haldir, wondering if he liked her hair, wondering what it would be like to have his fingers slide through the heavy length, unbraiding it, smoothing it . . ." She stiffened suddenly, dropping the comb with trembling fingers as the door flew open, and bent quickly for the comb with an oath, hiding her flushed face in her knees.

Willem marched inside, followed closely by Renny, Eamon and Rolfe, who shut the door firmly on the elf that was leaning against the door frame. Rumil and Orophin had been stationed at her door all afternoon, grinning as she peeked at them, but saying nothing. Were they her guards or guardians? Did Haldir worry that she would run?

She wouldn't blame him if he did.

"The time is almost near, Mairen," Willem announced jovially, ruffling her hair as she sat up.

Rolfe leaned on the fireplace mantel facing the flames, kicking the bits of wood scattered in front of the hearth. "You are certain this is what you want?" He asked grimly, glancing at her with eyes narrowed and lips tight. Still Rolfe struggled with this marriage. She wondered if he would ever truly accept it.

She stared into the mirror, watching her two remaining brothers closely as they sat down at the small table beneath the window. Eamon, in his usual silence, merely lifted an eyebrow at Rolfe's remark, but Renny grinned and slid his long legs out from his chair.

"Of course she's sure. We've asked her enough. The time to dwell on it is past."

Mairen set the brush down on her lap, hoping her blush had faded. "I am sure." She glanced around the room, allowing her gaze to fall on each brother. "I will miss you."

Willem sat on the edge of the table beside her and leaned over to grasp her chin gently. "As we will miss you. Who will I ride with now? After being blind I still cannot get the smell of Renny's armpits from my nose. Rolfe needs him anyways. Eamon needs no one, except his steed. She favors him more than any lass in Edoras."

Mairen smiled warmly and pushed away from the table. "You will ride with Gamling, for I have heard it from Éowyn," she confided with a wink. She turned toward the brothers behind her. "As for Rolfe, Renny and Eamon, you will become closer once I am gone." She sighed and folded her arms over her chest. "I have not allowed the thoughts of leaving Rohan to intrude on my mind, fearing I would not be able to leave." She plucked at the threads on her dress absently as she sat on the edge of her bed.

Rolfe moved away from the fire and sat beside her carefully, taking her hand into his larger one. "This is mother's dress," Rolfe pointed out softly, rubbing the fabric in his fingers. Mairen glanced down at the heavy gown and then back at Rolfe with a wistful smile.

"I know."

Renny sat next to her as well. "I believe she wore it when she wed our father."

Mairen drew back with a start. "It was her wedding dress?"

Eamon leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. He glanced at the others and then reached under his tunic to bring out a small locket held with a simple chain around his neck. Mairen stared at it curiously; Eamon had never shown her this before. He pulled off the chain and handed it to Mairen.

"A likeness painted ironically, by an elf, for our father," he explained as Mairen caressed the small silver ornament. "The painting was done shortly after they were married, as a token of his love for her."

Mairen slowly opened the locket, a delicate oval with a tiny horse's head on the front. It opened with a faint click, revealing an impossibly small painting of a woman she hardly recognized, yet knew instantly was her mother.

The dress was indeed the one she wore, her mother's hair braided over her left shoulder, the same light brown as Mairen's. But there the resemblance ended, for the Rohan woman had bright blue eyes that seemed to dance as Mairen studied her. Love and happiness filled her gaze and Mairen shut the locket with a snap, holding it close to her chest.

"Mairen? I did not mean to upset you." Eamon knelt before her to take her hands, the locket held tightly between them.

"Nay, I am not upset, Eamon. She just looks so happy."

Renny smiled, and leaned an arm around Eamon's shoulders. "She was always joyful, even when father was gone on patrol."

Rolfe nodded quietly. "As you once were, Mairen."

Willem was frowning, his hands behind his back. "Aye that seems like such a long time ago."

Mairen stared at the four men. "So you think I have been melancholy for so long that I can't find joy in this day?"

Rolfe coughed and gave her a rueful smile. "You look like you are going to your funeral, Mairen."

Renny stood up, pushing Rolfe aside. "Nay, I fear your heart does not seem to be in this at all."

Mairen frowned and then returned the locket to Eamon. "That is not true. This is what I have lived for, what I wanted for so long. Yet I can hardly believe the day is here." She rubbed her forehead absentmindedly and then rose to stand next the fireplace and then turned to face her brothers. "I would not change my decision if the Valar stood before me; nay I feel it is what they have guided me toward for both of my lifetimes. If I seem melancholy it is only that once more my life changes and I know not what it shall bring."

Rolfe rose, crossing the room to wrap his arms around her in a tight embrace. "Forget your fears of the future and accept what this day brings with your usual fervor. That is all we ask, Mairen." He kissed her forehead and then held her away from him. "There is joy to be had this day, for you especially and Haldir. And for us, it is well to see you whole. For truly, Mairen, it is only when the elf is near to you that the glow returns to your cheeks and your eyes sparkle as they once did. I cannot fight against love. I am only jealous that you have found it in one so far from us." He sighed and then grinned mischievously. "Be that as it may, Éomer has explained in detail your ceremony and if I am not mistaken, Haldir will find his patience once again tried and tested."

Rumil followed the tall elf before him, admiring the width of his shoulders, the strength apparent beneath the red cloak, the silver-blond hair that hung to the middle of Haldir's back. The March Warden leaped up the steps toward the heavy doors of Meduseld, gaze trained ahead, yet Rumil glanced at the steps briefly, aware of how close Haldir had come again to death. But the Valar had once again protected him. He thanked them silently, and then lengthened his stride to catch up with the warden as he passed through the doors into the hall. The day was fading; already the sun had dropped near the horizon casting a few watery rays through the thin patches of clouds, illuminating the grey darkness with striking brilliance.

It was a good day to leave, he decided, eyeing the clouds. Winter had not yet given way to spring and a late season storm might delay them if they did not conclude the journey soon. He walked into the heady warmth of the hall, blinded slightly by the glare of the many torches in the dusky interior, to find it empty save for King Éomer and his wife Lothiriel, Éowyn and Faramir alongside on a low bench and Gamling in his usual manner standing at Éomer's left shoulder. They were waiting patiently and Haldir was already halfway down the hall, head high, shoulders back as their eyes followed him carefully.

It would be an unusual day for the Rohirrim as well as for the elves. Rumil only hoped that the ceremony was not what Haldir had described dolefully, glancing behind him at the grey skies outside the door.

Haldir bent slightly as he greeted Éomer, and then lifted Lothiriel's hand to kiss it gently as she smiled in welcome. Éowyn nodded and Faramir sent him an amused glance. Did the Ithilien lord understand the emotions that roiled just beneath the surface of Haldir's seeming calm demeanor? For that matter, Éomer might sense the underlying disquiet he felt. If they did they gave no further sign and Haldir drew back, turning as the doors opened behind them.

A swift glance revealed Mairen, escorted by two brothers and the remaining two only a step behind, but it was Mairen that made his breath catch in his throat. She walked slowly toward him, dressed in a heavy golden gown. But he hardly noticed the garment she wore, rather her expression of nervous anticipation matched his own chaotic emotions and he looked away, striving for the control he usually maintained and finding it evaded him elusively. He inhaled slowly, and lifted his eyes to meet hers, and then stepped forward as Rolfe drew her closer.

"She is yours now, Haldir," Rolfe declared quietly as he placed Mairen's hand into his. "If rumor comes that she is unhappy or unprotected, you will find us four on your doorstep."

Haldir took Mairen's chilled fingers in his, lifting them for a moment to his lips as she looked at him wordlessly. "Indeed, I would expect no less from you. Have no fear that she will be unhappy. But she is yet a warrior and will not be coddled. I expect she will do what she must as we all do."

Rolfe lifted an eyebrow at Mairen as she exhaled in a loud huff, and then stepped back as she swept her arms around Haldir with a laugh. Haldir held her close to him, savoring the feel of her body against his but then gently set her back a step.

"Your King awaits you, Mairen."

She nodded and he drew her beside him to face Éomer. The Rohan Lord smiled and then pulled a thin parchment from within his sleeve. He held it up so that Haldir could see it and then suddenly ripped the parchment in two.

Mairen gasped as Éomer grinned. "Your proposal to the King of Rohan is destroyed. I will not be said to force any of my friends, nor subjects into a marriage that is not of their choosing. You have the lass before you, and it will be your decisions this day that you make, not mine." Éomer glanced behind him at his wife. "I can only hope you find the happiness you seek." He met Haldir's gaze with a wink and then bowed slightly with hands held wide. 'What say you?"

Haldir sent Mairen a glance and then bowed to the Rohirrim Horse Lord. "My choice was made long ago. It does not change."

Mairen's hand was trembling and she glanced down at her feet. "My answer is the same yet…"

Haldir stiffened and sent a wary look at the woman at his side. What more could she do to delay the proceedings? He frowned as she took a deep breath.

"I wish only that the day be done. I have no patience for the long speeches you and my brothers would choose to spout and indeed, were the choice mine I would have the elf carry me off without another word spoken." She grinned, unaware of Haldir's amusement and stepped forward to point boldly at her king. "Do you not admit you and my brother's have made plans to do such?" Éomer's eyes twinkled as he met Haldir's gaze.

Haldir turned and then before Éomer could answer grasped Mairen's shoulders. "You agree to our match?"

Mairen nodded. "Of course, Haldir… I …" she gasped as he bent near her, swinging his hands down to her hips to lift her quickly over his shoulder. She screeched in surprise, as he turned back to Éomer.

"By your leave, my lord. I believe that concludes this ceremony." Haldir touched his forehead in a quick salute, ignoring Mairen's frantic beating on his back and strode rapidly from the hall followed by the raucous laughter of the Rohirran men.

Outside he set her down on her feet, while Rumil and Orophin leapt down the steps for the horses. Mairen settled her hands on her hips but then grinned.

"That's not going to work."

Haldir glanced over his shoulder. So far no one had followed. "No?"

Mairen poked a finger at his chest and then twisted his tunic around them, stepping against him. "My brothers will not allow me to go without a binding…"

Haldir slid his hands around her face. "We have been bound, for a long time. I think your brothers know this."

He sighed when the door to the Golden Hall flew open, and four men shoved their way outside against what seemed to be half the Rohirrim army holding them back. Haldir turned back to Mairen to find her laughing.

"I told you so."

Haldir grinned back, and tossed her over his shoulder as Orophin and Rumil cantered up the hill to the hall. "Indeed, but I also recall you stating you would like it if I threw you over my shoulder. . ."

Mairen gasped as she landed in the saddle but Haldir gave her no time to argue and leaped up behind her as the Rohirrim rushed to the top of the steps.

"Unhand her now, Haldir. She needs a binding agreement, or you'll not have her!" Rolfe complained, holding out a hand desperately.

Haldir grinned, turning his horse so that he could meet the man's gaze. "We have spoken the vows we will. If you do not choose to accept this then you may attend an elvish version of your wedding feast in a month. Until then, she is mine as she has been for two lifetimes." He kicked the horse into a canter as Rolfe cursed, but was held back by his brothers from following.

Mairen shook her head, ducking as they flew past the gates into the wide plain below the city. But she did not complain, but held onto his arms tightly. The road to Lórien would take several days, but Haldir was certain the Rohirrim would not follow.

Lórien seemed like an old friend, welcoming Mairen back into her midst with a soothing air of warmth that settled over her as soon as she was underneath the trees. Haldir had dismounted and now led the horse on foot, leaving his brothers behind at the border with friends.

"Do you not fear some strange creature will accost us, endangering me?" Mairen asked after the two brothers had waved them off.

"I think the creatures fear the wild woman astride my horse far worse. It is I who should be fearful I think."

Mairen laughed as Haldir sent her a grin over his shoulder. "You told my brothers a month. Why do I not believe it will be that long?"

Haldir stopped and moved to stand at her knee. His grey eyes were warm as he looked up at her. "Because it is not necessary. You know as well as I."

She bent toward him to caress his cheek with her fingers. "Do I? Perhaps I don't remember?"

Haldir's eyes glittered in a way she'd almost forgotten, a heady sense of purpose that made her suddenly very warm.

"I shall have to remind you. It is but a simple act, but one that takes quite a long time."

"How long?"

A wicked smile curved his lips. "A very long time."

Mairen shivered. "And just what does this act entail, my handsome elf?"

Haldir frowned suddenly, and gripped her fingers. "You called me that once, long ago."

Mairen drew her fingers free to sit up, blinking. "I did, but more than once I think. I feared you were dead, such a handsome creature to die so horribly."

"But you saved me."

"And you saved me from worse."

"And I fear I will again." Haldir traced the line of her sword tucked underneath her saddle girth. "But I will do so happily if it means that you are by my side."

Mairen caught her lip between her teeth, blinking back a sudden rush of tears. "That you would allow me to be what I am tells me much, Haldir."

Haldir reached up and pulled her free of the saddle, tucking her easily into the curve of his arms. A few steps and the forest swallowed her horse, closing around them like the guardians they were.

"Your trees seem alive."

"They are alive. They protect us as we protect them."

"Would you leave this land, Haldir?" Mairen curled her arms around his neck, enjoying the feel of his arms around her for once, allowing herself to bask in his strength.

"Perhaps one day. But not without you."

She snuggled into his neck, smiling as he strode effortlessly through the woods. "Where are we going?"

"Are you worried?"

"No, but perhaps the horse will be worried?"

Haldir laughed softly. "The horse is already headed to pasture, he knows the way. Just as I do."

Mairen laughed too. "You are going to put me out to pasture? I know I am old, my dear elf, but not that old!"

Haldir ducked beneath a low hanging vine and then straightened without answering her. Mairen turned to find indeed spread before them was a wide clearing, a meadow filled with a cacophony of color that nearly blinded her. Sunlight glinted off the surface of a tiny stream and beside that a small building nestled against the far edge of the meadow, nearly hidden in the shadows of the trees behind it.

"This is nice, Haldir. Are we going to grow old here?"

"I doubt that, Mairen. You must remember you will not age as your brothers do. It is something you must deal with." He set her gently on her feet, pulling her across the meadow.

She pushed away the sadness that his comment brought, refusing to dwell on that now. "I know. But truly, what is this?"

"A talan, it was built by those who lived in these woods long ago. I sense the place was well loved and a good place to love well in." Haldir smiled mischievously as he ducked inside, drawing her behind him.

"Perhaps we are invading the spirit of the place?" she argued but knew instantly they were not. The talan was small, with large windows overlooking the meadow. A wide platform was placed across one far wall, heaped with blankets and pillows. A fire was burning in the small fireplace and what smelled like soup was simmering on the spit.

Haldir kissed her fingers and then shut the door softly. "I don't think so. Do you like it?"

She tasted the soup with her finger and then turned to face Haldir with a sly smile. "It's very good. But are you really that hungry?"

Haldir answered by tossing aside his cloak. It fell against a small bench, then pooled on the floor. Mairen followed suit and tossed hers on the floor near the bed. A moment of laughter and then they fell onto the cushions behind her. Haldir curled against her side, pressing her among the pillows to trace the shape of her lips with his fingers.

"I have waited far too long for this."

Mairen pulled his fingers to her lips to kiss them. "So have I."

A long kiss made her sigh, shielded by his long hair as he leaned over her. "How long can we stay here? Does anyone know?"

Haldir smiled. "Only three," he frowned glancing at the soup, "maybe four. But we will not be disturbed. The Lady knows where we are."

Mairen sighed happily. "Except your brothers know."

Haldir laughed then. "Nay, my love, they do not. We have as long as you would like."

Mairen grinned. "You said it would take a long time."

Haldir kissed her. "Aye, a very long time."

The Lórien ceremony was simple, if a bit overshadowed by the Rohirrim contingent that insisted on adding their voice to the proceedings. Celeborn looked up once again, he'd lost count of how many times the four brothers had interrupted, with an aggrieved sigh.

"I fear the rest is rather pointless, Haldir."

Mairen's face was an expressionless mask, marred only by the quiver of her lips and the twinkle that gleamed in her eyes. Haldir shook his head faintly with a glance over his shoulder. "Indeed, my Lord. It would seem the – family- deems it more worthwhile to offer toasts rather than endure much more…"

"I think you call it poetry!" Willem said with a slight slur as he threw an arm around Haldir's shoulders. "We both know, er…" he glanced apologetically at Mairen. "We all three know that this is nothing more than an attempt," he burped loudly to Haldir's rolled eyes and continued unfazed, "to make us feel comfortable with you and Mairen being together… emm… officially." He grinned, sloshing the wine from the crystal goblet in his hand over Mairen's arm.

Celeborn wondered who had offered the wine to the Rohirrim. One of his best vintages and one the men did not seem to appreciate but rather swilled like ale. He shuddered at the thought of such a precious commodity being tossed back so casually. This was a momentous occasion that was being marred . . . he paused and glanced at Mairen. Changing his thought, he smiled genially. It was marked by just that, the Rohirrim, still very much a part of Haldir's new wife. He chuckled quietly. Haldir would have to get used to the four marshals, six brothers now to endure.

Haldir caught his eye and nodded slightly, as if in agreement. Celeborn cleared his throat with an amused glance at Galadriel who was now surrounded by two of Mairen's brothers. He'd have to think twice again before allowing them all into Lórien; they'd certainly created a furor upon their arrival.

He didn't dare mention that Haldir and Mairen had just only arrived in the city days ago. What occurred in the days in between leaving Rohan and arriving in Caras Galadhon was theirs alone to know.

"My lord?" Renny bowed low before Celeborn. "A word with you if I might?"

Haldir bowed and pulled Mairen away, as she glanced curiously at her brother.

"Of course, it would be a pleasure," Celeborn said affably.

Renny smiled and then frowned, and then once again smiled if painfully. "This is difficult for us, I hope you understand this?"

Celeborn nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, you are losing a sister but gaining another brother. But she will always be here if you wish to see her."

Renny glanced over his shoulder warily. "True. But I wish to make something clear, and hope that Haldir understands."

Celeborn lifted a brow but remained silent as Renny gripped the sword at his hip. "Mairen is a warrior. She's never been girlish. She'd not be happy sitting back in your tree houses for long. I hope that Haldir understands this?"

Celeborn smoothed the smile from his lips with his fingers. "Indeed, I am certain that Haldir knows this, my lord. She has made that abundantly clear."

Renny scratched his head and leaned forward. "She's a might of a handful when she's angry."

"We have seen this, I assure you."

"She can be a bit high handed, bossy, irritating…" Renny seemed about to lapse into a long description but Celeborn interrupted with a hand on his arm.

"We are well aware of her attributes, Haldir especially. It is a bit late to speak of them now."

Renny grinned. "Just making sure. We'll take her back if he decides she's too much."

A hand on Renny's shoulder made the man flinch. "Do not worry, brother. The day my brother tires of Mairen will be the day the world ends." Rumil grinned at Renny. "But the day wanes and there is yet wine to be consumed. Come join us!" He led the stocky man away to Celeborn's relief. And he knew just who to confront regarding the wine.

Mairen sat below the tree, cradled against Haldir's chest watching the sun set through the trees. The night air was cool and the breeze fluttered a strand of Haldir's hair over her cheek. She caught the wisp of silver and kissed it. "I think I am finally at peace."

Haldir pressed her closer to him, wrapping his arms across her chest. "For how long?"

She turned to look up into his face, a face she'd dreamed of for so long. "Forever, I think. I feel like I'm finally… home."

Haldir closed his eyes and pressed his cheek against her head. She could feel him breathing, a deep series of breaths that told her he was struggling to control some deep emotion. She traced her fingers over his arm, waiting patiently for him to speak.

"I did not think this day would come. The Valar's games are not often what we think them to be."

"I think they worked very hard to bring us together."

Haldir laughed ruefully. "I do not imagine that we were an easy game to play."

Indeed a voice echoed Haldir's sentiment as the two Vala stood amid the shadows of the trees.

"They are finally one, in both mind and spirit."

Vana nodded, watching the two lovers. "Indeed, as they were meant to be. But truly the game was long yet enjoyable."

The Vala next to her gave her a worried look. "I don't like the sound of that."

Vana smiled wickedly. "I don't think Rumil has found a mate yet."

The Vala laughed together fading into the shadows.

Mairen looked around, breaking the Haldir's kiss. "Did you hear someone laughing?"

Haldir pulled her closer, brushing his lips over hers. "Let them laugh." He pushed her gently onto her back to stretch out beside her. "They have had their way. I intend to have mine."

Mairen slid her arms around his neck. "And mine," she agreed.

The end