Bloodlines - The Beginning

The Bastion Of Hope


“Marchwarden.” Legolas looked up at the tall figure that stood before him. The proud Silvan and his company had arrived in Ithilien only a few weeks before and had set to work almost immediately to establish themselves in the slowly growing retreat of the last Elven Realm.

It had been a surprise to many that Ithilien was home not only to the majority of the remaining Elves left to Middle Earth, but to many others as well. Dwarfs and Man alike, given the reason and the leave of Ithilien’s Lord were as likely to be found here as Legolas’s own kind.

Legolas rose, extended a welcoming arm to Lorien’s former guardian.

“I trust you have had an easy time of your move?” Legolas watched Haldir, with little hope that he would be able to read the elf before him. He’d not been able on their first meeting and he doubted he ever would.

“Aye, and my thanks to you. We had not expected so open a welcome.” Haldir smiled.


“I am told there are a few notable faces in your party.” Legolas offered Haldir an open smile.

“Please” He indicated a chair before his desk. “Sit, let us talk.”

Haldir folded his larger frame into the chair Legolas indicated and accepted a glass of wine from his hand. For Legolas’s own part he made himself comfortable behind his desk and looked to Haldir expectantly.

“I’m told there is an expected visit from your father?” Haldir gave him a questioning look.

“Oh yes” Legolas smiled at the pure irony of his father’s visit. “He comes to introduce himself to his new grandson.”

The smirk on Haldir’s face was a hard thing to miss. Legolas was almost tempted to offer the Silvan one in return. Of all the things that Middle Earth had pushed upon Legolas’s plate, his fathers summons and unarguable command still left him with a quiet sense of disbelief.

He was Thranduil’s youngest son, and the only one among his children who had not seen himself bonded, as such he’d been charged by his father to meet the responsibility he’d laid before him. Despite all of Legolas’s hesitation, in the end he had honored his fathers request and done his part to assure the future as best he could.

It had not been only for him that the duty and carefully laid plans had been made. The Marchwarden sitting before him, would no doubt also fulfill his part as well, if his red-headed Lady was any indication. Neither had the Elders of their kind spared others from their charge. Even the twice-born slayer of fell beasts had found himself compelled to meet Elrond’s request.

“Glorfindel travels alone?” Legolas had not missed the absence of the expected Lady by Glorfindel’s side.

Haldir smiled, shaking his head. “It would take more strength then even Glorfindel posses, I suspect, to take Rebecca from her lands.”

Legolas nodded, Glorfindel’s Lady was as head strong as any. She had made a place for herself in his esteem. Left to tend her lands alone and now matched with Glorfindel, she’d opened her home to more then one orphan, setting them to work on the farm as if they might be one of her own. No one dared challenge the Lady’s claim to her former husband’s lands, not with Glorfindel’s name written upon the deed.

With the choice set before her, Rebecca had made a very firm decision to remain in her home. Glorfindel traveled quite frequently between Ithilien and that of Gondor, offering his knowledge and advice to both realms. It did not matter where Rebecca choose to settle, separated from her bonded for long periods of time, she had declared that her home was as good as any and proceeded to take in any child that Glorfindel might find on his journeys. She set them to work on the farm and offered them the shelter of her home.

Legolas smiled at the thought, Rebecca’s home was slowly becoming a realm of it’s very own and assistance from some of Ithilien’s craftsmen had been requested by Glorfindel and gladly given. The single small framer’s cottage had slowly grown to a larger residence, as Rebecca added some of the youngest victims of the past war to her growing collection.

“And Erestor?” Legolas questioned, having not missed the fact that he was suddenly gifted with a growing library of collected knowledge from more then one elven realm and a keeper all it’s own.

“You would have to go to the Library to meet Erestor’s Lady. If you can pull her from her books, she’s quite likable.”

“Your brothers are with you as well I’m told?” Of course they were, separating the three of them was neigh impossible. It had been no surprise as all when his Advisor had added their names to the growing list, directly under that of their brother.

“Orophin is well. He still hesitates.” Haldir, frowned, still a bit worried with his brothers standing refusal to honor the request made of him. Haldir, however, did not feel compelled to force his hand, he had the right to do things in his own time.

“And Rumil?” Legolas questioned. He’d not seen Rumil’s bonded either, if there even was one.

Haldir chuckled. “Rumil is paying the penalty of past mistakes, but he remains hopeful and has decided to take a less then careful approach.”

Rumil’s past mistake with Drew, stood as of yet unforgiven. She treated him in a friendly almost casual manner, but she let him no closer to her then the span of an arm. Finally, his little brother decided that overcoming her doubts was going to require more then simple wooing. He pursued Drew now, with a single minded intensity that left one with the feeling of a predator stalking prey.

“Ah, she is not to be meddled with?” Legolas wondered at a woman that could resist the apparent charms of Haldir’s little brother for any span of time.

“One might say that. Remind me at some time, to recount for you, his intended’s skill with a knife.”

Legolas raised a questioning brow at this. “I was told she was a healer? Harnage informs me she’s much in demand among the men of the settlement.”

The stolid Dwarven Overseer had in fact been thrilled with her arrival. Both the men and dwarves of Ithilien had ready access to the few elven healers among them, but hesitated to take advantage of it. The woman however did not cause unease, and had been gladly sought out. He had even received request from some of the outlaying smaller townships, for her attention. In fact he had intention of introducing himself to the Lady as soon as possible.

“Aye, she’s been well trained, and given all the hands-on knowledge Elrond and his healers could provide her with. She was also given any books that she could make use of. She has not the ability of the Eldar, but she does quiet well with what experience and skill she has.”

Legolas nodded, she could not be expected to posses the innate abilities of the elves, but she had still received an education any healer would have given much for. It was rare the Eldar shared such knowledge, rarer still when they shared it with man. The woman, would no doubt, find her time in great demand as word spread.

“I look forward to meeting her.” Legolas dropped the subtle hint, hoping that Haldir would see to it that the meeting was arranged. He much preferred a casual meeting with newcomers as opposed to having them summoned to him. A command tended to put others on the defensive and did not allow for the relaxed observation that Legolas preferred.

“It appears, my friend that you have gifted me with some very welcome new additions. I was told that Lindir traveled with you as well?”

Haldir could not contain the amused snort that escaped him at the mention of Lindir.

“Aye, and he brings with him his contribution to the master plan as well. She is rather, different, even more so then the others.”

Haldir hesitated to tell the Prince how different. Jay, was without a doubt, the most boisterous creature he’d ever encountered. She was loud, opinionated, absolutely forthcoming and had the iron clad stomach of a dwarf. When Lindir had stared in open mouth infatuation at the little minstrel they’d found in the Inn at Bree, it had amused all present. When he’d promptly gotten her drunk on more elven wine then most men would have been able to hold and drug her off to his bed, bonding himself to her with out so much as a by your leave, it had left even the unshakable members of their party stupefied.

“Different?” Legolas questioned.

“Let it just be said, that your friend Gimli may find himself hard pressed to keep up with her in her cups and she has a surprisingly varied retinue of drinking songs.”

Legolas laughed now, trying to picture a woman that could boast of such things. “And Lindir choose her?”

That was quite a surprise, Imladris’ quiet bard had ever had a dreamy quiet way about him. Legolas was hard put to imagine him with the creature Haldir now described.

Haldir laughed at the considering look on Legolas’s face. “Apparently there is much we do not know about Lindir.”

“I see.” Legolas was not sure he did see, but he had the intention of finding out.

“And what of you my friend? I’m told you’ve found a well suited match.”

Legolas had watched the party arrive from the confines of his study. The deep red of his ladies hair and the hard to miss scar that stood out against her cheek, had made him assume Haldir had chased down a creature as battle hardened as he.

“Mistral is...” Haldir paused a moment, lifting his eyes to the ceiling as if searching for the right words, “something that was worth waiting for.” The twinkle in Haldir’s eyes was hard to miss.

Legolas smiled and cleared his throat a bit before proceeding. “I’m told the two of you are very, close.”

His words were chosen carefully. No one had missed the constant petting the two seemed to thrive on. If they were together, they had their hands on each other. He’d even fielded his stable masters request that the two be politely cautioned as to the proper place to exercise their obvious affection.

Haldir’s face took on a slight flush as Legolas’ carefully worded intent became clear. “Umm yes, well we’ve not been long together.” He offered in explanation.

A smile of mischief dominated the prince’s face as he took advantage of the opportunity to actually catch the stern elf before him by surprise. “Perhaps we should have a stable of your own constructed.”

The look of embarrassed apology on Haldir’s face was amusing. “That won’t be necessary.”

Legolas laughed now. “Worry not Haldir, though I’d advise caution in the future. Many would envy you what you’ve found.”

In truth he himself did. He’d done his duty and was not displeased with the choice he’d made, but he was well aware that the woman he’d chosen still looked upon him with unease at times. She did not seek him out, nor did she offer physical contact unless he initiated it. He was well aware she held him in high regard, however it was not the regard he might have sought from his Lady. She acted rather as if, she was afraid to approach him without his permission. He knew her to be both intelligent and quite capable, however her hesitation where he was concerned left him uncomfortable at times.

Turning his thoughts from his own worries he addressed the rest of the elves he knew to be involved in the quiet addition they intended to make to Middle Earth before they sailed.

“I did not see Elrond’s sons among you? Do they not come?”

“I believe they are currently helping themselves to their sister’s hospitality. In fact, I’m told that she and her King would have it no other way.”

“And their choices?” Legolas found himself curious as to what type of women the brothers might have chosen.

“Choice.” Haldir corrected.

“Choice?”

Haldir grinned over the rim of his wine glass. “It appears they are intent on sharing everything.” He wondered how Legolas would take that bit of news.

“One, they choose one? Between the two of them?”

“Umm hmm.” Haldir hesitated to expound on his answer.

“Sweet Eru! What creature could be convinced to put up with the pair of them all at once?” Legolas sounded dumbfounded.

“A woman with a great deal of patience.” Haldir laughed.

“But one? They choose only one?”

“Aye, it is not so surprising, given their own bond.”

“And our children...”

“Will make their own choices when the time comes.” Haldir’s answer was firm. Before they finally sailed, their children would be of an age to decide if they would remain or not. He suspected that Arwen’s children would find themselves blessed with an extended family.

Legolas shook his head almost in sadness. “I wonder, Haldir if we do our children a great wrong with what we intend.”

“We do what we must. It is hope and that must be enough.”

Hope. As the time of the Elves ended, it had been the one pressing worry. What hope had the Men of this land. The Elves realized that much that had worth would be lost to Man when the Eldar departed the shores of Middle Earth.

The answer to their concern had come from a surprising source. Thranduil had set forth a solution and had been strongly backed by Galadriel herself. The Lord’s and Lady of three realms had finally found themselves in agreement and had made their choices. Choosing carefully from among the unattached and trustworthy of each realm.

Thranduil had offered up his youngest son and the Prince had done his duty by his father, despite his hesitation.

Lorien, chose three of their most trusted guardians. There had been no choice but to do so, as they would not have tolerated being separated. Haldir had made his choice unaware that there was even reason for it and realized now why his decision had not been met with objection. Upon finding out what was intended, Rumil had felt more then justified in perusing Drew as well. Orophin however still bulked even though he knew well why the request was made of them.

Elrond chose those he’d ever placed his faith in and had fought a hard won battle with both Erestor and Glorfindel before they’d bowed to their Lords wisdom. Lindir had been a surprise, apparently deciding that he was not to be left out of the venture.

It had been quite simple. Hope for the future of Man. They would quietly mix their bloodlines with Man’s and set their children free, trusting that the Elven blood they carried would be stirred if ever the need arose. Galadriel and Elrond had both confirmed it would be so. Eventually even Glorfindel’s strange ability to foretell odd things had awoken and pressed his decision as well.

Legolas leaned back in his chair and turned his cup in his fingers. “So it begins.”

So it had.

___________________

(continued in - Bloodlines- A Fierce Thing)