Haldir had received an unexpected reprieve from his duties at the borders. The Fellowship had just arrived in Lothlòrien, and after he had escorted them to the Lady Galadriel, she had asked him to remain in Caras Galadhorn until they left. He had been most pleased to see Legolas and Aragorn again, even though the circumstances surrounding their meeting were most dire. Another man, Boromir of Gondor, and four Hobbits, one of whom was the Ringbearer, were also members of the Fellowship. Haldir had been greatly saddened to hear of Gandalf’s death in Moria, for the wizard had been both wise and kind. His eyes narrowed angrily as he though of the final member of the Fellowship: an irritating, insulting Dwarf. Haldir sighed in annoyance. He would have been glad to have left that Dwarf at the borders, rather than bringing him into the very heart of his homeland.
Haldir glanced up and saw his brother Orophin’s wife, Lalaith, fetching water from the stream. He smiled wryly. Alexa had had her hand in getting those two together. If Alexa had not persuaded Lalaith to ask Orophin to dance all those years ago, the two of them probably would have never even spoken to one another. He called to her, and she turned and smiled at him. He gave her a brotherly embrace, and smiled at her round abdomen. It would not be long now until the baby came.
“Lalaith, you know my brother should be doing this,” he said, pointing to her water vessel. “You should be resting.”
She grinned. “I know, Haldir. Orophin ordered me to stay in bed and rest, but I am weary of being idle.” She laughed softly. “Besides, I never listen to him anyway.”
Haldir smiled at her. “Well, I am going to carry this vessel back to your talan,” he said. Lalaith began to protest, but he cut her off. “I insist,” he told her in a tone that allowed no argument.
Lalaith capitulated, and they walked the short distance to her flet. They entered the talan, and Haldir set the water vessel on the table. He turned and smiled at Lalaith, who had sat down in a comfortable chair.
“Have you seen Alexa today, Lalaith?” Haldir asked.
She nodded. “Yes. She visited me here just a short while ago to see how I was faring. I believe that she said she was going to the stables.”
Haldir smiled. “Good. I need to speak with her.” He studied Lalaith and frowned slightly. She was pale and appeared to be exhausted. “Please stay here and rest, Lalaith. Do not attempt to do any more work,” he implored.
She nodded. “I will, Haldir. I am tired and am going to try to sleep for awhile.”
“You do that. I shall see you soon, Sister.”
She smiled and gave him a slight wave. He left the talan and began walking to the stables. As he walked, he reveled in the beauty of Lothlòrien. The forest shined brightly in the morning sun, and a warm breeze whispered gently through the trees. Despite all of the evil outside the land, Lothlòrien remained as beautiful as ever. He knew that Lady Galadriel was using all of her power and the power of her ring, Nenya, to protect Lothlòrien from Sauron’s evil darkness. How long she could continue to do so, he knew not.
As Haldir neared the stables, he saw Alexa standing in the paddock with Rodyn. The horse was sniffing her and nudging her gently. She laughed and produced an apple. The horse whinnied in triumph, and quickly ate it from her hand. Haldir walked up behind her and put his arms around her, pulling her close. She covered his hands with her own and leaned into him. She turned her head and smiled impishly at him. He grinned and gently kissed her. She broke the kiss and laughed as Rodyn snorted in annoyance.
“He is jealous, Haldir,” she teased.
“Of course he is,” he replied and kissed her cheek.
“I am surprised to see you, Haldir. I did not expect you back for several days.”
He nodded. “The Fellowship has arrived in Lothlòrien. I escorted them here, and the Lady asked that I remain in the city until they depart.”
She nodded in understanding. “Was Aragorn among them?” she asked. Haldir nodded and she grinned. “It will be good to see him again, for it has been a long time since our last encounter.”
Haldir smiled. “Yes. He, four Hobbits, Legolas of Mirkwood, Boromir of Gondor, and a Dwarf comprise the Fellowship.” He bowed his head sadly. “Gandalf the Gray fell in Moria. The mine was overrun by orcs and inhabited by a Balrog. The Fellowship went there seeking protection and aid, but all of the Dwarves had been killed long ago. Gandalf fell into Shadow while fighting the Balrog.”
Alexa flinched as if struck. Haldir studied her in concern. She seemed sickened by the news of Gandalf’s death, for she was pale and running a trembling hand through her hair. He touched her arm, but she stiffened and pulled away. He winced slightly at her withdrawal, but he reached out to her again, and this time she allowed him to pull her into his embrace.
“Are you all right, beloved?” Haldir asked as he gently stroked her hair.
She drew back and nodded. “Yes, Haldir. I am just distressed by this grave news.”
He nodded and lightly kissed her brow. “I understand, my love. Gandalf was a wise and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed.”
She frowned slightly and then nodded. “Did you say that a Dwarf accompanied the Fellowship?”
He nodded. “Yes. Gimli, son of Gloin was his name.”
Alexa smiled slightly. Balin’s cousin Gimli. She had never met him, but it would be good to speak with him. She returned her attention to Haldir as he continued.
“I do not understand why that Dwarf was permitted to enter Lothlòrien. He should have been left at the borders,” he said in annoyance.
Alexa frowned at him. “Why do you say that, Haldir?” she asked, not understanding. “Dwarves are an honorable people.”
“Honorable? They are thieves and nothing more,” he said derisively.
Alexa scowled at him. ~Why does he speak of my friends this way?~ “How dare you be so judgmental of Dwarves, Haldir! Dwarves are a loyal and honorable people. Though they seem gruff, they are kind and honest. You know not of what you speak!”
Haldir’s brows rose in surprise at her vehement anger. He stared at her, and his eyes narrowed. “Would you defend an Elf so fervently?” he asked. He regretted his words the moment they left his lips, but it was too late. Alexa’s eyes widened in surprise, and he saw the pain and shock that crossed her face. She was silent for a moment, but then her eyes narrowed and a coldness that had been absent for a long time, entered her eyes.
“Yes, I would,” she said icily. She shook her head in disgust. “You can think whatever you wish, Haldir, but I am not going to stand here and listen to it!” She turned quickly and stormed away.
Haldir watched her walk away. He threw up his hands in confusion. He would never understand her! He frowned stubbornly. ~Well, I am not going to be the one to apologize.~ He turned and walked back to his talan, pain and regret tugging at his heart.
