Haldir watched the Lord of Imladris from a distance. His heart
hurt for this Lord, who had just returned from sending his wife
across the sea in hopes of healing her battered soul. How Lord
Elrond put forth a brave face, letting everyone lean on him, for
their sorrow of the lost of their Lady and Naneth (Mother). Even
from this far away, Haldir saw how lonely
the Lord felt, saw it in
his eyes. Well he understood what Lord Elrond was feeling, for he
had lost loved ones and had to be strong for those that he cared
for. To this day, he had never shown his hurt to another over the
lost of his parents, even to his brothers.
Elrond walked into his bedchamber, head bowed as silent tears
started to fall. Too tired to disrobe, he kicked off his shoes and
fell upon the bed, his tears silent no more. So distraught was he
that he never noticed the presence of another in his room until a
body lay behind him and strong arms wrapped around him tightly.
Tensing, Elrond turned and stared in the deep blue eyes of the
Galadhel Haldir. The Lord searched those blue eyes and seeing only
understanding and a silent offer of comfort, Elrond buried his face
against the Marchwarden's chest, letting his emotions loose.
Haldir lay there, holding Lord Elrond all night, neither of them
speaking a word. Finally Elrond's tears exhausted him and he fell
into a fitful reverie. As dawn approached, Haldir carefully slipped
out of the bed. Leaning over the dark-haired Lord he smoothed his
brow, "Shh, be at peace," he whispered.
He straightened and looked down at the sorrowful soul. How right
it felt to hold this Lord in his arms. He had come to sooth this
soul, to give a little respite, comfort to the Lord of Imladris, but
the Marchwarden had garnered some of his own. Finally tearing his
eyes from the sleeping ellon (m. elf), he sat down at a desk and
penned a letter to the Lord who had unwittingly captured a part of
his heart.
Elrond walked into his office and closed the door, leaning upon it
to catch his breath. He did not know how he would have made it
through this day had it not been for the Marchwarden Haldir's quiet
comfort through the night. But come morning, Haldir was no where to
be found, and Elrond was hurt and disappointed that he did not have
a chance to thank him for his comfort. Sighing dejectedly, he walked
to sit down behind his desk and saw a letter sitting on top of it,
bearing his name. Elrond carefully opened it and read what lay
inside:
My Lord Elrond,
I apologize for not telling you goodbye in person, but I found
myself at a loss for words and could not think of any that could
possibly express my sadness for your loss. I hope, that in some
small part, I was able to give you some comfort.
Your devoted servant,
Haldir o Lothlórien
Slowly, he pressed the letter to his chest and closed his eyes,
smiling for the first time in days.
