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Path of Honor-Part II: Far From Home	By : IdrilsSecret Category: +Third Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 4869 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of its characters. I make no money in the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Chapter Fourteen

Nearly a week went by since my brother, Orophin, walked in and found Legolas in my bedroom. I hadn’t talked to my brother, and I hadn’t seen or talked to Legolas since that time. Legolas was spending his time with his traveling company, completely ignoring me. Our last conversation didn’t go very well. It went horribly, to be honest. We’d had a terrible argument, and I don’t think my loyalties were where he wanted them to be. The fact was, I loved Legolas without a doubt, but I needed to deal with my brother, and that meant separating myself from my lover until I could clear the air. Legolas didn’t like that, and he took it to mean that I was abandoning him or not fighting for what we have … or had. I didn’t know where we stood with each other, but since he had made himself scarce, I figured he was too angry to speak with me. I couldn’t speak with him because I knew Raenor had everything to do with this situation. He was the one who sent Orophin to my house that morning, knowing that Legolas and I were probably together. Raenor could have spied on us. He could have forced his way into my home and caught me with his own eyes. But he chose to have that witness be my brother, who had no idea about my lifestyle, and put him in a difficult position.
Orophin prided himself on being a strict rule follower. It was one of the reasons why he was the Captain of the largest army in the Northern Guard. I knew for a fact that he had let soldiers go in the past when he learned that they had participated in relations with other soldiers. It didn’t happen often, maybe only once in his regiment, but Orophin knew the laws of the army, and had to regrettably let some of his finest men go. He told me once that he was not against elves with those preferences, but it was the army’s law that elves of such a lifestyle were not allowed to serve in the Lothlórien army. Orophin was only doing his duty as a trusted member of Lórien’s military. He had no secrets, and I wasn’t sure he was willing to keep one now, even knowing he was protecting his own brother. I wished to speak with him about it, but he’d said he needed time, and I was going to give him all he needed.
I received a message by the end of this torturous week, quietly slipped beneath my door. So, it was a private message, and I didn’t know from whom I wished it would be. I missed Legolas something terrible, and I just wanted to make things right between us. I didn’t know how much longer he would be here, and I couldn’t stand the idea that he would leave without seeing me once more, even if he was still mad at me.
On the other hand, and just as importantly, I needed to talk to Orophin. I needed to know what he was thinking or feeling, what he felt should happen now that he knew. Both situations needed to be addressed and fixed, but there was only one message. It could only be one of them.
I bent down and picked up the neatly folded parchment, staring at it as though it would begin to speak. Well, there was only one way to know, and I opened it quickly.
There were only a few words written in my brother’s handwriting. I was glad he was finally wanting to discuss things with me, but my heart fell at the realization that I still hadn’t heard from Legolas. The letter simply said, ‘We need to talk. Come by later. Orophin.’ And so, that’s what I did.
Later that day, I went to my brother’s house. He was waiting for me as I walked up to his door. Seems he was just as anxious as I was to get this matter dealt with.
“It’s good to see you, brother,” I greeted first.
“It is indeed. Come in. I’ve made us some tea,” he said. That was a good thing. Tea meant he was ready to sit down and have a deep discussion. My heavy load lightened slightly from my tired shoulders.
The last time I had been here, Orophin would hardly speak to me. Haldir was there to help mediate things, but Oro wasn’t in much of a speaking mood. Now, it was just the two of us. I wondered if Haldir knew, I thought to myself as I took a seat at the kitchen table.
My family had always used the kitchen as a place of discussion, whether it was joyous or not. There was something very comforting about a kitchen. It was a mutual place, not like a study or a living room where the décor was more personalized to the individual who owned it. Everyone had a kitchen. Everyone was welcome in this area of a home. It was also the place where wine and food was kept, which had a lot to do with it too. And in this kitchen, there was a pot of tea on the table and cups ready to use. A pot meant we would take our time talking things out. There was no food on the table, but it was close by on a preparation counter. I figured he wanted to see if I would stay or not before he brought it over, not wanting me to feel obligated to have to stay if I didn’t like where things were going. Too much analysis, I told myself, and waited for Orophin to sit down.
“How are you?” he asked, starting the conversation.
“Honestly, I’m tired,” I responded.
“You look it, too. Thanks for coming,” he said.
I smiled and took a sip of tea. “So, shall I start or would you like to?”
“I have a question for you first,” he said.
“Alright, go on.”
“Have you ever been in a relationship with another soldier?”
I looked him squarely in the eyes. “Absolutely not. I know the laws, Orophin. I follow the rules, and I keep my private life separate from my military one.”
Orophin seemed relieved and satisfied with my answer. He leaned back in his chair, and tapped his finger on the edge of his teacup, as though considering something. “I’m not turning you in,” he said quickly and to the point. He spoke before he raised his eyes to me.
I felt my shoulders relax as I breathed out a breath I’d been holding. “That’s good to hear,” I said.
“It doesn’t mean I won’t,” he added just as quickly. “The law does state that no soldier shall have relations with another soldier, no matter his ranking. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and depending on how you answered my question would determine what I would do. I believe you when you say you’ve never been with another soldier, so theoretically, no law has been broken.” Leave it to Orophin to be hypothetical. “It still doesn’t change the fact that I know your secret.”
“I hope you realize that this is Raenor’s doing,” I told him.
“I know about him. I know he has always hated our family, and he’d do anything to see us destroyed.”
“And he just wants to stir up trouble, especially between you, me and Haldir. He’s never known for sure about me. He only suspects things, and he has no solid proof. And believe me, if anything were to happen that would put things in his favor, I would step down from my position immediately. The last thing I want is to see you or Haldir pulled into my problems.”
“What I don’t understand is, if you’ve always known this about yourself, then why pursue a military career?” he asked.
I pushed the spoon around inside my cup, deciding how to answer. “Father raised us to be warriors. He wanted nothing more than to see all three of his sons become ranking officers in the army.” I pushed my cup away, folding my hands together and resting them on the table. “I was so young when he sailed. He saw Haldir become a Captain, and he saw you begin your training. Father never saw what I would one day be capable of. I know I’ll meet him again one day, and when I do, I want him to be proud of me.”
Silence fell between us, but I could feel Orophin yearning to ask another questions. Finally, he allowed himself to. “Did Father know?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No, I don’t believe he did.” This was important to Orophin, I could tell. He adored our father, thought of him as a hero. To know that our father pushed me into a military life, especially if he knew about me would have tarnished my brother’s vision of him. I don’t think he knew, though. I was still young when he left, and he put Haldir in charge of seeing to my training and progression through the many different ranks. He would have sailed before I ever realized I was attracted to the same sex because I didn’t become involved with anyone until after he was gone.
“You don’t need to worry, little brother. Father will be proud,” Orophin said reassuringly. He stood from the table and retrieved a plate of fruit and cheese from the counter. “Are you hungry?”
This concluded our meeting. With food being served, it meant that all was right between us, and I was welcome to stay. Thankfully everything was straight between Orophin and I, as long as I kept my personal life as far from the military as possible. I wasn’t sure the situation was resolved completely, but this was a start. As for Raenor, he’d have to try again because his plans didn’t work out this time.
It felt good to be back in my brother’s good graces. However, not all was right with Legolas and me. That would be more challenging.
* * * * *
I was in my office a few days later, going over the latest orders, when I received a message from Lady Galadriel, requiring certain ranking members of the army to be present for . . .
I stopped and read it again. No, I hadn’t misread it. The fellowship was preparing to leave Lothlórien and continue their journey. There was to be a ceremony upon their departure, and I was one of the officers that Lady Galadriel requested to be in attendance. Why didn’t Legolas come to me and tell me that they were leaving? I knew we’d had a falling out, but I didn’t think he would just leave without a word. Instead, I had to find out through this note. I decided the silence was too much. I had worked things out with my brother. Now it was time to reconcile with Legolas. He just couldn’t leave without speaking to me. I had to apologize and hope he would understand my position.
I made my way to their camp, where they had stayed for almost a month now. The Hobbits were sleeping, and Aragorn and Boromir decided to go off to monitor near the border as they planned the remainder of their journey. Legolas wasn't in the camp, and no one knew where he was. He hadn’t been around much in the last week. Gimli, the dwarf, was the one who told me all of this. He was the only one there to speak with.
I thanked him for his kindness and started on the path back to the city when Gimli called out to me. “He’s been miserable the last few days, you know.”
I stopped and turned back to the dwarf. “I assume you speak of Legolas.”
“Who else? It’s you and him that are … um … uh … friends,” he said uncomfortably.
“Well, we’re a little more than friends, but–”
“Let me stop you right there, Elf. Don’t know what goes on around here and don’t want to know,” he grumbled.
“I apologize if I–”
“However,” he interrupted, obviously needing to say something important. “Legolas is a part of this company, and my friend.” He furrowed his bushy brows. “Just a friend,” he made clear. “And if something is bothering him, it bothers me too. Now, I don’t like elves, and I’m not one bit worried what you think of that, but I like Legolas. He’s a good person, as well as an avid fighter, and we don’t need him sulking around when we meet the enemy. We need him to be sharp and clear minded. Whatever happened between you two has seemed to have left him in a fog.”
I was sorry Legolas was in this state, but at the same time it warmed me to know he still cared. “That is why I’m here. I wished to speak with him.”
“What you must remember is that Legolas is unique. He’s not like other elves.”
“How so, Master Dwarf?” I asked, intrigued by Gimli’s evaluation.
“Don’t take this personally, but Elves just seem too self-important. You must agree with them or be wrong. You must understand their language or be mute. Abide by their laws or be guilty. Legolas is not like that. I’ve seen him risk his life multiple times, all for our cause, and not think twice about doing it. I’ve seen him disagree with some of our choices, yet he came along quietly without raising a stink. He does what’s best for the group, not what best for him.” Gimli explained.
“You do not think I would do the same?” I said, offended.
“I know you wouldn’t.” He shifted his stance and looked around to make sure the Hobbits were still sleeping, and no one else was around. “It is very obvious that the two of you are … close. He spoke of your troubles. I know why you have made yourself scarce. Like I said, follow the rules or be guilty. Am I right? But what do you think Legolas would have done if the situation had been flipped? Do you think he would have pushed you away as you did to him? No. He would have stood up for what he believed. He’d probably go so far as to try to change the laws. See, with you, and many of your kind, it’s black or it’s white. With Legolas, it’s gray. You understand what I’m saying?”
“You are saying I did not fight hard enough,” I answered.
“You didn’t fight at all, and now Legolas is moping around here somewhere. What you want most does not come easily. Sometimes it comes with a price. You must be willing to make sacrifices at times. That’s what Legolas does. That’s how he lives his life. Give and take, bend and straighten, push and pull.”
“But it is more complicated than that, Master Dwarf,” I started to explain. Gimli held his hand up, not wanting to hear it.
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing it right.” That was all he had to say. He gave a bow and went back to the makeshift tent where his bedroll was, and I was left wondering how I could be such a fool.
I started on my way, deep in thought, surprised that a dwarf could make such sense. Perhaps I’d been too quick to turn Legolas away. I should have put up a better defense for us, not made him invisible.
“Rúmil,” he said from behind.
I spun on my heel. “Legolas, I was … just looking for you.”
“Are you sure you want to be seen speaking with me? You don’t want anyone thinking we are … together … or anything,” he said with bitterness. Then his face softened in an instant. “I’m sorry. That was–”
“Called for,” I finished. “I was wrong to push you away like that. I should have stood up for you, for us.”
“But it was your brother. I understand why. It just … hurt, that’s all.”
“If it was any other circumstance . . .” I looked down at my feet, not knowing what to do or what to say. And then, Legolas was in front of me, lifting my chin with his fingers. Our eyes met, and I fell in love all over again.
“It’s alright, Rúmil.” He kissed me gently. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too. I hear you’re leaving tomorrow.”
He nodded. “Yes. We must be on our way. We’ve a long journey ahead of us.”
“Where will you go, or can you not say?” I asked.
“Mordor,” he whispered, as though saying the word would bring the enemy out of the shadows.
“You can’t,” I said. I cocked my head to the side and furrowed my brow. “You mean you will take the enemy’s weapon straight to his own doorstep? That’s insane.”
He smiled arrogantly, “Wouldn’t be a real mission without a little insanity, now would it?” Just as quickly, he dropped the fake smile, and real concern washed over his features. “It’s the only way to destroy the weapon. It must be cast into the fires of Mount Doom.”
Suddenly I was scared for him. Walking into Mordor seemed like a one way mission. I could see by the look in his eyes that he knew this too. I thought of what Gimli said, of how Legolas would risk his life for others. I thought of the oath Legolas said he had taken. He meant to do this, even if it meant he would not be coming back.
He must have seen the distraught look on my face, because he smiled lovingly, eyes creased at the corners, sparkling blue in the light of the lanterns. “It is a long journey. There’s no telling where it will take us. Perhaps we’ll find another way.”
“No, there is only one way,” I said, unmoved by his attempt to cheer me up. “And I fear there will be no way back. I’ve just found you, Legolas. I don’t want to lose you.”
“Come now. Do you not remember the battle at the river? You thought then that I was reckless, but I proved my skills to you. They’ll not kill me. I’m too quick and too smart. I’ll come home.”
I forced a smile and nodded, but some part of me held doubts about his return. Still, I managed to keep up the charade. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Where? Here in Lothlórien?” he seemed to jest, but I was serious.
“You come back, and I promise . . .” I paused. I was about to strike the deal of the millennium. “I swear upon my love for you that I will give this up.”
“Give what up?” He was still smiling, but it was slowly fading as he realized what I was about to say.
“Come back to me, Legolas, and I’ll come with you to Mirkwood. I will leave Lothlórien, my brothers, the army. I’ll leave it all to be with you. If you can go to Mordor and commit yourself to this impossible mission, then I can commit myself to you.”
“Rúmil, I … I never–”
“Don’t try to talk me out of it because it won’t work.” I pulled him close to me so that our foreheads rested upon each other. “You just come home. That’s all. Come back to me, please.”
“I’ll do everything within my power.” He kissed me, slowly at first and then with more demand. Then he pulled me into his arms, and held me against him, whispering in my ear. “I’ll be unstoppable knowing you’ll be waiting for me to return. You’ve given me the strength I need. You’ll be with me on this journey, the first thing I think of when I wake, and the last name to utter from my lips as I fall into slumber. I love you, Rúmil.”
“And I love you.”
“And if the two of you don’t shut up, I’ll never get to sleep,” Gimli grumbled from inside his tent, which was nearby where Legolas and I stood.
I smiled and laughed. “I apologize, Master Dwarf, if we have disturbed your beauty rest.”
“It’s not done him a bit of good so far,” Legolas jostled, and there was unintelligible mumbles and groans coming from the tent.
“Can you stay with me tonight?” I asked, hopeful.
“By the gods, how I want to, but I can’t. I’ve promised to meet with Aragorn. It’s very important,” he said regrettably.
“It’s alright. I’ll see you at the parting ceremony tomorrow. I’ll be with you until you leave.”
“Good, I’d like that,” he smiled, kissing me again.
* * * * *
The weather was perfect the next day. The fellowship would have a good start to their journey. I couldn’t help but think the Valar were smiling down upon them, sending their blessings. At least the beginning of their travels would be calm. Once they were beyond the protective borders of Lothlórien, though, they would be on their own.
There was a meal prepared for the fellowship, and for those attending the ceremony. Haldir was there, but Orophin was not. I learned he had been asked, but decided not to come. I think it made him uncomfortable to see me and Legolas within the same vicinity. I wouldn’t dare push him. He had to come to accept me as I was in his own time.
Many other Captains were there, but thankfully not Raenor. I didn’t have to feel like I was constantly being evaluated, though Legolas and I still maintained a professional air. Still, every now and again, I’d catch him watching me from a distance. Our eyes would connect, and he would bow his head to me. I would return the gesture, and silently wish we could slip away one more time.
With the meal complete, it was time for them to go. Three boats were given to them, loaded with as much food and supplies as they could take. I watched Legolas as he helped the elves pack the boats. He looked very confident, but I saw the worry on his brow. No one else would have noticed it, but I knew. He had every right to worry. They were heading into the heart of the enemy. Odds were against them, and some would undoubtedly not make it. But I thought of what Legolas told me, that nothing would happen to him. He would come back. I had to believe that. He was the best archer, he was an elf. He would be their lookout, able to see danger off in the distance, giving them a chance to avoid it at all costs.
The boats were almost loaded, and I caught Legolas’ eye. I waved him over, needing to speak to him one last time. “You will be careful,” I told him.
“I will. Do not worry for me,” he smiled.
“I’ll do nothing but exactly that.”
“I don’t know how long it might be, but the first chance I get to send word, I promise I will.”
I nodded in agreement. “Good, I would like that, though I know it might be a very long while.”
He looked past my shoulder, searching around the area. Then he grabbed my hand and pulled me behind the tree we were standing in front of. We were hidden from the others, and he pushed me against the tree, capturing my mouth with his, our bodies flush against one another. I kissed him like this would be our last, and in the back of my mind, this was my greatest fear. We admitted how much we loved each other, and I told him again that I would be with him in Mirkwood, once all of this was over and done with. Then, just as quickly as it began, it was over, and we straightened ourselves and returned to the others just in time for Galadriel to make an announcement.
“Before you leave, I have gifts that will help you along your journey,” she announced. The fellowship lined up, shoulder to shoulder to listen to her speak her wisdom. Then, each member was outfitted with their own Lórien cloak, fastened with a broach in the shape of a mallorn leaf. It was just like the one my mother gave me.
Galadriel spoke to each member, and to each she gave a very special gift that would help them on their journey. I watched as she spent time with each one, explaining the importance of the item. She made her way down the line, finally coming to stand before Legolas. She smiled at him as he stood at attention. “I have sent word to your father to let him know you are well,” she informed. “I hope you don’t mind that I took this liberty.”
“No, my lady, I have done so myself,” Legolas commented.
“I know your father quite well, young Prince. He can be a very stubborn elf, but every decision he makes is for the good of his people. You are very much like him in that manner, though you have not the same doggedness as him. As for putting yourself before others, that is something you inherited from the King, and a very noble quality, too.”
“Thank you, my lady,” Legolas bowed.
“You are the eyes and ears of this company, detecting danger before anyone else. It is only fitting that you should have a weapon as mighty as your courage,” she continued, and I suddenly had an idea.
“My lady,” I interrupted. “I would like to offer my bow instead.” I saw that an elf standing behind Galadriel held a bow, ready to give to Legolas upon her gesture.
“Are you sure, Captain Rúmil? You have had that since you finished your training. An elf’s weapon is a part of him, shaped to him over the years,” she said.
“Legolas and I have developed a close friendship since we met in Mirkwood. He helped me when I needed it most, and I feel that this is the least I can do to show him my gratitude.” I was very careful how I worded it, but Legolas knew my real feelings anyways. I smiled at him, not caring what anyone around would think. “I have not a doubt that my bow will fit him, and it will protect him, as well as those he protects with his skills. I would be honored.” I handed him my weapon and bowed with my hand over my heart.
Legolas examined my bow very closely. It was much longer than his Mirkwood bow, the curve shallower, made from a light colored wood. His was made of a dark wood, shorter and deeper in design, good for fighting at close range. Mine was better for firing at long distances. His hand glided over the smooth curve of the handle and upper limb, as though he was caressing his lover. I realized that he’d never actually looked at my weapon, let alone held it. He seemed in awe of its details. “It is a weapon of pure beauty, Captain. I shall gladly accept your gift on one condition … that you take mine in exchange. Will you keep it for me until I return?”
“I would be proud to,” I said, accepting his bow. No one could have known what we were really saying to each other. It was a promise that he would come back to me, and my promise to him that I would be here waiting.
Galadriel finished giving her gifts and we escorted the fellowship to their boats. This was it, I thought to myself. They were leaving, and I didn’t know when I would see Legolas again. Oh how I wanted to pull him away in secret and kiss him one more time. Instead, I walked by his side, our cloaks hiding our hands as I reached out and took his. He squeezed mine in return. That was all we could afford. Legolas helped Gimli into his boat, and then he stepped in. I had a leaf wrapped bundle of lembas, and as I bent down to give it to him, I whispered very quietly into his ear. “I love you, Legolas.” As I pulled back, our eyes connected, and I found it difficult to look away.
“And I you,” he said in return before we were too far apart. We weren’t worried about Gimli overhearing us because he knew our secret. The other elves were too far away to hear.
And then, Gimli looked over his shoulder at me. “Don’t worry laddie. I’ll watch out for him,” he said, surprising me.
“You are a good friend, Gimli. I’m glad he has you,” I said in return. Gimli nodded once and turned back towards the front of the boat.
Legolas picked up the oars, and I pushed the back of the boat from the shore. “Good bye,” I said to him.
“For now,” he answered. He watched me as he paddled, and I watched him travel further and further away. All three boats were far out on the river getting smaller with every passing minute. Everyone on the shore stayed and watched them go, even Galadriel. And when they were nothing more than a speck in the distance, we all left together.
Once we were back in the city, and everyone went about their business, Haldir came up alongside me. I was standing on one of the walkways, looking out over the city. “You alright?” he asked.
“I will be,” I answered. I stared over the distance a moment before speaking again. “I wish Orophin had been there.”
“He just needs some time,” Haldir comforted. He patted me on the back. “Come on. I think we both need a drink right about now. I’ve got a bottle of Dorwinion I’ve been saving. Now seems like an appropriate time for it.”
“Agreed,” I said, and we went to Haldir’s home to relax and lose ourselves for a while.
* * * * *
A few weeks passed by slowly. I thought of Legolas every day, wondering where he was and what he was doing. Was he alright? Was he injured? What about the rest of the fellowship? It was torture not knowing anything. It wasn’t my place to know, though. I had to wait until the day Legolas sent word. Or at least I thought I’d have to wait.
I was making my way to my office when I noticed a lot of whispering and shocked faces. To my left and to my right, word of something significant spread faster than I could walk. I came upon some members of my regiment and stopped to listen to the conversation.
“It was only a matter of time before something terrible came out of that place,” said one elf.
“It’s a travesty,” said the other. “To think that someone, and a Maia no less, could succumb to such evil intent.”
“Who has succumb?” I asked, interrupting them.
“Good morning, Captain. We were just talking about the wizard, Saruman. It’s been reported that he has an army of orcs, battle ready and weaponized,” said the soldier.
I knew something of this already. Túron had told me about this earlier. He had seen for himself what was going on in Isengard. “It is a shame, but the wizard has picked a side, and if he intends to bring harm to Lothlórien, we will be ready for him.”
“They are not on the move yet, but from the looks of it, they could march at any time,” the second soldier said.
“Word spreads quickly,” said Haldir from behind me. I hadn’t even known he was there. The two soldiers seemed surprised also, and bowed awkwardly.
I watched the corner of Haldir’s mouth quirk up. He always did enjoy making the soldiers, especially the young ones, nervous. “As you were,” he told them. “So, you have heard about the Isengard orcs?”
“It is the news of the day so far, March warden. What might your opinion be in this matter?” said the first soldier. He seemed much braver than his fellow troop.
“I’ll just say this.” Haldir gave them a stern look. “Never underestimate the mind of a Maia.” He grasped my shoulder. “Accompany me to my office, brother?”
“Of course,” I said. I nodded to my soldiers, and told them to head to the practice fields. “Gather everyone and tell them to start on their own. I will be there as soon as I can.”
Haldir and I walked along the path leading to the Officer quarters, and I questioned him on this news. “We’ve known for a while about Saruman. Has something happened that we should be concerned?”
“You could say that,” he said tersely. We walked a little further in silence, which told me that something serious was brewing. I knew he wouldn’t say anything more until we were in private, so I didn’t push. But there was something else that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. He had information, that much I knew, and he wouldn’t speak of it until we were alone, which told me this was something of great significance.
Finally, we were in Haldir’s officer quarters. “I spoke with Lord Celeborn first thing this morning. Scouts arrived last night with their findings. As the young soldiers were saying, Saruman has troops ready to march. We’ve known for a while that he has been growing an army. What we didn’t know was how big that army really was.”
“And obviously it is a fair size,” I guessed.
“Overwhelmingly so,” he said, confirming my fears.
“Well, we know they are ready to move, and we know their size. Do we know where they will march to?” I braced myself for an answer, one I was sure I already knew. They were coming to Lothlórien.
“Rohan,” Haldir said as I was still anticipating my own prediction.
“Rohan?” I inquired when it registered. “What could he possibly want with Rohan?” They would be no match for an army the size of what Saruman owned. In terms of war, Lothlórien seemed to be the bigger target.
“It has come to my attention just what devilry has been going on there. Saruman has been controlling Rohan from afar, hoping to crush them from within. But his deception was uncovered and the throne is once again being ruled by its King. The wizard must be very upset by this, and he will not submit easily. He still wants Rohan, and he plans on seizing it with his new army,” Haldir explained.
“And just where did you get this information from?” I asked curiously.
“This is the part you will not want to hear,” he answered, making my stomach clench.
“And why not?”
“Because it was Aragorn who sent a message to Lord Celeborn.”
“Aragorn?” I wondered. “What would he know of Rohan? He and the fellowship should be getting close to their destination by now, if all has gone well.”
Haldir looked at me with eyes that spoke more than actual words. “All has not gone well, has it?” I asked cautiously.
“No, it hasn’t,” he replied, and I felt my heart sink, my first thought going straight to Legolas. “Some unforeseen events have taken place.”
“Unforeseen? Like what?” I inquired.
“According to Aragorn, the fellowship is broken. They are no more.” Haldir went on to explain to me, in short detail, what happened. Apparently, they came into trouble not long after leaving Lothlórien, and they were attacked.
“And they’ve only made it as far as Rohan?” I wondered aloud.
“Some of them, not all. But let me ease your mind and tell you that Legolas is there with Aragorn. So is Gimli.”
“And what about the rest?” I asked anxiously.
“The Hobbits are not with them. Frodo and Sam have gone on to find their own way to Mordor. The other two are safe. That’s all I was told. But Boromir, the Gondorian Captain, fell when they were first attacked.”
All I could think was that it could have been Legolas who fell, and thank the Valar it was not. It was a horrible thing to say. I’m sure Boromir had loved ones who would mourn his death, but they were human. They would not fade from loss and broken hearts.
There was a knock on the door, and Haldir called for whoever it was to enter. A messenger stood in the doorway, an anxious look upon his face. “March warden, the Lady requests your presence in her chambers.”
“Do you know what this is about?” he asked.
“She did not say, only that all March wardens were needed. You should hurry,” the messenger advised.
Haldir nodded and then looked to me with a sigh. Something was happening. I would have to wait until he was finished before I knew.
I left Haldir’s office and made my way to my own. Not long after, someone knocked and slowly opened the door. Túron poked his head in. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” I hurried to say.
“I saw you coming from Haldir’s office. I assume you’ve heard the latest news.”
I nodded. “I’ve heard many things, but I’m not sure what any of it means.”
He smiled with confidence, and I looked on with suspicion. “Something tells me you know more about all of this than you lead on.”
He shrugged and gave me a smug look. “I am a spy. Guilty as charged.”
“So, do you know what this meeting is about?” I pushed.
“That is the one thing I don’t know much about. Lady Galadriel is very good at keeping things secret, even from someone like me.” He strolled around my office until he came to the head of my desk, placing both hands firmly on top and leaned towards me. “What I do know is that a plea for help came with that message from Aragorn.”
I creased my brow in concern. If Legolas needed help . . . “What do they ask for?”
“Troops,” Túron answered. “Saruman’s army outnumbers Rohan. His only intent is to destroy the men of that land and take it for himself. I don’t think he will stop there, though. The wizard means to control as many realms as he can, but whether he does it for himself or for Sauron is not clear.”
“So then, they must be discussing plans to send troops to Rohan,” I said, more to myself than to Túron, but the look on his face said I was mistaken to think that.
“Lord Celeborn has declined.”
“What?” I said, shocked. “You must have misunderstood.”
“He fears that this is what Saruman wants us to do, to send our army and leave Lothlórien weak. He will not chance it,” Túron explained.
“Not chance it? So it is better to let a nation get slaughtered than to take that risk?” I was angry and it could be heard in my tone. I stood from my desk and made my way to the door.
“Where are you going?” Túron asked.
“To put in my opinion.” I was going to that meeting, whether I was invited or not. “I have to make them see what a mistake it will be to do nothing.”
“Wait,” Túron called, grabbing my arm.
“Why would you stop me, Túron? You know I am right about this.”
“I’m sorry, but I have to agree with Lord Celeborn on this matter. Don’t forget, I saw this army with my own eyes, and that was long enough ago that I’m sure their numbers have increased dramatically since that time. Still, Saruman knows he cannot attack Lothlórien directly, not without weakening us somehow.”
I yanked my arm from his grip and narrowed my eyes on him. “I cannot believe you are saying this. You know the importance of the fellowship, and don’t pretend you do not. If we can help aid their mission in any way, we must.”
“The fellowship is broken, Rúmil. The weapon has been taken by another route.” He paused and shook his head. “You are not thinking clearly. You’re only thinking of Legolas, and you are not considering all the other factors that play into this,” he accused.
“I am thinking of the thousands of men, women and children who will be killed or turned into slaves if we do not help Rohan,” I said defending myself.
“And what about the lives of the elves that would perish in another war. Do they not matter?” he challenged me.
“Elves have fought alongside men since we both first occupied Arda. That’s what we do. We help and protect those who need our strength,” I argued. “And if Rohan calls for aid, then we should go.” I left my office and Túron behind, and went to find out where this meeting was being held. Once I had my information, I marched straight to Lady Galadriel’s meeting chamber, ignoring the sentries stationed on either side of the door, and forced my way in. To my surprise, the meeting was already adjourned. Haldir was still there speaking quietly with Galadriel. They stopped and faced me when I came barging in.
“I wish to speak with Lord Celeborn,” I demanded. “I believe he is making a fatal mistake.”
Galadriel glanced at Haldir, and then back to me. “I agree Captain.”
“But I was told you refused to send help,” I said, confused by what she was saying.
“My husband refused, Captain Rúmil, and for good reason.”
“You do not agree?” I asked.
“Lord Celeborn knows much about war and strategies. He has answered many calls for help, but he always puts his people first, and in this case, he may very well be right. Saruman is an extremely powerful wizard, but his mind has been corrupted. He may or may not take Rohan, but no matter the outcome, he will not stop there. The wizard must be dealt with, and I would rather do it now than wait until he comes to Lothlórien.” She glanced at Haldir. “I just had a few matters to discuss first.”
Haldir bowed his head to her. “Thank you, Lady Galadriel.”
Turning her attention back to me, she spoke. “You seem very enthusiastic about this, Captain, and well informed for someone who wasn’t in attendance at the council.”
I gave a nervous glance from Galadriel to Haldir. “Word … spreads, my lady.”
She smiled, the sternness fading from her features. “It is good to know you are passionate about this cause.”
“I believe that everyone must do their part if this war is to be won,” I said.
“Good,” she said, pleased with my answer. “Prepare your troops, Captain Rúmil. There is no time to waste if we are to make it to Rohan before Saruman’s army arrives.”
I bowed, hand over heart, and left to notify my men that we were going to Rohan. I didn’t know what Lord Celeborn was going think when he learned that his wife overruled his decision, but that wasn’t for me to worry about. Galadriel, after all, was our Queen, and she always had the last word. It wasn’t often that she made a ruling over her husband’s final word. I thought that she must have seen something in her mirror, which she used only when it was absolutely necessary. I wondered what she might have seen this time, and put my trust in her that it would be a victorious outcome. Otherwise, I didn’t think she would go forward with sending Lórien troops to Rohan. This was good, I thought to myself. I felt very confident, and I was anxious to be on our way.
* * * * *
Meanwhile . . .
“You are right about Rúmil,” Galadriel said to her most trusted March warden, Haldir. “He definitely has your father’s passion.”
Haldir smiled proudly. “Of the three of us, Rúmil is most like him. My brother has all the qualities that makes a great leader.”
Galadriel nodded and sighed, her demeanor changing to something more solemn. She reached out and took Haldir’s hands in hers. “You are positive about this?”
“It is my duty to lead Lothlórien into this battle,” he assured her.
Surprising him, Galadriel took Haldir into her arms, hugging him, and whispered a prayer in ancient elvish, asking that the Valar watch over him and his men. It was all she could do now. She had given her ruling. Lothlórien would join in the fight to save Rohan and its people. Only the ancient ones in Valinor would know how it would end, but she put her faith in them, that they would be ever watchful over their children, and welcoming to those who did not come home.
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Path of Honor-Part II: Far From Home