**This really isn't a new chapter, but I figured this fic was too long to read all at one time ^_^  That's it…on with the rest!!**

Days had turned to weeks; weeks had turned into months.  In fact, it almost seemed as though it had been years.  Haldir had to admit that he had never been so happy in his entire life.  Never had he had anything worth living for.  Of course he had his love for the woods and his Lord and Lady, but it was nothing like the love he had towards Anitra.

            "Who would've have even considered that the child I saved two hundred years ago would grow up to be my wife to be," he said during a break to his brother Rúmel. 

            "I am happy for you, my brother," Rúmel told him as he ran a cloth over his sword.  "Anitra is a beautiful and intelligent young Elf.  You are very lucky indeed."

            Haldir took every opportunity he could to visit with Anitra.  Usually it would be late at night when he was not on a watch.  They had decided just the other day that they should be wed to each other.  It is an old wives tail that when an Elf falls in love, it is permanent. 

            "You have been different lately," Anitra told him after sharing an arrival kiss.

            "How so?"

            She shrugged her shoulders.  "I'm not quite sure.  Its almost like your heart has been lifted of a great burden.  You seem to share smiles much more often than when I first met you."

            "That is only because of you, my love," Haldir replied kissing her gently. 

            Their hands explored the other as their mouths met in a gentle, yet furious, embrace.  The night was still young and they had all the time in the world to be with each other.

            It was Anitra who led the march warden into her flet, and he held her to him as if she was the most prized possession one could ever have although he was careful of her growing condition.  They both knew that this could have waited until after the wedding, but it was too late for the passion had already blossomed this night.

            Anitra didn't know what time it was when she came back to her senses and out of her dreamless sleep.  She became aware of Haldir's presence behind her, who was contently asleep with his arm around her.  However, what woke the she-Elf was a knocking on the door.

            "Haldir," she whispered while trying to turn over in his hold.  "Haldir, someone's at the door…"

            Haldir moaned slightly as he realized what she was saying.  He sighed as he got up and quickly put his leggings and under-tunic back on and made his way towards the door.

            The Elf's lazy eyes shot open at once when he saw the face of Celeborn, Lord of Lothlórien.  He immediately felt embarrassed that the wise Elf had found him in a dwelling other than his own for an obvious reason.

            "L-lord Celeborn…" Haldir tried to find his voice.  "What a surprise."

            "Haldir, forgive me for this visit during such a time at night," he seemed to have a hint of sarcasm in his voice, yet Haldir knew that he was sincere about his apology.  "But I have a favor to ask."

            "Of course, my lord," Haldir said.  He wondered what could possibly be so important that Celeborn came here instead of calling Haldir to Caras Galadhon.

            "You are aware of the Fellowship of the Ring, Haldir." The Elf nodded.  "The Fellowship has broken.  The ring-bearer, Frodo Baggins, has gone forward alone.  Legolas, Aragon of Dúnedain, and the Dwarf Gimli have gone on a different route.  Their paths have brought them to King Théodén who has been forced to bring his people to Helm's Deep.  Their small city was in grave danger, and now it is in even more peril."

            Haldir listened carefully, having a terrible feeling where all of this might lead.  Celeborn went on.  "It is somewhat known that 10,000 Orcs march towards the small fortress at the base of the mountain and are due to arrive in three days."

            Haldir's mouth almost dropped.  "Ten thousand?  Are you quite sure?"

            "The number is correct.  Lord Elrond has contacted Lady Galadriel and myself and he feels that the Elves should aid the Men in their struggle.  If the Orcs win this battle, Sauron wins but another battle and becomes more powerful.

            "We have agreed to send our own people to their aid.  Haldir," he paused for a brief moment looking into the eyes of the warrior.  "I trust you the most of all the Elven warriors.  I ask you to lead our kin to Helm's Deep and be the messenger to Aragorn and the King Théodén.  However, please understand there is no guarantee what the turnout could be."

            Haldir stood there in disbelief.  Never had he thought this would have come to pass this night. 

            Finally, though, Haldir of Lórien looked into the eyes of Lord Celeborn with an expressionless face.  "I will do as you ask and lead the Elves to Helm's Deep."

            Celeborn smiled and put his hand on the other's shoulder.  "This is a great sacrifice you are committing, Haldir.  I ask that you leave tomorrow no later than high noon.  That shall give our people time to prepare.  Good night."

            Haldir watched the Lord of Lothlórien depart from the talon.  There was only one thing that he could think about now.  Would he ever see his beloved Anitra again?

            When the Elf returned inside the flet, Anitra was sitting up in bed waiting.  She knew something was going to happen and a look of deep concern rested on her face.

            "Why do your eyes follow the floor?" She asked him softly.

            Haldir didn't speak until he was next to her on the bed.  "I am to leave tomorrow."

            "Leave?  Why?  To where?" She inquired quickly.

            "Lord Celeborn has asked me to lead the Elves to Helm's Deep near the White Mountains to aid the Men that are to be attacked by ten thousand Orcs in three days."  He knew that he was doing nothing more but scaring her to death.  He couldn't deny that he was scared himself.

            "But—the wedding…our future…"

            Haldir moved closer to her and held her face in his hands.  "Listen to me, Anitra.  I love you more than the world itself.  And I will protect you from whatever harm would be done.  It is important that I leave and help the men.  If this army of Orcs prevails, the future of Middle-earth will just fade further away."

            Anitra threw herself at him and tightly wrapped her arms around his neck.  "I can't bare to lose you."

            Haldir kissed her neck and cheek several times before saying, "I promise I will return to you."

            "Alive," she finished for him.

            He smiled.  "Alive."

            The next morning was somewhat slow and quiet.  A good deal of the Lórien Elves were preparing themselves to leave.  Once they were dressed and their quivers were filled with the sleek arrows, they said their good-byes to their families. 

            Haldir sat silently holding Anitra by the River of Anduin, his eyes shifting down to her rounded stomach every no and then.  The time was soon coming for all of the Elves that were to go to Helm's Deep.  She held onto him possessively while sitting in his hold; her arms were wrapped around his waist holding onto the fabric of the red cloak he wore over golden armor.  Next to them were his quiver of white-feathered arrows, his long bow, and his sword given to him by the Lady of Light herself.

            "Haldir," his brother Orophin called from a few feet away.  "Celeborn requests our departure."

            Anitra's head shot up and looked painfully into Haldir's blue eyes.  "I'm so scared."

            Haldir kissed her forehead.  "Do not be.  I shall be fine.  When I return we shall be married at once."

            "I love you with all my heart," came her respond in a whisper as she drew him into a deep kiss.

            Haldir stood up, holding Anitra's hand and then leading her to the army of Elves that waited.  He gave her one last kiss on the cheek and then turned to join his fellow warriors. 

            Elves from Rivendell had arrived and they would march together to Helm's Deep.  It would be a two-day journey if they did not stop for long rests.

            All of the Elves were clad in the golden armor similar to those worn during the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.  Elaborate helmets hid all the golden haired warriors' heads and a dark gray hooded cloak covered all of their armor.  They each held a longbow, and quivers full of arrows were strapped to their backs.

            Haldir took the stance at the front of the army where Celeborn, Galadriel, and Elrond of Rivendell stood waiting.

            "Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya," Elrond said to the entire group. 

            Celeborn and Galadriel also bestowed their luck to their kin.  "Lead them forward, Haldir," Celeborn said stepping aside so the high warden could start the procession.

            Haldir bowed slightly, his eyes quickly glancing to his left where Anitra stood trying her best to keep the tears concealed.  He smiled at her before raising his head and then shouting "Forward!" into the afternoon air.

            The army of Elves marched forward in half a dozen straight lines, and Anitra feared that she would never see his face again as he led the Elves out of Lothlórien and to the south. 

            The journey to Helm's Deep was indeed tiring, but it was very important that the get their before the Orcs did.  Haldir knew that a great deal of the Elves behind him feared the battle that lay ahead and even he had to wonder what the outcome would be.

            The morning of the third day that Celeborn himself had predicted the Orcs would arrive had come.  The Elves of Rivendell and Lothlórien were less then ten miles away.

            "We must not stop!" Haldir called over his shoulder.  It wasn't that he doubted them, but more of a coaxing to prepare them for what lies ahead.

            At long last, only hours before the sun was due to set, Haldir caught the first glimpse of Helm's Deep.  It was simply a small building, shaped like a miniature castle the kings of men would build, planted into the base of the mountain, almost blending in from an untrained eye.  A large stonewall stretched across the fortress, blocking the insides from any type of foreign exposure.

            Haldir knew that the tension inside would be high, and he only hoped that the people inside appreciated their coming.

            The loud footsteps from the Elves must have been a warning to the men at the large wooded doors at the end of the ramp, for they opened slowly and the Elves were able to march right in.

            The entrance of the fortress was filled with the men, women, and children that lived under the rein of King Théodén, and each seemed confused and frightened at the sudden arrival of the Elves.

            King Théodén had pushed his way through the muttering crowd and Haldir took that as a cue to step forward.  "What business do you have?" the king asked, although knowing quite well that the visitors meant no harm.

            Haldir greeted him with a hand gesture, (his hand touching over his heart and coming forward), and portrayed an emotionless face.  "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell.  An alliance once existed between Elves and Men.  Long ago we fought and died together.  We came to honour that allegiance." 

            As his message came to an end he caught sight of Aragorn, son of Arathorn, making his way to the Elves.  "Many welcomes!" He said advancing to Haldir and pulling him into an unexpected hug.

            Haldir was reluctant at first to acknowledge the friendly gesture, but finally returned the greeting.  When they parted a moment later he said, "We are proud to fight alongside Men once more."

            Haldir greeted Legolas, son of the Elven king Thranduil, and even the Dwarf Gimli who had also been apart of the Fellowship and came to Lothlórien during their quest.  Then Aragorn and Théodén pulled him aside to explain what the plan would be.

            "We shall line our forces up on the wall and wait for the Orcs to arrive.  At my command we shall attack them with everything we have," Théodén explained.

            "Who are those that fight alongside?" Haldir asked glancing around at the common folk.

            Aragorn let out a concerned sigh.  "Our forces are limited.  We are giving weapons to any grown man or boy that can hold one."

            "They shall not last a moment!" Haldir exclaimed.

            "I am well aware," Théodén snapped.  "But it is all we have.  Your coming has been a blessing indeed."

            The sun had long since set and the night sky drew darker with storm clouds.  In the very far distance only the Elves could notice the torches of fire the Orcs carried.  Even from the distance they saw that the numbers were no lie; they were definitely outnumbered.

            Rain began to pour down after a low rumble of thunder boomed overhead.  Each Elf and Man stood in straight lines across the top of the great wall, holding their weapons at their sides.  All they could do was wait and watch the monsters coming towards them.

            Aragorn gave the signal to ready their weapons, and in unison each Elf raised their bows and drew an arrow from their quivers. 

            Haldir already spotted his first victim walking towards him with a long pole in its hand.  Even with the rain pouring down on his body he kept concentration and did not blink away the drops of water.

            The massive army of Orcs stopped.  They suddenly began to growl and holler into the night while banging their long poles on the ground in a thunderous beat.  Everyone knew that they were trying to intimidate their targets; and on some it worked.

            "Wait!" Théodén called overhead from his spot on a platform while the Orcs started to advance. 

            Suddenly a lose arrow from a man went flying forward and hit an Orc in the front row.  Its comrades looked at its dead body in amazement and then they came.  All of them started running forwards to bombard the wall.

            "Wait!" Came the common voice of Théodén while Aragorn spoke the same in Elvish.

            "NOW!"

            Every person holding a bow shot their first arrow, most of them hitting their targets.  The front row of Orcs fell and the next trampled over them.

            Haldir pulled another arrow from his quiver and quickly shot it, repeating this movement as quickly has his hands would allow.

            The Orcs were not as stupid as one would think, however.  They started to bring up tall ladders they had made themselves, loaded as many warriors as they could onto each step and then pushed the ladders into the air and towards the wall.

            If possible, Elves and Men together used their strength to push the ladders away, causing the Orcs to fall to the ground.  But the ladders kept coming, along with grappling hooks they would use to climb the ropes they threw up.

            Haldir started to focus his efforts on the closest possible Orcs, but it was starting to become too much.  His arrows were almost spent and he would have to go face to face with the vicious beasts.

            Haldir saw an Orc climbing up the way directly to his left.  He knew he had one arrow left, but had no other choice but to use it.  He loaded the arrow in the bow and pulled the string back to his ear, focusing on the Orc so he would have a direct hit that would kill the opponent even before it hit the ground.

            However, the heavy sound of boots running towards him caught his ears.  Out of the corner of his eye he noticed an Orc racing towards him with a raised sword.  Not thinking about the action twice, Haldir fired his last arrow into the skull of the Orc only inches before the beast slit him down the middle.

            Having no more use of his bow, the Elf dropped the wooden weapon to the ground and quickly withdrew his long and arched sword.  Now he would finish off the Orc who would've been the receiver of the last arrow. 

            Most of the Elves now were relying on blades rather than arrows.  But it was apparent that although they were strong, the Orcs were many in numbers and were coming too fast. 

            Aragorn's voice rung through the storm of rain and Orcs giving commands to the Elves and Men. 

            Haldir was showing his years of skill and knowledge of fighting with his swift actions.  He would slit the throat of one Orc and his sword had already begun to slay yet another who was coming forward.

            Atop his platform, King Théodén watched his people and the Elves being slaughtered.  Many Orcs were falling, but it was nothing compared to the wounded and slain of the side of good.  "This is no good," he told one of his men who stood by his side.  "Aragorn!  Bring them in!  Back to the fortress!!"

            Aragorn looked up to the king with confusion, yet relief.  This was probably the best way to go and they all knew it.  However, if they retreated into the fortress, all would be trapped and at the mercy of the remaining Orcs, which was still far into the thousands.

            "Pull back to the fortress!" He yelled to the Men all around him.  Then he started speaking in the Elvish tongue.  "Back into the keep!  Haldir, bring your people back!"

            Haldir heard Aragorn's command and was quite surprised.  He did not understand what they would accomplish by leaving the battlefield so they could line up to die.  But an order was an order, and he was not one to disobey.

            "Return to the keep!  All of you!  Back into the fortress keep!" 

            As Haldir turned to tell the Elves behind him he met the force of an Orc sword cutting at his arm.  Shouting, his sword fell from his hand, which began to go numb with pain.  His free hand instinctively clutched the bleeding wound and held it tight.

            Unfortunately for the high march warden, his moment of pain would only grow worse.  He did not even hear his attacker coming.  All he sensed was the tremendous agony he felt in his back as what turned out to be an axe was driven through his flesh.

            "Haldir!" Came Aragorn's cry over the crowd of people moving back into the fortress.

            Haldir could feel his body overcome with heat and his face tingled.  For a moment he could not hear anything, but only see his kin who had fallen all around him.  He had done nothing but lead them all to their dooms. 

            Haldir barely noticed Aragorn jumping through and slashing the murderous Orc with its own axe.  Haldir's knees gave way and his body started to fall back towards the hard stone floor of the wall, but Aragorn had caught him and tried to keep him in a sitting position.

            For the first time in his life Haldir felt the urge to cry.  He had never experienced such agony as he was suffering now.  It was extraordinary how the thought of a wound was so different from the actual feeling.

            "Haldir, do not leave us now.  Hold on, Haldir!" Aragorn yelled at the fallen Elf, whose eyes had begun to close and his body became limp.

            "Help me!" the heir to the throne of Gondor called to another Elf standing nearby who was still fighting with his sword.  The Elf knelt down and was traumatized to look over his leader. 

            Aragorn worked quickly to remove Haldir's cloak and wrap it around his torso to hopefully subdue some of the bleeding the axe had created.  "Bring him into the keep and see to his wounds."

            The Elf nodded and called for another to help him lift Haldir.  The two Elves, one at each end of their leader, moved quickly down the stairs of the wall and into the fortress where others scrambled to get in.

            Two more Elves came along; one being Haldir's brother Orophin, and the four aided the wounded one to a sidewall. 

            Orophin held Haldir's trembling hand and spoke to him as the others worked together to remove the armor and tunics.  "Do not give into the pain, my brother.  Remember what waits for you back home."

            Haldir let out a small cry as the fabric of his tunic ran over the fresh wound that was bleeding uncontrollably.  Then the words his brother had spoken ran over in his head.  Anitra.  If he let himself die, she would be all alone in Lothlórien, and he would have broken his promise.  He was one to never break a promise. 

            "Its very deep," one the Elves said once Haldir's upper clothing had been removed. 

            "We have no special resources to help his healing," another said.

            "We must make the best of what we have," Orophin told them all.  "Go find bandages.  I saw a man being wrapped in some just over there."  The Elf at Haldir's side sprinted up and moved towards where the finger was pointing.

            It seemed almost like eternity for the Elf to return.  Haldir could feel his body weakening by the minute and it was becoming more and more painful to draw breaths.  "Orophin," he spoke in a whisper.  "Take care of her for me…"

            Orophin showed signs of outrage.  "How can you give up so easily?  I will not let you pass this without a fight!  You are Haldir, the high march warden of Lothlórien, one of the Lord and Lady's most trusted Elves!  You shall not let this take you!"

            Haldir could feel a hot tear streaming down his face.  How could he possibly live through this?  The axe had journeyed deep into his flesh and he was losing an enormous amount of blood.  It would not be possible to live on with such a mortal wound.

            Finally the Elf returned and they began to wrap the cloths tightly around Haldir's entire back and then one or two around his arm where the sword had come in contact. 

            One of the women came over to them with a blanket and offered to let Haldir lay down so he could rest his weary body.  They took it graciously and gently laid Haldir down on his unscathed side. 

            "How is he?" said a voice, which belonged to that of the ranger.

            "He is suffering from such a mortal wound," Orophin answered Aragorn.

            "You there, boy," the ranger called to a boy who sat alone on a rock.  "Bring this Elf some water and keep him company."  He turned back to the Elves.  "I am sorry to draw you away, but we are still in need of your help.  That boy will look after him during the time of your absence."

            They agreed and departed once the boy arrived with a canteen of water.  He knelt down at Haldir's head, which was propped up on his bloodstained tunics that were curled up into a makeshift pillow. 

            "Drink this," they boy said as he brought the canteen to Haldir's mouth.  Ever so gently did he let the liquid pour down the Elf's throat, as to not drown him.

            "Thank you," Haldir said trying to force his mouth to form a smile.

            The boy set the canteen down and then himself next to Haldir so that he could see his face.  "I have never seen an Elf before.  Today I have seen so many I shall never forget it."

            Haldir could not help but smile.  It was so strange to meet people who were in awe over his heritage.  "What is your name, young one?"

            "Kieran, son of Andoire, sir," he answered hesitantly.  "What is your name?"

            "I am Haldir of Lórien.  Where is your family?  Perhaps they aught to know you are here with me."

            Kieran's face seemed melancholy.  "My mother died bringing me into this world.  My father died just moments ago due to an Orc's sword."

            For a brief moment Haldir had forgotten about his own pain and could feel the pain of the boy's empty heart.  "I am sorry to hear that.  Have you no one else?"

            "No, sir."

            They sat in silence for a long while until Kieran looked at Haldir with curious eyes.  "May I ask you a question, Mr. Haldir?"

            "If you wish it so."

            "I have heard Elves live forever.  How long have you been living?" He seemed to have a sort of boyish smirk of curiosity.

            It hurt when Haldir's throat produced a small chuckle.  "I am 1226 years old.  Not half as old of some Elves I know."

            "Yet you are still older than I!  I am not older than 10 years!  You are lucky to be an Elf."

            Haldir thought for a moment.  He was lucky and he knew it.  Elves never suffered from sickness or died of old age.  However, the one thing that could kill an Elf was coming to Haldir.  Although he had always hoped if he were to die he would die like this, but he did not want to suffer.  On the other hand he did not want to leave the world he had known to love for the past millennium.

            "You are yet lucky as well, Kieran.  You have your youth still around you."

            "I have no chance of survival now though unless I work for it.  I have no other family or friends.  We only moved to live under King Théodén two years ago and my family was poor.  Do you have a family, Mr. Haldir?"

            "Yes.  I have two brothers and a future wife waiting for my return back in Lothlórien."

            "I bet she's really pretty," Kieran smiled.

            "She is," Haldir said and then to himself, "she is."

            Haldir spent the next hour listening to the sound of Kieran's young voice telling him of the fun he would have with his father.  It seemed he had a sister who died of a plague only last year.  The Elf felt terrible for this boy and wished there were something he could do for him, yet it seemed useless; especially in his currant state.

            For a while it seemed quiet from outside the fortress.  As far as everyone knew the battle was still underway, however it seemed as more warriors had arrived.  Many thought it to be only more Orcs, but when Rohan riders came into the keep led by the great wizard Gandalf the Gray, (or now seemed to be Gandalf the White), a great cheer filled the room. 

            Haldir saw his brother making his way towards him with a gleeful smile upon his face.  "We have won, Haldir!  Gandalf came just in time and now the sun has come up and a beautiful day is before us."

            Haldir couldn't have been happier that his kin hadn't died in vein.  And neither would he.

            "We shall be departing soon, my brother, and soon you will be home with Anitra." Orophin left to talk to Aragorn who celebrated with Legolas, the Dwarf, Théodén, and Gandalf.

            "What is your home like?" Kieran asked and then quickly apologized.  "Forgive me.  I have done nothing but bother you in such a terrible time."

            "Tis quite all right," Haldir said softly.  "You have taken my mind off the pain."  He smiled when the boy seemed much happier to hear this.  "Lothlórien is like a dream.  There is no other place in the world like it.  The trees are unique to our lands and stand hundreds of feet tall.  The leaves never fall, but turn a golden color in the winter and the ground is covered with silver and white flowers."

            "I wish I could see such a place," Kieran said just before Orophin returned.

            The Elf knelt down next to his brother and looked over to the wound.  "The bandages will have to be changed before we leave.  Do you feel up to the journey?"

            "I have no other choice.  I must return to Anitra…I promised I would return alive."

            Orophin knew that his brother was aware of the fate that quite possibly lay ahead.           

            The Elves were happy indeed to see that Haldir had made it through the night, but it was apparent that his strength was lessening quickly.  The young boy Kieran had taken it upon himself to find a blanket and sleep near Haldir, who seemed to be somewhat of a father figure in the ten-year-old's eyes.

            The sun was rising in the east and Haldir had already been awake for several hours.  The pain in his back was still immense and he did not know if the long journey home was overlookable.

            Orophin, followed by several Elves, including Legolas, Aragorn and the Dwarf, Gimli had come to Haldir's section of the fortress with a farmer leading a horse drawn wagon.

            "This kind man has given us permission to make use of his horse and wagon to bring you home," his brother said.  "Is there anything you need before we put you in it?"

            Haldir slowly shook his head, finding it hard to speak with such little strength.

            Kieran had awoken and sorrowfully watched the Elves gently lift Haldir to lie in the back of the wagon.   He gave a small smile and said goodbye to Haldir as he walked over to no one.

            Haldir was able to see the boy walk away and felt a terrible ache in his heart.  He summoned his brother and Aragorn over to him with his gaze still on the boy.

            "The boy has no one now," he told them trying to think of the words needed to persuade his question.  "Would it be such a terrible thing to ask to bring him with us?"

            "To live amongst the Elves in Lórien?" His brother asked mockingly.  "What has that wound done to you, Haldir?"

            "It has shown me the kindness and want of the boy.  He has been there for me since you placed me on the floor and has kept my mind astray from my present state."

            Aragorn watched the young boy find a seat far from others.  "Do not forget the message Lord Elrond sent with your company, Orophin."

            Orophin rethought of the alliance over in his head several times and knew that the Ranger was right.  "Very well.  Tell the boy to prepare his belongings, for we leave within the hour."

            Kieran was never happier to hear such news.  He had quickly grabbed the small bundle of clothes he had packed to come to Helm's Deep, and then climbed into the cart next to Haldir.

            The Elves set out for Lothlórien in a march, the horse-drawn wagon in the lead with Orophin holding the reins. 

            Haldir tried his best to conceal the pain he felt every time the wheels hit a bump in the path, but it jerked his body around enough to feel exactly how damaged he really was.  Kieran, however, had a deck of playing cards in his hand and was showing the Elf a few magic tricks his father had taught him.

            "Alright, guess what this card is," the boy asked showing Haldir the back of a card.

            "Seven of hearts," came the answer.  He knew he was wrong instantly when Kieran's smile only grew wider.  "You did it once again.  You are very good at this."

            "You're just untrained with magic tricks," Kieran informed him as he shuffled the cards.  "Play again?"

            It took them four very long and very stressful days to reach the borders of Lothlórien.  Haldir's wound was still bleeding, and it was an absolute miracle that he was still alive. 

            An Elf led the horse through the trees and tried to find the easiest route to take for the wagon.  It wasn't easy to say the least.

            Rúmel, who had stayed behind to continue his patrol on the borders, met them as the Elves returned from Helm's Deep.

            "Orophin, my brother, you return with a great deal less than expected," he said holding his arms for a warm embrace.

            "Yes, unfortunately the Orcs put up a very good fight.  We would not have gained victory if Gandalf the Gray had not returned with more forces."

            Rúmel glanced around the large group of Elves that were behind his brother and the wagon.  He seemed to realize that someone was missing.  "Where is Haldir?"

            Orophin's gaze grew hard and he stepped close to his brother to whisper.  "He is sleeping in the wagon.  Haldir was severely wounded by an axe to his back.  He grows weaker every day and I cannot even tell how much longer he might last.  I believe he has forced himself to live until he saw Anitra again."

            Rúmel nodded and then led the troops deeper into the woods.  They continued for another hour until they came to a clearing that supported many flets perched high into the trees.  "Can we get him up the ladder?"
            Orophin surveyed the climb and had never looked upon it with such distaste.  "It'll be difficult.  One of us will have to carry him on our backs."

            Haldir had awakened during this time and agreed to move from his somewhat comfortable position.  Rúmel gently pulled Haldir to the end of the wagon and Haldir tried his best to move his arms around Orophin's neck to hold on.  The agony surged through his back and his arm was numb from the sudden movement, although the sword wound was starting to heal.

            It was hard work, but the Elves were able to carry Haldir to his flet and gently lay him on top of the bed.  Kieran had followed and stood in a corner while he watched the Elves.

            "We have sent word for Anitra to come here," Rúmel told his brother.

            Haldir was finding it difficult to draw breath and sweat formed all over his body.  Any slight bit of movement was like an arrow piercing his heart.  He did not know how much longer he could hold on like this.

            It wasn't long before a she-Elf's voice was heard outside of the flet and soon Anitra ran into the room with tears of joy running down her face.  Haldir's brothers asked Kieran to accompany them outside, and the two lovers were left alone.

            For a few moments there were no words to be shared.  Haldir took in Anitra's beauty with every breath and his eyelids grew heavier by the minute.  Anitra brought her hand to Haldir's face and stroked away a lock of hair that fell over his ear.

            "I'm sorry, Anitra," Haldir finally said breaking the silence with his forced speech.  "I did not intend for this to happen.  I have failed you."

            Anitra shook her head quickly as his words left his tongue.  "You have kept your promise.  I knew you would come back to me.  Now we shall be together again…"

            Haldir smiled and reached out to her.  The palm of his hand rested against her cheek and she leaned into it.  "I only wished we had more time."

            Anitra couldn't hold the rage of tears that flowed through her eyes.  "I love you Haldir.  Please hold on…"

            "I have.  I refused to give up until I saw your face one more time."  His hand wondered down her shoulder, arm, and then rested on the swell of her stomach.  "I only wish I had enough strength to see our child being born."

            Anitra knew that it was pointless to argue with him.  She knew he was going to pass into the next world, and she did not want to spend the last moments of his life telling her that she was denying the inevitable. 

            "Finding you was the best thing that has ever happened to me, Anitra.  And I am glad you came to Lothlórien.  I do not regret a moment of our time, and I hope you do not either."  He paused for a long time to catch his breath.

            "You must rest," she said taking hold of his hand. 

            "I will."  His eyes struggled to stay open.  "Come here."

            Anitra leaned forward and their lips met.  It pained her to feel his mouth barely moving and his attempts to give one last kiss were failing. 

            "I love you, my dearest Anitra…" was his words after their kiss departed.  His head lay back down on the pillows, and his hand became limp in her own.

            Anitra watched his lifeless face lie still on the heap of pillows.  He looked peaceful, as if he was fast asleep.  She said a prayer in her native tongue over in her head as she kissed his fingers and rested his hand on the bed. 

            She sat there for several moments gently raking her fingers though his golden hair.  Finally, the time came when her soul told her it was time to leave him.  As she pushed herself to her feet, Anitra planted one final kiss on Haldir's cheek.  She left the room without turning around.

            Outside Haldir's brother and a young human boy stood waiting.  Rúmel and Orophin knew that their beloved brother had passed when Anitra emerged in silence and a mournful expression rested upon her face.  They went into the room in silence, leaving the boy with the she-Elf.

            "You're Anitra, aren't you?" he said softly as she made her way to the railing of the balcony.

            "Yes, I am." She said giving the boy a glance.

            Kieran smiled.  "Haldir spoke of you the whole way here.  You're even prettier than he described."  This brought a small smile to Anitra's lips.  "He loved you very much."

Several years later…

                Anitra walked outside onto the balcony of the flet and peered over the railing.  She looked around the area for any signs of movement.  However, the only movement she noticed was a Man making his way up the ladder.

            "I have brought you the fruit you asked for," Kieran said holding a sack full of freshly picked and ripe fruit.

            "Thank you, Kieran.  Set it on the table inside."  Anitra continued her search with her eyes.  "Have you seen Haldir by any chance?"

            "He's over by the river again," the eighteen-year-old called from inside.

            Anitra let out a heavy sigh as she sauntered over to the ladder and climbed down.  It didn't take her long to get to the River Anduin, which flowed through the heart of Lothlórien. 

            The area was quiet and no sign of Elven life was in sight, except for the traces of garments, which included boots, a cloak, and a small long bow, lay around a rock near the water.

            Anitra found a familiar place and sat down, knowing quite well that he would not be able to stay under the water forever. 

            After almost ten minutes of waiting, a head poked through the water gasping for air.  The Elf noticed the she-Elf sitting with a stern look upon her face and he knew that he was going to get yet another lecture for swimming down to the cavern again.           

            "Haldir, how many times must I tell you not to go in the river unless someone is with you?" Anitra gently scolded as the Elf made his way out of the water and stood before her.  His wet golden hair shinned in the afternoon sun and his blue eyes sparkled.

            "Forgive me, mother.  But I brought you something!"  He held out his hand and gave her a shining blue stone. 

            Anitra couldn't help but smile.  "Please do not disobey me again, Haldir."

            As mother and son walked home, Anitra glanced down to her son who walked with his hand in hers and the other clutched his small bow.  She chuckled lightly and said, "You are just like your father was."

            "Really?" Haldir replied anxiously. 

            "Very much so.  You're just as stubborn, and I can see your arrogance, just like he had."

            "Can we go see him?"

            Anitra sighed.  "Yes, but only for a short while.  Kieran is waiting for us back home."

            The two Elves walked hand in hand to the outskirts of Caras Galadhon, where a small memorial sight was found. 

            There were a good deal of white stones in the shapes of angels, flowers, and ancient Elves, but the one they sought was a younger stone carved into an Elven warrior clad in full armor and held a bow in its hand. 

            Haldir broke free from his mother's hold and ran to the stone and knelt down.  Although he was still very young, he could read very well and knew the excerpt on the stone by heart:

Here lies high march warden Haldir of Lórien

May it be shadows call

Will fly away

May it be your journey on

To light the day

When the night is overcome

You may rise to find the sun

Believe and you will find your way

A promise lives within you now

            Haldir looked up to his mother with a smile.  They often came here together to pay respects to his father, who died before he was born.  He had heard of all the tales of his father's deeds, and he hung on their every word.  All who were to recall Haldir of Lórien were proud to say they knew him once and long ago, for he was a faithful and trusted Elf like one had never seen.

            That night, after Haldir was fast asleep and Kieran had returned to his own flet only next door, Anitra silently left and wondered into the woods.  Her footsteps brought her to the River of Anduin once again and there she sat watching the water shimmer in the full moonlight. 

            So many wonderful memories filled her head and she took a deep breath of the summer air.  It was like one so many years ago when she had found love and hope. 

            After a while, Anitra did what many Elves would do for pleasure.  Her voice carried only a small distance, not wanting to disturb those who slept peacefully.  She sung words she remembered reading only days after Haldir died:

When the cold of Winter comes,

Starless night will cover day

In the veiling of the sun

We will walk in bitter rain

But in dreams

I still hear your name

And in dreams

We will meet again

When the seas and mountains fall

And we come, to end of days

In the dark I hear a call

Calling me there

I will go there

And back again

            Anitra silently returned home to only to fall into a joyful sleep filled with memorable dreams of the one she would love for eternity.

aThe End b

Author's End Note:  The lyrics used at the end of this fic belong to the writers and composers of the movie: The Lord of the Rings.  I just thought they worked well for what I needed.