Title: Casting Off the Shadow
Fandom: LOTR
Characters: Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, Thranduil, Haldir, Nessa (OFC), special guest star Legolas.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I own no one but Nessa. The world of
LOTR was created by J.R.R Tolkien.
Archive: At Ink-and-Quill
Author’s Note: I admit that I did have to refer to J.R.R Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and David Day’s ‘A Guide to Tolkien’ in order to make sure that I had the sequences in the right order. I am not afraid to admit that I do some research even if it’s a story I’ve read before. I did take a few liberties, but I don’t apologize. I chose to focus my story away from the central action, so to speak. My ‘pull’ toward the Elves is something I’ve never denied… and my awe over Lothlorien is at the heart of it.
Thank you to Marianne who has given me support on this fic and to whom this fic is dedicated. She actually seemed to like the idea that this story *didn’t* focus on Legolas or the Fellowship. She definitely understands my need to walk the unbeaten path sometimes. And thank you to Toni for the beta.
Summary: This story is novel-verse and illustrates the Elves part in the War while the Fellowship was battling Sauron and Saruman.
Casting Off the Shadow
by Christina
The journey to Lothlorien began for Nessa Elanesse from the land of Rivendell. It was where her brother, Legolas, had joined the council of Elrond and been sent on the quest to take the One Ring to the very fires of Mount Doom and destroy it. She had been sent to Rivendell to be free of the shadow that had fallen over Mirkwood when the agents of Sauron built Dol Guldur. Thranduil and the Woodland Elves had used their resources and skill to fight for their home. And though they could not dispel the evil from Mirkwood, they did keep their land safe.
Thranduil had sent his only daughter to Rivendell to live with the half-Elven lord, Elrond. It only made sense then that the Lord of Rivendell chose the son of Thranduil for the quest. What no one expected was for the daughter of Thranduil to take the message to her father herself. What was even more unexpected was for Thranduil to send his daughter to Lothlorien. Her mission was to inform the Lord and Lady about the fellowship and to secure passage through Lothlorien if necessary.
Thranduil’s plan was to aid his son and the fellowship by assuring Lord Celeborn that the Woodland Elves of Mirkwood were available should assistance be needed.
The plan had only one unforeseeable hitch. Haldir. He was captain of the guard for the Lord and Lady of Galadhrium, and a most stubborn Elf. The discussion between the captain of Lothlorien and the daughter of Thranduil continued throughout the night and well into the morning. She was finally granted a meeting with Lord Celeborn and given residence in Lothlorien.
It is here that her tale begins.
*-*-*
She watched from on high as Aragorn, now leader of the fellowship, told their story to Lady Galadriel. Her eyes greedily drank in the fact that Legolas was fine…seemingly without physical injury anyway.
She managed to reunite with her brother and talk well into the night. Her tale was not nearly as gripping as his, but he enjoyed hearing her tale more than sharing his.
“Tell me,” the elder sibling began, “are you now residing here? Are you happy, Nessa?”
She smiled and lightly placed her hand upon her brother’s. There was no denying their relation. Both Elves had long blonde hair, as did most of their Woodland kin. But it was their expressions that made them so similar. Their affection for each other was what set them apart and identified them as kin. “I am residing here for as long as Lord Celeborn stays here. When he moves on to the Undying Lands…”
“You will go as well. Our father and Lord Celeborn will want you to be safe. I’ve heard the Elves speaking here. Our time on Middle Earth is ending.”
“I will go,” she nodded, smiling softly.
“You did not answer my other question, sister. Are you happy?”
“My journey here was not easy. Orcs are constantly patrolling the area. But my journey to the woods of Lothlorien was easier than getting into Galadhrium. Haldir is very dedicated to his duties. He would not allow me entrance at first.”
Legolas smiled. His sister spoke of her disdain for the Silvan Elf, but the undertones spoke of the opposite. “You are drawn to him.”
“The quest has dulled your perception, brother. He raises no emotion in me at all.”
“He has many compelling qualities. His regret over covering my eyes has endeared him to me. So has the fact that he did it even though it hurt him.”
“He did what to your eyes?” she asked. She’d heard naught but the fact that Haldir put a blind on her brother. Her tone turned from conversational to annoyed. It mimicked the one Legolas had used on occasion.
The son of Thranduil explained to his sister about his passage into Lothlorien. When his tale was finished, he wasn’t surprised at her reaction.
“He knew of the arrival of the Fellowship. He knew of you and Aragorn. There was no reason to cover even the dwarf’s eyes. It is a sad day indeed when the judgment of an Elf, especially the son of an Elven king, is questioned. Haldir knew. He is just so…so…”
“Compelling,” he offered.
“Infuriating,” she finished, though a part of her wondered if she wasn’t drawn to Haldir as Legolas suggested.
*-*-*
Her answer came some time later as she stood on the shore of Anduin and watched her brother sail away to his destiny. It was Haldir who offered her support with a strong hand placed firmly on her trembling shoulder.
She watched until the boats were merely specks to her Elvish eyes and then turned to Haldir. “I fear that I have seen him for the last time.”
The eyes that generally portrayed great seriousness and responsibility were looking at her now with kindness and affection. “Fear not, Nessa. Legolas represents the best in us all. If anyone survives the coming war, it will be your brother.”
She smiled softly. “If he is the only one who survives, he will feel most guilty.”
A slight laugh escaped the normally stoic Elf. “That is true.”
“Nessa,” Lord Celeborn’s voice interrupted. “I think it will please you to know that messengers will be keeping us appraised of the Fellowship’s well being.”
“With the loss of Gandalf,” Lady Galadriel continued, “their journey is far more perilous.”
“We would be most honored to have you continued to stay with us.”
“It would be my pleasure, Lord Celeborn.”
It was Haldir who next spoke. His comment not only surprised, but shockingly pleased Nessa. “My Lord and Lady, my brothers Rumil and Orophin have spent long in the forest. I would like to return and watch the border. Perhaps I may take Lady Nessa with me?”
She smiled at the thought of being useful. Too much of her time in Rivendell had been used in the pursuit of knowledge. They sang and feasted and debated, but Nessa had always longed for more. Haldir had suddenly offered her the chance to do just that. “I would not mind at all helping with the patrol. All things considered, a change of scenery would be most welcome.”
A small smile spread on Celeborn’s face. “You have spent many days in Galadhrium in the company of your brother. I am sure his departure weighs on you. Go with Haldir.” He waved his arm toward a kinsman and a bow and quiver of arrows were produced. “Take these and return when you will.”
Taking the offered weaponry, she drew her cloak around her. “Thank you.”
*-*-*
The return trip to Haldir’s station near Nimrodel was made mostly in quiet. He did inform her that the trip with the Hobbits, Men and the Dwarf had taken twice as long as their return trip. Her response had been to smile and say, “They traveled from Rivendell through the mines of Moria on foot. I’m actually surprised they are still standing.”
“They are all quite brave indeed,” came his stoic reply.
*-*-*
From her perch in the tree, Nessa watched as messengers rode in. The wind had picked up, and Nessa’s long hair blew in the breeze seeming to blend in with the branches. She watched as Haldir met the riders. His deep voice floated up to her as he requested to hear the news.
Nessa’s eyes slid closed as the reply came that the rider was from Rivendell and not from the south.
“Any news from Thranduil then?” the captain asked.
“Only that his troops cannot continue to hold back Dol Guldur. They may soon have to abandon Mirkwood and head for Valinor. The shadow of Sauron will soon consume all of what was once Eryn Lasgalen.”
Nessa fell to the branch, now sitting with her back to the tree. She did not hear the captain as he climbed the tree and sat comfortably beside her.
“You heard about your father?”
“I did.” Her gaze lifted to stare through the wood. “Once my home was as beautiful as Lothlorien. Then the Orcs, Wolves, and Great Spiders invaded and the shadow was cast.” Her heart ached with the memories, but her trembling subsided as she felt Haldir’s arm wrap around her and hold her close. “I was very young then. The trees around Dol Guldur knotted, gnarled and withered. All that was once beautiful was lost. When Sauron was defeated, his shadow retreated back to Dol Guldur and some of the wood returned to it’s beauty. But so long as Dol Guldur stands, Eryn Lasgalen will never fully recover.” She hadn’t even realized that she was crying.
Soft lips were pressed to her ear. “Ssh,” he said supportively. “Rest now. Tomorrow we will travel to Galadhrium and learn what Lord Celeborn plans to do with this knowledge. I cannot believe he will let Eryn Lasgalen be lost forever, especially not now.”
Her head rested upon his shoulder and her eyes slid closed. The reach of Sauron had touched her on many levels. Her brother was now in the land of Rohan and her father was facing having to abandon his land. If anyone could come up with a solution, it would be Lord Celeborn.
As she slipped into a dream, she heard Legolas’ parting words to her. ‘One day, dear sister, you will admit that you find Haldir compelling. One day, you will go to father and tell him you wish to take Haldir for your mate.’ She had mocked his words that day. Now, as her head rested upon the captain’s shoulder and she allowed herself to rest, she wondered if the journey to tell her father would lead them to Eryn Lasgalen or the Undying Lands.
Had it only been days since she believed the captain to be arrogant and unyielding? She had been so very wrong.
*-*-*
“Nessa,” Haldir’s voice floated into her dream, waking her. “Orcs are moving toward Nimrodel. Rumil has gone for reinforcements but we must act quickly. If my guess is correct, these are the Orcs from Moria.”
She was fully awake now and followed him quietly down the tree. Where the Orcs were loud and reckless, the Elves were quiet and graceful. They made no sound, not even twigs broke under their feet.
Preparing her bow, Nessa took her place by Orophin and watched as Haldir moved toward the Nimrodel. He drew his cloak around him and she watched as he moved closer to the Orcs, not being noticed. If she had wondered about her emotions for him before, she knew now. Legolas was right. He was compelling and his continued existence was necessary to her.
The sound of an arrow hissing through the air and striking its target was the signal for them all to fire. Very few arrows missed their marks, and Nessa lived up to the skills endowed to both her brother and herself. The Orcs were many, but the rising of the sun sent what few remained running back toward Moria.
This left the Elves to the task of reclaiming their spent arrows and removing the deceased Orcs from the Golden Wood.
It was while Nessa was retrieving arrows that Haldir finally approached her. His countenance remained firm, even as his eyes spoke of his gladness at seeing her safe. “You are unharmed.”
She nodded. “As are you.”
A look was given to Orophin, who moved to reclaim arrows elsewhere. A hand was placed on her cheek and when her eyes met his, she could not help her reaction. “I was worried.”
“There is no need. Not now.” His hand moved from her cheek into her hair. “We will return to Galadhrium today and inform Lord Celeborn of what happened here yesterday.”
Her hand moved to his. “I was worried about you.”
A tender kiss was placed on her forehead. “As I was worried about you.” A look was shared and in that moment something was settled between them.
When his lips touched her again, it wasn’t her forehead he made contact with. Elves were beings of great sensuality though gratification came more in the spiritual bond than the physical one. So she wasn’t surprised that her reaction to the kiss fired her soul, far overpowering her physical response.
As the kiss ended, Haldir placed his forehead upon hers again. “It is strange that we find this in the midst of the darkness that threatens all of us.”
“It is. But then now is the time when light and hope are most needed.” Arms enveloped bodies, and they held one another closely. “Now is the time when hope for the future may make sure we survive the present.”
She felt him inhale as if he were going to respond, but instead of his voice, she heard Rumil’s. “My apologies, brother, but we need to get word to Lord Celeborn immediately.”
She pulled away and her eyes met the captain’s. “Shall we run?”
“We shall.”
*-*-*
It wasn’t Celeborn who met them, however. It was the Lady Galadriel herself. “The war for the One Ring has begun in earnest. Armies of Men from Rohan and Dunedain are warring against Saruman and his Uruk-hai.”
Nessa felt a wave of reassurance wash over her as the Lady continued to speak.
“Three of the Fellowship now stand with Rohan and King Theoden. A surprise that Saruman does not expect will arise from Fangorn forest. And I know Gandalf the White is no longer in shadow.”
When Galadriel paused, Nessa tried to ask for news but was interrupted. “Aragorn son of Arathorn, Legolas, and Gimli, son of Gloin, lead the defense at Helm’s Deep,” Lord Celeborn provided.
“King Theoden is rejuvenated. The poison of Saruman no longer inhabits his body or soul, but his spirit is tired,” Galadriel finished.
At the mention of her brother, Haldir placed his hand at the small of Nessa’s back. Legolas was still alive and well.
“There is more. As you have heard Dol Guldur is attempting to overrun all of Mirkwood. The mighty Anduin will not keep them at bay forever. Lothlorien will be vulnerable to attack.”
“What is our plan, milady?” the captain questioned.
“The Elves will combine forces and fight the oncoming attack. Lothlorien will remain protected, but I want the walls of Dol Guldur to fall. I do not want even one Orc, Wolf, or Great Spider left in Mirkwood.” Her gaze turned to Nessa as she finished, “I will see Mirkwood as Eryn Lasgalen before we leave Lothlorien for the Undying Lands. It will be our gift to those who stay behind.”
Bowing to his Lady, Haldir left to make plans for the quest he was to be sent on. Lady Galadriel returned to her meditations, leaving Nessa to stare out into the great color of the Mallor canopy.
“You have fallen for him,” Celeborn’s voice floated through her thoughts.
Turning to the wisest of Elven kings, she smiled. “I did not wish to. In fact, I felt the opposite at first. But I realized that I was only looking at one layer instead of the many underneath.”
“He is a good Elf. He will make you a good mate.”
A tear slipped down her cheek. “It is my hope. But I fear my father will not be able to give his blessing.”
“We will not let our Woodland kin be taken.” A finger was placed under her chin and her face brought to look at his. “In the meantime, my blessing may not have the same affect as Thranduil’s, but I still offer it.”
“Thank you, Milord. And it does have meaning. More than I can express.”
“Go now,” he said softly. “Go help Haldir prepare. For there are none here who know the woods around Dol Guldur as you do. And worry not. I believe we will all be victorious.”
*-*-*
An arrow as it flies through the air is indeed a beautiful thing. The arrow as it strikes its target is euphoria. The volley of Elven arrows as they removed Sauron’s vile emissaries was indescribable.
Nessa had fought beside Haldir and the Elves of Lothlorien. It was her home now, or rather her home was where her mate lived. They were bonded now. In the time of greatest darkness, she had found some light to cling to.
Then the first assault on Lorien came from Dol Guldur. Thranduil had already successfully repelled attack not too long ago. It was March. Nessa and Haldir had been bound to one another for less than a month.
The attack from Dol Guldur threatened not just Lorien. The Silvan Elves repelled attack and the focus of the enemy turned to Thranduil. It was a dual attack on the Woodland and Silvan Elves. The world was indeed growing dark, as the shadow of Sauron seemed to pour out of Mordor and cover all of Middle Earth.
Camped out in the woods at the very edge of Anduin, the Elves took cover and waited. The second attack had been repelled, but they knew there would be a third. Nessa’s head rested on her husband’s shoulder, but she could not sleep. He was calm, as ever, so it was difficult for her to tell if he was resting or awake. “Sitting in a tree waiting for the enemy is not the best way to begin a joined life, is it?”
She sighed and raised her face to look at him. “It is the way for us. I would not change it for anything. If there had been no War of the Ring, I would have never left Rivendell. I certainly would have never seen you as anything but annoying and arrogant.”
He laughed lightly. “Arrogant, you say? It is all a part of my charm, Milady.”
“It is… compelling.” She paused as she said that word. Her head returned to his shoulder.
“It really is folly to wish the past to be any different than what it is. Many lives have been lost, but sadly it is necessary in order to purge Middle Earth of Sauron’s evil.”
“If Isildur had cast the One Ring into the fires…” She stopped her words. Men had suffered greatly over that king’s decision. She prided herself on being able to see the light in every situation, but she’d seen far too many of her kind die because of Sauron’s power. Her father was under attack; her brother fought with the Men. She did not consider her reaction to be that of an Elf, but to be that of a daughter, sister and wife.
The embrace around her tightened and Haldir’s voice filled her heart with hope. “There are moments when the present looks bleak and the future seems hopeless, but we have something working in our favor.” A soft kiss was placed on her head. “The dark agents know naught of love, companionship, and hope. There is no friendship and no trust. Sauron had no friends who care beyond either fear or personal gain. They only know greed and power.”
“Elves should have allied with Men again.”
“The time of the Elves is over, even Lord Elrond told you that.”
“But we are still here. This is still our home.”
“And our home… Lothlorien… Mirkwood… are both under attack, Nessa. It takes all our legions to hold off that which attacks our homes. I cannot abandon them to protect the homes of Man. Sauron’s forces are too many. I have a wife. I hope some day to have children. I have responsibilities to my Lord and Lady. This is where I make my stand during this war. I do not wish it otherwise.”
She listened to his words and they made sense to her. Word had just come to them that Thranduil still lived and that Mirkwood had been successfully defended. No messages had been received about the One Ring; and with the growing shadow, she could not help but worry.
Another kiss to her forehead and her husband’s voice said, “Rest now, love. Gather strength while you can.”
*-*-*
It was needed rest as well. For a day later, Lothlorien was attacked again. This one was the most intense battle of all. It was also the most deadly. For three days they fought. In the fray, many Elves had been lost. Haldir and Nessa became separated but both continued the fight. Rumil fell in battle, but Orophin survived. He was standing with Nessa when the shadow lifted and the enemies of good fled toward Anduin and Dol Guldur. It afforded Nessa a chance to search for her love. Hours passed and she grew heavy with worry and fear. He had promised that even though their life together had started in darkness, they would live together in the light. But if he had fallen during the battle, there would be no light for her.
She was deep in discussion with Orophin when the shadow completely passed and Celeborn approached. “We must gather our weaponry and attack while the enemy flees.”
Nessa looked at her brother-in-law and he nodded. It was as she was moving toward Lord Celeborn that Haldir and a band of forces appeared from the shores. “The enemy has crossed the River Anduin, Milord.” He paused as his eyes found Nessa’s. His control seemed to crack slightly as he saw that she was indeed still alive and very relieved to see he was as well.
“Haldir,” Celeborn prompted, even though he fully understood. Other Elven mates were reuniting, but Haldir was his captain. “Please finish your report.”
“My apologies, Milord. Sauron’s allies have fled and are going to Dol Guldur. I have sent messengers to Lord Thranduil, but I have word that he is under heavy attack.”
“Oh no,” Nessa cried softly.
Haldir’s look bespoke of his loathing for sharing this news with her in this manner. But he had little choice. “There has been a great fire but all are optimistic for victory.”
Celeborn nodded and released his captain for a brief reunion with his wife. To go cold and completely ignore the emotional aspect of this war was to forget why it was being fought. “We will take the boats and head to Dol Guldur. There we will smite the enemy while they are weak.” Turning to Nessa, he said, “We will bring down their walls and restore the wood. Our Woodland kin will be victorious. Of this I am sure.”
Nessa felt a rush of reassurance. Celeborn’s words touched her, but Haldir’s presence gave her strength. They parted from their embrace and gathered arrows for the upcoming battle. Their lord was correct; everything was going to be fine.
*-*-*
There were cheers all around when Galadriel brought down the walls and bared the pits of Dol Guldur. The forest was finally cleansed and was no longer Mirkwood.
From the north, Thranduil and his Elves entered the clearing. The Woodland King spotted the Lord and Lady but gave his daughter his immediate attention. Father and daughter embraced. “You live,” he said, “though I see you are battle weary. It was not my desire for you to see such hardship and death.”
“But it has made me stronger, Father. I am just happy to see you alive.”
“The War of the Ring is done. There are merely loose ends to tie. Sauron threatens us no more. Legolas, my son, will return home for a time, but it appears as if my daughter has found a new home.” Thranduil extended a greeting to Haldir, telling both that he understood why his blessing had not been sought out before they were joined. He did, however, request a reunion when Legolas returned home and their home was rebuilt.
“You are staying then?” Lord Celeborn questioned. “I had hoped it would be so, my friend.” The two lords gathered for council, leaving Nessa and Haldir to themselves.
He sighed, repeating the words of Nessa’s father. “The war is done. Sauron is truly defeated.”
“The price was great, but yes, good prevailed. There may yet be conflict as I hear Saruman has not been detained, but alas I will let no such worries cloud my happiness on this day.”
*-*-*
Nessa and Haldir enjoyed many happy years in Middle Earth. Mirkwood was indeed renamed Eryn Lasgalen. The forest was divided amongst Thranduil, Celeborn, and the Woodsmen. Many Elves departed Middle Earth for the Undying Lands, for Elrond was correct their time on Middle Earth was over. It was now the time for King Elessar and Men to rule. It was a new world that came into being after the War of the Ring.
Nessa’s tale settled into one of contentment. The children of Nessa and Haldir grew to be as brave and strong as their heritage. She and Haldir settled in the land of Ithilien, where Legolas was named Lord. When he and Gimli took to the sea toward the Undying Land, Nessa felt the pull to follow. And it was several years later that the eldest son of Haldir and Nessa, Caranthir was instated as the new Lord of Ithilien. The Lord and Lady, along with many of their kin, and their daughter, Tári, set sail in the Grey boats and headed across the sea as well.
And it is here that her tale ends.
Tags: dark, drama, haldir, nessa elaness, original character, rating: pg-13