towerofanimus | Lamenting for the Lost

Entry tags:

Lamenting for the Lost

Characters: Haldir & Whomever else joins.
Setting: Third Floor, Dormitories
Format: Prose
Summary: Haldir's worries get the better of him while searching for a lost friend.
Warnings: None.

There was no sign of Legolas anywhere in the tower.

Even with the emergence of the new floors, Haldir hasn't a clue as of where the prince has gone. Of course certain realms within Animus couldn't be successfully explored without a suitable party. Haldir doubted that Legolas would be foolhardy enough to venture into the desert upon the Sixty-Fourth floor. That would be sheer madness on his part if he did so. Haldir knows that Legolas couldn't possibly be that reckless as to wander within there. Therefore, he figured that the Tower itself had something to do with the elf's sudden disappearance.

Should he seek consul from the White Wizard? No. That probably wouldn't be a wise choice for now. Raising such alarm over their missing companion would do nothing other than worry them all. Haldir wasn't certain if Legolas was in danger or not. Perhaps he merely went missing due to the strange fluctuation of newcomers here. That's certainly a logical possibility, but even that thought alone gave Haldir great unease.

What if Legolas vanished? Then what?

After pacing about through the winding hallways, the march warden came to a slow stop once he reached the dormitory. What should he do? Should he venture there again and check to see if Legolas finally returned? Or should be wisely speak with Gandalf regarding his disappearance? Considering that two other members of their dwindling fellowship has also vanished as of late, Haldir wasn't very hopeful that anything could be done about it. Only death awaits for any of those who are returned to their world, that's been established long ago. Middle-Earth and all of its' marvelous splendor was long gone by now.

The world was destroyed, wasn't it? This was what "they" claimed.

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After wandering around the Tower and exploring, chaos had decided to take a small nap before exploring any further. As he walked down the dormitories, he sensed Haldir wandering around..and that his friend was not in the best of moods.

When he saw his friend outside of his dorm room, the reason behind that sense became clear. Smiling, he spoke.

"Is something wrong with Legolas?"

When he had talked with Legolas on the 100th floor, the elven prince had told Diarmuid that he would likely know Haldir as soon as he saw him. It seems that the elf is exactly right for Diarmuid realizes as soon as he sees Haldir who he must be. It bothers the servant to see how upset the elf looks, though. Legolas had said their numbers were few and Diarmuid can only hope that the reason for the other elf's distress is not because one of those few has gone missing.

He pauses in his patrol and approaches the elf, bowing slightly, "Pardon my intrusion. You must be Haldir. Legolas has spoken highly of you to me. Is everything all right?"

Haldir has never been particularly fond of the seemingly innocent child before him, but not because chaos has crossed him in any way. No, he honestly doesn't like chaos' intuitiveness. How else could one explain how chaos could so easily read his thoughts now? Haldir does well to keep his relationship with Legolas as secretive as possible, even if Legolas seemed hellbent in letting the whole tower know of them. Embarrassment would've claimed Haldir now if he wasn't so tangled in his worries. He figured that a few people knew about him and Legolas, but he certainly hopes they can all be accounted for on one hand.

"I believe so." He whispered almost too quietly to be heard. "Tis unlike him to tarry for so long." He frowned deeply. If something has befallen upon Legolas, then he should've been the first to know.

A sigh escaped him. "He has vanished."

Edited 2013-02-24 04:32 (UTC)

It was either chaos could read his thoughts or he really remembered The Lord of The Rings from back when he was on Earth. Which one was the truth, he wouldn't say. However, at that comment, chaos sighed and tried to put a hand on Haldir's shoulder.

"..I am sorry to hear that then. The two of you were close. It is unbearably hard when people like that leave you alone and cannot come back."

If only Haldir had known that Legolas had been running his mouth again, the march warden would've gave that elf a stern lecture. He's honestly not fond of the idea of the two of them expressing the nature of their relationship openly yet. Especially since Haldir feared judgement from their allies from home. The last thing he needed was to present the Fellowship with this laughing stock of a tryst as an issue. He doesn't want to hear what anyone has to say about it. Nor does he want to face judgement for it. While he figured that Legolas would say something idly to friends and some acquaintances, Haldir honestly dreads the day when the nature of their relationship will be known to all. This dread has build since that horrible little stunt the Administrators pulled on them just last month.

Marriage? Really? The two of them made such a vow openly? Haldir didn't know what to think of that, but he wasn't too put off from the thought.

Greeting the young man with a wary glance, Haldir nods in confirmation. "Indeed, I am." Unlike Legolas who might be perceived as a tad warmer and friendlier; Haldir was a little colder and stoic. "Ah, Legolas." His lips curled into a sad smile. "I should have known him to speak highly of me. He's quite the gossip at times." His smile fades.

"I cannot say. I wish not to stir any ill-thoughts, but I believe Legolas has gone missing."

Normally, Haldir would shun the idea of anyone being this close to him. Yet, with the possibility of Legolas being killed or injured lingering within his mind; Haldir didn't. Instead, he welcomed whatever sort of consoling that chaos would give him now. Just the thought of being separated from Legolas pained him more than any wound he ever suffered. If the Administrators truly sought a way to break the proud march warden, it would be to harm the one he loves.

"He will comeback." Haldir quickly retorted without any thought as of how ridiculous he may sound. "Legolas and I have vowed long ago to never part. Not even these ingrates could sully our vow."

It might bring Haldir some comfort to know that Legolas had not been that open about their relationship. He had merely spoken fondly of his fellow elf as one might speak of any friend. Still the news that Legolas might be missing quickly dismisses any shock Diarmuid feels from the other elf calling the prince a gossip.

Diarmuid's lips press into a tight line, "There seem to be a lot of people missing at the moment. I believe the administrators to be at fault. Things have been too quiet lately. Have you checked his room? I have been told that as long as a person's name is still on their room, they are in the tower somewhere. It is just a question of where and why they have been gone from their usual routines for so long."

He hates to think that something might have happened to the elf. Legolas seemed to be a genuinely good and honest soul. One of those rare people who could stay like that no matter what happened to them.

He bows Haldir, "I am Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, First Warrior of the Fianna. I have only known Legolas for a few days, but if there is anything I can do to aid you, I would be glad to."

[Wow, totally not running my mouth. And not fair, since I'm busy being a nosy asshole in the administrator levels.]

chaos sighed again. There was no smile on his face. Words like that stung more than Haldir knew. This situation and those words reminded him too much of the years that he and Mary were together..and the time that they had parted.

"..A Legolas may come here..but it may not be the one you knew. I am sorry, Haldir..but while vows are powerful, they too can be broken. The Administrators may not be able to destroy our universes..but they can separate us quite easily."

[*Pats* Well, Diarmuid did stick up for you. Mentally... That counts, right?]

Taiki saw Haldir looking worried and hurried over to him, he slows as he approaches and shuffles his feet, still not very confident around his roommate even though he considered him a great person and a friend.

"Is... sorry... is everything alright Haldir?"

While the boy was most certainly right, Haldir didn't wish to hear the truth now. He gave chaos a stern glare as if daring him to speak those words again. Of course he knew how easily his vow to Legolas could be severed here. The Administrators, more often than not, made sure to flaunt their power over them by showcasing their cruelty like a badge. He knew that someday that the two of them would be separated, bur he didn't once think that such a day would come soon. To lose Legolas without even saying goodbye has always been his greatest fear.

"If all else perished, and he remained, I would continue to be." He replied while glancing towards the door again. It was strange for him to stare at this door and know that Legolas wouldn't be there. Every time he would visit here in the past, Legolas would always appear and greet him warmly. Sometimes he didn't even need to knock, Legolas would just know he was there.

"Without him--I don't know what I will become."

The elf raised his brow. "When are they not at fault?" A quick retort, but a truthful one. "The Administrators ought to hold blame for all that transpires here. They've made it rather clear that we're their 'test subjects'; their pets." Just thinking of Rauna or Jason literally laughing at his misery irritates him. Haldir's hatred for the Administrators as a collective whole has been well fostered due to their sick games. He had once believed Dax to be the more likeable of the six admins, but of course he now lumps him in with the rest.

"As long as their name is still written--?" A slither of hope appeared within Haldir's eyes when he heard that. "That is so? Then I will check." He was a second away from taking his leave until Diarmuid introduced himself. If Legolas' name still remained upon the door, then Haldir could breathe a sigh of relief. He never took notice of this before.

"Well met, Diarmuid of Fianna. I'm certain that Legolas would speak highly of you."

As soon as Haldir hears the slight shuffling beside him, he knew it was Taiki. He could tell simply by the uncertainty of his steps. Haldir had lived with Taiki long enough to pick up on those little nuances.

"All is well, Taiki." He replies gently with a very faint smile. The last thing he wants is to worry the kirin with his troubles. Creatures like him are very susceptible to pain, and highly empathetic. Taiki's sensitive nature has often left him prone to a number of illnesses thanks to the Administrators' fondness for torture. Haldir knew that if he isn't careful, his misery would cling to Taiki like a noose.

chaos saw that glare, but he didn't comment on it or react to it. He knew these words were painful, knew the pain that Haldir was going though..but that didn't mean his words were any less true. That they didn't need to be spoken. In the back of his mind, he sighed again.

"..You will still be Haldir, my friend. I admit that this situation is frightening, especially for you..but..you must continue to push forward. Even if you do need to stop and rest for a little while."

It's a little odd to be treated so abruptly after how kind Legolas had been to him, but Diarmuid brushes the other elf's attitude to his worry about his friend. If someone he cared about went missing, Diarmuid's mood would be the same.

Diarmuid spreads his hands in front of him, "I would not say they are as infallible as that. They seemed quite distressed and almost panicked in some ways at the meeting they held not long ago. If that new influx of people was not something they had planned, might a suddenly disappearance of our number be outside of their control as well?

"Administrators aside, I do not wish to keep you from checking to see if his name is still outside of his room. If you do not mind, though, might I come with you? I have not known him that long, but I would like to see for myself that his name is still there. It will ease my mind. I would offer to go there myself and report back to you as I could do so in just a few seconds, but I don't know what room is his and I suspect that your heart will not truly be at ease until you see for yourself."

Taiki blinked at him. He was ill again, the latest bout of games and people returning injured had taken it's toll and his eyes were shadowed, his skin pale and clammy. He probably should be in bed, but he was eleven and hated being in bed all the time.

"Sorry... it's not... You're sad..."

No longer in his armor (yet invisibly armed), and having found his Master, Lancelot is exploring the Tower at his ease. He has slain a Monster here and there along the way, but in the main his purpose is to better know his environment-- and of course, his fellow captives as well.

This one, for instance, has a decidedly Fae look about him. Which is familiar in a pleasant way, though the man himself seems distraught. Surely, Lancelot knows a wandering searcher when he sees one.

"Your pardon-- but what is it you seek? Or are you yourself lost?

I am Lancelot."

Haldir honestly doubted whether or not he could move forward if such a day was to come. After enduring so much here in Animus, Haldir could feel his spirit beginning to wane here. In his morbid opinion, Animus is nothing other than never ending nightmare for him with sparse moments of peace in-between the horror. He grew weary of watching his companions suffer, and became almost numb to his own suffering. Legolas's company thus far managed to keep him relevantly sane in all of this travesty.

"I have very little choice." He replied after a brief moment of thought. "Death is not an opinion for me." Considering that he lost his life once before, Haldir wasn't very keen on the idea of dying a second time. He promised to Legolas long ago that he wouldn't succumb to the horrors of this realm, and so far he has done well.

Haldir lowered his gaze once Taiki spoke. It would seem that the kirin saw through his lie rather quickly. The youth has become rather good at that. "I wish not to trouble you with what ails me." He said honestly. Taiki's sickly condition would only become worse if he learned of the gloom he felt. Thus, he tried his best to hide it however he could. However, how can anyone hide the emptiness he feels now? It almost feels as if he lost a piece of himself with Legolas gone.

"You've dealt with enough burdens, little one."

In the back of his mind, chaos sighed.

"Death is always an option for some..it is one I do not like, but it is an option. I am happy to hear that you will not go down that road. Don't give in to despair, my friend..even if you have lost an important person in your life. Inaction hurts more than loss."

chaos knew that all too well. Even though he didn't have enough powers to oppose Wilhelm, the fact that he couldn't do anything and didn't move stung.

On any other day, Haldir would've noticed the swordsman approach by just the sound of his footsteps. Elves are known for their keen sense of hearing along with their infinite wisdom. Yet, despite it all he hadn't noticed the human's approach until now. He gave the swordsman a wary glance while more or less accessing whether he was friend or foe. The elf doesn't particularly have many foes, but he doesn't have many friends either. Unlike Legolas who seemed to be his opposite, Haldir was more than content to keep himself distant from others.

"Even when lost, I would easily find my way." He replied honestly with no hint of humor in his tone. It's rather peculiar for this fellow to offer his aid to a mere stranger. Was he also one of Legolas's companions? It wouldn't shock Haldir if so. "Chivalry is quite uncommon here, but I welcome it. Yet, it is unwise to give it so freely." The elf warned with much sincerity in his tone.

"I am Haldir of Lothlórien, and I'm search of a dear friend."

It was because he was little... and people didn't want to upset him. But it made him sad that people couldn't tell him what was happening.

"Sorry... just your so sad..." And he wants to help.

"Yes, your step is light and sure indeed, Haldir of Lothlórien, even when wandering. I think you would not easily be lost."

Lancelot bows his head in courtesy and greeting. The man's manner truly does put him in mind of folk in his Queen's court, under the ever-changing sky of the Lake.

"I have lately arrived here, and have met only a few that seem known to me. A dear friend would be of great worth in this place. If I may aid you, I will do so-- my chivalry is my own to give. I have no claims upon my time at present, and I must learn this Tower as well as I may.

He himself, of course, has no friends-- though he did, once. His Master, difficult though he may be, is his most constant companion. Fate deals strangely with even Spirits, it seems.

Perhaps if they met earlier on before this tragedy, Haldir would leave a better impression on the warrior. However, the elf's couldn't have cared less. The one individual he truly cherished was gone, and he doubts he'll ever see him again.

"The meeting?" Haldir arched his brow somewhat. "Ah, yes. That travesty was merely a farce at best. The Administrators held steadfast to their lies, and yet many believe them to be honest and true." He honestly has a right to dislike the Admins this much, especially since he blames them for Legolas's disappearance. Not too long ago, other members of the Fellowship went missing as well only to never return. It seemed so far that Legolas has vanished as well without a trace.

Most likely dead no less. That thought alone saddened him.

"Then enough idle chatter." He replied somewhat abruptly. The more Diarmuid spoke; the heavier his melancholy became. "We shall witness for ourselves if he remains here amongst us or not." While his reply might seem a tad pessimistic, there's a slither of hope somewhere there.

"Come." He urged the Diarmuid to follow. "Let us not delay."

His smile faded somewhat. Haldir knew he couldn't keep the truth hidden for much longer, not while Taiki seemed so earnest to help him. Therefore, instead of turning the youth away; Haldir knelt down before Taiki and offered him a gentle pat on the head.

"I'll be fine." He said with only a bare hint of conviction in his tone. "I can assure you that I won't let this sadness overcome me."

Diarmuid turns to follow the elf with a stiff nod. It's obvious Haldir is distraught and so he pushes away any ill feelings he has from being so abruptly dealt with. It is just curious to Diarmuid that someone who is so close to Legolas seems to have so little faith that he will be all right. Diarmuid is sure that they will find his name on the door to his room. Despite how randomly people have been known to leave this place, he doesn't think that is the case here. Not with all the other oddness that is going on.

Hopefully, he isn't wrong and the tower isn't about to add anymore pain to that which Haldir already seems to be carrying.

"I am new here and even I could tell not all they claimed as truth was, in fact, truth. Still, there were brief moments when they seemed at odds with each other, and I can't help but believe that there might be some truth gleaned from those moments. And I still do not know what to think of the one they call Dax. He is kinder, so they say. I don't know if I believe that. His kindness is too convenient in my mind. Legolas seems to trust him, though. What do you think of the man?"

Taiki smiled back and took his hand, "I hope not... it's very easy to be sad here..."

Haldir remained silent as he regarded the swordsman.

Just who was this man? Why would he so eagerly assist anyone here? It would be far better if this fellow looked after himself while lingering here. Disaster only await those who easily offer their aid for the sake of the common good. Haldir could literally count all the times that he nearly met his end here due to a good deed gone wrong. Yet, he knew better than to turn Lancelot away. The elf needs all the help he could get if he planned to ever find Legolas. For ill or merry, Haldir wouldn't be content until he found Legolas either alive or dead.

"Then I shan't spurn it." He quietly replied with no hint of emotion in his tone. If he allowed himself to show any emotions now, Haldir feared he would drown in his sorrow. It's better for him to keep this frigid mask up for as long as he could. "Then I will accept your aid with much gratitude, Lancelot."

Without another word, Haldir turned to lead Lancelot towards the halls ahead. While he doubted he would find Legolas somewhere here within the dormitory; at least Haldir could now venture to the floors above with someone by his side. The next few floors would lead to into the "wilds" where fiends and beasts alike lurk. He certainly hopes that Lancelot's talk to chivalry won't fail him as they scale the tower.

Considering how much Lord Gyousou's disappearance effected the kirin's health and happiness; Taiki's words weighed rather heavily on Haldir's thoughts. Unfortunately, such despair wasn't uncommon for Haldir who grew up during the rather daunting times of the Second Age. Kinslaying was rampart amongst Elvenkind because of petty grudges and greed. Haldir was no stranger to misery, but he often pushed such sadness aside. He knew better than to linger in his grief, but losing Legolas is a blow more fatal than any wound.

"Agreed." He said with a forced smile. "Nothing good can come from grief. That is a lesson I learned along ago."

"I thank you. I have need to explore these mysteries. It is as well if there is a good cause in it."

Content to follow for the moment, Lancelot adjusts his place to Haldir's. Though his physical form is more solid in this place than it has been since he was living, his own step is nearly as light as that of the man before him. Though obviously he is no man, being decidedly fae in appearance, temperament, and movement. When he speaks again, it is quietly.

"In life, I was a Knight, and served a King. Now I serve a Master, and fight on his behalf. I have already encountered all manner of fell things in this place, and slain them. I must find what other monsters and secrets it holds if I am to defend my Master and see us returned to the War in which we fight."

"Tell me, if you will-- what of you and your friend, do you come to this place from the same world?"

Taiki slipped his hand into Haldir's and nodded, "But it's okay to be sad... sometimes you can't help it..."

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Lamenting for the Lost

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