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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar	By : Sienna Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 3294 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Book 2: Broniennin Guren
Chapter 4 - Twenty Years Apart

In the twenty three years since Lisse and three other elves had ridden into wil wildness of Guve Hall much had changed.

In the first few weeks work had nearly defeated them, so difficult did their task seem. But Lisse had chosen two of her grandfather's most experienced stewards to accompany her. Gilnorin also came along, the son of Cook and Briniel, and who was an old playmate of Lisse's. They were matched in age and temperament, and had grown together, playing in the elm groves of her Grandfather's lands, diving and swimming in the lonely beaches behind her Grandfather's House. Friends they were, but no more than that. Yet, when Lisse had announced she would need three volunteers to assist her in cleaning up Guve Hall, Gilnorin had been the first to step forward. As she knew he would.

They began by clearing the land, cutting the weeds, planting seeds for the coming harvest. She considered purchasing livestock and did so, acquiring some farm animals.

Although her father had left Lisse a considerable fortune in lands and other valuables, she wanted to prove to her Grandfather that she was as capable as he thought her incapable.

Time passed, as the elves count time, and before Lisse realized it, the twenty-third anniversary of her coming to Guve Hall dawned.

By then, Lisse's hard work had greatly paid off and the Hall was a thriving farm, boasting of fine fruit orchards, rows upon rows of vegetables and numerous livestock. Her staff had grown considerably over the years, with some dwelling in nearby villages and others hiring out from Kortirion. Her dear friend, Gilnorin, had become her most trusted steward and while he did not have authority to make purchases on the farm's behalf, Lisse did take his suggestions into consideration, often finding his ideas sound.

In this manner, time passed and Lisse thought less and less of those things which had once caused her grief and confusion. She still thought of Haldir. In the first years incessantly, and had it not been for Gilnorin's intercession, she might have given up on the Hall and admitted defeat, so deep had been her gloom. But, once she saw the weeds and vines begin to yield to their dedicated efforts, Lisse's spirits had brightened and she poured all of her energy into Guve Hall. Thoughts of Haldir were pushed to the back of her mind.

Eventually, she was able to control her mind and she dwelled less and less on Haldir, but in her heart she sometimes acknowledged the anger and pain of his desertion, not comprehending why he had so suddenly left without word to her. Yet, no matter how she desired it, she could not forget him.

~*~*~*~*~

As the seasons waxed and waned, Lisse wove around herself a carefully wrought shield. Within it she contained her bruised heart and shattered pride.

But long is the arm of Varda, who had long watched events on Tol Eressea from high atop her throne, and because the Valar too had a vested interest in the lives of these two elves, things began to unravel the day the elf child disappeared from Guve Hall.

By now, Lisse employed over fifty elves in her household. Of these, two were twin boys born to a young couple who had hired out from Kortirion. Happy had the children grown and played among the fields of vegetables and fruit orchards that Lisse harvested. But one morning word came to her that one of the twins was unaccounted for.

At once the entire household was on alert. Soon it was found that the young elf was not the only member of the household discovered missing, for also gone was Lisse's prized breeding cow.

A search party was immediately called and for long hours did they search the land, calling the child's name, some deftly climbing to the tops of the tallest tree. Fisher folk combed the shores, looking for traces of the male elfling.

But by evening no trace of the youngster had been found.

Lisse comforted the grieving parents as best she could, silently asking the Valar to keep the child away from the chalk cliffs that abruptly dropped into the Shadowy Seas. Although her lands were over fifty leagues from the ocean, it was still possible for an elven child to have traveled that far, especially if lost.

Very little food was eaten that night in Guve Hall and by daybreak, word of the mystery had spread throughout Tol Eressea. Volunteer searchers flooded Guve Hall and Lisse herself joined the groups that hourly left from her home.

By nightfall of the second day, no sign of the child had been found.

Long after sunset, and after the other searchers had returned empty handed to the Hall, Lisse separated herself from the rest and followed an old sea trail that showed signs of recent use. Her steed carefully trod over the rocky path, and soon she caught the aroma of ocean breezes.

Carefully, Lisse led her steed round the curving bends of the trail, which wound about an ancient hill. Suddenly she brought the steed to a halt.

There, on the ground before her, not a yard away, lay a dark shape. Lisse studied it carefully.

With a cluck of her tongue, she dismounted rapidly and in moments she had reached the still shape.

The cow. It dea dead.

Kneeling by the animal's side, Lisse gingerly touched its neck and belly. Distended. Her blue eyes lifted and she looked around. The wind rustled her bound hair and she caught the scent of putrefaction. Strong, on the wind. Death was around her.

Standing for a moment, Lisse let her eyes survey the darkness. The small hill was to her right, and the sharp drop of the chalky cliffs to her left. The path she was on was no more than ten feet wide at the most. One false step would lead anyone to their doom. Her breathing quickened. Usually, these paths would disappear during the rains, but the rains had not come this year. Suddenly, she felt very alone and nervous on the narrow trail. Her eyes followed the moving ocean water below the cliffs and she could easily see the bright stars mirrored on its surface. A light breeze brought to her nostrils the slight tangy scent of the sea. She listened with her ears and her mind.

Nothing. What she had caught only a moment before was gone.

Walking to the horse, who neighed softly and nervously, she did not mount, but instead guided it behind her as she followed the trail.

Perhaps the child had followed the animal out here.

Slowly, Lisse followed the winding trail and then began to perceive thee are aroma of death and rotting flesh. But just as suddenly as the overpowering scent assailed her nostrils, the wind shifted and instead she caught the sweet aroma of elanor. Astounded, for the flower did not grow upon the salt marshes, Lisse widened her eyes and looked around cautiously.

Walking around a steep curve, Lisse came to a halt, and held her steed close. Ahead, and walking toward her, she saw a tall, dark figure. Around its silhouette shimmered a soft barely visible silver light. But because of the darkness of the night, whatever the soft glow was seemed to hug the shape which so resolutely walked in her direction. Straining her eyes, she held her breath.

In its arms the figure carried a small, still form.

Looking more closely, Lisse realized the figure was an elf. The longer she looked, the clearer her vision became. Then she saw the hair shimmering under the starlight and her breath caught in her lungs, causing her to choke and cough.

Whether the elf had already seen Lisse she was not certain, for he never broke his stride.

Within a short moment, the tall elf stood before Lisse, glittering silver eyes that she remembered so well, boring into her astonished face.

Long years of longing, separation, anguish and desire suddenly surfaced and threatened to overwhelm Lisse. She struggled for control of her emotions.

She looked upon the impassive face of the elf whose skin shimmered faintly beneath his robes. And when she looked into his eyes, she perceived dimly that within them played the light of the stars. Suddenly, she was not sure she recognized him.

"Haldir?" Lisse breathed softly. Her gaze never left his face. And though the only light within the night came from the stars, Lisse's eyes clearly beheld the fair features of her beloved elf. He had changed, she could see that. How could one not after twenty years? He seemed stronger, more alert. And she noticed he had his quiver and bow slung around the back of his strong shoulders. For a moment, Lisse hesitated in her inspection of Haldir. Why would he have need of his Lorien weapons on Eressea?

Hearing his name, he frowned slightly, but did not acknowlege her use of it. "Is this what your people have been searching for?"

Lisse took a deepth breath, his voice shattering the momentary spell. After all the years, Haldir's voice still affected her deeply and she found herself drowning in the radiant aura he cast. She looked at his face a moment longer before snapping to reality. His eyes no longer radiated the light of the stars and she scolded herself mentally for her childish thinking.

Lisse's glance dropped to Haldir's arms and she saw that Haldir gently held out the sleeping child for her to inspect. His eyes calmly raised to Lisse's face and she met their silver light wut fut flinching. She was not certain what she saw within their depths. Recognition, yes, but there was something else....something well hidden.

"Dearest Varda," Lisse thought desperately, "he is more beautiful than my visions showed to me." A dull throb began to build in her heart. Trying to dispel the tense moment, Lisse dropped her eyes to the elfling in Haldir's arms.

Lisse nodded, "Yes, he is the child we have been searching for," she breathed, forcing her gaze to remain on the child. "Is he harmed?" She reached out with a trembling hand and stroked the child's soft black hair.

Haldir shook his head and brought the eng bng back inside the circle of his arms, "No, I do not think so. Least, when I found him 'twas beneath the stars not an hour ago. He slept as he does now."

Lisse frowned, "I do not think I can sit him upon the steed."

"No, Lisse," Haldir shook his head and began walking in the direction of Guve Hall, "I will carry him. He is light."

Lisse felt Haldir's voice pierce her entire being, especially when he said her name. She nodded briskly and set off behind Haldir, wondering how he knew where Guve Hall was situated and more than that, that the child lived there as well.

Walking a few steps behind Haldir's confident strides, Lisse led her steed on.

~*~*~*~*~

Walking with the child is his arms, Haldir was conscious of every breath, every movement, every step Lisse took behind him. He was glad the elf child slumbered in his arms for the desire to hold her in a warm embrace was so powerful that he doubted he could have resisted.

Seasons spanned the last time they had met and that had ended in angry words between them. What Eadendir had told Lisse was also of deep concern to Haldir. Although he realized she was as attracted to him as he was to her, he did not wish to bring either one any further grief or sunder her from her family.

Closing his eyes briefly, Haldir caught the lights of Guve Hall's tall tower breaking into the inky blackness of the night.

Turning to Lisse he halted. Lisse frowned, "What is the matter?"

Haldir handed Lisse the child, "Here, you are Lady of the Hall. It is your right to carry the child to his parents."

His eyes met hers for a brief moment and then Haldir raised his head to the sky. "Daylight nears," he looked at the elfling with a small smile, concern marking his features and he raised a large hand to caress the child's face. "Have him tended to by Healers, Lisse. He may have eaten some raw kelp. This deep slumber is not common."

Lisse cradled the child in her arms and looked at his still sleeping form, "Yes, Haldir. I will." she promised.

Looking into his calm face, she ventured, " 'Tis been a long walk. Mayhap you would like to rest and have some water, wine or food?"

Haldir turned his face toward the two-storied towered Hall and pressed his lips into a fine line, thinking for a moment. "Yes, I would."

Looking at her once, Haldir gave Lisse a short nod and she turned without comment, carrying the sleeping child while Haldir led her horse.

As she walked with the elfling in her arms, Lisse was very aware of the heat Haldir's body gave off. It was the same energy she had always found so appealing, that aura of confidence and strength. She realized with a pang of pain that she had missed him beyond measure. Taking a deep breath to control her heart, she exhaled slowly, not wishing to let Haldir know how his nearness affected her.

In moments, they had crossed beyond the arched elms that signaled the beginning of her lands, and they entered the wide, groved courtyard of Guve Hall. Calling out in a strong voice, Lisse soon handed the child to the Healers who had anxiously waited for this moment. Several minutes later the child's overjoyed parents spilled into the courtyard.

Handlers took the steed from Haldir and Lisse gave him a silent nod and motioned for him to follow her.

A short while later, the Healers announced the child had apparently eaten some of the raw kelp that lined the shores of the Shadowy Sea. The deep slumber was a presage to death andhis his discovery was heralded as a miraculous event for the regions above the seas were wild and for the most part unexplored. The search could have gone on for days and weeks. Everyone agreed that if not for Lisse's persistance, the child would have met an untimely death.

Lisse was toasted to many times, and the searchers finally allowed themselves to rest, sing and give thanks for the speedy return of the child. Lisse protested many times she had done nothing more than find Haldir, who was the true hero. Yet, her voice was drowned out by the merriment and thanksgiving, although her eyes had entreated him many times, turning to look at the corner where he silently sat, quietly watching the joyous and boisterous group of elves.

Some hours after dawn, the Healers announced the elfling child was out of danger and was resting well. The searchers began to take their leave, thanking Lisse for her hospitality while she in turn thanked them for their swift assistance.

Eventually, the large dinning hall was left empty, save one solitary elf who drew his grey cloak close to his body and slowly sipped a cup of wine.

Lisse entered the hall and dropped into a large wooden chair.

Looking around she caught sight of Haldir, sitting quietly in a darkened corner. Her eyes narrowed and she rose, walking toward him. aldialdir watched the gentle sway of her hips and lowered his eyes to the floor. Silently, he sipped his wine.

Lisse stopped several feet from Haldir and crossed her arms, "I can offer you some lodging for your rest. There is no need to sit there and glower at me." She knew better than to bait him into an argument. But truth be told, after the emotional hours she had lived through, Lisse's judgement was not at its best. She knew dimly in the back of her mind that a soft word carried farther with Haldir than a harsh one, but she was so tired she did not care. Looking at him as he calmly contemplated her irked her and she felt her cheeks burn.

Haldir raised his to to Lisse's face. He knew he deserved her contempt.

Standing, he bowed courteously, "My Lady, I would accept a room or a bed with gratitude."

Lisse suddenly, inexplicably, felt furious. Here he was, after over twenty years, with no word to her, no explanations, simply back in her life. That he could do this and still ellicit emotion from her was more than her pride could bear. Controlling her desire to throttle him, she replied in a neutral voice, "Come, my Lord." and turned.

Surprised by her control, a thing he had never encountered before, Haldir followed Lisse, content to watch the gentle swaying of her slender hips. He thought that the riding breeches she wore complimented her very well, and then realized with a start that she seemed taller than he remembered!

Haldir followed Lisse as she led him toward a back stairway cleverly hidden within the walls of the great dinning room. She was not an overly tall female, neither was she short, but he towered over her, and Lisse suddenly felt weakened by a desire to step closer to the radiant aura he seemed to cast about him. Instead, she hastened her pace and climbed the stairs rapidly, knowing he was close upon her feels and feeling his intense gaze on her back.

They came upon the second story of the three level house and at the top of the stairs, Lisse familiarly turned to her right. Like her Grandfather's House, the scent of cooking, baking and spices wafted gently from the kitchens below. Like her Grandfather's House this corridor was cool and covered with gay tapestries. But unlike her Grandfather's House, Lisse had brought light to Guve Hall and this corridor reflected her desire to escape the shadowy confines of her Grandfather's influence. Instead, brightly lit wall scones graced the walls at frequent intervals, throwing out a soft blue tinged light. The overall effect was pleasant and soothing. Haldir, observing silently, arched an eyebrow in approval.

Following Lisse's lead, he watched her stop by a closed door and let her open it wide for him. Stepping aside she bade him a curt good day and left.

Watching Lisse rapidly walk down the corridor, Haldir entered the dark room and closed the door behind him.

Just as Lisse turned a corner, intent on making for her own chambers, she spotted Gilnorin and his bethroted, a shy dark-haired maid named Elenesse. Judging by the speed with which they separated, Lisse guessed she had stepped into a very private moment. With a knowing eye, Lisse saw that the maid's lips were swollen. Not wishing to give Elenesse more reason to blush than she already was, Lisse said non-chalantly, "I've just escorted Haldir to a room."

Elenesse frowned, but Gilnorin grinned, "Yes, I saw you both."

Now it was Lisse's turn to frown, for she knew her friend well, and knew what was on his mind. "He is resting for some hours, 'till all." She saw Gilnorin's grin spread into a wide and amused smile.

"Indeed." He retorted, turning to cup Elenesse's arm, urging her past a rigid Lisse.

But Lisse was in a sparring mood, and Gilnorin's smug smile did not help matters, "What do you mean, indeed?"

Gilnorin gave his beloved a gentle look which she understood. "I mean he is," Gilnorin searched for the right word, "impressive."

Lisse snorted sarcastically, "Indeed."

Gilnorin stepped around Lisse, pulling the wide-eyed Elenesse along, "Precisely"

He did not meet Lisse's eyes, for he knew there was no need. She'd already revealed her feelings toward the tall elf, even if she was loathe to admit them to herself.

Cooing into Elenesse's ear, Gilnorin said, "Come, sweeting, let us leave our dear sister-friend to ponder on the meaning of her anger." Scooping Elenesse's arm once more, touplouple stepped around Lisse. From behing, Lisse heard Gilnorion call, "a good day".

He did not see the murderous look Lisse gave him as he retreated, but Elenesse had. A quickly whispered conversation ensued between the lovers and Lisse caught a gentle laugh on the wind as the two elves quickly ran down the stairs.

Her eyes glittering, Lisse stared behind her, toward Haldir's door and muttered, "Impressive...ha!"

Furiously, she marched to her room, opened the door with more force than required and then slammed it shut.

Below her, a pair of brown eyes raised to the ceiling. Cook turned to his son, "What did you say, Gilnorin? That it is going to be an interesting summer?"

His son's eyes found his father's dark gaze, "Nay, I said, it is going to be a dangerous summer."

Both Briniel and Cook paused in their work and glanced at their son, who along with Elenesse, was gaily laughing. Yet, Cook was not so certain and once more cast a worried look at the ceiling.

Above the kitchens, in a confortable and darkened chamber, Haldir's still form lay atop a wide bed. His quick ears had caught much of the conversation outside of his room and most of what was said belowstairs as well. In the cool darkness of his room, he shifted to one side, smiled and stilled his mind. Soon he slept.

~*~*~*~*~

The Pentanath:
Adventures in the Avathar
by Sienna Dawn

Rating: NC17
Pairing: Haldir/OFC

Legal disclaimer:
Characters, places, events from JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Silmarillion used without permission, no attempt has been made, nor will be made, to copyright these characters and no profit is being made from this work. All other non-Tolkien characters are of my own invention.

[To be continued...] Feeback appreciated...thanks! :)
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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar