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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 Eea
ea
Book 2: Broniennin Guren
Chapter 8 - Of Shadow

As Aquihir swiftly bore Haldir to the glittering halls of the Tuetiuetil, a shapeless mass moved upon the face of the deep. Slithering about, without form or substance, a child of pure shadow, it left the ocean behind it and slowly moved inland. It knew no direction, for it recognized no other motive save its need to satiate its relentless hunger and loneliness.

Slowly the creature moved about the salt marshland, heeding an ancient call, knowing only that it must be complete or perish.

Many leagues did the creature cross until it came to the edge of an ancient elm grove. There it paused for a moment before continuing steadily forward. At once the calls of the forest stilled. Suddenly it felt the presence of other living beings and it halted, uncertain now of its purpose. It waited, hidden within the shadows of the ancient elms, melting into and becoming one with the dark. For hours it watched the golden lights of the house that rose before the old forest. Then, at a moment when it knew it could wait no longer, it began its steady approach toward the house. Soon it had reached it. Suddenly the creature loomed over the house, its massive form blending and soaking into the house's very stones. Then silently the creature became as one with the House. After a moment all returned as was before and only the stars and the trees would remember the events of that night.

~*~*~*~

Niel awoke with a start, the nightmarish visions of ghoulish dreams still playing in her mind. She swivelled about in bed, swinging her legs around and coming to a stand with a single fluid movement. Sunlight filtered past the shuttered windows of her chamber and she moved toward them. In a moment she had drawn the diaphanous curtains aside and thrown open the windows.

At once golden sunshine flooded the room, chasing the darkness and gloom away. But Niel still felt chilled, a sudden dread gripping her heart. She told herself she was being foolish and cast her glance toward the expanse of ocean before her. This had always been Min's favorite time of day, Niel mused. Even now, after all the time that stretched between them, Niel still recalled Min's early rising, light breakfast and stroll about the gardens which faced the sea.

A sudden movement caught Niel's attention and she frowned, chastising herself for her laziness. Spinning abshe she began to dress and mentally ticked off the many chores ahead of her.

It was still many hours later and Niel was unable to dispel the sudden sense of impending doom that seemed to linger in the House of the Elms.

~*~*~*~

"Make haste!" called Cook as he supervised the kitchen staff. "'Tis the lady Niel's begetting day and soon will they arrive!" He cast an experienced eye at the delicate pastries that sat upon an ornate silver platt"Th"These," he pointed to the platter, "serve them first." Noticing the slender form that had entered the kitchens he carried the large platter and set it aside.

Lisse greeted the staff with a silent nod before turning to Cook. "I see all is in readiness." Her voice was flat for she had slept little that night, her dreams plagued with dark nightmares.

Cook nodded, "As ready as we can be." He noticed Lisse's sad countenance but did not question her about it. He had long ago learned twas best to avoid knowledge of details of this family's personal lives, for so tangled were they, that Cook had long suspected one could easily become ensnared in their webs. Just now he gave a light snort and turned back to his chores.

Moments later Lisse gave her approval and left the kitchen, exiting via the arched doorway which led directly to the barns outside the house. A swift look about told her everything was in readiness and she returned to the House with the intent to bypass the dining hall and make directly for her room. Yet an unexpected voice from the gloom of a corner caught her by surprise.

"My Lady Lisse," Orophin's soft voice stopped Niel in her tracks. "To what occassion do we owe the suddenesss of such activities within this Lodge?" Quietly he stepped out of the shadows and Lisse saw a small smile played upon his lips.

Lisse frowned. How had she not seen him there? "Tis my aunt's begetting day," she began, "nay," she corrected, "twas yesterday, but word of her visit to this house did not arrive 'tis this early morn," she wondered why she was providing so much information to the Ranger and morosely decided to give him no more other than what he exactly asked for. "Tis a small repast in her honor, no more." She turned to go, hoping this would signal her desire to be alone, but it seemed Orophin did not, or would not, Lisse thought grumpily, understand. She turned back at the sound of his voice.

"Ah, yes," he began, "The Lady Avraniel," his Lorien accent, Lisse noticed, accented the last syllable of Niel's name. She thought it enchanting.

"Yes," Lisse nodded, "the same."

Orophin walked a few steps closer to Lisse, noticing the aura of unconcealed anger that played about her face. What had happened between now and the day before he could not fathom, but he could plainly see Lisse desired no further conversation. Bowing courteously he replied, "I will leave you to your duties, for many they must be, so that you can make ready for such a joyous occassion." His blue eyes raised and met Lisse's clear gaze.

Lisse gave a small laugh, despite her sense of doom and sadness. "You do have a way of speaking, Commander, that would melt the sun of its warmth. I bid you a good day," she turned to leave but remembered he had not probably broken his fast. "If you wish to eat, please avail yourself of whatever Cook has in his kitchens and make sure you tell him 'tis my desire that takes you there. He becomes exceedingly difficult at such times like these." With a brief nod she moved rapidly away from the Ranger, wanting to place as much distance as she could between him and his intelligent gaze.

Back at the Hall, Orophin gazed for a few moments after Lisse's retreating form and then heeded the call of his stomach and headed directly for the kitchens. He wondered what so disturbed Lisse for her distress was clearly etched upon the smooth planes of her face.

~*~*~*~

By early afternoon the small retinue which consisted of Niel, Eadendir and their attending servants had arrived at Guve Hall and were escorted quickly to their rooms. The distance between the two Lodge Houses was not a great one, but travel in the marshlands of Eressea was at best difficult and so the little group was weary and desired rest. Fors res reason it was not until well past sunset that Niel finally ventured beyond her chambers and strolled amid the quiet groves, seeking solace before dinner was to commence. She found strength and well being among the fruit orchards and that was a good thing for she well knew that she would need much forbearance for the night to come. The situation between her father and Lisse had not much improved in the ensuing years since Lisse had departed the House of the Elms and Niel prayed that this night they would lay down their differences.

As she strolled about, the delicious aroma of oranges, berries and apricots wafted delicately upon the evening air and she was sorely tempted to sample the fruits from the vine, but did not wish to spoil her appetite, so instead she contented herself with sniffing the sweet aromas of the many low-hanging fruits. As she walked from tree to tree, she failed to see the silent figure that leaned against the trunk of a great raspberry tree until she was practically stepping on the shape. Alarmed, Niel backed a few steps and then focused her eyes. It was a Guild ranger, she realized, recognizing the insignia boldly emblazoned upon his tunic.

"I am sorry," Niel offered apologetically, realizing she had probably kicked the Ranger, "I did not see you there." She wondered how he had gotten past her line of vision.

The Ranger moved toward Niel, leaving the shadow-cover of the tree. Though it was a moonless night, Niel's eyes were good enough for her to see the Ranger's face. Her sharp intake of breath drew a quizzical glance from the Ranger.

"My Lady, I interrupt your meditations and beg your leave." The Ranger bowed slightly and then fixed Niel with an intelligent stare.

Niel found herself speechless. Haldir? Her mind told her it could not be. But how was that this ellon was a living duplicate of Haldir? Giving herself a hard mental shake, Niel responded, "Nay, Commander, you have not interrupted my meditations for no thought entered my mind save the sweet scents of this orchard."

The Ranger smiled and crossed his arms, glancing back to the raspberry tree. "Aye, for I know it true. I myself was enchanted by this particular tree and came to sit and ponder."

Niel frowned. Such speech. Lisse had always spoken of the way that Haldir had with words, how differently he spoke. She gave the Ranger a hard look and then it dawned on her. This was one of Haldir's brothers! Giving the Ranger a small nod she replied, "Aye, I too had the same thought. I must beg your leave if I inadvertantly interrupted your meditations

The Ranger laughed. "It would seem we were of a like mind." He watched the slender elleth before him, having already deduced this must be the Lady Avraniel, and so he took the lead, "I must not forget my manners and offer my arm to lead you back to the Hall, Lady Avraniel, for your begetting day feast must surely await you."

Niel smiled, not at all surprised the Ranger knew her name and more. Taking his offered arm, she lightly rested her hand on it as he turned and led them back, out of the orchard and back to Guve Hall. As she walked beside the Ranger, Niel ventured quietly, "I see you have the advantage and must protest." She saw the Ranger turn in her direction without missing a step.

"Indeed, my Lady." He said, "how so?"

Niel smiled, "I do not know your name, Commander." She saw the Ranger smile and arch a fine golden eyebrow.

"I am called Orophin, my Lady."

Niel nodded, "Orophin? Orophin o Lorien?" She turned a quick eye toward the Ranger and saw he was already watching her.

"Aye," he replied, "but that is a name I no longer go by. Yet," he added, "tis a good a name as any."

Niel said nothing to this statement. She wanted to ask Orophin what his business was in Guve Hall, but she knew the value of patience. She suspected he desired to question her as much as she desired to question him. Yet, she would wait.

For his part, Orophin was delighted at having met the Lady Avraniel, realizing now where Lisse came by her own graceful beauty. The elleth beside him was a lovely creature, possessed of a delicate and fragile beauty rarely seen on Eressea. He was very pleased he had selected that particular raspberry tree.

~*~*~*~*~

The guests of Guve Hall mingled quietly. The large dinning room was nearly full and small groups congregated at tables that were set close to each other in order to compensate for the larger than average crowd. Softly glowing lanterns hung high aloft illuminated the great room. Servants busily brought out great silver platters which were heaped with meats, fruits, breads and cheeses. Murmurs and quiet laughter was heard sporadically, as some met for the first time and others reacquainted themselves. Here were those who lodged for the night and those who came to attend Niel's beggeting day supper

It was when he entered the large rectangular dining Hall with Niel at his side that Orophin felt a cold stare prick at the base of his neck. He knew he was being observed and stealthily looked about the room without giving the slightest hint that something was amiss.

And indeed, as he suspected, Orophin's every move was being covertly observed.

From across the great dinning chamber, beneath a large cluster of hanging vines, Eadendir watched his daughter's escort. He had not been certain at first, only suspicious. But his fears were completely reaffirmed when the Ranger turned cautiously. It was at that moment that Eadendir felt a cold fury grip his soul. Obviously the Ranger was he of whom the servants had spoken, a smaller version of Haldir. Eadendir had once made discreet inquiries about Haldir and knew he had two brothers. This Ranger then, Eadendir fumed silently, must be one of those brothers. He sat back in his chair and watched the Ranger as he hovered about Niel. Was he cursed, Eadendir thought, cursed by the stubborn attentions of ellons he did not desire to hover about his daughter and grand-daughter? Eadendir's cotaretare pierced the Ranger's back. What would it take to permanently drive them out?

As Eadendir sat and sullenly observed Niel and Orophin, Lisse had also watched, but with a separate sentiment in her heart. She was glad that her aunt was receiving the very-obvious attention of Orophin. Yet, as she stole a glance at her grandfather she also knew he would interfere in whatever it was that was budding between Niel and Orophin. Suddenly, without thinking, she left her position at the edge of a discreet doorway and crossed the room. When she reached her grandfather she deliberately stood in his line of vision, blocking his observation of Niel and the Ranger.

Eadendir raised his gaze to his grand-daughter's face and waited silently.

In a moment, Lisse gathered herself. "Grandfather," she began neutrally, "sample the cheeses, for I've had none but the best brought from Alqualonde. I well remember your penchant for fine cheese." She tried to sound pleasant but the fact was that she was begining to seethe with an anger that could erupt at any moment.

Eadendir gave Lisse a wan smile and reached out for a small silver plate set before him and then placed a few pieces of cheese and fresh fruit upon his plate. Using a silver knife to cut the fruit into several small pieces, he spoke at last. "Tell me, Lisse Nyere," he began and in in his voice there was a touch of ice, "what know you of the Ranger who now sits alongside your aunt?" Patiently and with great deliberation he continued cutting more fruit and cheese on his plate, carefully keeping his gaze away from Lisse's face.

There it was, thought Lisse. Would it not ever end? "He is come from Alqualonde," she replied, knowing now that the subject was on the table and she could not evade it. Walking around the table, she poured her grandfather a goblet of wine and set it before him.

"And for what purpose comes he to Guve Hall?" Eadendir asked and then took the goblet Lisse held out to him. She locked her gaze onto his own and saw the barely concealed contempt.

It was then that Lisse finally erupted. "Oh, grandfather!" she hushed furiously, bending close to the old elf's face, "do not play games with me!" Her blue eyes sparkled with anger, "not with me! You well know who he is and if you so desire to learn why he is here, then perhaps you should avail yourself and ask him directly for I shall not meddle in the affairs of others!" She straightened and crossed her arms.

Eadendir, who was experienced in the ways of arguments and especially with Lisse Nyere, sat back and calmly watched his grand-daughter for a moment. "I need not speak to the Ranger to know that he must be here at the behest of his own brother, for it were not, this feast would not have taken place." He sat back and calmly reached for another piece of fruit, knowing his words would hit the mark.

And as Eadendir had hoped, Lisse retorted more in pain than in anger, "Do you believe this is all for Haldir!" She spat the words out and then dragged a chair closer to the old elf. Because the room was full of people none noticed the heated exchange between the pair and so nothing seemed out of place.

"If you would know," Lisse said, "Haldir is not even in this realm." She sat down and stared hard at her grandfather, "If you truly believe that this supper is made for his benefit or for any other reason connected to Haldir or for that matter, " she nodded in Orophin's direction, "for his benefit, then you are sorely wrong. Unlike you, I love Niel." She shot the words at him and saw that this had the desired effect, for Eadendir finally turned and observed Lisse.

Unthinkingly, she went on, allowing the pain of his own rejection and that of Haldir's too, to control her. "You do not love us, grandfather," she said accusingly but without rancor in her voice. "I have known it all of my life and so has Niel. You do not love anything you cannot control nor place a price over!" Her voice was a controlled hush but a keen listener would have heard the well concealed anguish color her words. "My mother paid the ultimate price, but that was not enough! I was made to pay and now you would suffer the same on Niel?"

Abruptly, Eadendir pushed the chair back and stood. The scraping noise of the chair upon the floor caused several elves to turn and look, but they saw nothing amiss and returned to their conversations. Eadendir collected his goblet silently and without a word or a glance strode away, leaving Lisse in a heap of barely controlled fury. She turned her eyes toward the guests and saw Gilnorin watching her with a look of near pity in his eyes. Disgust for her own behavior consumed her for a moment and she too stood and quickly exited the room, making for the kitchens where she could lose herself.

Back at the dinning hall, completely unawares of the altercation between Eadendir and Lisse Nyere, Orophin and Niel made their way around the crowded room. Orophin had searched the faces of many of the assembled elves, attempting to discover who watched him with such keen interest when abruptly the sense of fore-warning he had felt ceased as if a light had been suddenly doused. Frowning he felt Niel gently tug at his arm and he turned his full attention on her.

"'Tis been a very long since I last saw this place," he heard her whisper. He wondered why this disclouse bothered him slightly, but decided to not pursue the issue.

"I am exceptionally happy then," he gallantly responded, "to have come at such an opportune time." His eyes warmed on Niel's face and saw her cheeks slightly tinge with an embarrassed blush.

"I wonder, Commander," Niel began, "why you have come to Guve Hall?" Her tone was casual but Orophin winced inwardly, too late realizing his error. He had no wish to discuss the reason for his visit to Eresea.

"I am come at the orders of my superiors, my Lady," he answered non-committaly, keeping his features neutral as he endured Niel's thoughtful gaze.

"Ah," she retorted without rancor, "the mysterious ways of the Guild are still the same they have always been," her bright gaze on his face, "is that not so?"

OropOrophin, who was manouvering Niel to a nearby table, only nodded and made no comment.

Hours after the festivities were over, Orophin escorted Niel to her chamber. He let her lead them toward a back stairway he had not seen before and chuckled silently at how well this house had been built. Everywhere there were hidden nooks and doorways, halls and stairs, and though Orophin had discovered a few on his own, he doubted he would ever have the time to fully explore this great house. He stopped when Niel halted at a particular door.

"Tis here," she said, a touch of a smile alighting on her lips.

Orophin smiled and took her hand, lifting the back of it to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss there and gazed into Niel's eyes. "A most exceptional evening, to be sure," he said, "will you return to your home anon?" He wondered why he asked at all.

Niel pondered a moment, not knowing the answer herself. "Mayhap I can put off departure for a few days," she said thoughtfully, looking Orophin straight in the eye. "Why do you ask, Commander?"

In truth Orophin could not say why he had asked. "I have till end of summer and wish to spend time with as delightful a companion as you." He gave her a warm smile, wondering where the words were coming from. Since when had he ever wooed a female with fancy words? He was beginning to feel foolish.

Niel laughed out loud, "Commander, I would say you are jesting."

Orophin shook his head solemnly, "Nay, madam, I never jest." And he too laughed and bade her a good night.

True to her word, Niel stayed her departure much at the disatisfaction of Eadendir, who complained about Orophin, and departing Guve Hall in a great anger.

Niel, for her part, was not concerned over much with her father's outburst deciding that the less Eadendir knew about Orophin the better. She had gone to great pains to make certain the two had not actually met. She wanted to enjoy the Ranger's company, for few ellon there were in Eressea who came to pay her attention and she sorely missed male company which was not made up of servants or relatives.

Though Niel had succeeded in keeping the two apart, Orophin knew full well who Eadendir was and had come to realize it the day after Niel's begetting day supper. It was then he realized the origin of the hostile stare he had felt on that night. Yet he had remained distant from Eadendir, knowing the old elf would most likely try to engage him in some sort of altercation. From what little he knew, he knew Eadendir was best kept at a safe distance: close enough to watch, far enough for no harm to be done.

Days came and went and Orophin finally realized it was time for him to return to Alqualonde. Though his time spent at Guve had not been entirely fruitful, it had not been a complete failure either. Summer was at an end and no word from Haldir. Orophin had at last made his final and most reluctant report to Korthin, knowing he would be recalled shortly. When the command came, he quickly sought out Niel, whose bright company had come to mean a great deal to him.

~*~*~*~

Several weeks later Niel finally set out for Guve Hall, her heart heavy in her chest. Parting from Orophin had been hard and though no promises had been made, she well knew now how Lisse's heart had hungered at her loss of Haldir. Now, she too carried a great weakness and its name was Orophin o Eressea.

As she left Guve behind her, the great salt marshes looming ahead, she let her mind wander, remembering Orophin's excited countenance the day he had learned he was recalled to Alqualonde. She had been reading in the quiet library of Guve Hall, her mind more on a pair of bright blue eyes and blonde hair than on the page before her, when abruptly the door had slammed open and in strode the Ranger.

Delighted to see him, she had put down her book but felt her heart still at the look upon his face. She had known then he had come with ill news. "What comes?" she whispered.

Orophin had dropped to one knee at her side. "Lady," he began, taking one of her hands into his own large ones, "I am to depart this House." His eyes locked onto her face. "Know you what this means?"

Niel had felt a cold chill grip her heart and she had nodded, "Yes," she whispered, "I do." She felt him squeeze her hand. Her eyes dropped to his mouth and then quickly back to his eyes.

"I go at first light tomorrow." Orophin suddenly brought her hand to his lips and softly kissed the inside of her palm.

At the touch Niel felt her knees weaken and she was glad she was sitting. "Will you return?"

Orophin gave her a doubtful look, "Not 'ere I fulfill my first tour."

Niel did not want to know how long that might be, but she asked anyway. When the answer came, she thought the room had disappeared and in its place a vast chasm had opened before her.

Two years! She was not to see him for two years! Breaking out of her reverie, she looked around her, trying fiercely to not let the tears course down her cheeks. But then she remembered Lisse's words to her on one long ago day. Like Lisse now she too knew that to love was to hurt.

~*~*~*~

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...] Feedback always appreciated.
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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar