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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
by Sienna Dawn

Rating: NC17
Pairing: Haldir/OFC
Book 3: Cala-tintallë, Star Kindler
Chapter 1 - The Seedling

17 Hrivë...mid-December...

Lisse stood in the balcony of her chamber, a slight chill wind soothing past her cheeks and she hugged herself. Winter was already at hand and no word from Haldir. Orophin had long departed Guve and no word from him either. She sighed, looked up at the bright cloudless azure sky and turned away.

Far from Tol Eressea, a lone eagle and its rider pierced a great shadow and came to land upon the shores of the Avathar.

Gingerly, Haldir alighted from Aquihir's strong back and reached behind him, bringing forth a small leather pouch. Inside it he carried an intricately carved wooden box. Within it lay a seed of the mighty Silthilion.

Aquihir's sharp eyes roamed about the gloom. "All is bathed in shadow, Star Herald," he began, "I like it not."

Haldir grinned. "Never have you enjoyed travel outside of Eressea, my friend." He turned and gave the eagle a good-humoured glance. "But," Haldir agreed, watching the gloom about him, "you are right. 'Tis a most disturbing place, this land of shadow." Like Aquihir, his keen eyes could not pierce the shadow mists about them.

"I like it not." Repeated the eagle.

Haldir looked around him, silently agreeing with Aquihir.

For untold ages had the Avathar lain dormant. Here was the land that birthed Ungoliant, the Gloomweaver, destroyer of the Great Trees of Valinor. From her had come her seed, following in her steed, rising to cover this land. Haldir walked a few paces. But that had been long ago and now none of these creatures walked this land, driven out and destroyed by the wrath of Manwë. Yet, Haldir thought as he looked about him, no light from Vingilot sailed forth here to illuminate and dispel the darkness. He could see nothing except swirling mists that coiled about itself, draped in various shades of grey and browns. He raised his eyes heavenward and could see no skies above him. He looked down. The earth was a dark solid brown and no grass grew where he stood. He listened for a moment and could not hear the gentle lapping of the water upon the shore, though he knew Aquihir had made landfall within hearing distance of the sea. The mists and fogs that swirled about them parted and yielded as he walked into them, and he could feel the moistness within.

"Hear you anything?" Aquihir's sudden question caught Haldir by surprise.

"Nay," he shook his head, "I hear naught but your loud breathing." He smiled to himself, hearing the quiet harrumph from behind him.

"How will you know where to plant the seed if nothing save shadow and misver ver this land?" Aquihir asked.

Haldir walked a few steps ahead of him, "I shall know," was his quiet reply.

Together they walked a little ways, the lone elf and the mighty eagle, when at last Haldir heard the command come into his mind. Stopping he said, "Here. We dig here." Dropping to one knee, he began to dig with his bare hands, the earth uncommonly soft. In a moment he judged he had dug deeply enough and brought out the small wooden box. Opening it, he was surprised to see a great silver light emanate from the seed. Gingerly, he took the seed into his hand and placed it delicately upon the ground. In a moment he had covered the seed with the moist brown earth and stood.

"What shall it be called?" asked Aquihir softly, eyeing the little mound upon the dark earth.

Haldir thought for a moment and then answered. "She shall be called Cala-tintallë, Light Kindler." He too studied the small clump of brown earth that now covered the little seed he knew would grow into a mighty tree.

Again Aquihir spoke. "How long now?"

Haldir looked about him and saw nothing but grey and brown swirls. "I know not."

~*~*~*~*~

Their mission complete, Haldir and Aquihir soared away from the Avathar, each locked within the silence of their thoughts. Aquihir, still none too pleased to be working with the shadow, nevertheless trusted the Valar and hoped good would come of this trip. Haldir, likewise, hoped all would be for good and wondered why the Valar would desire that a seedling from Silthilion take root in the dark land of the Avathar.

As the oceans rushed beneath them, they slowly came into the light of Aman and were soon bathed within the golden sunshine. The sky turned from a dusky grey into a swirl of violet and orange, as the sun climbed steadily above the horizon. Haldir felts its warmth and soon the chill of the Avathar left his spirit, lifting him and making him gay. This happy mood turned into thoughts of Lisse and suddenly he heard his Lady say into his mind, "Go to her for she weeps for thee." Mentally he acknowledged the warning and thanked her.

"Aquihir," Haldir said suddenly, "make for Tol Eressea and there leave me."

Aquihir, who was familiar with the state of Haldir's personal affairs, replied, "Perhaps now you can finally decide."

Haldir shrugged, "If I even know my own heart."

"Why do you say this?" asked Aquihir. The great eagle slightly shifted his direction and now was headed straight for the island.

"My life is complicated now, my friend, this is what I mean." Haldir responded.

Aquihir snorted, "Fear you love, then? It comes not easily, Star Herald. Why do you gainsay your heart then?" Aquihir asked from experience, remembering his own dear spouse who had perished in the great war against Morgoth. Though countless ages had passed since that time, he had taken no other, for great had been his love for she who had been his companion and greater his loss.

Haldir sighed then, "This I know for true," he said, "though I do fear, yes," he said gently, "my heart does know fear."

Again Aquihir snorted, "Fear of what?" he asked, "of the grandfather?" He asked deliberately, knowing this would strike a tender chord within Haldir's heart.

Exactly as Aquihir had intended, the elf exclaimed, "Nay! I fear not Eadendir; 'tis the chit herself I fear, and make no mistake. She will be my undoing." He added softly.

At this Aquihir chuckled and said, "Remember, my friend, that even the Valar take for themselves a companion. Why should you not? Even the Lady tells you to go and make peace with the elleth." Aquihir swivelled his great head and golden eyes that missed nothing caught a brief glimpse of the elf. "Go to her, Haldir, for to allow her to suffer thus is a mark against thee."

Haldir knew Aquihir spoke truly but did not respond immediately. When he did, he merely said, "Aye, I know."

Moments later, as the sky above them was a blazing ribbon of violet and red, Aquihir began to circle over Eressea, awaiting instructions from Haldir.

~*~*~*~*~

It was early morning and the sun had not yet dispelled the night chill, but Lisse still headed for the barn, intent on checking the progress of the cow who labored to give birth to its calf. Once inside she headed for the birthing stall and silently greeted the attending elf she knew was called Telgalion. "How goes she?" Lisse asked, watching the animal closely. Its breathing was slow and labored.

"Not well," answered Telgalion worriedly. "She's tired and the calf is turned."

Lisse pressed her lips into a fine line. This was not good news. "I shall send for Malponeth," she said, referring to the animal caretaker. "He shall know what to do."

Telgalion nodded but did not answer.

Later in the day, long after the cow had birthed with the able aid of Malponeth, Lisse began to formulate in her mind the acres of land she would plant in the coming season. Because she needed to see what areas were to be kept from planting, she rode out to the farthest point of her lands and there dismounted herse rse and began the tedious task of walking up and down the many rows of virgin soil.

Close to sunset, tired and hungry, her face, hair and clothes smeared with the rich brown of her land's soil, Lisse decided to climb a gentle slope which she knew overlooked the sea. Here she was, at the southernmost part of her lands and she stood upon the top of the little hill, watching the magnificent display of living colours as the sunset fired the sky into a rainbow of reds and golds. Bathed against the dark blue of the ocean, the sight took her breath away and she waited for a moment longer, turning to begin the descent back to her waiting steed. As she walked to it, the animal snorted gently and Lisse ruffled its mane. " 'You are as tired as I am, I wager, are you not?" She spoke to the animal softly, with kindness and affection marking her tone.

The horse snorted again, this time pulling slightly away from Lisse and she frowned. "What is amiss, Talathir?" She turned and nearly missed the source of the horse's nervous reaction. But when she trained her eyes upon the hill behind her, she realized that a figure was making its way down, toward her. Lisse watched for a moment, the sun's blinding light directly before her. The figure was silhouetted against the backdrop of sky and the sun's glare dimmed his features. In a moment Lisse was certain of the stranger's identity and turned toward the horse once again. " 'Tis only Orophin, my friend, come no doubt to inquire about Haldir or Niel." She was not surprised to see him back, for he had promised to return if he could and had departed with the hope that come winter he would be able to visit Guve again. Though she had not put too much stock in that promise, she was still happy to see him, knowing that he would soon make for Niel and that thought brought her worry. What would her grandfather do if Orophin appeared upon the cobbled path that led to the House of the Elms?

With that thought she turned and shaded her eyes from the glare of the sun's light. It was then that she was able to fully see the figure who steadily approached her. She felt her heart give a hard lurch and she shook her head in denial, willing the figure away. She was certain it was no more than an apparition. But when the figure raised its hand and called out, the smooth, rich baritone rising in a 'hail and well met', Lisse's heart could take no more and she swiftly mounted Talathir and rode away, leaving a baffled Haldir far behind her.

How far Lisse rode she did not know, giving Talathir free rein to go as was his wont. Tears of anger and fury blinded her and she wept atop the steed, angrily wiping the tears as they coursed down her cheeks. She had wept enough for this elf, dear Varda, she thought. How much more could she endure?

Talathir came to a gentle trot near a sapling grove of evergreen and eventually stopped, snorting and tossing his head. Lisse slid off the animal and walked a few paces away, thinking, not knowing what she should feel, only knowing he was back. But for how long? What should she do? Welcome him? Chide him?

"Love him." Came a soft voice in the cool winter breeze.

"Love him!" She said outloud. "What have I done all these past years, if not love him?" Her voice raised and she looked around, realizing she was alone. What had she done save love Haldir and what had that brought her? Misery heaped upon pain and sorrow.

She walked, alone and deep in thought, 'til at last the stars shone forth.

~*~*~*~*~

Haldir had called out after Lisse, but did not follow after her, knowing it would be useless to confront her in light of the situation. He well knew he deserved her anger for he had departed without word to her, once more heeding the call of another. He had done this to her once too often, he knew and as Aquihir had said, well deserved her wrath.

Turning toward Guve, Haldir walked steadily and with confident steps, though inside his spirit he knew fear.

The swiftness of a winter night had settled over Eressea by the time Haldir reached Guve Hall. When word of his arrival spread throughout the House, Gilnorin quickly headed for the dinning hall where he had been told Haldir was taking an early supper. There he found the tall elf, his traveling cloak draped upon a chair and a large piece of cold mutton upon his plate. Haldir, hearing the other's entrance, turned. At once his noble features broke into a delighted smile and he rose, extending his forearm to the younger elf.

"Gilnorion!" Haldir exclaimed.

Quickly Gilnorion extended his own forearm and the two elves exchanged a friendly greeting, "Hail, Haldir!" Gilnorin firmly grasped the offered arm. "How fare you?"

Haldir nodded, "Better than I expected. I am still in one piece." He smiled and sat, motioning for Gilnorin to sit beside him.

Understanding, the younger elf nodded and gave Haldir a grim look, "Aye, I understand, my friend. She has not returned to the Hall yet."

Haldir tore off a chunk of meat off the bone, "I know it for I did encounter her 'pon the south points." He took a bite and chewed, watching Gilnorin's face break into a frown.

"Indeed? And did she not accompany you back?"

Haldir shook his head, "Nay, she fled from me." He saw Gilnorin arch a fine eyebrow.

"Fled from you?" Gilnorin asked, astonishment marking his youthful face. "Why would she, after she has spent weeks pining for your return?"

At these words Haldir looked once more at Gilnorin. "Has she?"

Gilnorin sat forward, "Indeed she has my friend, though she hides it well, I know her and her ways." He saw Haldir give him a serious look and then added, "Much has happened since you were here last. Come you to stay the season, or shall you depart soon?"

Haldir sipped a little of the wine he had been served earlier. "Nay, I shall stay this time and make things aright between Lisse Nyere and I."

Gilnorin pressed his lips into a firm line and crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. "Then I wish you much luck."

Haldir nodded and tore off another chunk of meat. "Aye, I agree. I shall need it."

"Yes," said Gilnorin, "so you shall."

~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~

Key:

Ungoliant, Gloomweaver - Giant spider-like creature whose home was once the Avathar and who, together with Melkor, poisoned and killed the Two Trees of Valinor, Telperion and Laurelin.

Vingilot - Name given to the chariot driven by Earendil, spouse of Elwing (in this story identified as the Lady of the Gulls) and father of Elrond, lord of Imladris. Earendil, guiding Vingilot, sails through the airs and brings forth the evening and morning star.

~*~*~*~*~

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 is always welcome and muchly appreciated :)

Author's note:
Thanks to everyone for following and sticking with the story. Many thanks especially to Zee, Teri, Talasi, SB, Earina and Jana. Your support is very appreciated!!

Sienna
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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar