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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.

Chapter List
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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Book 1: I Lurea Fanya
Chapter 5 - Their First Adventure

One day, many weeks after she had last seen Haldir, Lisse calculated when he would next return to his traps, and was soon on the beach, waiting impatiently.

Niel had bitterly opposed Lisse's plan, "You must be mad, Lisse!" Niel's eyes covered her niece head to foot. "No maid foolishly pursues an ellon!"

"Niel, I am not pursuing him!" Lisse had countered, "You, of all people, you must understand why I am doing this!"

Niel's worried gaze turned from her niece, "No, I do not understand." was all she said.

Even her grandfather voiced his opinion that females who pursue and pine for disinterested males often met strange fates. Although he had fallen short of using Min as an example, Lisse had understood his meaning.

No matter, she had told them. She was determined to befriend Haldir and perhaps come to learn of her mother from a perspective that was unknown to her. She knew that Eadendir and Niel had only told her a part of her mother's story, and for some reason, Lisse was compelled to learn all she could of Min, as if somehow that would cleanse her own guilt. For guilt she felt at knowing she had been the cause of her mother's death and yet, Lisse knew, this feeling was unfounded for no one had ever said as much. No one needed to....she blamed herself often enough.

Yet, Lisse had convinced herself that Haldir held answers and keys to many locked doors and she felt propelled to be by his side, to befriend him, and so somehow learn more of who she was and how she had come to be. And thus, for this reason, had concocted the plan she was now ready to play out.

Above her she heard scraping against the rock cliff and she looked up. He was beginning his descent. She had not long to wait. Her heart was beating fast and she willed herself to stop thinking of the last time they had seen each other. But her mind betrayed her and she suddenly felt embarrassed and hoped he had put the incident behind him, even if she could not.

Sitting on the sand, and leaning on her arms, Lisse watched Haldir cautiously climb down. She knew he had not seen her yet.

A short while later, Haldir dropped onto the sand and turned. He saw her then, as she sat by the shore's edge. Frowning, but saying nothing, Haldir walked a few steps toward her and then dropped his equipment.

Lisse watched Haldir work in silence.

The tension that was beginning to mount between them was so great that Lisse eventually stood. Haldir continued his work, disregarding her, but knowing she was watching him.

Finally, Lisse could take no more.

"A hail and well met, Haldir." she began companionably.

Haldir raised his gaze to her face and for the first time noticed how she was dressed, but did not give it much attention. "A hail and well met to thee, Lisse." he responded in the formal greeting.

Lisse crossed her arms. "The weather fares well, does it not." She narrowed her eyes at him. Obviously, he was deliberately ignoring her. Lisse watched him remove his tunic. She sighed and turned her face toward the sea.

"Aye," Haldir responded at last, his voice calm and steady. " 'Tis fine good weather." He placed the breathing gear over his face and nose and then looked at her. It was then that Lisse's plan dawned on him. Yanking the breathing apparatus from his face, he used it to point toward her. "And what is that?"

Lisse turned her cool gaze toward Haldir, "Hmmm?" Her eyebrows lifted. "What is what?" Her eyes calmly met his.

Haldir's eyes were blazing, finally realizing what she had in mind. "I do not think so, little one." He shook his head slowly, while his eyes covered Lisse from head to foot.

Haldir knew that the tight-fitting leggings and short doublet Lisse wore were standard wear for many of the area's fisher folk. Especially when they were preparing to dive deep underwater. Indeed, the garments he wore were very similar to these, save for the doublet which he shunned, preferring to work without it. Looking her over carefully, Lisse's intent was now very clear to Haldir.

"Why not?" Demanded Lisse hotly. "I can probably swim and dive better than you!" Her features darkened in anger.

Haldir took a deep breath, "Maybe so, but this is my work and I share it with no one." Placing the breathing gear over his face once more, he turned his back to Lisse and began walking toward the water.

Lisse watched him submerge. In seconds, she resolutely followed.

Not a minute passed, and the water began to churn.

Lisse found herself half dragged toward the shore. Haldir's strong arms held her high about her chest, propelling her toward the beach while she struggled and kicked her legs. Hoisting her a few inches off the ground, Haldir carried her to the shore and dropped her unceremoniously onto the sand.

Lisse gave Haldir a withering look. Furious silver eyes gazed down at her. Jerking off his breathing mask, he pointed at her with one finger and said slowly, "Do not ever again interfere in my work!"

Lisse scurried to her feet and stood. "I am only trying to be your friend, you stubborn elf!"

Haldir gave her a scornful look. "I need no friends." And with that he turned back toward the water.

With a harrumph, Lisse sat on the sand and watched him return to the waves. This time she heeded his warning and did not follow.

Later that day, she silently watched Haldir work. Neither acknowledged the other's presence.

And so, like this, Haldir came to tolerate Lisse's visits each month, while he toiled at his traps, and she watched him. Never again did Lisse try to enter the water while he was there and eventually silence led to small pleasantries and that in time evolved into talk of weather, fishing and traps.

One day, several months after she had first begun to visit Haldir on the beach, Lisse finally asked him a question about Min. She saw Haldir's back stiffen, but she ignored the omnious warning.

Calm silver eyes turned to her, "Why do you ask me of Min?" Haldir had countered, "should you not ask your kin?"

Lisse shrugged, "Aye, I have." She saw him turn his eyes upon her face. "Still, you knew my mother in ways they did not. It is this side of her I wish to learn more about, and only you can tell me She She hoped her voice had remained neutral.

But Haldir had merely shrugged and answered unhelpfully, "There is nothing about your mother that I can help you discover." With that he had returned to his work.

His tone had been final and Lisse had not pursued the subject for many weeks and when she pressed him again, she found him to be difficult and churlish and decided she would not question him about Min again.

Once he understood that she would no longer interrogate him about Min, Haldir finally began to relax around Lisse. He could well understand her curiosity about her mother's relationship with him. Yet, Haldir felt that was a side of his life which was private and not open for discussion. For him, Min was a special memory, and one he was not so sure he was ready to share, especially with her daughter! He would and did discuss with Lisse many things, but the subject of Min was a closed book.

As the months wore on, each began to discover facets of the other's personality which surprised and confounded. Lisse began to see sides of Haldir which surprised her. And Haldir discovered aspects of Lisse's personality which intrigued him.

He found, for example, that Lisse was proud and sentimental, while often hiding her feelings deeply inside of her soul. So unlike Min, he once thought, who wore her feelings openly. Lisse, instead, was a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. Thus, she was as unpredictable as rain. Somehow, Haldir found this aspect of Lisse to be endearing, for it showed him she was vulnerable and not as hardened as she liked to pretend she was.

For her part, Lisse found that Haldir was an honorable and very complicated elf who became ruthless only when no other alternatives remained. Yet, she had discovered he was possessed of a brave, stalwart and loyal heart. She saw gentleness in him and tenderness too, but these glimpses were far and fleeting and she came to understand that these feelings surprised him as much as they did her.

Often she'd chuckle as she watched him work, a thing that caused him to grumble, "What now?"

"Nothing, Haldir," she'd respond, as she watched him struggle with a particular difficult silma fish. "Why do you not do as the fisherfolk do? Simply stun the fish with the pincer."

To this Haldir always reacted with a look of shocked horror, "Stun the silma? Nay! Do you know how deeply the pincer punctures?"

And Lisse would always laugh, "Aye, I do, but what of it? Is the silma not destined for someone's plate?"

At this logic, Haldir would always give Lisse a sour look and would comment, "Let me fish in my own ways, Lisse."

"Aye, I will," she would retort, "but if you would simply follow the methods of the other elves, your catch might reflect a larger yield."

And Haldir would grumble something she was not certain she understood, for she had also come to learn that Haldir was conversant in many of the languages of the Eldar and of Men and sometimes swore in one of these tongues. She did not mind, for she knew the comment was never addressed to her.

Lisse also realized that Haldir still regarded her as an unruly and spoiled child, although she tried to show him she was an elf fully grown. Yet, had Lisse known Haldir's true thoughts toward her, she would have only been confused.

By now, Haldir fully realized that Lisse was no child. Although he had come to feel a true affection for her, it remained in his heart nothing more than a deep fondness for a troublesome maid.

But beyond these issues, slowly and firmly, the bonds of friendship deepened although both would have scoffed at the idea.

Without knowing, they came to depend on each other. Lisse began to see that Haldir did take her suggestions and comments under consideration and many times made the changes she suggested. She, in turn, began to rely on his silent and steady companionship, feeling secure and comfortable in his presence, knowing he no longer rejected her.

Sometimes Haldir asked her about her life at the House of the Elms.

"And what does your grandfather say to all of this?" Haldir once asked her, referring to Lisse's visits to Haldir's beach.

Lisse had shrugged, "He has little to say on the subject. I am an adult. What can he say?"

Haldir had frowned but said nothing further and had not brought up the subject again.

~*~*~*~*~

But, Lisse was gravely mistaken in her assumption, for Eadendir had watched the unfolding events quietly, uncertain if he should take action now or let things be.

One rainy afternoon, Eadendir visited the kitchens, a thing he rarely did for this was Niel's and Lisse's realm. Yet, it was a search for his granddaughter which him brought there. His quick green eyes covered the wide chamber, and he soon spotted Niel peeling fruit in a quiet corner. Lisse was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is Lisse Nyere, daughter?" He asked, uncharacteristically using Lisse's full name.

Briniel and Cook paused their work, turning their gazes to the quiet elleth in the corner. But before Niel could answer, Gilnorin spoke, "She has gone to the foot of the Trapper's Beach."

Briniel frowned at her son and Eadendir turned toward the young elf. "And how do you know this?" His voice was measured, but everyone in the room knew the news had disturbed him. It was evident in the deliberate inflection of his voice, in the tense muscles of his jaw.

Gilnorin, flustered beneath the intense green glare, answered in a low voice, "I saw her."

Eadendir's quick eyes covered the youth head to foot, "I remember now." He began, walking toward the kitchen table, "You're the one who goes sailing with her." He saw Gilnorin nod uncomfortably.

Niel rescued the young ellon then and stood, placing the bowl of fruit on the table before her, " 'Tis no mystery or secret, Father. Lisse often visits the Trapper's Beaches. 'Tis her way of finding out what is the news on the island." She wiped her hands on her apron and reached for a large bowl of flour.

Eadendir nodded slowly and then turned, as if to leave, but he checked himself and turned to Niel. "I would wager there is one beach above all others she fancies, am I not correct?" He waited for Niel to respond, but when she raised her gaze to him she neither confirmed or denied his insinuation.

"Father, this is as much as I know. I am sure she will tell you where she goes when she returns to the House." She dropped her gaze back to the pie molds that Briniel was setting out for her.

But Eadendir was too smart to be outfoxed and he merely said, "Perhaps." Silently and with a final look at the four quiet, nervous elves in the kitchen, he turned and slowly climbed the back stairway that led to his private chambers.

Niel let out a deep breath and rubbed her forehead. Cook glared at his son, who looked with confusion from his father's face to Niel, "Go, on, 'tis enough you've said this day....go to the barn and fetch me a dozen eggs and be quick!" He watched Gilnorin exit the kitchen past a large wooden archway and then turned worried eyes on Niel. But it was Briniel who spoke.

"You must warn her, Niel." Briniel's eyes looked worriedly back to the stairs, thinking ahead.

Niel sighed, "Aye, I have. She will not listen."

All was quiet in the kitchen until Gilnorin returned with the eggs, then Cook took his son by the shoulders and fixed him with a hard glare, "Listen to me, elfling! You will never again meddle in the private affairs of this family! Is that clear to you?"

Gilnorin frowned and nodded, looking to his mother and then to Niel, who was keeping herself distracted with rolling dough for the pies. "Aye, Father, I do."

Cook gave his son one last glance, "See to it."

~*~*~*~*~

The seasons waxed and waned, and months became years. But to Lisse and Haldir only the time spent by the sea mattered. Yet, although both remembered well, never was the kiss Lisse gave Haldir, nor the kiss Haldir planted on Lisse's hand, ever mentioned. Still, a new emotion began to grow between them, one that neither acknowledged.

And so it came to be that one day, almost two years after they first met, Haldir came out of the sea wearing a deep frown on his fair face. Lisse, perturbed, waited. Finally, she could wait no more.

"What is it?" Her deep blue eyes covered his body. He did not seem injured.

"The traps." He explained, dropping the mithril container onto the sand. It was empty. He turned his eyes to her face. "The traps were all broken."

Lisse frowned and stood. "All of them?"

Haldir nodded. "Yes." He frowned toward the silent sea and for a moment watched the waves gently lap the sand. Picking up his breathing gear he placed it over his face once more.

"What are you going to do?" Lisse asked him, knowing fully well he intended to go back into the water.

Without responding, Haldir walked back to the water's edge.

Lisse crossed her arms and called out, "Haldir, you do not have much air left."

Waving his hand behind him to acknowledge he had heard her, Haldir disappeared beneath the silent waves.

Frustrated, Lisse sat down to wait, looking up at the sky to gauge the time. It was mid afternoon. He had perhaps one more hour of breathable air left.

But when Haldir failed to surface nearly an hour later, Lisse became worried and she began to pace the shore.

Finally, she realized she could wait no more and she walked into the cool sea water. In seconds she was waist deep and then she dove, her lithe and graceful body cutting into the waves like a shaft of sunlight.

Lisse swam with confidence and agility, her eyes becoming accustomed to the murky gloom in a matter of seconds. She had strong lungs, having grown near the ocean and knew she could hold her breath for long minutes.

Ahead of her, she saw the red metal rods upon which Haldir pinned his traps. The rods were themselves fastened deeply into the sea floor.

Lisse headed toward the rods when she saw several hanging open, their doors unhinged and shattered.

A small school of coral fish danced before her and she swatted them away impatiently.

Reaching the traps, she grabbed one and saw what looked like teeth marks imprinted on the metal. Turning her face, Lisse looked for Haldir. Her blonde hair floated in the water and splayed out behind her.

Turning her head, she carefully surveyed the ocean floor. She was trying to see beyond the sandy murky gloom, but her lungs told her she needed air. Making a quick ascent to the surface, Lisse followed the shaft of sunlight that illuminated the darkness. Breaking water, she gasped and gulped in great lungfuls of air, worry marking her features. She knew that by now the air on Haldir's mask would have been depleted.

Taking a deep gulp of air, she dove back down.

Making straight for the traps, Lisse decided to follow a straight line away from them and suddenly felt a pull on her leg.

Turning abruptly, she saw bright gray eyes and floating gold hair.

Gracefully spinning around, Lisse caught Haldir by the shoulders and turned him so that his back was to her.

Pushing with her legs and one free arm she began to swim toward the surface. His body was heavy, but she was a strong swimmer.

In seconds, Lisse had pushed Haldir above her and they had both broken the surface.

As they bobbed in the water, Lisse turned to look at Haldir. His eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily. As his lungs began to fill with air, he began to cough, choking on both air and the water in his lungs. Lisse kept his head above water and was about to call his name when a cold drop of rain fell on her nose. Lisse looked at the sky.

Black clouds were moving toward them.

Knowing she had precious minutes to get out of the water before the squall hit, Lisse placed an arm around Haldir's neck and began to swim to shore.

Although the beach was only some hundred feet away, the added weight of Haldir's body and the increasing choppiness of the water combined to slow Lisse down.

Suddenly, a large wave tumbled over them, pushing them down beneath the water.

Lisse struggled to right herself and the still elf beside her. She now knew Haldir was unconscious. If she did not keep his head above water, he was doomed.

Struggling against the waves, Lisse heard the rumble of distant thunder. Her heart leapt into her throat. Blessed Valar, no! Desperately she fought the surging waves and realized that Haldir's equipment was now several yards to her left where before it had been directly before them.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she fought back the panic.

They were caught in a riptide. And it was moving them in a westerly course. All Lisse could do now was to keep Haldir's head above water and resist fighting the currents or else risk cramping and that would prove fatal. If she could ride out the storm, which were always brief squalls and ended as suddenly as they came, they had a very good chance of surviving.

As the storm broke over them, cold rainwater washed over the two figures bobbing in the deep, flowing sea. Lisse kept Haldir's head above water, her arms cramping at times. The swift riptide did not carry them out to sea, as Lisse prayed it would not, but instead took them on a westerly course following along the coastline. By nightfall, the rain had stopped and the ocean was beginning to calm. Haldir was no longer unconscious but weak and drifted in and out of sleep. Lisse pushed him continously, calling his name, making sure he was awake for at least several minutes at a time.

Eventually, the moon rose and cast its silver light over the sea and the coastline, which appeared like a black sponge upon the ocean. Lisse had no idea how far they had floated on the swift currents. She tread the water gently, so as to avoid cramps. When she rested her legs, she could feel the tiny bites of the coral fish as they nibbled upon her, curious as to who she was and what she was doing in their oceans. Unfraid, for she knew from experience that they were harmless, Lisse continued to carefully tread water, not kicking too hard and risking cramps. She began to swim toward shore, now finally free of the riptide currents that flowed deep beneath the sea. Carefully, she pulled Haldir along, making sure his head was always above water.

After what seemed like many hours, Lisse and Haldir were close enough to the shore to wade on the beach. She struggled with Haldir, who awoke briefly to crawl out of the water and onto the sand where he collapsed in exhaustion. Lying beside him, Lisse closed her eyes and fell into a deep slumber.

~*~*~*~*~

Lisse groaned and rubbed her forehead. Her head throbbed, her arms ached and her legs felt numb. The pain in her back felt like the sting of a thousand hot needles. Cracking open her eyes, she stared at an expanse of bright blue sky and she shaded her eyes from the glare.

Turning her head, Lisse saw that Haldir rested a few feet from her, turned on his side, facing away from her.

Scrambling quickly toward him, she breathed his name, "Haldir?"

Receiving no response, she turned him over and sat back, gasping at the sight of the red welt that covered his chest.

From shoulder to shoulder, there was a deep, angry red mark which resembled the lash of a whip. Lisse knew that there were any number of fish and sea animals that could cause this reaction, but none ever came close enough to the shorelines to pose much of a threat.

Gently, she probed the burned flesh and Haldir moaned softly.

Looking into his face, Lisse pushed him to his back and checked the rest of him, looking for cuts or bites. She found nothing above the waist, and hoped there was nothing below it. She contemplated removing his leggings, but decided against it when he stirred and began to move.

Sitting back on her heels, Lisse watched the elf.

Gingerly, Haldir touched the welt on his chest and grimaced. His eyes opened slowly and he fixed his gaze out to the sea. Painfully and with Lisse's help, he sat up.

Bright sunlight glinted against the ocean's surface giving the water a metallic look. It was a bright, cloudless day. The cry of gulls came from the distance and the only sound beyond that was the gentle lapping of the sea upon thore.ore.

Turning his head slowly, Haldir found and held Lisse's eyes for a moment and then dropped back on the sand.

"How long?" His voice was low, weak.

"Perhaps twenty-four hours." Was Lisse's response.

Haldir covered his eyes with his hand and said nothing. He was exhausted and the pain from the welt was making it difficult for him to concentrate. After a moment, he remembered the creature whose tentacles had reached for him and he realized Lisse had most likely saved his life. He had no idea what the creature's poison could do to him.

Turning his head slowly, he glanced at Lisse and tried to smile, "Thank you, little one."

Lisse stared at Haldir, resisting the urge to hug him to her. He looked so tired, so pale. "You would have done the same." Looking at the ugly mark on his chest, she asked him, "Did you see what it was?"

Haldir sighed and with his index finger touched the welt gingerly. It burned and stung. Grimacing, he closed his eyes again, "Not too well. It was large and many-limbed."

Lisse knew at once what it was. Her eyes wandered to the ocean. The creature which had attacked Haldir rarely ventured beyond the barrier reefs some leagues out to sea. What had drawn this one further inland?

Turning her eyes back to Haldir, she winced at the size of the welt. It was taking on a blueish hue and that she knew was not good. She had to get Haldir's wound tended to before the poison acted in his system.

Lisse turned her head toward the reefs, her eyes searching, "I think we are on the edges of the Shadowy Sea, Haldir." Off in the distance, her eyes could see the thick seaweed and kelp that floated below the surface and which had given that body of water its unique name.

His response was a low moan.

Lisse turned her gaze onto Haldir's prone form. "I know it is painful." her voice compassionate and low. "Do you think you can stand?" She suddenly asked Haldir, crawling over to cradle his head on her lap.

Haldir did not resist the gesture. "If you give me but a moment, we shall see." He replied, liking the cool touch of Lisse's fingers on his forehead.

Haldir tried to marshall his strength and leaned on his elbows, but the pain was too strong. Dropping back to the sand, he turned to Lisse, "What will the poison do, little one?" His voice was a whisper.

Lisse pursed her lips. "I know not, Haldir." She reached out and stroked his forehead gently, watching his face. "It acts differently on everyone. Some sleep, some rage...and..." her voice broke and she felt hot tears sting her eyes and she looked away from him.

Hearing the emotion in her voice, Haldir opened his eyes and studied her face. "And some what?" he asked gently.

He was rewarded with her sapphire gaze and saw tears glittering there. Stunned at her display, he placed a finger on her lips. "Hush...it will pass." He tried to reassure Lisse although he did not feel very assured of anything at the moment.

Smiling through her tears, Lisse croaked, "Liar." and she saw Haldir smile and close his eyes.

By mid afternoon, Haldir was running a fever and Lisse knew she had to get help or he would die. She was unable to wake him and kissing him briefly on the forehead, feeling its heat beneath her lips, she sat off.

Praying that the Valar would watch over him, Lisse began the slow ascent up the chalky cliffs on the edge of the Shadowy Sea. When she eventually reached the top of the cliffs and looked around, her heart sank. Endless marsh stretched out for leagues in all directions, very similar to the region where she lived.

Closing her eyes, she asked for guidance, desperately seeking a sign, "Oh, sweet Elbereth, Varda of the Stars, help me!"

Just then, the shrill cry of a gull pierced the still afternoon and Lisse opened her eyes. She watched the gull dive and soar, dive again and then disappear beneath a low mound. She frowned and waited. The bird did not return. Without knowing why, she set off in the direction of the mound.

After what seemed like an eternity of walking, Lisse came to the base of the mound and began scaling it. Moments later, she looked below her and saw a small stretch of beach and along the beach were boats of all sizes anchored neatly on a make-shift dock. Figures walked along those docks.

Waving her arms, Lisse yelled and began scrambling down.

~*~*~*~*~

Hours later, Haldir rested on a narrow cot by the shore of the Shadowy Sea. Lisse sat nearby spooning the last of the fish broth into Haldir's mouth.

The elves of this community belonged to a larger group of fisher folk whose villages dotted the western coast of Tol Eressea. Many laid traps on this side of the island and checked them twice each month. The sudden squall of the night before had kept them off the water and Lisse was thankful for this small bit of luck.

Haldir's welt was tended to and a poultice laid over it. Herbs steeped in wine were also given to him and these had induced a deep slumber from which he had only surfaced a short time before.

Lisse saw that Haldir had better color and already the blueish tint of the welt was fading. Slowly, the poison was being drawn out by the herbs.

Giving him the last of the broth, Lisse noticed Haldir was watching her.

Smiling, but avoiding his gaze, she placed the spoon over his lower lip and Haldir slowly sipped the broth. He was watching her rather intently and Lisse was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

"How do you feel?" She asked him, hoping to draw his gaze away from her face. It did not work. She fixed her gaze on a point of his bandaged chest.

"Better. Not as tired." His voice was low but stronger.

Haldir watched Lisse silently for a moment and then spoke softly, "Thank you, little one. I owe you my life." Tired silver eyes sparkled with gratitude.

Lisse smiled and reached out to caress Haldir's forehead, "Hush, say no more. Rest." Her voice was smooth, gentle, loving.

Closing his eyes, he turned his head away and laid back on the narrow cot. He was not certain of his feelings at the moment and did not know if it was an after-affect of the poison or the potions.

Lisse sighed. "Good." She put the bowl down. "I was very worried about you, Haldir." She had not realized it, but in her voice there was a profound tone of relief. Her words were followed by a deep sigh.

Haldir turned his head and gazed at Lisse. Their eyes met and held for a long moment. Lisse felt her heart begin to pound in her chest and she finally broke the contact, uncertain and embarrassed at the thoughts that abruptly had entered her head.

Although the herbs had dulled Haldir's very keen senses, he was still alert enough to know his frank and open gaze of gratitude had embarassed Lisse. Closing his eyes, he heard her move about the room and then felt a soft breeze fan his face. Opening his eyes, he realized he was alone.

Several hours later, Haldir felt strong enough to ask to speak to the group's leader. He wanted to personally thank whoever had shared their provisions with them as well as tending for him and his wound.

Into the tent came a slender, serious-faced elf, who introduced himself as Glinnel Edthel. Haldir studied Glinnel for a moment and felt an instant like for the quiet elf, seeing confidence and honesty in Glinnel's dark brown gaze. After thanking him, Haldir told Glinnel how his traps had been destroyed and also of the Guild's concerns over what may be causing this. He also told Glinel of the sighting he had made some time before and described what he had seen of the sea creature.

Glinnel had quietly listened to Haldir, nodding at times, pensive at otheFinaFinally, he spoke.

He spoke at length, telling Haldir that large sea-creatures, the likes of which had attacked Haldir, were being spotted closer to the shores than they had ever been before.

"Something drives the creatures," Glinnel told Haldir, worry creasing the elf's sunburned face. "Some other creature they flee."

Haldir listened to all of this, realizing he had stumbled upon information he should send back to the Guild in Alqualonde. "Something they flee?" Haldir repeated.

Glinnel nodded his head, "Aye, they flee before something even they fear. And so, they are pushed closer to the shores and for food they turn to our traps."

Haldir considered this for a moment, before asking, "Have you seen what type of creature this may be?"

Glinnel shook his head, "No, none of us here have, 'though some say 'tis not a creature but a nightmare born from the Avathar." Glinnel's intelligent gaze lingered on Haldir's face, watching for signs of recognition.

Haldir's eyebrows arched, "The Avathar? Surely, this is in jest. Nothing dwells in that dark land."

But Glinnel did not respond and each elf was able to ponder their thoughts alone.

~*~*~*~*~

By early evening, the fisher folk had informed Haldir and Lisse of their plans to move on. Because it was felt Haldir needed an extra day to recuperate from the poison in his system, they left one tent and enough supplies to last Lisse and Haldir for two days. But Haldir, who felt fully well, had no intention on remaining on this side of the island. He wanted to get back to his traps as quickly as possible.

Lisse had asked the group to pass by the House of the Elms and give her kin word of her fate and whereabouts so that they would not needlessly worry, although she knew her aunt and grandfather had long grown accustomed to her solitary trips for days on end.

Haldir had bade her go with them, but Lisse had refused to leave him on his own and a tense argument had broken out between them. At last, Haldir conceded and an uneasy truce was declared. He agreed to remain one more day upon this shore and then return home.

Soon after, the elves made ready to depart on their boats, promising to stop by the House of the Elms. After thanking them for their help at such a crucial time, Lisse watched them push their boats onto the sea and soon they disappeared beyond the waves.

She turned back and walked into the little tent where Haldir rested. She found him bare-chested, sitting on the edge of the cot, flexing his arms. The bandages still crossed his torso from front to back, and she frowned.

"What do you think you are doing?"

Silver eyes that took Lisse's breath away raised to her face. Suddenly, Lisse felt exposed beneath Haldir's intense stare. Abruptly, she remembered Niel's words, "He is, after all, a warrior at heart."

It was the warrior, she realized, who suddenly stared at her. The warrior and not the fisherman. She saw his silver-golden mane splayed loosely about his shoulders, cascading down his back, the broad, bandaged chest, the sculpted arms, the strong neck and the narrow waist that flared into long, muscular and well-shaped legs. She realized in embarrassment how tight his breeches suddenly seemed to her eyes. Trying to not stare at the apex between his thighs, she suddenly felt she could not breathe and abruptly turned on her heel and left the tent.

Walking a few feet toward the shore, she let the evening breeze cool her face. Taking deep breaths, Lisse willed her heart to stop its fierce hammering and after a long moment she felt herself again. Niel had been right, she thought. This elf was not one to be trifled with. He was dangerous...dangerous to her heart and to her sanity. She had not had these feelings for a long time and she believed them dead. That the sight of Haldir had brought them back with such power and speed alarmed her.

Feeling very small and weak, Lisse sat on the sandy beach with her back to the tent where Haldir remained. Long minutes passed and she watched the stars appear slowly in the lavender-kissed sky.

Behind, inside the tent, Haldir pondered a great many things himself and realized that Lisse was attracted to him. The look on her face and her intake of breath had told him that. He had once suspected this, but thought she had come to terms with it and managed to overcome it. Certainly, she had not given him indications otherwise, not since they had become friends. Now, seeing the flush creep up her neck and ears, he was not so certain Lisse had managed to deal with the emotions. How long it had been there he did not know and did not feel inclined to analyze it at the moment. He felt gratitude toward her, grateful that she was quick-witted and had acted swiftly to save his life. That he enjoyed her companionship he could not deny. But she was a child in experience, if not in years, and if what he suspected was beginning to take shape in Lisse's mind, then her initiation would not be his to conduct. For that, he grumbled to himself, she would have to find other willing ellon.

Now he realized it had been a mistake to allow himself to grow close to her, for the chit, he thought in exasperation, had misunderstood his overtones of friendship for something else. Something he could no longer give any female.

Groaning in misery, dreading the confrontation he knew would eventually come, Haldir stood and in two long strides reached the flap of the tent and drew it aside. His gray eyes caught sight of Lisse, sitting forlornly on the sand. Without his wanting it to, his heart softened somewhat. Taking a deep breath, he strode toward her.

"Lisse, we make for the Eastern coastline this night." His voice carried an undertone of command that broke no argument.

Having not heard him approach, Lisse started at his voice and turned her head, "Tonight?" Her long blonde hair hung in rivulets down her back and Haldir saw its tresses glisten.

Haldir nodded, "Aye. Tonight." He willed his eyes away from Lisse's hair. He had not realized until that moment how long her hair was and how much he liked it unbound.

Lisse watched him walk toward the one anchored boat left behind by the sea-elves. "I've no desire to exchange unpleasantries with your grandfather or aunt." He checked the boat carefully. Two oars, it looked sea-worthy.

Lisse frowned, "What do you mean, Haldir?" Lisse kept her voice was measured and calm.

Haldir kicked the boat. It felt sturdy. Turning to Lisse, he saw the storm brewing beneath her eyes, "Just that." and he walked past her, toward the tent, drawing the flap aside and reaching for the flasks of water and rolls of dried meat the elves had left for them.

Outside on the beach, Lisse waited with hands on her hips. She saw Haldir emerge from the tent and followed as he strode past her. "What do you mean by those words?" She insisted.

Without answering her, Haldir walked toward the anchored boat. Lisse followed closely behind him.

Reaching the little dock, Haldir turned to Lisse and said quietly, "Get in the boat, Lisse." He did not wait for her and jumped inside, beginning to draw back the rope that held it bound.

Lisse crossed her arms. "Nay. Not until you tell me what you meant."

Haldir's strong hands stopped their work, and he sighed. Looking at Lisse, his eyes held her quietly, "Get into the boat."

Lisse frowned. Was he giving her an order? Sending Haldir a sour look, she jumped into the little boat and sat quietly, watching Haldir work the rope free. Finally, the rope gave and Haldir pushed them off into the water.

In a short while the little boat gained momentum and Haldir handed Lisse an oar. "Row." was all he said to her.

They rowed in silence, Lisse furious at the implication of Haldir's words, and Haldir deeply troubled within his own spirit for having uttered the words in the first place.

~*~*~*~*~

The little boat reached the Eastern coastline of the island and before dawn Haldir and Lisse were pushing toward the shoreline where Haldir kept his traps. When they arrived on the beach, they saw that his gear lay untouched on the sand.

Collecting it, Haldir hoisted everything over his shoulders, wincing slightly at the pain from the lacerations on his chest.

Lisse watched him in silence. They had not spoken throughout the entire trip.

Silently, they climbed the cliff rock and once they were on the marsh, Haldir told Lisse in a terse voice that he wanted to stop by her grandfather's lodge and explain the situation.

Finally, Lisse could stand no more and lashed out, "Do not worry, Haldir." She began, her eyes glittering with fury. "You need to explain nothing. " Her voice was hard, "I am not worth your time nor should you be subject to unpleasantness!"

Haldir had been walking ahead of Lisse and he felt her venom sting him as not even the welt on his chest had. He stopped and turned to look at Lisse, his eyes cold. "I think mayhap you misunderstood my meaning." He kept his voice even.

Lisse met his stare with a defiant glare of her own. "No, I do not think I have. Do not burden yourself." she spat angrily, "There is no need for you to face my family and no explanations are required!" Lisse pushed past Haldir and marched furiously away from him, her footsteps loud and angry.

But Lisse had now riled Haldir's anger and he retorted, "Are you calling me a coward?" Haldir's voice was very soft.

Lisse abruptly stopped and turned to face Haldir. To his great amazement, he saw her nod eagerly, "Yes! I am!" and with that she set off running across the marsh.

Haldir watched Lisse until she reached the edge of the marsh, where the path to her home began. He saw her hesitate but not turn around.

Shaking his head, he muttered, "Just as well," and set off slowly toward his grove.

He had work to do and wanted to send word to his Guild contact concerning what he had learned from Glinnel. Lisse's childish antics were the last thing on his mind and he angrily pushed her retort from his thoughts, although her words had hit the mark.

But, in the two days that it took Haldir to reach his forest home, all his thoughts centered on Lisse, and how she both infuriated and confused him. He knew he would eventually have to deal with her infatuation and wondered how he should approach it when the time came. After much thinking, he eventually came to the conclusion that where Lisse Nyere was concerned, no one could safely predice oue outcome. He merely entrusted the entire matter to the Valar and hoped that his years of handling difficult prisoners, treacherous spies and the like, would also help him in giving him an insight into this delicate predicament. Haldir also knew that her grandfather already possessed an open distrust of him and did not wish to aggravate matters beyond control.

Of course, what Haldir did not take into consideration was that Lisse Nyere was not a prisoner of war, nor a spy or any other number of nefarious characters he had grown accustomed to manipulating. He would soon find that in matters of relationships and the heart, he was as much of an innocent as she.

~*~*~*~*~

Key:

Ellon - elf male

~*~*~*~*~

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.

Feedback appreciated! :)
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The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar