The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 18: Book 3 - An Uneasy Truce
by Sienna Dawn

Lisse did not sleep the night of Haldir's return. All night she had resisted the desire to go to him, confront him and lay her emotions plainly before him. She had not wept either for her disappointment and disillusion were so deeply etched into her heart that it left her no room for tears. Of those she had spilt plenty she thought. When dawn came, she dressed and set out to do her chores before anyone in the house stirred. She passed below the balcony of his bedchamber but gave it no pause. Later, she was engrossed in picking sweet grapes from the vines and did not hear Haldir's cautious approach. Yet a sudden sense of another presence nearby made her turn and she nearly toppled off the ladder where she stood.

He was dressed in a pair of tight black leggings, which showed off his muscular thighs and legs to perfection. Over it he had donned a black tunic embossed with fine silver thread. His long blonde-silver hair was loose with only two thin braids pulled back at the temples and tied at the back of his head. His face was clear and his eyes sought hers. Lisse felt her breathing quicken and a deep fire in her belly begin to grow. Blinking rapidly, she cleared her mind of the desire she suddenly felt for Haldir. She was still furious with him and so turned back to her work in silence, deciding to not acknowledge him.

Haldir had not missed Lisse's reaction to him and so he realized he would have to be the one to speak first.

"Good morning, Lisse," he began softly, coming to stand directly beneath the little ladder where Lisse stood. She continued to pick and inspect the grapes before placing them in the little basket at her feet.

Haldir watched Lisse for a moment. "Will you not speak with me?" He asked softly.

Lisse finally stopped and took a deep breath. Looking down at him she saw he was gazing up at her, his features soft and open. In his eyes she saw affection and worry. "Aye," she answered, "I will speak with you, though for how long this time, Haldir?" Her voice, despite her efforts, was tinged with anger and some bitterness.

Haldir looked down and then again met her gaze. "I am come to stay for as long as you shall have me." He saw the light flare in her eyes and knew he was treading upon dangerous waters. He waited.

Lisse snorted and picked a few more grapes and then stopped, climbing down the ladder. "I have work to do, Haldir." She placed the basket upon the ground. "Stay or go as is your wont." She turned to move the ladder but stopped when Haldir reached for it instead. Motioning toward another row, he carried the ladder for her, stopping where she showed him. "Pick you these in winter?" He asked, hoping the neutral question would diffuse her anger.

"Nay, I pick to sample which will be ready for plucking." Approaching the ladder she began her task silently. She hoped her frustration would not show in her voice or composure. Though she knew she had no hold or claim over Haldir and that he was free to come and go as he pleased, the thought of his abrupt middle-of-the-night departure angered her greatly.

In the hours that passed, Lisse and Haldir fell into an uneasy routine. She would inspect the fruit and decide its ripeness, while Haldir cut it from its vines and placed it inside a large wicker basket that sat on a wide ledge attached to the ladder where she stood. Because he was so tall it was easy for him to reach the highest fruit and so like this they worked in silence.

As he worked, Haldir was acutely aware of Lisse's unique scent, and he breathed deeply her fragrance each time the breezes blew in his direction. He also realized she was burning with wounded pride and curiosity as to his sudden departure weeks before, but he did not explain his reason for it. He felt it best to not share too much with Lisse Nyere. At least not yet.

Lisse was conscious of Haldir's strong aura, the energy of his sensuality encasing her within its radiant circle. Though her spirit was bruised at his indifferent behavior, she was determined that none of her disappointment would show through and so she stubbornly plodded on with the tedious labor at hand.

Although each had many questions of the other and the past, neither had the courage of heart to approach the subject nor the reasons why they had kept apart from one another. Haldir was especially reluctant to discuss the matter with Lisse, in view of Eadendir's feelings about him and the elves who had sailed from Middle Earth. Lisse, on the other hand, felt her pain was still too raw to embark on examinations of motives for Haldir's abrupt departure from her life. Thus, they kept their discussions focused on the Hall, its concerns and its staff.

Like this they spoke of many things, until the sun began to sink slowly in the horizon.

Then Lisse turned to Haldir and asked, "Will you stay with me?"

Haldir was taken aback at the unexpected question, and nearly drove the shears into his arm.

Sniping the grapes from the stalk, Haldir turned his silver gaze and candidly looked down into Lisse's eyes, "What is this?" His voice was calm. He thought he had heard a touch of wistfulness in her words.

Lisse laughed, bringing her shields up rapidly, "Oh, 'tis not what you think." She gave Haldir a surly look, "You should not make such quick assumptions, Haldir."

Putting down the padded glove she had worn gave Lisse time to control herself before replying. "I was simply asking you to stay and have dinner with us." She continued working without turning to face Haldir.

Haldir sighed and nodded smiling, "Pray, my Lady, of course that is what I thought." Placing the delicate fruit into the basket, which was by now full to brimming, he placed the shears down and smiled brightly at Lisse, "What else would be meant, if not an invitation to dine?" With that he helped Lisse down the ladder, gallantly cupping her elbow. "For now, my Lady, I will depart to wash myself and make ready." He bowed and said, "By your leave." Turning, Haldir walked away, leaving Lisse fuming.

Her anger knew no bounds when a happy tune reached her ears and Lisse realized Haldir was whistling as he made his way back to Guve Hall.

~*~*~*~

That evening saw the first of Haldir's promise come to fruition. Never again in the ensuing weeks did Haldir depart in the middle of the night, nor make mention of his mistress, a thing which Lisse held foremost in her mind and which for some reason unknown to her, caused her anger and frustration. Days turned to weeks and soon Spring approached. Tension between Haldir and Lisse had minimized somewhat but not entirely disappeared.

It was common knowledge to all that Haldir favored their Lady, but they were confused over Lisse's contempt toward him. Because of Haldir's efforts, much of the wildest of the land had been cleared, his new traps no longer threatened the water supply for the farm, and many of the steeds which had been unbroken, were tamed and trained by the tall blonde elf. Elflings adored Haldir and followed him nearly everywhere, forlornly waiting for him whenever he left the Hall to work on his traps, a thing he still labored upon each month.By that time Haldir was already aware of Orophin's visit in search for news of his whereabouts, thanks in part to Gilnorin. Quickly Haldir had sent word to Korthin of his return and asked that the information be relayed to Orophin and Rumil.

Korthin had quickly dispatched a courier from Alqualonde with confirmation of Haldir's request. Haldir met with the serious-faced Guild commander for several hours. Though all in Guve knew of Haldir's connections to the Guild, all respected his privacy and no questions were put to him as to the nature of the Guild's interest in his activities. Of course, this visit left Lisse with many unanswered questions and her frustration then knew no bounds. She confided in Gilnorin about this, and he had merely replied with a non-chalant, 'Tis best to not meddle in the affairs of the Guild."

Of course, this response had piqued Lisse's curiosity, a trait of her personality which she knew could lead her into difficult situations. Yet, in her heart she still wanted Haldir to come to her, to open himself of his own volition. But this was a thing that Haldir was not used to doing and a thing which Lisse did not comprehend. At least not yet.

After the Guild courier departed Guve, all returned to its usual routine. Haldir visited his traps each month and in return for his work, Lisse had allowed two of her staff to help Haldir bring in his traps. In a short matter of months, the fishing merchant who dealt with Haldir came instead to Guve Hall for the monthly catch. A steady stream of fisher folk began asking for food and lodging at the Hall and within months, Lisse had established a small House, not the equal of her Grandfather's, but by far the best and cleanest in the region.

To all Haldir was amiable except when in Lisse's presence, when his charm then knew no bounds.

Usually this behavior set Lisse into a foul and dark mood and she would remain so for days at a time.

The staff knew this calculated charm on Haldir's part was a risky thing, for often they would hear her growl under her breath as he cheerily explained how he had mended a broken fence using an old magic elven spell, or how the goats had not run from him in near a fortnight.

Always, they expected Lisse to fly at Haldir, kick him or do him some other bodily injury, for the fury in her face was clearly visible. But always Lisse controlled herself, limiting herself to a few grunts, or a gritted "thank you" as Haldir maintained a dignified and friendly composure. Sometimes, they would hear Haldir happily whistle about the farm, as Lisse stalked the rooms above them, slamming doors one at a time. To this behavior, Haldir usually grinned and commented on what fair weather it was for taming shrews. Always did the staff laugh discreetly and never in their Lady's presence.

They all knew the storm was a-brewing, and when it would peak was anybody's guess.

So positive and great was Haldir's contribution to Guve's growth, that news of his return soon reached the House of the Elms. A concerned Eadendir sent word to Lisse and enquired if there was truth to the rumor.

Angrily, Lisse had allowed her temper to get the better of her one day, and uncharacteristically fired off an angry retort to the old elf. Such a tale she spun, and so well told it was, that when the old Eadendir received news of it, he immediately gave orders for his steed to be prepared and above Niel's protests, had ridden at full gallop toward the Hall.

Tall and proud had Eadendir ridden into Guve Hall, making the long trip in less than one day. Word of his arrival reached Lisse as she carefully checked a small heifer's hoof, looking at Haldir.

"Do you think it is rotted?" Lisse lowered the animal's rear leg.

Haldir frowned slightly, "Indeed, it looks to be." He watched the heifer gingerly avoid placing its weight on the swollen leg. "I am no expert in livestock, but I have seen this before." He continued watching the animal.

"Let me have that knife there." He pointed to the small curved dagger on the ledge of the stall door. Lisse reached for it and was handing it to Haldir when an elfling named Idanion rushed in.

"My Lady!"

Lisse turned and frowned, "What is it, child?"

"Your Grandfather has arrived!" His bright blue eyes looked from Lisse to Haldir.

Lisse frowned at the elfling, "My Grandfather?"

Suddenly she remembered the couriered message she had sent some weeks before and her eyes widened.

Watching her carefully, Haldir grinned and spoke, "I gather from your reaction you are not wholly surprised." He reached for the animal's hoof, brought it to his knee and began to scrape gently.

Lisse looked at Haldir and then colored to the roots of her blonde hair. Sweet Varda, what had she set into motion!

Satisfied, Haldir dropped the heifer's leg and wiped the dagger on the side of his thigh, " 'Tis the rot, I fear. Malponeth must be summoned. " he began, "There is a poultice we can prepare which the horsewardens of Lothlorien made....." Haldir raised his eyes and saw that Lisse was standing still, watching him with her mouth shaped into an O and the color of her face a bright red.

Alarmed, he jumped to her side and turned her round to face him, "What is it, my sweet?"

The use of his sudden endearment did not register on Lisse. She simply stared into Haldir's grey eyes, unblinking, her mouth still hanging open.

Haldir frowned, worried now, "Lisse?" He was getting ready to shake her when the commotion from the courtyard spilled into the tranquility of the barn and a voice boomed.

"LISSE NYERE!"

Haldir turned and saw Eadendir march imperiously into the barn. Furious green eyes alighted upon the pair.

"Unhand her at once!" Eadendir's voice boomed in the cool shadow of the barn and some of the animals stirred.

Haldir dropped his hands from Lisse's arms, looked at her and then turned calm grey eyes to the older elf. Smiling good naturedly, he called, "Greetings, and well met, Eadendir o Kortirion."

Lisse stood silent, watching the two elves and trying to make her mind think quickly. For some reason she could not make her mouth move!

Eadendir looked at Haldir and then at Lisse, "How dare you speak to me as if naught was amiss?!" His green eyes blazed at Haldir and his voice was laced with contempt.

Arching his eyebrows, Haldir shook his head slowly, grabbing Lisse by the arm and bringing her around the heifer with him. " 'Pon my word, my friend, I know naught what is amiss!" Slowly he swiveled his head and glared at Lisse.

Lisse looked at her Grandfather, recovering from the shock of seeing him, and knowing she had to think fast or much was going to unravel very quickly.

She donned her most angelic smile and came round to her Grandfather's side. " 'Tis a pleasure to see you, Grandfather. Pray, what brings you here?" Coiling her arm round the old elf's forearm, she tugged him away from Haldir's side.

Haldir stared at Lisse but said nothing.

But the old elf was having none of Lisse's honeyed words, "No, madam, do not trifle." Furiously, he worked Lisse's fingers from his arm, "I would know of when this arrangement took place." His furious green eyes settled on Lisse's face and then jumped to glare at Haldir.

All Haldir could do was stare in astonishment at the old elf and then at Lisse. A light was beginning to dawn in his mind. Surely, not even Lisse would be as mad as to....he looked at her once more. His instincts told him battle was close by. He sighed and noticed Lisse turned to him, her eyes imploring help. But he resolutely shook his head and crossed his arms. This was her catastrophe to handle. He would have none of it. His face was set and implacable.

Seeing his reaction, Lisse's heart fell and she felt a cold fury toward Haldir.

Stepping around the pair, Haldir bowed courteously and said solemnly, "Please excuse me, my friend. I have goats to tend."

Haldir glanced once at Lisse who shot him a furious look and then turned on his heel. Once outside, he asked a young elf to bring Eadendir some wine. He suspected the old elf would be in need of some sustenance before Lisse was through with him.

Heading toward the fruit orchards, he soon lost himself in the long rows of aromatic vines and shrubs, wishing to place as much distance as he could between himself and Lisse that night.

He needed to sort out what he had heard and what he suspected and then decide what his feelings were. Tonight he would sleep under the stars. He had much contemplating to do.

Sometime later, while Haldir pondered on the astonishing revelation of the day, he heard the gentle voice once more, "Stay with her."

Closing his eyes he answered the voice silently. "How?" His chest heaved with a deep sigh.

"Stay with her." it came again, insistent, whispered on the soft evening breeze.

Haldir did not respond to the second call. It was no use, he knew. Always it insisted, always he rejected its message.

Opening his eyes once he was sure the presence had departed, he let his silver gaze meander among the stars. Hours uncounted passed and still his heart knew no peace.

~*~*~*~

Hours later Haldir still laid beneath the stars, between a row of strawberries and raspberries. Softly, he hummed an old lullaby, and he heard his name on the wind. Opening his eyes, he turned on his side, chewing on a piece of straw. He recognized the voice. It was Lisse.

Standing, Haldir looked around the orchard and soon caught sight of her golden head. Her hair was unbound, exactly as he preferred it. The night breeze toyed with it, and Haldir steeled himself from the effect she had on him. "Here," he called calmly.

Lisse turned and glared, thrashing around the bushes. Haldir chuckled. "For an elf, you certainly make a great deal of noise."

Crossing a row of strawberries to stand in front of Haldir, Lisse puckered her lips, "Never mind me. Why did you leave me alone in the barn?" Her voice was a soft hush. "Do you know how long it took me to calm Grandfather?"

Haldir arched an eyebrow, "I fail to see why your half-brained plots require my intercession." He crossed his arms and slightly spread his legs in anticipation of a heated argument. Lisse had not yet learned that this was Haldir's customary signal that he was standing his ground.

Lisse snorted, "Don't you dare speak to me in that fancy Lorien speech of yours." Her blue eyes flashed.

Haldir gave Lisse an astonished look, "Lorien speech?" he asked her, trying to keep the laughter out of his voice.

"You, Madam," Haldir suddenly said sternly, leaning into her face, "have set into motion a very dangerous game, have you not?" His eyes were serious, grave and with a twist in her heart Lisse realized here is where they differed in maturity and wisdom. He would never have done such a thing.

Lisse looked searchingly into Haldir's eyes but dropped her gaze in shame, "Yes, I did." she admitted to him.

Haldir uncrossed his arms and drew closer to Lisse, whose head was slightly bent. In a gentle voice, he asked, "What did you tell him?" He dreaded Lisse's response.

Lisse heaved a deep breath and turned partially away from Haldir. She knew he was not going to like what she had to say, but she would tell him the truth. All of it.

Facing him with a show of courage she barely felt, she answered, bravely meeting his stern gaze. "I told him we are partners in the running of the Hall, and that you share an equal ownership of it."

Haldir's reaction stunned Lisse, for he suddenly broke into a wide grin and she saw him relax. She felt a fury toward him, that he would take her admission so lightly. "Do you think it is a matter for laughter?" Her eyes hardened. "Grandfather is furious!"

Haldir sobered and stared at Lisse, still standing resolutely before her, not yielding an inch, "And that," he said with careful emphasis, "is your fault, my Lady." He paused and gave her a stern glare. "At least you were not so foolish as I had once believed."

Lissed started at that comment and crossed her arms, "What did you think I had told Grandfather?"

Haldir shook his head, " 'Tis not important. What is important is how you are going to handle the situation. You know he does not approve of my presence in your life, so why would you tell him such a tale?" He looked down at Lisse, his eyes kind.

Lisse sighed and shook her head, raising her eyes to look at him, " 'Tis an old wound between us, Haldir. I would prefer not to speak of it."

"Oh, but 'tis well to tell him such a lie? And further, to involve me in it?" He took the straw out of his mouth, flipped it away and sat on the ground.

"Here, sit beside me and perhaps we can make some sense of this madness of yours."

Lisse looked dubiously at Haldir.

"For the Valar's sake, Lisse Nyere, SIT DOWN!" he exclaimed suddenly, his patience finally wearing out.

Startled, for she had never before heard Haldir use such a commanding tone, Lisse obeyed and sat, making sure they were at least a foot apart.

"Now," began Haldir, leaning on his elbow. "Tell me what you told Eadendir." He studied Lisse carefully.

"Well, not much." Lisse began in a whisper. "He wrote at first to inquire if you were living at Guve, a thing I verified. Then his letters became more demanding, asking that I have you thrown out of Guve Hall." She looked down at Haldir when she spoke and noticed Haldir's face was impassive, his eyes on her face. Her breathing quickening, Lisse looked away. She still thought his eyes resembled living starlight. Taking a deep breath to clear her mind, Lisse continued.

"When I did not respond, " Lisse continued, placing her hands on her lap, "he wrote again, threatening to request an audience with Manwe to have you banned from Tol Eressea. He was furious with me," she explained, "and well you know your brother Orophin's visit this past summer further enraged him." Lisse felt Haldir's stare, and she knew she was blushing furiously, a thing she had never done until that day.

Haldir did not interrupt and Lisse went on, "I was so furious, that I wrote to Grandfather and told him we had agreed upon a partnership and that you had half a standing ownership of the property." She turned her blue eyes toward his face, worried at his silence.

"I know it was wrong. I knew it then. But I did not want him to interfere any more. He has never believed in my ability to do anything except follow his orders. I merely didn't want him to come and disrupt all that we had done, all we had accomplished." Lisse closed her eyes and asked the Valar to forgive her. Then she looked at Haldir and found he was watching her with a strange expression. "Forgive me, Haldir." She softly whispered, holding his gaze. "I will go and tell him 'tis a lie." She offered quietly.

At the words Haldir stirred and took one of Lisse's hands. "What is it that you really want, Lisse?" his voice was very soft.

Lisse frowned, "What I want?"

Haldir nodded, "Yes." His eyes suddenly softened and Lisse lowered her gaze.

Lisse did not understand. "I know you are happy here, even if you infuriate me sometimes. I, too, am pleased for your company." She raised her eyes and held his silver gaze. "Despite everything, we have always been friends. That has not changed, has it?" Her voice was low, her face anxious.

Lisse's eyes were soft and misty, and Haldir felt himself shudder from emotion. He smiled gently, "No, that has not changed," he answered, struggling to keep his voice neutral. "We shall always be friends, little one." He grinned warmly, not realizing he had used the old endearment.

But Lisse had not missed his words and clucked her tongue, "I am not little, Haldir." she began, "And I wish you would not call me that."

Haldir shook his head and arched an eyebrow in surprise. Had he called her that? He had not meant to. "Peace." he quickly said, "I shall not call you thusly again."

Lisse breathed deeply and studied Haldir. He seemed content to hold her hand and look into her face. Feeling self-conscious, she added, "What shall we do about Grandfather?" Her blue eyes clouded with worry. She felt Haldir's strong hand squeeze hers. Lisse dropped her gaze in shame. "He truly does not want you here."

Haldir considered the situation and Lisse's words. "Then, tell me. What do you want?"

She realized she had not answered the question he first asked and raised her eyes to his face. "You have become a part of this Hall," she began, her voice low and her face pensive. "You have done so much for the farm that I think this is as much yours as mine. I want to be able to follow my path without interference from him or anyone."

Haldir chuckled, "Well, that is the priviledge of our elders, Lisse. They will always feel the right to make suggestions, although when one is young one believes they are interfering. I do not think your Grandfather means to interfere as much as you accuse him."

Lisse shook her head, "You do not know Grandfather, Haldir. You do not know what he is capable of when something or someone stands in his way." Her eyes met and held his.

Suddenly, it struck Haldir. He realized what troubled the old elf so.

"Lisse," he began carefully, "if you wed, then what happens to Guve Hall?"

Lisse waved a small hand, "There is a clause in the deed. The land and the Hall are Grandfather's to mind until I wed. At that moment, the deeds and titles pass to me and if I so wish it, to share with my husband." Her eyes clouded in confusion. "Why do you ask?"

Haldir looked at Lisse and smiled. If she did not see the obvious, he was not so sure he should be the one to point it out. Shaking his head, Haldir gave Lisse a small smile, "If it resolves a difficult situation for you, I will pretend to be your business partner." Something warned him he would come to regret this step.

Lisse considered his offer. It was what she had hoped he would say. His agreement to the ruse relieved her, but she knew Haldir came with conditions, so she asked him cautiously, "I am grateful, Haldir, but I have come to know that you are an elf who does not yield easily. If we agree to play the part, what must I forfeit?"

Haldir arched his eyebrows. He looked Lisse over. The chit had definitely grown. No more was she the shy and impetuous maid who waited for him by the shore. She had turned out differently and he rather liked this new Lisse. She was far more of a challenge. And she understood him far better than he realized. Laughing, Haldir thought for a moment, raising his eyes to the stars.

He lowered his gaze to Lisse's eyes. "There is nothing for you to forfeit."

Lisse stared at Haldir, disbelieving his words. "Nothing?"

Haldir chuckled, "Nothing."

Lisse gave Haldir a suspicious look. "I do not believe you. You have always placed a price or condition on everything."

Haldir arched a fine eyebrow. "This is a matter of honor, Lisse Nyere. There is no price or condition. There is no forfeit." His tone was final and Lisse understood this. Yet, she still had a nagging feeling.

Lisse gave Haldir a sharp look. "It is late and I am tired." She said, changing the topic abruptly, "Will you come back to the Hall?"

Haldir chuckled but did not answer. Instead, he accepted her hand and came to a stand.

Together, they headed toward the Hall.

~*~*~*~*~

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Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work.
Painting is taken from John William Waterhouse's "Miranda", 1875.

Graphics copyrighted Cari Buziak