The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 22: Book 4 - From the Mists
by Sienna Dawn

The Avathar...

A world wrapped in haze and shadow. Moist breezes swept the coiled mist apart, forcing its way among the dense fog. Stillness and quiet had reigned in this land, where ages before Nienna had wept tears of cleansing sorrow after the filfth of Ungoliant's passing.

From within the moving mists of brown and grey figures moved. Silhouettes no more substantial than shadow danced inside the moving fog, soundlessly repeating an endless pattern of movement. They undulated gently, moving to and fro, listening to the chords of a song none but they could hear.

But a short distance away lay the sea. Gently and patiently it lapped the shores of this land called the Avathar. No sky was seen, no light pierced the mists only the soft rushing sounds of the ocean upon the beach.

Deeper inside the land, far from shore, where the silent dancing figures had not yet walked, there grew a sapling. Tended and watered by the Vala, Yavanna, Giver of Fruits, it grew strong and hale. From its trunk and leaves came a gentle silver glow, with yet a promise of even a greater light to come in its maturity. This was Cala-tintallë, the Light Kindler, born from the seed of its sire and planted by the hand of Haldir, the Star Herald.

Slowly, the light of Cala-tintallë began to dispel the mists and soon the shadow-forms were clearly visible in the swirling fog.

They were elves, the seed of an unknown Quendi kindred, but whose coming had long been awaited by all the Valar and only Manwë and Mandos truly understood who they were and where they came from.

Time passed swiftly in the Avathar. Cala-tintallë grew rapidly and ripened into the fullness of its potential, casting a great light over the land of its birth, bringing illumination to the unuhuine-quendi.

Soon after, the fog and mists recoiled as the light from the great tree killed the shadow. Then, one day the mists were no more and for the first time the stars of Aman shone down upon the forgotten lands of the Avathar. In the passing of time, which counted only a few days to the rest of Aman, a new song was heard upon the shores of the Avathar. Discordant at first, the song grew in strength, clarity and melody until it was a thing of beauty to Manwë and Varda. To the stars they sang, these elves, called the unuhuine-quendi. But the Valar had not yet made their presence known to them, for fear the unuhuine-quendi would not remember who they once were. And so it was that they were hidden from the eyes of the rest of the elves of Aman.

~*~*~*~

Far beyond the western walls of Aman, where the verdant plains of Valinor lay, the fleet steeds of two lone Guild Rangers galloped. Urged by their riders, their golden manes flew in the wind. They were headed for the great and joyful city of Valmar, the City of Bells. The mission of the Rangers was one of utmost importance for they carried concealed within their breasts a message from Nienna, the great Vala also called She Who Weeps. Onward they rode, past twin city gates made of finest mithril, where the mound of Ezellohar was still evident.

Once inside the city, where tall spires made of mithril and gold glinted in the early morning light, the Rangers headed for a single storied building set alongside the outer perimeters of Valmar. Here was housed the sentinels of Manwë: Guild Rangers who served the Valar in all things and maintained an ever-constant dialogue between the Quendi and the Lords of the West. It was from Valmar that all contact from the Valar to the elves were issued. And it was to Valmar that Nienna sent her own contacts with news of great import.

Some would say that it was sheer coincidence which drove Nienna to choose Orophin as one of her personal Rangers, but others would have gainsaid it. The personal deeds and histories of each one of the Quendi was not lost upon the Valar, and the three Lorien brothers had they long watched. And so it came to be that on this fine morning Orophin, accompanied by his Ranger companion, approached the Guildhouse of Valmar.

Dismounting fluidly, Orophin handed care of his steed to the silent horsemaster that came to meet both Rangers. Far in the distance Orophin could hear the gentle tolling of the bells of the Valar. He was able to judge from their tonality that his arrival had already been announced. He knew, from past experience, that soon would the Valar converge upon the Taniquetil. Because Nienna seldom left her own Halls, he had been summoned to her and then dispatched to Valmar.

Turning to his companion, Orophin spoke. "Await me here." The other elf nodded.

Once inside the small building, Orophin approached a lone elf, who came to greet Orophin. The house itself was simple, decorated with only a few neccessities and no more. It had been fashioned only to serve as a meeting place between the elves and the Valar and no other purpose. Just now, the elf who greeted Orophin smiled and stretched out his forearm in greeting. Orophin grasped the arm and gave a bow. This was an ancient elf, one who had witnessed the Kin-slaying and who now served only under the Valar. He was called Tëanor. Long black hair draped down his back and in his silver eyes danced the light of the Valar.

Tëanor smiled. "Welcome, Herald of Nienna. What news bears thee hence?" His voice was rich and lilting, like the sound of gentle bells.

"News from She Who Weeps, my lord," began Orophin, "the Avathar has stirred into life."

Tëanor nodded patiently and motioned for Orophin to sit. "This we know."

Orophin shook his head, "There is more from Nienna. She has felt the presence of a seeing stone."

At this Tëanor frowned. "No more do they exist save the stone set upon Alqualonde." His brow was furrowed in thought. Orophin waited. A moment passed and he could see the great elf had come to a decision. Tëanor gazed deeply into Orophin's eyes. "You must return to Tol Eressea."

The suddenness of this pronouncement startled Orophin. "Tol Eressea, my lord?"

Tëanor nodded, "You must leave at once for the Sky Herald will have need of thee. News of your journey will be sent to the Guild Command in Alqualonde. You need not fear the wrath of your superiors for they shall be told this is a doom of the Valar. "

Orophin already knew that his brother served Varda, as he now himself served Nienna. But why return to Eressea when his own command was here? He had the wisdom to not reply and merely nodded.

And so it came to pass that Orophin o Lorien made for the lonely isle called Tol Eressea.

~*~*~*~

After the night she spent with Haldir, Lisse avoided the tall elf. His revelation of who he was and whom he served frightened her. She knew she loved him, but his call to serve Varda lay between them like a mighty stone and try as she would Lisse could not bring herself to put it behind her. Now, more than ever Lisse recalled Niel's words, that Haldir was unattainable. Now, Lisse knew, she had trodden foolishly, for in giving herself to Haldir, they had bonded and by all the laws of the Quendi were now married, husband to wife. This thought made Lisse shudder and in shame she had avoided Haldir completely. Because her need was great, Lisse had eventually succumbed to her confusion and sent for Niel.

For his part, Lisse's rejection pained Haldir, but he still had the counsel of Varda, who soothed him and bade him wait for something Haldir had no foreknowledge of. Yet, he trusted the mighty Vala and waited...

And so in this manner, days passed into weeks and soon it was time for Haldir's Guildsman to come for his monthly catch.

Haldir had worked silently in the days that preceded the visit, stopping occassionally to chat with elves from the Hall with whom he had established an easy friendship.

Since the gutting and preserving of fish was a messy affair, Haldir always carried the work outdoors, preferably a good league from the Hall. With him continued to toil the two elves Lisse provided each month.

It was on a grey and dreary morning when the rains had come early, that Haldir's keen eyes caught the familiar shape of his Guildsman. With him travelled another elf, smaller but stockier. Training his keen eyes on the figure, Haldir grinned in recognition and strode out to meet both elves.

Upon nearing them, Haldir called, "Hail, well met travellers from Tirion!"

The Guildsman returned the greeting but his companion did not.

Haldir stared into the face of his old friend and grinned. "Korthin!" He extended his forearm in the formal greeting.

Korthin grasped Haldir arm and smiled, " 'Tis been far too long, Haldir o Lorien."

Both friends smiled at one another, a silent greeting passing between them.

Turning to the Guildsman, Haldir said, "Did he talk your ear off?"

The Guildsman laughed good-naturedly, tempted to answer in the affirmative, but heeding his own advice and grinned a non-committal grunt instead.

This drew a laugh from Haldir, who lead the way back to Guve Hall, "That must be a yes."

Korthin laughed in good will. "I must do something to while away the hours, Haldir, lest I fade from boredom!"

Haldir grinned, knowing from personal experience what it was like to be under the thumb of Korthin's endless prattle but said nothing.

Later that day, the fish was weighed and Haldir was paid. The Guildsman took his leave, and with his goods, made his way back to the ancient paths where the Guild Runners would take the fish and transport it back to the city for further processing.

Haldir was left with Korthin, who now sat before a small fire and stared into its flames. Haldir had decided to sleep under the stars that night, much preferring to keep Korthin away from the Hall. He knew fully well that Korthin had a purpose to his visit. Guild Captains did not make social calls.

Patiently, Haldir braided some straw and waited for his friend to speak. Haldir heard Korthin shift and he raised his eyes to the figure seated across the fire. He saw that Korthin was staring at him most intently.

Haldir frowned, "What is amiss?"

Korthin's eyebrows furrowed, "Mellon nin, you seem to have friends in high places." Korthin began.

Haldir was more perplexed than before. "I do not think I understand your meaning, my friend."

Korthin simply stared at Haldir before replying.

"Are you not curious about the reason I am here?" Korthin asked instead.

Haldir shrugged, "You can tell me or not."

Frowning, Korthin said, "All of the licenses to trap silma fish have been revoked."

At the news, Haldir face darkened, "All of them?"

"Aye," Korthin nodded, "All, except yours."

Haldir's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Indeed." His voice faded in the silent evening.

"Indeed." Repeated Korthin. "And how would that be?"

Haldir shook his head, "I know not, Korthin."

But the other elf was not entirely convinced. "Something follows in your wake, Haldir. It always has. And one day I am going to find out what that is."

But Haldir calmly continued braiding the straw until he had made a sturdy garland and this he wrapped around his wrist.

Korthin shifted to one side, throwing a stone into the fire. "Haldir," he began and saw the other's eyes raise to his face. "What business have you in the Avathar?" He kept his voice neutral, but his expression broke no argument or denial.

At this Haldir took a deep breath. Here it was at last. Silently he questioned but received no reply, so he plunged ahead. "I have the business of the Valar." His voice was steady and his gaze calm.

Korthin's face did not betray the surprise he felt. A slow realization was beginning to dawn in his mind. Suddenly he saw this elf in a new light and for the first time since coming to Guve Hall, he analyzed Haldir.

He seemed different, Korthin realized. Ethereal, near transparent, as if he was a part of two worlds and living at once in both. He had heard this was often a grace visited upon the Quendi released from Mandos Halls to return once more to their previous lives. Korthin's quick eyes narrowed. What had indeed happened to Haldir during the twenty years he had spent in the wilds of Tol Eressea?

"Sentry reports come to me say you have the ear of Varda and have visited the Avathar." Korthin watched Haldir carefully.

Haldir smiled. "Then you do not need to ask me further." His grey eyes flickered like starlight.

Korthin frowned. "Then you do not gainsay it?"

Haldir shook his head. "I do not."

Abruptly Korthin understood and he realized he sat before the presence of one who had changed, who was no longer he whom of old Korthin had called friend. "I had no idea." Korthin said quietly. "I owe you my allegiance, and you have it gladly."

Haldir studied Korthin for a moment. "I am the same, my friend. Nothing has changed."

But Korthin was not so certain yet instead chose to say nothing, still shaken by the realization he was in the presence of one who served the Valar. How he knew this instinctively he did not know. Perhaps it was the light that flickered in Haldir's eyes, or the aura of power that settled over him like a living mantle of energy. Or it may have been the radiant light softly glowing about his head, as if a circlet of a thousand stars sparkled upon his brow. Whatever it was, it left Korthin humbled and awed.

~*~*~*~

Soon after, Korthin's words were proven true. All trapping licenses for the delicacy called silma had been revoked. All save Haldir's. This proved advantageous for him as now he had many more buyers than he had fish to sell, but that did not worry him for there was always more than enough.

To compensate, Haldir had doubled the number of traps and his trips to the ocean now took place twice a month. Thus, there were weeks that Haldir did not come to Guve and instead sent word his Guildsman was to meet him at the foot of the seas.

Lisse had taken these changes in stride, but she found that she began to miss Haldir more each day.

Lisse grew more disconcerted at her own behavior and Haldir grew increasingly frustrated, unable to display the physical side of his love for Lisse.

And so here things sat at a stalemate, until fate gave them each a very hard and unexpected shove.

~*~*~*~

A shadow grew in the House of the Elms and Niel was now certain of it. Countless times in the past year she had chanced to enter a lonely chamber only to be met with the overpowering sensation of a presence within. One that she could neither see or hear. At first she had ignored it, convincing herself it was naught but her own imaginings, borne of her loneliness and pining for Orophin. Though she had had word from him, his note had not promised a visit for another year. Still, her mind and spirit registered that within the House of the Elms not all was as should be.
It was on an early evening, when night and day collide to give birth to soft twilight that Niel finally learned that a presence had indeed invaded the House.

An early supper was served and she had retired to her bedchamber soon after. Niel planned on departing the House soon after dawn. Word from Lisse had arrived and judging from its tone, Niel realized her niece was in some sort of trouble. She had given Eadendir only the barest of essentials and had found him strangely disinterested. And so, in order to avoid her father altogether, she had gone to her chamber early after supper. She reclined in her bed, looking out of her open balcony doors, watching the starlight flicker in the evening sky. Abruptly she heard a soft sigh. She sat and listened. From outside she could hear the gentle breeze as it caressed the elms beyond her window. The distant sound of the ocean came on the night wind. The chirp of nightingales broke the night but there was no more. Again Niel reclined upon the bed, her thoughts fixed upon a blonde Guild Lieutenant who had stolen her heart. In moments her mind stilled and she slept.

It was dark about her, coiling mists of grey and brown. She walked a few steps and then paused, not certain as to the direction she should follow. She tried to see beyond the mists but they were too thick. She waited for a moment and then heard her name, softly whispered. "Niel..." Niel swiveled her head around. It was no use. Nothing could penetrate the fog. "Niel.." it came again, soft and hushed.

Unafraid, Niel answered the voice. "Show yourself!"

"I am afraid, Niel..." came the soft voice. "I am afraid...."

She turned abruptly and opened her eyes. A dream, she realized. 'Twas nothing more than a dream. Niel turned her eyes toward the balcony. Starlight filtered into the darkened room throwing a frosty light upon all it touched. But what did it mean, she asked herself? She drew the covers to her chin and slipped further beneath them, thinking and trying to place the voice. Was it Min's? And if so, Niel thought, why would she dream of her long-dead sister now? Why now? Not once in all the centuries after Min's death had her sister come to her in dreams. Why now?

~*~*~*~*~

He studied the images inside the stone, allowing the swirls and fog to clear. The Gwahaedir had been in his family for generations and it was his to command. Just now, he peered at it, watching with interest the slow moving figures that sat alongside the shore and sang to the stars. Who they were he was not certain of, but his gaze fixed upon one whose figure reminded him of someone long since lost to him. Eadendir watched solemnly, willing the Gwahaedir to show him more, to focus upon the one who most incurred his interest. Suddenly, the image inside the stone turned and Eadendir gasped, nearly dropping the ancient seeing stone.

Green eyes narrowed, searching, as if aware of being observed. Eadendir cried out, "Min!" And then he turned away, rejecting the image. It could not be! She was dead near on six hundred years! He turned back to the stone and saw that is had grown cold, once more an object of pink marble and mithril slivers, no more did it show him images. He pondered upon what he had seen as he set the stone back inside its container. Long did he stay closeted inside his great library, attempting to sort out what he had seen and what it may mean.

On the same day Eadendir used the Gwahaedir, Niel departed the House of the Elms, headed for Guve Hall. It took her two days at a steady march to reach the towered Hall and it was near sunset when she and her little company passed beneath the arched entrance to Lisse's lands. She arrived with little fanfare and was met by an anxious Lisse.

"Hail, Niel," Lisse said and smiled as she watched her aunt dismount the white steed she rode. Niel rounded about the horse and came to Lisse. Looking into her niece's eyes, Niel stopped and breathed, "Is this what I see then true?"

Lisse nodded and took her aunt's arm, leading her into the house. Turning, her eyes wide with surprise, Niel asked, "Where is Haldir?"

Lisse looked once at Niel and then turned her gaze away, for the shame she felt was too strong, "He is with his traps." Lisse's voice was sad.

Niel pressed her lips into a fine line but did not reply. Indeed, she did not know where to begin!

By dawn of the next day, Niel had learned as much as Lisse could tell her concerning the situation between herself and Haldir. Niel had not minced her words and had chastised her niece. "Both of you were foolish, indeed!" Niel exclaimed. "Do you not think, Lisse Nyere?" Niel asked, little pity in her voice.

Lisse nodded, realizing she fully deserved Niel's wrath. "Nay, aunt!" Lisse replied, "I did not." She lowered her eyes. "I feel foolish now, though I love Haldir, 'twas I who am at fault."

Niel shook her head, "Nay, both of you are at fault, for he is older of the two and should have known better!" Niel stood and walked to a wide window. Beyond it lay the tranquil sea. She thought she detected an object moving in the distance, high upon the horizon, but she gave it little thought.

"Your grandfather shall certainly hear of this."

Lisse looked at her aunt and frowned, "What happens between Haldir and myself 'tis of no consequence to others!"

Niel arched an eyebrow. "Know you not he has spies everywhere? Do you truly think he knows naught of what transpires in this house?"

Lisse stood then and came to stand beside her aunt. "Eadendir would do well to leave Haldir in peace."

Niel thought for a moment and then took Lisse's hands in her own. "I agree, but certainly you do not think that Father will turn Guve Hall to you and your husband, now? Especially since things between you and Haldir are strained."

Lisse nodded, "Aye, I know. But this estrangement is of my own making." She looked meaningfully at Niel and saw the other understood.

"And so he serves Varda, niece!" Niel exclaimed in exasperation. "What of it? 'Tis an honor."

Lisse puckered her lips, "Would you be as accepting?"

Niel thought for a moment, "True, life to a herald of Varda would not be easy, for he is at her whim and call, but Varda, as are all the Valar, is not unjust. Niece, you do him a great wrong!"

Lisse knew her aunt spoke the truth, but her heart still bade her to tread with care. "I am afraid, Niel." Lisse whispered.

Recognizing the words, Niel felt her heart grow cold from the sudden chill that passed through her spirit.

~*~*~*~*~

Haldir returned to Guve Hall later in the day and soon learned that Niel was visiting. He passed silently to his own chamber, taking no supper. Hours after the stars had filtered past the clouds, a light tapping came upon his chamber. He called out, "Come" and turned his silver gaze to the door. He saw a slender hand reach around and at once knew who it was.

Lisse stood just inside the chamber and left the door open behind her. "I've come to ask if you need anything." Her voice was calm but her eyes betrayed the turmoil of her spirit and it was not lost upon Haldir.

He stood out of respect and shook his head. "Nay, I am tired and desire no other comfort than my bed."

Lisse nodded, uncertain of what to say next, so she turned to depart, but then stayed her movement and turned back to Haldir. She saw he watched her with longing. "Niel has arrived." She said the words simply.

Haldir walked to a nearby table and lit a brass lamp. "Aye, Gilnorion told me of it." He lowered the bright flame to a low glow and turned to look at Lisse. He saw she had crossed her arms. Haldir sighed. "I've no wish to argue, Lisse Nyere." His voice was tired.

But Lisse had not come to argue, but to make peace. Yet she saw him display a fatigue she had not ever seen before and this baffled her. Without thought she came to him. "What is amiss?" She put a hand to his arm. Though she knew he was tired, she suddenly felt a great wave of longing pass from him and into her. She knew this was a side effect of their bonding. Now, would they always feel what the other felt, know what the other desired, longed for, despaired of. Lisse was no so certain she was ready to share this much of herself with anyone and this fear formed a large part of her hesitation.

Haldir looked candidly into Lisse's eyes. "I've much to tell you, meleth, but my heart counsels me to wait."

Lisse frowned. "Is this the way it shall always be with us?"

Haldir truly did not know. "I sincerely hope not, though in truth I do not understand your fear." He spoke simply and saw his words had hit the mark, for Lisse's face nearly crumpled in sorrow and shame. But he saw her instantly recover.

"Nay, Haldir," Lisse began, "chastise me not for much of it have I borne from Niel!" Yet, Lisse came to stand next to Haldir and suddenly hugged him to her. "I know not how to give you the love you desire." She whispered.

At once Haldir's arms came round her and he held her to him, as if she were a sacred object. "'Tis of no concern, meleth." He held her at arms length and looked into her eyes. "Love me, is all I ask. My love you already have, this you must realize." His voice was kind, gentle, without rancor or remonstrations.

But Lisse still hesitated. "I've done much thinking these past days and perhaps we should not have done as we did." She looked into his eyes and saw the sudden pain there. She did not wish to hurt him, but she was confused, so confused! Why was this happening to her? She had always loved Haldir. Why should giving herself to him now cause her so much anxiety and doubt? And what of her doubt? Did she doubt him or did she doubt herself? With a small sob, she rose on tiptoe and planted a light and unexpected kiss on Haldir's lips. He said nothing, but instead watched her turn and leave the chamber.

Later, that same night, Lisse sat upon her bed, thinking. Haldir was right, she thought. The situation between them could not go on as it was indefinitely. Rising, she went to her door and hesitated. She needed to speak to him immediately, not put things off any longer. Determined, Lisse slipped past the closed chamberdoors until at last she came to Haldir's. She knocked but heard no reply. Knocking again and still hearing no reply, she made to turn but then thought the better of it and placed her hand on the latch. Easily it gave way and she opened the door and peered around it. Within the soft glow of the lamp's golden flame, she could see Haldir lying atop the bed. He was still, asleep. His breathing was regular, deep and slow. Cautiosly, Lisse entered the room and closed the door behind her. Noiselessly, she approached the bed.

Lisse looked upon Haldir and her heart gave a lurch. She loved him. It was as simple as that. She loved him and he had not deserted her. Though her behavior and her rejection pained him deeply, he had not deserted her. She needed to hang on to this fact and remind herself that ellon like Haldir did not give their allegiance lightly. She had his. Was that not sufficient? What more did she want?

Stepping closer, Lisse reached out and caressed a golden tendril of his hair. Suddenly, he whispered, "I am dreaming."

Lisse smiled tenderly and leaned closer, "Yes, sleep..." she whispered against his lips.

Abruptly, Lisse felt arms of steel wrap themselves around her and draw her to his body. "Then, let me sleep." His voice was but a whisper, his breath moist and hot upon her lips.

But Lisse could not resist Haldir and she pressed her mouth upon his, slightly opening them.

At once Haldir responded, opening his mouth, licking her tongue. As the kiss deepened, Haldir lifted Lisse toward the bed, her body lying alongside his own.

His eyes then opened and Lisse saw he watched her with a languid expression. "Then no simple dream is this." He bent down and took her mouth.

She kissed him avidly, letting her hands roam about his chest, hearing a groan deep in his chest and she realized the fire of passion was beginning to lick at them. Haldir turned her on her back, opening his eyes as he broke the kiss. "Do you know what you are asking for?" His voice was a whisper.

Lisse's response was to bring his mouth down to hers once more.

That night Haldir loved Lisse, taking his time to bring her to ecstacy, driving into her with long and deep thrusts, allowing himself to let her take him into her mouth and suckle him. She drained him of strength, and he relished in her warmth, her desire, knowing that there was no other for him save her.

Close to dawn and they still made love, slowly, luxuriously, Haldir taking Lisse many times, showing her how to please him and she in turn gave Haldir her body and soul, realizing finally that their bond had not been a mistake. She arched her back just now as a furious orgasm shook her to the core, and Haldir yet continued his deep thrusts, his own pleasure not yet sated. In a moment, Lisse was again ready, her sheath beginning to contract around Haldir's penis and together they rode another wave of passion, their moans of pleasure echoing in the still chamber.

Outside, dawn finally came and with it the promise of a new life together.

~*~*~*~

Key:

Mellon nin - My friend

Unuhuine-quendi - Under-shadow elves

Avathar - the southern land of Aman

Ungoliant - spider-like creature, bred in the Avathar and who poisoned the great trees of Valinor.

Ezellohar - the mound, outside the city of Valmar, where the great trees grew.

Kinslaying - The first slaying of an elf by another elf, when the followers of Feanor (the maker of the Silmarils) attacked the Teleri in Alqualonde, rebelled against the Valar and led a great portion of the elves into Middle Earth in pursuit of Melkor and the Silmarils.

Gwahaedir - the seeing stone used by Eadendir's kin. My own invention.

~*~*~*~

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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