The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 24: Book 4 - Of Shadow and Pity
by Sienna Dawn

It was on the second day after Orophin's arrival in Guve Hall when Haldir and Lisse finally emerged from their self-imposed isolation. By then the couple had discussed much, although there were still unresolved issues which plagued Lisse greatly.

By now, the entire household had learned of the bonding between Haldir and Lisse and no one expressed much surprise. Yet, as in the manner of things, soon were Eadendir's spies busily engaged in sending word of the situation to the old elf.

It was early morning and Orophin waited impatiently for his brother. Bright morning sunlight shone down from a cloudless sky and the sound of the ocean mixed with the cries of the gulls. Orophin headed for the stables, having received word that Haldir would meet him there.

Orophin's quick eyes caught sight of a sliver of grey and green and realized that Haldir had just crossed the courtyard. He quickened his pace. It was then he realized Haldir was not alone for Lisse also walked alongside of him. Orophin saw them stop and turn to each other. His elven sight allowed him to see the expressions upon their faces and he halted. He did not wish to intrude upon their private discussion. Yet Orophin could see from Haldir's rigid posture that not all was well between the couple.

As Orophin watched discreetly, lounging against a moss-covered wall, his own thoughts turned to Niel and he looked away. He had already bid goodbye to her, avoiding the delicately poised questions she had. He was reluctant to dicuss his own situation and judged the time was not right. He also realized that by his silence he was risking Niel's wrath and indifference. It was a weakness he carried, his sentiments toward Niel, and he now realized the extreme difficulty in which Haldir had placed himself. Orophin was not so certain he was willing to walk the same path as his brother. He served Nienna out of his own choice but that duty, he now knew, demanded many personal sacrifices. Was it just and reasonable to expect another to walk the same path? Suddenly, raised voices sounded in the courtyard and Orophin looked up. Lisse's face was hidden from him as she turned away, but the tone of her voice was sad. Turning again she walked rapidly away from Haldir.

Orophin straightened and saw Haldir look after his wife's retreating form and then himself turn toward the row of buildings which Orophin knew housed the horses.

"Hail, brother!" Orophin called out and saw Haldir turn at once.

A happy smile brightened Haldir's face and he turned back, walking with outstretched hand toward his younger brother. "Hail and well met, brother!" Haldir exclaimed just as he reached Orophin and pulled him into a tight hug.

Somewhat surprised, for the Haldir that Orophin remembered did not display such open emotion, Orophin returned the embrace and then stepped back. "I've come with news," he began excitedly, walking alongside Haldir as they headed toward the stables, "though some of it you may already know." Orophin looked at his older brother carefully. Something about Haldir was not the same.

Haldir gave Orophin a swift look. "Aye, I know of it." Abruptly he stopped and Orophin silently faced Haldir. "It has been many years since we last spent time in the company of the other," Haldir began but he saw Orophin's raised hand and fell silent.

"There is no need for explanations, Haldir. I well know of your desire for solitude. Our sundering has not been of our making, for the most part and naught can change the fact we are brothers. Rumil and I are different, but we both understand." He gave Haldir a smile. "Come, brother, let us talk as we make ready."

Haldir said nothing and followed his younger brother into the stables where several horses were ready for tacking. Haldir greeted his own steed, patting the beast with affection. He spoke without turning. "Have you news of Rumil?"

"Aye," replied Orophin, approaching his steed, a brown and black stallion. "He has somehow arranged for a permanent outpost in Alqualondë."

Haldir nodded, "And this is what he truly desires?"

Orophin laughed and turned to Haldir. "No doubt. He fancies a black-haired elleth whose family has long dwelled in that fair city."

Haldir turned and gave Orophin a knowing smile but said nothing. Silence followed as each prepared their mounts. In moments they were ready to depart. Orophin spoke first. "Bid you no goodbye to your wife?" His bright eyes turned and studied Haldir.

Haldir shook his head and guided the animal slowly. "Nay, our goodbyes have been said." His response was curt and Orophin well knew to pursue that line of questioning no further.

Still, Orophin shook his head. His face was set in a worried frown. "I do not think it wise to ride to the House of the Elms, Haldir." His blue gaze turned hard.

They were now beginning to ride away from the courtyard and toward the arched gates of Guve Hall. Many elves who labored in the groves saw their passing but none acknowledged them. Haldir's steed had taken the lead and now Orophin urged his own mount to cover the short distance and he rode alongside his older brother. Haldir spoke without looking at Orophin, his eyes instead covering the vast rows of orchards, groves and forests laid out beside them left and right. "We go at the bidding of Varda." He then turned and gave Orophin a grim look. "For a palantir is said to be found there."

Orophin's surprise was great. Though he knew that Nienna had discovered the presence of a palantir, he had no idea that Haldir would know of its existance, nor where to find it. And so, his response showed his surprise. "Nay!" He saw Haldir give him a swift look. "It cannot be! Surely you must be mistaken!" Shock and surprise darkened his fair face.

But Haldir shook his head. "Nay, there is no mistake. A seeing stone was given to the house of Northromin Unthel and has remained within their possession ever since." He looked at Orophin and saw the surprise and disbelief written plainly upon his brother's face. "Believe it, brother." Haldir said softly, "for in truth I suspect that much of what is to come and has already passed is at the hands of that thing."

Orophin breathed a deep sigh but said no more.

Letting their steeds break into an easy trot, Haldir spoke. "While I knew you had come to Guve Hall, I was not given the reason for your coming." His silver gaze turned toward Orophin and he waited for a response.

"As you serve Varda," Orophin replied, "a thing you did not see fit to tell me," he added somewhat disgruntled, "I serve Nienna." He gave Haldir a meaningful stare and to his astonishment saw Haldir laugh.

"It would seem, little brother," Haldir said somewhat arrogantly, "that we both have secrets." His smile was infectious though Orophin disliked being reminded of the disparity in their ages. Yet, he thought with a sigh, 'twas Haldir's way and he did not wish to argue with his brother.

They spoke no more, riding silently, unaware that a malevolent eye was turned against them, willing a shadow to pursue in their wake.

~*~*~*~*~

By sunset of the third day, Haldir and Orophin had the House of the Elms within sight. They stopped for a short rest and took advantage of the time to discuss the situation. Haldir counseled for a direct confrontation with the old elf, while Orophin desired to simply make discreet inquiries and report back to the Valar. Neither herald had received input from the Vala each served though they were both very aware of the desire of the Lords of the West. Simply stated, the brothers knew their one overriding goal was to seize the palantir away from Eadendir.

Haldir explained to Orophin the manner in which he had learned of the palantir's existance. "I knew of it from Min, who one day confessed to using its magic to keep watch over me." His voice was soft as he recalled the events of that day. He had been concerned over Min's use of the seeing-stone, but she had assured him the Gwahaedir was safe to wield. Yet, he had never trusted the things, knowing from past experience they could just as easily be put into the service of evil. He had never given the palantir much thought until Varda's warning was softly whispered into his mind. Now he realized the full extent of the danger and he turned his bright silver gaze onto Orophin's worried countenance.

"Much now fits into place, Orophin, though I cannot say for what purpose." Haldir's face was pensive and he crossed his arms as he rested comfortably upon a woolen blanket he had placed upon the sandy marsh.

Orophin looked at his older brother and thought for a moment, formulating his question carefully, "Did Min wield the stone more than once, Haldir?" His voice was soft.

"I know not." came Haldir's response, his own voice hushed with concern, "She admitted to its use only once, but I wonder." His voice trailed away and he turned to look toward the direction of the House of the Elms.

Orophin followed Haldir's gaze but did not reply.

Finally, as the stars rose in the eastern horizon, Orophin said, "Let us go into the House and let the Valar guide us in what is to be done."

And so they moved toward the silent House. No light came from it and it stood, dark and still, a black silhouette blocking the sparkling light of the stars. It seemed to the brothers as if it knew they approached and was lying in wait. A sense of doom soon assailed them, as if the stench of death permeated the air and they halted their steeds. Quietly, two pair of elven eyes studied the house. A soft breeze rustled the top of the elms. Everything about them, from treetop to blade of grass, was bathed in the soft silver sheen of starlight. It was a moonless night and the long shadows of the tall elms loomed before and behind them. Nothing moved, save the soft swoosh-swoosh of the tallest of the elms. The horses, sensing something they could not see, snorted abruptly and tossed their heads.

Suddenly, moving as one, the brothers drew their concealed knives. Their faces were alert and grim, their eyes rapidly canvassing the area. Hundreds of years spent in the forests of Lorien, watching with stealth, keeping the borders safe, had taught them how to find even the most adeptly hidden foe. And so they used their keen senses now, to detect, to discover what lay hidden before them.

"Do you feel it?" Hissed Orophin. His eyes darted to a small patch of elanor. He frowned and narrowed his gaze.

"Aye," Haldir replied. "I can smell it, too."

Orophin sniffed the air. He could detect no scent, but he also knew Haldir's senses were by far the keenest.

The horses balked and would go no further and so the two elves were forced to dismount. Once free of their riders, both steeds trotted quickly away.

Orphin frowned, "Even they know something is afoot." His voice was a quiet whisper which did not carry nor betray their presence. Haldir did not reply, but he quickly positioned himself before his brother knowing Orophin covered the rear. In moments the sounds of soft hoof-fall was but a memory as the steeds faded into the shadows of the night.

Then into the soft starlit night came the keening sound of weeping and the elves froze.

*~*~*~*~*

"Wedded only three days and already he leaves," Lisse thought grumpily and she slammed closed the large ledger. Try as she would, she could not concentrate on the ledger's accounts. She was in the great library of Guve Hall, where Lisse often worked alone, pouring over the Hall's ledgers, checking to make sure everything was running smoothly. A soft click at the door came and Lisse turned toward it. Niel quietly entered the room, failing to see her niece.

"Greetings, aunt." Lisse called out, turning fully in her chair.

Momentarily surprised, Niel followed the direction of the voice and saw that her niece sat in a large chair before an even larger ornately carved desk. She smiled, "I've come for a book of Noldorin poetry I last saw here."

Lisse frowned and silently watched as her aunt approached a small bookcase where many tomes had been neatly arranged by subject. Niel delicately fingered each one, searching for the right book. Lisse watched Niel in rapt attention. Since when had her aunt displayed an interest in prose? Almost unconsciously Lisse smiled as the answer came to her. Orophin, of course. She remembered the younger Ranger often quoted passages of favorite poems.

When Niel found the book she sought, she turned to give Niel an almost embarrased smile and then sat in the large wood and silver divan that was the room's centerpiece. Of a great antiquity, it was an ornate piece of furniture, and had been amongst Min's dowry when she married.

Lisse watched Niel open the book and after a moment's silence, Lisse sighed and rose. It seemed to her that her aunt desired no conversation on this night. Lisse walked to one of the large windows that overlooked the Shadowy Sea and there stood for a moment, lost in thought. It was several hours after sunset and already the bright stars of Tol Eressa sparkled above the tranquil ocean. Lisse did not have to strain her hearing to catch the soft rush of the waves as they kissed the beaches below her window.

Tiring of the silence, Lisse finally turned and observed Niel. The older elf was quietly reading but that did not deter Lisse. She needed to speak, to break out of the solitude that engulfed her.

"Aunt," Lisse began. Niel raised her head and looked at her niece. "I would speak with you."

Niel put the book upon her lap. "What of?"

"Do you not think it wrong for Haldir to depart so soon after our bonding? It has been only three days!" Lisse exclaimed and crossed her arms, her anxiety finally spilling forth.

Niel shrugged and once more picked up the book, turning a page. "You well knew what he was 'ere you bedded him, Lisse." She spoke without looking up.

Lisse eyed her aunt and sighed, leaving the window and walking to the wide couch. Gracefully, she sat down and crossed her arms. "I know." She admitted, her voice soft.

Niel looked up from her reading and saw the sadness in her niece's eyes. She closed the book and placed it on the table before them. "Then why do you so complain now? It is too late for regret." Her voice was kind, but Niel was growing weary of Lisse's lack of trust in Haldir. That he was an honorable elf was not in doubt. Though Niel did not fully comprehend why he had so distanced himself from family and friends, she knew that he did not do so out of sheer malice. She trusted that Haldir's intentions were always pure. So why could Lisse not believe as she did? Sighing, Niel reached out for Lisse's hand and gave it a motherly pat.

"Worry not, he will return."

Lisse looked over and smiled. "I am not worried for I know he will return." Her eyes stared at a point beyond Niel's head. "It is Grandfather I fear."

Niel released Lisse's hand and clucked her tongue. "Bah, your grandfather growls more than he bites, Lisse." She reached for the book. "You give him more credit than he deserves. You are like your mother." Niel added, not noticing Lisse's sharp look. "She too feared him. Without consequence."

It was Lisse who now clucked her tongue and Niel looked at her niece and saw the disbelief plainly written upon Lisse's face. "You do not fear him, aunt?"

Niel smiled, "Nay, I do not."

But Lisse gave Niel a doubtful look. "Know you why my husband and his brother ride to the House of the Elms?" Lisse asked abruptly. She saw Niel shake her head. "They ride to take the Gwahaedir!"

Niel frowned and put the book in her lap. "The Gwahaedir? But why?"

"Because the Valar believe Grandfather has wielded the stone."

Niel did not believe this and her voice betrayed her doubt. "The stone is merely a plaything for children and games, and has no power beyond that. It was given to our family as a token of friendship between our house and the house of Fëanor."

Lisse's eyes calmly challenged Niel. "Nay, it is more than that, aunt." She gave Niel a curious look and then asked quietly, "Have you ever wielded the stone?"

Niel shook her head, "Never, why?"

Lisse gave Niel a grim look. "I have. It is a powerful thing, aunt. I did not understand how then, I do now."

Niel frowned at the words but said nothing, not understanding the implications of Lisse's revelation.

~*~*~*~*~

Far from the safety and comfort of Guve Hall, Haldir and Orophin crouched, wielding their deadly Noldorin knives, listening to the sound of ghostly weeping. It was a softly wretched cry, one that reminded of lost love and broken dreams. It seemed to come from everywhere and the elves could not pinpoint a source.

Stealthily they approached the dark house that loomed before them, conscious of an ever-growing sense of death and despair. Neither spoke, for words were not necessary. Out of habit, they had fallen back to the formation of old. Haldir in the lead, while Orophin took his position at the rear. Carefully they eyed the area, knowing that they were not alone. But what was it that wept with such gut-wrenching grief and despair?

Haldir turned to Orophin and gave a silent signal. Orophin nodded once and they broken into a quick sprint, covering the distance between themselves and the House in a matter of minutes. Their passing was silent, and their footfalls made no sound upon the sandy marshland.

The weeping had not ceased and it drew the brothers steadily onward, as if a great magnet pulled them forth. Whether it was curiosity or a desire to help whatever poured out such grief they knew not. Still they drew forward until they had reached the northern side of the house. Dark and silent it sat, no sound heard from it. Still the weeping assailed them, the sadness and longing of it bringing memories of age-old grief upon the elves' hearts.

Orophin turned to Haldir, his eyes luminous in the gloom. "It is a thing to be pitied, Haldir, for it brings back many lonely memories."

Haldir pressed his lips into a fine line, nodding but not replying. He too felt the tug of grief at the edges of his heart.

Quickly, they rounded the corner of the house, hugging the stone walls until they reached a small door. Haldir knew this was a rear entrance which led from the outside to the lower rooms, where all foods, wines and other things were stored. The weeping and keening had not ceased, though it had dimmed to a soft near-like whimper of sadness. Occassionally the elves would hear a soft sigh come upon the wind. Though elves feared no ghostly spectre, the sound of whatever this thing was, was beginning to disconcert them.

Orophin spoke in a hushed whisper, "No one seems to be about."

Haldir was not certain. "I doubt Eadendir would leave his House unattended." He turned to look past them, beyond Orophin's crouched form. Behind them loomed the giant shadows of the elms. "What has befallen upon the elves that serve and attend this House?" His eyes adjusted and he fixed his brother with a hard stare, before turning back and standing a little away from the sides of the house so that he could look up. He saw nothing amiss or out of the ordinary. "'Tis an uncommon thing to see this House dark and deserted." The soft weeping continued without ceasing.

At that very moment, when Haldir turned his gaze away from the House, a dark shadow separated itself from the opposite side and glided silently toward the elves. Quickly it rolled upon itself, a thing of despair and grief. It was from this shadow that the weeping came and in a swift move it covered the elves.

Haldir had a sudden impression of death, despair and then he was suffocating, gasping for air, desperately trying to work himself free of the shadow-thing that pounced upon them. He raised his hands in a striking move, realizing that the thing had no corporeal form. He turned quickly, the sound of weeping and crying growing in volume and intensity, worried for his brother.

Orophin watched in stupified amazement as the dark shape moved to settle over Haldir. It was a thing made of shadow and light, of nuances of grey and black, without ending or beginning. He saw his brother gasp and stumble to his knees, his arms flailing above his head, in movements Orophin knew were designed to cut any attacker to shreds. Yet Haldir's assailant had no physical form and so Haldir's knives made no impact and he fought defenselessly.

Orophin thought quickly and he called in his heart to the Vala whom he served, showing her with his mind the thing which was attacking his brother.

Inside the shadow creature, Haldir struggled to breathe, his own thoughts jumbled with the grief and depair the creature brought. He had dropped the knives and was on his knees, his lungs deprived of air, feeling his own life force dimming. Death was near, he could feel it, almost touch it. He felt absurdly peaceful and he saw past the shadow that Orophin called out to him, moving about him, seeming to search for a weakness in the shadow creature. But Haldir knew the creature had no weakness, at least none against which a weapon could be used. He felt such utter grief and hopelessness shatter inside his soul that he fell upon the marshland, bracing his fall with his hands, grief and sadness enveloping his soul, until all that mattered to him was the sweet release of this spiritual agony. He wanted his spirit to fly to Mandos, where it could know peace, far away from this sadness.

Orophin realized that Haldir was close to death. He knew not how this could be, yet the Vala he served had shown him in a moment that his brother lay in combat with a creature of light and dark, a creature not born from love and desire but from hate and despair. He felt a sudden rage at whomever had fashioned this thing and he eyes turned to the house. The sound of weeping and keening had grown now and Orophin knew it came from the shadow-thing that was slowly draining Haldir's life.

Orophin stepped back and looked at the silent House of the Elms. In a thunderous voice he called out, "Eadendir o Tirion!" His voice carried in the silent night. "Show yourself, come forth!"

The keening abruptly ceased and Orophin looked at his brother, who was now prone, still and silent, upon the marsh.

Orohin called again. "It is the wrath of the Valar you risk, Eadendir! Come forth!"

Silence greeted Orophin's command. Then, as swiftly as it had come, the shadow creature retreated, moving away from Haldir's prone body and Orophin ran to his brother's side, turning him over.

Haldir lay still, his eyes closed, his breathing slow and labored. Orophin placed one hand over his brother's heart and willed healing into Haldir's spirit. At once a soft glow settled about the elves, the healing light of the Valar soothing and healing. In a moment the soft glow dimmned and once more darkness and shadow loomed before them. With concerned eyes Orophin waited, watching his brother carefully. After long minutes Haldir's eyes fluttered open and he looked at Orophin.

"Do not speak, Haldir." Orophin commanded.

Haldir closed his eyes, letting the healing touch of the Valar heal him, soothe him. He had felt such grief and pain, such utter despair and loss. Could his soul ever forget what it had touched?

In a moment strength returned to Haldir and he sat up. Orophin still knelt by his side and supported him by placing a hand on his brother's back. Haldir breathed in deeply, conscious of a burning pain in his lungs. He had come close to death, he knew. His silver eyes turned to Orophin. "I will be well in a moment."

Orophin frowned. "Haldir," he began but was immediately cut off by the sound of a thunderous clap, as if the sky was being rent. Instantly, Orophin drew his knives and kneeled before his brother, protecting Haldir with his body.

As the elves waited and looked about them, a great light came from behind the House of the Elms, illuminating everything in its wake, having no source, but perhaps from the earth itself. Slowly, a silver beam of light covered the House and inched toward the elves. Orophin and Haldir looked, the light bright but not blinding their eyes. A moving shape began to take form within the light. Instantly, the elves knew who stood before them and Orophin lowered his head, while Haldir attempted to stand.

"Rest, Star Herald," Varda's voice came from the light. She had not fully materialized though Orophin and Haldir both realized they were in the presence of Elbereth herself. "Look to the east for there is the answer to the riddles that plague." Her voice spoke into their minds and her bright gaze turned toward the silent and dark House of the Elms. "Leave this place at once, for death looms over it without cease or relief. This is the will of the Valar. Come no more to this place."

In a moment the light suddenly disappeared, as if a great wind had snuffed it out. Orophin turned to Haldir, who was now standing, somewhat unsteadily. "Come, Haldir," Orophin said quietly, "let us leave this place." Slowly they turned away as Orophin and Haldir obeyed the command of Varda and left the House of the Elms forever.

~*~*~*~*~

Many leagues away another watched the unfolding events with malice and hatred.

Eadendir had taken refuge in a small cave east of the Shadowy Sea, where he often came to store the hidden trove of treasure he had pilfered over the years. Here he had brought many of the items that Odomir had bestowed upon Min at the time of their betrothal. All about him were reminders of his own manouverings. Coffers full of rich tapestries, mithril chalices and candleholders, were scattered about. Small exquisitely carved tables made of the finest gold and fashioned, it had been said, by Fëanor himself, were carelessly strewn about. Chairs, less ornately decorated, but sill unfathomnly ancient, were placed at random. These were items that Eadendir had been collecting over the many years before and after Min's death, once he had realized Odomir was nothing more than a feeble-minded fool.

Just now Eadendir sat upon a narrow stone bench, gazing intently into the Gwahaedir. He smiled and murmured to himself, "It is as I thought." He lowered the stone and let his eyes roam about the cave. How could he rid himself of Haldir? Now his meddlesome brother had come to lay claim to the stone itself. Eadendir smiled and looked upon the stone once more. Moving shapes were still visible and he spoke to the palantir softly.

In a moment a new form took shape and no more did the stone show him the House of the Elms and the two elves who were leaving the House behind them. Instead a dark cloud swirled inside the palantir and Eadendir frowned. "Do as I say!" He hissed at it.

The swirling mists inside the stone coalesced into a dark shape and inside his head Eadendir heard its moaning. "Be still!" He hissed at the shape. "Do as I command or never shall you be free!" In his voice there was threat and malice and with utter satisfaction he saw the shape detach itself from the sides of the House of the Elms and begin to move once again toward the unsuspecting elves.

Earlier Eadendir had watched the shadow creature attack Haldir and at least once he laughed aloud, in his heart glad. "Long have I waited for this moment," he had thought. "Had I but known that dim-witted Odomir could have been so easily manipulated..."

His thoughts had abruptly ceased then and he had watched with growing consternation a bright light come into the palantir. Into his mind had come a great voice. He had recoiled at the power of the voice, nearly dropping the Gwahaedir. But the moment passed and he was able to look into the stone again. Eadendir saw with frustration that Haldir had survived the attack and that the elves were still moving away from the House of the Elms. He willed the creature back and he watched it, consumed with interest, peering into the palantir, hearing the moaning despair of the creature's supplications to be set free.

Now, Eadendir smiled and broke contact with the stone. "Not yet," he said softly, looking about him. "I still have need of you."

~*~*~*~*~

Key:

Elbereth - another name for Varda

~*~*~*~*~

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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