In the Eye of the Beholder

Chapter 1 – A Voice in the Dark

Haldir blinked – once, twice – thinking about the last thing that had happened to him. Yes, orcs, he recalled. The pack of orcs that came upon him and his wardens were too many. He wondered if his wardens were able to flee to safety, wondered if his brothers had survived. Were there many of them who fell, he couldn't tell, for darkness claimed him. Yes, he knew, but remembered very little.

A sudden shuffling noise caught his attention and he quickly became aware of his surroundings. He found no trace of acquaintance in that place.

Where am I? He thought, as his eyes roamed about the very unfamiliar chamber. The room, if it could be called as such, had but one candle flickering in the distance. Counting to ten, he sat up on the bed and sighed before…

"Lie still. You are not well yet," a gentle voice called out to him. It did not take him long to realize that the speaker was a woman, though how her voice came to be quite gruff for a woman, he could not tell. He remained seated.

Maybe she isn't an elf at all. A human, perhaps? Haldir thought as he looked for the presence of the woman in the dimly lit room. He soon realized the room was dank, and it smelled, well, different. It smelled foul.

"This isn't an elven dwelling at all!" He exclaimed.

"Yes, nor is it a human home, I suppose you don't mind what little comfort my home can give. My kind is not the type who fancies much decoration and flair" the coarse, female voice answered. "I told you to lie still, didn't I?"

"Who are you? Show your face!" Haldir got off the bed and stood in defiance. He squinted and employed his excellent elven vision to be able to catch a glimpse of the being who saved him. But it was in vain. Even a shadow, he could not see.

"I need not show myself to you. Help can be provided by someone unseen. Now if you'd just go back to bed, please. I won't harm you. If I had intended to, you'd be dead by now, March Warden," the voice said firmly, and with conviction.

Haldir's face softened, he then moved back into the bed. Somehow he seemed to find peace and calm in that hoarse, but gentle voice. And strangely enough, he found out he liked it, so he tried to carry on with the conversation. "You saved me. I am forever in debt to you. Still, I would want to see the face of the one who I owe so much to."

"Nay, Captain, but I would rather remain a voice."

"Is there something you wouldn't want me to see?" Haldir questioned. He felt silly, though, for he could infer that the woman did not want to be seen. It could be that she may think herself not physically attractive, Haldir mused.

The voice remained silent. He heard more shuffling movements from the voice. She seemed to be gathering something… Aah, weapons, Haldir thought. She is a warrior, then.

"Can't I even have your name?" Haldir insisted. He finally sensed where she was in the room, and walked towards her. Before he could get any closer, a blow came upon his face. It came close to making him unconscious, but the force was controlled enough to just send him flying back to the bed.

"I told you to stay put. I am sorry, but I have to keep my distance."

"Your name, lady," Haldir beseeched.

The voice sighed. Haldir smiled to himself in triumph; it seemed that the voice had finally given up. Maybe I may win some other battles with her when I am well enough, his playful mind running again.

"You may call me Skaian."

"Mae govannen, Skaian. I noticed you carry weapons. I wonder where mine are."

"You definitely have no need for that in my cave. You are safe here, so stay. I'm leaving to hunt for food. You haven't eaten in two days. I will be back soon. Mae govannen, Haldir o Lorien." Skaian's voice seemed to fade in the distance as she who is unseen turned back and strode out of the cave.

"By the way, how did you come to know who I am?" Haldir blurted out. He wanted to ask her that question since she addressed him as March warden.

"You've taken many lives of my kin, you are well-known to us - a notorious and skilled warrior," came her reply, and Skaian tried hurriedly to make her way out.

"Wait, one more thing." Haldir called out to her and she halted her steps for the second time. "I would like to know how you came upon me and my wardens during the raid. The orcs were too many to fight against…"

Skaian took a deep breath, then her voice spoke that which Haldir himself could not fathom, much more believe. "I was among those who raided your little hunting pack. The orcs are my kinfolk. But be not afraid of me, I will not hurt you. Trust me. No one will dare enter my cave. So give yourself rest."

Haldir could not believe a single word she had just said. Skaian, whose husky voice made him feel safe. Well, at least until I find out what she really is.

Haldir resolved that she would not remain unseen for much longer.