Chapter Six: Mîl Thurin
~ This time all I want is you
There is no one else who can take your take your place
This time you burned me with your eyes
You see past all the lies
You take it all away ~
The large dining hall was silent as the occupants sat each brooding in their own thoughts. At the head of the table side by side, sat the lord and lady. Of all present, they had the most to brood about. To their right sat Celebrian who said not a word to the twins that sat beside her. First there was Elladan, then Elrohir, and both knew it wise that they said nothing. On their left was an empty chair, and beside that chair sat a weary Glorfindel with Mithrandir at his side. A heavy shadow hung over the room and the twins were afraid to even touch their silverware to the glass plates for fear of shattering the thinly laid peace.
It was finally Mithrandir that spoke up as his eyes traveled over to the still empty chair. "Has Ithil not returned from the borders yet Lord Celeborn?"
"Nay… We expect her soon though." The elven lord sighed as he turned most of his thoughts to his eldest daughter and scowled. "I'm sure she is asking around the ranks if any are willing to accompany her to Greenwood."
"I don't know if this is a wise choice." Galadriel added softly hoping to delay the scolding of the twins that looked like they were going to die at any moment. "I don't think that King Thranduil will think highly of the aid we offer."
"May I be as so bold to ask what the cause is?" All eyes turned then to the blonde eldar that hadn't spoke a word since he'd finally entered Caras Galadon with Haldir guiding his horse with him on it.
"It seems some of the spawn of Ungoliant have passed into their realm as well as the straggling orc hordes. They are in grave need of support to make sure that none of these evils take root. It will be a grievous day indeed should Greenwood's beauty be tainted by the remaining shadow of Sauron." The gray pilgrim sighed softly at this as he sat back in his chair momentarily ignoring his food.
"I agree." Turning then to the lord and lady, a serious expression crossed the eldar's face. "I would like to accompany your daughter. Will you allow this?"
Celeborn arched a light colored brow slightly at the offer before a smile touched his lips. "I would appreciate your help, but will only accept if both Elrond and Ithil agree. I'm sure Ithil won't mind your company."
The blonde nodded in return then looked back at his plate purposely avoiding the silver gray eyes of the youngest twin. It was obvious that both of the sons of Elrond wished to go, but equally obvious that they wouldn't be allowed. Glorfindel didn't wish to argue with them over the matter, and he certainly didn't want to talk about what he'd learned not too long ago with the youngest twin. Not yet at least for he was not ready. It was Celebrian that spoke up this time and spoke in a soft loving voice. "How are Arwen and Elrond? I surely miss them and this unexpected visit, ignoring the circumstance, is very appreciated."
"They are well my lady, and miss you very much. Many a heart will be glad to have you return." The golden elf smiled at his lady before looking toward the main door as it opened. All eyes lifted at once to see Ithil walk in slowly dressed in a simple gown of silver blue that elegantly reflected the candle light that flickered among them. At her approach to the table, many smiles greeted her as Celeborn, Glorfindel, Gandalf and the twins rose from their seats.
Returning the smile, the lady of the moonlight then slowly took her seat so that they could all resume their meal. "Forgive me for being late." Nodding her apology to her parents, she then looked to the twins with an arched brow. "I did not know of your arrival." Looking to Glorfindel at her side, she smiled at him gently before enquiring. "Have they been trouble to you hîr nin? Must I speak with them? It is not often that you and the twins journey to Lorien without reason."
Once again the room was dipped into utter silence confusing the silver haired elf. Looking about with light blue eyes, she then furrowed her brow as she began to perceive an idea in her head. Glorfindel let out a soft sigh before looking at her with a gentle gaze of shadowed sapphire. It was plain to her that he didn't want to talk about it then and that she wouldn't be happy. "The twins were eager to visit Lorien and left without permission. I had to come after them."
Ithil frowned deeply at the words of her friend and nephews' tutor. Turning that frown on the twins that moment, she eyed them a long time before sighing and shaking her head. "You rode out alone…" Both nodded slowly in unison looking near tears for seeing their beloved aunt so distressed. "This is a disappointment… Were you not thinking clearly? What possible reason could lead you to find it a good idea to journey out alone? Even I wouldn't be so foolish…"
Instantly Elrohir dropped his eyes to the table and closed them tightly. It was obvious that he was on the verge of tears. He hadn't thought of what Ithil would say about his actions and now that he was presented with her words, they cut him deep. "I'm so sorry Aunt Ithil."
At his pain filled words, the eldest daughter of Galadriel softened her gaze and felt an instant pang of guilt. "Sweet Elrohir… Please look at me. You as well Elladan…" When she had both shivering gazes of silver, she then smiled softly as her gentle tone met their ears. "I say these things because I love you. Not because I wish to hurt you. You would grieve me to Mandos should either of you get hurt or killed. Yes… what you did disappoints me, but don't think you are as a whole, a disappointment. You made a mistake, and all of us do, but I want you to learn from it. You must have had the protection of the Valar to make it all the way here with no event, for that I am thankful. But still, I can not and will not condone your actions." Pausing a long moment, she knew they were both fighting the urge to look away from her. Taking a deep breath, she then let it out slowly before smiling again a bit more brightly. "I shall not be so easy on you next time you pull such a stunt." Both finally breathed for the first time since she had begun to speak with them, but still she could tell their hearts were heavy. Ithil hadn't the heart to let them look so sad, she never wanted to see that in her beloved nephews. "Tolo… Cheer up. I love you both and wish to see your lovely smiles again."
Elladan was the first to beam at her, and shortly after Elrohir smiled as well. It was easy for her to tell them apart, and few had that talent outside of the immediate family. Glorfindel for one had the art simply mastered. "I couldn't have put it better myself muinthel nin. Hannon lle…" Celebrian beamed at her elder sister before turning the same smile to her sons. "We love you two, and wish only to care for you. Learn from us while you can…"
All present smiled at this except Ithil. Something about her sister's words proved disturbing but she knew not why. Shaking it off, she then easily joined in the conversation and the mirth that normally accompanied the dining halls of Caras Galadon was restored. No more was spoken that night of the twin's rash behavior or the upcoming journey to Greenwood.
~*~
Glorfindel had told her everything, from when he and Elrond walked in on the twins to the long pursuit to Lorien. He'd left nothing out and little for Ithil to guess at. Why hadn't she seen his affection for her? Not that it would matter, for he was her nephew and as much as she loved him nothing would come of it. All along she'd known about his affection for Glorfindel, and she begrudge him not. It was easy to fall for the eldar from Gondolin. In truth she'd come close herself. What surprised her though, was the knowledge that she wasn't upset.
All her years, she had been sure that she would throw a fit over how no one was good enough for her beloved Elrohir. And in her eyes, only Glorfindel could be. Now all that was needed was the golden elf to admit that he cared in return. It wasn't like she wanted him to say he loved her nephew, just tell him that he cared for him. But she did not push the elf and merely smiled in understanding. She could very well see the pain in the sapphire pools as he told her he wasn't ready for any such relationship.
And she understood him and told him to take his time. The only thing she asked of him was to be gentle with Elrohir's feelings. She would trust him, and it was all she could do. Then he'd asked to come along to Greenwood, and her heart lifted slightly. The lady of the Lorien had been honored that he would even offer and gladly accepted. Now the present found her in her chambers quickly packing her things. The only two regrets she had was denying the twins and not telling Haldir of the task at hand… And something told her that she'd been wrong in that second judgment.
Pausing to stare at the pack on her bed, she then sank down beside it idly pulling at the ice blue material of her gown. She never felt comfortable in dresses, but for her parents she tried to once in a while make an effort to be a lady. Why did her heart feel so heavy for not telling Haldir? Was it because of what Mithrandir had said? No… She'd always been fond of the elf with starlight kissed hair even though he continuously got on her nerves. He kept her grounded and helped her in making wise decisions when her emotions got in the way. Even though she hated his methods in doing so, she still felt the fondness grow on a daily basis. Sighing softly, she then felt a smile tug on her lips as she remembered the day she'd asked her father to appoint Haldir as second in command. He'd easily agreed, but then she'd adamantly told him that she didn't want him knowing it had been her request. Celeborn found the request odd, but had agreed to take the credit. Idly then she reached into her bag as her legs pulled up onto the mattress curling to the side as she smiled in her thoughts. She had been so childish.
In her dazed thoughts, she hadn't heard the knock at her door, or the sound of it opening. After a brief pause, the silver blonde stood before her holding his breath. Haldir had just found out from a sentry about the party heading for Greenwood and for some reason it had spurred a great flame of anger and hurt in his heart. Yet, for some strange reason, as he stood before the elven maiden, his anger disappeared. In awe he watched her dig carelessly through her pack not truly seeing, that which lay before her eyes. Her mind was far from them right at that moment, and it took all of his strength not to gape.
Haldir could not deny that she was the most beautiful elven lady he'd ever met. He'd known that the day she'd approached him and his brothers for the first time, but that was also why he hated being near her. If even for a moment he dropped his guard, he'd be in great peril. Peril of himself and the fear he held in his heart. Nay, that secret was his and his alone. Taking a deep breath he collected himself only to sigh as he watched her move a hand carelessly to straighten her gown so that it fully covered her bare feet. I've gone mad… Shaking his head harshly he then scowled and barked out his words angrily. "You weren't going to tell me."
Looking up with a gasp, Ithil's wild eyes met his and shivered at the coldness they harbored. It felt as though winter had gripped her heart relentlessly. "Haldir…"
"Why not?"
It was a simple question, and rightfully asked. Yet, it was the hurt in his voice that caused her not to regain herself and remain the wide-eyed maiden before him instead of the warrior most knew. "I thought it better for you to remain here…"
"I should have led them instead… You are needed here." Haldir hissed through his teeth as the anger returned to his voice ten fold. For some reason it hurt far more than he could ever understand.
"But…"
"I'm going."
"You're what?" Shock filled the daughter of Galadriel's eyes as she stared at him. His jaw was set with determination and she knew full well that she couldn't change his mind.
"I'm going and you can not stop me. Lord Celeborn will agree with me, and Elen is perfectly capable of leading the guardian's in our absence as you well know." His argument was sound, and he could tell that she could think of nothing to say against him. "When do we leave?"
"Just before the dawn…" Her voice betrayed the ache in her heart as something sparked in her eyes. "Why do you want to go Haldir? You don't even like the realm of Greenwood."
Frowning deeply, the anger slowly faded as he spoke his last words softly. "I have my reasons…" Did he? If he did he didn't even know what they were. Turning away from her then, he hadn't expected the simple movement to be such a chore.
"Haldir…" The silver blonde paused but said nothing as he waited for whatever she had to say. She didn't even know why she'd called to him and the fact that she had bothered her. "Never mind… I will see you in the morning."
"Very well hiril nin." Without looking back he marched from her room jaw set firm in his resolve. Still remaining on her bed, Ithil felt her heart begin to beat once more. What had just happened? Why hadn't she fought back? The men adored Haldir even if he was hard to get along with. He was needed there… Not following after her on a hopeless mission where they wouldn't even be welcomed. Normally he would argue to stay away from where ever Ithil was; now he wanted to accompany her? This both annoyed her and confused her all at once.
Sighing softly she felt the sudden urge to cry and quickly shook her head. Jumping to her feet she swiftly paced back and forth through the room trying desperately to sort out her racing thoughts. It was then that the words of Mithrandir hit her. Haldir hadn't wanted her to go, but knowing she wouldn't change her mind, he said he was going as well. Could it be that he wanted to make sure she was safe? Not just under minding her authority? It was a possibility but she felt it unlikely. Sighing softly she then shook her head again and collapsed into the chair by the fire. This was going to be a long trip.
~*~
As planned, the battalion of Lorien elves left Caras Galadon before the first rays of sunlight had shown into their sacred realm. At the head rode Ithil decked in her silver mithril armor that she had worn during the last alliance. Something troubled her as she looked on ahead and began to dread the task at hand. Things didn't seem right all of a sudden.
At her left side, Glorfindel sat upon his horse equally immersed in his thoughts. Finally he had gone to speak with Elrohir and the event as he had feared, was a difficult one to handle. The beautiful young Peredhil had begged for either Glorfindel to stay with him or allow him to go. It was both sweet and childish, but secretly the blonde had indulged in the adolescent romance. It made his heart feel younger and beat faster just as though he were no older than Elrohir. But after stating he'd go regardless and that Elrohir and Elladan would stay with their mother, he ran away as quickly as possible still not ready to address the REAL reason for them being in Lothlorien in the first place.
Sighing at this, he then tried to change his thoughts to other things and found his eyes coming to rest on the lithe form of Haldir on Ithil's right. The silver blonde sat tall and proud upon his steed looking as though the entire world couldn't bother him. But Glorfindel knew better, he'd lived enough centuries to read even the hardest of cases. Haldir was angry, confused, and worried, and the blonde eldar could only guess that Ithil was half of the cause. On the other hand, Ithil had told him that the second in command had TOLD her he was coming. He didn't ask, he told. It took a lot out of the ancient seneschal not to laugh right then and there at the mental image of Haldir telling Ithil of all elves, what to do.
All seemed far too quiet for any of the three, but they didn't want to consult one another either. Ithil looked like a scared rabbit every time Haldir addressed her and she said little in reply. Was this what Haldir had wanted? The starlight blonde sighed under his breath as he kept a stern face. He truly didn't know what had come over him. There had been so many things going through his mind at that moment. Now here he was riding off to a battle where neither side wanted their aid. Needed yes, but wanted not in the least. Haldir was sure they'd have a rather short and snappy visit with a quick dismissal of shame. And the thought made him angry. And yet even still he rode off to war on his own demand that he go… Why?
The elf fought himself not to visibly shake his head as his hands tightened on his reins. He had a taste for combat, and a taste for being on the edge, but he didn't go out of his way to find trouble. And to him this was exactly that. Going out to find trouble and boldly knock on its doors proclaiming their presence. With all of these negative thoughts, one would have thought he'd turn around that instant and head back to Lorien, but he didn't. There was something… no… someone holding him there. And it was against his will for that matter. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ithil look at him for a brief moment then look back ahead swiftly slightly ruffling her silver colored hair. Arching his brow slightly, he fought the urge to look at her. In a moment a thousand things went through his mind that he could say…
You're an idiot did you know that?
A woman shouldn't be marching off to war…
A female belongs at home waiting for the warriors to return.
Did you know you're making a complete fool of yourself?
Did you know that you're beautiful?
Now where the hell did that come from?
This time he couldn't fight off the urge to scowl betraying his emotions to his two companions. Had they both been watching him? Because as soon as he scowled they both looked up at him instantly gazes worried. Just what he needed, their pity. Mentally he rolled his eyes as the blonde eldar spoke first in a quiet tone. "Is something bothering you Haldir?"
First looking to Ithil he could tell she hadn't said anything on purpose. He was sure she was scared to death of him biting her head off again. "Yes and no… but it's not of concern."
Glorfindel arched a brow slowly in disbelief before nodding his head and turning back to watch where they were going. On the other hand, Ithil seemed to be having problems turning away. Easily he could see the battle in her eyes as she looked for the wisest path to choose concerning this matter. It unnerved him… a lot. Instantly his scowl turned to a glare automatically from years of habit. "Man? No hairon!" Looking away quickly, he suddenly felt guilty as he caught her gaze wilt then swiftly turn. He hadn't meant to be so cold… Didn't she understand that? No, and that was because he didn't want her to. Right?
The blonde seneschal scowled at his friend's reaction but said nothing. It was Haldir's battle not his, he only wished that the silver blonde would stop hurting his friend. Contrary to popular belief, Glorfindel knew that Ithil was a very delicate spirit that took everything to heart. Looking to her slowly, he idly laid his hand on her shoulder and smiled softly. "In time things will be clear I'm sure. Try not to take it personally." The female elf nodded slowly but didn't take her ice blue eyes off of the horizon. How long would it take to get to Greenwood? Too long…
~*~
The ringing of sword against sword sounded clearly about them like the crystal thrums of chapel bells. But no consolation did these bells or sounds have, for they curdled the blood and made one realize that their lives were on the line. Silver blue eyes quickly sped through the chaos of battle and noted all of her men. The urge to cry hit her with every wound or death that occurred. What had happened? Had the orcs somehow known they were coming? Shuddering, the lady of the moonlight didn't hesitate to thrust herself into battle. A silver blade sliced through the foreboding air and hit their marks each time as she made her way through the orchish horde. Black blood stained the blade of her elegant elven blade dimming in more and more with each blow she provided. This had been a bad idea…
In the midst of the onslaught, she heard an elven voice ring clear above the others as a mortal wound was given and he fell. "Nalmet vi i enedh o um… Into Mandos I now tread…" Ithil cringed at this and fought back the urge to cry back, but it was a hopeless battle.
"Anno mín bellas saes Illúvatar! Let not this be in vain!" The first part of her declaration rang clear and all heard, but the last declaration was whispered to herself as she sliced her blade horizontally cleaving off a goblin's head. Death… She found no joy in death.
"Give not up on hope hiril nin!" She knew well the voice of Glorfindel as it pierced her heart. Glancing in his direction, she saw him easily fight through his assailants but could gain no ground to her side. She was too far from the others and now her foes were closing in. Barely a scratch marred her pale perfect skin, but even so her strength was waning. They should never have come… What good did it serve to go into the slaughter blindly? "I can not get to her!"
The Sindarin cry rang out from the blonde and many elves turned to aid him, but to no avail. Had they known she was the leader? Sheathing her sword with the quickness of lightning, she then reached to her back and drew her twin knives and spun them out of habit in her strong hands. "Worry not for me! Your life before mine!" It was then she caught the widened pools of midnight that had some how made their way closest to her. Clenching her teeth, she then set him a hard look before yelling out her last order. "Haldir! Noro! Togo ti dan! Get out of here!" With those words, she glanced back at the woods behind her. They were dark and foreboding telling her to stay away, but she saw no other choice. Looking then back to Haldir, she saw something flicker in his eyes that made her heart stop a moment. It was fear. Spinning to back hand an orc at the base of his helmet she then yelled at him angrily. "I SAID LEAVE!"
The starlight blonde couldn't comprehend her words, and for some reason something in his head was screaming back at her that she was crazy. Did she think him so cold that he would abandon her? Shaking his head in defiance, he saw one last look of pleading in her eyes as she turned and ran swiftly into the woods. Drawing his bow on impulse, he cried out angrily and let fly an arrow into one of her foes' backs. With nimble ease he did it again and again until all but three were left to trail after her form. "ITHIL! TOLDAN! SAES!"
Haldir's words fell on deaf ears as Ithil sprinted like a deer through the darkened reaches of Greenwood. These were not the woods that she'd heard of in stories. Those had been beautiful and full of light and life. These were dark and dreary and the very air seemed to bite at her lungs. Sheathing her swords, she then pulled her bow and took a deep breath as she strung an arrow. Stopping quickly, she cinched the arrow and let the bow sing as one of the orcs following her hit the ground hard. But they were too fast and strength was failing, so it was left up to her melee skills alone. In a blur she took the orcs down and then fell to her knees. Breaths came in erratic heaves as she barely clung to her knives that slipped by the second from her fingers. What had Haldir said to her? Would he follow her orders? Unconsciousness then threatened to claim her as her lithe form swayed, but something caught her keen elven ears. It was a sharp cry of a child in fear. "Deri dan!"
Jumping to her feet mustering all she had left, the daughter of Galadriel ran on autopilot to the distressed cry. And to her horror, she nearly ran head on into a large web. Pearly strands of webbing hung in intricate patterns through the trees, and any that unwittingly ran into them would not have a chance. Skidding to a halt, she looked about wildly. "Where are you?" This must be the sign of the children of Ungoliant. These webs were far too big to be anything a normal spider could produce.
"Help me!" A sudden hope filled the child's voice as she then dived to the ground and rolled under the immense web. With grace she restored her footing and once again took off searching for the child desperately. What surprised her was that she didn't need to run far… Coming to a clearing, her eyes came to rest upon a small elfling with dark blonde hair standing in the midst of multiple shining eyes. For the shadows she could make out no shape, but her heart knew too well what they were. As she came into view, the elf child ran to her swiftly and as though knowing what to do, ducked in behind her tense form.
There was no time to talk, and she feared she could not handle this foe. Not alone… But maybe she could buy time for the child to get away. It was all she could do. Whispering softly then to him, her sharp eyes never left the compound eyes of what she believed were two different spiders. "Band nuvalye…" Tilting her head to the side she allowed a small smile to touch her lips as she continued. "Non ah lle." The blonde child with dark sapphire eyes nodded slowly as he stayed as close to the warrior maiden as possible. He seemed a bit surprised to see her to be a female, but she knew at this point he wasn't going to be picky about his savior. "Enni estel… will you?" Another nod answered her before she turned her full attention to the creatures before her. "Tolo! Edoned i dae! Enni thîr…"
A shrill chuckle met her ears and made her scowl inwardly. But it was the high-pitched voice that caused her blood to run cold. "Meddle some elves… Do not use your wicked silver tongue on us. We will not abide by it. You of the Quendi and your ways have no pardon from us. Use the common tongue and we may heed your demands." Another shrill laughed followed as they eyes moved over Ithil and the child.
Another voice then continued and nearly shrieked with laughter. "No love we bear for you Noldor scum… Nor do we hold love for that of the Moriquendi. But we hate you Noldor all the more for interrupting our delectable meal. But then, we should thank you for your add on to our appetizer. But a female? This is too rich… Did your troop of Noldor run into our orcs beyond the shadow? Did you enjoy watching your friends die? Was that why you ran? Like the cowardly Noldor female you are…"
Ithil grit her teeth as she slowly changed her speech to that of the common tongue sounding each word out like a blade sliding over the sharpening stone. "Maybe I would heed your words were you to show more courtesy to your dinner guests." Her silvery voice then took on an even sharper edge. "And your orcs did nothing but herd me to you. You should commend them for their efforts." Both foul creatures laughed at this before slowly making their way out into what little light there was. Their large bodies were gray and black covered in prickly hair. Large round eyes that were segmented taunted her as they took in her poised form. The sight of them alone caused her heart to race in fear.
"Just like an elf of Noldor decent to use such eloquent words. By your armor and features you are not of Greenwood…" The larger one commented a moment as it shifted it's eight jointed legs. "Unlike the little princeling you try to protect. It took a lot of effort to lure that one away, would you deny us our hard work, oh lady of fine manners."
Scowling at the mockery in that tone, she tried not to act surprised at this new bit of information. This little elf hiding behind her was a prince of Greenwood? That would explain the orcs guarding the spiders. They hadn't known at all about Lorien's approach, but they still unwittingly walked into the trap. It was her fault… How many lives were now on her head for her foolishness? "Do not make jibes of my manners, for I am just a lowly elf and certainly not of the high Noldor you speak of." It was a lie, but the last thing she needed was for her true identity to be known.
"You lie well lovely maiden, and so beautifully with that bird song voice. Will that same voice be just as beautiful when you scream?" The smaller chided happily as he moved impatiently. "But I have no manners I daresay! And will not wait any longer!" Jumping forward, horror flickered in Ithil's silver blue eyes as she watched the large body coming at her. But she had more to worry about than just her own life. Now she had to consider this princeling that wisely stayed silent at her side. Shoving him away from both of the spiders, she then braced a foot behind her and crossed her swords before her face. For her good fortune, the weight of the creature was light, and she was lucky that he was the smaller.
Large fangs dripped with acrid poison as they twitched above her twin knives aggravated that she had managed to guard against his attack. "Foul beast, get back!" Eyes of light blue shimmered in anger as she then dipped on her knee while uncrossing her blades allowing them to slice down from the mouth far down the center of his abdomen. His cry was hideous and stopped the larger spider in its tracks. Jumping back then from Ithil, it limped to the larger female and whimpered at her feet. Yet there was no pity in those scarlet eyes. Still on her knees, her chest heaved with each breath hissed through her clenched teeth. In slicing the creature, a black blood had poured from it's wounds and drowned her silvery form in its venomous ink. Crying out softly from the burning pain, she then looked to the blonde child and fought to smile at him. "Run back the way I came… Dive beneath the web… Get away from here."
Defiantly the child shook his head as he ran to her side. "No! You came to save me and I will not abandon you." So much nobility in one so small, he rightly reminded her of when she was little. Shaking her head at his determination, she then forced her self to her feet and clung to the now blood drenched blades. Taking the offensive, she then sprang forward and gave a fearsome cry as one blade pointed earthward and sliced straight into the dying arachnid's head as she swung her left arm quickly to slash at one of the female's eight legs.
The larger spider jumped back in surprise then growled as she looked to the wailing and dying form of the smaller male. Ithil angrily twisted the blade within the monster's head before turning her cold gaze to the other. "You fowl Noldor! How dare you kill my son! You will pay!" Ithil blinked at the shrill cry then felt her body being thrown full force into a large tree. It was then that her ears heard a loud crack and she knew that some of her ribs were now broken. But she didn't cry out, she would not give the evil dame her reward of hearing her in pain.
Swiftly she regained herself and sprung forward dancing with the nimble creatures while fighting the pain of broken bones and singed skin. Many a wound was inflicted to the mother, but it wasn't enough as she easily climbed into the trees above. Ithil didn't know what to do or where the monster would come from. Turning in place at the center of the clearing, she felt the blood pounding in her ears. Dying was no longer an option for the young elf refused to run. "Stay alert pen-tithen!" The blonde child nodded his head after breaking himself free of his trance. During the whole battle, his eyes had been fixed on the nimble maiden as she wielded her knives with skill that he'd never seen. None compared to her, and he wanted desperately to learn. But the thoughts were cut short as the large creature plummeted to the ground and pinned Ithil hard with her prickly legs. In the process, one knife had been forced from her hand and slid across the forest floor.
"You will be my best meal yet you disgusting elf!" The animal hissed as he dug her legs hard against the silver haired form's forearms and shoulders. Crying out in pain for the first time, Ithil knew she wouldn't last much longer. But it gave her condolence to know that the spider was hanging by a thread to her strength and life. They had both battled one another to near death. And now, she would receive the death of a true warrior. Meeting the scarlet gaze head on, neither heard the child move to the fallen blade. Shrieking laughter rang out as the monster suddenly thrust one leg completely through her right shoulder as it leaned closer. "I will make you suffer… SUFFER!" But as the dame moved to push through the other shoulder, the blond elfling leapt toward her in utter silence and stabbed the short blade deep into the creatures midsection. In a cry of agony, the spider leapt away and recoiled while glaring at the younger elf. "Curse all of you elves! May grief and pain follow you all of your immortal days!"
Ithil then made herself stand as the spider tried to run. Pulling back her arm holding the remaining blade, she then threw it with all that was left of her strength plunging it squarely into the back of the large head. As the arachnid twitched and slowly died, the ancient elf once more fell to her knees. The pain was too much. She couldn't even cry or make a sound, and she made no move to stop the blood from pouring out of her shoulder. Each breath came like it would be the last as she trembled with the effort. It took her a while to even notice the blonde child that now came to curl up before her trying to stay as close to her as possible. In his trembling hands he held her weapons and he tried desperately to rid them of the black blood without touching it. He was intelligent, and he'd saved both of their lives. "Hannon lle…" Nothing in her life had been harder to say, for never had she been in such pain.
Looking up at her with wide blue eyes, he smiled shyly, and then set the swords aside. Ripping his tunic, he used the fabric to wipe away the blood from her bare skin. This one was wise indeed. "I should thank you hiril nin…" The quiet voice finally proclaimed as he threw aside the befouled rag.
Nodding her head slowly, she then moved her eyes to look at her knives. "Take those… and get away from this place. Find help…" Once again she tried to send him away, knowing that there was no hope left for her. How could there be? The grief in her heart still held enough sway to keep her from healing, as she should.
"No. I won't take them and I won't leave you." Surely this one was defiant. Shaking her head at his stubbornness, she then cried out in pain as she wrapped her arms about him protectively.
"You're stubbornness both consoles me and angers me pen-neth." Sighing softly as her vision began to blur, Ithil then rested her chin on his golden head. "I will protect you…" But the gentle words were her last as she began to fade away from him. It was then that she heard a worried voice that rang through the trees and grew ever closer. But what was said, and who it was remained a mystery as she then slumped on the fair-haired Greenwood elf.
Looking up with wild eyes, the child didn't move from her tight embrace even as the silver blonde fell to his knees beside her. He could tell there was tears in the midnight eyes as he urgently shoved her hair from her face to tuck it behind her pointed ears. Bruises and cuts marred her once perfect face and it caused this new elf to suddenly choke. "Ithil…. You foolish female!" The elf didn't even look at the child as he then pulled her away from the young prince and gathered her limp form into his strong arms. "Foolish!" With that, he then swept to his feet and for the first time glanced down at the small child that now clung once more to Ithil's knives.
In that moment, the child saw both hate and pity in that gaze before words were finally spoken. "Carry them for me and stay close." The sharp tone left no room for argument as the Lorien elf then spun about and headed back in the direction he came. The web Ithil had come upon was now in tatters as Haldir had thrashed his way through it in a flurry of desperation. And yet, even still, he hadn't been in time. Looking down at the barely breathing form in his arms, he felt his heart twist in pain. Someone so beautiful didn't deserve this. What made it worse was the knowledge that her little stunt of foolishness had saved their men. Instead of running to her aid, they started to focus on themselves. Why had her putting her duty first angered him so? Shaking his head quickly he caught sight of the crest fallen child tailing behind him and whispered in a sigh. "A female you are… for running to the aid of a mere child. But I would expect nothing less of you… That's why the elves of Lorien love you…"
~*~
Chapter Six:
Mîl Thurin – Hidden Affection
Man? No hairon! – What? Leave me be!
Nalmet vi i enedh o um – We are in the middle of evil
Anno mín bellas saes Illúvatar – Give us strength please Illúvatar
Noro! Togo ti dan! – Run! Lead them back!
Toldan! Saes! – Come back! Please!
Deri dan! – Stay back!
Band nuvalye – Thou wilt be safe
Non ah lle – I am with you
Enni estel – Trust me
Tolo! Edoned i dae! Enni thîr… – Come! Out of the shadow! Face me…