Chapter Twelve: Retreat
Tathar gazed one last time at the home that was no longer a haven for him or his people. The Orcs had been pushed back once more and the elves had gathered what they could and set out toward Lothlórien. The Lórien elves were first, with Haldir guarding their front, Keliar guarding their rear. He was not so foolish to think they could not be followed , but hoped to have a short time to gain distance between him and the Orcs. He would not let Sauron win his battle to destroy the Laiquendi.
Tári glanced up at her father. They walked, the horses used to carry as many belongings as they had been able to gather quickly. He seemed closed, his expression weary.
"We are still Laiquendi, whether we live here or in Lórien," she said.
Lord Tathar gazed down at his youngest daughter. "Aye, we are, Mouse." He smiled briefly. "I assume you do not mind a longer visit to the land of the Galadhrim?" he asked in amusement, seeing her gaze settle on Haldir once more.
Tári glanced at her father quickly. "I think you know I do not."
Tathar chuckled. "Windred was quite upset with the guardian earlier. She felt he manhandled you very improperly."
Tári tried not to grin. "He was a bit domineering."
Tathar laughed. "Said with a smile, I see. You are not like Windred at all. She would die before she allowed a male to command her or dare take a hand to her. She cannot understand your acceptance of his behavior."
Tári frowned. "I think Windred has never had someone to care for her or to care about. She is alone."
Tathar did not answer, his expression was distant. "Nay, Tári, she had the chance for love. But a drow priestess cannot marry, or have a partner. She chose to remain alone."
Tári shuddered, unwilling to consider giving up her feelings for Haldir. "I could not do that."
Tathar stepped closer, taking her arm in his. "I thank the Valar that you could not. Do not listen to her when she tells you he will weaken you. I know otherwise, Tári. Haldir is pure of heart, his strength will only make yours stronger. I have foreseen this."
Tári gazed at her father curiously. "Haldir said he had your approval."
Tathar grinned. "I am aware of Haldir's comment to Windred. She did not take his tone or comment well, in fact she was furious. It took me an hour to calm her down and I almost had to tie her to a chair for she intended to come looking for you straight away. I have not spoken to Haldir regarding his intentions, but I gather you do not find fault with his actions."
Tári blushed, eyeing the amused grin on her father's face. "Nay, I find his actions quite stimulating, actually." She said softly, moving quickly further into the column of elves.
Haldir scanned the path ahead of him, his scouts further ahead. Two days they had traveled, and night was falling quickly. It would be dark this night, the moon had waned. He whistled, alerting his scouts that they would stop for the night, and turned back to the elves behind him. They would rest in the small clearing, the females and younger elves could not walk all night.
He sent out the elves who would keep watch, speaking quickly with Keliar on who to send. Rúmil and Orophin crossed to stand beside him.
"How fares your leg, Orophin?" Haldir asked, noting his brother limped slightly.
"Ah, the wound is healed, but the muscles remain tender. I am fine."
Rúmil sighed, "Ah, it is more that he has no maiden to comfort his aches, Haldir. He mopes around like a love sick cow."
Orophin glared at his younger brother. "As if you knew what a love sick cow looks like! I see no maidens lying at your feet, brother. Perhaps your legendary charm has gone sour!"
Haldir suppressed his laughter at his brothers' banter when both younger brothers turned to him.
"And you laugh, Haldir?" Rúmil asked, a long eyebrow rising. "Your glances at the wee sprite have grown overbold of late. And dare I say our room when we left was a bit untidy!"
Haldir lips twitched slightly, but he did not answer, Only raised the long brows.
Orophin smirked. "Oh, no comment, eh? They left me lying on the table, at the mercy of those dark elves! What horrors they could have put upon me!"
Haldir snorted. "You were unconscious, Orophin. Would you rather I carried you to your room?"
Orophin shrugged elegantly. "Ah, but that would have interfered with your pleasure, would it not?" He grinned when Haldir's chin rose higher. Orophin placed his hand over his heart in a salute, and bowed quickly. "March Warden." He disappeared into the trees in a moment.
Rúmil sighed, watching his brother leave. "I will tend a small fire, Haldir. Find your mouse. The drow stares at you as well. I cannot decide whether she is a danger or not." He watched Haldir turn to glance at the drow elves who huddled close together. Haldir's expression had grown impassive, hiding his thoughts. Rumil knew him too well to be fooled. Haldir was worried!
* *
Tári combed her fingers through her hair, trying to untangle the long strands that had caught in her quiver. She turned when one of the younger Laiquendi maidens approached her. Tári smiled, seeing the maiden glance at the Lórien elves, one in particular.
"Tári, may I speak with you for a moment?" Cirion whispered, gripping Tári's arm tightly. Her brown eyes were deep set, long black lashes framing the soft depths. The eyes swept back toward the Lórien elves. "I find the Lothlórien elves very attractive." She sighed breathily.
"Aye, as do I." Tári agreed. Cirion giggled softly.
"One especially, but I do not know how to approach him, Tári. You seem to know them well. I fear he has someone waiting for him at home, perhaps you would know?"
Tári grinned, eyeing Haldir and Rúmil who now stood together. "Who is it that you admire, Ciri?"
Cirion's eyes went to Rúmil. "Ah it is the brother of Haldir. He is so handsome. But I fear he must have a love already."
Tári grinned, "I do not think he has any one love, for I have seen him surrounded by many."
Cirion frowned. "So I have many to compete with? How shall I get him to notice me? I flutter my eyes at him and he smiles but goes no further."
Tári giggled, pulling Cirion closer. "Silly goose. If he is anything like Haldir, and I think all three brothers are similar; then he will not be interested in a shy glance. You must be bold, Ciri. Go right up to him and ask him if he has someone he favors. He will not bite you. He will not turn away."
Cirion covered her lips, her eyes widening in nervousness. "But Tári! To approach him like that! He would think ill of me!"
"Nay, Ciri. Tell him you heard he was in despair, and only seek to ease his mind. Or some such thing, I can not know what. But shy glances at that elf will not bring him to you."
Ciri swallowed, glancing at Rúmil who was building a small fire. Her eyes narrowed and Tári saw her clench her fists. "You are right, I will go speak to him now!"
Tári gasped. "Nay, not now." she reached out to grab Cirion's sleeve, not wanting Rúmil to realize she had pushed Cirion at him, but the maiden had hurried away too quickly. Tári hid her face, groaning in dismay. She did not miss the amused glance Rúmil sent her way. She looked over as Rúmil stood up, a slow smile spreading across his face as he greeted the young maiden. He glanced over at Tári, winking boldly at her, and gazed cheerfully down at the Laiquendi at his side. He pulled Cirion's hand through his arm with one of his devastating grins and Tári couldn't help but laugh. Cirion's heart was certain to be lost to the handsome elf.
"So you have become matchmaker as well?"
Tári turned to Windred. " I only offer suggestions, Aunt." She eyed the drow elf before her. "Why do you mistrust them?"
Windred pulled her eyes from the pair. "I do not mistrust them, Tári. But see little advantage in such things."
Tári reached out, touching her aunt's arm. "Aunt Windred, your coming here has saved us, and I can only praise the Valar that Galadriel knew to send for you. I only wish I could show you how different our life is here from what you knew. There are many joys that you have forsaken."
Windred frowned. "I have made my choices, Tári. As you must make yours.
* *
Tári had almost fallen asleep, the quiet sounds of the night birds lulling her into a relaxation she had not intended. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she threw her arm over her eyes, willing herself to stay awake. She must be on watch as well, but Haldir had not yet approached her. Her body relaxed, and her breathing lengthened, unaware that the slumber she sought to avoid was as much a trance as sleep. Her thoughts grew muddled, blurring into just sounds and images, flashes of memory that made her eyelids twitch. Her arm fell away heavily and she lay sprawled on the ground, unaware of anything surrounding her. Aware only of the darkness that crept into her mind.
The sounds of battle grew louder, the dark shadows were creeping closer. Tári's sense of uneasiness was screaming its warning in her head. Haldir was there, his sword free, holding it in front of him, his eyes glittering and cold. He was in front of her, facing the creeping shadows. But he could not fight it alone, and she struggled to resist the heaviness that held her down, fought to control the weariness. Windred appeared by Haldir's side, only a flash then she was gone, and still the shadows crept closer. They would destroy him. They hated him! Hated all that he represented. They knew who he was! Recognized the power he held. Closer and closer they crept, the shadows flowing now around his ankles, but he did not move.. Run, Run she screamed, but he did not hear her. Blessed Valar the shadows were creeping up his legs, surrounding his lower body with darkness, enveloping him, and yet he did not fight.. Haldir!
Tári woke, his name echoing off her lips in horror. She leaped to her feet, shaking off the dizziness, stumbling through the trees. She must find him! They were coming! She ran into the trees, stumbling blindly, cursing her sudden clumsiness. She gasped when two sets of hands gripped her arms, lifting her off her feet for a moment.
"Tári, what is it?" Orophin gripped her arm, and one of the Laiquendi sentinels.
"I must find Haldir. Orophin, it is urgent!" she sank to her knees, suddenly dizzy again. Why?
She felt another set of arms wrap around her, lifting her off her feet. Haldir. She wrapped her arms around his neck, desperate to make him understand. "They are coming, Haldir. The drow! They have come to the surface!" she struggled and he set her on her feet. Tári gripped the front of his tunic, ignoring the concerned stares that were now surrounding her. "I saw them. and you. We cannot fight their magic!" She pushed away from him, her eyes widening, feeling the dizziness assail her again. Tári fought it, fought the darkness that washed over her, and fell limply into Haldir's arms again.
He lifted her into his arms, his face pale. The elves nodded at his unspoken command, and disappeared back into the trees. He turned around and stopped. Windred and the other drow stood before him.
"Her powers have grown to full strength." Windred answered Haldir's glare. "She is unable to deal with its potency, but soon she will." Windred folded her arms. "She is right, we feel their approach."
Haldir laid Tári gently down on the ground, and stood up. "What can you do to fight them.. Their magic will be strong."
Windred turned to her people, and spoke for a moment. She turned back to Haldir, seeing the impatience that crossed his face. "Do not be in such a hurry to face the evil that approaches, March Warden. You will face it all too soon. We have found not all our magic has left us, we have minor power. But you. You have more than you admit. I have felt it. You fought us once before."
Haldir clenched his fists, unable to control the shudder the memory caused. He stiffened when Windred stepped close to him, and gripped the front of his tunic, her dark eyes sparkling with sudden fury.
"Will you not admit it? I have come forth to fight against my own kind, and you have done nothing but doubt our intentions!"
Haldir controlled the fury her audacity created. He gripped the hands crushing his tunic. "I cannot control the instinct that lies in my heart. Yes, I have fought you once before. A memory I wish I could erase, but I cannot. It is part of who I am. I do not trust you." He pushed her away, his eyes gleaming with his own icy fury.
Windred laughed. "What you have tried so hard to forget is what you will need to remember now. Tári is unconscious, she cannot aide us. The drow come, and you will find yourself mired in their evil. You must remember how you fought them before!"
Haldir whirled when a scream echoed through the trees. Moments later Rúmil ran quickly through the trees, an unconscious Cirion in his arms. His face was white. Keliar ran beside him, with several more of the Laiquendi guards.
"Drow, Haldir. The northern perimeter guards are retreating." Keliar said, shifting his bow to his shoulder. "I am pulling Laiquendi to guard the others."
Haldir bent down and picked up Tári, and handed her into Keliar's arms. "Take her, Tathar will need to guard her. I do not know how quickly she will wake. Hurry."
Keliar stared at Haldir for a moment, then turned carrying the unconscious Tári back into the trees.
Windred gripped Haldir's sleeve. She was unable to stop herself from flinching when the piercing gray eyes turned back to her. She released his arm, stepping back. "The Drow come slowly. But you do not have much time. I was there Haldir, a young priestess among the drow who you fought before!"
Haldir turned to face her, his chin rising as he stared at her, his eyes growing hard and cold. "You dare tell me you were among the drow that killed my father?" He reached out quickly, gripping Windred's arm, pulling her closer.
Windred's eyes widened in fear, but she pushed away the knowledge that could bring the haughty elf to his knees. She'd wait. "I was only there to watch. I had not yet learned to cast the spells they did. It was a training exercise."
Haldir's face went white. "A training exercise?" The words were spoken so softly that Windred had to strain to hear them. She knew suddenly her next few words might mean her death if she did not make him remember.
"I watched you, gray-elf. Your father was strong, very much like you. But he could not defeat the mind control spell the drow hurled at him. They didn't want to kill him, only study him, take him as a slave. He fought them, defeated almost all of them, but he was weakened." Windred watched Haldir closely, what did he remember? "In their anger, they destroyed his will. A drow cannot bear defeat. And then they turned to you, thinking the horrors you witnessed would have overcome you. They thought they would use your fear to defeat you easily. But suddenly you were not afraid."
Haldir struggled with the memory. Her words burned into his mind. He did not want to remember, but they came, confusing flashes of scenes in his head. They flooded his mind, the sounds, the horror. He did not release Windred's arm and she winced as his grip tightened angrily.
"Nay, I was no longer afraid." Haldir growled, taking a deep breath. The memories were pushed back, his control once more in place. "I tried to hide. Tried not to watch what they did. My father did not cry out, and I took his silence as my own. I would not give in and I did not."
Windred pulled on her arm, but he did not release her. Rúmil returned then, frowning at the scene before him.
"A shadow engulfs the forest, Haldir."
Windred pulled again, and Haldir let her go with a scowl. "What do they do?" he asked her. Windred looked at him defiantly.
"It is a shielding spell. They travel within the shadow. You cannot see once it surrounds you."
Haldir frowned. "We do not need to see to shoot. Only hear." He turned to Rúmil. "Into the trees, get above the shadow if you can. Rúmil bowed slightly, hand over his heart. He glanced at Windred before turning back into the forest.
Windred shook her head in confusion, following Haldir as he strode quickly away from the camp. "What will you do? Your elves will not defeat them. Once they realize from where the elves shoot, they are doomed."
Haldir looked up into the trees. "Perhaps. If they stayed in one place."
The elves took to the trees, launching arrows into the shadow, moving instantly to avoid detection. The drow hurled spells harmlessly. Even in the mind-numbing darkness of the shield, the Lothlórien arrows' toll against the drow was great. The shadow misted away suddenly and one drow stood clearly in the dark shadows of the night. The arrows flew toward him, but bounced away from the drow. He had erected another type of shield.
Windred and her people stepped forward, facing the kin they had so recently left behind.
The drow stepped forward, staring haughtily at Windred. He was tall, his thick white hair hung free around his shoulders, held back on his forehead by a narrow leather band. He bore no weapons, and wore a long silver robe, edged in black. He folded his hands into the long sleeves that hung near his knees. "You dare stand against us, Windred? You, a high priestess? Your rebellion ensures your death." He stared at her, an odd light his eyes.
Windred's gaze locked with the drow's. "My life was not what it seemed, Tiernan. For many years I have regretted my decision to stay behind when Tathar left. Have you no regrets?"
Tiernan's chin rose defiantly, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "You speak foolishly." He said softly, his words carrying to her magically. "We are bound by the evil we create. We cannot become what we are not. We are creatures of the dark, Windred."
Windred smiled sadly. "Aye, so we were. But Tathar challenged those beliefs. And still he lives. Go back Tiernan, before you perish. You will not defeat these elves. I have seen them fight. I have seen their strengths. Your magic will not destroy them. Look around you. Your shield has failed. You are alone."
Tiernan ignored her words, his white brows arching. "I cannot go back. I must do what I've been commanded. Step aside and I will be merciful. Your death will be swift."
"She will not step aside. Nor will I."
Haldir stepped forward to face the drow, standing beside Windred, his sword drawn but pointed at the ground. He felt her tension, but she remained silent.
* *
Tári stirred, sitting up in a rush, only to find her father gripping her shoulders. She caught hold of his arms, her eyes wide with fear.
"They are here! I can feel them. The danger, it surrounds us!" She trembled, and Tathar shook her roughly.
"Yes, the drow are here, and the danger is real. But you can help stop it."
She stared at him, and then closed her eyes, remembering suddenly the dream she'd had just before she awoke. It had been so real. Galadriel had spoken with her, her face pale with worry, but she had smiled. A smile full of sadness, yet hope. And in Tári's mind she had whispered. What had she whispered? Tári must remember, she must wake. She was needed. Tári opened her eyes, realizing it had not been a dream, but a message. She tightened her grip on her father's sleeve.
"Father, did the drow take slaves?" At his curt nod, she scrambled to her feet. The danger signals still drilled into her head, but she took a deep breath. If she concentrated she could sense the direction of the danger. The dangers. Danger directed toward her and the other Laiquendi, and more.toward Windred and Haldir!
* *
The drow's gaze swept over the tall elf before him. He'd been told of this one. "A foolish sentiment. What can you do? One spell and you will be groveling at my feet, no longer the proud elf."
Haldir only smiled, an icy grimace that matched the hardness of his eyes. "You are surrounded, your shield of darkness has failed. You will tire soon of holding the new one. How quickly can you chant your spells then, drow? My elves' arrows are fast. Are you?"
Tiernan laughed under his breath. "Already the spells are cast." He grinned, and a black mist rose around his feet, flowing rapidly across the ground toward Haldir. But the Lórien elf did not move, or raise his sword. Tiernan frowned.
Windred closed her eyes, pulling the thoughts of the other drow with her into her mind, focusing their combined energies into the dissipating spell. She raised her hands and the mist evaporated, just as it reached Haldir's boots. He remained still, staring arrogantly at Tiernan.
"What is this? You still have your magic?" Tiernan snarled. "But you are weak. You cannot hold out against me for long!" Tiernan raised his hand. A large bolt of fire flew from him, and raced toward Windred, but she only smiled. The fire ball vanished before it reached her. Tiernan lifted both of his hands, firing another set of fireballs, and they vanished as well.
Windred smiled, but her eyes grew dark with worry. "You alone can not defeat me."
Tiernan smiled, stretching the tight muscles of his face. The drow began to chant out loud, and the mist rose again around his feet, swirling toward Haldir once more. It was darker, blacker and flowed quickly over the ground toward March Warden. Windred backed up, turning to Haldir, her dark eyes anxious, her face weary. The toll of casting the spells had weakened them too much.
"I cannot destroy it. His magic is much too powerful, the fog itself has power. It looks for one thing only." She moved to step forward, but he gripped her arm.
"Nay, Windred. I will stop it."
She frowned, and he pushed her behind him. Haldir stepped forward, and pulled up his sword. The black mist swirled slowly around his ankles, creeping up his legs. It was cold, like fingers of death, freezing his feet inside his boots, numbing his ankles. Haldir ignored the pain. He spun the sword, imbedding the tip into the ground through the mist. Immediately the mist parted to avoid the Lothlórien weapon. It was a weapon of light, made long ago by great elvish wizards. Protected by elven runes. They invoked the power of the Valar, protecting it against the evil mist that avoided the weapon. The mist hovered around Haldir, for he still gripped the sword, and it wavered, seeming confused.
"Your evil has no power against the light. Your evil magic will fade in the light of the sun, the starlight. You cannot hope to win." Haldir growled. "Go back to your world, or you shall pay the ultimate price."
Tiernan shook his head, the long white hair whipping around his shoulders. An occasional arrow bounced around them, the shield still held. "What choice do I have, March Warden. I shall pay the price if I attempt to return without completing that which I set out to do. So I must not fail." His eyes narrowed and he lifted a hand. The mist wavered for a moment, swirling around Haldir, but not touching him. Tiernan raised his hand higher, and the mist rose as well. He lifted his other hand and suddenly Haldir could see another black mist rising from his side. The two swirling entities wavered, waiting while Tiernan smiled wickedly.
"You have a choice, March Warden. Beside you stands a drow too weak to resist my magic. A few steps away are the remaining Laiquendi., guarded by Tathar, a traitor who has no magic or weapons of light to defend himself. Who shall you save?"
"He will need to save neither, drow elf." Tári said, stepping out from behind a tree, Tathar a step behind.
Tiernan looked at them in surprise, then fury, hiding the expressions quickly. "Tathar. Have you come to ask for forgiveness before I kill you? You left me to die. Do you know what they did to me after you ran?"
Tathar gripped Tári's arm, glancing at Haldir for a moment. The mist still wavered, waiting its command. "I am sorry, Tiernan." Tathar said sadly. "You and I were once friends. I could not tell you of my plans. Your choice was already made. I knew you would not leave the one you loved, whether she accepted you or not. Any knowledge of my plans would have meant your death, Tiernan. I knew they would torture you, seeking to know my plans. But I knew once they realized you knew nothing, you would survive."
Tiernan eyes narrowed in thought. He gazed at Windred. "Aye, you are right. I would not have gone, and I have paid for my decision in what I have had to become."
Tári glared at the drow, stepping in front of Haldir and Windred. "The path you intended is no longer open to you. The mists have no power here. You have one before you pure of heart and of mind. Your magic is fruitless, your orders to destroy us lie in shambles."
Tiernan laughed. "You are so sure? You are only a child."
Tári smiled. "I may be young, but I know how to defeat you. And it will take no magic." She turned to Haldir, reaching up to grasp his tunic. "Haldir, you must give me your promise not to kill him. You must trust me! Say that you will not!"
Haldir gripped her fingers. "I trust you, Tári, but I cannot swear I will not. He cannot be trusted."
Tári twisted her fingers tighter into his tunic, pulling him closer to her, glancing at the amused drow who watched them. The mists swirled in impatience. She looked up into Haldir's gray eyes, knowing he did not understand, seeing his impatience at her interruption. She studied him. "Promise me, Haldir. Swear on your honor. You must trust me, we need him!"
Haldir scowled, gripping Tári's arm. How could he promise not to defend her, or her people? The drow would kill them if he did not prevent it. She was wasting time. He felt her grip tighten, and he stared at her. What did she intend? Was this part of her power? Suddenly he knew he had to agree. He released her fingers, one hand still gripping the sword beside them. She let go of his tunic and stood back. She laid her hand over the hand that gripped the sword, still staring up at him.
"On your honor, Haldir."
"On my honor, Tári." Haldir glared at the drow, and pulled the sword out of the ground, sheathing it.
Tári smiled, but her eyes were dark with concern. She stepped up to Haldir again, and gripped his sleeve. The drow was becoming impatient. She glanced at the elf, and then stared at Haldir.
"Your father lives, Haldir."
Haldir's eyes widened in disbelief, completely stunned by her words. He couldn't believe her. His hand gripped his sword but Tári put her hand over his hand.
Tári glared at the drow when he moved. She gazed back at Haldir. "I have seen him. A vision, I think from Galadriel. How she knew this I do not know."
"She knows because I told her." Windred said quietly, staring still at Tiernan. She glanced quickly at Haldir, who turned to stare at her. "You were led to believe he perished, but he did not. An illusion only. Only the drow in front of you knows the way back to the drow homeland. You need him, Haldir."
*
The drow elf backed up, his eyes wide at the fury in the eyes of the Lothlórien elf who stalked toward him. He raised his hands in defense, gathering the source of his power. He frowned when Haldir did not hesitate, but continued to stalk toward him, his hand on his sword. The drow concentrated, and the mists around him rolled over the ground toward Haldir.
Haldir stopped, waiting as the mists swirled around him. He did not draw his sword, but welcomed the pain that shot up his legs as the mist inched upwards. He closed his eyes. His sword was a weapon of light. He was a weapon of the light. He only had to connect to it. The pain in his feet grew stronger, distracting him for a moment, but he ignored the bone numbing cold flowing into his knees now. He reached out, calling for the Lady of Light in his mind.
Tiernan grinned when Haldir stopped, and commanded the mist forward. The gray-elf's expression remained impassive, even when the mists began to climb higher. Tiernan felt the mist waver for a moment in confusion. It swirled, writhing black fingers of darkness that suddenly flowed away from Haldir.
Haldir opened his eyes, feeling Galadriel's touch in his mind, unaware of the glow that surrounded him, so reminiscent of her own. The mist flooded away from him, curling in on itself.
Tiernan shuddered when he felt the mist's excruciating pain. His eyes widened when it began to dissipate, finally evaporating in a swirl of darkness back into the earth. His eyes rose to Haldir to see him smile.
"I commanded the mist to return to the dark depths of the earth, or it would find a counterpart from the light to battle with. It chose a wiser course." Haldir said quietly. He took a step forward toward Tiernan, his eyes glittering now.
Tiernan struggled with the knowledge his magic had been so easily taken from him. Never in his life had he thought another could override his own commands. What folly was this? He swept out his arm, and was shocked when an arrow lanced into his shoulder. He stumbled back, his eyes wide with sudden fear. His shield, he had not dropped his shield! He gripped the arrow protruding from his shoulder, gasping at the pain.
"How many will it take to stop you?" Haldir asked taking a step closer, another arrow slamming into the drow from high in the trees.
Tiernan dropped to one knee, clutching the arrow embedded into his thigh. He glared at the elf before him, knowing he was lost. "Stop me? You've already stopped me." He struggled to his feet with a grimace of pain. He waited for another arrow.
"I gave my word I would not kill you." Haldir growled, stepping closer. "I may regret that decision." He reached the drow who staggered back another step. "How many years have I lived, believing my father dead, believing his soul graced the Halls of Mandos? But now I am told he lives. If that is what you can call it. What evils have you done to him?" Haldir gripped the drow's tunic, hauling him upright when he stumbled back another step. He gripped the drow, pulling him to within inches of his own face, staring furiously into the brown eyes.
"Done to him? I.. have done nothing to him. You should be thankful, for it was I who took him when they brought him down, wretched creature by then from the mind control. What a proud elf he must have been. I see you and can imagine him well. I took him, knowing perhaps I took a chance. He became my servant. Perhaps an easier life than he might have had otherwise."
Haldir took a deep breath, controlling the fingers that only wanted to wrap around the drow's neck. "He is still alive?"
Tiernan swallowed, watching the eyes in front of him narrow. "Aye. He has a strong will, that one."
Windred stepped forward, and gripped Haldir's hand that clenched Tiernan's tunic. "Release him, Haldir. Please."
Haldir's chin rose but he let go, and the drow fell back, stumbling a few steps away from the March Warden. All traces of his magic had gone. Windred looked at Haldir.
"Tiernan is a high ranking drow among us, a wizard of great power. He is rare among the drow, males do not usually gain such rank. Your father has only served him these long years, albeit not as the elf he once was. The drow spells still control him, he knows nothing of his previous life." Windred stepped back when Tári pushed between them.
"We can find him, Haldir. We can bring him home. But we will need Tiernan to lead us back." She turned to the drow. He had fallen to his knees, but he looked up scornfully.
"Why would I aid you? If caught you cannot imagine the horrors I would endure." He scowled, groaning slightly.
Windred knelt in front of him. "Is it true what Tathar said? You stayed for me? Even though I chose otherwise?"
Tiernan looked away, but Windred gripped his chin, forcing him to look at her. "A loyalty I never deserved, nor wanted. Or so I thought. My life has been empty, Tiernan. Our lives have been empty. You now have a choice, suddenly. What side shall you lean toward? What would you do?"
Tiernan shook his head sadly, gazing at Windred. "I should like to think it possible to change after so long. But what you ask is folly, Windred. No one would ever make it to the city, and furthermore, escape with your lives. What you propose is unreasonable."
Windred smiled. "You do not know these elves, Tiernan."
Tathar gazed one last time at the home that was no longer a haven for him or his people. The Orcs had been pushed back once more and the elves had gathered what they could and set out toward Lothlórien. The Lórien elves were first, with Haldir guarding their front, Keliar guarding their rear. He was not so foolish to think they could not be followed , but hoped to have a short time to gain distance between him and the Orcs. He would not let Sauron win his battle to destroy the Laiquendi.
Tári glanced up at her father. They walked, the horses used to carry as many belongings as they had been able to gather quickly. He seemed closed, his expression weary.
"We are still Laiquendi, whether we live here or in Lórien," she said.
Lord Tathar gazed down at his youngest daughter. "Aye, we are, Mouse." He smiled briefly. "I assume you do not mind a longer visit to the land of the Galadhrim?" he asked in amusement, seeing her gaze settle on Haldir once more.
Tári glanced at her father quickly. "I think you know I do not."
Tathar chuckled. "Windred was quite upset with the guardian earlier. She felt he manhandled you very improperly."
Tári tried not to grin. "He was a bit domineering."
Tathar laughed. "Said with a smile, I see. You are not like Windred at all. She would die before she allowed a male to command her or dare take a hand to her. She cannot understand your acceptance of his behavior."
Tári frowned. "I think Windred has never had someone to care for her or to care about. She is alone."
Tathar did not answer, his expression was distant. "Nay, Tári, she had the chance for love. But a drow priestess cannot marry, or have a partner. She chose to remain alone."
Tári shuddered, unwilling to consider giving up her feelings for Haldir. "I could not do that."
Tathar stepped closer, taking her arm in his. "I thank the Valar that you could not. Do not listen to her when she tells you he will weaken you. I know otherwise, Tári. Haldir is pure of heart, his strength will only make yours stronger. I have foreseen this."
Tári gazed at her father curiously. "Haldir said he had your approval."
Tathar grinned. "I am aware of Haldir's comment to Windred. She did not take his tone or comment well, in fact she was furious. It took me an hour to calm her down and I almost had to tie her to a chair for she intended to come looking for you straight away. I have not spoken to Haldir regarding his intentions, but I gather you do not find fault with his actions."
Tári blushed, eyeing the amused grin on her father's face. "Nay, I find his actions quite stimulating, actually." She said softly, moving quickly further into the column of elves.
Haldir scanned the path ahead of him, his scouts further ahead. Two days they had traveled, and night was falling quickly. It would be dark this night, the moon had waned. He whistled, alerting his scouts that they would stop for the night, and turned back to the elves behind him. They would rest in the small clearing, the females and younger elves could not walk all night.
He sent out the elves who would keep watch, speaking quickly with Keliar on who to send. Rúmil and Orophin crossed to stand beside him.
"How fares your leg, Orophin?" Haldir asked, noting his brother limped slightly.
"Ah, the wound is healed, but the muscles remain tender. I am fine."
Rúmil sighed, "Ah, it is more that he has no maiden to comfort his aches, Haldir. He mopes around like a love sick cow."
Orophin glared at his younger brother. "As if you knew what a love sick cow looks like! I see no maidens lying at your feet, brother. Perhaps your legendary charm has gone sour!"
Haldir suppressed his laughter at his brothers' banter when both younger brothers turned to him.
"And you laugh, Haldir?" Rúmil asked, a long eyebrow rising. "Your glances at the wee sprite have grown overbold of late. And dare I say our room when we left was a bit untidy!"
Haldir lips twitched slightly, but he did not answer, Only raised the long brows.
Orophin smirked. "Oh, no comment, eh? They left me lying on the table, at the mercy of those dark elves! What horrors they could have put upon me!"
Haldir snorted. "You were unconscious, Orophin. Would you rather I carried you to your room?"
Orophin shrugged elegantly. "Ah, but that would have interfered with your pleasure, would it not?" He grinned when Haldir's chin rose higher. Orophin placed his hand over his heart in a salute, and bowed quickly. "March Warden." He disappeared into the trees in a moment.
Rúmil sighed, watching his brother leave. "I will tend a small fire, Haldir. Find your mouse. The drow stares at you as well. I cannot decide whether she is a danger or not." He watched Haldir turn to glance at the drow elves who huddled close together. Haldir's expression had grown impassive, hiding his thoughts. Rumil knew him too well to be fooled. Haldir was worried!
* *
Tári combed her fingers through her hair, trying to untangle the long strands that had caught in her quiver. She turned when one of the younger Laiquendi maidens approached her. Tári smiled, seeing the maiden glance at the Lórien elves, one in particular.
"Tári, may I speak with you for a moment?" Cirion whispered, gripping Tári's arm tightly. Her brown eyes were deep set, long black lashes framing the soft depths. The eyes swept back toward the Lórien elves. "I find the Lothlórien elves very attractive." She sighed breathily.
"Aye, as do I." Tári agreed. Cirion giggled softly.
"One especially, but I do not know how to approach him, Tári. You seem to know them well. I fear he has someone waiting for him at home, perhaps you would know?"
Tári grinned, eyeing Haldir and Rúmil who now stood together. "Who is it that you admire, Ciri?"
Cirion's eyes went to Rúmil. "Ah it is the brother of Haldir. He is so handsome. But I fear he must have a love already."
Tári grinned, "I do not think he has any one love, for I have seen him surrounded by many."
Cirion frowned. "So I have many to compete with? How shall I get him to notice me? I flutter my eyes at him and he smiles but goes no further."
Tári giggled, pulling Cirion closer. "Silly goose. If he is anything like Haldir, and I think all three brothers are similar; then he will not be interested in a shy glance. You must be bold, Ciri. Go right up to him and ask him if he has someone he favors. He will not bite you. He will not turn away."
Cirion covered her lips, her eyes widening in nervousness. "But Tári! To approach him like that! He would think ill of me!"
"Nay, Ciri. Tell him you heard he was in despair, and only seek to ease his mind. Or some such thing, I can not know what. But shy glances at that elf will not bring him to you."
Ciri swallowed, glancing at Rúmil who was building a small fire. Her eyes narrowed and Tári saw her clench her fists. "You are right, I will go speak to him now!"
Tári gasped. "Nay, not now." she reached out to grab Cirion's sleeve, not wanting Rúmil to realize she had pushed Cirion at him, but the maiden had hurried away too quickly. Tári hid her face, groaning in dismay. She did not miss the amused glance Rúmil sent her way. She looked over as Rúmil stood up, a slow smile spreading across his face as he greeted the young maiden. He glanced over at Tári, winking boldly at her, and gazed cheerfully down at the Laiquendi at his side. He pulled Cirion's hand through his arm with one of his devastating grins and Tári couldn't help but laugh. Cirion's heart was certain to be lost to the handsome elf.
"So you have become matchmaker as well?"
Tári turned to Windred. " I only offer suggestions, Aunt." She eyed the drow elf before her. "Why do you mistrust them?"
Windred pulled her eyes from the pair. "I do not mistrust them, Tári. But see little advantage in such things."
Tári reached out, touching her aunt's arm. "Aunt Windred, your coming here has saved us, and I can only praise the Valar that Galadriel knew to send for you. I only wish I could show you how different our life is here from what you knew. There are many joys that you have forsaken."
Windred frowned. "I have made my choices, Tári. As you must make yours.
* *
Tári had almost fallen asleep, the quiet sounds of the night birds lulling her into a relaxation she had not intended. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she threw her arm over her eyes, willing herself to stay awake. She must be on watch as well, but Haldir had not yet approached her. Her body relaxed, and her breathing lengthened, unaware that the slumber she sought to avoid was as much a trance as sleep. Her thoughts grew muddled, blurring into just sounds and images, flashes of memory that made her eyelids twitch. Her arm fell away heavily and she lay sprawled on the ground, unaware of anything surrounding her. Aware only of the darkness that crept into her mind.
The sounds of battle grew louder, the dark shadows were creeping closer. Tári's sense of uneasiness was screaming its warning in her head. Haldir was there, his sword free, holding it in front of him, his eyes glittering and cold. He was in front of her, facing the creeping shadows. But he could not fight it alone, and she struggled to resist the heaviness that held her down, fought to control the weariness. Windred appeared by Haldir's side, only a flash then she was gone, and still the shadows crept closer. They would destroy him. They hated him! Hated all that he represented. They knew who he was! Recognized the power he held. Closer and closer they crept, the shadows flowing now around his ankles, but he did not move.. Run, Run she screamed, but he did not hear her. Blessed Valar the shadows were creeping up his legs, surrounding his lower body with darkness, enveloping him, and yet he did not fight.. Haldir!
Tári woke, his name echoing off her lips in horror. She leaped to her feet, shaking off the dizziness, stumbling through the trees. She must find him! They were coming! She ran into the trees, stumbling blindly, cursing her sudden clumsiness. She gasped when two sets of hands gripped her arms, lifting her off her feet for a moment.
"Tári, what is it?" Orophin gripped her arm, and one of the Laiquendi sentinels.
"I must find Haldir. Orophin, it is urgent!" she sank to her knees, suddenly dizzy again. Why?
She felt another set of arms wrap around her, lifting her off her feet. Haldir. She wrapped her arms around his neck, desperate to make him understand. "They are coming, Haldir. The drow! They have come to the surface!" she struggled and he set her on her feet. Tári gripped the front of his tunic, ignoring the concerned stares that were now surrounding her. "I saw them. and you. We cannot fight their magic!" She pushed away from him, her eyes widening, feeling the dizziness assail her again. Tári fought it, fought the darkness that washed over her, and fell limply into Haldir's arms again.
He lifted her into his arms, his face pale. The elves nodded at his unspoken command, and disappeared back into the trees. He turned around and stopped. Windred and the other drow stood before him.
"Her powers have grown to full strength." Windred answered Haldir's glare. "She is unable to deal with its potency, but soon she will." Windred folded her arms. "She is right, we feel their approach."
Haldir laid Tári gently down on the ground, and stood up. "What can you do to fight them.. Their magic will be strong."
Windred turned to her people, and spoke for a moment. She turned back to Haldir, seeing the impatience that crossed his face. "Do not be in such a hurry to face the evil that approaches, March Warden. You will face it all too soon. We have found not all our magic has left us, we have minor power. But you. You have more than you admit. I have felt it. You fought us once before."
Haldir clenched his fists, unable to control the shudder the memory caused. He stiffened when Windred stepped close to him, and gripped the front of his tunic, her dark eyes sparkling with sudden fury.
"Will you not admit it? I have come forth to fight against my own kind, and you have done nothing but doubt our intentions!"
Haldir controlled the fury her audacity created. He gripped the hands crushing his tunic. "I cannot control the instinct that lies in my heart. Yes, I have fought you once before. A memory I wish I could erase, but I cannot. It is part of who I am. I do not trust you." He pushed her away, his eyes gleaming with his own icy fury.
Windred laughed. "What you have tried so hard to forget is what you will need to remember now. Tári is unconscious, she cannot aide us. The drow come, and you will find yourself mired in their evil. You must remember how you fought them before!"
Haldir whirled when a scream echoed through the trees. Moments later Rúmil ran quickly through the trees, an unconscious Cirion in his arms. His face was white. Keliar ran beside him, with several more of the Laiquendi guards.
"Drow, Haldir. The northern perimeter guards are retreating." Keliar said, shifting his bow to his shoulder. "I am pulling Laiquendi to guard the others."
Haldir bent down and picked up Tári, and handed her into Keliar's arms. "Take her, Tathar will need to guard her. I do not know how quickly she will wake. Hurry."
Keliar stared at Haldir for a moment, then turned carrying the unconscious Tári back into the trees.
Windred gripped Haldir's sleeve. She was unable to stop herself from flinching when the piercing gray eyes turned back to her. She released his arm, stepping back. "The Drow come slowly. But you do not have much time. I was there Haldir, a young priestess among the drow who you fought before!"
Haldir turned to face her, his chin rising as he stared at her, his eyes growing hard and cold. "You dare tell me you were among the drow that killed my father?" He reached out quickly, gripping Windred's arm, pulling her closer.
Windred's eyes widened in fear, but she pushed away the knowledge that could bring the haughty elf to his knees. She'd wait. "I was only there to watch. I had not yet learned to cast the spells they did. It was a training exercise."
Haldir's face went white. "A training exercise?" The words were spoken so softly that Windred had to strain to hear them. She knew suddenly her next few words might mean her death if she did not make him remember.
"I watched you, gray-elf. Your father was strong, very much like you. But he could not defeat the mind control spell the drow hurled at him. They didn't want to kill him, only study him, take him as a slave. He fought them, defeated almost all of them, but he was weakened." Windred watched Haldir closely, what did he remember? "In their anger, they destroyed his will. A drow cannot bear defeat. And then they turned to you, thinking the horrors you witnessed would have overcome you. They thought they would use your fear to defeat you easily. But suddenly you were not afraid."
Haldir struggled with the memory. Her words burned into his mind. He did not want to remember, but they came, confusing flashes of scenes in his head. They flooded his mind, the sounds, the horror. He did not release Windred's arm and she winced as his grip tightened angrily.
"Nay, I was no longer afraid." Haldir growled, taking a deep breath. The memories were pushed back, his control once more in place. "I tried to hide. Tried not to watch what they did. My father did not cry out, and I took his silence as my own. I would not give in and I did not."
Windred pulled on her arm, but he did not release her. Rúmil returned then, frowning at the scene before him.
"A shadow engulfs the forest, Haldir."
Windred pulled again, and Haldir let her go with a scowl. "What do they do?" he asked her. Windred looked at him defiantly.
"It is a shielding spell. They travel within the shadow. You cannot see once it surrounds you."
Haldir frowned. "We do not need to see to shoot. Only hear." He turned to Rúmil. "Into the trees, get above the shadow if you can. Rúmil bowed slightly, hand over his heart. He glanced at Windred before turning back into the forest.
Windred shook her head in confusion, following Haldir as he strode quickly away from the camp. "What will you do? Your elves will not defeat them. Once they realize from where the elves shoot, they are doomed."
Haldir looked up into the trees. "Perhaps. If they stayed in one place."
The elves took to the trees, launching arrows into the shadow, moving instantly to avoid detection. The drow hurled spells harmlessly. Even in the mind-numbing darkness of the shield, the Lothlórien arrows' toll against the drow was great. The shadow misted away suddenly and one drow stood clearly in the dark shadows of the night. The arrows flew toward him, but bounced away from the drow. He had erected another type of shield.
Windred and her people stepped forward, facing the kin they had so recently left behind.
The drow stepped forward, staring haughtily at Windred. He was tall, his thick white hair hung free around his shoulders, held back on his forehead by a narrow leather band. He bore no weapons, and wore a long silver robe, edged in black. He folded his hands into the long sleeves that hung near his knees. "You dare stand against us, Windred? You, a high priestess? Your rebellion ensures your death." He stared at her, an odd light his eyes.
Windred's gaze locked with the drow's. "My life was not what it seemed, Tiernan. For many years I have regretted my decision to stay behind when Tathar left. Have you no regrets?"
Tiernan's chin rose defiantly, his eyes narrowing in surprise. "You speak foolishly." He said softly, his words carrying to her magically. "We are bound by the evil we create. We cannot become what we are not. We are creatures of the dark, Windred."
Windred smiled sadly. "Aye, so we were. But Tathar challenged those beliefs. And still he lives. Go back Tiernan, before you perish. You will not defeat these elves. I have seen them fight. I have seen their strengths. Your magic will not destroy them. Look around you. Your shield has failed. You are alone."
Tiernan ignored her words, his white brows arching. "I cannot go back. I must do what I've been commanded. Step aside and I will be merciful. Your death will be swift."
"She will not step aside. Nor will I."
Haldir stepped forward to face the drow, standing beside Windred, his sword drawn but pointed at the ground. He felt her tension, but she remained silent.
* *
Tári stirred, sitting up in a rush, only to find her father gripping her shoulders. She caught hold of his arms, her eyes wide with fear.
"They are here! I can feel them. The danger, it surrounds us!" She trembled, and Tathar shook her roughly.
"Yes, the drow are here, and the danger is real. But you can help stop it."
She stared at him, and then closed her eyes, remembering suddenly the dream she'd had just before she awoke. It had been so real. Galadriel had spoken with her, her face pale with worry, but she had smiled. A smile full of sadness, yet hope. And in Tári's mind she had whispered. What had she whispered? Tári must remember, she must wake. She was needed. Tári opened her eyes, realizing it had not been a dream, but a message. She tightened her grip on her father's sleeve.
"Father, did the drow take slaves?" At his curt nod, she scrambled to her feet. The danger signals still drilled into her head, but she took a deep breath. If she concentrated she could sense the direction of the danger. The dangers. Danger directed toward her and the other Laiquendi, and more.toward Windred and Haldir!
* *
The drow's gaze swept over the tall elf before him. He'd been told of this one. "A foolish sentiment. What can you do? One spell and you will be groveling at my feet, no longer the proud elf."
Haldir only smiled, an icy grimace that matched the hardness of his eyes. "You are surrounded, your shield of darkness has failed. You will tire soon of holding the new one. How quickly can you chant your spells then, drow? My elves' arrows are fast. Are you?"
Tiernan laughed under his breath. "Already the spells are cast." He grinned, and a black mist rose around his feet, flowing rapidly across the ground toward Haldir. But the Lórien elf did not move, or raise his sword. Tiernan frowned.
Windred closed her eyes, pulling the thoughts of the other drow with her into her mind, focusing their combined energies into the dissipating spell. She raised her hands and the mist evaporated, just as it reached Haldir's boots. He remained still, staring arrogantly at Tiernan.
"What is this? You still have your magic?" Tiernan snarled. "But you are weak. You cannot hold out against me for long!" Tiernan raised his hand. A large bolt of fire flew from him, and raced toward Windred, but she only smiled. The fire ball vanished before it reached her. Tiernan lifted both of his hands, firing another set of fireballs, and they vanished as well.
Windred smiled, but her eyes grew dark with worry. "You alone can not defeat me."
Tiernan smiled, stretching the tight muscles of his face. The drow began to chant out loud, and the mist rose again around his feet, swirling toward Haldir once more. It was darker, blacker and flowed quickly over the ground toward March Warden. Windred backed up, turning to Haldir, her dark eyes anxious, her face weary. The toll of casting the spells had weakened them too much.
"I cannot destroy it. His magic is much too powerful, the fog itself has power. It looks for one thing only." She moved to step forward, but he gripped her arm.
"Nay, Windred. I will stop it."
She frowned, and he pushed her behind him. Haldir stepped forward, and pulled up his sword. The black mist swirled slowly around his ankles, creeping up his legs. It was cold, like fingers of death, freezing his feet inside his boots, numbing his ankles. Haldir ignored the pain. He spun the sword, imbedding the tip into the ground through the mist. Immediately the mist parted to avoid the Lothlórien weapon. It was a weapon of light, made long ago by great elvish wizards. Protected by elven runes. They invoked the power of the Valar, protecting it against the evil mist that avoided the weapon. The mist hovered around Haldir, for he still gripped the sword, and it wavered, seeming confused.
"Your evil has no power against the light. Your evil magic will fade in the light of the sun, the starlight. You cannot hope to win." Haldir growled. "Go back to your world, or you shall pay the ultimate price."
Tiernan shook his head, the long white hair whipping around his shoulders. An occasional arrow bounced around them, the shield still held. "What choice do I have, March Warden. I shall pay the price if I attempt to return without completing that which I set out to do. So I must not fail." His eyes narrowed and he lifted a hand. The mist wavered for a moment, swirling around Haldir, but not touching him. Tiernan raised his hand higher, and the mist rose as well. He lifted his other hand and suddenly Haldir could see another black mist rising from his side. The two swirling entities wavered, waiting while Tiernan smiled wickedly.
"You have a choice, March Warden. Beside you stands a drow too weak to resist my magic. A few steps away are the remaining Laiquendi., guarded by Tathar, a traitor who has no magic or weapons of light to defend himself. Who shall you save?"
"He will need to save neither, drow elf." Tári said, stepping out from behind a tree, Tathar a step behind.
Tiernan looked at them in surprise, then fury, hiding the expressions quickly. "Tathar. Have you come to ask for forgiveness before I kill you? You left me to die. Do you know what they did to me after you ran?"
Tathar gripped Tári's arm, glancing at Haldir for a moment. The mist still wavered, waiting its command. "I am sorry, Tiernan." Tathar said sadly. "You and I were once friends. I could not tell you of my plans. Your choice was already made. I knew you would not leave the one you loved, whether she accepted you or not. Any knowledge of my plans would have meant your death, Tiernan. I knew they would torture you, seeking to know my plans. But I knew once they realized you knew nothing, you would survive."
Tiernan eyes narrowed in thought. He gazed at Windred. "Aye, you are right. I would not have gone, and I have paid for my decision in what I have had to become."
Tári glared at the drow, stepping in front of Haldir and Windred. "The path you intended is no longer open to you. The mists have no power here. You have one before you pure of heart and of mind. Your magic is fruitless, your orders to destroy us lie in shambles."
Tiernan laughed. "You are so sure? You are only a child."
Tári smiled. "I may be young, but I know how to defeat you. And it will take no magic." She turned to Haldir, reaching up to grasp his tunic. "Haldir, you must give me your promise not to kill him. You must trust me! Say that you will not!"
Haldir gripped her fingers. "I trust you, Tári, but I cannot swear I will not. He cannot be trusted."
Tári twisted her fingers tighter into his tunic, pulling him closer to her, glancing at the amused drow who watched them. The mists swirled in impatience. She looked up into Haldir's gray eyes, knowing he did not understand, seeing his impatience at her interruption. She studied him. "Promise me, Haldir. Swear on your honor. You must trust me, we need him!"
Haldir scowled, gripping Tári's arm. How could he promise not to defend her, or her people? The drow would kill them if he did not prevent it. She was wasting time. He felt her grip tighten, and he stared at her. What did she intend? Was this part of her power? Suddenly he knew he had to agree. He released her fingers, one hand still gripping the sword beside them. She let go of his tunic and stood back. She laid her hand over the hand that gripped the sword, still staring up at him.
"On your honor, Haldir."
"On my honor, Tári." Haldir glared at the drow, and pulled the sword out of the ground, sheathing it.
Tári smiled, but her eyes were dark with concern. She stepped up to Haldir again, and gripped his sleeve. The drow was becoming impatient. She glanced at the elf, and then stared at Haldir.
"Your father lives, Haldir."
Haldir's eyes widened in disbelief, completely stunned by her words. He couldn't believe her. His hand gripped his sword but Tári put her hand over his hand.
Tári glared at the drow when he moved. She gazed back at Haldir. "I have seen him. A vision, I think from Galadriel. How she knew this I do not know."
"She knows because I told her." Windred said quietly, staring still at Tiernan. She glanced quickly at Haldir, who turned to stare at her. "You were led to believe he perished, but he did not. An illusion only. Only the drow in front of you knows the way back to the drow homeland. You need him, Haldir."
*
The drow elf backed up, his eyes wide at the fury in the eyes of the Lothlórien elf who stalked toward him. He raised his hands in defense, gathering the source of his power. He frowned when Haldir did not hesitate, but continued to stalk toward him, his hand on his sword. The drow concentrated, and the mists around him rolled over the ground toward Haldir.
Haldir stopped, waiting as the mists swirled around him. He did not draw his sword, but welcomed the pain that shot up his legs as the mist inched upwards. He closed his eyes. His sword was a weapon of light. He was a weapon of the light. He only had to connect to it. The pain in his feet grew stronger, distracting him for a moment, but he ignored the bone numbing cold flowing into his knees now. He reached out, calling for the Lady of Light in his mind.
Tiernan grinned when Haldir stopped, and commanded the mist forward. The gray-elf's expression remained impassive, even when the mists began to climb higher. Tiernan felt the mist waver for a moment in confusion. It swirled, writhing black fingers of darkness that suddenly flowed away from Haldir.
Haldir opened his eyes, feeling Galadriel's touch in his mind, unaware of the glow that surrounded him, so reminiscent of her own. The mist flooded away from him, curling in on itself.
Tiernan shuddered when he felt the mist's excruciating pain. His eyes widened when it began to dissipate, finally evaporating in a swirl of darkness back into the earth. His eyes rose to Haldir to see him smile.
"I commanded the mist to return to the dark depths of the earth, or it would find a counterpart from the light to battle with. It chose a wiser course." Haldir said quietly. He took a step forward toward Tiernan, his eyes glittering now.
Tiernan struggled with the knowledge his magic had been so easily taken from him. Never in his life had he thought another could override his own commands. What folly was this? He swept out his arm, and was shocked when an arrow lanced into his shoulder. He stumbled back, his eyes wide with sudden fear. His shield, he had not dropped his shield! He gripped the arrow protruding from his shoulder, gasping at the pain.
"How many will it take to stop you?" Haldir asked taking a step closer, another arrow slamming into the drow from high in the trees.
Tiernan dropped to one knee, clutching the arrow embedded into his thigh. He glared at the elf before him, knowing he was lost. "Stop me? You've already stopped me." He struggled to his feet with a grimace of pain. He waited for another arrow.
"I gave my word I would not kill you." Haldir growled, stepping closer. "I may regret that decision." He reached the drow who staggered back another step. "How many years have I lived, believing my father dead, believing his soul graced the Halls of Mandos? But now I am told he lives. If that is what you can call it. What evils have you done to him?" Haldir gripped the drow's tunic, hauling him upright when he stumbled back another step. He gripped the drow, pulling him to within inches of his own face, staring furiously into the brown eyes.
"Done to him? I.. have done nothing to him. You should be thankful, for it was I who took him when they brought him down, wretched creature by then from the mind control. What a proud elf he must have been. I see you and can imagine him well. I took him, knowing perhaps I took a chance. He became my servant. Perhaps an easier life than he might have had otherwise."
Haldir took a deep breath, controlling the fingers that only wanted to wrap around the drow's neck. "He is still alive?"
Tiernan swallowed, watching the eyes in front of him narrow. "Aye. He has a strong will, that one."
Windred stepped forward, and gripped Haldir's hand that clenched Tiernan's tunic. "Release him, Haldir. Please."
Haldir's chin rose but he let go, and the drow fell back, stumbling a few steps away from the March Warden. All traces of his magic had gone. Windred looked at Haldir.
"Tiernan is a high ranking drow among us, a wizard of great power. He is rare among the drow, males do not usually gain such rank. Your father has only served him these long years, albeit not as the elf he once was. The drow spells still control him, he knows nothing of his previous life." Windred stepped back when Tári pushed between them.
"We can find him, Haldir. We can bring him home. But we will need Tiernan to lead us back." She turned to the drow. He had fallen to his knees, but he looked up scornfully.
"Why would I aid you? If caught you cannot imagine the horrors I would endure." He scowled, groaning slightly.
Windred knelt in front of him. "Is it true what Tathar said? You stayed for me? Even though I chose otherwise?"
Tiernan looked away, but Windred gripped his chin, forcing him to look at her. "A loyalty I never deserved, nor wanted. Or so I thought. My life has been empty, Tiernan. Our lives have been empty. You now have a choice, suddenly. What side shall you lean toward? What would you do?"
Tiernan shook his head sadly, gazing at Windred. "I should like to think it possible to change after so long. But what you ask is folly, Windred. No one would ever make it to the city, and furthermore, escape with your lives. What you propose is unreasonable."
Windred smiled. "You do not know these elves, Tiernan."