Chapter Fifteen: Light
Haldir wrapped his arm around Tári's waist, pulling her close to his side. Her small bow had done serious damage to the drow patrol. "How many are left." He whispered into her ear, feeling her shiver. He grinned, knowing the shiver was more from the warmth of his breath than any fear. An sharp elbow in his ribs proved his point and he grunted slightly.
"Five, from what I can tell. Two behind the boulder along the ceiling, one below them, and two are trying to circle behind us."
Haldir released her to send Rúmil and Orophin creeping toward the two drow moving toward them. Tiernan nodded and slid away to search out the trail behind them. They had no more arrows, but nether did the drow. Haldir slid his sword from its scabbard quietly, and gripped Tári's arm. "You will stay here out of the way. You can keep an eye on the princess."
Tári opened her mouth to argue, but shut it with a look toward the female drow where she huddled against a rock. The glare Tári received told her the drow had heard Haldir's comment. Tári grinned, pulling a knife from her sleeve. Haldir gripped her arm to draw her attention back to him.
"No games, warden." He said softly, his eyes narrowing.
Tári sighed. "Your no fun, Haldir," she whispered to his back softly. He glanced back at her with a frown and Tári sighed again. She turned toward the drow with a bright smile. Halcyon followed her, his gaze following Haldir with a raised brow.
Keliar slid along the rocky wall, the cavern looming vastly below him. The drow were crouching ahead of him, unaware that he crept closer. He slid his sword free, keeping the blade behind him. As long as they did not turn toward him he was fine. He had no place to hide in the narrow path before him. He crouched, inching slowly forward. How long before they realized he was close? The quick turn of their heads gave him his answer and Keliar leaped forward, sword in hand.
Haldir swept forward to meet the drow who faced him haughtily. He had no knowledge of the fighting skills of the drow, but was sure given their ways, it would not be an easy fight. The drow's sword snaked out, and Haldir brought his up to parry. The silence of the underworld was broken by the clash of metal upon metal. The drow's eyes widened slightly, but then narrowed as they circled. A worthy adversary, his eyes told Haldir. They leaped forward as one, their swords once again meeting in a resounding clash, sparks flying into the darkness from the impact.
Rúmil and Orophin slid quickly along the path, skirting the rocky boulders that blocked their way, yet using them as a shield. The drow could see by infrared light, and the heat from the elf's bodies would alert them to their presence quickly. The sound of blades clashing told them Haldir was busy and they looked at each other with a grin. It would not be a long match with Haldir. Orophin slid around the boulder, his feet silent on the rocky ground and grinned when he met the drow elf face to face. The drow's expression of surprise changed to one of pain when Orophin's dagger slid into his chest. Orophin lowered the drow to the ground and Rúmil stepped forward as the other drow leaped toward Orophin.
Keliar grinned when the two drow rose to face him. Their expressions were grim, but he had no fear. They split apart, but Keliar kept the rocky wall behind him. The path here was too narrow for them to push past him, so they were forced to fight together, their closeness hampering their movements. Keliar had no such restrictions and his sword sang through the air to screech with a metallic hiss along the blade of one of the drow.
The drow pressed toward Keliar, but he held his ground, his blade glancing off one drow blade to the other, forcing them to draw back. Keliar twisted, bringing his blade low to swipe at the knees of one drow, flowing into an upright stance to clatter against the parry of the other. The injured drow gasped in pain, dropping back to his knees, and Keliar leaped into the space he'd created. The standing drow turned to block Keliar's next thrust only to find the blade dropping below his parry to slice easily into his chest. The drow stared at the blood welling from his chest and then at Keliar for a moment before he slumped to the ground. Keliar turned just as the other drow leaped forward, ducking the blade that swung inches from his chin.
Haldir leaned forward into his thrust, the weight of his sword and strength of his arm pushing back the drow's blade. They drew together, blades interlocked at the hilts. The drow stared arrogantly into the silver sheen of Haldir's grey eyes, unafraid. Haldir only smiled slightly, the corners of his lips twitching. He pulled back, ducking the swing of the drow's blade, and twisting under the swing to come up behind the drow. Their swords met once again as the drow quickly spun to block Haldir's parry, but stumbled as he did so. Haldir pressed forward quickly and the drow stumbled back, his eyes widening in sudden surprise and fear as Haldir pressed, his blade flashing in the infrared light with a slight glow, the clatter of metal screeching against metal spelling out the drow's eventual doom.
The drow shuddered as he blocked blow after blow, spinning in the narrow confines of the path, evading and blocking Haldir's blade. His eyes grew bright with anger, the emotion sweeping over him. He pressed forward, his black blade snaking in to injure, but found no opening. The drow spun the blade over his head, swinging backhanded to shudder against yet another blocked swing. He spun, swinging his blade around him quickly, only to find the surface elf's blade had slid under his, and he staggered as the blade slashed through the padding of his thighs. He staggered back, his blade held forward, as Haldir stalked toward him. He last thought as he attempted to block the next thrust was a prayer to the dark gods of the underworld.
Rúmil and Orophin stepped forward together when the drow dropped heavily to the ground in front of Haldir. Keliar sprinted from the path ahead of them, sheathing his sword. Tári dragged the drow princess from behind the rocks, the drow's eyes wide with fear.
"Where is Tiernan?" Keliar asked turning around.
'I am here." The drow said quietly, dragging the body of yet another drow into the path. "He was following us, far enough behind that Tári did not sense him."
Haldir nodded, sheathing his sword. He looked at Tári who was grinning oddly. "What is it that you find so funny?"
Tári glanced at Halcyon who stood silently behind Haldir, a small smile still playing about his mouth. "I think Halcyon was impressed with your abilities." Tári said, and Haldir turned to Halcyon.
Rúmil grinned. "He is March Warden."
Halcyon smiled. "That is not a surprise. I see you also have taken your lessons to heart, Rúmil. Something I had concerns about when you were young."
Rúmil smiled sheepishly.
Haldir grinned, but turned when Tiernan brushed past them. Tári stood up, cocking her head. "More patrols."
Tiernan looked back with a grin. "I don't need her sense of perception to know more follow quickly. Come, we must hurry."
They reached the area where they had met the spider, only minor skirmishes delaying their path. The patrols drew closer, and Tári shivered as the warnings in her head began to throb. She gripped Haldir's arm to speak to him and Tiernan paused, turning to look at them.
"They are drawing close." She whispered, glancing behind her.
Tiernan nodded agreement. "I will see what I can do to slow them down." He brushed past them to hurry back the way they had come, glancing at the drow princess as he passed.
"They will catch you, and you will wish you were never born," she hissed, glaring at Tiernan. Tiernan paused, reaching out to grip her arm, holding her as the others continued up the sloping tunnel.
"And what will they do to you, Ila? Do you think they will believe you when you try to tell them we forced you to come along? Remember, you are part of my household." He smiled at the look of fear that crossed her face. "I suggest you come along quietly." He turned and shoved her ahead of him, glancing back at the tunnel as it sloped downward into darkness. He frowned, sensing danger just as Tári flew back down the tunnel toward him.
"Patrol!" Tári shouted, hearing the arrows as they were launched and diving for cover. Tiernan released Ila, shoving her down onto the rocky ground but staggered when an arrow struck him, knocking the drow off his feet. Tári screamed for Haldir, but he was already pushing past her.
Tári pulled back her bow, launching the goblin arrows she'd gathered at the drow patrol. They separated and Tári crouched down, eyeing the path below her. Haldir slid along the wall to reach Tiernan.
"Go, Haldir, while you can." Tiernan gasped, his eyes shut against the pain. The arrow had lodged in between his ribs and a tiny rivulet of blood began to seep down the corner of his mouth. Haldir shook his head, glancing up at his father.
"We have to continue, but they have us pinned for now." Haldir pulled his bow from his shoulder and unbuckled his quiver, handing both to Halcyon. He looked down at Tiernan. "I will have to carry you. It will not be a easy thing for you." He said quietly.
Tiernan shook his head angrily. "Nay, I will only delay you further."
Haldir gripped Tiernan's tunic, but the drow reached out to grasp Haldir's wrist. Haldir pulled him up into a sitting position, ignoring the arrows that bounced off the rocks around them. "I am taking you with us. You have been true to your word, I will not leave you behind." Haldir pulled Tiernan closer, but crouched back down when he heard Tári call softly.
"We can't get close enough to make any difference!" Tári growled when Haldir slid beside her. Her quiver was nearly empty again. "Halcyon is enjoying this way too much." Tári grinned, her gaze settling on Halcyon for a moment. Indeed, the tall elf drew Haldir's bow back with the ease of long practice, a wry smile curving the corners of his lips. Tári glanced at Haldir to see the same smile. An arrow bounced off the rock beside Tári and she reached out to nock it into her bow.
"At least I can send them back." She laughed quietly, launching the arrow into the tunnel. A cry from below told her the arrow had hit its mark. Haldir sighed and slid back up the slope of the tunnel toward Rúmil and Orophin. Keliar had slid into a depression in the rocky wall, Orophin a step behind him. Their glances told him the same story as Tári. How long would they last without arrows. Rúmil slid beside him with a soft sigh.
"We can fight hand to hand, but they carry more arrows. I fear we are at a distinct disadvantage." Rumil murmured softly. "How fares Tiernan?"
"Not well. The arrow has hit a lung, but I have no time to heal him."
Rúmil released an arrow, knocking a drow attempting to crawl toward them into the dirt. "If I can get closer." he began but stopped to stare at Haldir.
Haldir closed his eyes as the thought swept through his mind in a loud roar. He staggered against the wall, his eyes flying open.
"Shield your eyes!" he commanded quickly, his tone demanding an instant response.
Orophin saw in that moment Keliar's confusion and leaped, knocking the drow to the ground. Rúmil, Halcyon and Tári covered their eyes, following the command instantly. Haldir dropped to Tiernan covering the drow's face with his arm as he hid his eyes in his shoulder. An instant later the air shuddered with the great blast of light, the boom echoing down the tunnels amid the painful shrieks of the drow patrol. Unused to any type of light but the infrared, the light seared their eyes in its painful intensity.
Orophin rose, pulling Keliar to his feet quickly.
"I owe you for that." Keliar sighed with a glare, rubbing his shoulder. Orophin grinned, moving up the slope to help Haldir drag Tiernan over his shoulder.
Tári rose, looking back over her shoulder, hearing the cries of the drow as they fought the painful effects of the light. She reached out for the drow princess but she was gone. Tári gasped, whirling around.
"She is gone." Halcyon said quietly.
Tári looked back down the tunnel. "I do not think her path home will be easy." She shouldered her bow, and turned to follow Halcyon and Keliar back up the tunnel. Rúmil led them, following the trail he and Orophin had made when they first began their journey. Behind them the tunnels still rang with echoing roar of the light, and the shrill screams of the drow.
* *
Tári smiled, feeling the sudden freshness in the air. The tunnel still sloped upwards and she pressed forward to stride beside Haldir.
"We can stop, Haldir." she said quietly at his questioning look. Tiernan hung over his shoulder limply, and Tári could see the drow was unconscious. Haldir knelt and with Rúmil, pulled Tiernan from over his shoulder. The drow lay limp, his face pale.
Tári felt his forehead. The drow's skin was clammy. "Do you think the arrow poisoned?" she asked as Haldir wrenched the remaining piece of arrow from Tiernan's ribs.
"Nay, he would be dead now." Halcyon said quietly, crouching beside them. He leaned over the drow, gently brushing the white hair from Tiernan's forehead. Halcyon watched Haldir run his hands over Tiernan. "So you have her talents as well." He said, smiling as Haldir glanced at him.
"Aye, Mother taught me well."
Halcyon smiled. "March Warden and a healer. Galadriel must value you highly."
Haldir ripped apart Tiernan's robe, wrapping a long portion around the drow's ribs. Orophin settled beside them with a grin.
"He will not admit it, but she does." Orophin smiled, ignoring the look Haldir sent him. "We are all wardens."
Halcyon leaned back against the rocky wall. "Three sons, wardens of the Galadhrim." He closed his eyes for a moment. "And your mother?"
Haldir looked at Orophin and they both frowned. "She is gone to Valinor." Haldir said quietly.
Halcyon only smiled. "Our love was strong. But she stayed for you." He stared at Haldir and Orophin, and then at Rúmil who had moved closer to listen.
Haldir nodded. "Aye, but only a few years. She grew weary and said she could not stay."
Halcyon sighed. "I will find her," he said quietly, then smiled seeing the concern flash on all three of his son's expressions. "But not yet, for I have much to catch up on."
Tiernan groaned softly and Haldir leaned over him. "Why did you not leave me."
Tiernan gasped softly.
Haldir smiled. "I fear Windred would have my head if I had. I fear that elf's wrath."
Tári wanted to laugh at the absurdity of Haldir being afraid of anything but only smiled when he glanced at her. Haldir pulled Tiernan to his feet, supporting the drow beneath his arms along with Rúmil. They moved higher into the tunnel, the breeze flowing through the tunnel becoming stronger.
The light shifted slightly and it took Tári a few moments to realize she could see normally. The light was still dim, but she could now make out the colors of the rocks as they passed, the shadows and shifting light. The tunnel curved and suddenly they were inside the cavern, the light filtering down from the ceiling even in the dimness, forcing them to cover their eyes for a moment to focus.
Halcyon turned away from the light, covering his eyes, feeling them water from the bright intensity. How long had he been underground, he wondered? He straightened when he felt someone grip his wrists.
"Open your eyes slowly, Halcyon." Tári whispered softly. Halcyon sighed, and removed his hands, his eyes still closed against the light.
"I fear that perhaps it has been too long."
Tári squeezed his wrists. "Nay, but you must open them slowly. The light here is dim."
Halcyon opened his eyes slowly, the long lashes sweeping his cheeks. In the dim light Tári could see the resemblance Haldir carried of his father. The same brows, the same grey eyes. But Rúmil had his father's smile, Orophin, the shape of his face. Halcyon smiled Rumil's cocky grin, staring around the small chamber.
"I had forgotten what color rocks were." Halcyon whispered, moving to the wall to feel the stone. He turned to look at the elves clustered in the chamber. His gaze swept over the walls, the floor and then back his sons.
"How did you know about the light?" Halcyon asked.
Haldir glanced at Orophin and Tári. "The Lady sent the light, and the warning." Orophin nodded agreement.
"I felt Aranel thoughts almost at the same instance."
Halcyon turned to Orophin with raised brows. "You felt Aranel's thoughts?"
Orophin grinned sheepishly. "Tári's sister."
Halcyon frowned. "I gathered who Aranel is, but for you to have such a connection makes me believe you." he turned when Tári gripped his arm with a smile.
"Orophin is not a child, nor is Aranel."
Halcyon stared at her, and then at Haldir. "As for you two." He began but stopped seeing Haldir frown. Halcyon strode across the chamber to stand in front of him. They were almost the same height, Haldir taller by only a small amount. Haldir's chin rose slightly, unaware of the defensive reaction to his father's stern look.
"And what of your intent?" Halcyon asked quietly.
"I do not think this is good time for this discussion, Father." Haldir said softly glared at Tári when she giggled.
"I've heard that before." She covered her mouth, glancing at Keliar.
Halcyon sighed. "Aye, you're right. But we will have this discussion." He said with a firm look at Haldir.
They made their way out of the tunnel just as the sun began to set, it's brightness hidden by the trees. Halcyon pushed away the branches surrounding the entrance and stopped, staring at the forest in front of him in long awaited appreciation. He stepped forward only to turn slowly around in a circle.
"Long have I wished to see the beauty again that is Lothlórien." He whispered.
"Far too long has it been denied to you, Halcyon, dear friend." Celeborn said quietly as he and Galadriel moved toward them from within the darkened forest. They grasped each other's arms for a moment. Celeborn stared at the elf before him, his gaze sweeping over Halcyon's features. "Are you well?"
Halcyon grinned. "I am now."
Galadriel, Celeborn, Tathar and Halcyon sat in the flet, high in the canopy of the forest. The caves had been destroyed, Tiernan and Windred used what magic they still had to demolish the entrance to the tunnel. Galadriel had completed Tiernan's healing and the drow now sat with Windred on another nearby flet, the trail into the city only a glimmer far beneath them.
Tári eased next to Haldir where he stood looking out into the darkness of the forest, the glow of the lantern next to him casting flickering shadows on his face. Rúmil stood with his back to them, humming a faint tune to himself, watching the far flet where his father sat.
"Orophin does not seem concerned about what his father thinks of him." She said softly, glancing at where Orophin sat with Aranel and grinning at the sour look Haldir cast toward her.
"Your perception gives you no advantage."
Tári sighed. "I see I am still a warden yet. You have become cold and aloof again. Don't' you think it's time to lighten up? You know I think I've repaid my debt a long time ago."
Haldir fought back his smile, and glanced down at the tiny elf next to him. Indeed, she had repaid it long ago. "Aye, you are no longer a warden, unless you wish to continue."
Tári rubbed her chin. "Well, let's see. If I remain a warden, then you will still have say over what I do. So then, if I refuse, I become a guest of your city once again, and you must then respect my wishes. But yet, you can also ignore me, and I would have no say in what you do. But then as ward." she got not further as Haldir's hand covered her mouth.
"I take it back, you are still under my command and I command you to be silent." He said grinning.
Tári glared at him. "You can't take it back." She growled, pulling away his hand. She stepped back when Haldir's eyebrows rose. "Well, you can't. It's not fair. I think I should. " she gasped in outrage when Haldir sighed, tossing her over his shoulder. "Put me down! How dare you! I am going to complain to Galadriel. This is not how you treat a guest!" Tári pounded on Haldir's back as he slid down the tree, one hand holding Tári's waist.
"You are beginning to sound like Aranel." He said laughing, dropping the final distance to the ground. "I can take it back, and do. You are still mine." He stopped when Halcyon dropped from the flet next to them.
"Yours?" Halcyon asked, eyeing the struggling maiden on Haldir's shoulder.
Haldir grinned at his father. "Aye, mine."
Halcyon smiled in amusement watching Tári squirm, muttering under her breath. "You don't think you're over doing it? I would think a maiden would want a bit softer treatment?"
Haldir laughed, squeezing Tári. "Nay, not this one. I will explain later. My trap for this mouse was set long ago."
Tári froze with a snort. "Trap! You think highly of yourself, March Warden!" Tári thumped her hands on Haldir's back to no avail. She kicked her legs only to find Haldir gripping her thighs tighter and striding rapidly into the forest. Halcyon watched them, his amused smile lingering in Tári's vision.
"Put me down!" Tári hissed and found herself abruptly on her feet. She staggered back a few steps, slightly dizzy from the blood rushing to her head. Haldir stood still, his arms folded over his chest. Tári leaned her hand against a tree trunk for balance and glared back at the arrogant elf before her. "Trap?" she said softly.
Haldir looked at her with such an innocent expression she snorted. Tári pushed off from the tree to stomp toward Haldir. "You think I am yours! Ha! You are just a trifle for me, did you think I was serious about you?"
Haldir only smiled and took a step toward her. Tári stepped back, frowning when she did. He could intimidate so quickly. She straightened her shoulders and folded her arms across her chest. "You don't frighten me."
Haldir's brow rose in amusement. "What makes you think I was trying to frighten you? You face Orcs, Drow elves with out batting an eye. I would think it difficult to frighten you at all." He took another step forward, and Tári scowled backing up another step.
Haldir smiled. "Why do you deny what you want, Tári? You were so bold before, has the mouse returned?"
Tári's chin rose and she held her ground when Haldir took another step to come only a arm's reach from her. "Nay, the mouse is gone forever."
"A pity, I kind of liked her."
Tári tapped her fingers on her arm to hide the slight trembling of her hands. He was so close she could smell him. Why was she arguing when she only wanted him to kiss her? She began to step back but found the tree behind her, and she leaned against it when Haldir reached out, placing both hands on the tree on either side of her.
"I didn't bring you out here to argue." He said softly, his grey eyes gleaming silver once again in the moonlight. He leaned toward her and Tári closed her eyes with a smile.
"No, I didn't think you did, Haldir." She felt his lips brush her cheek, felt the warmth of his body as he moved to lean against her slightly, pushing her back against the tree.
"You see, I do think I have a mouse in my trap, she has no where to go."
Tári smiled, her eyes still closed, feeling his arms tighten against her. "Aye, perhaps you do. But it's not a trap if I don't want to get away."
Haldir chuckled. "Ah, that is true. So what do you want?"
Tári opened her eyes to stare up into the dark grey depths of Haldir's. "What do I want? Do I have to spell it out for you?"
Haldir grinned, and his lips brushed hers softly. Tári sighed, sliding her arms around his shoulders and into his long silky hair. His lips moved across her cheek to nuzzle her ear. "I would like to take this further, but Galadriel sits only a fair distance away as well as the others. You will have to be patient."
Tári slid her hands against his chest, twisting the lightweight fabric in her fingers to pull him closer. "Patient. I have never had patience, Haldir." She reached up to pull his head closer, sliding her fingers over his ears. His eyes glittered now, and he reached around her to pull her tightly against him.
"Aye, that I well know." He kissed her hungrily, his lips crushing hers for too brief a moment, and then he stepped back. Tári staggered slightly at the loss of his body against hers and stared at him with a wry grin.
"You have way too much control over your emotions, Haldir. For once I'd like to see you out of control." She said softly, not knowing she would soon find out.
Haldir wrapped his arm around Tári's waist, pulling her close to his side. Her small bow had done serious damage to the drow patrol. "How many are left." He whispered into her ear, feeling her shiver. He grinned, knowing the shiver was more from the warmth of his breath than any fear. An sharp elbow in his ribs proved his point and he grunted slightly.
"Five, from what I can tell. Two behind the boulder along the ceiling, one below them, and two are trying to circle behind us."
Haldir released her to send Rúmil and Orophin creeping toward the two drow moving toward them. Tiernan nodded and slid away to search out the trail behind them. They had no more arrows, but nether did the drow. Haldir slid his sword from its scabbard quietly, and gripped Tári's arm. "You will stay here out of the way. You can keep an eye on the princess."
Tári opened her mouth to argue, but shut it with a look toward the female drow where she huddled against a rock. The glare Tári received told her the drow had heard Haldir's comment. Tári grinned, pulling a knife from her sleeve. Haldir gripped her arm to draw her attention back to him.
"No games, warden." He said softly, his eyes narrowing.
Tári sighed. "Your no fun, Haldir," she whispered to his back softly. He glanced back at her with a frown and Tári sighed again. She turned toward the drow with a bright smile. Halcyon followed her, his gaze following Haldir with a raised brow.
Keliar slid along the rocky wall, the cavern looming vastly below him. The drow were crouching ahead of him, unaware that he crept closer. He slid his sword free, keeping the blade behind him. As long as they did not turn toward him he was fine. He had no place to hide in the narrow path before him. He crouched, inching slowly forward. How long before they realized he was close? The quick turn of their heads gave him his answer and Keliar leaped forward, sword in hand.
Haldir swept forward to meet the drow who faced him haughtily. He had no knowledge of the fighting skills of the drow, but was sure given their ways, it would not be an easy fight. The drow's sword snaked out, and Haldir brought his up to parry. The silence of the underworld was broken by the clash of metal upon metal. The drow's eyes widened slightly, but then narrowed as they circled. A worthy adversary, his eyes told Haldir. They leaped forward as one, their swords once again meeting in a resounding clash, sparks flying into the darkness from the impact.
Rúmil and Orophin slid quickly along the path, skirting the rocky boulders that blocked their way, yet using them as a shield. The drow could see by infrared light, and the heat from the elf's bodies would alert them to their presence quickly. The sound of blades clashing told them Haldir was busy and they looked at each other with a grin. It would not be a long match with Haldir. Orophin slid around the boulder, his feet silent on the rocky ground and grinned when he met the drow elf face to face. The drow's expression of surprise changed to one of pain when Orophin's dagger slid into his chest. Orophin lowered the drow to the ground and Rúmil stepped forward as the other drow leaped toward Orophin.
Keliar grinned when the two drow rose to face him. Their expressions were grim, but he had no fear. They split apart, but Keliar kept the rocky wall behind him. The path here was too narrow for them to push past him, so they were forced to fight together, their closeness hampering their movements. Keliar had no such restrictions and his sword sang through the air to screech with a metallic hiss along the blade of one of the drow.
The drow pressed toward Keliar, but he held his ground, his blade glancing off one drow blade to the other, forcing them to draw back. Keliar twisted, bringing his blade low to swipe at the knees of one drow, flowing into an upright stance to clatter against the parry of the other. The injured drow gasped in pain, dropping back to his knees, and Keliar leaped into the space he'd created. The standing drow turned to block Keliar's next thrust only to find the blade dropping below his parry to slice easily into his chest. The drow stared at the blood welling from his chest and then at Keliar for a moment before he slumped to the ground. Keliar turned just as the other drow leaped forward, ducking the blade that swung inches from his chin.
Haldir leaned forward into his thrust, the weight of his sword and strength of his arm pushing back the drow's blade. They drew together, blades interlocked at the hilts. The drow stared arrogantly into the silver sheen of Haldir's grey eyes, unafraid. Haldir only smiled slightly, the corners of his lips twitching. He pulled back, ducking the swing of the drow's blade, and twisting under the swing to come up behind the drow. Their swords met once again as the drow quickly spun to block Haldir's parry, but stumbled as he did so. Haldir pressed forward quickly and the drow stumbled back, his eyes widening in sudden surprise and fear as Haldir pressed, his blade flashing in the infrared light with a slight glow, the clatter of metal screeching against metal spelling out the drow's eventual doom.
The drow shuddered as he blocked blow after blow, spinning in the narrow confines of the path, evading and blocking Haldir's blade. His eyes grew bright with anger, the emotion sweeping over him. He pressed forward, his black blade snaking in to injure, but found no opening. The drow spun the blade over his head, swinging backhanded to shudder against yet another blocked swing. He spun, swinging his blade around him quickly, only to find the surface elf's blade had slid under his, and he staggered as the blade slashed through the padding of his thighs. He staggered back, his blade held forward, as Haldir stalked toward him. He last thought as he attempted to block the next thrust was a prayer to the dark gods of the underworld.
Rúmil and Orophin stepped forward together when the drow dropped heavily to the ground in front of Haldir. Keliar sprinted from the path ahead of them, sheathing his sword. Tári dragged the drow princess from behind the rocks, the drow's eyes wide with fear.
"Where is Tiernan?" Keliar asked turning around.
'I am here." The drow said quietly, dragging the body of yet another drow into the path. "He was following us, far enough behind that Tári did not sense him."
Haldir nodded, sheathing his sword. He looked at Tári who was grinning oddly. "What is it that you find so funny?"
Tári glanced at Halcyon who stood silently behind Haldir, a small smile still playing about his mouth. "I think Halcyon was impressed with your abilities." Tári said, and Haldir turned to Halcyon.
Rúmil grinned. "He is March Warden."
Halcyon smiled. "That is not a surprise. I see you also have taken your lessons to heart, Rúmil. Something I had concerns about when you were young."
Rúmil smiled sheepishly.
Haldir grinned, but turned when Tiernan brushed past them. Tári stood up, cocking her head. "More patrols."
Tiernan looked back with a grin. "I don't need her sense of perception to know more follow quickly. Come, we must hurry."
They reached the area where they had met the spider, only minor skirmishes delaying their path. The patrols drew closer, and Tári shivered as the warnings in her head began to throb. She gripped Haldir's arm to speak to him and Tiernan paused, turning to look at them.
"They are drawing close." She whispered, glancing behind her.
Tiernan nodded agreement. "I will see what I can do to slow them down." He brushed past them to hurry back the way they had come, glancing at the drow princess as he passed.
"They will catch you, and you will wish you were never born," she hissed, glaring at Tiernan. Tiernan paused, reaching out to grip her arm, holding her as the others continued up the sloping tunnel.
"And what will they do to you, Ila? Do you think they will believe you when you try to tell them we forced you to come along? Remember, you are part of my household." He smiled at the look of fear that crossed her face. "I suggest you come along quietly." He turned and shoved her ahead of him, glancing back at the tunnel as it sloped downward into darkness. He frowned, sensing danger just as Tári flew back down the tunnel toward him.
"Patrol!" Tári shouted, hearing the arrows as they were launched and diving for cover. Tiernan released Ila, shoving her down onto the rocky ground but staggered when an arrow struck him, knocking the drow off his feet. Tári screamed for Haldir, but he was already pushing past her.
Tári pulled back her bow, launching the goblin arrows she'd gathered at the drow patrol. They separated and Tári crouched down, eyeing the path below her. Haldir slid along the wall to reach Tiernan.
"Go, Haldir, while you can." Tiernan gasped, his eyes shut against the pain. The arrow had lodged in between his ribs and a tiny rivulet of blood began to seep down the corner of his mouth. Haldir shook his head, glancing up at his father.
"We have to continue, but they have us pinned for now." Haldir pulled his bow from his shoulder and unbuckled his quiver, handing both to Halcyon. He looked down at Tiernan. "I will have to carry you. It will not be a easy thing for you." He said quietly.
Tiernan shook his head angrily. "Nay, I will only delay you further."
Haldir gripped Tiernan's tunic, but the drow reached out to grasp Haldir's wrist. Haldir pulled him up into a sitting position, ignoring the arrows that bounced off the rocks around them. "I am taking you with us. You have been true to your word, I will not leave you behind." Haldir pulled Tiernan closer, but crouched back down when he heard Tári call softly.
"We can't get close enough to make any difference!" Tári growled when Haldir slid beside her. Her quiver was nearly empty again. "Halcyon is enjoying this way too much." Tári grinned, her gaze settling on Halcyon for a moment. Indeed, the tall elf drew Haldir's bow back with the ease of long practice, a wry smile curving the corners of his lips. Tári glanced at Haldir to see the same smile. An arrow bounced off the rock beside Tári and she reached out to nock it into her bow.
"At least I can send them back." She laughed quietly, launching the arrow into the tunnel. A cry from below told her the arrow had hit its mark. Haldir sighed and slid back up the slope of the tunnel toward Rúmil and Orophin. Keliar had slid into a depression in the rocky wall, Orophin a step behind him. Their glances told him the same story as Tári. How long would they last without arrows. Rúmil slid beside him with a soft sigh.
"We can fight hand to hand, but they carry more arrows. I fear we are at a distinct disadvantage." Rumil murmured softly. "How fares Tiernan?"
"Not well. The arrow has hit a lung, but I have no time to heal him."
Rúmil released an arrow, knocking a drow attempting to crawl toward them into the dirt. "If I can get closer." he began but stopped to stare at Haldir.
Haldir closed his eyes as the thought swept through his mind in a loud roar. He staggered against the wall, his eyes flying open.
"Shield your eyes!" he commanded quickly, his tone demanding an instant response.
Orophin saw in that moment Keliar's confusion and leaped, knocking the drow to the ground. Rúmil, Halcyon and Tári covered their eyes, following the command instantly. Haldir dropped to Tiernan covering the drow's face with his arm as he hid his eyes in his shoulder. An instant later the air shuddered with the great blast of light, the boom echoing down the tunnels amid the painful shrieks of the drow patrol. Unused to any type of light but the infrared, the light seared their eyes in its painful intensity.
Orophin rose, pulling Keliar to his feet quickly.
"I owe you for that." Keliar sighed with a glare, rubbing his shoulder. Orophin grinned, moving up the slope to help Haldir drag Tiernan over his shoulder.
Tári rose, looking back over her shoulder, hearing the cries of the drow as they fought the painful effects of the light. She reached out for the drow princess but she was gone. Tári gasped, whirling around.
"She is gone." Halcyon said quietly.
Tári looked back down the tunnel. "I do not think her path home will be easy." She shouldered her bow, and turned to follow Halcyon and Keliar back up the tunnel. Rúmil led them, following the trail he and Orophin had made when they first began their journey. Behind them the tunnels still rang with echoing roar of the light, and the shrill screams of the drow.
* *
Tári smiled, feeling the sudden freshness in the air. The tunnel still sloped upwards and she pressed forward to stride beside Haldir.
"We can stop, Haldir." she said quietly at his questioning look. Tiernan hung over his shoulder limply, and Tári could see the drow was unconscious. Haldir knelt and with Rúmil, pulled Tiernan from over his shoulder. The drow lay limp, his face pale.
Tári felt his forehead. The drow's skin was clammy. "Do you think the arrow poisoned?" she asked as Haldir wrenched the remaining piece of arrow from Tiernan's ribs.
"Nay, he would be dead now." Halcyon said quietly, crouching beside them. He leaned over the drow, gently brushing the white hair from Tiernan's forehead. Halcyon watched Haldir run his hands over Tiernan. "So you have her talents as well." He said, smiling as Haldir glanced at him.
"Aye, Mother taught me well."
Halcyon smiled. "March Warden and a healer. Galadriel must value you highly."
Haldir ripped apart Tiernan's robe, wrapping a long portion around the drow's ribs. Orophin settled beside them with a grin.
"He will not admit it, but she does." Orophin smiled, ignoring the look Haldir sent him. "We are all wardens."
Halcyon leaned back against the rocky wall. "Three sons, wardens of the Galadhrim." He closed his eyes for a moment. "And your mother?"
Haldir looked at Orophin and they both frowned. "She is gone to Valinor." Haldir said quietly.
Halcyon only smiled. "Our love was strong. But she stayed for you." He stared at Haldir and Orophin, and then at Rúmil who had moved closer to listen.
Haldir nodded. "Aye, but only a few years. She grew weary and said she could not stay."
Halcyon sighed. "I will find her," he said quietly, then smiled seeing the concern flash on all three of his son's expressions. "But not yet, for I have much to catch up on."
Tiernan groaned softly and Haldir leaned over him. "Why did you not leave me."
Tiernan gasped softly.
Haldir smiled. "I fear Windred would have my head if I had. I fear that elf's wrath."
Tári wanted to laugh at the absurdity of Haldir being afraid of anything but only smiled when he glanced at her. Haldir pulled Tiernan to his feet, supporting the drow beneath his arms along with Rúmil. They moved higher into the tunnel, the breeze flowing through the tunnel becoming stronger.
The light shifted slightly and it took Tári a few moments to realize she could see normally. The light was still dim, but she could now make out the colors of the rocks as they passed, the shadows and shifting light. The tunnel curved and suddenly they were inside the cavern, the light filtering down from the ceiling even in the dimness, forcing them to cover their eyes for a moment to focus.
Halcyon turned away from the light, covering his eyes, feeling them water from the bright intensity. How long had he been underground, he wondered? He straightened when he felt someone grip his wrists.
"Open your eyes slowly, Halcyon." Tári whispered softly. Halcyon sighed, and removed his hands, his eyes still closed against the light.
"I fear that perhaps it has been too long."
Tári squeezed his wrists. "Nay, but you must open them slowly. The light here is dim."
Halcyon opened his eyes slowly, the long lashes sweeping his cheeks. In the dim light Tári could see the resemblance Haldir carried of his father. The same brows, the same grey eyes. But Rúmil had his father's smile, Orophin, the shape of his face. Halcyon smiled Rumil's cocky grin, staring around the small chamber.
"I had forgotten what color rocks were." Halcyon whispered, moving to the wall to feel the stone. He turned to look at the elves clustered in the chamber. His gaze swept over the walls, the floor and then back his sons.
"How did you know about the light?" Halcyon asked.
Haldir glanced at Orophin and Tári. "The Lady sent the light, and the warning." Orophin nodded agreement.
"I felt Aranel thoughts almost at the same instance."
Halcyon turned to Orophin with raised brows. "You felt Aranel's thoughts?"
Orophin grinned sheepishly. "Tári's sister."
Halcyon frowned. "I gathered who Aranel is, but for you to have such a connection makes me believe you." he turned when Tári gripped his arm with a smile.
"Orophin is not a child, nor is Aranel."
Halcyon stared at her, and then at Haldir. "As for you two." He began but stopped seeing Haldir frown. Halcyon strode across the chamber to stand in front of him. They were almost the same height, Haldir taller by only a small amount. Haldir's chin rose slightly, unaware of the defensive reaction to his father's stern look.
"And what of your intent?" Halcyon asked quietly.
"I do not think this is good time for this discussion, Father." Haldir said softly glared at Tári when she giggled.
"I've heard that before." She covered her mouth, glancing at Keliar.
Halcyon sighed. "Aye, you're right. But we will have this discussion." He said with a firm look at Haldir.
They made their way out of the tunnel just as the sun began to set, it's brightness hidden by the trees. Halcyon pushed away the branches surrounding the entrance and stopped, staring at the forest in front of him in long awaited appreciation. He stepped forward only to turn slowly around in a circle.
"Long have I wished to see the beauty again that is Lothlórien." He whispered.
"Far too long has it been denied to you, Halcyon, dear friend." Celeborn said quietly as he and Galadriel moved toward them from within the darkened forest. They grasped each other's arms for a moment. Celeborn stared at the elf before him, his gaze sweeping over Halcyon's features. "Are you well?"
Halcyon grinned. "I am now."
Galadriel, Celeborn, Tathar and Halcyon sat in the flet, high in the canopy of the forest. The caves had been destroyed, Tiernan and Windred used what magic they still had to demolish the entrance to the tunnel. Galadriel had completed Tiernan's healing and the drow now sat with Windred on another nearby flet, the trail into the city only a glimmer far beneath them.
Tári eased next to Haldir where he stood looking out into the darkness of the forest, the glow of the lantern next to him casting flickering shadows on his face. Rúmil stood with his back to them, humming a faint tune to himself, watching the far flet where his father sat.
"Orophin does not seem concerned about what his father thinks of him." She said softly, glancing at where Orophin sat with Aranel and grinning at the sour look Haldir cast toward her.
"Your perception gives you no advantage."
Tári sighed. "I see I am still a warden yet. You have become cold and aloof again. Don't' you think it's time to lighten up? You know I think I've repaid my debt a long time ago."
Haldir fought back his smile, and glanced down at the tiny elf next to him. Indeed, she had repaid it long ago. "Aye, you are no longer a warden, unless you wish to continue."
Tári rubbed her chin. "Well, let's see. If I remain a warden, then you will still have say over what I do. So then, if I refuse, I become a guest of your city once again, and you must then respect my wishes. But yet, you can also ignore me, and I would have no say in what you do. But then as ward." she got not further as Haldir's hand covered her mouth.
"I take it back, you are still under my command and I command you to be silent." He said grinning.
Tári glared at him. "You can't take it back." She growled, pulling away his hand. She stepped back when Haldir's eyebrows rose. "Well, you can't. It's not fair. I think I should. " she gasped in outrage when Haldir sighed, tossing her over his shoulder. "Put me down! How dare you! I am going to complain to Galadriel. This is not how you treat a guest!" Tári pounded on Haldir's back as he slid down the tree, one hand holding Tári's waist.
"You are beginning to sound like Aranel." He said laughing, dropping the final distance to the ground. "I can take it back, and do. You are still mine." He stopped when Halcyon dropped from the flet next to them.
"Yours?" Halcyon asked, eyeing the struggling maiden on Haldir's shoulder.
Haldir grinned at his father. "Aye, mine."
Halcyon smiled in amusement watching Tári squirm, muttering under her breath. "You don't think you're over doing it? I would think a maiden would want a bit softer treatment?"
Haldir laughed, squeezing Tári. "Nay, not this one. I will explain later. My trap for this mouse was set long ago."
Tári froze with a snort. "Trap! You think highly of yourself, March Warden!" Tári thumped her hands on Haldir's back to no avail. She kicked her legs only to find Haldir gripping her thighs tighter and striding rapidly into the forest. Halcyon watched them, his amused smile lingering in Tári's vision.
"Put me down!" Tári hissed and found herself abruptly on her feet. She staggered back a few steps, slightly dizzy from the blood rushing to her head. Haldir stood still, his arms folded over his chest. Tári leaned her hand against a tree trunk for balance and glared back at the arrogant elf before her. "Trap?" she said softly.
Haldir looked at her with such an innocent expression she snorted. Tári pushed off from the tree to stomp toward Haldir. "You think I am yours! Ha! You are just a trifle for me, did you think I was serious about you?"
Haldir only smiled and took a step toward her. Tári stepped back, frowning when she did. He could intimidate so quickly. She straightened her shoulders and folded her arms across her chest. "You don't frighten me."
Haldir's brow rose in amusement. "What makes you think I was trying to frighten you? You face Orcs, Drow elves with out batting an eye. I would think it difficult to frighten you at all." He took another step forward, and Tári scowled backing up another step.
Haldir smiled. "Why do you deny what you want, Tári? You were so bold before, has the mouse returned?"
Tári's chin rose and she held her ground when Haldir took another step to come only a arm's reach from her. "Nay, the mouse is gone forever."
"A pity, I kind of liked her."
Tári tapped her fingers on her arm to hide the slight trembling of her hands. He was so close she could smell him. Why was she arguing when she only wanted him to kiss her? She began to step back but found the tree behind her, and she leaned against it when Haldir reached out, placing both hands on the tree on either side of her.
"I didn't bring you out here to argue." He said softly, his grey eyes gleaming silver once again in the moonlight. He leaned toward her and Tári closed her eyes with a smile.
"No, I didn't think you did, Haldir." She felt his lips brush her cheek, felt the warmth of his body as he moved to lean against her slightly, pushing her back against the tree.
"You see, I do think I have a mouse in my trap, she has no where to go."
Tári smiled, her eyes still closed, feeling his arms tighten against her. "Aye, perhaps you do. But it's not a trap if I don't want to get away."
Haldir chuckled. "Ah, that is true. So what do you want?"
Tári opened her eyes to stare up into the dark grey depths of Haldir's. "What do I want? Do I have to spell it out for you?"
Haldir grinned, and his lips brushed hers softly. Tári sighed, sliding her arms around his shoulders and into his long silky hair. His lips moved across her cheek to nuzzle her ear. "I would like to take this further, but Galadriel sits only a fair distance away as well as the others. You will have to be patient."
Tári slid her hands against his chest, twisting the lightweight fabric in her fingers to pull him closer. "Patient. I have never had patience, Haldir." She reached up to pull his head closer, sliding her fingers over his ears. His eyes glittered now, and he reached around her to pull her tightly against him.
"Aye, that I well know." He kissed her hungrily, his lips crushing hers for too brief a moment, and then he stepped back. Tári staggered slightly at the loss of his body against hers and stared at him with a wry grin.
"You have way too much control over your emotions, Haldir. For once I'd like to see you out of control." She said softly, not knowing she would soon find out.