Naomie: Thanks for leaving me a review! Its always greatly appreciated. :D I hope you enjoy this chapter as well!

Zammy: WOO HOO! Yeah, Haldir just seems to attract trouble, doesn't he?

Seeing-Spots: Yeah, Orophin is injured. Not to worry, there wasn't anything of significance in there, it was added to build up the tension that possibly, this mission IS cursed. You will have to read and find out about who survives and who may not come back. Remember at the beginning, Galadriel feared that one may not return. ;) And thanks for your input on the chapter lengths, you're the only one who did so. I will try to keep the chapters around the same length, but sometimes, its just hard to find a good place to stop. :D Hope you like this chapter as well.

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Chapter Twenty-One: Solace for the Spirit

The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, bathing the room and its occupants in an golden light. The room remained deathly quiet as the elves within refused to speak. Aravitan and Wethíar had remained awake, regaining their strength and watching the others through apprehensive eyes.

As the thunder of silence pounded in their ears with its dulcet tones, Haldir took a deep breath to speak, but was interrupted by a moan. He was at Rúmil's side in an instant, waiting apprehensively for his brother to acknowledge him and share the vision he witnessed.

Rúmil moaned again, his eyes fluttered open and focused on Haldir hovering over him. He gave a yell and pushed at Haldir, growling, "You are not a pleasant sight to wake up to, Brother!"

Haldir laughed with relief and placed his hand on Rúmil's shoulder, "That sounds all too familiar. You slept for many hours after you collapsed. What did you see?"

Rúmil frowned, "Hours? I did not think I slept that long." He rose on the bed and looked over to where Orophin remained asleep beside him, "I saw flashes of light and blood. Blood pooled on the floor and many people were in pain."

Haldir listened intently, his mind reeling.

"The blood was not uncommon to me, but what I felt was," Rúmil glanced to the others and lowered his voice so only Haldir could hear him. "I felt a great swell of love and sadness, hatred and lust. It was all mixed together, each as strong as the next."

"Did you see anything else? A person?" Haldir questioned.

Rúmil nodded and mouthed, "I saw you."

Haldir shivered, his eyes narrowing at Rúmil who looked owlish and embarrassed by what he had witnessed. Before Haldir could inquire further, Rúmil looked over to Orophin and asked, "Has he wakened?"

Haldir shook his head, "Nay. He remains in sleep. I have cleaned the wounds he sustained and treated them as best as I know how. He will have to attend them properly when he wakes up."

Rúmil cast a long look at Haldir as if to ask if Orophin would wake up, but Haldir defiantly puffed his chest and rose from his seat.

Haldir paced a few times around the room, suppressing a grin as Rúmil wandered over to the food and started piling up a plate. After a minute, he said, "I wish to stretch my legs. I will return soon."

With a nod, the others acknowledged and watched as their leader went to the door and left, closing it with a snap. Silence hung once again, this time with concern for their leader and his stability. Haldir was a great leader, and those under his command followed him without question, but something was working against them. Something was plaguing the minds of the elves, burrowing deep into their subconscious and sending them warnings. Thinking some fresh air was the right idea; Láiraen went to the window and opened it, letting in a cool breeze. The elves breathed deeply, feeling the anxiety leave with the wind and the song of nature soothe their thoughts.

Haldir ventured through the manor, heading to nowhere in particular. He felt his nerves heighten, the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up as a feeling took a firm hold on him. It was as if cold water had been dumped over his head. Shaking himself, trying to pull himself together, Haldir frowned and tried to analyze what had just happened. He felt icy and worn, though elves were impervious to such things. He felt old as death and as lonely, yet there was definitely a chilling presence that filled his thoughts and caressed his soul.

The feeling would have garnered further exploration, had the March Warden not heard the enchanting music reach his ears. Curious as to what was making such beautiful notes, Haldir crept along the deserted corridor, occasionally glancing out of the windows to the people bustling about their work. The sound grew louder with each step, until Haldir found himself standing in the entrance to a grand room. The floor was of highly polished wood, inlaid in an intricate pattern, though covered with a slight sprinkling of dust. Carved beams held a painted ceiling that was accented with what Haldir thought was pure gold. At the end of the room stood a raised dais that supported many musical instruments, though they were foreign to the elven eyes upon them.

Past the dais was a small door from which the music filtered through. Haldir silently covered the distance across the large room and found himself staring into a smaller room, this one more frequently used, due to the lack of dust and cobwebs.

Amarah sat at a large obsidian, curved shaped instrument, her back to the doorway that framed Haldir. The Elf stopped, his ears easily picking out the soft humming of the human woman. Though he knew it rude and evasive to spy on her when she thought she was alone, he couldn't pull himself away from the soft tune lilting and gently matching the tone she hummed. Entranced, Haldir ventured further, quietly taking hidden refuge behind a decorated screen of a silken fabric, dyed and woven into fantastic designs.

The slim figure of the tall elf eased behind the silken screen, allowing the March Warden to blend into the shadows yet see clearly into the room. The new vantage-point allowed Haldir to see Amarah's face, now bathed in an orange glow from the fire roaring across from her.

Amarah's eyes were closed as she allowed her years of practice and knowledge of the large instrument to guide her through the measures. Her hands flew expertly over long, ivory keys, her fingers caressing them as they produced their wondrous sounds. Notes filtered through the room, some wavering and hypnotic, others short and sweet, their harmonies dancing through the room.

Haldir closed his eyes as the music crescendo seemed to enter his soul and drift through his very existence. The music coursed through his veins, twisting, energizing, uplifting and reaching an almost painful peak as it fell into rhythm with his heartbeat.

Just when he thought he couldn't listen to another quavering note, the music stopped. Haldir opened his eyes and saw Amarah wipe her face of tears.

A few muffled sobs escaped her lips, but Amarah took several deep breaths and began another tune. Her hands lovingly touched the ivory keys; the music flowed with ease from her experienced touch.

Haldir made to leave but the soft undertones drew him back into his previous euphoric state. As he listened, the feelings changed from uplifting and inspiring, to haunting and enchanting of the mind and senses.

The dulcet tones felt as if the very heavens opened up, and the Valar were singing from high above, their lyrical voices rising and falling in perfect harmony. Haldir felt his heart slow to the new beat, pounding a steady, gentle rhythm that made his soul hum with tranquility.

Haldir sighed and closed his eyes once again as the new melody sped into his body, touching his soul with aching loveliness and filling his very being with its unnatural essence. His spirit raised with the tempo, allowing the music to continue its inhabitation of his mind and body, the sensation exhilarating and somehow warmly familiar. The very music felt as if it possessed him, plaguing his senses, yet eerily seductive and fulfilling at the same time.

The mental image of a large lake filled Haldir's mind. Reflections of moonlight danced across the inky surface as Haldir felt himself being immersed in the phantom water. The deep bass of the instrument mirrored the waters ebb, the high-pitched tones acted as if made of mist, caressing his body with the melody. A wisp of silver willow tickled his exposed skin, creating a silken veil that kissed him intimately, though he was completely clothed.

A cadence met his ears, sending him further into song, drowning him with its music. Fog drifted like a pearly ghost around him, speaking to his soul and calling forth emotions that had never surfaced before, haunting and chilling, yet invigorating and delicious in their intoxication. Shivering in delight, Haldir leaned forward, his body suppressing the urge to tremble as the decrescendo dipped to the deep unforgettable bass of the instrument, engraving the mental pictures clearly into his mind. When the music reached a mighty crest, Haldir held his breath, unable to breathe as the melody softened into the last measure of the song.

Haldir felt his spirit descend back into his body with the last lingering note as it dissolved into stillness, yet fresh and wonderfully alive in his memory. In all the millennia that he had lived and the songs he had heard from Elf, Dwarf, and Men alike, none compared to the sense of the completion and total understanding than the simple tune that bared no lyrics.

When the music faded into silence, Haldir opened his eyes to see Amarah rising from her small bench.

"Good-bye, my friend," she said softly, tears still tracking down her cheeks.

Haldir remained in the shadow of the paneled screen long after Amarah's footsteps faded from his heightened hearing. His mind replayed the melody he had heard, and felt his spirit soar once more. He leaned against the screen, his hand resting on one of the silken panels, though not noticing its texture as his mind wrapped itself in its unforgettable memory. The exotic feeling and strange sensations that he longed to sense again resurfaced, causing a burning heat to rise in him.

Haldir opened his eyes some time later, unsure how much time had passed. He disengaged from his hiding place and made for the rooms he shared with his command.

When he slipped into the room, Rúmil who looked grave and worried immediately grabbed him.

"Where have you been?" Rúmil asked, keeping his voice low.

Feeling his previous euphoria disappear, and filled with anger at his brother's attitude, Haldir snapped, "I do not need to tell you every action I take! What I choose to do with my time is not of your concern."

Rúmil visibly flinched at the rebuke and cast his eyes down, away from his brother's furious glare.

"Your time is not of my concern, forgive me, Commander," it was Haldir who flinched this time at the brother's usage of the title. "I had feared for your safety, but I see that fear was not needed."

Rúmil made to move away but Haldir embraced his brother, his expression softening, "Forgive my sharp tongue. I know not what came over me."

Rúmil gave a weak smile that didn't reach his eyes and disengaged himself from Haldir.

Haldir regarded his younger sibling, a frown creasing his face. "What is wrong, Rúmil?"

Rúmil looked away and sighed, "I felt something. I know not what it was but I suddenly feared for your life."

Haldir thought back to the wondrous music he had listened to and though the chords rose a wonderful sensation in him, he hadn't detected any danger. The tune was the most pleasurable thing in all of the world, and try as he might, there were no faults or danger behind their notes.

"I have been in no danger, Rúmil," Haldir assured him. "I have remained safe, as have you and our kin. There is no need for alarm."

Rúmil frowned at his brother, "I cannot explain it, but I still fear for you, Haldir. Please do not allow your guard to drop while within these walls."

Haldir felt his ire rise once more but quashed it. If Rúmil had a bad feeling, it was an omen that ill times were ahead, and he valued his brother's foresight greatly. The words of Múrendil and Láiraen came back to him, and the fears they shared reminded Haldir of what he was to be wary of.

"Very well, Rúmil."

"Promise that you will not venture alone," Rúmil pressed.

Haldir opened his mouth to protest and argue that he was a full grown, adult elf, and Captain of the Lothlorien Guard, but the pleading look in Rúmil's azure eyes changed his mind, "I promise Brother. "'Tis a good idea. We do not need fall into a safe, secure feeling in a strange place."

Rúmil nodded, then gave his brother a quizzical grin, "Were where you for hours?"

"Hours?" Haldir repeated faintly, wondering exactly how much time had passed. He blushed, his cheeks coloring to a tint of pink, "I wished to find Amarah to speak with her."

Rúmil's grin turned feral as his eyes widened, "I believe you did find her then?"

Haldir sighed and raised his hand to warrant off the flow of questions Rúmil was undoubtfully building, "She was playing a strange instrument. I followed the sound of the music to where she sat playing."

Rúmil's grin faltered a bit as a skeptical look creased his face, his preconceived notions dashed, "And?"

Haldir took a slow, deep breath, his mind returning to the melody that replayed in his mind, "I heard a song that even the Vala could not reproduce or match in its beauty."

Rúmil stood in front of his older brother, his jaw slack, his mouth agape. He had never heard Haldir speak in such a manner, either in clear astonishment of a musical piece, or of comparison with such a noble and highly adored kindred. He knew his brother, like all elves, enjoyed hearing and making music, but Haldir was rather reclusive with his passion for the audible pleasures.

"What did the song speak of? What words or language could express such declarations?"

Haldir's face reflected serenity as he answered, "The song spoke of life, of death, happiness and joy. They wept with pain and sorrow, and rejoiced in life, telling of love and peace and hope. Yet, there were no words at all."

Rúmil gasped, "No words? If there were no words, how could it say so much without speaking?"

"One could hear everything in the melody. The way the song wound its way through your body and captured your mind and allowed it to float along with the perfect harmony," Haldir said, oblivious to his words and descriptions.

"Has a song ever filled you completely?" Haldir asked, his eyes distant. "Like it completed you and your being?"

Rúmil stood in abject silence. Part of him was envious of his brother hearing such a glorious sound, yet part of him was sent into a high alert, his sense jumping to their peak and suspicion coursing through his veins.

A low moan from the corner of the room interrupted any more conversation between the two as Orophin stirred. Haldir and Rúmil were by his side within a heartbeat.

Haldir laid a gentle hand on Orophin's shoulder and asked, "How do you feel brother?"

"Like I was the dance partner for a scouting party of Orcs," Orophin chuckled, raising himself into a sitting potions and wincing from the movements, "How long did I sleep?"

"You slept through the day!" Rúmil exclaimed, relieved his brother was awake at last.

"Then it is no wonder my stomach woke me!" Orophin grinned, placing a hand over his stomach.

Haldir laughed and handed his brother a plate of food, "I should remember that nothing would keep you from a meal for long."

Orophin gave Haldir a sour look as he took several bites of the fruit and bread on the plate. Between bites he asked, "What did I miss? How fare the others? Any changes?"

Haldir and Rúmil exchanged saddened looks and Haldir answered, "Our kin rest well. Be at peace, Brother. Lómetar still remains in deep sleep. His wounds are healing well. It was your wounds that had us worried."

Orophin scoffed and tenderly touched the bandaged spot on the back of his head. With a grin he looked at Haldir, "This is your doing?"

Haldir nodded, thankful to see that the bandage bore no more of his brother's blood.

"I can not believe I survived your healing," Orophin grinned.

Haldir scoffed, "I am no healer." ("He speaks the truth," Rúmil interrupted with a grin.) "I only cleaned your wound and applied the herbs you use. Centuries of watching you have paid off."

Orophin grunted and continued to eat. After a few more mouthfuls, he asked, "Where are the others?"

Rúmil pointed to the adjacent room, "They are sleeping. Servants brought two more of those uncomfortable beds and placed them in the spare room. Aravitan and Wethíar have made a fast recovery. They wish to leave as soon as Lómetar can travel."

Orophin rose from the bed, wincing from the throbbing in his head and tottered for a moment before going to Lómetar on the cot. His hands flew expertly over the fallen elf, registering vitals and checking his bandages that were stained with blood.

"He has reopened some wounds," Orophin said, motioning for Haldir to bring his herbal pack to him. Haldir obliged and watched as Orophin set to work on cleaning and resealing the injuries and bandaging them securely. "What of the humans? What has happened?"

Rúmil's voice was low as he spoke, "Amarah and her people buried Calorad at dawn."

Orophin bowed his head and said an Elvish prayer, "I am sorry I could not attend."

Rúmil sat on the corner of Lómetar's bed and sighed, "We thought it best to remain here."

Haldir's eyes lowered to the ground, "May he journey safe to the lands were Men travel."

Orophin looked questioningly from Rúmil to Haldir.

Haldir sighed, seating himself across from Orophin, "We thought it best to allow them time to mourn their loss. We felt we would be intruding. Let those that knew him best grieve together."

"Haldir believed it wise to guard everyone," Rúmil added with a slight grin, his mind dwelling back to the feeling of worry for his brother's life earlier during his disappearance.

Haldir's gaze hardened as he looked to Rúmil, "I do not think it wise to let our guard down. Though the humans are in mourning, they may place the blame with us that young Calorad lost his life. I do not wish to be caught off guard."

"Gannüe did not attend the burial," Rúmil spat with resentment.

"You do not know that," Haldir said with a frown.

"I do," Rúmil countered. "I did not see Gannüe among those mourning. I saw him late this afternoon walking through the courtyard and shouting at others to stop behaving like children and to continue on with their work."

"That man has no heart," Orophin snapped.

"Maybe he is mourning in his own way," Haldir said.

Rúmil scoffed, "Oh please, brother! You know as I do he is not mourning the loss of such a young life. He is only interested in his business and overseeing his workers."

"We each grieve in our own way," Haldir repeated, though did not stress it.

Rúmil could only stare at Haldir, while Orophin seemed too furious to speak; the only movement he made was a twitch in his jaw.

Rúmil broke the uncomfortable silence with a grin and raised a brow at Haldir, "It seems, dear Orophin, that our brother has found something to interest him here."

Orophin's twitching subsided as he glared at Haldir, who was now a tinge of pink around his pointed ears, "Oh? And pray tell, what in the name of the Vala could do such a thing and cause our uptight, mithril headed brother to react so?"

"Oh, the Valar are to be cast down, for Haldir has spoken of them lowly," Rúmil put in, enjoying the uncomfortable grimace that plastered itself to Haldir's face.

Orophin raise his brow questioningly, "He spoke ill of the Vala?"

Haldir's face darkened as he stared at Orophin, "I would never do such a thing!"

Rúmil stifled a laugh, "Oh, but Haldir, you said the music could not be matched. That no words could express such feelings and that the Vala themselves could never match its beauty."

Orophin couldn't hold back the awestruck look on his face.

Haldir cleared his throat and shifted in discomfort, "Through all the centuries I have lived, heard songs by every race, nothing could compare to the song Amarah played, though there were no words."

"No words?" Orophin asked with a startled look.

"The melody," Haldir broke off, closing his eyes and heard the familiar song play through his memory, "was haunting. There is no other way to explain."

"I should like to hear such a song," Rúmil said watching Haldir's rapturous look. "Perhaps she will play the song for us to hear."

Haldir snapped back to reality in an instant, "I do not know the name of it and I listened to it without her knowing."

"You spied on her?" Rúmil asked, edging up on the bed with his eyes wide.

"I did not spy on her," Haldir said. "I just followed the music and did not reveal my presence to her."

Rúmil and Orophin exchanged looks of knowing, their faces split into identical smirks.

Haldir rose and fumed to his own makeshift bed, now unoccupied, and scoffed over his shoulder, "There was and never will be any wickedness on my part. I have no intentions to pursue Amarah. I only wished to enjoy her playing, and did not wish to disturb her time of mourning."

Orophin snickered as Rúmil adopted a stern face and imitated Haldir behind his back, his mannerisms perfectly duplicating Haldir's posture and body quarks. Haldir kept his back to his smarting brothers, hoping they didn't notice the heat flushing his face.

"Enough with your tongue, the both of you. We need rest to rotate shifts with the others," Haldir snapped, pulling off his boots and laying on his bed, hands folded neatly across his chest.

"Well spoken, Brother!" Rúmil exclaimed, his chest puffed out in his imitation of Haldir. He kept his jaw set and eyes narrowed as he went to the large bed that he was to share with Orophin now that Lómetar occupied the other cot, "And remember to dream well of Amarah, for I know I will!"

Orophin laughed as he lowered the light in the lanterns and lay down. A soft 'thump' told him that Rúmil just received a feathery projectile in the darkness.

Rúmil pulled the pillow from his face and sent it back across the room to Haldir's muffled chuckles. A grunt told him that his aim landed true and with a satisfied smirk and joy in the Elven hearts, the three brothers allowed sleep to claim them, their eyes half lidded and glazed over as their minds walked the Elven dream.

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There, a more happy ending eh? Anyone notice a pattern? EG And the songs that inspired me to write these scenes were,

"Watermark"- By Enya

"Moonlight Sonata"- by Beethoven

I hope I captured what these songs do to the spirit and how they make a weary soul feel more at peace. At least, that's how they make me feel. :D