Clash of Wills

by Fiannalyn also Fianna

Haldir clashes with a determined woman set on a course that requires his aid, whether he likes it or not.

2. Chapter 2

Author's Note: This is actually the first story that I wrote and uploaded online, 5-6 years ago! I have rewritten and edited it. It is a very simple story, but with the Haldir that I fell in love with a very long time ago. Thank you for reading!

Clash of Wills

Part 2

Galadriel stood waiting as Haldir strode quickly into her talan, carrying the girl. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise at the bloody imprint on his cheek. Haldir met her gaze briefly, his eyes narrowed slightly at the lift of her brow, but then walked past her to lay the girl gently on the bed. She moved beside him, helping Haldir pull the covering of leaves away from the now congealed wound on Ananynse's side. The powder and blood had thickened, coating the leaves and he frowned slightly as he carefully pulled them off. Together they began to ease the pieces of tunic out of the wound as the sound of arguing arose behind them. Most of Ananynse's men had been held back once they had reached Caras Galadhon, with only Haldir, Delvan and his son continuing into the city.

Galadriel touched Haldir's shoulder, and with a frown, turned from the unconscious girl to the door. Celeborn had met Haldir and the company of Mithrin warriors, and had stayed behind with the woman's captain. Galadriel sensed her husband's faint irritation with Delvan as they slowly climbed the stairs. The man seemed quite upset with the elvish lord. Galadriel smiled, also aware of the man's concern for Ananynse, and stepped outside the door once they arrived at the top of the stair. Celeborn took her hand briefly as the human stood stiffly, arms at his side, but his eyes were dark with fury.

"You must wait here," Celeborn stated firmly, resting a hand against Delvan's chest when the captain took a step forward. "The Lady Galadriel will do all she can to help Ananynse. Haldir has already been given her the greatest chance of survival." Celeborn moved to stand before the door, a frown creasing his brown when Delvan's face grew darker. "Be assured Ananynse will come to no harm here."

"I want to see her just the same."

Galadriel could almost hear Delvan grind his teeth in frustration, scowling as he tried to see around the tall elf lord in front of him. She touched Celeborn's shoulder, and felt him sigh heavily. 'The humans have no patience', he told telepathically. Celeborn touched her fingers, and then stepped forward as another elf and human reached the top of the steps.

The young man looked much like Delvan, and Galadriel closed her eyes, searching for a moment in his mind. The son, much as his father was, stricken with worry about Ananynse.

Celeborn stood blocking their way, and then stepped aside to draw Galadriel forward. "This is the Lady Galadriel, the Lady of Light."

Both men bowed swiftly. Delvan straightened to stare at her intently. "I am honored to meet you, but I need to see Ananynse. You must understand."

Galadriel was touched by his loyalty to the wounded girl. The man was nearly awash with exhaustion, injured himself, but stoically ignoring the blood that ran down his arm. She sent a glance to Celeborn, and then turned to signal to the sentinel standing behind her at the door to the talan. Delvan watched warily as the sentinel touched his heart, and disappeared quickly down the stairs, passing the second human with a slight nod.

"I am honored to be brought so far into your city," Delvan continued evenly. "But, I am not familiar with the elves; we do not know your ways. Your warden has done something to Ananynse and I do not trust him."

Galadriel arched a brow in surprise. Not trust Haldir? Obviously something had happened to them at the border, the bloody print on Haldir's cheek made that clear, but why the distrust? She was impressed the man had the courage to speak so bluntly to the ruling lords of a realm in which he was clearly uncomfortable. It was a testament to his concern. The man was struggling to keep a clear head; his mind was awash with fear and anger, as well as the pain from his own injuries.

"The child will be fine, but we have much to do to yet save her. You must be patient, and let us tend to your own injuries, and to those of your men."

Delvan clenched his jaw, and stepped forward, but a hand on his arm held him back. Delvan turned angrily to face his son. The young man sent an apologetic glance at Galadriel and Celeborn as he spoke.

"Father, be patient, they will do what they can." The young man pulled Delvan back a step, and then bowed slightly to Celeborn. "My father is distraught that Ananynse has been taken from him; he has been her guardian for many years."

"We have longed for the day that Ananynse would come to us," Celeborn responded. "She is of our blood, and we have waited many years to get a chance to know her. She has avoided her family here for too long. Do not fear for her, she will be treated with great care."

Delvan sucked in a deep breath, and then finally nodded his defeat. He slumped against his son as the sentinel returned with two more elves. They wrapped their arms around Delvan's waist, and with his son, drew them back down the steps. Galadriel sent Celeborn a relieved glance, and turned back into the talan.

Haldir looked up at Galadriel when she returned. He shook his head and Galadriel gently folded a hand over the woman's side. She closed her eyes, probing the wound in her mind, but even without touching the girl, Ananynse moaned in pain, writhing in the bed. Galadriel sighed and then met Haldir's gaze intently.

"There is a piece of the metal still lodged within the wound, Haldir. It is wedged between her ribs. You will need to hold her down as I take it out. She is far stronger than she seems." Galadriel motioned to another elf to hold the girl's feet as Haldir grasped her shoulders tightly. Haldir leaned over Ananynse. His hair slid over his shoulder to lie on hers, and he bent close to press her firmly to the bed.

"Ananynse, you must listen to me," he murmured softly, when she looked up, her eyes wide. She struggled weakly against them. Haldir leaned closer until his lips were next to her ear, holding her firmly. "There is a piece of the blade still lodged inside, we must remove it, and it will cause you great pain."

Ananynse shuddered, and reached up to cling to his hands as she writhed on the bed. She blinked, her eyes clearing for a moment, drawn into his gaze. "Do you really care?" she hissed faintly through clenched teeth.

Ananynse bit her lip to hold back a scream when Galadriel probed deeper, sucking in a deep breath. She squirmed beneath the elf's hands, closing her eyes and throwing back her head, but he held her tightly, keeping her as still as he could while Galadriel probed deeper and deeper. The girl moaned, her breath coming in gasps, but she did not scream nor cry out. Haldir closed his eyes for a moment, uncomfortable to see the woman in such pain. He opened his eyes to see her staring at him, her eyes watering and her jaw clenched tightly. She was breathing rapidly, her chest rising with her quick breaths as Galadriel pressed harder, and then suddenly Ananynse's eyes widened, and Galadriel sighed, simultaneously. Galadriel dropped the small piece of metal blade into his hand. He stood back, staring at the sliver. Several elleths hurried inside and began to remove Ananynse's bloody clothing and seeing this, he turned to leave, but paused when Galadriel spoke softly.

"Haldir," she said and he turned back to face the Lady of Light. She smiled, her sapphire eyes twinkling faintly with amusement, and tossed a small towel toward him.

Haldir touched his cheek with a scowl. He toweled away the blood and without another word, turned, and strode through the door.

XX

Celeborn rose to his feet when he saw Haldir sprinting down the steps toward the healing tents. The men were being tended by several healers while Celeborn discussed their journey, waiting as Delvan was, for news of Ananynse. The two must have also seen the March Warden because Delvan leaped to his feet, ducking out of the open tent to meet the elf at the bottom of the stairs. Celeborn caught the man's arm but Delvan jerked free to confront Haldir, stopping him with a hand on his shoulder.

Haldir glanced at the hand and then slowly lifted a wintery gaze to Delvan's. "You have touched me once too many, if you do so again, I will kill you." Haldir stated evenly.

Celeborn stepped forward as Delvan instantly dropped his hand, to stand between the two. He had spoken with Rumil, and the warden's explanation of how Haldir had met up with Ananynse had also revealed the quarrel that was now flaring between the elf and human. Delvan's distrust of the March Warden was clear as was Haldir's disdain for the man. The elf arched a dark brow, and his nose flared slightly as he looked down at Delvan. Taller than the man by several inches, he was intimidating and cold, enough that Delvan stepped back. Celeborn sighed at the posturing, and laid a hand on each, frowning first at Haldir and then at Delvan.

"Cease this antagonism," he declared sternly, looking at both. "The men are welcome here, Haldir. They are only concerned with the girl." Celeborn turned toward Delvan. "Galadriel tells me the girl rests now and will be well. She will only need time to heal."

XX

Delvan sourly watched the river in front of him, in a foul mood. It seemed like months since they had brought Ananynse to Lothlórien, but was in fact, only two days. He had not been able to see her at all once Haldir had carried her inside the city. He clenched in jaw in frustration. He was not one to sit idly, and this waiting was driving him to distraction. If he didn't do something soon he didn't know what might happen, probably end up killing some elf. A fleeting image of Haldir made him smile, but he shook his head. No, not that one. He was not stupid, even though the warden definitely would be an interesting combatant if he ever got the chance. Not with bows, but swords Delvan thought. He just might surprise the haughty elf. Delvan smiled wickedly, only to leap to his feet with a curse when someone coughed discreetly behind him. He turned to find the object of his thoughts standing before him, expression cold as usual. Delvan lifted his chin, eyes narrowed suspiciously when Haldir inclined his head slightly.

"I know it is difficult waiting," the warden said politely. "Lord Celeborn thought you might be interested in something to help you pass the time."

Haldir's brow rose as Delvan folded his arms warily. "And what would that be?" Delvan asked brusquely, probably singing and poetry reading or some such.

"Perhaps you would like something physical, to exercise your body as well as your mind?" Haldir's lips curved slightly as Delvan stared at him curiously. "Your people are known for their skills; you have a reputation as fierce fighters."

Delvan laughed dryly. "I was just thinking the same thing, March Warden. Just what do you propose?"

Haldir bowed, gesturing back to the city. "Why don't you come with me to our training arena, and we can discuss it."

Delvan took a moment to decide, and then dismissing his suspicions, followed Haldir back into the city. He wondered if the elf had read his mind. It mattered not; this would at least help pass the time. He grinned at Haldir's back, and maybe, he could teach the haughty elf a lesson. Haldir turned suddenly with an arch to his brow, as if he had heard Delvan's thoughts, and Delvan swallowed uneasily.

The training court was a large open space at the base of several of the large Mellryn trees. The huge branches spread above the arena, closing in the space. Torches and lanterns lit the area, flickering in the shadows of the trees. Several elves were wrestling in the center, but stopped quickly as Haldir approached, bowing to him and walking to the side. Lord Celeborn rose to his feet as they crossed the court toward him.

"Welcome, my lord Delvan" Lord Celeborn said, waving his arm toward the arena. "You have been accorded a great honor, to see something few mortals have seen. I can count them on one hand. However, you are a special guest, and it is our thought perhaps you would like to test your skills here? I do not wish to offend you or your men; it is your choice to make." He turned and looked at the elves surrounding the court, raising his voice slightly. "It will be a fair test, and all who win or lose, will do so in the most courteous manner. We are not here to prove superiority." He turned to Delvan, "my lord?"

Delvan's impetuous grin was reflected by the men standing along the outside of the arena, all interested in the testing their worth against the legendary elves. He bowed to the elven lord, and with a sense of humor, cocked an eyebrow at Haldir. "I am but a lowly servant to Ananynse, no lord, my lord Celeborn, such as you. But, I am sure my men would like the opportunity to ease their stiff muscles and prove they have some worth."

At Haldir's nod, the gate to the side of the court was opened, and Delvan's men were allowed to file into the central courtyard. They surrounded Delvan, grinning in anticipation. Eoin clasped his hand to his father's shoulder and winked at Lord Celeborn.

"I fear none of us would fair well against any elf in competition, except mayhap in the use of the sword. I for one, would request my father to fight, for he is our best swordsman."

Delvan sent his son a disconcerted smile, but turned to Haldir. "Nay, I have always heard of the prowess of the elven bowmen. We have never had a chance to see the skill of which you claim. I would propose you show us some of your skills in that regard."

Haldir gazed back at Delvan for a moment, and then turned as the elf Rumil and another walked up to him. They whispered to Haldir for a moment and he shook his head, frowning. They grinned as several more elves joined the conversation, all speaking in murmurs, the elvish words flowing swiftly between the group. Haldir was shaking his head as the others prodded him gently, until finally, he frowned as they folded their arms in unison, with a loud sigh. Lord Celeborn was smiling discreetly as the March Warden turned toward Delvan with a faint grimace.

"My brothers Rúmil and Orophin," he said as he roughly clasped each of their shoulders. Both elves looked smug. "My brothers and friends have suggested that I am the one who should do this, although others here could do as well."

Rúmil laughed and clasped Haldir's shoulder in return. "Nay Master Delvan, do not let my elder brother fool you, of all our warriors, only a few are labeled master, and of them Haldir reigns high. If anyone can show you the best of our abilities in the bow, it is he."

They turned as several targets were placed out onto the field and the elves took position behind them. Delvan was surprised when they did not move. The targets were set a good distance from where Delvan stood, and he squinted to see the painted rings on the target. The center was black and only a few small inches in diameter. The elves lined up in a row in front of the target, six abreast. They raised their bows, aimed at one single target, while Haldir stood behind them. The warden accepted the bow one of the elves held out, and waited as the first six pulled back to aim, the bows creaking protest.

The arrows rested only a second on the string. The elves all released in unison, and the loud twang of the bowstrings reverberated in the air. The arrows hit the target only seconds later, and Delvan and his men looked on in astonishment as each hit in a perfect ring around the edge of the black center of the target. The elves raised their bows once again as Haldir looked down the row, and as he watched, the arrows were released again, in unison. The second set of arrows ripped through the spaces left by the first set, creating a thick circle of wood and fletching, and a very tiny space in the center.

Haldir walked to the center of the row of elves as they stepped aside. He pulled back his bow, slowly stretching the string tight with a loose grip of his fingers against his cheek. Delvan watched as the warden's eyes narrowed slightly, and Haldir released the arrow. It flew in a blur and the sound of it hitting the target was loud, breaking the breathless silence of the arena. Delvan looked at the target and his jaw dropped when he saw Haldir's arrow sitting squarely in the center of the others.

Haldir set the tip of his bow between his feet and motioned for a second target. The six elven bowman stood abreast once more and raised their bows. They pulled back, releasing the arrows once again, but this time they lined up on the target one above the other. Quickly several elves grabbed the target and turned it sideways so they were looking at the arrows, one behind the other in a row. Another elf brought a new target, and set it behind the sideways target, as Haldir raised his bow once more. The wood groaned as Haldir pulled the string taut, applying a little more pressure on the string, pulling it back to his cheek again. Delvan watched in amazement as he released the string and the arrow broke through each of the six others to embed itself into the back target.

Eoin scratched his head for a moment. "Light, no wonder you elves have such a reputation, I can understand now why Ananynse didn't want to enter the wood." He turned to Delvan with snort. "But I think we may have more of an equal chance, should it to come to swords."

Lord Celeborn eyes twinkled in approval, and he stood up, folding his arms over his chest. He glanced at Haldir, now standing to one side with his hand resting on the long hilt of the sword at his hip. Delvan had watched him stand thus, fingers wrapped loosely around the hilt as if it were a part of him. "It would be an excellent opportunity to compare our strengths. What say you, Haldir?"

The March Warden's eyes flickered toward Delvan and he wondered if the elf lord's was done purposely, knowing Haldir would find it difficult to refuse him. Haldir bowed to Celeborn and waved a hand toward the arena. Delvan moved into the center of the courtyard, followed closely by Haldir. The spectators waited in silent anticipation. The elf was taller and leaner, but Delvan weighed twice the elf's weight with a stocky build that had served him well. Delvan knew Haldir's reputation regarding the elf's skills, his agility and swiftness. He knew he would be challenged severely, and he knew, it would take all his skill to gain any advantage against the elf.

Delvan squinted as they circled slowly, assessing the elf, as he knew Haldir was assessing him. Drawing his sword slowly from its sheath felt good; here was something he could sink his teeth into, a respite from worrying about Ananynse. A little bit of fun, he mused as the blade slide free with a metallic hiss. Haldir drew his sword, a quiet whisper of danger, the blade gleaming in the dim light of the torches. Delvan relaxed his fingers, holding the sword loosely as they continued to circle, watching Haldir's expression become blank and impassive. Their eyes met and Delvan howled as he thrust first, leaping toward Haldir, their blades coming together in a resounding clang of steel upon steel.

Delvan's arms strained as they fought each other's blade, sliding apart with a screech of metal. Haldir's grey eyes were glittering, nearly glowing with an expression Delvan was hard placed to explain. He parried Haldir's stabbing thrust, shoving aside the elvish steel in a blur of an arc as their swords locked together. They both stepped back, and then Delvan had to duck as Haldir thrust his blade forward, passing over his head. Delvan growled softly, the elf's speed was astonishing, and Delvan knew instantly he was going to have to use his weight if he was going to gain any advantage. He lashed out with his next thrust, stepping into the lunge with his weight behind him and succeeded in pushing his way past Haldir's defensive stance, and they once more came face to face, blades locked together once again.

Haldir snarled and turned quickly, jerking his sword free. Delvan had to fall back, landing hard on his backside to avoid the next swing. Quickly, he was up and whirled, flinging his blade toward Haldir's knees, but the elf leaped out of the way easily. Haldir brought his sword down to catch Delvan in the arm, but the blade only cut the fabric of his sleeve.

Delvan breathed through his nose, trying to draw in as much air as possible, and looked down at his sleeve. It could have been a lot worse. Haldir's lips curved slightly at Delvan's scowl. He parried again as Haldir brought up his sword in a path straight for Delvan's chest, and they hit shoulder to shoulder. Delvan used his weight to force Haldir back in a stagger. The elf's eyes glinted angrily. He had scored a point, Delvan realized with a touch of glee. The elves were not used to brute force, preferring to work from a distance with surprise and stealth, but Delvan and his kind were tough and fought with everything they had. He grinned at Haldir and charged him once again, and their blades screeched as they clashed over and over.

Haldir slid to the side as Delvan shoved his sword forward, turning just in time to miss the blow. It was getting more difficult to breathe, but he refused to reveal any weakness to the elf. The March Warden was very good, and the elves behind him were murmuring in appreciation while Delvan's men were grinning in satisfaction at Delvan's own prowess. He ducked quickly as another thrust sailed over his head, and then gasped when Haldir sliced out with his blade before Delvan could leap back. He stared down at his thigh, shocked at the clean slice appearing in his breeches. The elves cheered and Delvan stared warily at the warden as Haldir circled him.

The time for action was growing short; the elf's stamina had surprised him. Delvan gripped the sword in his hand and sprang toward the elf. Haldir stiffened in response, spinning to avoid Delvan's blow. But Delvan, having something else in mind, turned at the last second in a move that startled the elf, to slam the hilt of his sword squarely against the taller elf's jaw, knocking him off his feet.

Haldir landed heavily with a grunt and rolled to his side to spring back to his feet gracefully. The elf rubbed his jaw, his grey eyes icy as the two circled again. The elf was breathing heavier now, if not as much as Delvan, but still showing some effects of their fight. If Haldir was deterred by Delvan's tactics, he gave no sign. Delvan knew that although Haldir was probably stronger in terms of wiriness and agility, brute force tended to wear one out quickly, and so he was surprised at the ferocity of the elf's next move. Haldir rushed Delvan and their blades connected. Haldir slid his sword down Delvan's sword to the hilt and forced the blades into an arc, flinging Delvan's sword into the air.

Delvan cursed under his breath as the blade flew out of his hand. He whirled, forcing Haldir to leap back as he kicked out with his leg. The warden flipped backwards to avoid being flattened into the dirt again. Delvan did not wait for the elf to recover from his somersault and instead dove forward, ducking the long elvish blade that whisked past his ear, bowling full into the elf to tackle him. They landed hard on the ground, and Delvan grappled with the wiry elf, struggling to grasp the sword the elf still held, grasping the front of Haldir's tunic as they rolled repeatedly. Haldir slammed the hilt of his sword across Delvan's nose and rolled away as Delvan fell back, snorting blood. They both staggered to their feet. Delvan scrubbed his sleeve under his nose, glancing at the blood staining the heavy fabric.

Bits of grass and sticks clung to Haldir's hair and he pulled a long twig from the strands near his face with a frown. Delvan rubbed his nose again as the blood continued to flow. Delvan sank into a crouch when Haldir sprang toward him, ducking underneath the elf's reach to spin around to face him. However, this time Haldir turned in the opposite direction, and following Delvan's example, hurtled into Delvan, slamming the hilt of his sword against Delvan's shoulder to hammer him back several steps. Delvan had no time to recover, horrified as he watched the elvish blade swing toward his chest. At the last moment, Delvan dropped to his knees to avoid the strike, but to his amazement, the elf reversed the stroke, and the blade whistled back toward Delvan with astonishing speed. Delvan sprawled under the blade and rolled quickly back to his feet, staggering when Haldir did not pause but rather tossed his sword from one hand to the other, slashing over Delvan's head and then beside him with uncanny speed, forcing him to hop about, weaponless and unwilling to call surrender.

Haldir closed in, and with a mocking glance that Delvan saw a moment too late, reversed his hold and caught Delvan square on the chin with a move that was far too familiar. Delvan crashed to the ground with a groan and rolled onto his back to find the point of the elf's sword resting gently against his throat. Delvan stared at the warden and then suddenly began to laugh, lifting both hands in defeat. Haldir glared at him for a moment, his breathing shallow and then he smiled, reaching out a hand to Delvan to haul him to his feet. Lord Celeborn arrived beside them to the roars of approval from both men and elves.

"Well done," Delvan said with a wry grin. Haldir eyed him warily. Delvan turned to his men with a raised fist and they cheered, but then he turned to Haldir, and before Haldir could step back, roughly grasped the elf's shoulders with both hands. He laughed, shaking the elf roughly. "I have not had that much fun in a long time, Haldir, or any better opponent." Haldir's lips twitched in a small smile and he rolled his eyes as Delvan slapped him on the back.

Lord Celeborn shook Delvan's hand with a murmur of approval, and the crowd gathered around them, all talking and laughing at once. Celeborn began to speak, but then grew silent suddenly as he lifted his gaze to the trees above them. On a walkway high amid the shadows stood another group of elves, but beyond them, hurrying up a flight of stairs, was Lady Galadriel. Celeborn smiled suddenly and turned toward Delvan. "She is awake."

Ananynse sat on the edge of the bed and jerked the rest of the long nightgown that was tangled in the bedclothes out from under her legs. Standing up, she twisted the gown to hang correctly, wrinkling her nose in disgust as it fell to the floor to puddle somewhat at her feet. Not quite as tall as the elves, she thought morosely, but then, she hated nightgowns anyways. She looked up as Galadriel glided through the door, her face wreathed in a smile. Ananynse sat back on the bed, tossing aside the long strands of her unbound hair as they fluttered around her face. They must have washed it while she slept as it hung in a silky shimmer to her waist. She probed her side, but only a small tenderness remained where she'd been so severely wounded.

"It is good to see you awake," Galadriel announced quietly. She had stepped inside, but paused when Ananynse sat on the bed. "We were concerned at first as you were very ill. A few more hours and I don't think we could have saved you. You are very lucky." The Lady of Light smiled an enigmatic smile and turned toward a tall bookcase to rifle through the small tomes there. "I hope you are comfortable. I will have some food brought up right away as I'm sure you are hungry."

Ananynse stared at Galadriel in confusion. She could hardly remember any of the journey to the city, only bits and pieces of things that she did not understand. The image of Haldir with a bloody cheek. The sensation of being carried, and the memory of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel leaning over her, telling her she would soon be well. Her stomach, however, was not so confused, and rumbled its complaint at the lack of food. Galadriel placed the book in her hands back onto the shelf and turned to Ananynse with a twinkling glue gaze. To Ananynse, that gaze was like a well of knowledge, deep and dark, full of knowledge she could never hope to learn were she to live forever. She swallowed, suddenly uneasy in the Lady of Light's presence, a poor relation come to beg for aid.

This was 'the' Lady of Light, the ruler of a realm founded in Arda longer than anyone could hardly dare imagine. Only those lands belonging to Elrond and Cirdan the Shipwright had existed longer than the Golden Wood of Lórien. Ananynse plucked at the hated nightgown and glanced up to find the blue eyes staring at her with amusement.

"I would be more comfortable in my own clothes," Ananynse complained.

Galadriel lifted a silver brow, tilting her head to study Ananynse. "Your clothes are being repaired, although I'm afraid your tunic and shirt were destroyed. We will give you something to replace them."

"I have more in my pack, thank you." She stood up and then crossed the room to stand at a tall window. Outside the frame, she could see down into the city below. The trees around her were wrapped with stairs and platforms as far as she could see, creating hundreds of levels within the mighty branches of the forest. Tiny lights glittered in the dimness and a haunting melody drifted in the night with words she could not understand. "I had heard Caras Galadhon was beautiful but I could never have imagined this," Ananynse whispered as Galadriel joined her at the window. She turned to brush her fingers along the intricate vines that created the walls of the room. Eyes wide, she turned in a circle staring about her, and then stopped when she faced Galadriel again. Galadriel turned to the window and beckoned her forward.

"Look, Delvan comes. He has been very anxious for you. It has not been easy for him here." Galadriel waved toward the steps where Delvan was hurrying, leaping two at a time, followed by a slim blond elf at a more leisurely pace. And a few steps further down, another taller elf followed in determined strides. Haldir. He paused on the landing below her room, and Ananynse stiffened when he looked up and their eyes met briefly. It was Haldir that turned away, striding back down the steps without looking back. She bit her lip with an unaccustomed feeling of giddiness, and then grinned when Delvan burst through the doorway, stopping abruptly as he looked at her in astonishment.

"Light," he breathed as he stared at her. Then he beamed and hugged her, twirling her around the room. After a dizzying moment or two, he set her back on her feet, chuckling while she adjusted the nightgown with a rueful smile. Then he was hugging her again, growling into her ear as she wrapped her arms around his wide chest. "If you ever leap in front of me again, girl, I'll kill you!"

Galadriel took Lord Celeborn's hand when he appeared at the door. Ananynse ran a hand over her hair and turned toward the tall couple to bow slightly. She felt slightly ridiculous, standing in her nightgown before the Lord and Lady of Lórien.

"You look well, my dear," Lord Celeborn murmured as he acknowledged her greeting.

Ananynse thanked him, touching her forehead, and did not see the concerned glance that Galadriel passed to Celeborn.

Galadriel sat gracefully on a very large root while Ananynse wandered about the small copse of trees. She wore an elven dress of lightweight silk with a heaver woven tunic that buttoned beneath her breasts over it, but every few steps she would trip over the hem. Galadriel tried not to laugh, hiding behind her hand, as the girl grumbled under her breath.

"How can you stand to walk in these, my lady? It has been over two days and still you have not brought me my clothes or my weapons." Ananynse turned to stare sourly at Galadriel.

"I was hoping you would give up that request once you had something more suitable to wear, but I see that I am wrong in my assumptions." Galadriel sighed deeply. "I can see that you probably never have worn the clothes that would truly suit you."

"I wear what suits me, my lady, although you may disagree. I have never had any use for beautiful dresses and never had any to wear. My mother wore them, but I was more comfortable dressed as the friends I had. It was easier for them to forget what and who I was."

Galadriel folded her hands into her lap, studying the girl curiously. "I am sorry we did not know more about you. We were not allowed to approach you. Deyanan swore at your birth that she would never let us near you, and she kept that oath. You do not even understand our language! I cannot understand her bitterness.

Ananynse touched Galadriel's shoulder gently. "Do not despair, Galadriel. I am alive and have lived through that period. It is over now." She sighed. "I am so torn; I do not know where I should go."

Galadriel wrapped her arm around Ananynse's shoulder, pulling her down next to her. "I see many things, Ananynse. I have watched you grow up, unable to help you. Unable to reach you. But I could see things. I saw your mother's bitterness, and I saw her betrayal."

Ananynse stood up, trembling. "I see things too, terrible things. I don't know what to make of my visions. They come from all directions. I never know when." She covered her face with her hands, shaking. "All I see is death anymore, Galadriel, death and despair. Everything is dark and bleak and . . . and black. There is a shadow consuming us, and I don't know what to do." She cried as Galadriel wrapped her arms around her again. Suddenly Ananynse pushed her away. "I am afraid to touch anyone anymore."

Galadriel smiled regretfully. "Do not fear to touch me, we are of the same kin, Ananynse. You will not see visions of me or any other of your kin." Ananynse turned away with a hand to her lips, shaking her head. She gave Galadriel once last anxious glance and fled up the stairs. Galadriel's smile turned to a frown. "But you have seen someone's death, someone here," she declared sadly, staring at Ananynse's fleeing form.

Haldir stood at the base of the stairs, looking up at the top of the trees to the talan where Ananynse slept. The moonlight illuminated the shadows of the trees to blue, and overhead the stars winked through the rustling branches like tiny crystals of light. The air was warm as it always was. He leaned against the tree trunk, hidden in the shadows, alerted by the footsteps approaching behind him. Haldir waited patiently and after a moment saw Delvan approaching, head down deep in thought. Haldir stood silent until he came abreast, and then spoke softly.

"Your thoughts are heavy this night."

Delvan whirled, his hand reaching for his sword. When Haldir stepped from the shadows, he sighed in relief. "Light, I never know from where you will come. I fear if I were not a guest here, I would have been long dead."

The corner of Haldir's mouth twitched as he reached into his tunic for the small pouch he wore underneath. "I thought you might like to have this." He pulled out the small piece of metal blade that they had taken from Ananynse.

Delvan took it and held it up to the light, staring at it. "Light," he breathed, "you dug this out of her?" Haldir nodded and the man actually shuddered. He turned back to Haldir, handing him back the metal piece. "No, you keep it, you saved her life, and so I am in your debt."

Haldir looked at the metal for a moment before placing it back inside his tunic. "You care much for her."

Delvan looked at him from the corner of his eye and sighed. "Not like you think, she is like my sister. Our family has been her guardian, protectors since she was born, so many years ago. My sons will carry on when I am gone." Haldir nodded in understanding, he could appreciate their loyalty to her. He turned to leave when Delvan grasped his arm. "If she is hurt in any way," he paused for a second, "I will come for the one who harms her."

Haldir stared at him coldly. "You have nothing to fear from me." He turned and walked down the steps, knowing the man was watching him. In a moment, Delvan spoke again, his words low but clearly heard with Haldir's elvish hearing. "Don't I?"

Delvan frowned, arms folded as he stood in front of Celeborn and Galadriel, Lord and Lady of Lorien. "I do not understand why she can not go. She is fine now, and we have the rest of our clan ready to meet us as soon as I send word. We go wherever Ananynse feels we must."

Galadriel looked down at Delvan from the steps where she stood. "She has healed her physical wounds, Delvan. But she has emotional ones that will destroy her if she does not learn to release them."

Delvan snorted. "Emotions? Ananynse has always had control of her emotions, must be one of your traits. She is fine, other than her bloody visions."

Galadriel frowned, her sapphire gaze shadowed with concern. "Those visions are partly from the emotions she buries, but that is not your concern. She must stay here, but I cannot force her to do so. She is descended from the Noldor and I would have her stay of her own free will. Would you purposely endanger her soul? You must convince her to stay. Your men grow weary of idleness, and I know you must be also. Go meet your people and return here. You will be welcomed when you return, and in that time, we may be able to heal Ananynse fully. But you must not allow her to leave with you, convince her she must stay."

Delvan sighed, closing his eyes briefly. "All right, I will try to convince her to stay here. She is headstrong and has a mind of her own. I'll gather the men, and once we meet the others, we will return for her." He looked narrowly at the two elves. "She belongs to us. I 'will' be back for her." He turned and strode angrily down the steps as Galadriel and Celeborn watched.

"It will not be an easy choice for any of us," Celeborn whispered softly, as they turned to walk back up the steps.

Ananynse stood with her hands on her hips, facing Delvan as he shoved his clothes into his pack. "You cannot go without me. I am fine."

Delvan sighed. "No! You need to rest a bit more; besides, we only go to meet up with the rest of the clan, Ananynse. It will not take long and then we will come back here."

"Delvan, I am the leader of these men. I am going!" Ananynse declared stubbornly.

"No, you are not!" Delvan hissed, gripping her shoulders painfully. "Not now. You have been injured and no one," he growled as he tightened his hold, "no one wants to have to worry about you right now."

Ananynse's mouth hung open in consternation. "Worry about me? Since when have you ever had to worry about me?"

Delvan's eyes narrowed. "Well, let me see now, one when you fell into the river, two when you collapsed during another vision . . . do I need to go on? The spells are coming more and more frequently. What if you have one while we are under attack? I don't want to deal with that right now, so as of now I am the leader, by agreement of all the men."

Ananynse stepped back in shock. She closed her mouth with a snap and stiffened, her arms clenched by her sides. "Fine! Go without me. I don't need you anyways, so don't worry about coming back." She pushed past him to vault down the stairs but staggered back a step when the hem of her dress caught on the edge of the stair. She stopped and turned with a furious snarl, and with one last angry look at him, and ripped the dress free. She rushed down the stairs, holding the dress above her knees.

Delvan sat down on the step and hung his head in his hands.

"Haldir," Galadriel said quietly. "I need to speak with you." Haldir turned toward her with a slight bow. Galadriel rested a hand on his arm while she walked with him through the trees, leading him to her small bower. He sent several glances toward the tall elleth, but she gave him no clue as to her concerns, merely guided him gently along.

They reached the steps, and he stepped aside to allow her to precede him, curious as to why she wished to speak with him, and why she had waited until the privacy of her bower before she did so. He reached the bottom step and paused to stare at the small-mirrored pool, the stone well that was quintessential image of the ancient elleth's power. The elves possessed little of the power the humans called magic, mostly that of foresight as Elrond had, and Ananynse possessed, or the product of such things as the mirror of Galadriel and the three rings. Those had been created with a greater power, passed from the great lords of the west and beyond, but whether for good or evil could be argued for many millennia. He looked up as Galadriel paused beside the pedestal holding the stone basic, and turned to him, folding her hands before her.

"I see many things in my mirror," she explained quietly. Haldir had a sense of foreboding as her gaze bore into his. "I cannot let you return just yet to the border. You must send Rúmil and Orophin instead. I know it is your watch tomorrow, but I will need you here."

Haldir frowned; his watch was not truly over, since he'd been interrupted by the arrival of the Oracle, but he refrained from speaking at the look Galadriel gave him.

"You have a connection with Ananynse," she continued with a glance at the mirror, "whether she will admit it or not. I have seen you look at her. I had thought once she was here she would be more comfortable, but she is not. She is in great danger, Haldir."

Galadriel faced the mirror, leaving him to watch her silently. He was not sure what the Lady of Light felt he could change about Ananynse. The elleth did not seem to think highly of him. Her voice broke into his thoughts with a hint of sadness.

"A great darkness is descending upon Middle Earth, Haldir. We have spoken of this before. Mordor grows in strength and Sauron is gathering his armies to him. Our time is coming to a close here." She turned to look at him over her shoulder. "We have a choice, to stay or not. But does she? Ananynse is half elven, and I cannot say whether the Valar will allow her to sail to the west or not. She has some part to play in the future here; I have seen something of it, but not all. But she will not live to play that part if I can not heal her spirit. It grows dark and desperate, and she will suffer greatly if we cannot force her to release her emotions. I need you, Haldir, to help me."

Haldir shook his head, his gaze distant as he reflected on his relationship with the testy elleth. "I do not know what I can do, my lady."

Galadriel smiled, walking up to him, and placed her hand on his sleeve.

"Don't you? Of anyone here, you make her feel more emotions than anyone, whether it is anger or anything else, it is at least some emotion." She smiled as his eyes narrowed. "You also pride yourself on keeping your emotions buried deep. Maybe you will learn something from her as well." She touched his cheek and he flinched slightly. "You will stay near her, and I will speak with her to let her know I have requested this."

XXX

Ananynse sat on the bed, wrapped in only the thin sheet. Haldir sat outside the flet, refusing to come any closer as she taunted him.

"I swear I will run about the city in nothing if you don't bring me back my clothes and my weapons! I will not dress like your elleths. I want my things."

Haldir groaned, resting his head in his hands. Why did the lady wish to evoke such punishment upon him, did he not do as she requested? He had brought the Oracle into the city as Celeborn had ordered; accepted the role of her guard and what had he received in turn? Only a feisty creature intent only on making his ears ring with her shouting! He shook his head, cursing silently, and rose as she appeared in the doorway with the sheet dragging precariously behind her. "I will speak with Galadriel." He heard the rustle of the sheet and gritted his teeth.

"Well, I am not waiting," Ananynse declared petulantly. "I have waited long enough. I hate those dresses."

He heard her steps retreat a pace or two, but refused to look toward the doorway. What did he care if she ran about naked as a babe? It would be her choice, and if she did not feel embarrassed, then he would not stop her. But the thought of the elleth with nothing gracing the slim figure made his blood warm. Nay, he could not allow it, whether she used it as a bargaining chip or not, he really had no choice. The thought brought his teeth snapping together, and he turned toward her as she jerked her chin high, gripping the sheet around her breasts.

He caught the sheet as she turned rapidly away, and wrapped it back around her, closing his eyes as he did so. He jerked the ends together and he pulled her toward him. "I will speak with Galadriel, but you must be patient," he growled, and opened his eyes to stare down at her fiercely. She met his gaze with an odd glimmer in her eyes, but he ignored it. "I have been forced to keep you safe, but I cannot protect you if you run about the city like a . . . a . . ."

"Strumpet?" she said as she stared at him. He released her, and stepped back, looking scornful.

"I did not say that. I would not insult you so. But if you expect to be treated with respect then you should act like an adult and not a child." He glared at her, and turned away striding to the edge of the stairs. "I will see what I can do." He took a step down, but then turned quickly to look back at her. She was standing in the door with her mouth open, clutching the sheet. "You will stay here. Otherwise I will return with your clothes, but your weapons I will keep."

Ananynse snapped her mouth shut at his words, but her eyes shot daggers at him as she lifted her chin defiantly. Haldir arched a brow, and then hurried down the stair, thankful for the respite of her tongue, muttering irritably under his breath.

Ananynse watched Haldir leave with a faint smile. She could sense the elf's tightly controlled irritation, but his remark about her behavior irked her, only because she knew it'd been true. She felt young here, as she never felt among the humans. Too many of their lives had passed in front of her eyes, both in vision and actuality, but here, amid the race of the first born, she was but a child. How old was Haldir? He seemed older than she, but not like Galadriel nor Celeborn.

She clutched the sheet tighter. She would not have followed through with her threat, although it was a tempting thought if only to see the expression on Haldir's face. But the thought faded as the images his touch brought forth flashed in her mind, brief but startling in clarity, and she struggled to push the thoughts aside. Too soon to know for sure exactly what it meant, she would have to speak of it to Galadriel eventually but not right now, it was too soon. A few moments later she heard the sound of running feet and turned toward the door as two young elleths hurried into the room. They bowed to her and laid a small pile of clothing in her hands.

"Galadriel said we must help you change. She fears you are going to drive the March Warden insane!" one giggled as the other handed her the clothes. "It is not everything, for your tunic was beyond repair, but we have tried to replace what you had."

Ananynse sorted through the clothing, seeing her breeches, and a new shirt and tunic, in the grey wool that the Galadhrim wardens had worn. She grinned and tossed off the sheet, dressing in the unfamiliar shirt and tunic while the elleths helped her. She was just buckling her belt when Haldir strode through the door carrying her sword and another bundle, which she hoped contained her knives, and her pack. He eyed her warily as she took the sword from him and laid it gently on bed. She held out her hands and he gave her the pack. Frowning, she took it and stared at it for a moment until she suddenly grinned.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" she chuckled, and opened the bag, sorted through it. Finally, she pulled out the elven cloak. "I told you I would return it," she said and held it out to Haldir.

Haldir gazed at the cloak and then shook his head. "No, you keep it," he replied in an odd tone. "You may have need of it."

Ananynse gave him a surprised look, and then nodded, drawing the cloak to her chest and then stuffed it back into her pack. She noticed he had not made any move to give her the remaining bundle. "Can I have the rest, please?"

Haldir's gaze was indifferent, but he did not hand her the folded fabric, rather he flipped the bundle over and carefully opened it. She frowned as he held up one of her knives, one brow raised as he looked at her. She grabbed the knife from him, and the others still wrapped in the cloth, and hugged them tightly.

"They are mine, given to me by my father. It is all I have left of him," she explained flatly when he folded his arms over his chest. His expression made her feel like a wayward child, stealing something that was not hers. The thought made her clutch the bundle tightly as he glanced at the knives.

"Do you need so many?" he asked as she turned toward the bed, rolling the bundle back up.

She did not look back, refusing to answer but turned as Rúmil ran into the room to whisper to Haldir. The warden bowed, touching his forehead in a mocking salute, and then followed the younger elf out of the room.

At least he seemed younger, although Ananynse could not say as she didn't know the elves well. Haldir just seemed older. It must be the attitude, she thought guardedly. Haldir had healed her, kept his temper in the face of her own frustrated anger, and over all seemed clearly in control of both his emotions and the things going on around him. He seemed well aware of everything and as she sat down on the bed with her knives in her lap, she had to admit that even at the river he'd intrigued her. She laughed quietly, for he had tried to be terribly proper even then, refusing to look at her directly, but she was quite certain the elf had seen all he cared to see, and more so. She shivered at the thought, not sure why he brought about such reactions. His touch, although momentary, had sent her awash with foreboding, and clear images of some battle. However, the images were jumbled in her head, and she wasn't sure of what exactly she'd seen. The thought worried her for she'd always known what a vision meant as soon as she saw it. This was the first time she'd found the images muddled, like she'd forgotten an important part. She shrugged, curious now as Haldir and Rumil seemed to be arguing quietly just outside the door and she rose, setting aside the knives to pause at the door.

Unfortunately, they were speaking in elvish, and she'd as yet not learned much of that language other than a few words she'd heard repeated a few times. Rumil was gripping Haldir's arm, his blue eyes dark with concern and she could not see Haldir's face. His tone reflected some irritation though as he turned to glance at her with a frown.

"It's my men, isn't it?" she said as they both turned toward her. The lack of expression answered her question. "I am leaving with you!" She turned toward the room, but startled by Haldir's hand on her arm. His grip was warm, nay hot, and she shuddered at the shock of electricity that swept through her, but he did not even blink. His eyes glittered frostily when he pulled her around to face him.

"The Lady of the Wood will decide when you are able to leave." His tone was one of command and it was obvious he expected her to acquiesce without complaint. Ananynse swallowed uneasily as she stared at him, for her lack of response had him taking a step closer. He had dropped his hand from her arm, but Ananynse had the distinct impression that he would do whatever it took to make her obey Galadriel's wishes.

"If this deals with my men, then it deals with me," she said recklessly. "If anything has happened then I am going to find out. I am their leader."

Rúmil shrugged apologetically and stepped back as Haldir pulled her into her room. "I will not discuss it with you. I must leave."

She rubbed her arm unconsciously where he had gripped it, and hurried after him before he could shut the door. "Haldir, I am going with you! I will not be left behind this time!"

Haldir's lips grew tight, but then Rumil spun on his heel and disappeared behind Haldir. Haldir stiffened and then stepped aside as Galadriel swept through the door.

"Your men are just within the border," she announced as she entered the room. Her piercing blue gaze took in both Ananynse and Haldir.

Ananynse nodded and glared at Haldir. He was obviously impatient to leave but Galadriel's arrival had him hesitating. Ananynse took advantage of the moment and addressed Galadriel.

"What has happened? They left to meet with the rest of my people."

Galadriel sent Haldir an odd look and reached out to clasp Ananynse's hands in hers. "Your men are trapped along the Nimrodel, with the Orcs at their backs. We have sent another company of elves to aid those that have held the Orcs back.

"Can't they cross the river to safety? Your elves are renowned for their bowmanship!"

Haldir sent Rumil a frown, and the elf bowed discreetly and turned away. "The river is too swift to cross." He explained stiffly. "The wardens cannot get a good sight on the orcs for they have dug into the terrain. It is very rugged with many rocks and brush to hide the enemy. My wardens have only been able to keep the orcs trapped, unable to neither flee nor fight."

Ananynse turned toward the bed to gather her knives and the sword. "Then we'd better get going!"

XXX

Galadriel and Haldir seemed to be speaking, when Ananynse turned, yet as Ananynse watched them, they did not speak verbally. Haldir's eyes grew dark, like a storm tossed over a grey sea, and his hand dropped to the sword at his hip. He sent a swift but pleading glance at Galadriel, but she shook her head and turned toward Ananynse.

"I do not wish you to go," Galadriel said darkly. "But your men lie in danger, and I cannot expect you to sit here idly." Haldir's snorted quietly, but the Lady of Light turned to him with a frown. "If she wishes it, I will not stop her. But only to the border, Haldir," she turned back to Ananynse, "I am sorry, but I cannot allow you leave Lothlórien yet."

Ananynse smiled grimly, gathering her pack and tossed it over her shoulder. She strode across the room as Haldir muttered something intelligible and marched out the door. She rushed past Galadriel and hurried to catch up to Haldir where he glared at her angrily. "I cannot watch over you. You must keep up."

Ananynse grimaced. He might be angry, but these were her men. She had to g; she would help, somehow. They left the city quickly, and she kept to their pace easily as they rushed through the forest, unrolling the fabric holding her knives as they ran and replaced them into the sheaths in her boots. They ran for several hours, down paths and trails that she would have never noticed, through a forest thick and dark. They arrived at a swiftly flowing river, too wide to jump across and too fast to wade. Haldir and Rúmil spoke quietly, crouching down near the bank and Ananynse rolled out the last of her knives, strapping two to her wrists and tucking the final one inside her tunic. The Elves glanced back at her as she rose to her feet.

"The Orcs are on the other side of the river. The men are trapped in a small cave that sits a little above the Orcs, in the hillside." Haldir scanned the woods in front of them. He glanced above them into the canopy and Ananynse looked up as well to see several elves, nearly hidden amid the leaves and branches, holding weapons aloft, their gazes on the far side of the river. Haldir whistled softly, sinking down as a faint call answered in the forest. It was quiet, too quiet for Ananynse's liking, but Rumil stood upon the bank, with seeming no concern, his eyes trained on the woods on the other side.

Another whistle and Haldir rose to his feet, pushing her down against a tree. "Stay here. We are not moving as yet."

He strode several feet past Rumil and then looked up as an elf dropped gracefully out of the trees overhead. His blond hair hung in a silky mass down his back, and he gripped Haldir's shoulder with a familiar touch as they bent their heads together. Rumil joined them in a moment and the three spoke quickly, with a few glances in her direction. She was just going to have to learn Sindarin. There was no choice in the matter.

Haldir waved the two off, and both elves leaped back up into the trees to disappear. Haldir walked back to her and crouched beside her. He drew a map in the soft soil. "We can attack them from behind, but Orophin says he doesn't think your men have many arrows left. We will try to reach them, but it will be difficult as there is no other access to this cave, and the Orcs are spread out in front."

Ananynse nodded, pulling her bow from her back. "I can try to reach them. We have our ways of communicating." She looked up to find Haldir staring at her thunderously.

"You will stay here."

She met the icy grey gaze defiantly. "I will let them know you are here."

Haldir stood up, clearly displeased. "You will do as I command. I will not have you encounter any further danger than being among those that protect this side of the stream. You will do as I command."

She stood up, irritated that he stood yet another foot taller, and looked up. He stood stiffly, his chin raised slightly as if daring her to defy him. Ananynse nodded shortly, and he bowed his head and spun on his heel. In a moment, he was gone, faded into the colors of the wood.

She smiled grimly. Haldir was not her commander, what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. While they created a diversion, she would find a way to get to her men. She looked up at the wardens perched above her and then ran back along the bank of the stream, further from Haldir's guardians, to seek a place to cross.

The stream seemed intent on refusing her access across it, but she finally found a tree that hung over the river. She climbed it swiftly, if not a bit ungainly, climbing was not one of her strong suits. "I can do this, Haldir. I have some skills, and you will create the diversion I need. I can bring them more arrows and I will be fine. Once they understand I am coming, they will protect me from the front and I have you at my back." She inched along the branch that hung over the stream and then flipped over to hang for a second and then she launched herself from the branch landing in the edge of the stream with a loud splash. She shivered at the chill from the water, but caught the branches of a bush along the edge and pulled herself up onto the bank. With a brief glance at the trees overhead, she began to make her way back along the stream.

Ananynse smiled as she crossed a dead orc, and pulled his pack of arrows from his back. She draped the arrows over her shoulder. She could not see Haldir, and did not see any further sign of the orcs. She sank behind a tree, adjusting her quiver over her chest to keep it from falling over her shoulder.

She made her way thru the trees for some ways until she heard some guttural arguing in front of her. She slid behind a fallen tree and then peered carefully over the edge. The orcs were crouched in between a grouping of huge boulders, at the base of a sheer cliff that towered above them about thirty feet. Near the top of the cliff, a large cave gaped openly, hidden at one time by some bushes that had been dragged a short way inside the opening. Her men were up there? She bit her lip and looked behind her, but if there were elves she could not see them.

None of the orcs seemed too concerned about the danger from above them, and she caught a faint glimmer of something as someone neared the entrance to the cave. Why did the Orcs not attack? What were they waiting for? She drew her bow, and pulled it back, squinting in the mottled sunlight as she aimed.

It seemed like the forest was too quiet as she waited for the elves to attack. Then suddenly, the signal reverberated in the stillness and the sounds of arrows slicing through the canopy erupted as the Orcs whirled toward her. The arrows bounced off the rocks as the Orcs dove for deeper cover and she watched them break out their own weapons, sending arrows back into the canopy with deadly precision. She lowered her bow and slid it back over her shoulder, aware Haldir's distraction would not last long. She leaped from behind the tree and ran into the brush toward the Orcs, leaping over the smaller boulders, pressing her fingers between her lips. The piercing whistle echoed off the rocks as she twisted around a larger rock and then she leaped up onto the top of one as several of the orcs stared at her in astonishment. The shock lasted only a second, and then she was among them, twisting beneath outstretched arms and brandished iron blades, hoping the reputation of the elves behind her was truly as good as they said.

Elven arrows flew around her in greater number, and she knew that Haldir was going to throttle her if she was captured. He had trusted her. What would the repercussions be? She shuddered to think, but then she was not one of his wardens. Galadriel had agreed to allow her to join him, did she think she'd sit and just watch? She was sure Haldir did not expect her to leap into the center of the Orc patrol! Well, surprise was sometimes the best way, and she gritted her teeth and clambered up the face of another large rock. It was much further than she had anticipated; the going was rough over the boulders. She flattened herself against a rock as an Orc rushed toward her only to stagger back with an arrow embedded in his chest. She drew her sword, hacking at the sea of filthy black bodies towering over her. Only the confusion of the arrows flying at them from all directions kept the Orcs from slicing her in two as she finally reached the hillside. Delvan and Eoin had scrambled down as far as they could reach and she leaped from the back of an orc to the last boulder before the cliff and jumped. With an oath, the two men grabbed her arms dragging her past them and onto the ledge in front of the cave. Moments later a shower of arrows clattered down on the Orcs from above as the men took the arrows she had, and then the Elves moved in, shooting at close range and even more deadly than from afar.

Ananynse sat against the wall of the cave for a moment to catch her breath, trying not to remember the murderous look Delvan had given her. Taking a deep breath, she rose to her feet and scrambled out of the cave. Below her the men had leaped down the rocky cliff, mingling with elves as they fought the orcs now decimated enough to even the odds. She looked at the drop with a shudder and then slid over the edge, scraping her side and then hung for a moment before dropping down behind a large rock below her. She froze as she heard a loud snort from behind her and turned so quickly that her hair swung around in a wide arc as she brandished her sword.

The creature was one of the uruk-hai, towering massive creatures that had Ananynse backing up as it stalked toward her. Its blade was nearly as tall as she was, and as she whirled around to run, knowing there was no way she could defeat the creature, it reached out and caught the end of her braid, yanking her backwards. Using the momentum of her fall, Ananynse twisted, releasing the knife at her wrist to cut above the hand that still gripped her hair. She hit the ground and rolled back to her feet, brandishing the slim blade as the uruk stared at the fine strands of her hair in his hand. He looked up furiously as she brushed the now freed mane from her eyes. The creature howled and leaped toward her, and Ananynse screamed as he flung his sword out toward her.

She hurled herself aside, landing with a grunt between two large boulders and heard the clatter of his sword as it caught the edge of the rock. She curled on her side, raising her arm to shield herself as the creature lashed out again but then suddenly Haldir was there, leaping past her, and he caught the uruk's thrust with a metallic parry that set her teeth on edge.

The two struggled for a moment and the uruk howled in pain and frustration when several arrows struck him hard and he stagggered back away from the March Warden. Haldir sheathed his sword, and in the same instant drew the bow from his shoulder, launching his own arrow into the creature. Haldir launched two more arrows in quick succession, forcing the uruk to stumble sideways.

Haldir turned to Ananynse and with a glare that made her blood run cold, yanked her to her feet by her tunic. He pulled her past the uruk now lying quivering on his side and then pushing her roughly, shoved her past several more dead orcs. They reached the downed tree where she had paused before, and she whirled to confront him, but he caught her arm and jerked her behind him.

An orc floundered past them, its eyes filming over even as it dropped its bow. But she had only a moment to stare, as Haldir dragged her nearly off her feet, stumbling against him as he pulled her further into the forest. He caught her shoulders, shaking her furiously with an angry stream of elvish that she couldn't have understood if she'd known Sindarin, and then he let go of her abruptly. He turned around and rapidly fired two more arrows at the orcs that were crashing toward them. They were too close and Ananynse sank down on her heels, gasping when Haldir narrowly ducked an arrow and instead pulled his sword free in a flash of steel. The orcs converged toward Haldir. Ananynse leaped up to her feet, drawing her sword, ready to help defend the elf, when two hands grasped her under the arms and lifted her quickly up into the tree above her. The elf wrapped his arm around her waist while he covered her mouth with his hand. With a motion, he gestured for her to climb, his eyes glinting icily in a familiar expression.

She climbed quickly and found a platform built into the tree high above the fighting and the elf pushed her onto it with a scowl. He swiftly disappeared back down the tree. Ananynse trembled violently at the sudden rescue and then scrambled to the edge of the platform. Below her, she could see the elves moving from tree to tree, using the tall sentinels as shields while they grimly cut down the orcs around them.

She could see the basis for their reputation as she watched Haldir below her. Rumil had appeared beside him and as she watched the elf who had rescued her drop down just behind him. Haldir's cloak barely moved as he pulled the arrows from his quiver, and calmly aimed at each of his targets. The elves were grim even as the Orcs fought back, and only the shouts of her men and the dying Orcs pierced the air as they fought below. She rolled on her back, placing her shaking hands over her eyes. The sound of the arrows whistling, then striking their targets, continued for a long time until finally, she heard no more. Sucking in a shaky breath, she rolled back over and looked down. Haldir stood below her as Delvan and several Elves appeared before him.

"Take half of our band and find the remaining Orcs," Haldir commanded quietly, his voice carrying even to her high in the tree. "Do not leave any alive."

She watched him turn toward Delvan, shouldering the long red bow he used so effortlessly, and then slowly looked up. Ananynse slid back quickly, out of sight. She heard speak quietly to Delvan, and hugged her knees nervously. For once, maybe she had gone too far. She could have been easily killed, and worse yet, may have cost the lives of some of her men as well as Haldir's elves. She trembled as she remembered the icy glare Haldir had given her, as well as the last elf and even Delvan. She'd been foolhardy and had walked right into the midst to the enemy. Not the smartest of moves and she knew she would deserve whatever punishment the elf deigned necessary. She pushed the heavy weight of hair from her face as she heard the branches rustle slightly behind her. Turning slightly, she looked back to the center of the flet to see Haldir climb gracefully onto the platform from the hole in the center. His face was grim as he stood up and held out a hand to Ananynse.

"We must go on. We will make camp a few miles from here, but it is not an easy walk as the way is very rocky and hilly. Come."

Ananynse rose to her feet without his help and brushed past him to climb down the tree. He grasped her arm as she slipped by him. His face was hard as he looked down at her, his eyes glinting with fury.

"You will never do that again nor be so foolish. I expected more of you; you are of the Mithrin and they are not fools."

Ananynse pulled her arm free, clenching her teeth, and began to climb down. She tried not to glance back at the elf following her so closely. Her reception once she got to the base of the tree, dropping from the lowest branches, was not any better. Delvan scowled at her as she straightened. Haldir strode off along the bank of the river. Ananynse followed grimly, with Delvan and her men behind her. They had reached a small clearing beside the stream a few leagues further and Haldir motioned for them to halt. Immediately several Elves melted back into the trees, and several others began to gather wood for a fire. Haldir turned back her.

"We will make camp here. I would prefer to be off the ground but there are no flets here and your men would not be comfortable so high." He walked away without another word. Ananynse sat on a small rock overlooking the stream wondering how long it would take him before he confronted her with his obvious anger.

She pulled her cloak around her as the wind picked up, feeling the spray from the water as it bubbled over the rocks in front of her. She turned as Delvan touched her shoulder handing her some food, but she did not speak as she turned back to the stream, chewing the bread he had given her. Delvan crouched beside her for a while and she could sense he was trying to decide how to speak to her, but she gave him no opening as she ignored him, staring at the river. Finally, he sighed and straightened, walking back toward the men behind her. She finished the bread, and turned back toward the fire that now was burning brightly. Ignoring her own men and the elves, she pulled out her whetstone and one of her knives from her boot and began to sharpen the blade in short angry strokes. If he was going to make her wait, then she would wait, but not agreeably.

XXX

Delvan sat a few feet away from Ananynse, watching her sharpen her knife with the short angry strokes that spoke of the depth of her anger. It seemed so odd to see her acting so moody; the Oracle had rarely shown him the depths of emotion she was now revealing. What was it about the elves that brought it about? He sighed as Eoin sat down next to him.

"The storm is going to break soon," Eoin murmured as he chewed on his bread, watching her.

Delvan nodded in agreement, and reached for his flask to take a deep swallow. "She is acting very strange. I don't know what to make of it."

His son chuckled and Delvan turned to him with a faint question. Eoin stirred the coals, and then glanced warily at Ananynse, his voice low. "Can you not see it, Father?"

Delvan shrugged. "See what, Eoin?"

The young warrior snorted. "Are you so old you do not feel it? The tension between Ananynse and the warden is like a thick rope. I have never felt her so unsettled. Whenever he comes near she bristles like a porcupine."

Delvan glanced at the Oracle. She was still sharpening her knife, her hands quick and sure with the task. Ananynse's gaze was distant, focused on the fire before her. "She has been odd around him. If we had not been near when he caught found her amid the orcs, I fear he might have strangled her then and there."

Eoin grinned faintly, and sent an amused glance at his father. "You know as well as I that she has skill enough to defend herself, although this act was a foolish one. But the elf would never strangle her; his eyes rarely leave her when she is near."

Delvan looked up as Rumil approached Haldir with Orophin. Their introductions were made swiftly after the battle and the Mithrin captain studied the two as they spoke quietly with Haldir. He nodded and they left him to walk toward the fire. They crouched down opposite Delvan and Eoin and Rumil held out his hands to the fire. Haldir sat down next to them staring at Ananynse as he did.

Rúmil turned towards Delvan with a faint smile and a cocked eyebrow at Ananynse. "The tension is thick tonight. Soon it will fray, no?" he quipped quietly. Ananynse seemed to be ignoring them as she bent over the knife. Rumil shrugged and then leaned toward Haldir, speaking rapidly in elvish to his brother.

Orophin frowned and gestured at Ananynse. "The woman carries many knives."

Eoin smiled grimly. "I would approach with much caution if I were interested." He pointed a piece of bread at Haldir. "But your brother seems to be the one who has her attention. Perhaps it's about time those two got on with what's bothering them, unless your brother likes his company a little more manly?"

Rúmil turned to him with a snort of surprise. He leaned past Haldir. "Orophin, did you hear that? What think you of Haldir's choice of company?"

Orophin whistled silently and winked at Delvan. "Nay, as much as some of our friends would wish it, our brother has never gone down that path."

Delvan noted the March Warden was pointedly ignoring the conversation centered upon him, and instead was watching Ananynse covertly; his eyes seemed to miss nothing she did. Was there more than just dislike between the two? He had to admit there was. From the first, she had behaved differently since the day by the river. He had never seen her so short with anyone. Whatever they had between them had them both on edge.

He didn't blame the warden for being upset with Ananynse earlier, but she had brought them additional arrows, and in the diversion, had helped free them. However, Haldir had said nothing, and Delvan knew Ananynse's current anger was more at being forced to wait for the elf to speak. Ananynse's patience was not overly long. He smiled faintly; indeed, the March Warden seemed to have a knack in destroying any that she had. Perhaps his instincts about him were right, from the first he'd felt Ananynse should be wary of the elf. His reputation as a warrior was fierce, but what of his personal life?

He sighed and rose to his feet. Eoin waved toward Ananynse who was now staring at the fire. "Maybe he just doesn't see that she is interested in him."

Eoin smirked when Haldir finally looked up, his grey eyes glittering in the firelight. Delvan shook his head. Ananynse stood up suddenly, her eyes still caught by the flames and then swayed precariously toward the fire. Rumil leaped up with a curse, but not before Haldir as the elf shot to his feet, leaping over the fire. Ananynse dropped her knife and whetstone as the elf caught her just as she crumpled into the fire. She hung limp from his arms, but her gaze filled with anguished horror as she stared at Haldir. Delvan rushed forward, but Ananynse was already slipping into unconsciousness. Haldir laid her gently next to the fire, and then looked up to stare at Delvan and Eoin. "What was that all about?"

Delvan knelt beside Haldir, noting the blood had drained from her face leaving it ashen, and her eyes, although still open, now were blank, unseeing even as she whimpered softly. Haldir brushed his hand over her eyes to close them.

"It's a vision."

Haldir frowned, and Eoin, crouching beside them, caught a hand when she thrashed suddenly and violently. They wrapped her tightly inside Rumil's cloak, forcing her to lie shuddering on the ground.

"Does this happen often?" Haldir asked sharply as she continued to tremble.

Delvan nodded, his lips tight as they wrapped another blanket around her. Ananynse shuddered again, her eyes flying open and bright with unshed tears. She stared at Delvan, blinking rapidly and then her gaze moved to Haldir. With a cry, she sat up, covering her mouth with her hands and then shoved off the blankets to leap unsteadily to her feet. Haldir rose to follow her, but she backed away, her eyes wide and distant. Delvan and Eoin leaped up, reaching for her arms, but she stumbled backwards, shoving them away. Haldir brushed past them and Ananynse stepped back again, hands out to ward him off.

"Do not touch me!" she cried, then turned, and fled into the trees.

Haldir frowned and with a swift glance at his brothers, strode rapidly after her. Eoin growled under his breath and made to follow but stopped as Delvan grasped his arm.

"No, I think we must stay out of this one," Delvan declared quietly. He jerked his head toward the two elves that had followed Haldir a short ways into the forest. Orophin and Rumil had stopped and turned, bows drawn and nocked. Whatever was happening between Haldir and Ananynse, the two wardens meant to keep them alone. Delvan sat down next to the fire, crossing his legs as he pulled Eoin down beside him. "I think we had better sit quietly for awhile." The remaining elves had stepped into view and were leaning not so casually on their bows, their attention focused directly on Delvan and the rest of the men.

XXX

Haldir followed Ananynse easily through the trees as she fled, he could hear her weeping as she stumbled in the dark. He drew closer as she turned suddenly and stopped, her chest heaving with short panicked breaths, her eyes wide with pain. She took a deep breath as he reached her, holding her hand out to stop him.

"Don't come near me," she snapped.

"You must go no further, Ananynse."

"Who are you to tell me where I may go!" she cried and backed up yet another step, anger flooding her pale face with spots of color.

"I am the March Warden of Lothlórien. You will do as I ask. The Lady Galadriel forbids you to leave the wood, and there may be more orcs. You will go no further," he stated firmly and moved a step closer.

"Galadriel," she hissed angrily.

Haldir watched her stiffen, her hands clenched into angry fists. The range of emotions that played across her face was interesting to watch as she struggled to control them.

"Galadriel! How dare she? How dare she think she can choose what I am to remember or not!"

Haldir circled slowly around her as Ananynse twisted to glare at him.

"Nay," Haldir admitted. "It was not Galadriel who made you forget what you saw, Ananynse."

She stared at him in astonishment and then her eyes sparkled with fury. She quivered and then swept out a hand with a familiar intent, but he caught her wrist easily, pulling her toward him.

"You will not hit me again. Once only will I allow it!" He gripped her arm tightly as she struggled to free her wrist.

"Let me go, I hate you all. You've destroyed my piece of mind, taken my sanity."

She cried out as she struggled with the iron grip he had on her wrist. He could feel the straps that had held her knife and warily reached out as she flung out her other hand, grabbing that wrist as well. He forced her arm back, twisting until she hissed in pain and dropped the blade she'd released. He kicked it away from them into shadows. He jerked her hard against him, but she fought hard against his hold. She was wiry and slim and he tightened his grip on her wrists as she fought with him. He stepped back, kicking out a foot and tripped her.

They fell to the forest floor with him landing first with a grunt as she fell heavily above him. He rolled over and quickly pinned down her wrists, knowing she had yet another knife available, and threw his leg over hers. He yanked her arms over her head and held them with one hand while he reached down and swiftly removed the knives she carried in her boots, throwing them into the bushes. He sensed a movement behind them and knew his brothers had drawn near. They would stay until they were sure he would not come to any harm. He turned back to Ananynse as she struggled underneath him, her eyes narrowed in frustration.

"How dare you," she hissed furiously as he leaned over her.

He studied her calmly. "Where is the other one?"

Her eyes widened then narrowed quickly as she clenched her teeth. "What do you mean?"

"You have one more knife and I will have it now. Where do you keep it?"

"The shadow take you, let me go," she snarled back and he sighed, gripping her wrists tighter in his hand.

"You have one last chance to answer. Your anger has destroyed your common sense, and I will not be in danger from a spiteful act from you. Now where do you keep it? You carry five."

She pressed her lips together and stared at him defiantly. He nearly smiled, suddenly finding his anger fading. He pressed her deeper into the moss beneath her, feeling her tense beneath him. He had her quite trapped and she knew it. How long would she hold out? He leaned closer, and she stiffened as he slid a hand to her shoulder.

"One more and I will have it. With your aid or not." He ignored the sudden flush of panic in her eyes, and slid his hand into her tunic as she gasped in outrage. He removed the dagger, tossing it behind him.

"You must not fight it anymore," he insisted softly. He did not release her and she twisted, cursing him vehemently. Haldir sighed and waited for the anger to cool.

"Fight it?" She tossed her head as he caught her chin. She bit her lip hard, making him wince. "How can I not fight it? You have no idea of what it is like! And you had no right to remove those memories from me."

"You are angry that I made you forget the vision you saw when you came to me in the forest, injured and nearly dead. Your mind could not deal with both the image and your pain. I did it to give you some peace, so you were able to fight the injury."

Ananynse shook her head in denial. "You still had no right," she cried, and squeezed her eyes shut as tears began to slip down her cheeks.

Haldir stared at her for a moment in surprise, and then reached out to touch the damp tears on her cheeks. "Do you shed tears in anger, or is it that you weep for me?"

Her eyes flew open and she stared at him in surprise as the tears continued to slip down her face. "You have no idea what I saw," she whispered in a frightened tone.

He released her wrist and rolled to his back to stare up at the sky above them. "You see death and despair, a great darkness threatening the world. I have seen it as well, Ananynse."

She sat up and turned her back on him, rubbing her wrists. He had not meant to hurt her. He could feel her trembling and she shuddered when he sat up and leaned beside her to trace the line of tears over her cheek. She turned her face away, but he gripped her chin gently to force her to look at him. "I know what you saw. It is not your pain to bear."

Ananynse stared at him, and then burst into tears. Haldir sighed and drew her against him, whispering in the language she should have known, holding her in his arms as she hid her face in his shoulder and wept.

He moved back to lean against a tree, curling her into his arms, stroking his fingers through her hair as she continued to weep.

"You cannot know what I see. The darkness overwhelms me, I am so afraid. I dare not touch anyone anymore." She had tangled her fingers into the folds of his tunic, and he could feel the dampness of her tears soaking even through his under tunic. Haldir slid his arm around her back and cupped her cheek, forcing her to look up at him.

"You see death. If that is to be our fate, then we face it with courage. You cannot change what is to be, Ananynse."

She turned and rested her forehead against his chest. "It destroys everything I feel. I am so weary of pain and anger and horror."

She was so thin. Haldir leaned his head back with a deep breath. She made him angry. He could not deny the fact. But, along with that was something else, something he had attempted to ignore, a feeling he had hoped would fade swiftly. He could not ignore the heat that having her in his arms sent spiraling along his nerves. He could not deny that he wanted nothing more right then but to kiss away the tears streaking her face, to fold her against him and make her forget the horrors she saw. He could make her feel so much more; he wanted to make her feel so much more. Had Galadriel been aware of the attraction he had felt for the Oracle? Was this why she had put them so close in contact?

He sighed and slid a hand to her cheek, drawing her gaze up to his. He pressed her gently back against the ground and then brushed a hand over her cheek.

"I put the spell upon you to help you heal. I am sorry if you are angry."

Ananynse looked away, lifting a hand to cover her eyes. "You only make it more difficult to bear."

He reached out and drew her hand away, pulling it to his lips. "Why is it so difficult, because it concerned me? I am not afraid to die, Ananynse. You do not know our ways."

Ananynse looked at him, her eyes full of pain. He rested his fingers on her lips as she began to speak and bent forward to brush his lips lightly against hers. She did not move, and he leaned over her, his hair falling to create a curtain around them. She stared at him wordlessly and for once, silently. He smiled, pushing aside the thought.

"I can show you a different emotion than pain and fear, Ananynse. If you would allow it?" He caressed the line of her jaw as her eyes widened slightly. Perhaps he was being forward, but something told him she needed to forget. He leaned closer and kissed her nose as she closed her eyes.

"I have not… I cannot." She sighed beneath his fingers.

"You are the Oracle, you can do many things."

She bit her lip, and drew her fingers through the strands of his hair hanging over his shoulder. "This is too sudden. I see only …"

Haldir pressed his fingers to her lips again. "Do not tell me what you saw. I sense the darkness that haunts you, let me ease your pain."

Ananynse stared at him, her eyes glimmering. "Can you do that?"

Haldir smiled faintly and drew closer, pressing his lips to hers again. "If you like."

Ananynse slid her arms around his neck, staring into his eyes. "I would give anything to have a night free of pain and death." She pulled him closer, hands sliding forward to rest against his face as he shifted over her. "You did not like me."

Haldir laughed softly. "There is a fine line between being annoyed and dislike. You annoyed me terribly, frightened me worse, and enthrall me with eyes I cannot get out of my mind."

She giggled softly. "All of that?"

He bent closer. "All of that and much more," he murmured before kissing her again.

XXX

Haldir belted the buckle of his sword belt watching as Ananynse sat among the trees, her back to him as she braided her hair. It was a personal thing he found he enjoyed watching, her fingers quickly plying the skeins of hair into the intricate braid that hung near to her waist. He sat up though, when her shoulders twitched and she shuddered, pausing a moment and then resumed her work. He waited, and when she finally turned, her eyes were sad once again.

"The men of Rohan are going to be trapped at their fortress they call Helm's Deep. Galadriel has been aware of it and has sent a messenger to find you. He will be here soon. They call you to council and they will send you and your elves to Helm's Deep." She closed her eyes for a moment, as he knelt next to her. "And you will not come back."

He pulled her to her feet as Rúmil broke through the trees.

"A messenger from Galadriel, we are called back to Caras Galadhon." He looked curiously between the two of them.

Haldir turned to Ananynse as she bent to pick up her knives. He caught her wrist, twisting the knife from her grasp and gathered the rest as she stared at him in annoyance. "Your knives are mine until I decide to return them," he said flatly. "I will not have you lose your temper, and try to use them on someone else." Ananynse hissed as he turned back to Rúmil. "Ready everyone to leave; we go this night."

Delvan stood up when Rúmil walked back through the trees. Haldir followed, and Delvan's eyes narrowed, waiting for Ananynse. She stepped out a moment later and he frowned as she stopped for a moment to watch Haldir as he spoke to his brothers, then turned back toward them. She crossed over the fire, bending to pick up her knife, and then knelt next to Delvan, sliding the knife into her boot. "Where are your other knives?" he asked as he noticed the other sheaths were empty.

Ananynse lifted her sleeve revealing its empty sheath, and grimaced. "Haldir has them. I'm afraid I threatened him with them, and he has confiscated them."

"If he has hurt you in any way - " Delvan began but she shook her head.

"No, he did not hurt me. I made my choices, Delvan, and I must take responsibility for them. I cannot hide anymore."

Haldir bent down and held out a hand, lifting Ananynse to her feet, with a faint lift of a brow at the knife. He nodded faintly and glanced at Delvan, his eyes a smoky grey that told him nothing, although he smiled faintly at Ananynse. "Come, we return to Caras Galadhon, and you must return as well."

Galadriel and Celeborn were waiting at the gates of the city when they arrived. Haldir bowed to them as they gathered around him.

"I wish you knew how to speak their language," Delvan growled as they stood back waiting. "It puts us at a distinct disadvantage when they can talk around us, and we know nothing of what they say. Friends or no, we wouldn't know until it was too late if they change their minds."

"Be at ease, Delvan," Ananynse said. "The elves go to council on one thing: do they renew their ancient allegiance with men and send their own to fight, or do they ignore our fate and take their grey ships back to the havens. I see that only some will go to fight."

Delvan looked at her slowly, with a dawning realization. "Including Haldir?"

Ananynse looked at him sadly. "Including Haldir." Delvan's hand braced her shoulder when Haldir turned and approached them.

"You are requested to attend the council meeting, Ananynse, and you, Delvan, as her second. Your visions may be of some use, if you will speak of them."

Ananynse nodded as they followed Haldir up into the city. The council chamber sat high in the largest Mallorn tree, directly below Galadriel's talan. They walked up the last of the steps into the chamber, the hazy light drifted through the tree branches above them, leaving intricate patterns on the wooden floor. Haldir waited a few paces from Lady Galadriel as she sat down next to Lord Celeborn. A few moments later Ananynse turned to see Elrond, from the Rivendell Elves step into the chamber, his dark hair and complexion a startling contrast to Galadriel's and Celeborn's silvery blondness. He kissed Galadriel, spoke quietly to Celeborn, and then sat next to them as another elf entered the chamber. Ananynse frowned as she recognized Thranduil, King of the Mirkwood Elves, as he strode impatiently into the chamber, head held high as he greeted the Lady of Light. He too was blond, but not the silver tones of the Lothlórien Elves. His expression was arrogantly superior as he turned to stare at Ananynse.

"Why do you allow her to attend this council, Galadriel? She is not of the high elves," Thranduil said stiffly as he stood staring at her.

Galadriel rose, motioning Elrond back into his seat as she glided to Thranduil, leading him to a seat. "I ask her to attend because she is of my kin, as you know, Thranduil. I would like to hear of her visions regarding this matter."

Thranduil snorted, his eyes narrowed as he sneered. "Visions? She is a farce, as was her mother. We cannot trust anything she says."

Galadriel frowned as she turned to face Thranduil, glancing back at Haldir who had stiffened.

"You will not speak of her thus, Thranduil. Your bitterness when Deyanan chose another has poisoned your mind all these years."

Ananynse stood up suddenly, staring in surprise at Thranduil, "You do not trust my visions? And if they concern your son, whose fate stands upon your decision here?"

Thranduil looked at her sharply. "What do you know of my son, Legolas? I have not heard from him for many months."

Galadriel laid her hand on Thranduil's shoulder. "He is of the fellowship, Thranduil. I sent messengers to you. Did you not receive them?" She turned back to her seat and sat down. "Enough of this, Ananynse. You will speak of your vision."

Ananynse stared at Haldir for a moment, and then looked to Thranduil. "I saw the Rohirrim fall back to their stronghold of Helm's Deep. They are few and many are wounded. Of the ones to fight, many are old, and many are but young children." She closed her eyes as she forced the scenes of her visions into words. "I see them fighting. It is dark and there are thousands of the enemy outside the wall, their weapons pounding, pounding as my heart pounds in fear to match. Their cause is hopeless. I see the despair in Legolas's eyes as he looks over the walls. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, is there. He looks wounded, but is able to fight. Only," she faltered for a moment, "only I see a column of elves arriving, and it is because they do so that I see the fight will become a victory. If that is what you would call it, for many lives will be lost." She sat down abruptly, and as Haldir turned toward her, she waved him back.

Elrond frowned, looking back to Galadriel. "It is many ages since we have allied ourselves with men."

Galadriel looked at him and then at Thranduil. "Can we stand aside and leave them to their fate? If they fail, this world will fall into the shadow, and we may find our paths to the west blocked as well. Do we dare leave this to the men of this world?"

Elrond sat for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. "Even if the men of Rohan win this fight, it is only the beginning of the end, whether the shadow will rule or not, our time here is at an end. This age is finished. Do we send out our people, most to certain death, when they may still have a chance to live, by sailing to the west?"

Haldir shook his head. "There will be those of us who wish to fight, my Lord Elrond. Your sons have spoken of it to me before."

Elrond sighed. "I have had this conversation too many times. I do not understand your attachment to the lives of men. They have only brought us misfortune. We cannot change what has happened before, and how do we know that men will be strong enough to win this fight now?"

"You must trust in those men you know, Elrond," Galadriel said. "You have raised Elessar. You know what he is capable of. I know in my heart that he is true, the blood of Isildur runs heavy in his heart, and that he will prevail. I feel this. I feel we must send what aid we can."

Thranduil stood up with a frown. "I cannot. My own borders are fraught with skirmishes even as we speak, and I will not send my elves to fight, when they are needed in the Mirkwood."

Galadriel nodded. "It is as you say, and you must do what you will, Thranduil. I will send Haldir, if he chooses to go, as he is the Captain of the Galadhrim, to lead those of us who will fight, to lead them to Helm's Deep."

Haldir glanced back at Ananynse. She had stiffened beside Delvan. "I will lead them, my lady. I must do what I can to help Aragorn, who is a friend, as well as Legolas of the Mirkwood. Perhaps I can prevail, so that they may continue their paths with the fellowship."

Elrond stood also, along with Galadriel and Celeborn. "So be it then, as I have sent on the fellowship, so shall I send what elves may wish to go with you, Haldir." Thranduil frowned and strode out of the room, as Elrond stopped in front of Ananynse.

"Your path is not an easy one, as you well know, but you are welcome in Rivendell, ere you pass through or near her valleys. Not long will we stay there, but until the end of this age. Your mother I did not know well. She leaned more to Thranduil's likeness than I. But of your struggles with your blood, I know well. Take comfort in the kin you have. They will help you if you but let them."

Ananynse smiled sadly, as he left her, and then hurried from the chamber. She ran down the steps, leaving Delvan and Haldir behind as she fled. She reached the bottom of the stair and stopped, clutching at the railing with anguished despair. Above her, Delvan was rushing to follow and behind him, Haldir. The elf stopped at the top of the rise. She fought to control the hopelessness that engulfed her but could not, and turned to flee again, but found her way blocked by Rúmil and Orophin. They both smiled, and caught her arms as she began to step back. Rúmil released her to stand in front of her when Delvan reached them, eyes narrowed suspiciously, his hand on his sword.

"Do not interfere" Rumil said quietly. "Time is short and things must be said. Haldir needs to speak with her. We will not harm her." The elves drew Ananynse down the steps, leaving a startled Delvan behind. She struggled weakly, knowing they would not let her go, and not really wanting to fight them. Around them the elves moved aside, watching them curiously. Ananynse sighed finally when they finally pulled her into a small talon and released her. She rubbed her arms, folding them over her chest in frustration.

"You can't force me to talk. Where am I?" Ananynse complained. Rumil and Orophin moved to the door without answering.

"My home," Haldir said as he brushed between them. Ananynse stepped back in surprise. Haldir's brothers left, glancing at Ananynse as they did so. She looked around the chamber, avoiding Haldir as she walked around the room. It was very neat and only small touches, his sword and bow leaning against the wall, a small set of books lying on the table near the bed, revealed Haldir's personality. Picking up one of the books she looked at it, but it was written in elvish and she could not read it. She really was going to have to learn it soon.

"You avoid what must be done," Haldir said as he walked up behind her, pulling the tie from her braid.

Ananynse turned, grasping the long strands of her hair as it uncoiled from her braid. "I am not. I told you."

"Why?" he frowned, ignoring her response.

She tried to push past him, away from the bed behind her, but he didn't move. Instead, he pushed her gently, and she fell back onto the bed. Haldir knelt on the bed, arms braced on either side of her. "Are you now afraid to speak what is in your mind?" he asked softly. He shifted to lie beside her, pulling the long strands of her hair across the coverlet.

Ananynse closed her eye. His nearness could send heat flooding her veins, as he had only a few nights ago. She had found the elf far different from the one she knew, gentle and patient. Nevertheless, the knowledge that what she had found would soon be lost made her heart constrict painfully. How could she tell him what she saw, it was hard enough to see it, to feel it, to know he was not coming back. "I will not speak any more of it," she said and turned her head away.

"So you will leave me with this vision of you, refusing to meet my eyes, afraid to be strong?" Haldir said as he pulled a strand a little harder, forcing her to look at him.

Ananynse sighed. "Can you not sense my pain, Haldir?"

"Aye." He traced the line of her hip as she turned on her side, sending tremors along her skin. "I would give you something else to remember."

She stared at him for a long moment. "How can you be so unemotional? Are you not afraid?"

Haldir smiled, and rolled over her. "What am I to fear? I shall fight proudly, and I shall die, as I am, a warrior. Will you not send a warrior off to his death with a smile on his face?" He arched a brow she suddenly found endearing.

"You are not the elf I met in the forest."

"I am. There are many sides of me you have yet to know."

She laughed, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I do like the backside you know."

Haldir arched both brows. "Indeed, is that so?"

Ananynse sat up slowly, her heart heavy as she pulled her tunic on over her head. Although a month since she had returned to Caras Galadhon, the days had flown by like wisps of thoughts did in her mind, brushed aside by the emotions she had once tried to bury. A month, spent mostly with Haldir, avoiding talk of the battle to come, and pretending that his life would not end so tragically. She brushed the hair out of her eyes as she walked over to the window, looking out over the trees below. She heard him move behind her and she turned back to see him smile, as his eyes traveling over her.

"I think I would like to see you dressed thus all day." He grinned as she looked down at her bare legs. "But I do not think I would appreciate others looking as well."

She turned back to the window, and heard him get up. When she turned back he had pulled on a black tunic and leggings.

"You might want to dress, as my brothers will be here soon with my mail."

She hurried to the bed, donning the remainder of her clothes, and had just belted her sword to her back when the two returned, carrying golden-hued mail and a velvet red cloak. They proceeded to apply to pieces of mail to Haldir as he spoke to them quietly in elvish. Soon he was fully dressed, Rúmil turned toward her, the velvet cloak in his hand. He paused for a moment, and then offered it to Ananynse. She took it, feeling the weight of the velvet, its smoothness, and her hands shook as she placed it around Haldir's shoulders. He rested his hands on her shoulders briefly, his eyes studying her. He kissed her cheek and then walked to the door, but as he reached it he stopped, turning back to her.

"Are you coming?"

Ananynse closed her eyes for a moment, then reached out, placing her hand on his arm as they turned to leave.

They reached the base of the Mellyrn trees and Haldir stopped in front of Galadriel and Celeborn as they watched the elves gather, forming the lines of companies. The Rivendell and Lothlórien elves blended into one cohesive unit, their battle mail and cloaks pulled from ancient use, to once more march to war.

They stood waiting impassively as Haldir turned to Galadriel. She reached up to place her hands on his shoulders, kissing each cheek in turn. Celeborn grasped his shoulder firmly, land they stood looking into each other's eyes for a moment.

Ananynse waited patiently, striving to return to the cold, emotionless warrior she had once been, but she felt humbled by the magnificence of the elves. The trappings of war amplified their beauty and grace, and the low lament that echoed in the trees, electrified the air. Haldir knelt in front of Galadriel and then stood, turning toward the procession, but then he stopped for a moment, looking back at Galadriel.

She nodded faintly and Haldir turned strode swiftly to where Ananynse stood. He smiled and caught her fingers, kissing them gently and then reached up to wrap his hands around her face to kiss her thoroughly. Ananynse rose on her toes as he kissed her, gasping for breath when he finally released her.

"I will come back." He touched her lips gently, his eyes holding that promise, and then he turned and walked to the front of the elves. They began to march, his red cloak a beacon in the dimness of the wood, and she stood there until she could see him no more.