FORTY ONE *“N’ndengina sen,* [ don’t kill them] Nilfalath. *Sedho. Uuma dela,”* [be still. don’t worry] Siddhir called out to the obviously agitated sentinel whose bow, loaded with twin arrows, was trained on the two nervous men. Nilfalath relaxed, but continued to frown. *“Amin n’rangwa edanea.”* [I don’t understand these humans] Siddhir smiled, and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. *“Uuma dela.”* Nilfalath bowed and stepped back beside Fereveldir, who was regarding the men curiously. Siddhir looked closely at the men. One was afraid, and the other desperate. He nodded to the sentinels on either side of him. *“Mallen pelu e’ n’alaquel en’ sen.”* [circle around behind them] Nilfalath, Fereveldir and four other sentinels immediately did as they were told. The men looked around at them wide-eyed. “I told you this was not a good idea, Hamal.” “And I told you that we had no other choice, Elam. We had to try and do something,” the man replied. “The Elves just don’t understand us. We have to try and make them understand that we need to see who leads them. Otherwise they might keep us here forever. They don’t seem to want to let us pass.” Siddhir listened to the exchange quietly, never once taking his eyes away from them. He sensed a growing despair from both of the men now, and it was overwhelming. “You will not be here forever, but you will stay until our Commander arrives,” Siddhir said quietly. The men’s eyes widened. “You speak our tongue?” Elam asked. “I speak it well enough, but you will explain your intrusion to our Commander and not to me,” Siddhir replied. “Dismount and say no more.” The men did as they were told. Siddhir gestured to one of the Elves behind them. The Elf moved forward and took each of the horse’s reigns and led them away. “Your horses will be cared for,” Siddhir commented, sensing the men’s unease. “Thank you,” Hamal responded quietly. All heads turned when Legandir returned with Haldir, and the two of them met with the group in the clearing. Legandir quickly moved towards Siddhir’s side, while Haldir walked right up to the men. The men gazed awkwardly at the towering Elf, taking note that he did not look nearly as pleasant as some of the others. Looking at each other, they decided to wait until they were spoken to. “I am Marchwarden of Lorien. What business do you have here? Why have you crossed the divide into our lands?” Haldir questioned. Hamal bowed, and Elam did so as well, taking his friend’s lead. “Forgive our intrusion, Marchwarden. We are desperate, and knew not else what to do. Our village and our people are in imminent danger and we seek your help. We beg for it,” Hamal pleaded. Haldir regarded them with an unreadable stare and his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “That decision is not mine to make. Only the Lord and Lady of Lorien can consider your dilemma. However, it *is* left to me to decide if you shall advance past this point, So, tell me; why would I risk my life and the lives of my people to aid you?” “We *beg* of you Master Elf, we are in dire *need!* If it were only us men, we would face the coming darkness on our own- but our village is mostly made up of women and children- many of whose spouses were lost in previous battles. It is for them that we seek your help. We simply cannot *survive* without your aid. We have nowhere else to go. We could not make it to any of our own people because our passage was barred. We had no choice but to come here,” Elam interjected. Haldir turned his eyes to Siddhir, who nodded. The men were speaking the truth. Against his better judgment, he acquiesced. “You will follow me. Siddhir, have your guard take their posts.” He spun on his heel and walked away. Siddhir relayed commands to the Elves surrounding them and they scattered, quickly taking their posts again. Legandir remained by his side as he turned back to watch the men follow Haldir off through the wood. They were visibly relaxed now, and their hearts were full of hope. “Captain, do you think we will be called upon to assist them?” Legandir asked. “I think it is likely,” Siddhir replied. “Come; let us return to our post. Whatever happens, we will be ready, will we not?” ************************************ “We had best be going now, Ru. Hal will skin us alive if he comes through again and we are still here,” Orophin remarked. “Yes, I know,” Rumil replied, grabbing a pear as he stood along with Orophin. “Are you off to the practice fields?” Thrandronen asked as he slipped up beside them. “Um- yes,” Orophin replied hesitantly. “Would you mind terribly if I were to accompany you both? My talan is not far from there, and I would relish some company if only for a short time before retiring. I have just been relieved.” “Why certainly, *mellon.* [friend] You are more than welcome to join us. Is that not right, Oro?” Rumil asked with a wink. “Of course,” Orophin muttered. “Many thanks,” Thrandronen answered with a bright smile, quickly falling into step with them as they left the common. *************************************** “You will wait here,” Haldir ordered, nodding to the sentinels on guard at the base of the magnificent Mallorn that held Celeborn and Galadriel’s talan. Hamal and Elam watched curiously under the observant eyes of the tall, twin guards in front of them as Haldir mounted what seemed like a never ending staircase that wrapped around and up the expanse of the enormous Mallorn. Eventually he disappeared beneath a thick canopy of shimmering, golden leaves and they looked at each other in amazement. “The stories are true, Hamal. The Elves of Lothlorien dwell in the trees,” Elam whispered. Hamal looked around. “The trees here are monstrous, but very beautiful as well.” “Yes, they are,” Elam agreed. A shrill whistle from above interrupted their conversation, and the two guards before them suddenly split up to stand by each of the men’s sides. *“Lle auta yeste,’* [You go first] one of the guards said to them. The men looked at each other and then back at the guards, uncertain as to what was being asked of them. The other guard repeated what the first had said, and then pointed to the staircase. Hamal nodded. “Come Elam; I think they want us to follow the Marchwarden.” Elam followed Hamal, and the two guards followed them. When they reached the top, Haldir was waiting. He nodded to the two guards, and they turned and left. His stormy grey eyes focused on the two men. “Our Lord and Lady will see you now. You will convey to them your plight.” He turned and led them into a large and bright multi-windowed room. Everything was almost blindingly white, and several ornately carved white stone benches lined the walls. Before them was yet another staircase. The men looked around in open-mouthed wonder, mumbling to each other how astonishing it was that all of this beauty was built upon the limbs of an enormous tree. “You may be seated. They will arrive soon,” Haldir told them. The men seated themselves quietly. Haldir stood where he was, unwavering as a statue. He considered them with a steady gaze for a moment, and then averted his eyes to one of the many windows and looked out over Lorien. Suddenly, both men blinked as a bright light illuminated the already bright room and at the top of the staircase stood a male and female Elf. Both were radiantly beautiful in the men’s eyes, but the female even more so. The light seemed to emanate from her, making her long wavy tresses even more golden than they already were. They knew not what made them do so, but the men abruptly stood. “Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel,” Haldir announced. Both men bowed low. “Welcome to Caras Galadon and Lorien,” Celeborn said, nodding to the men, who stood erect again. “Many thanks,” Hamal replied. “I understand that you have come to request our aid. Please, explain your position,” Celeborn requested. Haldir bowed and turned to leave, but Galadriel called out to him. “Haldir, I wish for you to stay. Please close the outer door.” Haldir nodded silently and did as he was asked. *********************************** Tinion watched from the doorway of his talan as the Elf he had just coupled with slipped away into the wood. Sated, he sighed deeply, grinning to himself. He so adored coupling, and he never seemed to tire of it. It always put him in the best of spirits, and right now he was feeling more than wonderful. He turned to go back inside his talan when he detected movement in the nearby brush. He stood fast and watched until he saw Rumil appear carrying his bow. His lips curled into a smile, and he called down to him. “You have come from the practice fields I presume.” Rumil’s smile brightened his face when he looked up and saw Tinion. “Yes.” “And how did you fare?” Tinion inquired. “ I did *very* well. So did Oro,” Rumil answered happily. “That is good to hear. Where is Oro? Why is he not with you?” Rumil chuckled. “He is being entertained. I thought it best to leave him be.” Tinion laughed. “Surely Lillael is used to you tagging along by now.” Rumil moved quickly to the foot of the ladder. “He is not with Lillael.” Tinion raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Has another fair maiden caught his attentions?” “Another has, I think. But, not a maiden,” Rumil chuckled. Tinion’s eyes grew wide, and he quickly climbed down the ladder to join him. *“Not* a maiden? Surely you jest! Who might it be then?” “Thrandronen,” Rumil whispered. “He has been making eyes at Oro all day.” *“Ed’ I’ ear ar’ elenea!”* [by the sea and stars] Orophin with a *male?* I never thought I’d see the day,” Tinion snickered. “It is true! I saw it all myself. But, do not tell him I told you. He will be angry and think I did it just to get back at him.” Tinion smiled. “I will not breathe a word. But, please enlighten me, what would he think you were getting back at him for? What has he done?” Rumil blushed. “I am embarrassed to say.” “There is no reason to be embarrassed. We are much like family, are we not?” Rumil looked at him. “Yes, and that is why I am embarrassed.” Tinion grinned. “It is all right, Ru. There is no need. You may confide in me.” Rumil bit his lip. “I- I told Oro I had eyes for… you. He told me it was a bad idea, and then he told Haldir, and he agreed with him.” Tinion blinked, completely taken off guard. “Rumil, I-” “It is all right,” Rumil interjected. “I am aware now that they are right. You do not have to feel cautious around me.” Tinion relaxed and smiled. “Do I have your word? I know how very wilful you can be.” Rumil grinned. “Yes. I have thought about it, and they are right. You are as close to me as Fereveldir, Orolonn, and even Siddhir. You helped to rear me and Oro just as well as them too. It would not be right.” Tinion nodded and placed a caring hand on his shoulder. “I am glad you understand that. Besides, I love life and Haldir would quickly deprive me of mine if I ever pursued you. I may be many things, but a fool is not one of them.” Rumil looked into Tinion’s large, iridescent blue eyes. “I know, but may I ask something of you?” “Certainly.” “Do you think me winsome? I mean, if I were not who I am, would you look at me twice?” Tinion burst into joyful laughter.* “Pen-neth, vanimle sila tiri.* [young one, your beauty shines bright] I would look at you *far* more than twice. To that I give you my word.” ********************************** Galadriel nodded when her husband’s eyes met hers. “It is decided, then. We will assist you in your fight. Considering all else, Haldir makes a good point as well. Should they defeat you, they will push forward to Lorien. With every victory they would only grow bolder, and this we cannot allow. Now, given what you have told us, it is best to leave at first light. Is that not right, Haldir? Celeborn asked. “Yes, my Lord.” “Very well.” He turned toward the staircase. “Orolonn.” Another very tall Elf appeared at the top of the landing. “My Lord?” “Please escort my wife to our quarters, and then show these men to a guest talan. Haldir and I have much to discuss.” ************************************************ At dusk, Siddhir was off duty and waiting at the table when Haldir entered their talan an hour later. He smiled and stood to greet him. “Forgive me, I was ravenous, so I have eaten already- but I have brought you something,” Siddhir offered. *“Hannon lle, mir nin.* [thank you, my treasure] Perhaps I will have it later. All I want to do right now is lie with you and hold you close. We go into battle at first light.” Siddhir nodded, took his hand and led him into their bedroom.