FORTY FOUR Soft golden streaks of dawn spread widely across the sky as the Elves slowly started to awaken within the camp. Fereveldir put out the fire in front of him and sighed heavily as the calls of birds broke the silence that hung heavy in the morning air. He stood to stretch and smiled as Calaglin moved towards him. *“Quel amrun,”* [good morning] he whispered. *“Quel amrun,”* Calaglin returned. “I have come to relieve you. Perhaps you might enjoy some rest before we set off. It may be little, but even a little can help.” Fereveldir smiled. “That is very kind of you *mellonamin,* [my friend] but surprisingly I am quite well. I can rest when we return to Lorien. At any rate, I am certain Haldir will awaken soon and I would like to be conscious when he does.” Calaglin nodded and sat. “I understand. I will stay with you for a time.” “I would enjoy the company,” Fereveldir replied, sitting beside him. They looked out together at the still village ahead, and then began to talk amongst themselves. Nearly an hour later they both rose to their feet. Several people were moving quickly towards them, and they were being led by Hamal. Fereveldir quickly looked behind him to see several of their contingent alert and standing at the ready. He turned back as Hamal moved forward alone, leaving several women holding large basins and children waiting. The man bowed with respect before he stepped up to them. Fereveldir bowed in return. “You said you had your own provisions, but I am fairly certain that the only water you carry with you is for drinking. The women of our village thought you might like to clean up some and have brought with them water for washing if you would like. It is a long way to the nearest stream and I am sure you loathe the foul beasts’ blood on your skin as much as we.” “That is very thoughtful,” Fereveldir responded. He turned to Calaglin. “Please escort them to where they may lay down their loads.” Hamal gestured to the women and they followed Calaglin. All but one, who stood with a large bowl, watching over the line of children beside her. “Might I speak with your commander this morn?” Hamal asked. “Nay, I am afraid he is still resting,” Fereveldir replied. Hamal pointed past him. “Pardon, but is that not him there in the other tent?” Fereveldir turned to see Haldir kneeling beside the bodies of their fallen. He sighed and returned his attention to Hamal. “You are quite correct, but I am afraid it is not a good time. Rest assured, I will convey to him your gratitude.” Hamal looked up at him bewildered. “Does he not wish to speak with me? Have I offended him in some way?” Fereveldir fixed his eyes upon the man. “It is not that. Although it is true we only lost five of our own compared to your great losses, the deaths of those five weigh heavily upon him as our commander. Worse it is still that his mate is amongst them.” Hamal’s eyes widened. “By the Gods! I did not know.” “It is all right, for you had no way of knowing. So, perhaps you will forgive him this formality. He simply is not prepared to hold company at this time.” *“Hannon lle*, [thank you] Fereveldir. I am well enough. You wished to see me?” Haldir asked, looking intently at Hamal as he approached them. The man bowed again. “Commander, I merely wished to thank you for myself and my people for everything you have done and have lost to aid us. It was very much appreciated, and we hold ourselves in your debt.” Haldir’s intense grey eyes shone clear through the dark smudges on his face as he gazed at the man. “We are the Galadhrim and our duty is to Lorien. In assisting you, we aided our own, so we accept your gratitude, but we hold you not in debt.” “You have been more than kind. Please allow me to offer my deepest condolences for your losses and your personal loss as well,” Hamal replied. Haldir looked briefly at Fereveldir, then back at the man. “Thank you.” Hamal bit his lip as he considered Haldir, who stood gazing down at him expectantly. “Is there something else you wish to say?” Haldir questioned. “Um, I know a little about your kind- and I am aware that you will not leave your dead in another land. You have neither carriers nor horses. Would you accept help from us in this regard? It is the least we can do.” Haldir was silent for a moment. Then he nodded. “We would be most grateful.” “I will see to it straight away,” Hamal replied. Haldir nodded. A young girl in tattered clothes at the end of the line of children standing behind Hamal suddenly stepped forward and moved towards Haldir. Hamal quickly grabbed her arm. “No, Sephia. You cannot just walk up on a commander like that.” Haldir held out his hand as he gazed down at the determined young girl. “Do not scold her. She may speak.” Hamal smiled. “Go ahead then, Sephia. The commander will hear you.” The girl moved closer to Haldir and looked up at him with wide blue eyes. “Thank you master Elf. Thank you for saving us. My father was lost in the last battle. Thanks to you and your army I still have my mother.” She then reached in her pocket and held a stalk of grapes out to him. Haldir’s expression softened. He kneeled down and took the offering, pulling off one of the grapes and eating it. “Thank you, and you are most welcome.” Sephia smiled, and then she bowed before Haldir and backed away. Hamal turned and beckoned the woman who stood with the children forward. “Please accept this humble offering as well. We know you have provisions, but you are many and perhaps this will help,” Hamal stated. Fereveldir looked at Haldir, who nodded, and then smiled and took the large bowl of mixed fruits that the woman held out to him. “We thank you yet again,” Haldir said to Hamal. “I have been told you would be leaving early this morn?” “That is so.” “We will leave you now to your solitude and preparations. I will send the carriers straightaway as promised. Farewell.” “Farewell,” Haldir replied. Hamal gestured to the women and children and they walked back towards their village. Sephia remained, took a last look at Haldir and smiled. Then she ran to catch up with the others. “I am quite famished truth be told,” Fereveldir commented, gazing into the large bowl. “Would you care for something?” “I have more than enough,” Haldir answered, holding up the grapes that the girl had given him. “Come; let us share with the others.” **************************************** Celeborn reached out his arm and frowned, immediately awakening. The bed beside him was empty. He sighed, thinking his wife had most likely gone to gaze into her mirror. He pulled himself up to sit in bed and wait for her. To his surprise, he caught a glimpse of her long golden hair as it blew freely in the breeze from out on the veranda. He climbed out of bed, slipped on a robe and went to join her. “You have risen far earlier than usual, *A’maelamin.* [my beloved] Tell me what troubles you,” Celeborn asked in a quiet voice. Galadriel turned slowly to gaze into his eyes. “I can feel his pain.” Celeborn nodded, knowing whom she spoke of; but said nothing. Instead, he pulled her gently into his arms and held her close. “His pain is so deep, but he puts on a brave face for his guard. It is heartbreaking,” she whispered into his chest. “I am certain, but you know we must be strong for him. Our Haldir is very proud,” Celeborn replied. Galadriel took a deep breath. “’Tis true, but it pains still to know that his pride will see him alone for such a long time. I was speaking with Elrond, and I must say that there are times I feel as he does; that I did not have this gift of foresight. Even though I know he will find a greater happiness in the future, it does not take away the sting of having to watch him suffer until that day comes.” Celeborn released her and took her hand in his, leading her back inside. “I know well of what you speak. When Siddhir and I spoke that night in their time of trouble, he expressed those very same thoughts to me. I did understand his reasoning, but you were wise for us to intervene. I am certain it would be far worse for Haldir had they been estranged when Siddhir met his fate.” Galadriel nodded. “The battle has been won. The villagers have been saved from total annihilation, and we have assured Lorien’s safety for a time. But, the victory is bittersweet. In a sense they have gained a small foothold by succeding in putting down another with the gift.” Celeborn sat beside her on the bed. “Will Elrond attend the services?” “I advised him not to. The darkness had receded, but it has not left entirely. He knows this as well, and he agrees.” “’Tis a shame,” Celeborn remarked. “Yes, but it is unavoidable for the moment. They have already come close with Elrond once. We have to be cautious.” “Of course.” Celeborn looked into her eyes. “How many have we lost in this conflict? “Five. Except for Siddhir, I know not yet who. The mirror has not shown me their faces,” Galadriel replied. Celeborn sighed. “Very well. I shall see to it that our hearlers are prepared for their imminent arrival. It will be a very sad day for Lorien indeed.” *********************************** “Let me look at your arm,” Haldir demanded, after washing his face from one of the many basins of water. “It is nothing, Haldir. Worry not over it. I am quite well.” Haldir raised an eyebrow. “Are you refusing an order from your commander? I think not.” Fereveldir blinked, but held out his arm and raised up the slashed sleeve. Haldir tore off a piece of cloth from his tunic hem, dipped it into a nearby basin, and then cleaned the skin on his friend’s arm to see the wounds. He examined each of them carefully. “These are slight enough to heal on their own,” Haldir reported, pointing to several of the slashes. “But this one needs stitching. Why did you not come to me? Do you *want* to bleed to death?” Fereveldir frowned. “It is not bleeding profusely. I would have made it to Lorien. You have enough to contend with.” Haldir’s eyes blazed. *“Never* do this again. *Heniach nin?* [do you understand] “Y-yes,” Fereveldir replied, momentarily stunned by his friend’s tone. Haldir left and quickly returned with a pack and removed the things he needed, then he began stitching Fereveldir’s wound. Fereveldir grimaced during the process, but otherwise did not utter a sound. When it was done, Haldir tore two wide strips of cloth from his cloak and wrapped them loosely around the arm from bicep to wrist. *“Hannon lle.”* Haldir looked into his friend’s eyes again. *“Lle creoso.”* [you’re welcome] Now, go into the tent and get some rest. We will depart soon after you awaken.” “Haldir, I do not need to rest. We can leave now if- ” Fereveldir stopped cold upon seeing the look on Haldir’s face. “Very well.” Haldir watched as Fereveldir stood and moved slowly towards the tents, and then began placing his things back in the pack. He sighed heavily, and pulled his hair free of his misshapen braids. Then combing through the silvery locks with his fingers, he quickly re-did them, stood and went to check on the others. Two hours later, Fereveldir awoke and assisted eagerly in breaking down their camp as much as the pain in his arm would allow. When all was finished, Haldir led the Galadhrim away from the village of men to return home to Lorien.