The Forgotten Ring

Disclaimer: All familiar characters of this story belong to the awesome world and works of JRR Tolkien, who is an unparalleled genius of this genre. All unfamiliar and original characters, animals and places are of my own invention. I do not derive any monies from this work and created this story solely out of the love and respect that I hold for all of the works related to this canon.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


The Forgotten Ring
by Sienna Dawn

Chapter 13 - Haldir's Vow

Last day of Echuir, April 5th

Haldir studied the reports and frowned. Things were much worse than first anticipated. Elrond's reports indicated clearly that somehow Oomberfoot had managed to spread himself, and sharing his swithwith as many willing or unwilling maids as he could find, breeding only desired Orch traits and murdering babies that contained even an ounce of elven or human characteristics. He wondered if the creature was still alive after all this time. He allowed himself a moment of doubt: was this the reason the creature was spared? But he knew in his heart it could not be. Why would Illuvatar spare a creature as foul as an Orch? Unless, he reasoned, there was a very powerful reason. He decided not to attempt to decipher what even the Valar did not: the will of Illuvatar. If this was to be their fate, then he would so accept it without question.

Judging from the number of Yrch spotted by the Ryders, it looked as if Oomberfoot had gotten off to an early start. Haldir suspected that Oomberfoot had begun to breed within the first 100 years of his arrival on Middle Earth. Which gave him, calculated Haldir, about five generations to multiply. And he remembered that Orchs multiply quite quickly. By now there may be thousands of Orch juveniles with a taste for who knew what. But what he lacked was information on where their villages may be. Over and over again the Eagles had canvassed the lands. Not one Orch village or town. Where were the creatures coming from? He had not followed much of the early history of the Yrch and now wished he had been more attentive. He needed to figure out how the Yrch lived and what locations they favored.

Initial reports from his own border patrols indicated that smaller human and elf colonies, especially those close to Half Bay on the Sea of Yave Uile, had been under possible attack for months and no warning had reached them. Some were already deserted and no clue as to their eventual fate had been found. How can entire villages of men and elves disappear?

He rubbed his forehead in thought. Why would a people not call out for help? If the reports were accurate, and he had no reason to suspect they were not, then it made no sense to him. Why did the men and elves of these sea towns not come to them for help? This did not make sense to him at all.

Taking a sip of the hot mulled ale he had been brought earlier, he decided that he needed to find out all he could about the Yrch. When he checked the older books he found that he knew much of what was written about the Yrch. He knew there was only one person in all of Thalion Tirion who had the ancient knowledge of the Yrchs, their coming into being, their likes and dislikes. He drained the last of the hot drink and set the cup down gently. He had to speak to Eridani as soon as he could find her.

Sighing deeply, Haldir contemplated the situation.

Ronihim had been deliberately keeping border reports from him for weeks, possibly months had gone by and the true picture of Oomberfoot's progress had been kept from him. Thankfully, it was the deliberate care of Lord Elrond and his sold tha that had filled in the gaps in information that Haldir lacked. What had happened to those missing reports he would never know. A thorough search of the Palace had turned up nothing. Haldir half suspected Ronihim had destroyed the documents himself, even before Eadril had seen them.

Then there was the matter of the King. He had turned up missing as well. In the first hours when it was discovered the King was not in the Palace, more than one hundred rangers had been sent forth from the realm to inquire, track and bring back any information that would help them solve the riddle of his disappearance. A dozen Eagles had poured forth from Avonea. Not a trace of Eadril was found. Hope soon faded when it became clear with each passing hour that Eadril was nowhere on Thalion Tirion. Haldir's eyes hardened at the memory.

Ronihim was of no use at all, having succumbed to some sort of mind fever that not even the Lord Elrond could heal. The Prince of Thalion Tirion now passed his days simply staring out his bedroom window as winter turned to spring, or sang tuneless songs. Sometimes he was seen in the gardens, strolling and talking to himself. Almost always he tormented the royal staff, whether with a look or a casual phrase. Never did he mentioned the fate of his father and not even his beloved aunt, Eridani, had been able to reach him. When word had reached Elrond that the King might have been kidnapped, his response had been harsh and succint. It read simply, "Look to Ronihim for the answer to the riddle."

Haldir sighed. He suspected that Ronihim had committed some atrocious act against his father and that his fragile mind had snapped as a consequence. Yet, he still had Ronihim under surveillance. Not a move did the Prince make of which Haldir was not aware. His comings and going were all being carefully scrutinized, except the times he shut himself up in his rooms, a thing he was doing more frequently lately.

It had been in their favor that the past winter had been one of the severest on record. Haldir thanked the Holy Valar for this brief respite since he knew that the Sea of Yave Uile would be unpassable in winter; and the winds that blew from the ocean current into the Imlad Yave were especialarsharsh during the cold months. He knew that no attacking army could withstand such conditions and worked doubly hard to make certain that come spring everyone was ready and knew their part if any battles were to come.

Now, in the manner of the way things turned out, the Council of Thalion Tirion had appointed Haldir as Steward of the Realm, following the return of King Eadril or of the restored sanity of his son, Prince Ronihim. Haldir had accepted the responsibility with great misgivings and said so. His entreaties to the Council that he was simply a soldier and not a statesman had fallen on deaf ears. Even Elrond had agreed with the Council's decision, sending him a message that read in part, "The Valar knew what they were doing once, Haldir. Let the Valar be your guide again." Of course, he had no idea what this meant but nevertheless knew that within it were deep words of wisdom and truth. When the time was ripe for him to understand, then would the Valar open his eyes. Of this he was certain. Now, he no longer questioned why he had been returned to Middle Earth. He had a part in this, no matter how small and insignificant that part may be. He would do his best.

Gathering some papers and throwing a cloak over his broad shoulders, Haldir left the Royal Hall, going in search for the information he needed. He approached Celbrel, who had now become his personal aide. The young elf bowed deeply. Haldir frowned at this.

"Know you the whereabouts of the Lady Eridani?" Haldir asked Celbrel.

The younger elf nodded. "Yes, my Lord. In the west gardens."

Haldir nodded a thank you and turned. Running down a small flight of stairs, he shot a quick glance at the lovely royal gardens and there saw the female elf he had been looking for. He smiled. She was the one with the dark brown eyes. Lady Eridani. They spoke at times, whenever his need of the histories of the Wars, details and other such information waquirquired. Most often they limited their contact to brief looks and stares. She doing most of the staring. Haldir knew he was powerfully attracted to the young elf maiden but was not certain why. He deplored his own sense of timing and tried to keep their contact as impersonal as possible. But always his body and eyes betrayed him, sometimes with his full knowledge and at others subconsciously. Right now he saw that she was with a group of elves about her age. He judged her to be about 2,500 years old, which by his standards was still very young. He watched them laugh together, noting how she seemed to enjoy something one whispered close to her ear.

Somehow he was seen and they turned in his direction. The others bowed with reverence and respect in deference of his rank and position, and Eridani gazed at him with a look that to Haldir bordered on lust. He laughed. Not again, he thought in dismay. But as quickly as he had seen the loo the the female's face, it had as quickly evaporated, to be replaced with a mask of indifference.

Suddenly, Ronihim emerged from the center of the group. It was obvious to Haldir he had been hiding behind a taller group of elves. All eyes were turned onto Haldir, but it was Ronihim who spoke first.

"Have you grown weary of battle reports?" He faked a wide yawn. Eridani frowne her her nephew.

"Roni, Lord Haldir works extremely diligently for the good of all the realm. You should be proud of that and show more interest in what will, after all, one day be your responsibility."

Haldir stood stunned. Such defense in his presence was unheard of. He began to see the female in a different light. He turned his eyes toward Ronihim, who stepped around his aunt and strode slowly toward Haldir.

"I see no reason to give him an inflated sense of himself. He is already as arrogant as only an elf of the Old World can be." Ronihim grinned and he passed by Haldir, who stood quietly still and followed Ronihim with a slow turn of his blonde head. Haldir's eyes sparked, but he controlled himself.

"Roni, if you make fun of your Captains, who do you think will fight your wars for you?" Eridani hoped that Haldir did not come to believe she condoned her nephew's unregal behavior. Quite the contrary, she was appalled by it. She watched Ronihim retreat inside the Palace.

Turning to the group of elves, who had stood quietly by, watching the incredible episode unfold before them, she asked them to retire and leave her and Haldir alone. Taking their leave of both elves, the group slowly distanced themselves until they could no longer be seen nor heard.

Realizing that they were alone in the lovely, secluded garden Eridani approached the tall elf. She turned apologetic eyes toward him.

"I am sorry for his words, Lord Haldir. I am afraid that his mind is still affected and he does not realize the full import of what he says."

Haldir looked at the young elf maiden standing before him. He had never been this close to her and realized now she was taller than he had first thought, and very lovely as well. He felt his body beginning to react. He shook his head slightly, trying to clear his thoughts. What was it about Eridani that so clouded his thinking, bringing to his mind thoughts of how her lips might taste, or how her body would feel pressed against his? What was happening? Sighing, for he knew the answer full well, he turned his attention to her once again.

Captivating her eyes with his own, he smiled in response and bowed. He noticed this brought a flush to Eridani's cheeks. This reaction pleased him far more than he was willing to admit.

Eridani felt the blood rush to her cheeks at the look his steady blue eyes gave her, the smile he sent her way and the polite bow he offered her. What was it about this person that could send her blood rushing to her head, her breathing to come in gasps and drive all rational thought from her mind? She knew her body was reacting to his presence, to his eyes and voice. His body, so well muscled, so tall, so....she stopped her and and put a hand to her throat. She noticed her pulse was beating rapidly.

Of course, the answer was so simple. She had been in love with him from the first moment that he arrived in Avonea. She thought back, over 500 years ago. And not once had she spoken to anyone about her feelings for this elf. She knew he would most likely be indifferent were he to suspect her true feelings, so she kept her thoughts shielded, for she was certain this elf lord from the ancient world had powers few of them realized. That he had risen quickly through the ranks to become Eadril's most trusted Commander convinced her that her heart had chosen well. And of course, had Ronihim known of her feelings for Haldir it could have likely sealed the tall elf's fate.

And so for many reasons she loved from afar, in silence and in the hope that perhaps one day she would be able to be counted amongst Haldir's friends. She had no illusions about him. As Eadril once said, he will most likely marry high and well, and she did not wish to stand by with a broken heart. So she fought herself daily and tried to convince her heart that for her own good she could be Haldir's friend, but no more.

But no more...She laughed at herself silently. As if she could ever be more than just another female to him. She shook her head and looked past Haldir at a vague point in the distance.

Haldir had watched the incredible play of emotions as they worked their way on the lovely features of the elf before him and he was struck with the depth of the turmoil she seemed to be struggling under. His heart at once softened toward her and he made a small sound in his throat, in order to catch her attention. Which he soundly had in a moment. Large and sparkling brown eyes studied him.

"Lady Eridani," he began and then stopped. Was there something wrong with her? She had closed her eyes. "Lady? Is there something that ails you?" He asked gently. Nothing but a smile from her. He was about to reach our for her since she seemed to slightly sway when she replied.

"Nay my Lord, nothing ails me that your voice cannot heal." She stopped herself and put a hand to her mouth. Her eyes flew to his.

Haldir was watching her with soft and almost unfocused eyes. He concentrated on her lips but she was too flustered to notice the impact her words had on him. Her mind was in chaos. She did not see his own inner struggle.

Had she truly said those words? She wished she had wings so she could fly as far as the horizon. No, further, to Valinor!

She slowly turned to look at the tall elf, who regarded her with a mixture of desire, amusement and something else...was it mockery? But in her haste and shame, Eridani did not see the glint of friendship and desire in Haldir's eyes. She saw instead what her own insecure heart told her to see.

He was mocking her! She herself would have laughed at her own mistep, but the look in his eyes shredded her heart in a manner she had not thought anyone ever could. He looked at her with humor and something else, something like pity. Yes, she decided, he looked at her with pity.

Raising herself as proudly as she could, she stared into the bluest eyes she had ever seen and almost lost her courage. But soon she composed herself and said in a haughty tone, "My Lord Haldir, I merely made reference to the way you intone your words, so that anyone would mistake your words for jest." She hoped her words hit their mark.

Not realizing it, she hit the mark rather well, and her words only proved to him that he was painfully different from others elves, and it only served to increase his sense of isolation.

With a sad look in his eyes, one that he did not care to hide from Eridani, he nodded and said, "My deepest apologies, my Lady, for my intent was not of mockery, but of concern for your well being."

He turned as if to walk away and then seemed to change his mind and he raised his eyes to her. She noticed she could read no emotion there, as she had done a moment before. She suddenly realized that he was able to conceal and restrain his emotions no matter how deeply he hurt. This, she knew, was most likely the price one paid for being in the service of Elven lords all of his life. Something inside her soul stirred and she knew then her love for him was as deep as the oceans and rivers.

But of her love for him she would never speak.

He waited, for she seemed to wish to say something, but changed her mind. Inwardly he smiled at this Young One, so innocent and so easy for him to read. Emotions and feelings raged on her lovely features as clouds swirl over a clear canopy of blue sky. He knew he had humiliated her and that she had somehow revealed feelings she preferred to keep hidden. Were these feelings for him? He would ponder on this later, right now he smiled kindly and asked her,

"My lady, my sources tell me that of all the elves in Avonea, that one who most knows of the lore and legends of the Ages past is you."

Eridani was suddenly stricken dumb, but only for a moment and in the next replied with pride, "Yes, indeed Lord Haldir. I have always been interested in the history, tales and legends of all the races, especially those from before the reformed Middle Earth." She saw she had his interest. She continued. "Is there something you wish to know about?"

Haldir nodded and stepped around to her right. He was so near her that she could smell his personal scent, a masculine blend of woods, earth and spices.

"What is it you would know?" She asked him in a serious tone, her eyes loosing some of their earlier sparkle. The brief moment of desire and wanting had passed them both.

Haldir answered, "I must know all there is to know about the Yrch. Their origin, their strenght and weaknesses, their mating habits, all of it." His eyes were earnest and sincere. She could see that they no longer held the flash of whatever it was they had a few moments before. She took in a deep breath.

Eridani nodded, she could helm, \m, "Yes, I can give you this information. For when shall you require it?" She looked at this face and saw him hesitate.

"Why, Lady, as quickly as you can have it. There are border towns that may have been raided in order to capture women for breeding purposes." She saw the shock in her eyes. This Young One was a true innocent. He would have to tread with care for although his heart may be lost in the process, there was no room in his life for love. He did not wish to hurt her.

"Forgive if my words offend, but there is no other way of saying it. Yrch bands may have overrun human and elven towns north and west of the Emyn Beriad, especially those close to the Half Bay, with the purpose of taking females for breeding purposes." Haldir stopped and turned to look at Eridani.

"I must know all that you know of this ancient race, for it was my understanding that Orch no longer existed in Middle Earth, but one was returned with me from the Halls of Mandos. I believe this Orch has bred half Orchmen using human and elven maids. For what purpose is not yet clear to me, but I suspect as it was in the former world, to destroy all life and bend all of Arda to their dark will." He sighed and waited for the total meaning of this to sink in.

Eridani understood at once and she nodded. "Come to the Archives at first dawn tomorrow. There I shall bring you all I have and all I know about these foul creatures."

Haldir nodded and turned to go, but was stayed by Eridani's hand on his arm. His brow furrowed and he questioned her with his eyes.

She looked at him and her eyes moistened, "My Lord Haldir, I know of your single handed efforts to restore peace in this realm and I know none have ever thanked you. I wish to thank you and tell you that I am your friend, if you will have it." She tried to meet his eyes and found she could not.

Haldir smiled, and thought, Young One, you make deep trails into my heart. Is this the will of the Valar? Am I meant to find love amidst yet another threat upon the free peoples of Middle Earth?

His steady gaze never left her face and Eridani felt he would certainly see her flushed cheeks, but if he did, he made no mention of it. Instead, he bowed deeply and touching his hand to his forehead, lips and heart which Eridani knew was sign of welcome or fealty, he answered her heart-felt declaration,

"I am your friend and shall be for as long as Earendil shines." Haldir raised his eyes to look upon her face and met hers. Eridani saw within their blue depths a passion she had never seen before. She felt her heart would explode for love of this elf.

His voice dropped even more low and still looking deeply into her eyes, he promised, "Never shall my sword turn from thee and whither shall thee go, there shall my sword be at your side. I am yours to command, my Lady." Devotion shone in Haldir's brilliant gaze and suddenly his lifeforce flared into a bright light which Eridani realized was full of power and protection. His voice was gentle and nearly a whisper, and his face radiated with the soft silver light that blazed from his body.

Watching him like this, she could not help but wonder if the ancient tales of elf power and elf magic from the long lost Old World might be true after all. If so, here was an Elf Lord revealing himself to her. She felt honored and special that he would so pay her such a deep compliment.

Stunned, she stared into his eyes as his lifeforce returned to its usual brilliance. Never had anyone spoken to her like this and she was not quite certain what it was he promised her, as his choice of words rang strange to her ears. But she knew that from that moment on she and Haldir would begin to forge a deep and lasting friendship. She felt this in her heart and soul, and looking at him, she knew he felt it too. She smiled at him, her happy heart accepting without question nor full understanding what he offered so openly.

Haldir returned Eridani's smile, but did not dare to allow his emotions free rein. He feared their intensity would frighten her. Perhaps one day she would come to understand what he had offered and perchance then he may allow himself tow how her how an elf of the Old Age loved and showed love.

For now, as she requested, friendship would do. And of course, there were Yrch to be hunted.


~*~*~*~*~

Key:

Emyn Muil = Plains of Asto Nuut (Dusty Moon Plains)
Ered Mithrin (Grey Mountains) = Ered Halla
Forlindon = Uile (Seaweed)
Gap of Rohan = Imlad Yave (Fruit Valley)
Sea of Rhun = Morthlond Salque (Blackroot Grass)
Tributary of the Isen River = Sea of Yave Uile (Sea of Fruit)


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

[To be continued...] Feedback appreciated :)