Vaniel, My Heart

Vaniel, My Heart
Chapter 25: Chapter 25 - Out in the Open
by Sienna
Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No moniesare being made from this work. Original characters are part of the story and owned by the author.


Vaniel, My Heart
by Sienna Dawn
Copyright 2003. All rights reserved

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Chapter 25 - Out in the Open

Vaniel sighed when Elladan and the other two elves left the secluded grove. Still in Haldir's embrace, she nudged even closer to him, hugging his waist tightly, shutting closed her eyes and trying to ignore the feeling of disaster that whirled about her.

Without turning to look at Haldir, Vaniel spoke, her voice muffled, "What will happen now?"

Haldir had been stroking the top of Vaniel's hair and answered without stopping the rhythmic movements. "I do not know, but I would wager we are in for the fight of our lives."

At this Vaniel broke free of Haldir's embrace and looked candidly into his eyes, "Did you truly pledge my troth to Eodwyn?" Her voice was soft but not accusatory.

Haldir smiled gently and reached a hand to cup her face, "Nay, I did not and told him I could not. My words to Eodwyn were that he should seek your mind on the matter. Did he?"

Vaniel shook her head, "He did not." But her golden eyes misted with uncertainty and Haldir saw this.

"What, my heart?" He asked.

Vaniel sighed and frowned, "I do not know the ways of Men, for Eodwyn did desire to dance with me and bade me wear a mask." Her eyes met his. "Perhaps this is considered a request for a formal betrothal?" She shook her head, her hair framing her face and covering a nipple.

Averting his eyes away from her bosom and to her face, Haldir responded, " 'Tis not a Mannish custom of which I am aware. Beside, did you dance with the Man?" His voice was casual, but his heart pounded.

Vaniel smiled, "Nay, husband, I ran from him and into these gardens." Her golden eyes collided with sapphire orbs who studied her face in sweet adoration. She saw Haldir smile dreamily.

"Husband..." his voice was low and intimate. He drew his face closer to Vaniel's and gazed at her lips, his hand reaching toward the nipple which was still covered by her hair.

Pulling Vaniel into his embrace he whispered the word against her mouth, "Husband." His eyes searched hers.

Vaniel smiled, loving her power to seduce him with a simple word. And so, she pressed her advantage and dropped her hand to his lap, pushing past the garments that lay there abandoned and ignored. Smiling and licking her lips, she looked at Haldir's mouth and then at his eyes, which were now exploding in passion and softly said, "Husband...." Then her hand found his manhood already swollen and waiting for her. She twined her fingers gently around him and tugged.

Groaning, Haldir pushed her back onto the moist earth and took her mouth, licking her lips, nipping her neck and suckling her breasts, not giving Vaniel time to respond, to embrace him. His need for her was fueled by her moans, sweet to his ears and swiftly he thrust inside her body, riding and rocking her to climactic ecstacy, together groaning their pleasure as they found their release simultaneously.

High above them, Ramion clucked his tongue at Nithoniel and the elves moved away from the area. A small smile reached Nithoniel's face, wondering when, if ever, they would make for Imladris.

By mid morning Haldir and Vaniel were sated enough to dress and leave the secluded garden, although not quickly as they stopped many times to share long and languid kisses.

It was a discreet cough from Ramion high above them that finally brought Haldir and Vaniel back to reality long enough for both to remember that Elladan was waiting for them.

Entering the Royal House together, Vaniel and Haldir made toward the Receiving Hall where they were told by the Gondorian sentries that Elladan sat in conference with King Elessar. Haldir remained impassive at these news, but he could tell from Vaniel's quickened breathing that she was nervous.

Taking Vaniel's hand and squeezing her fingers, Haldir reassured her, " 'Tis of no consequence, my heart. There is naught Eodwyn can do now. We are wed and bonded by all elven laws. Elladan knows this and Elessar lived long enough with our people to know it also. Together they will make Eodwyn understand." His deep blue eyes sparkled with confidence, a confidence his heart did not share but he was loath to let Vaniel see this. He well knew the Man's threat had not been an idle one.

When they approached the entrance to the great hall, a Gondorian guard blocked their entry, demanding Haldir surrender his weapons. This he did without speaking, handing the man his sword, bow and quiver. But his Noldorin knives remained concealed and these he did not give up.

Pushing the heavy wooden door open, the Gondorian guard stood aside and bade the elven couple enter.

Haldir strode forward proudly, as would any member of the Galadhrim, his steps sure, confident and bold. His fair face was calm, steady, his hands at his sides. His was a proud and aristocratic bearing fit for Kings. And all the in the room noticed as much and regarded the Marchwarden with the respect he was entitled too, for great and well known were his deeds even within the realms of Men.

Vaniel walked alongside Haldir, a softer and diffused light about her body. Her skin clear and pale like fine gossamer. Her beauty was as flawless as Queen Arwen's and the men in the room noticed she held herself as proudly as the Marchwarden. Her golden eyes lit upon the face of all the men in the room and all were entranced by their purity. Here, they realized, was an elven maiden whose magnetism rivaled that of Elessar's Queen.

Haldir and Vaniel approached a dais, where a marble and black throne chair stood. Within it sat King Elessar, his face now carved with wrinkles and his hair gray, but whose eyes were still clear and intelligent. Queen Arwen was not present.

Next to Elessar stood Elladan, and beside him, on a lower chair, sat another man whom Haldir immediately recognized as Imrahil of Dol Amroth, but he betrayed no recognition on his elven face. Beside Imrahil stood Eodwyn, his eyes coldly surverying Vaniel and locking onto Haldir's with a silent challenge. Breaking free of the man's glare with an arched eyebrow, an ancient facial quirk which he had adopted to purposely belittle others, Haldir bowed deeply and turned to face Elessar and Elladan.

"My Lords, I am at your command." And with these words, he touched his hand to his heart and spread open his arm in the ancient gesture of fealty.

Vaniel bowed also, but she did not imitate Haldir's greeting for she was not a warrior, yet she kept her eyes demurely lowered, not certain how females were perceived in this strange world Men had created. She did not wish to be perceived as being arrogant or rude. Things were bad enough already.

King Elessar stood and came to Haldir. Smiling at his old friend, he reached out and grasped Haldir's forearm. Elf and Man nodded and their eyes met. Elessar softly whispered, "Faith, my friend."

Turning to Vaniel, Elessar smiled and held out both hands. "This is Vaniel." His voice was deep and strong. "Long have the Eldalie spoken of thee, Vaniel Peredhil, and now come you to my city." His kind eyes met Vaniel's golden ones and she felt that here was a man worthy of an elven heart. No wonder Arwen had fallen so deeply for this man, forsaking her immortality. He was strength, honor and wisdom personified. At once Vaniel decided she could trust this man.

Smiling shyly, Vaniel answered, "Long have I heard of the mighty deeds of Aragorn, son of Arathorn, now King Elessar. Tall do you stand among men and elves, my Lord."

King Elessar laughed and turned back to his throne chair. "Not so tall any more for age and years have come upon me as a thief in the night." He sat heavily in it and turned his gaze toward Eodwyn before turning back to Vaniel.

"But we have some matters that need our attention, is this not so Elladan?" Elessar's intelligent brown eyes turned to his old friend.

"Indeed we do, my Lord." Answered Elladan, staring hard at Haldir, who stood seemingly unmoved by Elladan's veiled insinuation.

But it was Eodwyn, unable to contain himself any longer, who broke in, "Oh this is ridiculous! Are we to spend precious moments simply greeting each other?" His blue eyes flashed at Elladan.

"You will find, my dear Eodwyn," answered Imrahil, who had remained silent until now, "that the hearts of men and elves can reveal much from a simple greeting." His eyes turned to Eodwyn, "Let us not be discourteous to our elven guests, for remember, your Queen belongs to that fair race."

Eodwyn snorted at the outright rebuke but it served to keep him silent.

While Imrahil spoke, Vaniel had taken the opportunity to study the man she suspected and now realized was her father. She had his coloring, that was sure, but she also had his features, strong and bold, his generous mouth and straight nose. If not for her elven ears, her resemblance to Imrahil would have been apparent to everyone.

Raising her eyes and letting them cover the rest of the assembled group, they came to light on Eodwyn who was boldly staring at her and she quickly looked away. There was hunger in his eyes, she realized...hunger and something that was akin to madness. Despite the warm day, Vaniel shivered.

Noticing her discomfort, Haldir glanced toward her and caught her eyes. Reassuring her with a minute nod, Vaniel looked down at her feet, realizing she was blushing to the roots of her hair, cursing her human part for she knew full blooded elves did not blush.

King Elessar now addressed the group, bidding her and Haldir sit on chairs that were brought to them.

"This is to be a marriage council." He began, but was cut short once again by Eodwyn.

"Nay, my King...this is not a marriage council for the Lady Vaniel was trothed to me by this elf and then did he seduce her to lay with him. I claim rights of pledge for did I give my word bond to the elf days before this treachery was performed." Eodwyn's voice rang out in the Hall.

Imrahil turned and studied Vaniel, thinking how alike she was to his long-lost elf lover. He had known, from the moment she had entered the Hall, that Vaniel was his daughter, once lost and now found. He thanked the Valar that he would die at last knowing she had lived and seemed to be beloved by a true warrior...his eyes focused on Eodwyn....not this simpering fool who was probably insane. Thankfully his spy, Tonamor, had kept him abreast of Eodwyn's and his sister's traitorous plots. It was to Tonamor that he owed his speedy entry to Minas Tirith, for had the spy's letter reached him outside the city gates and warned him of what was afoot. From that letter Imrahil had learned that a half-elven female with the star mark had entered Gondor in the company of Elladan. Since Tonamor was well versed in all of Imrahil's exploits, he had soon come to suspect Vaniel was indeed Imrahil's daughter and planted the seed in Eodwyn and Aladwyn's mind. Imrahil was not happy with Tonamor's use of Vaniel as bait, and he silently asked the Valar to forgive this transgression. Yet, it seemed Eodwyn would stop at nothing to get whatever it was he wanted. Imrahil's intelligent brown eyes fastened onto Vaniel's face. He sighed silently. He'd deal with Eodwyn and Aladwyn soon enough. Realizing Elessar was speaking, he turned his face toward the sound of the King's voice.

"Eodwyn," Elessar began, "I cannot grant a pledge council since you have so said yourself, the Lady has given her troth to Haldir and wedded they are."

Eodwyn's eyes lit on Elladan, "Did you tell the King this?" Eodwyn's voice was measured and calm. He knew to tread with a steady hand when dealing with the elf lord and Elessar.

Elladan frowned and replied, "Aye, I warned you repeatedly to not meddle in these affairs, but you heeded me not, Eodwyn. Beside, you did not tell me of your troth to the Lady Vaniel until this morn." Elladan's countenance was very grave, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Vaniel looked from face to face, trying her best to follow what was being said, still not very fluent in Westron, but judging from Haldir's face Eodwyn was making his case for her. However, she was still able to make out much of what was said.

"Aye," admitted Eodwyn, "you did warn me to not come between the Lady and the elf's knives. This much is true." Eodwyn's voice was bittter now, "But I do not desire the Lady any longer, for she is much damaged and the House of Denethor does not bargain in spoilt merchandise." His eyes challenged Haldir.

"Eodwyn!" Shouted Imrahil, coming to stand. Likewise did Haldir come to a rigid stance before the Man, Elladan's face falling at the implication of the insult hurled at Vaniel, as King Elessar watched Eodwyn's face very carefully.

"You will not speak thus about your own kinswoman!" Imrahil's voice thundered and he turned and stared the younger man down. "If you persist she will have my sword to speak for her!"

Haldir turned slowly and stared at Imrahil, too stunned to say anything. Coming to stand closer to Vaniel, he bent down and quickly translated what was said. As she listened to Haldir's words and understood their meaning, her eyes widened and she let her eyes come to sadly rest on Eodwyn's face. Turning to Haldir she asked him, "What will happen now?"

Haldir shook his head imperceptively, "I know not. Imrahil has challenged Eodwyn."

Vaniel's face betrayed her shock, "But you cannot allow this!"

Yet Haldir answered her not and stood still watching the two men glare at each other. He was glad that he still had his Noldorin knives.

Coming 'round to face his Lord, Eodwyn glared at Imrahil, his stance defiant. One of Imrahil's men closed the gap between the men, slowly coming to stand at Imrahil's side.

"So," Eodwyn began, "Then it is no lie. She is your daughter." Eodwyn's face turned to Vaniel, who watched him with a worried frown.

Imrahil nodded, "Aye, I was not certain of it until now. She is my daughter born of a love long-lost." Imrahil's voice held a hint of sadness, but he soon recovered and stared intently into Eodwyn's face. "She is your kinswoman, Eodwyn, cousin to your father's line." Imrahil knew it was useless to reason with Eodwyn at this stage.

Eodwyn laughed, "What care I of this she-elf, Prince? Did you not put her away for fear of the elves? Well," he waved his hands toward Vaniel and Haldir, "there you have her....she has returned....the doxy of Imladris!" As the venemous words were spat toward Vaniel, Eodwyn feigned a lunge toward her, and Vaniel pulled back in her chair, suddenly chilled by the glowing madness she saw in the Man's eyes.

Chaos reigned in the Hall but for a moment, as voices raised in shouts of warning and threat at Eodwyn's sudden action. But it was Haldir who moved fastest of all, unsheathing his knives and grabbing Eodwyn by the throat. Eodwyn suddenly found himself twirled around, as the cold tip of a dagger pressed into his neck.

Eodwyn's eyes widened at the flexibility and speed of the elf warrior and realized he was within an inch from death's door. He stilled, yet felt the warm trickle of blood from where the elven knife had knicked. Suddenly, Eodwyn realized Haldir would not hesitate in taking his life and this knowledge heightened the hate he already harbored for the elf. Waiting, his breath coming rapidly, Eodwyn waited in humiliation, now that the elf had bested him twice in the same day. Slowly, Eodwyn willed his body to relax. Still, the blade was pressed to the side of his neck and his right arm was painfully twisted behind him, while the elf's sturdy legs had dug deep into the floor for balance. Eodwyn knew he could not throw the elf without risking serious injury to his back.

Haldir's face betrayed none of the fury his spirit felt. He held the deadly Noldorin knife at the man's neck, pricking the skin lightly in a silent warning. He would not hesitate to defend Vaniel, but he was loathe to spill blood in the hallowed Hall of Elessar's throne room. Quietly, Haldir maintained the pressure on Eodwyn's arm, wishing to make sure the man understood Haldir's message.

"Haldir!" Elessar shouted and quickly rose from his throne, walking to the blonde elf who held the man in a death-grip. "Release him! There will be no blood shed here!!" His eyes darkened as he stared at the furious elf.

Haldir looked at Elessar and at once Eodwyn found himself free, stumbling forward at the shove Haldir gave him. Quickly and efficiently, Haldir concealed his knives and slowly walked to his chair, sat and boldly watched Eodwyn, his eyes cold, deadly and hard.

His hand rubbing his neck, Eodwyn turned to Haldir, and he smiled a warning, "You shall regret this, elf. You and your doxy, for she means nothing to me, nothing!" Eyes flashing, Eodwyn turned and marched from the chamber.

Vaniel, who understood much of what he had said, followed his retreating form. Now she knew where the sense of doom emanated. It was a foreboding of death. Her eyes turned quickly to Haldir, who sat regally and stared at Elessar. Then she moved her gaze to Elessar, and over to Imrahil whom she discovered was watching her. He nodded slightly and she responded in kind.

Just then a loud door slam announced that Eodwyn had exited the Hall. Elessar turned to Elladan, "Place a guard to follow his movements. I trust him not."

Elladan turned and quickly left to do the King's bidding.

Turning her eyes to the rest of the group, Vaniel realized Imrahil was still staring at her and she was stunned when he spoke to her in Sindarin, his eyes kind, "Come here, my child."

Vaniel looked at Haldir who nodded. She stood and walked a few steps to the old Prince. "Have you a star mark on your left arm?"

Vaniel nodded and bared the mark. Without looking at it, Imrahil studied Vaniel's face instead, "Know you what it means?" Vaniel shook her head.

"It is the mark of your family's House, the House of Caladgorm, who was sundered from the Eldalie long ages past and came to live with the Dunedain. I was very young when I met your mother, and you have her face and her coloring. She died shortly after you were born and I hid you, sending you to live with the midwife's kin. But I thought you long dead." His eyes smiled kindly at Vaniel and she, unable to form a response, merely smiled back.

Imrahil continued, this time facing King Elessar, and speaking in Sindarin said, "By your leave, my King, I would recognize this Lady as daughter to me and of the House of Denethor."

Elessar nodded, "Yes, this can be done."

Elladan now returned to the Hall. Meeting the King's glance, he briefly nodded to the King in a silent message that said all had been done as commanded.

But Vaniel shook her head and responding in Sindarin said, "Nay...do not."

All eyes turned in her direction and she stared at Imrahil, "My Lord, I wish not for titles. 'Tis true I grew without a father, but the love of the one who raised me as mother was sufficient to fill an ocean. I need no other." Her voice grew sad at memory of Eryniel. "I would only wish to return to the elves with my husband and dwell in peace where we wont." Her golden eyes pleaded with Imrahil. "I did not pledge my troth to Eodwyn. He speaks falsely, for only did he bade me dance with him last night but I fled from him, to the arms of the one who is my true mate." Vaniel turned and walked toward Haldir, who had risen and now stood a few paces behind her. In his eyes there shone the light of love and devotion.

Elessar looked at Elladan and then at Imrahil, and still speaking in Sindarin, said, "Then it is settled. You two pledged your troth and consumated the vows?"

Haldir nodded as did Vaniel.

Elessar stood and came to them. Laying a hand on Haldir's shoulder and looking down at Vaniel he smiled, "Then off with you and mind not the festival. We shall deal with Eodwyn. But, " he added, staring hard at Haldir, "do not make for Imladris yet for many leagues in the open there are still on the road to that fair land and I cannot guarantee your safety. Make for East Lorien instead and there dwell with your kin until Eodwyn tires from this folly and we can deal with him. Stay the path to Imladris and make quickly for Lorien, Haldir, for I fear Eodwyn and his men may try to overtake you." Elessar's words voiced the fear of all in the Hall.

Alarmed, Vaniel glanced at Imrahil, "Surely he will understand?"

Imrahil pursed his lips and sat. "There is much for which Eodwyn and his sister need compensate me. Much treachery. The King speaks true. Though Eodwyn has spent enough time in elven realms to know of your people's customs, I fear his greed has blinded him. You, my dear, are simply a means to an end."

Vaniel frowned and said, "I do not understand."

Now it was Elladan who answered. Coming to stand before Vaniel, he took her hands and tried to smile, but he could not. Heavy was his heart and much darkness he sensed about Haldir and Vaniel. "If Eodwyn can take you as wife and beget a child of you, then his family's claim is cemented as you are Imrahil's daughter. Upon you rests his claim to the very throne of Gondor. If Eodwyn can take you and beget a child of you, then he can command armies loyal to him as far north as Arnor. It would mean civil war, for not all men welcomed the claim of Elessar as the rightful King of Gondor. Eodwyn would press his claim and take Dol Amroth first along with all the lands of Belfalas, and from there he might press the advantage of your elven parentage and claim Imladris and even Lorien, for your blood is of the ancient Noldorin line, Vaniel. Of course," His voice trailed slightly, "Neither Thranduil or Legolas would allow this....so it could plunge Middle Earth into a war ...a war of men against elves. Do you understand?" His eyes meaningfully searched Vaniel's face.

Vaniel's breath caught in her throat and she reached for Haldir's arm, who instantly supported her. Haldir's strength comforting her, Vaniel spoke, her voice but a whisper, "But I swear that this is not what I desire."

Elessar, who had returned to the throne chair, answered, "We know this, my child." The old King sighed. "These events have long been in the making, and are not of your doing. Let your heart be at peace, daughter of Gondor, for your fate lies elsewhere." Elessar's eyes had a far-away look and the others realized he was being granted a vision.

When his eyes cleared, he smiled down at the elven couple, "For now, go...take yourselves quickly away from this fair city and mayhap one day you will return with your children and let them see the White City of Men, for here there is much beauty." The others murmured their agreement.

But King Elessar was not finished yet, as he had another vision, "Two guards will be assigned to your leave, Haldir. Be sure you make for the safety of your lands before night fall for I sense treachery in the making and your Lady is not yet wholly safe."

Imrahil had a thought and spoke up, "My man, Tonamor, was set to depart for North Ithilien on the 'morrow, but by your leave, Sire, he can be pursuaded to travel to-day and with him are a company of thirty Rangers. Tonamor and his men can travel with Haldir and the Lady Vaniel as far as Cair Andros and there they would cross the Anduin to North Ithilien. Would this not deter any unsavory plans from Eodwyn's camp?"

Haldir agreed, "Yes, this would be wise, indeed. But we cannot cross to North Ithilien for that way is foul. The Dead Marshes stand in the way as does the Emyn Muil. I would not take the Lady across these lands."

Elessar nodded, "Yes, I agree. You will need to turn to the West Road and follow this to Edoras in Rohan and from there cross the Entwash, which your people call the Onodlo. You can follow this north across the Wold and from there to the River Limlight. Once you ford the river, Lorien in within striking distance."

Haldir considered this for a moment. It was a circuitous route, but better than having to brave the Dead Marshes, the Emyn Muil and the numerous dark lands between these. He nodded in agreement to the plan.

"Then we part ways from your men, " Haldir addressed Imrahil, "just sixty leagues short of South Lorien. My people still patrol those borders. If we can make haste and cross that land, we can reach East Lorien in days and with little risk."

Elessar nodded, "I agree." He turned his gaze to Imrahil, "Alert your man."

Imrahil turned and whispered to an aide, standing close by. In moments, the tall Ranger had exited the Hall, in search for the spy, Tonamor.

Vaniel looked at Imrahil, and breaking free of Haldir's hands, came to stand before the old Prince, who stood as well. They faced each other and Imrahil knew he would never again see the fair face of his daughter, but he mused that was as well as could be, for the Blessed Valar had kept her safe all the long years and had given him this grace: to see her once before he died. Smiling, he took her hands.

"Go ye in peace, daughter. And if ever there be a time your children or their children have need of Gondor, let them remember the ancient bonds between our people, for they surely will last as long as Gondor lives."

Vaniel smiled and thanked the old Prince, turning then to Elessar and bowing in respect. Her golden eyes sought Elladan and she thanked him silently as well.

Just then, the sound of confident steps echoed in the Hall and all eyes turned toward Imrahil's man, Tonamor, a Ranger of about eighty winters, his hair gray, his eyes dark and brooding. Strong square shoulders were hidden by a grey cloak which Haldir noticed was clasped by an elven brooch of mithril. The Ranger was tall, and carried himself with an air of confidence. It was obvious to Haldir why he had gained Imrahil's trust. This was a man to be trusted.

Tonamor nodded to everyone, save Elessar, to whom he offered his deepest obeisance by kneeling before the throne and saluting his King. Standing, he bowed to his Lord, Imrahil.

Elessar began, "Tonamor, Imrahil has spoken highly of you and has also provided me with much information as to the actions of Eodwyn and his sister. I thank you for your loyalty and would have you take on one more duty as you make for North Ithilien."

Tonamor raised his dark eyes and met Elessar's gaze, "My Lord, I serve until death. What would you have me do?"

"The Marchwarden of Lorien makes for the south fences of his realm. With him travel his wife, the Lady Vaniel, and two elves. However, Eodwyn has challenged the match and it is feared he will try to take the Lady by force. I would have them travel in your company as far North as possible before you turn for Ithilien."

Tonamor was very well versed in Eodwyn's passion for the elven maiden and judging from her looks, she seemed worthy of any man or elf. His brown eyes carefully covered her face and then Haldir's, who watched the man carefully. Here was an elf to be counted as friend and not foe, thought Tonamor, gauging Haldir's ability and prowess. He was surprised that Eodwyn had not had the wisdom to steer clear of this elf. Tonamor knew the name connected to this one...Haldir of Lorien. Yes, Tonamor recalled the name, and the many deeds associated with it, and in a moment he counted a few. He had heard of Haldir's many skirmishes with Orcs and Goblins; of his meeting of the members of the Fellowship; of his ability to keep Lorien's borders for many ages free of invaders; and, of course, his heroism at the attack of Dol Guldur, Sauron's ancient fortress between Lorien and Mirkwood and from whence came much evil. Here was an elf warrior, thought Tonamor, whose skill, bravery and heroism was already legendary. Eodwyn was a fool or a madman to challenge Haldir.

Looking steadfastly into Elessar's eyes, Tonamor nodded, "It will be done as you say, my King." He gazed at Haldir, who slowly nodded in agreement.

Knowing they had little time to waste, Haldir nodded and saluted Elessar, Imrahil and Elladan, "We make for Lorien this very day." His eyes came to meet Tonamor and he added for the Ranger, "I would have you come with me and I shall tell you the road we will take."

Tonamor nodded but did not reply.

Locking eyes with Elladan, Haldir nodded to his old friend and turned, taking Vaniel by the elbow and guiding her from the Hall. Tonamor bowed and turned, following the retreating elves.

Watching the elves exit, Elladan turned to Imrahil, "Perhaps you too ought to consider returning to Dol Amroth until this matter is settled."

Imrahil frowned, 'Nay, my friend, I thank you for your concern, but my heart bids me stay. Beside my Lady-wife has a great desire to pass the festival in the city and I am loath to disappoint her."

But Elladan shook his head, "That is not what was on my mind, Sire." He saw Imrahil's eye turn toward him."There is still much to be settled yet, my Lord Prince. Not all has been finished. There is a shadow about this whole affair and I fear it will draw us all in before it is done with us."

Elessar looked at his old friend with grave concern. Never had he known Elladan to be wrong, and now he worried about Haldir and Vaniel's future.

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