The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 23: Book 4 - Mystery's Vortex
by Sienna Dawn

Dawn came and found the couple still in each other's arms. They had not spoken nor touched upon their situation, instead allowing their need and love for the other bespeak the many words that had remained unspoken.

Lisse realized she had been a fool in rejecting Haldir. Though she still feared parting from him and loosing him to his duties, she realized she had no choice but to accept him as he was. If not, then she would need to sunder her relationship to him and that was a thing she would not, and realized could not, do.

Haldir was shrewd enough to realize when he was bested. He knew his love for Lisse would forge a new life for him, one he had shunned for so long. He hoped he would be a good husband to her.

The sun began its steady climb over the horizon and Lisse left the bed to draw the filmy curtains aside. At once, golden sunlight filtered into the room, turning everything it touched into living bronze.

Lisse returned to the bed, seeing that Haldir watched her with hunger. She turned from him and crawled to the opposite end of the large bed, her eyes light and clear, "Haldir," she began, dodging his hand and getting off the bed, watching as Haldir slowly came round to the other side. "Listen to the sounds from outside. 'Tis clear day...we must leave this chamber!"

Lisse squealed as Haldir lunged and grabbed a wrist, throwing her back on the bed, her feet facing the headboard. Quickly, Haldir straddled her, his silver eyes locking with her gaze, " 'Tis your fault." he laughed, seeing Lisse's eyes widen.

"My fault?" Lisse exclaimed, trying, but not too seriously, to throw Haldir off.

"Yes," exclaimed Haldir, lowering his lips to her ear and suckling the tip, hearing Lisse hiss. Murmuring softly, he said, "Yes...your fault...for having bewitched me."

With a sigh and later a moan, Lisse turned her face to Haldir, opening her mouth and body for his entrance.

It was close to mid afternoon and the couple had yet to emerge from the bedchamber.

Niel had made discreet inquiries earlier and learned that neither Lisse or Haldir had been seen about. Wise enough to leave things to themselves, she had shunned Lisse's chamber and instead devoted herself to over-seeing the kitchen for several lodgers had arrived at dawn. As she worked, thoughts of Orophin clouded her mind and Niel wondered what she would do, as Lisse had pointed out, were she in the same situation. Would she accept Orophin or reject the lifestyle he would embrace as a herald of the Valar? Shaking her head, for Niel believed these were morbid thoughts, she placed distance between these and her work and soon lost herself in the many duties and responsibilities she shouldered in Lisse's stead.

By midday Haldir and Lisse had still not made an appearance and Niel finally went to Lisse's chamber, knocking upon the door several times. Timidly, she had pushed open the door and found it deserted. Her eyes then travelled to the arched ceiling and she smiled, knowing then the exact whereabouts of the newly-bonded couple. Turning quickly out of the chamber, she headed for the kitchens and there ordered that a large tray of food be taken to the tall Tower of Guve Hall.

In the privacy of their chamber the couple lounged. Haldir's head rested on Lisse's stomach and she was gently stroking his soft hair, knowing he slumbered. She thought back to their fevered lovemaking. Haldir was a considerate and highly skilled lover and she ached for more, but her body was begging rest. Leaving Haldir to run a bath, Lisse opened the door to the adjacent chamber. Here was a large sunk bath, bottles of different oils scattered about, large and soft towels draped over steel rods and brackets fastened to the wall.

The water was warm and inviting. Lisse poured in a few drops of scented oil and she called out. "Haldir, come, the water will soothe and relax."

But Haldir did not respond and Lisse frowned. Leaving the delicate bottle upon the bath's ledge, she walked back to the bedchamber.

Suddenly, Lisse found herself on the bed, turned on her back, the sheet draping Haldir's thighs slipping unnoticed to the floor. His hard erection pressed against her closed thighs. Lisse parted her legs to allow him greater access and he quickly took the hint, settling comfortably between the moist apex of her thighs. In moments, Haldir had seduced Lisse with slow kisses and gentle touches and soon their bodies clamored for release. Haldir laved Lisse's body with fervent kisses, dwelling longest on her breasts and nipples, reaching down to open her and pleasure her. In a swift moment, between heated kisses, slow touches and soft moans, Haldir entered Lisse.

"Slowly, love," Haldir whispered above Lisse, "not so fast," he said in response to Lisse's upward thrusts. "Let us make the moment linger." He leaned down and with his lips captured a stiff nipple.

Lisse arched her body, driving Haldir more deeply into her. Moaning her ecstacy, she opened her eyes to see his silver gaze steadily meet hers. "More..." was all she could manage. Haldir complied, burrowing deeply inside of her, beginning a maddening rhythm that alternated between short and shallow movements to deep and languidly slow thrusts. In moments, Lisse felt her body contracting in the molten heat of orgasm, currents of delight washing over her body, down to her toes. Haldir's grunts took her to a higher plane, for she delighted in them, knowing it was she who gave him this pleasure. She felt him stiffen inside of her and then knew he had achieved his own release.

With a gasp Haldir lowered himself onto the bed, beside Lisse.

In the bath-chamber the water awaited, now grown cold and forgotten.

~*~*~*~

Within the Taniquetil the Valar pondered and debated. Nienna's discovery was now known to all of the Valar though not all were in attendance in Manwë's Hall. Missing were Nienna herself, Mandos, Ulmo and Yavanna.

The discovery of a seeing stone in Aman did not greatly perturb the Valar, for long had they known that Fëanor, the crafter of the silmarils, had taught the skill to others or had fashioned other stones as tokens of friendship. What disturbed was that Manwë had sensed a dark presence moving over the Avathar, just at the same time Nienna had sensed the seeing stone. The Lords of the West pondered upon this mystery: who else, save themselves and their heralds, knew of the existance of the unuhuine-quendi? Who was using an ancient seeing stone and for what purpose?

Manwë spoke, his words a deep rumble as if made of mighty winds. "Long ago did Fëanor fashion many stones." His words caused agreement and many murmured assent.

"Not all of the palantiri sailed west with the Noldor." Vairë began. She was the spouse of Mandos and the weaver of the histories of the Children of Illuvatar. She was different from the rest of the Valar. Clothed not in mithril or living starlight, she instead chose the endless stream of history to clothe her body and draped it like a mantle around herself. Moving images flowed across her body, as the events of history itself wove, changed and skimmed upon the garments she wore. Her voice was deep and sure.

"The Numenoreans were given seven palantiri and Elendil later sailed to Middle Earth bearing the stones. Some of the palintiri survived the war of the ring and not all are accounted for, not even in Aman." She turned as Tulkas Astaldo, the warrior amongst the Valar spoke.

"The master stone still sits high atop the Tower of Avallónë on Tol Eressëa." His voice boomed and the others pondered silently.

It was then that Varda quietly interjected. "Show us all, Vairë, so that we may decide the best course."

And so Vairë began to unfold upon her body the living streams of history, of ages past. She showed them the making of the stones by Fëanor's own hand, the bestowing of them upon the Numenoreans. Across her body there flowed the living images of ages past, as the Valar watched in rapt attention, looking for possible clues as to the whereabouts of the seeing stone sensed by Nienna.

The images began to slow down at the beginning of the Third Age. Vairë showed them the destruction of the stones of Annúminas and of Amon Sul when the ship these sailed in sank deep beneath the cold waters of the seas of the Icebay of Forochel. The images flowed incessantly and they saw the destruction of the Ithil-stone upon the fall of Barad-dur. Silently, they observed the palantir of Elostirion which was rescued and taken back into the West by the Ring Bearers.

As the Valar watched, Vairë spoke, "Not all of the palantiri were lost in the Third Age. Behold, the Anor-stone used by Denethor survived unto the Fourth Age as did the Orthanc-stone which was used by the Betrayer to ensare Saruman." Vairë showed them the flowing images until at last they came to a stop.

Tulkas spoke first. "The palantiri of Middle Earth, those at Orthanc and Anor, stayed behind. They lie buried amidst rubble and forgetten truths." He looked about him and saw the others nod. "The palantir sensed by Nienna must have been one which has been kept hidden from us." He sat back in his chair, his great mithril sword laying at his side. His mighty golden longbow at his feet.

"This is a consequence of Fëanor's folly, for did we warn him of possibilities such as this." Manwë's voice was pensive, and he turned to Vairë.

"Lady," be began and saw her violet eyes turn to him, "do you not recall a stone gifted to any of the ancient kindred in Aman? Perhaps before the Kin-slaying?"

Vairë pondered for a moment and then replied, "Two stones were there made by Fëanor and given as wedding tokens. One was taken by the Noldor into Middle Earth, the other..." here she trailed off, deep in thought. "The other was given to Northromin Unthel, though I know naught of its fate."

The Valar pondered upon this, realizing that indeed there may be a palantir in Aman not accounted for. Suddenly Aulë spoke. He was the smith and builder of the Valar, the creator of the Dwarves, the mentor of Fëanor who had fashioned the silmarils after learning the craft from the great Vala. "Fëanor was indeed skilled in the art of making palantiri and other jewels, but to me he did not reveal the giving of two palantiri as wedding tokens." His bronze brow creased in sudden worry. Alone of all the Valar, Aulë knew the power and threat a palantiri carried if it fell into the wrong hands. Covered head to foot in glittering metals and precious jewels, he draped himself in the colors of gemstones, setting many of these into his long and flowing beard. Powerful and tall was he, taller than most elves, spanning a great height near to toppling a young evergreen sapling. Yet his voice was gentle and soothing.

It was Manwë who at last broke their silence. "Upon the House of Northromin Unthel was a mighty gift given." His eyes turned to his wife, Varda, "A gift perhaps given without thought of consequence. What do you see, my Queen?"

Varda turned her eyes to the west and looked beyond the tall spires of the Taniquetil, her gaze piercing the smooth alabaster and gem-encrusted walls of Manwë's Halls. "I see discord and deceit, husband." Saying no more she looked back at her spouse.

Manwë nodded, "As I suspected." His voice was soft but the others knew a storm was brewing beneath the great Vala's calm exterior. "One of that House has dealt treacherously with the Valar and it goes not without reproach." Manwë's voice boomed as if a mighty wind had suddenly burst forth within the great Hall. The Valar waited silently.

"The Children of the Moon cannot yet be given the grace to meet with their brethren, for much more is yet to be done." Manwë finally said. Once again, he turned to Varda, "What says your Watcher?"

Varda smiled with affection and looked once upon the shining face of Eonwë, Manwë's herald. "He watches still, though of late much has his heart endured."

Manwë glanced at his herald but said nothing. Instead, it was Tulkas Astaldo who spoke. "Warn him of the palintir, Lady."

Varda nodded, "It will be done. He shall know of it and more."

"And of his brother?" asked Vairë, "what of his brother?" Her violet eyes gazed upon the shining face of Eonwë.

The tall herald, until then silent, answered. "Orophin travels to Tol Eressea as we speak." His face was youthful, unblemished and golden and his eyes shone. About his dark head there sat a circlet made of glittering mithril.

Upon Eonwë's words, the Valar each nodded in turn, locked silently within their own thoughts.

~*~*~*~

After several days of travel, Orophin finally arrived in Guve Hall, eagerly seeking his brother. He found instead, and to his great delight, that the Lady Avraniel visited the fair lands and glad was his heart.

"My Lady!" Orophin exclaimed, his youthful brow creasing into a pleased smile. He had just alighted from his steed and was returning from the stables. He found her crossing the wide and airy courtyard of Guve Hall. She turned at the sound of his voice. His hands reached out for Niel's hands and she, in startled surprise, blushed furiously. Her reaction to seeing him delighted Orophin. He brought one of her hands to his lips and there pressed a gentle kiss.

"I did not realize I would find you here," Orophin began, "for had I known, my journey to Eressea would have been far happier." His blue eyes met Niel's gaze and he gave her hand a gentle and meaningful squeeze.

Niel smiled, "Indeed, my Lord, I too had no foreknowledge of events transpired and had I too known what my niece and your brother were up to I would not be here, in your company." She gave him a gentle look and saw Orophin frown.

"Indeed?" He arched an eyebrow and this nearly set Niel laughing. Were all three brothers akin to using the same expressions in times of confusion? "What events speak you of?"

Niel sighed and allowed Orophin to lead her back inside the House. Somewhere in the Great Tower, where few ventured, had Haldir and Lisse closeted themselves. "Your brother and my niece have not only plighted their troths, but have married."

Orophin stopped in his tracks and gazed down at Niel, "Indeed?" The tone of his voice was a curious blend of mild surprise and curiousity. "Indeed." He repeated, this time more flatly. "So Haldir has taken a wife." His voice was thoughtful, his brow pensive. It was Niel's voice that broke into his meditations.

"Indeed, Orophin o Lorien, he has and at a most uncertain time, for he has revealed to Lisse that he serves the Valie, Varda, as her herald." She gazed into Orophin's face and then gathered her long riding skirt to climb the stone steps which led to the great house itself. "Know you of this?" Was her casual remark.

Orophin shook his head. "Nay I knew not, though I suspected Lisse Nyere was important to him, for truly he has watched over her for years untold."

But Niel was not so easily put off. "Nay, Orophin, you know of what I speak." Her statement was made quietly.

Orophin was loathe to discuss the subject, because it would not only touch upon Haldir's private affairs, but it would also open the door for his own admission, a thing he wished to tell her at the right moment.

Orophin shrugged and Niel knew this meant no more information was forthcoming. Together they strolled into the large dinning room and saw there four other elves already seated and eating. A serving maid quickly brought them a tray of food and a pitcher of wine. Orophin served them both a goblet of wine, though his silence told Niel much. Finally, he spoke and Niel realized he was carefully choosing his words.

"Of my own situation you may ask freely, Niel, but of Haldir's I cannot speak."

At these words, Niel lifted the goblet to her lips, turned to watch Orophin carefully, but made no further commment.

~*~*~*~

The lonely Tower of Guve Hall was a place few seldom visited. Originally, in the years before Lisse's birth, it had been the living area of Min and Odomil Thinguve. It was in the Tower where Lisse had been born and Min died, and it was in the Tower that Haldir and Lisse had escaped to in order to enjoy the private hours before announcing their bonding.

Sunset had long passed and the Tower was silent and still. Outside, only a few birds hooted and called, competing in song with the soft lullaby of the open sea. The wind was mindful of its power and gently blew upon the shores of Tol Eressea. The stars above glittered fiercely and already Earendil had risen. Night was upon Guve Hall but sleep evaded Haldir and Lisse.

Haldir watched Lisse carefully, thinking before answering her. Her intelligent gaze roamed about his face and he smiled tenderly across the room. Seated before a large unlit fireplace made of finest black and silver marble, Lisse waited with an open expression upon her face. Haldir's back was to a large open window, overlooking rows upon rows of orchards. The wind played with his golden hair and he could feel a cool breeze upon his neck.

"I serve Varda, Lisse," Haldir began in response to her question. He saw her brow crease in confusion and he waited.

"Why?" Lisse asked simply.

Haldir crossed the chamber and placed a chair before Lisse. He sat and contemplated the young elleth who was now his bonded mate. "Why?" he repeated and leaned forward. "I suppose because she asked." He saw her arch her eyebrows and he smiled. "One does not merely refuse the Valar." His voice was gentle.

"But perhaps this was not your path, Haldir." Lisse admonished.

Haldir sat back in the chair. "Not even the Valar can see all things, sweetling."

Lisse nodded and looked away from Haldir. She was not happy with things as they were, although she now knew who exactly his mistress was. She looked back to Haldir and saw his form slightly shift, as if he was losing his corporeal self. Lisse frowned. "And this," she pointed to Haldir as he looked down at his body, "this side effect, Haldir. It frightens me." She said the words calmly but in her voice there was sadness too. "You have changed."

Haldir considered for a moment and then answered, taking her hands in his, giving her his warmth. "Many things have I seen and much has happened, aye, this is true." He began, looking earnestly into Lisse's eyes, "but I have not changed. At least that part of me which loves you and cherishes you." His gaze bore into her eyes with a grim fierceness. "This I vow, Lisse: I will not leave you. Ever." His words carried a finality that Lisse had never heard before. Though she knew Haldir's word was his bond, her heart still felt the icy touch of a fear she could not identify.

Reaching out for Haldir, Lisse softly caressed a cheek and saw him close his eyes. "I know, my love."

Long they talked, Haldir explaining many things, until Lisse finally understood that he had not changed. Not in his heart and spirit. But he had been molded into something different, given a different facet, something that enhanced the ellon and warrior he was. Something she did not know but could feel. Haldir felt stronger to her, as if a new power had been given to him, only she did not know why and what its purpose might be. And slowly, as she watched his youthful face morph with the emotions of his sentiments, Lisse began to see the ageless and timeless wisdom of his eyes. It was then, on an unguarded moment, that she saw his silver eyes glitter with the light of a thousand stars and this frightened her for she could not explain it.

"Haldir?" Lisse called to him softly. He seemed lost in thought, though he looked into her eyes and smiled, reaching with one hand to caress her hair. Just as abruptly as it came, the sparkling starlight within his eyes faded.

"Yes, my love?" He answered, his eyes never wavering from her face.

Lisse wanted to ask but did not know how. Instead she shook her head, "It was nothing."

Understanding, Haldir felt love and compassion for Lisse. He had given her too much too soon. "My brother is here." He said simply.

Lisse's eyebrows arched. "Orophin?" She saw Haldir nod. "Do you know why?"

"Aye," Haldir responded, rising from the chair and drawing Lisse up beside him, "but 'tis of no consequence now, for we still have the night." He looked down to her lips, his eyes asking silently.

Cupping his face with both her hands, Lisse brough Haldir's mouth down to her own and he took her lips in a kiss of hunger and desire, thrusting his tongue inside her mouth, moaning openly his need for her. Without breaking the kiss, Haldir scooped Lisse into his arms and carried her to the bed.

He placed her gently upon the large bed, breaking the kiss to open her gown, revealing her full breasts. He knelt by the side of the bed and took a breast into his mouth, licking and suckling upon the nipple, until Lisse brought her hands up to his hair and lost her hands within its silkiness. Then she let one hand drop to Haldir's thighs and soon she had his engorged penis in her hand. Gently she began a slow rhythmic movement with her hand and this was met with a low moan from Haldir. In moments they were lost in the passion and fire their love ignited.

~*~*~*~

Key:

Unuhuine-quendi - Under-shadow elves

Lords of the West - the Valar

palantiri - seeing stones

Taniquetil - the Halls of Manwë

Fëanor - Considered one of the greatest of the Eldar, the maker of the silmarils, the perfector of Tengwar (The Alphabet of Feanor).

Kin-slaying - When Melkor stole the silmarils the Noldor gave him chase until they reached Alqualondë. There, they asked the Teleri for their ships to sail to Middle Earth. The Teleri refused and the Noldor rose up and killed the Teleri. This is called the "Kinslaying", and is considered one of the vilest acts of the Noldor. It is said that when they sailed away from Aman, a great shadow rose up behind them blocking their return to the Blessed Realms. It is believed that it was Ulmos who uttered the Doom of the Noldor or also called The Prophecy of the North, when the Noldor reached Middle Earth, and goes like this: "Tears unnumbered ye shall shed; and the Valar will fence Valinor against you, and shut you out, so that not even the echo of your lamentation shall pass over the mountains. On the House of Feanor, the wrath of the Valar lieth from the West unto the uttermost East, and upon all that will follow them it shall be laid also." The Doom of the Noldor/The Prophecy of the North, by JRR Tolkien - Quenta Silmarillion

Northromin Unthel - founder of the line from which Lisse Nyere is descended.

Min and Odomil Thinguve - Lisse's parents

the Betrayer - Sauron

Children of the Moon - another name for the elves of the Avathar, whom the Valar call the Unuhuine-quendi. ellon - male elf

~*~*~*~

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Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work.
Painting is taken from John William Waterhouse's "Miranda", 1875.

Graphics copyrighted Cari Buziak