FORTY FIVE By mid afternoon the following day, Orophin was the first to sight the Galadhrim approaching from the far side of the divide. He sent forth a sharp series of whistles. Anyriand, on post beside him, stood quickly and moved closer to him on the branch. “Our army returns?” “Yes,” Orophin replied. Squinting now, he frowned. “They have carriers. Someone must be hurt.” Anyriand sighed. “Or dead.” Orophin looked at him quickly, and then returned his gaze to the approaching contingent. “Go and call upon Tinion. He would wish to be here. Alert the healers as well.” Without another word, Anyriand swiftly descended the Mallorn. ********************************** “Enter,” Tinion called out sleepily, reaching out absentmindly and pulling the sheets over himself and his companion. Anyriand entered the talan and bowed his head quickly when he realized that Tinion was not alone. “Captain, forgive me for this disturbance, but Orophin bade me to summon you. The contingent returns.” Tinion smiled. “Ah, our victory was swift. Very well, I will join you shortly. Where were they last seen?” “Not very far from the divide.” “Good. That will be all,” Tinion replied. Beside him, the Elf in his bed began to stir. Anyriand hesitated. “There is more Captain.” Tinion sat up in bed. “What?” “Orophin could see carriers amongst them.” The pleasant look left Tinion’s face. His normally large blue eyes narrowed. “How many?” “I know not Captain, but definitely more than one,” Anyriand replied. “Orophin bade me also to inform the healers.” “Wise decision. Very well then.You may be on your way,” Tinion responded. “Yes, Captain.” Anyriand turned and left the talan. The Elf beside Tinion sat up in bed. “I don’t like the sound of that.” “Nor do I,” Tinion replied, sliding out of the bed. “You may stay if you like, but I really must be going.” The Elf thought a moment, and then threw away the sheets that covered him. “I will accompany you. I would know too how our brothers are faring.” ********************************* Anyriand returned to find Orophin at the base of the Mallorn waiting, the expression on his face unreadable. “I have done as you asked. Tinion will arrive straightaway.” *“Hannon lle,”* [thank you] Orophin replied quietly. Anyriand turned to see their contingent nearer now, crossing the divide and heading slowly towards them. Then he looked again at Orophin. “Pardon my saying so *mellon,* [friend] but you look quite pale. May I ask what is wrong? “There are five carriers,” Orophin said in a voice barely above a whisper. Anyriand moved closer to lay a comforting hand on Orophin’s shoulder. “Forgive me for what I said before. They are most likely wounded. We have the best warriors in all of Arda.” “Siddhir is not amongst them,” Orophin continued. Anyriand blinked and focused hard on the approaching troops. “Elbereth!” Tinion came up fast behind them. “Oro, what have you to report?” Orophin looked at him with glazed eyes. “They bring with them five carriers... and- and Siddhir…is not with them.” Tinion stared back at him with disbelieving eyes. “That is impossible. He is probably at the rear.” Tears welled up in Orophin’s eyes. “He is *not* there.” “Remain here. I will meet them,” Tinion replied, ignoring the sudden pounding in his chest. He hurried off to meet the the approaching soldiers. ***************************************** “Enter.” Erestor poked his head inside the door. “You summoned me, my Lord?” “Yes, Erestor. Please come in,” Elrond replied. Erestor entered the library, closed the door quietly behind him and seated himself in front of Elrond’s desk. “I would like you to attend the services in Lothlorien. Golradir, Melpomaen and Anarin will accompany you. Glorfindel will remain here with me.” Erestor nodded. “As you wish, my Lord. You will not attend?” Elrond sighed. “I would like to, but I have discussed the situation with Galadriel. She does not advise it, and regrettably, I agree. The same applies to my children. You will be safe for they know not about you.” “I understand.” “You will depart forthwith,” Elrond remarked. Erestor stood. “Have the others been informed?” “Yes. They are readying themselves. Please offer Haldir my deepest condolences and my regret for not attending myself. Tell him I would hope he would take leave and come to Rivendell.” “Yes, my Lord,” Erestor replied. *“Hannon lle, mellonamin.* [thank you my friend] You are excused.” Erestor bowed, and left the room. Elrond sighed, and walked over to the window. ************************************** The look on the faces of Haldir and Fereveldir as they walked side by side told Tinion all he needed to know. Fighting hard to keep his composure in check, he met them and fell into step. “Orophin said he did not see Siddhir,” Tinion prompted, praying that Orophin was mistaken. Fereveldir shot a glance at Haldir, who did not respond. He then nodded to the inquiring Elf. Tinion’s eyes grew large. “By the Valar, it is *true* then?” “I am afraid so, *mellon.* [friend] Fereveldir replied solemnly. “Who else was lost?” “ Thrandronen, Helas, Thelmir and Andril,” Fereveldir answered. Tinion closed his eyes, then opened them again and turned to Haldir. “How might I assist?” “You may inform our Lord and Lady of our return. Tell them I will report shortly after I see our dead to the healer’s talans,” Haldir replied. “Consider it done,” Tinion answered, turning and sprinting away ahead of the group as they entered the woods of Lothlorien. His heart tore as he caught a glimpse of Orophin’s face as he hurried past him, but continued on his way. He knew Haldir would see to him. ********************************* All of duty stood down at the base of their posts as the contingent entered the forest. Orophin moved quickly in front of Haldir. “Brother, where is Siddhir? I do not see Siddhir.” Haldir turned to Fereveldir. “Lead them on.” Fereveldir nodded, and kept moving with the troop. Haldir placed an arm about his brother’s shoulders and led him away. When they were alone, he looked into Orophin’s tearful eyes. “I am sorry, Oro. Siddhir was lost.” Haldir struggled to retain his own composure as tears fell fast and free from Orophin’s swollen blue eyes. He pulled him into a tight embrace and held him until he contained himself. “I- I don’t understand. Siddhir was a skilful warrior. How did it happen?” Haldir sighed. “He was taken by surprise and before he was able to react, it was too late. It could have happened to any one of us- even myself under those circumstances.” Orophin looked at him. “Brother, how can you be so calm? Surely you must be more upset than I.” “I am far from calm, Oro. But, I am Marchwarden and I have responsibilities that outweigh my personal affairs. There are still many things I must attend to,” Haldir explained. “I am here for you, brother,” Orophin said, looking into Haldir’s eyes. Haldir forced a smile. “I know. Where is Rumil?” “He is sleeping as usual. He is not on duty today.” “I will see him a while later. I must go first to the healers talans and then to Caras Galadon.” “Worry not, I will tell him,” Orophin offered. “I would not burden you so. I am certain Rumil will be quite a handful,” Haldir remarked. “No matter. I will spare you that strife, for you have more than enough of your own. Ru will be calmer when you see him later.” Haldir embraced him again. *“Hannon lle, pen-neth.”* [thank you, young one] They stood like that for a time. Finally, Orophin released him. “I will go to Rumil now before he hears it from someone else. Then I will return to my post.” Haldir nodded, patted him on the shoulder and turned away. Then he walked off along the path the others had taken. Before he was out of sight, Orophin called out to him. *“Gerich veleth nin.”* [you have my love] Haldir stopped, turned and placed his hand over his heart before disappearing from sight. ************************************* The healer looked solemnly at Fereveldir as they stood together by the entrance of the first of the two healer’s talans watching soldiers carry in the dead. Although the day was brilliant with the sun shining high overhead, the mood was dismal in the wake of the events that were now transpiring. “I cannot believe Captain Siddhir is amongst them,” the healer whispered. “Never would I have imagined such a thing.” “Nor did I. Sadly, it is true,” Fereveldir replied. The healer turned to him. “I know the families of the others, but what of Siddhir? Do I consult with the Marchwarden on his behalf?” “Yes,” Haldir replied from behind them. “Forgive us, Captain. We did not hear you approach,” the healer apologized. “No matter. What would you like to consult with me about?” Haldir asked. “Um- is there anything… special you would like me to do for him?” Haldir looked at him. “Treat him with the care you would any other commander or soldier. I have to report to Caras Galadon now. Carry on.” The healer nodded. Haldir started to walk away, and then suddenly he turned back to them. His eyes leveled on the healer. “You may wash and care for his hair like you would- but do not bind it. He loathed that.” “As you wish,” the healer returned. Haldir turned and continued on his way. Fereveldir sighed, his eyes following his friend until he vanished behind the base of a large Mallorn. *“Amin dele ten’ ho.* [I am worried about him] Come; I will help in any way that I can until your assistant returns.” ************************************** Spent and weary, Haldir appeared at his brother’s talan a couple of hours later after reporting to Caras Galadon. Orophin answered his knock and pulled the door open. At the table inside, Rumil sat slumped and defeated, weeping uncontrollably. The young Elf looked up with swollen red eyes, stood abruptly and hurried over to grab Haldir in a tight embrace. “Please brother…please stay with us tonight. We can push the beds together,” Rumil pleaded through his sobs. Haldir gazed at Orophin briefly before wrapping his arms around Rumil and kissing him on the top of the head. “Of course, *pen- tithen,* [little one] he whispered. “Of course.”