Day by day Anna noticed a distinct change in her surroundings and the people around her. It was not exactly something physical, but the tension had become so thick one could almost cut it with a knife. Rúmil and Orophin spent more and more time away from their house. For several days they came home only for meals and to sleep. Meals became tense. One moment both would be smiling and pleasantly conversing with each other, the next, they looked sad and worried. Anna’s language skills had improved a bit and she could catch at least part of what the brothers said, even adding something to the conversations though lately the times she was unable to grasp what they were saying increased, almost as if they were purposely using words they knew were beyond her small vocabulary. The furtive glances they gave her during such conversations made her even more paranoid. Were they discussing her? And if so why?
After a few moments either Rúmil or Orophin would notice her frustration, smile, and blithely start using words she understood again, which did nothing to help her paranoia. After about a week of this strange behavior Anna was certain that something was up. Slowly things had begun to disappear from the kitchen. though there were still enough food and utensils, if only barely. The spare blankets went missing next, then most of the garments in Orophin’s closet, until only three tunics and three pairs of leggings hung there. All of his fancy, embroidered clothing had vanished. Anna began to worry that for some reason Orophin and his brother had stopped trusting her and were hiding all the valuables that were not nailed down. Then one day Rumil and Orophin appeared with four of the many healers that had been attending Haldir. They came out of the room carrying a litter that contained their patient, awake and rather grumpy. It was the first time Anna had actually seen Haldir completely coherent.
Anna had no intention of missing this opportunity. She gathered her courage, placed herself right in the way of one of the healers and said, "Mae Govannen Haldir, Im Anna.”.
For a moment the silence was so profound that a pin, if dropped, would have been heard from across the room even by mortal ears. Unfortunately it was not a pin that had dropped but the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Not trusting her with the valuables was one thing, but not trusting her with Haldir was quite another. If she had ever intended harm to any of them she had certainly had plenty of chances before this, and what appeared to Anna to be a total about face in trust was more than she could bear.
A look of recognition came into Haldir’s eyes as he answered, “Suilad lirimar, nauthannen i ned ôl reniannen.”
The only word Anna had understood was "lirimar," which Orophin had told her, meant “lovely one”. Anna shook her head in disbelief and sighed. Why was it that the moment any male got some circulation back he started thinking with the wrong head?
“Where are you taking him?” she asked in a frustrated tone.
“We make ready to travel;,” said Orophin. “Haldir will go with the healers.”
“We? Did you say we? And when did you plan to tell me about this? Or were you planning on just leaving me here at the last minute?”
Anna’s voice raised in pitch as she spoke. She did not really believe that Orophin would just abandon her here in the woods, but then again, they had just started packing up the house without a word to her thus far. That taken together with the strange way Rúmil and Orophin had been acting and the general tension in the air frightened her in earnest,. and the anxiety she felt showed clearly in her face.
Haldir, who had been listening to their conversation smiled to himself. This lady had fire and courage to speak to Orophin in such a manner. One look at Orophin’s face almost made Haldir laugh. Responsibility for everyone in their house would normally have fallen on Haldir, including the safety and welfare of their guest. Being confined to a bed had begun to wear on Haldir and he would have given almost anything to be up and doing something, but at that moment he did not envy Orophin at all.
Orophin said something to the others carrying the litter and they continued out the door while Orophin spoke with Anna.
“We not leave you behind, not to worry.” Orophin added jokingly in broken english, "you too good cook.”
Anna sighed, inwardly relieved that they were not planning to abandon her, but she was still angry that Orophin had not even bothered to tell her what was going on.
“Oh no you don’t. You are not getting off the hook that easily. You need to tell me what is going on, now.”
By the end of their conversation Anna was almost sorry she had asked. From what little Anna could understand, she found out that the majority of the able-bodied fighters in the Golden Wood were marching north to engage an enemy in war. This would leave the, children and those too infirm to fight without protection if they remained. So it had been decided that the majority of the community would travel north with the army to a place where they could be better protected. Goods and supplies not needed for the journey had been stored for safekeeping and according to Orophin they would all leave before sunrise in two days time. After explaining as best he could, Orophin excused himself saying,
" Avo 'osto!"
After Orophin left Anna tried not to think about what was going on, but she was cursed with an active mind and an overactive imagination. What if these people lost their war? Would their enemies consider Anna a prisoner of war? Did their enemies even take prisoners? Would she ever see her children again? These and other similar questions were still bombarding her mind that evening when Rumil and Orophin Returned for supper.
During the meal Anna quizzed Orophin about the trip they were about to take until even his patience wore a little thin and he suggested she get to sleep early as they would need her help packing the next day. Anna was about to argue that she did not feel a bit tired and how dare he send her to her room like a five-year-old, but suddenly she did feel completely exhausted. Instead of fighting, she wished both of them good night and went into the other room leaving Orophin and Rúmil, who had grown to expect her spirited retorts, staring at each other with open mouths.
"Now see what you have done? You have upset her!", scolded Orophin.
"I've upset her?", gasped Rúmil. "You are the one who just ordered her to bed as though she were an elfling."
"I did nothing of the sort," replied Orophin "I merely suggested she get some sleep. You should try to get some sleep also brother dear. Tomorrow will be a very full day."
Rúmil flared his nostrils and rolled his eyes in reply as he headed to his bed, muttering to himself, "Now you sound like Haldir."
When Orophin came into the room, Anna tossed and turned so he gently laid a hand on her brow and murmured an enchantment of sleep. Her rest immediately became more peaceful. When he drew his hand away he noticed it was damp. She had been weeping. This touched Orophin's heart deeply. He could take anything else but he had always felt guilty whenever a female wept.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Translations:
Suilad lirimar, nauthannen i ned ôl reniannen = Greetings lovely one, I thought I was dreaming
Avo 'osto= Don't worry!