Parting the leaves ever so gently, so as to blend with the soft breeze drifting through them, a pair of bright blue eyes peered through, watching the scene evolving below. The Children of Il"vatar were chasing brightly colored butterflies through a meadow covered in the soft grasses freshly awakened from the cold winter. There were children of all sizes and ages. In front ran a girl child who appeared to be about his age, which was only five years. Quite young he was for an Elf. Not so for a girl child. He knew their life span was short, unlike Elves who were for the most part, immortal. The children were having such a good time racing through the grass, the softness of it caressing their bare feet. Try as they might, no one could catch the fluttering creatures. The sweet sound of their laughter filled the air, as they ran from one end of the meadow to the other, intent in their pursuit of the delicate creatures. No one except the girl was able to capture one. She ran way ahead of the rest, her golden hair streaming behind. She turned, and began running towards the tree he was hiding in, cradling the butterfly gently in her hands so she could show it to her friends. It was then that he saw her face. Not only was her hair the color of his, but, she also had the same bright blue eyes. Something tugged at his heart. "I feel as though I know her. How can that be? I have never seen any of the race of men before", he thought to himself as a look of confusion covered his face

"I am sorry. I will try harder"....I really will. It is just that I have never been out of Rivendell before, and there is so much to see. I cannott seem to help myself. I want to see everything."

"Lord Glorfindel, I saw children playing in the meadow. There was a little girl with them. She could run like the wind. Even the larger children could not catch her. She stopped beneath the tree I was in. I saw her face. She has eyes the color of mine and her hair was like mine also. I feel as if I know her. How can that be? I have never seen any men before. Who is she?"

"It is not for me to tell you about the girl child. You will have to ask Lord Elrond when we return to Rivendell. He is the only one who can answer your question. I know, Haldir. This is all new and exciting, but you really must stay with us. There are roving bands of Orcs all around us. The trees sometimes hide nasty spiders. Until you learn to tell from the air and the trees when danger is near, you must stay close to us. I cannot let anything happen to you. Not only would Lord Elrond be angry, but also the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn."

That being said, Glorfindel jumped up behind Haldir, and signaled to the others to move on. They had a lot of ground to cover.

"Haldir," said Glorfindel, "climb up this tree as far as you can. Conceal yourself well amid the leaves. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT come down until one of us comes for you. The battle will be nasty, and I must keep you safe. Do you understand?" he said with a lift of an eyebrow and a stern look on his face.

"Yes, Lord Glorfindel. I promise to hide until someone comes for me.

"Of course they will little one. Now make haste. Time is short. Soon the enemy will be upon us.? Glorfindel pushed Haldir towards a tree.

Haldir scurried up the tree as fast as his little legs would carry him. He found a large branch full of leaves where he lay down, making him extremely difficult to be seen. Still, he, himself, was able to see the entire battlefield, the sight of which he would never forget.

The ground began trembling ever so slightly. The tree, though large, began to shake in accord with the earth that held it. Haldir wrapped his arms and legs tighter around the branch he lay across in order to keep from falling, so great were the vibrations that spread through the tree. He could hear the sound of feet trampling the ground, and evil voices calling to one another in a language he did not know. The closer they came, the harder the land shook, and the tighter he clutched the tree.

Tension crackled in the air as the Orcs drew near. The Elves gripped their bows so tightly, their knuckles turned white, but still they remained carefully hidden in the trees and bushes. They would wait until the Orcs were completely in their midst before attacking. Every movement must be carefully planned. Every arrow must hit its target with deadly accuracy. They were outnumbered and could afford no mistakes. They had time and experience on their side. All were older than the Orcs and had fought many battles before, the worst of which was the Last Great Alliance of Men and Elves. They knew what to expect and stood quietly with fingers aching to release the arrows. But No. Not yet. Not until the trap was complete.

The Orcs, unaware of their impending doom, tromped through the forest, crushing everything that came in contact with their huge feet, leaving a path of blackness and destruction behind them, causing even the trees to moan in agony. Their leader shouted angry words at them, cracking a whip over stragglers in order to keep them in line. Haldir couldn't understand a hate so strong that it would cause someone to create these beasts. How did they come to be? It must be the Evil One that created these horrible creatures. Haldir had overhead his elders speaking about him. He knew he shouldn't have listened, but he just couldn't help himself, now he was glad he had. The shock of the sight and sound of them would have been much worse had he not.

Then, he saw an Elf " the father of his friend Daeron - fall under the sword of a particularly large Orc. Lord Glorfindel, upon seeing his comrade fall, loosed an arrow at the Orc which pierced its neck, killing it. Another and then another Elf fell, but at last they finally managed to kill the last Orc. Fate was kind this time. The next battle might not be as easy. More friends might be lost. Haldir was glad Lord Glorfindel survived, but mourned those that were lost.

And so came the end of his childhood. Though he was still only five, he became an adult. He would never forget what he had just seen. It was time to put childish things behind him. "I must learn all that I can," he thought to himself. "I must prepare myself to avenge my friends. The Orcs will be sorry. I'll make sure they are, or die trying." A fierce determination filled the face of the young Elfling, who had to grow up much too soon. For the first time in his life, he knew what it was to hate.

"I will have my revenge.?

"The one that says, I am ready to do battle. The lust to kill is in your eyes. You must learn to curb your anger. You are not ready, little one. You are still much too young. Your day will come, that I promise you, but for now you must learn everything you can. We will start your riding lessons first. Your lessons with weapons must wait unit you have grown a little more, and have developed some strength. We usually start that training when an Elf is a little older, but I think in your case we may start a little earlier."

"I am ready now, My Lord."

"I know you are, but you must be patient. War comes to us much too soon. Try to enjoy what little remains of your childhood. Put the battle out of your mind, but only for now. You will need your memories of it later on when your real training begins."

"How can I forget' I shall never forget. Someday I shall have my revenge. I shall kill as many Orcs as I can. I will enjoy hacking them to pieces," he said, swinging his arms in a hacking motion.

"Haldir! Do not talk like that. Killing is evil. You only kill in defense of yourself and your people. Never, ever for the pleasure of just killing."

A meager meal of bread, cheese and dried fruit was all they had to eat before leaving. It would be too risky to light a fire needed to make porridge. All too soon it was time to continue, as they had much land to patrol. Time was getting shorter and shorter. The enemy was growing stronger each day. "Will man help us?" Glorfindel wondered to himself. "I fear there is little chance. They failed in the past. How can we trust them now?" He thought these things, but kept his feelings to himself.

Leaving the woods as they found it, they departed, riding for days until they came upon a small band of Elves stationed near one of the borders. Some would join Glorfindel's band, to be returned to Rivendell for a well-earned rest, while others from Glorfindel's band would replace them. The blackness of the Evil One lay heavily upon the borders, filling the warriors with deep despair. A return to their homes for a month or two was what kept them going. Some needed a longer time to recover. The healers always knew when it was time for them to return to their posts. No one was anxious to return to the border, but their desire to protect their loved ones overpowered their fears.

"Mae govannen," said their leader, placing his hand over his heart, and bowing slightly to Glorfindel. "Mae govannen," replied Glorfindel. "We have ridden hard, and have battled with, and killed many Orcs. Now we would welcome a warm meal, and a good nights rest."

Finally Haldir awoke, dark smudges under his eyes bearing witness to his lack of proper rest. The smell of breakfast filled the air, causing his stomach to growl in protest. It was hungry, even if he wasn't. Slowly, he arose and joined the circle of Elves. A plate of food was placed in his hands. Knowing he would need his strength, he forced himself to eat.

As Glorfindel watched him, an idea came into his head. Perhaps there was an extra horse available that could be given to Haldir. After consulting with the Elves stationed there, he found that that was indeed the case. Two new colts had been born a year ago, and while they were not yet ready for a grown Elf to ride, Haldir's weight would be acceptable. Elven horses were much easier to train to bear weight than were the horses of men.

Glorfindel looked over the small herd of horses they kept with them, for one that would suit Haldir. He found a small, but spirited horse of a silvery grey color. It was prancing around as if to say, "Look at me, am I not something?" "Yes, you are," said Glorfindel, under his breath. "You will do just fine." He would exchange one of the riderless horses for this one.

"Haldir, come here", called Glorfindel. The Elfling ran to him as swiftly as his little legs would carry him. "What do you think of that silvery grey horse?" he asked, pointing to the animal in question.

"He is beautiful, My Lord. I would love to have a horse like that someday."

Finally morning had arrived. Once again, the sun was shining in all her glory, as a cool breeze filled the air, softly rustling through the leaves above their heads. It would be a good day to start his lessons. There was no need to wake Haldir, he was awake before the first light began climbing across the sky and the sun showed her face, fully rested, though he slept not one bit. He had been too excited; he was finally going to learn to ride. Rising quietly, so as not to disturb anyone, he crept quietly toward the campfire only to find that the other Elves were already waking up. Glorfindel allowed them a longer rest than usual, which they deserved, having fought so hard the previous day. Now that all were up and about, a more substantial breakfast was prepared than what they had had the last few mornings. The Elves at the outpost had been good enough to share what they could, replenishing empty knapsacks with whatever food could be spared, and filling water pouches with fresh water for the long journey ahead.

Haldir found his horse grazing near a large group of rocks. "How perfect," he thought to himself. "I can climb up the rocks, and jump onto Sinda's back." He circled around to the back of the rocks so as not to disturb the horse. Quickly and quietly, he climbed to the largest that would allow him to jump on. Sinda appeared to be unaware of Haldir, contentedly grazing on the sweet grass. However, when he tried to jump on, the horse moved to the side, causing Haldir to fall. Picking himself up, he walked back around, climbed the rocks, and tried once again. This time Sinda stepped forward, causing Haldir to catch part of his tail as he fell, tickling his nose. After sneezing a couple of times, Haldir brushed himself off, and circled the rocks to try again. There were several more attempts and misses; he was becoming quite upset. He brushed grass and leaves off his clothes, fighting the tears threatening to fill his eyes and trickle down his cheeks, and walked slowly toward the rocks, this time keeping his eyes on the horse. Sinda was ready. However, Haldir didn't wait to get to the tallest rock. As soon as he reached one high enough, he jumped on, grabbing a hand full of mane, but fell once again. He picked himself up and looking at the horse, thought of the time Lord Elrond's mount had been a bit too frisky. He would not come when called, so Lord Elrond extended his hand, on which rested a juicy, sweet apple. It worked. "That is what I must do," thought Haldir. He ran to the knapsacks containing their store of food, and searched through them until he found an apple. It was not as nice as Lord Elrond's had been, but it just might work. He walked slowly toward Sinda, with his hand extended and opened, his fingers flat out, and the apple nestled in his palm. This got the horse's attention. He gently sniffed the apple, then carefully took it in his mouth and proceeded to eat it. Haldir rubbed his soft nose while he ate, enjoying the velvety feel of it. When Sinda was done, Haldir once again walked to the pile of rocks. This time he saw his horse following him, and turning to the rocks so Haldir was finally able to jump onto his back, with a jubilant look on his little face. Sinda turned his head toward Haldir, sniffing, with a hungry look in his eyes.

The day passed quietly enough. The song of birds filled the air. The trees whispered gently in the breeze, speaking only of peace. No evil was near and for that they were most glad. But still, they remained on constant alert, always ready to nock their arrows if need be. Haldir rode in front next to Glorfindel, his little legs sticking out from the sides of Sinda. It would be a few more years before he could ride properly, but the determined Elfling would never quit trying. After a half hour or so, Glorfindel thought it time the little one rode with him. While Haldir smiled jubilantly, and sat proudly upon his horse, Glorfindel could see, deep in his eyes, tiredness setting in, and rightly so.

"Come Haldir, ride with me for a while, and give Sinda a rest. He is not used to having anything, or anyone on his back," said Glorfindel. He knew that was the only way to get Haldir off his horse. The little one would never admit to being tired.

Surprisingly, Haldir did not object. He was more tired than Glorfindel first thought. All that had happened the last two days and the lack of proper sleep had sapped his energy. Glorfindel scooped him gently from Sinda's back and placed him in front, so he could wrap his arms around the Elfling. One of the other Elves caught Sinda to make sure he did not wander off. As Glorfindel knew, the gentle swaying of his horse soon lulled Haldir to sleep, a deep and peaceful sleep which would help in his healing.

The grey light of early dawn began filling the sky as dreams entered Haldir's sleep causing him much distress. Large black creatures, like a swarm of ants, crawled all over the land surrounding him, coming closer and closer. Try as he might, he could find no way to escape. No trees to hide in. No hole to crawl into. He tossed and turned, moaning and crying out as fear overwhelmed him. Beads of water covered his face. They were coming closer. Where was everyone" He could not even find Lord Glorfindel. His very breath was leaving him. What was he to do' He covered his face with his arms, as if to hide, his thrashing becoming more violent.

Suddenly, through the mist of terror, he heard a voice softly calling him. "Haldir, Haldir, wake up." Hands gently shook him. "You were dreaming. We are all here, and you are safe."

Slowly his eyes opened, and he saw Glorfindel leaning over him, worry etched in his face.

"What were you dreaming about?? Glorfindel asked, as he gently drew Haldir in to his arms. The little one was shaking so violently, his teeth chattered. Glorfindel drew him closer, pressing Haldir's head against his chest. He continued speaking softly to the little Elfling as he held him, until the tremors began to lessen allowing Haldir to speak.

"I do not know if I can eat. My stomach feels strange, as if butterflies were flitting around in it."

"I know, little one," said Glorfindel. "Even so, you must eat something, or you will not be able to continue riding with us. I will have to send you back to Rivendell today."

"No, please, my Lord." I want to continue. I will try to eat a little bit."

Slowly Haldir let go of his hold on Glofindel. Standing on legs that still trembled; he walked slowly toward the campfire. The smell from the pot over the cooking fire wafted through the air. Though he did not feel hungry, he knew the porridge they always ate in the morning would do much to restore his strength and sooth his shattered nerves. He sat down on a log and took the bowl of porridge handed to him. The first mouthful of warm food felt so good. Slowly as he ate he began to regain the strength which had been drained from him through his ordeal.

"Do you think you are ready to travel?" asked Glofindel, concern filling his face. "We could stay here today if you need more time to rest. I do not think you got much sleep this past night. One more day will not hurt us. Lord Elrond expects us to be a little delayed, this being your first experience with a patrol.?

He walked slowly to the beautifully filigreed rail that surrounded the balcony outside his study and placing his hands on the top, leaned against it looking off into the morning mist. The air was filled with the sounds of water rushing over the falls into the streams below. Birds sang as they flew between trees, greeting each other and the new day. A soft breeze rustled the leaves gently while carrying the sweet fragrance of the flowers near by with it. Elrond heard nothing, smelled nothing and saw nothing to give him unease. Yet something had happened. He could sense it. Something terrible happened. He could feel it to the depths of his being and Haldir was in the midst of it. His body tensed as the vision grew clearer in his mind. Orcs! They had been attacked! He closed his eyes and lowered his head until all faded from his sight.

"What is it my Lord?" A voice from behind him spoke softly, filled with concern.

Turning to his friend and advisor Elrond said, "It is Haldir, Erestor. They were attacked by Orcs. The battle was fierce. He saw the whole thing. I feel a bleakness and fear deep within him. I hope Glorfindel makes short his patrol and brings the little one back. He will need much healing. I never should have allowed him to go. He is much too young."

"As you wish, my Lord," said Erestor, bowing and placing his hand over his heart as he turned to leave.

"One more thing, Erestor."

Erestor stop at the doorway, and turned around for further instructions.

"Send two or three of your best warriors along. They will replace Glorfindel's warriors who are in most need of rest. I would feel better if there were more that one warrior returning with Haldir."

"As you wish, my Lord," Erestor said as he saluted once more before leaving.

Elrond walked back into his home, across the highly polished and intricately designed floor to his study. Sitting at his desk, he picked up his quill. How could he state his wishes without upsetting Glorfindel? He was sure the elf was upset enough as it was. Picking up his quill, he began to write.

Glorfindel, my friend. I saw in my heart the evil that befell you. I know you did all you could possibly do to protect everyone. It is sad that Haldir was with you, but that can't be helped. I feel he is in great need of healing. Please send him back to me immediately. Do not listen to his entireties to continue with the patrol. You know as well and I that he will not want to return, but he must come home now. You can send him back with my messenger, and those of your warriors most in need of rest. I am sending replacement for those who will be returning.

Take care and return safely.

Elrond