The Fall Of Doriath by gamil-zirak

---

The End Of Peace

---

THE END OF PEACE

THE FALL OF DORIATH

MAETHOR is the Sindarin form of WARRIOR.

Chapter Four...
"THE END OF PEACE"

The council was ended and Dior and his lords now called all their people together in the Menelrond. There they spoke of the message sent by the sons of Feanor, and of their own decision in council to keep the Silmaril. The lords had indeed feared that their ruling would be rejected by many, yet the people of Doriath were somewhat changed. They were no longer a people cozened into eternal comforts and peace, isolated in realm as in heart from the perils of the outer lands. Now they were ready in mind, less prone to dismay, less apt to timidity, sterner in mood yet wiser of heart. Such it was that the grief and sorrows of the past had taught them, and the hope kindled by the Silmaril had instilled in them. Also, the lords of Doriath were held in high honour, and their word had great bearing upon their peoples choices, and none sought to question the wisdom of the king whom they trusted above all as the saviour of their realm. There were however still many discussions and debates that continued late into the night. Yet by morning all was said and done, and Doriath's position was set. The Silmaril would remain in their land, whatever may betide thereafter.

That was the morning of the third day since Haldir's journeying from the eastern borders, and he now felt that he should return with the king's answer. He stood now in the Menelrond, by the Fountain of Nightingales that rose in the hall's midst. It was made in the image of a great beech tree, rising out of a large round pool of clear water. Its mighty bole of smooth white marble rose even to the very apex of the hall, where its crown branched out wide over the multi-coloured stone floor, and upheld the hall's arching roof in numerous traceries of stone. Its lower limbs ended in prongs of three that followed the curve of wide basins, sprouting showering shafts of crystalline waters. At the bottom of the pool and each lofty basin lay stones that glowed with an inner light of silver that lit the waters from within. These had been made by Melian, and along with other stones of gold, hung or lay in many places about Menegroth, illuminating the waters of fountains or hanging upon walls and pillars as wondrous crystalline lamps. Amid the marble tree's lower boughs and carven leaves were shining bowers wherein nightingales dwelt, and could be seen flitting from branch to branch or stooping to drink from the sweet waters of the lofty fountains.

Haldir had beheld the sight many times since his arrival, and once before in the long past, yet its beauty always held him mesmerised. Even as he stood gazing upwards, unaware of all else, the king came to him and stood silent for a moment, smiling as he looked upon Haldir's wonder.
"It is beautiful is it not?" said Dior.
Haldir turned and upon realising, bowed low. "Forgive me lord! I heard not your approach."
He looked up again, staring with wide eyes. It was just before dawn and the light of Menegroth had not yet waxed. The fountain's waters glimmered and sparkled, sending up shafts of silver light from its basins and pools to splay their illumination in wide circles upon the dim ceiling.

"Indeed the fountain is beautiful!" he said at last. "The sight of it never fails to move me!"
"Alas! You now only see it in the twilight of its glory," said Dior as he looked upward to its high shining branches. "The nightingales sweet songs of old are hardly to be heard since the departure of Melian. It is said they still mourn her absence, and even the power of the Silmaril could not coax them to sing as they used. Yet what songs they do sing are of lament, sad and mournful to hear at time of night. They ever call to their lady, who dwells now in far Lorien in the fair gardens from whence she came!"

After a moment of sad reflection, Dior turned to Haldir whose eyes were lowered to the floor. He was overcome by a wistful melancholy at the remembrance of a joyful past now consigned to a yearning memory.
"Son of Falathar!" addressed the king. "The time has come for you to return to the sons of Feanaro with my answer, and so fulfil your errand!"
"So I must my lord," replied Haldir. "Yet I am now as loath to return as I was to come. However, the wise have said, "What is fated to be shall be." It has been ordained that my part in this grave matter be to serve as errand runner between the two peoples. But I fear that more may be required of me than to be merely fleet of foot, ere all is ended!"
The king answered gravely. "It may indeed! Yet you shall not be alone, for that doom pertains to all you see here. But enough! Follow me now to my chamber!"

They went towards the eastern end where two exits led away from the great hall. It was early morning and there were but few elves about. Some sat by the hall's fountains, engaged in intimate conversation, while others were merrily hailing each other in morning greeting. The elves bowed before their king as he passed them by with Haldir behind him. The two exits stood side by side, with the arched left way leading to the council chamber, while the right led on into a wide passage. Haldir turned his head back to the hall as he heard a sweet melody rising. An early minstrel had begun his song of welcoming the new day, and smiling elves gathered about him to listen. His song began softly, as a lone voice in a great cavern, and yet was strengthened by the melodies of the harp he began to play. Now voice and tune interwove, sweeping from pillar to pillar across the wide floor of the hall. The song's enchantments grew in strength as other elves joined in the singing, the strong undertones of male voices held the floor as the lighter female voices took to the airs, rising to the apex of the hall.

Almost imperceptible at first, the shadows began to waver and dim as the dark vaulting ceiling grew lighter, and the countless traceries that were etched upon the colourless quartz began to glow. Then the gems set in the order and figures of the stars in the great Dome of Valmar which Melian had reproduced upon the high arched roof of the Menelrond, now burst into starry flames. The song's power heightened as more elves flowed into the hall, singing as they came, greeting the light of Melian. Brighter waxed the radiance from above, shrivelling the last vestiges of darkness to imbue all with the illumination of a new day. The light of the silver and gold stones along with the many lamps now intermingled with the ceiling's radiance that now shone fully, and the elves song ended in a crescendo of joyful welcome.
Haldir was touched by his peoples undaunted spirit that had them continue their daily life as though there were no threat to their peace. He felt proud to be a Sindarin elf of Doriath.

He turned to see that the king awaited him by the entrance to the right passageway. "Wonderful is the coming of the new dawn to Menegroth, sire!" exclaimed Haldir.
Dior nodded. "And may we all bear witness to many more in our wondrous realm," he said with a fading smile.
The passageway had its walls and arched ceiling carven in the fashion of a continuous mass of wide leaves, and half hidden winding stems. At certain intervals, smooth stone boles of beech trees, half protruding from the leafy walls, rose from the floor to splayed crowns that held flaming torches. Yet amongst the thick of the carven greenery were those stones made of the craft of Melian, that here glowed as golden bulbs. It were as if one walked into a golden lit tunnel of thick leafy growth, that bore into the heart of a great mass of dense stony foliage. It was an amazing feat that the great elven and dwarven craftsmen had wrought through years of toil with chisel, hammer and glorious vision. The passage shortly turned right, where it came to an end by the entrance to Dior's chamber.

Authir, the king's doorwarden opened the richly carved oaken door and silently bowed before them. The door was closed behind, and they were stood again within Sam-uin-Ennin. Dior went to his table, took up the princes parchment and handed it back to the wood elf. He then stood silent with arms held behind his back, and turned to the tapestry that depicted Thingol and Melian as they were stood before their people. The wood elf watched the king for a moment, somewhat confused by his silence.
Finally he plucked up the courage to speak. "What of your answer my lord?" he quietly asked.

A faint smile came to Dior's face, and he drew a deep breath and turned to face the wood elf. "My answer is that you return the sons of Feanaro's message... with no word from me!"
Haldir was taken aback. "How so my lord. In council yester-morn, did not you and your lords choose to keep the Silmaril?"
"We did," replied the king. "But we are not yet prepared to face the repercussions of our choice as lord Tirithalui mentioned in council. Doriath and its marches need to be fortified. Too long was our time spent in newfound mirth, heeding little the growing perils from without. There was also much else to attend to in my realm ere I could take thought of its defence. And so we are overlate in our preparations. Yet it is my hope that to say neither yea or nay may leave the princes in a doubt that has them return to their land to further debate their next move."

"And to your wisdom, what would that be my lord?" asked Haldir.
"It is my hope that they would opt to send again for an answer at a later time," replied Dior.
Haldir did not believe for a moment that Celegorm and Curufin would return so easily to their homes. Dior had not seen the stern determination in their faces; had not heard in person their veiled threats. And if they went back to Amon Ereb, they would surely return, not to plead again, but to plunder and destroy Menegroth.

Haldir was certain they would not let Dior keep the Silmaril for long, now that they had spoken.
"Forgive my forward manner my lord," said Haldir, acknowledging his bold questioning that came of his fearful hearkening to Celegorm's advice to persuade the king to see clearly in the matter. "But I doubt the reach of their patience in this matter. There is a cold flame that burns under their fair countenances, a fey mood that they can scarcely conceal! Shall such as these return without incident to their lands, and once there, opt to withdraw their claim for a season and by so doing, unwittingly give us the chance to re-arm our warriors, and fortify our land?"

Dior sighed. He and his lords were in truth, doubtful of their position. There had been further debates among them as to the jewel's fate. Should they try to hide it in Doriath? Should they send it away in secret from their land with Elwing, whom all had deemed to be the maiden in the vision. Many other counsels were thought of, discussed, rejected and set aside for further debate. Yet in the end it was decided that they would stand their ground, and await fate's purpose.
"Perhaps not Haldir," answered the king. "Yet there is no other choice left to us in this matter. No other way of placating them of our decision! The Silmaril is fated to stay in Doriath, or at least to remain with Thingol's kin. Because it is so, we have in truth said nay to their request. Yet I must somehow soften the blow of our decision to them, delaying their wrath. Of the two princes, I deem Celegorm is of a milder temper, though all report makes him very proud. Yet his courteous manner towards you gives me faint hope that he is less fiery of mood, and would perhaps be more apt to assent to a temporary reprieve."

"And what of lord Curufin?" said Haldir doubtfully. He remembered the prince's scorn and anger towards him and the Doriathrim. "His is a dark mood that deeply dislikes the Sindar. He surely will not assent to any talk of delay."
"No, he would not," replied Dior. "Yet to win Celegorm over to our purpose may be enough. Curufin would be loath to gainsay his elder brother who is held in high honour with their people that is scarce less than Maedhros himself. Therefore you shall say to them that I return no answer at this time for I still have much to consider in this matter as do my people. You shall bid them with humble words to give me until the coming of Spring, for only then might they hear my word!"
Then Dior proceeded to discuss with Haldir what he should say to Celegorm and Curufin. The wood elf withheld his doubts and said no more.

Now after their lengthy meeting, Haldir was escorted in full honour to the gates of Menegroth by the king and the lords of Doriath. As they walked through the halls and passages of the underground city, Haldir saw that all the elves they passed stopped their activities to regard him with grave eyes. It were then that he came to realise the weighty nature of his involvement in matters, and he bowed his head under their gazes, greatly unnerved by the attention and the errand he was now to perform.

Finally they passed through the great doors and came to the bridge that arched over the Esgalduin. They stood within the cool shadow of the western rock face of the hill that rose high above them. The far bank of the river was bathed in sunlight. The morning was warm and bright with a sky of healthy blue that was sparsely touched by thin wisps of cloud. The clear waters of the river flowed by, sparkling in the early light save under the ancient bridge where dark eddies swirled about its shadowy arches. On the far side of the bridge lay the pleasant greensward that rose in a gentle slope from the riverside. Amid its green grasses and swaying flowers, were multitudes of Goatsbeard whose seedlings rose from their puff-like clusters to float in the woodland breeze and disperse into the forest airs as ascending snow flakes drifting in the sun. Beyond stood the foremost ranks of the beech trees of Neldoreth, standing tall and casting leafy shadows upon the rich greenery of the forest floor. And towering nearby was mighty Hiriloin, Queen of Beeches, watching over the woods of her domain with her lowest limbs beginning in the lofty heights where the rest of the trees neared their crowns.

Now the king turned to the wood elf. "I am troubled Haldir," he said. "Troubled for your well being as what I have commanded you to say to those two eager lords shall not at all be to their liking. For all my hopes, things may still go ill for you as they are after all, the sons of Feanaro. The pride of Celegorm would take ill to all gainsaying, and Curufin is perilous of mood for he is nearest to his father's fey spirit. I fear there is a chance they might vent the anger of their frustrations upon you in their haste. Perhaps it would be wise to send with you a bodyguard of my warriors that may look to your safety."

But Haldir replied. "Nay my lord! If others come with me who are fully armed and stern of mood, that might serve only to intimidate the princes and further stoke the embers of their Oath against us; a thing to be avoided if your own plan is to come to fruition. Therefore I must chance their ire alone!"
Dior and the lords of Doriath gazed at Haldir for a moment with grave respect in their eyes.
"You are gentle of heart son of Falathar," said the king with a smile, "yet stout at need and a true warrior of our cause! Therefore I bestow such blessings of good fortune as a king can on as well a deserving subject as yourself, and greatly hope that I shall see your safe return to my halls!"
"I thank you O King!" replied Haldir as he bowed low with his right hand upon his breast. "And I pledge to carry out your wish, and hopefully return with news on how all was received!"

He then turned and bowed to the lords that stood by, who all returned the courtesy. He bowed once again to the king, turned and swiftly made his way across the bridge, up the greensward and was soon lost in the shadows and greenery of the forest. The lords stood silent, their eyes following in Haldir's wake as they pondered upon their realm's uncertain future. How would the sons of Feanor take to Haldir's words? Whatever the outcome, one thing was certain. It was a very brave elf who now returned to the two princes with the fate of Doriath upon his shoulders. If Haldir ever returned alive, the lords would see to it that he be held in honour by all in the land.

After a moment Aradir sighed. "It is a fair summer in Doriath, yet the anxious goings-on in our realm belie its pleasantness. Now evermore bitter shall our winter be when it comes!"
But Pinadar said softly, "Perhaps more bitter than has ever been! Yet the swelling tide of Fate is moved, and we are now drawn to whatever shore it would break upon!"
But the king remained silent, his grey eyes gazing steadily northward.

Now Haldir took his way north, following the ancient road made by the dwarves. On it went with neither curve nor bend, ploughing straight through the forest as a great avenue that at least five abreast could walk. The distant flow of the Esgalduin could be heard to his right, beyond the wall of thick boles and green foliage. About him was a pleasant scene of rich growth that was overlaid by the healthy hue of late summer. It was very different to the dark violence of the storm he had come through when he last tread that way. After about a mile, the wide way ended at the junction where the road turned to the left and right.

The lesser paved road to the left made its way westward under the free sunlit airs of a peaceful meadow, flowered with cow-wheats and orchids of red and violet helleborines. That road led to the northern and western marches of Doriath, nigh to Dimbar that Beleg Cuthalion and Turin had once defended with many brave warriors. Now those places were unmanned, and the grass grew long amid the desolate northern forts. Ahead, and to his right stood the tall lines of beeches; their boughs frowning upon the open grassland of the meadow. The broad eastward road plunged into the trees leading back towards the river. Haldir took this way, following the gently sloping shadowed road until he emerged from the trees, and walked under the sunlight upon the greensward beside the western banks of the river.

He approached the second bridge of stone made of old by the dwarves, its wonderful design now fully apparent in the bright morning sun. It looked much like the Bridge of Menegroth, but with less engravings and traceries upon its stone structures, and there were no orbs of light upon its columns. It were also wider for the Esgalduin was broader at this point. Yet there was a change to the bridge that had been otherwise when he had come, for armed guards now stood by the bridge's entrance, and others were guarding its far end. Haldir slowed his pace as he neared them, and a smile of recognition lit his face as two of the guards came towards him.

"Hail son of Falathar," said one. He was the warden of the main gate who had barred him from entering Menegroth. The other was the one who had come from behind, having been swiftly passed by Haldir's urgency. "You are off early. Do you return to Arthorien?"
"Nay Candir," the wood elf replied gravely. "I am on yet another errand as I now return to the sons of Feanaro to deliver our king's answer to their claim."
The two guards smiles faded and each regarded Haldir solemnly in their silence.
"Do not condemn me with your grim looks," said Haldir, unable to endure their stares. "One would deem you think not to see me again."
"We do not mean to fill you with dismay," said the other guard. "Yet we cannot help but feel for you who are tasked with the dread errand of denying the sons of Feanaro their prize. Your journey's end is fraught with peril."

"Maybe Miston," replied Haldir. "Nevertheless, I must return to them, and would therefore have my friends enhearten me to the task at hand."
"Then perhaps this will lighten your heart," said Candir. "Here is part of the Guard of the Gate who are under my command." He pointed to the rest of the guards who were by the bridge's entrance. At least five stood there. "We will all come with you if you ask it, for I deem it unwise that you should go forth to meet Celegorm and Curufin alone."

Haldir smiled. "Do not worry Candir, there is no need to bow, though I am grateful indeed for your generous offer. However, the king himself offered me his protection but I refused him as I refuse you now. The princes shall be wrathful enough at my tidings. I need not bold warriors in tow whose grim presence may only serve to needlessly heighten their anger. If I come alone to them, meek and lowly in manner, then pity might stay their ire from overflowing to rash deeds. The less swords that are about, the safer it shall be for me I think."
The two guards looked at each other for a moment, then Candir turned to him. "You speak gravely son of Falathar," he said with a sigh. "However, let Miston and I walk with you awhile. You could at least grant yourself the company of friends upon the long road."

To this Haldir gladly assented and so they began forward, walking down the gentle slope towards the waiting bridge. As Haldir passed over the stone structure, the guards there saluted him with solemn respect, but remained where they were at Candir's command. Upon crossing, Haldir looked southward and could see again the great mound of the rocky hill of Menegroth, rising above the forest line as a huge boulder of rock that was cast there by some great giant of old, unsettling the uniformity of the surrounding green vista. Its eastern face was tinted with the early morning sunlight splayed across its craggy face, yet westward the rock darkened in the morning shadow.

The Bridge of Menegroth could not be seen from there as half a mile down the river curved sharply to the left. Ahead lay the great forest of Region that covered all of Doriath from the south, to the east and somewhat to the north, leaving only the north westerly lands to the beeches of Neldoreth. Of many different kinds of trees was that great forest, though it were less inhabited by the elves as it's dense woods offered only a few open spaces. Yet the folk of Arthorien knew more of that forest than all others who dwelt in Doriath, as they loved at times to roam its many hidden paths when they tired of the great oaks of their homes.

Haldir came to the bridge's end and with silent bows, passed the guards that stood under the waving shadows of the alders that began at the river's edge. Their long leaf ridden branches bent over, shadowing the waters of the Esgalduin that lapped upon the eastern shore. Behind the shoreline, the land rose steeply to the ridge-like summit that overlooked the river valley. The road greatly narrowed as it climbed the steep bank, rounding small hilly outcrops covered in mosses and bracken of large feathery fronds. The path was pitted and gullied by the recent storm, yet Haldir now noted that it was usually well tended, as it were bordered by white rocks, covered here and there with dark green lichen. A sprightly stream ran down the right hand of the tree shadowed path, gathering at stony intervals in brimming pools that flowed over mossy brims to skip on downward towards the river.

Soon the path emerged from the leafy shadows to the high bare tor upon the craggy ridge, where tiny four-leaved allseeds grew, peeping among the rocks and boulders. Turning back westward, Haldir looked upon the great vale of the river which itself could only be seen as a dark lined shadow amid the waving green treetops. The alder forest followed the Esgalduin's eastern shoreline in a dark band almost three miles wide, from the northern marches that looked towards the ancient stone bridge of Iant Iaur, to the inflow of the Esgalduin into the mighty Sirion. Further westward stood the beeches of Neldoreth, growing in great clusters amid rolling meadows, and fair greenswards.

Southward was the bare stone hill, rising from the green sea of alders as a humped mass of grey. Beyond that lay the vast southern span of Region, stretching at its widest point for one hundred and fifty miles, from the banks of the Sirion nigh to the Oak forest of Nivrim in the west, to the southward flow of the River Aros nigh to Arthorien in the east. From the bridge of Menegroth to the westward bound Aros in the south, Region stretched for almost eighty miles, and most of that forest was made up of holly trees.

Haldir turned northward and beheld the dark greenery of tall pine trees that covered most of northern Region between the Esgalduin and Aros. They stood as the final vestige of the highland pines of Dorthonion that lay sparsely over Dor Dinen, only to grow abundantly again as a dense forest under the power of Melian.
He looked to the east where the oak forests of his home lay, almost seventy miles away. The alder forest stretched on before his sight, before petering out into a sprawling walnut forest that continued into the hazy distance. The dwarf road led down from the rocky height and disappeared under the swaying alder roof.

Haldir turned to his friends and found them watching him. "One has a fine view from here," he commented. "When last I stood upon this spot, the great storm was brewing overhead and all was dim under a heavily laden sky. Yet today is as bright a morning as any could ask for."
He closed his eyes, turned to face the warm sun and took in a deep breath of the crisp air. After sunning himself awhile he looked about him, noting again the great boulders that sat there, all chipped and cracked through the ponderous weathering of time. Strewn about their shadows were grey rocks and stones and eyes that stared back at him! Haldir started upon seeing the silent figures that sat in the shadows. His two companions laughed when they saw his surprise.
"A fine clear view indeed!" said Miston. "So clear that you failed to see those of the River Valley Guard who sit under your very nose."
"River Valley Guard!" Haldir exclaimed. "There were no such guards when I came, unless I missed them in my haste."

"Nay, you did not miss them," said Candir, "for there was no such guard when you came, as there was no perceived peril. Yet that has changed and Doriath shall be much different than it was." Candir now came to stand before the wood elf with a stern look upon his face.
"Vigilance Haldir," he said. "All the woods that swept by under your sight shall be filled with the vigilant eyes of our warriors."
"Indeed, the preparations have begun," Miston put in. "Since yesterday we have been on the move, setting up guard in designated areas. Bridges, hills, highlands and valleys are all to be manned, not to mention the very trees themselves. Nay, the sons of Feanaro will not catch us sleeping. If strife indeed comes of this grave matter, we shall be well prepared to face it."

Haldir sighed and looked back at the silent guards who now rose and came forward, passing out of the shadows to fully reveal themselves in the sunlight. Candir and Miston gave their greetings and spoke to them in low voices. Then the guards solemnly bowed before Haldir in a token of grave respect. Haldir awkwardly returned the courtesy as Candir and Miston smiled as they watched him.
"Do not be troubled by their show of respect," said Candir. "They now know who you are and are grateful to have met you. You are to be held in great honour by all in the land. You should not feel embarassed by it."
They then left the guards and continued on down the gentle slope to disappear beneath the green boughs that sprawled towards the flatlands below.

The road broadened again as it levelled and Haldir and his companions swiftly came to the end of the alder trees by a wide fast flowing stream that was bridged by a walkway of logs that were tied together and laid across the divide. On the other side was the beginnings of the darker and denser wood of walnut trees. Their broad trunks stood close together with huge, heavy, twisting branches seemingly intertwining in a thick rooftop of leathery greenish yellow leaves. Under their shadow, the bare ground was strewn with dark brown nuts that were the delight of most of the woodland animals of Doriath. Squirrels paused in their gatherings to stare at the passing elves, while birds of many kinds hopped upon the shadowy green beside them, pecking at seed shells or carrying them off to their high nests.

Hardly any bushes or shrubs grew beneath the trees and Haldir espied many deer with their fawns silently browsing on the grass and nuts through the trees shadowy vista. There came sudden sounds of quick movement, and Haldir glimpsed wild boar as they foraged. Yet ever and anon they would raise their wide snouts, sniffing for danger, being constantly wary of the elvish hunt. The faintly pungent smell of walnut leaves scented the forest airs all about, for the trees grew even to the Aros that flowed by the borders of Arthorien, where the elves harvested the seedlings for many uses in food preparation and in the making of wine.

Haldir was indeed glad of the company, for Candir and Miston spoke freely with him, discussing the interesting policies of Menegroth. They also had many amusing stories to tell that had the trio laughing as they walked, while the day passed and the shadows deepened. They had travelled for over forty miles with only two short rests, when they finally gave thought to where they should halt for the night. It had taken Haldir a swift journey of a night and a day to traverse the distance from Estolad to Menegroth, but he had only been a simple wood elf then, fearfully spurred on by the threatening urgency of the sons of Feanor. But now he was a messenger of the King of Doriath, ordained with the king's trust, and seen off in honour by the lords of the land. The two princes would have to wait a little longer for their simple errand runner's return. He would rest the night!

It were early evening when they came to a large pool that stood a little way from the road on its southern side. That place was named Linidh (Pool of Rest), for of old the dwarves had always camped there during their time of travel to Menegroth. It had been a suitable lay-by for the dwarves as it was a rare open place in the woods that was also near the road, and a day's journey from Menegroth that stood almost fifty miles away.

The trio found a company of elven warriors already encamped beside the pool, and these rose to greet them. Once again Haldir was shown a level of respect when his errand became known, and the uneasiness that came with his thoughts of meeting Celegorm and Curufin again, returned to his mind.
It was however a beautiful summer night that was lit by bright stars in a moonless sky, casting a strong silver light over the open glade beside the pool's dark waters. The grasses about were thick and soft, and Haldir lay down comfortably amid the long stemmed night flowers whose white star-like petals lit up with a dreamy translucent hue. He stared with wide appreciating eyes at the glittering stars with legs crossed and hands behind his head.

The splendours of Menegroth were very great, but the real wonders of Doriath to Haldir's mind, lay in the simple beauty of the blossoming woods in early spring, the sparkle of the rivers in high summer, the ruddy forest hue of approaching autumn, the icy beauty of snow clad winter and most of all, the lofty wonder of silver laced night under the bright flames of Varda. He took a deep breath, taking in the sweet scents of the starlight flowers, the fresh grass and the walnut leaves, faintly pungent in the cool airs. How he remembered the long ages under the stars before the Dark Power of the north was returned, and naught was known of war or Silmarils. Only gentle peace had reigned. It was a lost time of blissful song and cheerful banter; of playful ease and tranquil pleasures.

Haldir sat up and looked about him. The grass gave a low rustle in the night breeze and the dark pool's surface was a wavering reflection of the heavenly beauty of Varda's unequalled labour. About the water were remnants of restful dwarven works. Their fair stone carved seats still bordered the pool and further away were low shelters whose grey stone shone pale in the starlight. All about were the black shadows of the trees, rising tall with limbs gently swaying in the night. In the Ages of Stars, the surrounding walnuts would have looked down upon the pool and seen the Naugrim lay themselves down to rest, speaking with low voices or singing in deep tones in their strange tongue that they taught to none.

Haldir had known many dwarves and had even befriended a few. But now they were either slain or came no more to Doriath because of the grief that lay between their races. Yet in recalling those lost times of bliss and friendship, Haldir's heart was pained. He was in truth a gentle elf of good heart, who reckoned little of grudges or stern oaths. So moved was he by his recollections of melancholy that he soon rose, unable to lie in that place where old friends who were now sorrowfully regarded as enemies had once rested. He made up his mind to travel on through the night as he did not want his growing dread of meeting the princes to continually rankle in his mind.

Candir and Miston came towards him from where they had been conversing with their comrades in the elven company.
"Is something amiss Haldir?" asked Candir. "You seem troubled."
"I cannot rest here any longer," replied the wood elf, "for I am afflicted by sad memory and fearful anticipation. My heart chafes to be done with this errand that is laid upon me. Therefore I must leave you now."
"But you need not go alone Haldir," said Miston. "We really mean to accompany you all the way to Estolad. If you do not want us with you when you meet with Celegorm and Curufin, we shall at least be nearby, being ready at hand if things should go ill."

"Nay! Nay!" cried Haldir. "I meant what I said my dear friends. I am moved by your concern but I must face the princes alone! I do not want even the rumour of defiance to poison our grim meeting. Nay, I shall leave you here for I need the miles ahead to steel myself without your reassuring presence. Please understand this."
Both Candir and Miston sighed and nodded their assent. They then called the rest of the elves to gather about them. "Soldiers of Doriath!" cried Candir. "Our brave messenger now sets off alone on the gravest of errands. Let us show him honour!" They all bowed low and gave the wood elf their salute. Haldir bowed before them and turned away, heading for the road. Once there he embraced Candir and Miston.

"Forgive my folly that would deny me your company, yet I would ask a favour of you both," said Haldir.
"You have only to name it," said Candir.
"I beg you to await my return here. If all goes well for me, I would share the joy of my relief with you all the sooner."
Candir nodded, "Then we shall await you here son of Falathar. Go now with the grace of the King and the protection of the Valar."
Haldir bowed again, then turned from his friends and vanished into the darkness.

On he went, evermore swiftly than before under the shining stars. The night was getting old when he finally came to the Aros, a wide river whose black waters swept calmly by under another bridge of stone spanning four mighty arches. There were shadowy sentinels who again bowed wordlessly to him, as did those upon the other side. The dark walnut forest was now left behind on the river's western bank.
To the north lay the dim open grassy plains of Himlad. Ahead, the grey ribbon of the road led on east. Southward, stood the northern-most ranks of the trees of Arthorien; giant sturdy oaks that rose from Aros' eastern shoreline, and lined the road all the way to the western banks of the river Celon.

Haldir walked on swiftly as his mood was lightened by the sight of the towering trees of his home. Yet he could not turn aside to his house or to see his friends, for though his heart wished it, his errand would not allow it. The night was now passing and the hours of dawn were at hand. The lands about slowly brightened as birds began their early morning songs. The flowers of night enclosed themselves as the bright day bloomers emerged to the early sun that would rekindle their flaming beauty.
Soon he could hear the familiar noisy passage of the river Celon, that was less wide than the Aros, yet far swifter. He now approached the last of the four stone bridges made by the dwarves for Doriath. It stood tall, spanning two high arches over a gorge whose churning waters rushed into the Aros seventy two miles downstream, where the southerly stretch of Arthorien began. At the bridge's entrance stood another company of armed sentinels who silently, yet respectfully let him pass. The sun only now began to climb over the eastern horizon; its dazzling arms tinting the oak leaves with gold above the cold waters below that rushed on under the cliff's shadow. The oaks stopped their march by the gorge's western edge but the eastern shore was bare, rising in gentle slopes to the rolling grasslands of Estolad.

Before him, at the far end of the bridge, stood the last gathering of guards to be assigned to the great dwarf road. They were many, some sitting and others standing upon both sides of the bridges exit, with long spears in their hands whose sharp tips glinted in the infant light of dawn. When they saw Haldir draw near to them, those who were seated rose to their feet. Haldir slowed as he came upon them but they stood aside, putting a clenched hand to their armoured breasts and bowing low in grave respect and courtesy. Evidently tidings of his coming had reached them from Linidh.
As the wide eyed elf passed, one among them called to him. "May the protection of the Valar go with you!"
Haldir paused a moment and then bowed low. "I thank you maethor," he replied. "And I pray that their wisdom shall abide with me and with those whom I go to meet." With that, he turned and continued on eastward.

He followed the rising road as it climbed away from the vale of Celon and at the top of the sloping ridge, stopped to take in a deep breath of the morning air. To the far north, he could see the dark line of the river as it came down from its source and passed under the western eaves of the dark enchanted wood of Nan Elmoth. He turned back towards Doriath and saw the bridge, now left far behind, and his elven sight could just make out the soldiery of Doriath who now guarded the way. Haldir sighed nervously as he turned away from the comfort of his home and people, and continued on his journey. The terrain began to dip and rise in shallow empty valleys, and he followed the undulating road for another five miles until he came to the base of a wide and deep depression. The dwarf road led on into the distance, climbing the valley's eastern ridge and disappearing over its lip. It would go on to meet the great road that came down from the ford of Arossiach in the north, to the stony ford of Sarn Athrad in the east, and on even to the dwarf cities over the Ered Luin.

Haldir's way however now took him southward over the roadless plains of Estolad, for he hoped to come to the place of his meeting with the sons of Feanor from the north. He followed the shadowed bay of the green valley for a few miles before climbing to the morning sun that shone upon the height of its eastern crest. The valley continued on southward but began to veer to the west, heading back towards the vale of Celon. Eastward, the land continued to rise gently, and the vegetation became steadily richer and denser. He was coming to the fertile lands that of old had enticed the Edain to settle. Yet their dwelling places were still far away, clustered together in a lush wide valley to the south west of where he stood.

On he went, going dead south now, passing through hazel woods whose nut strewn grounds were teaming with the gentle woodland life of birds and squirrels. He passed small pools where narrow streams halted in shady hollows, bordered by deep green grass and lillie's shining in the morning. There were groves and thickets of aromatic wild herbs and sweet scented flowers, and shadowy grottos, carven into the rocky walls of low hills, decorated in saxifrages and climbing vines bearing fruity berries that were half hidden beneath wide green leaves. It was altogether a pleasant land, sorrowfully becoming evermore desolate as the power of the north spread southward.

By mid-morning he finally neared the region of his fateful meeting. His tread was heavy, mirroring his mood as each step brought him closer to the feared confrontation. His brave words to the king now seemed foolish, as he wished he had assented to the offered bodyguard of protection. And he rued his refusal of Candir and Miston's company, but it was too late now. They were far behind and he was alone, walking towards the perilous end of his journey. He came to a wide grassy slope that looked back west to the oaks of Arthorien that stood by the river Celon far away. That was the selfsame slope where Celegorm and Curufin had waylaid him but three days ago. He shaded his eyes as he looked about him for a sign of their approach, but there was nothing.

The open west dipped to the river valley before him; green fields rolled on to the south, the plain continued its rise behind to the east and the lush woods through which he had just come were to the north, all under a clear blue morning sky. A sudden weariness came over him and he sat heavily upon the ground. He began to think of his words to the two princes pertaining the king's decision, and of how they would receive the news. The grim tales of the Kinslaying now came to his mind, filling him with dread at the thought of those fey sons and their father raising their swords against the Teleri in the Blessed Realm.
Haldir shuddered at the thought. "Could it be that I also shall fall under the fey blades of Feanaro's sons?" he asked himself. Swiftly was he answered for at that moment there came the sound of hooves beating the ground in rapid approach.

He stood and anxiously turned to look up the slope. Twelve horsemen were bearing down upon him and he recognised the two princes riding ahead of the others. He summoned his courage and awaited their arrival. Soon the two princes reined their steeds before him while the other ten riders surrounded him in a wide circle. The wood elf looked about him fearfully, returning the riders stern glances with wide frightened eyes.

Celegorm dismounted and strode forward to face him. "You have been long gone Haldir, and have kept the sons of Feanaro waiting in the wild for four days! It is hoped the news you bring shall appease our mood."
Haldir made no answer, for the many eyes that stared unsettled him greatly.
Celegorm read his discomfort and turned to the riders. "Canyo!" he cried. "Take the others and return to the camp and make ready to leave."
A stern looking elf gave a command and the ten riders turned about and rode away back up the slope and disappeared over its far rim. Now Haldir stood even as before, with Celegorm standing before him and Curufin seated upon his great steed, eyeing him darkly.

"Well Haldir, I take it you delivered our message to Dior your king?" said Celegorm.
"I did my lord," said Haldir.
"What then is his answer?" he asked.
Haldir did not reply but looked at the two princes as one who is loath to give an undesirable answer to an eager question.
But Celegorm swiftly grew impatient. "Come now wood elf! Enough of your fearful silence! What says Dior of Doriath in answer to the claim of the sons of Feanaro?"
Haldir sighed, knowing the time to speak had come. He therefore summoned all the courage that was in him.

"My lords," he began. "I did as you bid and delivered your message to Dior my king who upon receiving it, acquainted himself with your written word. He then summoned the lords of his realm to council where they long discussed the matter. However, when all was said, no final agreement was reached. The king later put the question to all the people of his realm, yet after much debate, still nothing was decided. I was therefore bidden to return to you and say this: In this weighty matter, the king's answer at this time is to be neither yea or nay. However, think not that he keeps the Silmaril in defiance of the claim of its true heirs. The king rather pleads for a time of respite to further discuss with his people the Silmaril's release, and to better prepare for the jewel's final departure from his realm. May you not grant him this request until such time as he is ready to meet directly with you, the lords of Feanaro's house?"

Haldir stood with bated breath, his eyes switching from one prince to the other, watching their reaction to his words. Yet Celegorm only turned to Curufin and they looked silently at each other for a long moment.
Then Curufin dismounted and came to stand before the wood elf. "So you now tell us that Dior would have the sons of Feanaro await his word in the wild for four days, only to return a verdict of neither yea or nay! What is the meaning of this dark elf?!"
His nerves were racing, yet Haldir looked Curufin straight in the eye. "The king only asks for more time to make his decision, that is all!" he answered.

"More time!" spat Curufin. "For what does Dior need more time? Were not our words plain enough in our message? What more could anyone require in this matter to understand our purpose and our claim! Yet Dior and his people would ask for more time! Time to have us return to our wandering in the southlands to their amusement, while they would further boast at our backs in having tamed the sons of Feanaro into submission! Are we to be left waiting upon the word of a half breed king's fancy to restore us our birthright? Tell me, what king is he who rules by proxy of his people's word, and follows not his own mind in matters? His lords do not agree in council, yet he goes to his people for answers, who also are of no aid, being conveniently divided in mind. Yet what of his own counsel in this matter? Is he not the heir of Thingol whose word rules all in Doriath?!"

Curufin took a step towards the wood elf with glinting eyes and raised a pointing finger. "I do not believe that Dior is as powerless as you would make him! Neither do I believe that he seeks a delay so as to further debate the yielding of our father's jewel. Perhaps you lie to us as he in truth seeks to withhold the Silmaril, desiring it for himself and the glory of Doriath!"
Celegorm, who stood by, intently watching Haldir, now put a hand upon Curufin's shoulder and held him back.
Then he turned to the wood elf. "Does my brother strike near the truth in what he says? Do you now stand before us and lie to our faces about Dior's true intent in this matter?"
Haldir's heart leapt in fear. "Nay lord!" he exclaimed in his panic. "I speak truthfully and but relay the words of the king that I was bidden to say to you. Nothing more have I added or kept hidden or falsified!"

There was an ominous silence as Haldir stood quaking under the stern gaze of the princes. The early sun shone bright and clear, yet it seemed to him that a shadow descended that dimmed the morning in his eyes. The two horses seemed distorted, becoming great beasts of menace with flaring nostrils and grinning teeth. The two princes appeared as shadowy forms with merciless eyes that flamed with terrifying purpose, and in their hands were raised swords that blazed with a cold fire. Haldir took a step back from the dread of the sudden vision, yet even as he blinked in fear it was gone, and there were Celegorm and Curufin sternly regarding him under the thankful morn of day.

Celegorm finally broke the silence. "Perhaps I might believe you," he said slowly and softly. "Yet Dior's lack of clarity in this matter raises a suspicion and doubt in my mind. To say either yea or nay was all that was required of him, yet he opts for a third way that would further hold us in waiting while he still keeps our jewel. I wonder if he seeks to be guileful with the sons of Feanaro? If so let him beware, for we have reached out to him in good faith in this grave matter that touches us near. Courtesies we have shown him that of old were unthinkable to us when dealing with one who withheld a Silmaril from our grasp."

"You may be assured lord Celegorm," said Haldir, "that my lord Dior does not seek to cheat you of your birthright. He requests only for more time in council with his people, as he would have the agreement of all his folk ere he gives you any answer."
"And for how long does your king deem we must be in the waiting?" asked Celegorm.
"I do not know my lord," said Haldir. "However, if I may be permitted to suggest the coming of spring to be as good a time to return. The winter months are perilous as the cold grows evermore bitter with each year."

There was another long pause before Celegorm spoke. "I am not at all pleased with this new arrangement... yet I shall yield only this once!"
"What then would be your answer lord?" asked Haldir with hope.
"It shall be as Dior so wishes!" assented Celegorm with an acknowledging wave of his hand.
Haldir could not disguise his great surprise but Curufin turned to his brother in dark anger.

"What is this you now say?!" he cried. "Does my brother, a very son of Feanaro, now give in to the demands of the foes of his house? Do you now cede to sworn enemies that are declared so by our Oath?! For that is what the Sindar of Doriath have become to us... sworn enemies! Yet I see that you are now to be gainsaid by that young whelp of a king, who seeks to order our return as wayward princes; gently rebuked for daring to rightfully claim an heirloom that is unjustly withheld against all goodwill and just laws of inheritance! Tell me Turcafinwe, where is the strong will that you are so named after! Let not the gentle bearing of this errand runner soften your mood into easy understanding and pity! He is now our enemy as are his king and his people... and soon shall they know it!"

Now Curufin turned to the wood elf and swept out his sword. It shone with a cold glint in the bright sun as its sharp edge cut through the air and its point was levelled at Haldir's chest.
"Yet you shall be the first of your folk to fall!" he sneered.
Haldir's eyes widened as the dark vision flashed again before his eyes. Fear gripped him, yet he willed his shaking hand towards his sword hilt in preparation to valiantly defend himself, though he knew he was certainly no match for the prince.

But Celegorm withheld his brother's sword-arm. "Stay your hand Curufinwe! Let not your hot temper over-rule all wisdom! What would you now do? Slay this simple elf who but relates to us what he was so ordered by his king? And then what next would you do? Ride through the great forest with sword held high, hewing a path to Dior's very throne?! Nay my brother! We came not to fight, nor is it my wish that this matter should ever come to raised swords. We seek only for peaceful solutions as we have all suffered great defeats of late. It would be folly to further lessen our hosts by fighting amongst ourselves whilst the orcs of Morgoth who are the enemy of all, roam at will about the lands. In this I deem the king's will to be to our eventual benefit in that he only seeks a further delay so that he might persuade his people to surrender the Silmaril, not to keep it."

Celegorm turned to the trembling wood elf. "Therefore we shall return to our people and wait awhile as Dior has requested."
Curufin made as if to speak but Celegorm shook his head. "Nay Curufinwe! I will not be gainsaid in this. We shall let the matter rest."
He turned back to Haldir. There was a glint in his eye. "For now!"

With that, he swiftly mounted his steed. "Haldir! This is farewell, yet we may meet again whatever the circumstance may be! Tell your king that we have heard his word and so return to our lands. But let him know that we shall return to Doriath with the coming of spring to end this matter once and for all!"
Haldir bowed low in courtesy and gratitude and utter relief. "I owe much to your grace my lord, and pledge that your word shall reach Dior my king!"
But Curufin who still stood before Haldir suddenly raised again his blade to Haldir's chest.
"Curufinwe! Sheath your sword!" cried Celegorm.

Curufin was unmoved and Haldir could see his death in the elven prince's eyes. He made a silent prayer to the Valar.
"Do as I say Curufinwe!" said Celegorm fiercely.
The wood elf held his breath and closed his eyes, waiting for the ghastly thrust of steel. The blow never came for Curufin slowly lowered his weapon. Haldir opened his eyes and passed a hand over his unharmed breast. He suddenly felt a weakness so acute that his legs almost gave way.
"We ride for home!" said Celegorm.
Curufin turned back to Haldir. "Soon dark elf!" he said with a mocking smile. "Soon!"

He sheathed his sword and leapt onto his horse. "Farewell!" cried Celegorm as he turned and galloped away up the slope. Yet Curufin spurred his steed in Haldir's way and the wood elf only just managed to summon enough strength to leap aside as the fey prince swept by. Then Curufin turned to swiftly follow after his brother, laughing as he rode. Haldir stood for a long moment, fighting the feeling of sickness that had come over him. He was still trembling at the thought of how close to sudden death he had come. Were it not for Celegorm, he would surely have been slain by Curufin. He closed his eyes and gave a prayer of thanks for the mercy and the luck. Then with a trembling sigh, he made his way down the slope back towards Doriath. It was almost noon and the overhead sun shone brighter than ever before to Haldir son of Falathar in that hour.

At the top of the slope, Celegorm and Curufin reined their horses beside each other.
Curufin placed a hand on Celegorm's shoulder. "That went well brother, though we received not the Silmaril we came for."
Celegorm watched the receding figure of the wood elf making his way down the slope. "All may have been as you foresaw Curufinwe, yet the deceit of our planned response was little to my liking!"

Curufin nodded. "Indeed Tyelcormo, such is your wont to openly speak your mind and forcefully have your way in things. Yet guile is needed at times in delicate matters such as these. And is that to be wondered at?! It was plain to my mind that Dior would not say yea to our claim for he is an early king, filled with the adolescent pride of a stripling prince who has newly come to power. It was easy to fathom that such as he would covet the jewel. Its power and beauty are very great and such that he would not lose, being enamoured of it! Yet he would not say nay either for his grasping kind are cowardly at heart, lacking the courage to declare their bold intent! To say neither yea or nay, yet plead for a time of respite was the only fitting choice left to his simple mind. A lame bid to fool us into a delay in pursuing our purpose! "I shall send them back to their lands in doubt with humble words and sincere-like pleas that might cozen their Oath to sleep again!" thought Dior the young fool!

Yet he understands not the sons of Feanaro. He knows not the drive of our Oath that guides us! We are unlike the uncouth dark elves he knows and rules! The simpletons of Ossiriand and the meek denizens of the trees and caves of Doriath. His ignorance shall ultimately be his undoing, for we can also be guileful. Yet far more so as he shall soon see!"

"Is it therefore to be reckoned that the wood elf was deceived into believing my sincerity in agreeing to await Dior's answer?" asked Celegorm.
Curufin smiled. "You played your part well Tyelcormo. Injecting such understanding to my anger! To him you are the solemn wise lord, who saved his life and gave pleasing counsel that adhered to his own king's wishes. I am but the villainous brother, whose black anger was checked by your overriding authority. That thought shall play out all the more in his simple mind, and his belief in it shall strengthen his conviction to our purpose when he recounts our meeting to his lords and his king. Few shall disbelieve or doubt his word. He shall give a good report that shall cozen them into a false sense of ease, dulling their vigilance whilst we swiftly prepare ourselves!"

Celegorm looked at his brother, "Indeed our father named you well Curufinwe, for you are truly skilled in mind, word and craft! But enough! Let us go for we have much to do!" Celegorm took a last glance at the far receding figure that was now on the very edge of his elven sight. Then he spurred his horse on with Curufin riding at his side.

The knights of the princes households were just ended in the clearing of their camp when Celegorm and Curufin rode in.
Celegorm gave a shout, "The time has come to return to Amon Ereb with all speed! There is much to prepare for!"
Canyo turned to a comrade. "What do we prepare for I wonder?"
But Celegorm heard his words and turned to him. "For war Canyo! We go to prepare for war!"

---

Author's Commentary:

Well this is the chapter that has been hardest to write so far.
It starts with the council just ended and the lords tell their people of the rising situation and their decision to keep the jewel. Some might say I cheated by having the Doriathrim agree with their lords decision a little too easily, considering the arguments made by some of the lords in the previous chapter. Its a fair enough assertion, but I would think that the lords would understandably have been overly protective of their people, readily assuming that no-one would have the stomach to defend their realm yet again in war. It would be far easier to give in to the demands and keep the peace.

In actually asking the Doriathrim however, the lords find to their surprise that they misjudged the masses who are bolder and sterner than was thought. After all, the woes they have all come through serve to strengthen their wills, turning them into a people who do not take anything for granted any more. They've come through a very dark patch in Doriath's history and through sorrow, tears, toil and sweat, have successfully rebuilt their realm. There would have been a certain amount of pride that would have somewhat emboldened them, I think. Also, don't forget the power of the Silmaril that's giving them hope, courage and strength of purpose.
Manipulation? Probably... but strictly for the will of Good!

So we come to the question of the infamous non reply that Dior gave.
I've always wondered what that truly meant. As I see it, there are two sides to the dilemma.
The First Choice:
We could take the non reply to mean that Dior got the message and was so incensed by the fact that the sons of Feanor had the nerve to send a claim to him over the jewel which his parents had both suffered much to retrieve, no thanks to Celegorm and Curufin. Therefore being angered, he scoffed at their claim and sent it back unanswered as he utterly refuses to dignify their request with a single word in reply.
He then takes little to no advice on preparing to defend against an assault that might be forthcoming, thinking the Feanorim would not dare to fight with other elves again. Of course, he's wrong and that's how the Feanorrim come to Menegroth unawares and there ensues the fight for the jewel.

The Second Choice:
We could take the non reply to mean that Dior got the message and saw that the time had come to either openly defend the fate of the Silmaril from the princes or to cower before them and regrettably give it back. He is not incensed but saddened because, being far-sighted and wise, he pities his people whom he shall have to call upon to fight. But he also pities the sons of Feanor who are driven by an Oath they all secretly abhor, that would have them commit terrible acts whether they would or no. Therefore, he has a council with his lords and after all is shown, it's agreed that they are to keep the Silmaril. They are not keeping the jewel out of greed, defiance or righteous pride but because it's ordained by Eru that the fate of the Silmaril isn't to return to the house of Feanor, but to end up in the heavens. In realising this, the Doriathrim therefore begin preparations for the coming confrontation.

But what of being caught unawares in the middle of winter?!
If one chooses the second choice which I have done, this point becomes difficult to solve as the Doriathrim would obviously be on alert. How then could the sons of Feanor along with their army get through Doriath's defences and so come to Menegroth unseen?
Well first, Dior tells Haldir that he's not saying "Yes" to the princes claim, but neither is he saying "No". That can therefore be construed as not giving an answer.
By doing this, he's trying to buy a little time of doubt from the Feanorrim by having them wait and return only in later months when he would be far better prepared to meet them, be it in battle or otherwise. The sons of Feanor however mistrust Dior from the start and see through this plan. However, they play along with it and return to Amon Ereb saying they shall wait. This way they trick the trickster and quickly gather for war before the Doriathrim are fully prepared.
It's a little weak but I don't see any other way of doing it. In my opinion Dior can't be the rash king of the first choice. He was the son of Beren and Luthien, young but very wise and noble. Indeed he's called "Aranel" which is "Noble elf". Therefore he would have done everything openly and wisely as the people of Doriath had the right to know all that was going on.

Also of great importance is the mode of Medieval warfare. In those days battles were not fought in the winter season because of the dire cold. The morale of any army would be at its lowest and so there was an understanding that all battles would cease until the coming of Spring. This was the mode which Tolkien adopted for warfare in Middle-earth. An example of this would be Morgoth's timing of the Dagor Bragollach. He let loose his war in the middle of winter knowing his enemies would least expect it. Therefore the Sons of Feanor chose this time to attack for that very reason and it worked like a charm.
So, the story follows Haldir as he journeys through Region to finally meet Celegorm and Curufin again. Their reaction is expected but all goes according to Dior's plan. Celegorm indeed agrees to a time of respite for Dior to make up his mind and overrides Curufin's angry protest. Only after the wood elf has left them, thinking his mission to fool the princes has been a complete success, do we find that it has been a complete failure.

Curufin figured out the ruse even before Haldir came to them. I did this because Curufin to me is Feanor in the story, since all description of him is that he was a carbon copy of his father. Feanor was said to have had the most clever mind of the Noldor, fathoming much of hidden purposes and agendas. His son wouldn't have been different since he inherited most of Feanor's traits.
Therefore Curufin and Celegorm decide to play along with Dior's plan, making sure that the act of receiving the bad news that Dior is as yet undecided is as realistic as possible. They hope Haldir's innocent belief that Celegorm was honourable in saving his life from Curufin's ire, would have him persuade Dior and his lords of Celegorm's sincerity in awaiting the Spring to return. That way the Doriathrim's urgency would be less in preparing their defence while the Feanorrim would prepare as soon as possible for an attack. That's the best I could come up with to make the story fit the canon of the Silmarillion.

More shall be revealed in the next chapter!