Prologue

2778 Years before the War of the Ring

Valaisha Princess of Mirkwood

The mistake I made wasn't inhuman but it was unforgettable and everything changed from there . Tired and dizzy I looked at the child in my arms while I could not hold back the tears. Mollified, I noticed that there was a faint ray of sunlight felling across her face. And although the grief pierced my heart, I couldn't oppress a flurry of love and tenderness. "Maryát tercenya na Vaisha.' I spoke softly. Her name is Vaisha . Thranduil of Mirkwood, the ruler who had taken a seat next to me nodded . My eyes found his. 'Than it will be so.' He replied softly . Gratefully I looked up, realizing I owed him my life, love and happiness.

'I know she is nothing more than a burden for you, my dear brother. But I promise you that if you ever will have sons or daughters , they will encounter no obstruction from my daughter on their way to the throne of Mirkwood.' I whispered. '

I know, dear sister. But believe me; I love this little child. She's my cousin .'

'And she's bastard.'

'I do not have to know who her father is.' He replied. 'I know she's your daughter , and that's enough for me .'

I paused, could not possibly believe his words because for myself I still harboured feelings of guilt . But again, I could just be grateful. 'Is Lord Celeborn of Lothlorien arrived?' I finally asked after a few minutes of silence . Thranduil nodded, then stood up and kissed me gently on the forehead. Than he left the beautiful chamber. It only took a few minutes before the most powerful Elf of Middle-earth entered my room. In his hand he held a white staff and his silver eyes sparkled full of wisdom. He smiled at me and eventually said gently my name, but his eyes were focused on the child in my arms . 'My dear Celeborn.' I greeted him.

'Vaisha.' With his hand he gently stroked the face of my little girl. He smiled softly when she opened her eyes. Then he took a seat next to me and let his eyes passing over me. We were silent for a while, but after a few minutes I could not stand it anymore.

'Does Elrond know about... ?'

'Yes.' He replied firmly . 'He is informed of the birth of his daughter Vaisha. But I want you to know that his legal wife, my child Celebrían, also gave birth to a daughter this day ; Arwen Undomiel is her name.' I hit my eyes and nodded. I had been aware of Celebríans pregnancy but that the two children, half-sisters , were born on the same day seemed to be a cruel twist of fate. 'What were Elrond 's words ?'

'That he will love Vaisha with an enduring love. He swore me that he will take care for her whenever that will be necessary but that it's better that no-one ever will know about… well his illegitimate relationship with you.' I nodded again. It was better news than I had ever expected . Than I had imagined. It saved me a lot of trouble. Still it did hurt. It felt like I didn't count anymore. 'I am grateful to Elrond,' I finally answered. 'The only thing I blame my lover for is that it seems that he has forgotten about me. And about that one passionate night we shared. Although I ...' I faltered, the words would not come. But Celeborn made my sense of: 'You know the end is approaching?' he asked.

'Yes ...' I whispered. 'I'm leaving for Valinor soon. I've made my choice for this a long time ago and the world has nothing to offer me anymore.'

'And your daughter ?'

'Elrond will care for her, he promised you that. Didn't he? You said he sworn it.' I smiled faintly .

'You could start over again Valaisha….'

But I shook my head . 'I was used to be called the fair maiden of Mirkwood, formerly knew my name and I prevailed with my Thranduil in these forests . But at this moment I don't honour my name and status anymore, Celeborn . Thranduil is concerned , I know he is. And Elrond has made the right decision about me and your daughter Celebrían. I leave with the first ship sails .' I noticed a tear on my cheek and wiped it angrily away. Celeborn took me with concern. Then he nodded sadly. "I see you've made this choice peremptorily. But I tell you this Valaisha: your daughter will have a lot of grief for this decision and you too will not be happy without her in Valinor. Yet I will inform Thranduil and the father of the child about your decisions.'

'Your words hurt me more than I can say, and I am praying they aren't true. Because everything I am wishing is that my daughter will know grace, love and happiness. Still I want to thank you for everything you have done for me.' He nodded , than he raised up an started walking away.

'My lord.' I asked for the last time.

'Yes, Valaisha?'

'I have a finally request.'

'Speak.' He simply replied.

'I have one last wish; that my daughter will remember me through something ... '

'Yes?'

'I want her hair never been cut by any Human, Elf or Dwarf.'

'Than so it will be .' After that I handed him over my child. He took her, only a moment hesitating, and then left without another word the room. Crying and praying to the gods of Valinor I raised up from the be. I forced myself to dress myself with the royal robes of the fair maiden of Mirkwood. For the last time. Because for me was saying goodbye to my daughter the last thing of what had once been and what would ever be in my life.