"My Immortal"
By: Comet Wong
Have you ever wondered where the white flowers of Middle-earth got their name? The white flowers that bloom especially in the floors of fair Lothlorien? Well, the storytellers found this particular tale under the many piles of stories about heroes, battles and adventures. However, this one, I am pleased to tell, is a passionate love story of a young Elf-maiden who gave her love but was never returned.
Niphredil stood upon the gardens of Lord Elrond. She was an Elf-maiden, young for kin, both in mind and body. Though to mortals she would be called beautiful, with her fair face, smooth skin and silver grey eyes, she knew the mistress will always outshine the maid, and in this case was not different. For you see, Niphredil was the handmaiden of Arwen Undomiel herself, fairest of all beings. None, not even Elves of her kin, could measure up to Arwen's beauty, for she was reckoned Luthien once again reborn. Here in Imladris, Arwen was sent back by her father long ago and stayed; but Niphredil was a child of Lothlorien and wished to return there, though her duty was with Arwen.
Niphredil stayed in Rivendell and served Arwen, though some might wonder if she did it out of love or the call of duty. The House of Elrond knew her and came to love her as their sister, and soon she forgot her homesickness.
Many often saw her at the gardens of Elrond, and often mocked her, for unlike some of her kin who only shared her passion for things that grew; Niphredil often consulted the flowers, trees and birds that were in the gardens. In addition, she, much to the surprise of many, knew every flower and tree that grew in the house of Elrond, better than that of Lord Elrond himself. Her passion though, did not interfere with her work as she often said to herself. She knew and loved Arwen deeply, and Arwen her. Niphredil was her comfort, her advice, if the princess could not speak of her thoughts to her father.
Now here, Niphredil sat her head laid in Arwen's lap as she listened to stories from the outside.
'Is it true then, my lady? The One Ring has indeed been found?' For it was the time of the War of the Ring, or rather the beginning, for none knew yet what to do with it.
'Ea,' It is said Arwen wisdom in her eyes. 'What will happen next I cannot see?' It was there Niphredil grew worried. For Arwen had the wisdom of her father, and if she could not see the future, no one could.
Soon mistress and maid passed back into the main house. Long had Niphredil gotten used to Rivendell. Unlike Lothlorien, where people built the houses on trees themselves, Elrond had built Imladris on the feet of the trees, on the leafy floor. The river flowed through out the gardens of Elrond and the leaves were as common as the air. It was place, as Bilbo Baggins described long ago, a perfect house, whether you like food or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture o them all.
There in the main house, Niphredil made sure she avoided the tree roots that went through the house. The first time she was there, she had managed to trip on almost every root there was, and as her mother would say, she had 'two left feet'. Now she glided past them, not as swift as her mistress, but just as graceful, the hem of her ladies-in-waiting dress sweeping over the roots like a river of cloth.
Niphredil followed Lady Arwen to Lord Elrond's study, but she did not enter. Though, there was no rule; Nimphredil always left Arwen alone, mainly for respect, if she talked to her father.
Curiosity would often sweep over her and she wondered what father and daughter spoke about inside the study. Moreover, she wanted to know the meaning of the hushed and worried tones of the two. She got her answer however, when in the middle of the night, Lord Glorfindel went riding in Imladris in his white steed carrying, what seemed to be a small child in the distance, but Niphredil soon learned it was a Halfling, a Periannath in her language, and was badly wounded.
Niphredil hurried back and forth around the house, running errands for both Elrond and Arwen. All were awake as Lord Elrond tended Frodo, the pherian, for days. Niphredil barely saw Elrond's face, for not long when Glorfindel arrived; Lord Aragorn came with three more Periannath. Arwen greeted Aragorn warmly and the Halflings, and in turn, so did they, but she saw that they looked weary. Arwen then requested Niphredil to tend to the hobbits, as they wanted to be called. However, Aragorn, no matter how weary he looked, walked with Arwen, his eyes shining.
Niphredil knew of the relationship Arwen had with the Dunedain, and marveled at her mistress. For Arwen chose Aragorn amongst all the immortal elves. She feared the choice of Arwen, of forsaking immortal life for love of Aragorn, yet at the same time admired it. How could someone give up her life for a man? Niphredil would often wonder and she would answer, Love. That emotion drives almost the intelligent person confused. Niphredil would often dream and wish for somebody to come and rid her of her sorrow. Her parents, her family, had long taken the ships to Valinor, the elven home no man can discover, but she remained, though the reason was not always clear. Her answer was duty, and she could not bear be parted from Middle-earth, which has been her home for so long. Her only strength that kept her from going over to the sea was her dreams, her hopes of someone to come, someone who will capture her heart, someone like the prince in her dreams.
For often when Niphredil would close her eyes, she would see her own prince charming; Riding upon a white steed, his golden hair flying behind him. Though she would never see his face, she knew he was handsome, and Arwen's beauty would never capture his own heart, thus Niphredil would always have him.
Merry, Pippin and Sam followed Niphredil to rooms where they slept for a while. Sam proved to be the most difficult patient as he kept leaving his bed refusing to rest until he saw Frodo and made sure he was safe. Niphredil could do nothing to stop this, so did, to her relief, Elrond.
Healed Frodo was, or it seems relieved the other Elves, but Lord Elrond knew better. The Shadow had not passed over yet and the Ring-bearer was still at the very brink of death.
Already when Fordo was still asleep, Elrond sent messengers to hasten the Council planned. The tension was relieved a lot when Frodo was seen walking upon the company of his kinsmen, but the fate of the Ring had not been decided, and that was the reason the Council was held.
Niphredil found herself wondering, of who among the Free Folk will be sent to Imladris; for she found out form Arwen herself that representatives from all cultures, save those that are evil, will come. Niphredil would imagine them, Elves, Dwarves and Men.
The dwarves, with long beards and short in stature, the men, tall and sturdy, but Niphredil would mostly imagine the faces of the Elves that will come. She supposed that they were like Lord Elrond, their eyes filled with knowledge, their faces stern and grave. However, she never expected someone who is slightly older than she is for a couple of thousand years.
It was there, the afternoon before the Council was held, and Niphredil saw him. Clad in green and brown, a cloak of autumn colors over his garments. He was riding a white horse, speckled in grey, and Niphredil remembered her dream. From where she was standing, she could not see his face. However, when he dismounted and cast a friendly look upon Rivendell, like someone who has never left home, Niphredil saw and her heart failed her. For she gazed upon the elf's face, and there was no doubt: his face was handsome and fair, unlike any elf Niphredil had ever seen in her lifetime, which I might add was a very long time. She had never thought she could get to see a face like his, who had a radiance and glow like the prince in her dreams.
The young elf was greeted by elven maids, a custom among the people of Rivendell, and Niphredil made sure she was one of them.
'Well met in the valley of Imladris,' they bowed to him in greeting. Up close, Niphredil could see his striking blue eyes sparkle as he smiled.
'Well met also, with the blessings of Thranduil,' said he. The young girl's heart beat faster. Even his voice was amazing, melodious, soft, yet clear and firm at the same time. It took all of her willpower to resist staring at him too much.
'Could you please tell me where Lord Elrond is? For I much desire to speak with him, I cannot stay long,' he said rather wistfully and Niphredil's heart sank.
'He is in the main house, with Mithrandir.' Niphredil forced her mouth to say. Although she did not know he was a prince, she bowed deeply and made bold to say, 'Forgive me but I was told that whoever seeks Lord Elrond are to stay for many nights to come.' Her head was lowered and her hair prevented anyone from seeing her blushing.
The blue eyes of the rider widened and the other Elves threw her dagger looks. 'I ask thee now for your pardon, Master Elf,' said one glaring at Niphredil. Niphredil quickly straightened up but her eyes were on the ground. 'For Niphredil is young and is need of much tutoring. Forgive her please of her boldness.'
At this the elf laughed, a laugh that seemed to brighten everyone around him, including Niphredil, who was still blushing.
'Do not ask for my pardon!' said he still smiling. 'None had asked me a question like that….' Niphredil blanched. '…. A bold yet courteous elf-maid you are.' Striking blue met silver grey and all the color came back to Niphredil's face; she blushed deeper than before.
She then was ordered to lead his horse to the stables while another elf-girl was to escort him to Lord Elrond. Oh, what would Niphredil not give to be the one to escort him? Just a few minutes in his presence seemed to feel her heart with joy. None seemed to fall for him like Niphredil did, but eyes would often glance, as he was handsome, even amongst his kin.
Niphredil watched him for the rest of the day, hoping he would not notice. She watched him wander around the gardens of Lord Elrond, to the stream and to the house. Ever so often, she saw him examine a plant, flower and tree that Niphredil knew. Nevertheless, she did not know if he knew that the blossom he was holding was of nimloth and the weed beside the beech tree was athelas. Yet as Niphredil watched the handsome elf, she did not know him. His name seemed to be unknown to the Rivendell elves, but Niphredil was contented, her prince had come to life.
'His name is Legolas.' Arwen said while they were in her chambers, preparing for the welcoming feast, for both Frodo and the guests. The handmaiden had been watching from Arwen's window when she should have been helping Arwen prepare for the feast.
'I beg of your pardon, my lady?' Niphredil said as honestly as she could as she hastily draped the curtains back. It was true, form where she was watching now; he was standing, gazing at the full moon from his balcony. It seemed that the elf had decided to stay after all, and it gladdened her heart.
'His name is Legolas Greenleaf.' repeated Arwen, smiling at Niphredil. 'You were wondering what his name was, were not you?' Niphredil had forgotten the knowledge of Elrond that Arwen herself possessed. 'I am sorry my lady.' She muttered her head lowered.
'Sorry? Sorry for what?' Niphredil looked up, too embarrassed to say anything. Arwen on the other hand, laughed. 'You are too shy, my handmaiden! Or are you just unsure? No matter what may happen I will be there in any way I can, as you have been there in my time of need.' She then embraced Niphredil.
As soon as they parted, Niphredil escorted Arwen to the main door to the dining hall while she entered the other way, for the servants, as the other elves of the courts would say. Though Arwen was easily where the eyes of many would often stay, Niphredil made sure she looked presentable. Wearing a different gown, though it may have been a uniform, the way she wore it made her look like a courtier than a measly servant. She had let her long golden locks loose except for the braids that she was supposed to wear. For unlike any other Elf living in Rivendell, she had golden and not dark tresses. She picked up white blossoms from her own small garden, where only there the blossoms grew. She had them woven through her hair, though they would not outmatch the diamonds on Arwen's hair.
Now she stood beside the other servants, who held bowls and platters of food and waited for the guests to enter. It seemed to be an eternity to Niphredil until at last they began to enter. Most of the other guests, dwarves and Men entered by groups, but the foreigner elves entered usually alone. Niphredil was serving fruit to the hobbits when Legolas appeared. He was dressed in a pale blue tunic to match his deep blue eyes; braided and fell past his shoulders was his golden hair. His fair face was full of laughter as some of his kinsmen came to greet him.
'Niphredil?' Frodo's voice brought her back to earth in an instant. 'Yes, Frodo?' she asked but was not looking at him.
'Ummm… well…you see…'
Niphredil looked down and saw her mistake. She had piled high amounts of apples, grapes and apricots, on not only Frodo's plate but his goblet as well, which contained wine.
'Oh, I am so sorry Frodo.' She started picking up the excess fruit. 'I wasn't looking.' Her heart rate sped up again as Legolas passed and looked not at her as he made his way to talk to Lord Elrond who sat up on a dais on his great chair. He seemed long to talk to the Elf lord, Glorfindel, and Gandalf also, that when he came to greet Arwen, sitting in the middle of the table under a canopy, Niphredil was behind her chair waiting upon her mistress.
Legolas bowed to Arwen deeply, a light in his eyes. 'Well met, Arwen Undomiel, Princess of Rivendell.' He said politely smiling at the princess. Arwen too smiled and rose from her chair. Embracing Legolas she said, 'Well met also, Prince Legolas. I hope I find you well?' Niphredil noticed a twinkle in Arwen's eyes. She in turn looked away, her hope gone. He was truly a prince. A prince that had been captured by Arwen, at least Niphredil thought so. However, Niphredil could not ignore his voice. His sweet melodious voice as he replied.
'Of course, it gladdens my heart to be in Imladris, even though I only entered it twice.'
Arwen laughed. 'Of all the years we have been friends, you have not called Imladris a second home?'
The face of Legolas was set though a smile was playing upon his lips. 'I still do not know the ways around your house, though you may you know mine; as you have gone several times….('Of course! Mirkwood!' Arwen said)…. I always find something that will hinder me to explore.'
'The amount of Elven-maidens perhaps?' she teased and Legolas laughed shaking his head. Niphredil understood. He was not looking for a maiden right now. It cheered her up slightly.
'The Great Legolas is eligible?' Arwen said still teasing. 'Is and always will be.' Legolas answered. Arwen smiled again and nodded, returning to the gracious host form. 'Perhaps a guide will help you around my home? And away from distractions?' Arwen then motioned a hand towards Niphredil. 'I introduce my handmaiden, Niphredil.' Niphredil stepped forward slightly her hands clamped in front of her. 'She spends most of her time wandering around Imladris, and I am sure she will be happy to show you all the things she knows.'
Niphredil was surprised and could not speak. She resolved to a curtsy. Striking blue brightened as they recognized Niphredil. 'Aaah, yes. We've met haven't we?' he asked giving a polite nod, grinning. 'Aye, my lord.' Niphredil said softly. Legolas smiled again and soon they parted. Arwen returned to her seat, but Niphredil watched him sit himself between two Rivendell elves she knew. The handmaid knew it was not correct to feel envy or cast jealous looks, but she could not help it. Why must she feel awkward and shy? To others now his attention was placed.
An Elf always knew and controlled their emotions. It was a gift of the Valar that Elves knew their emotions, whether it be positive or negative. The only thing Niphredil felt sure about was the fact that from the moment she saw him upon his horse to the time he retired to his room, more than deep admiration Niphredil felt for Legolas Greenleaf, son of King Thranduil of Mirkwood.
Niphredil awoke earlier than the rest of the other servants. She walked along the terraces above the loud-flowing Bruinen and watched the pale, cool sunrise above the far mountains and brown leaves and to the woven nets of gossamer twinkled in every bush. It was a beautiful day for one would seem.
Niphredil walked now alone as ever, her homesickness slowly returning. It had been two months since the feast. It was also the day where the Fellowship of the Ring was to set out. Their purpose was to help the Ring-bearer (Frodo) on a quest to Mount Doom, to destroy the Ring of Power as it was decided in the Council of Elrond.
Why then should she be gloomy? It had raised the hopes of many, Elves, Dwarves and Men. Nevertheless, Niphredil found it hard to be relieved. For among the Nine Walkers, Legolas was to go, as a representative of the Elves. She had spent some time with him, as ordered by Arwen. Niphredil found it pleasing to teach others the things she knew, and Legolas was eager to learn. He had traveled often, but when he returned to bring tidings, he asked Niphredil to show him another place, flower, tree or bird that he had not seen yet. Yet, as Niphredil showed him Rivendell, as she often gazed at his eyes, there was nothing, nothing to say to her that Legolas felt something more to her than a maid did.
Now that he was to take a quest so perilous, Niphredil found too hard to accept. However, unknown to Legolas, she loved him, and cared for him. She did not want anything to happen to the prince, she knew she had no choice. Legolas had provided the hope Niphredil longed for. That someone would get rid of sorrow, her loneliness. Now Legolas was to leave, who knows if he will return, and Niphredil's hope was vanishing. She now wished that she were back in Lothlorien, up on the branches of the mallorn trees feeling so free, than here in Rivendell where she felt that she was imprisoned in her unexplainable grief and sorrow. The warmth and safety that she longed to feel had passed into legend.
'The Ring-bearer is setting out on a quest to Mount Doom.' Lord Elrond said. The Fellowship as leaving and Niphredil was in despair. 'Those who travel with him, no oath, no bond is laid to go further than you will.' His eyes gazed at each member of the Fellowship. Merry, Pippin and Sam for the hobbits; Boromir of Gondor and Aragorn for the Men; Gimli for the Dwarves; Legolas for the Elves; Gandalf and lastly to Frodo, the Ring-bearer.
'Farewell, hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves, Men and all Free Folk go with you.'
Niphredil also watched them in turn. She was standing behind Arwen among Elrond's sons and other handmaidens. She was cloth like the sky as sunset and her golden hair was the sun, flowing down past her shoulders. Her hands were clamped in front of her once more as her eyes wandered towards Legolas. She had picked up some of the white blossoms she had on her personal garden and slipped one in Legolas' quiver. She hoped he would remember her that way. It was pathetic. What would she get by doing something like that? She prayed with all her might that Legolas would not see how she felt for him. It would be a lot better for her. She did not want to wallow deeper into the misery of being rejected.
Niphredil watched them leave slowly. The House of Elrond watched behind their Lord, bidding them farewell in soft voices. There was no laughter and no song as the Fellowship left.
'Namarie, Legolas.' Farewell, Niphredil whispered as a single tear fell down her cheek. She dreaded she would never see her prince again. 'Ammin Mel lle.' I love you
I know that Untold Tale is not yet finished, I had a major writer's block!! This story happened to be sitting on my computer for the longest time, so I decided to upload it...It's the prologue of the Untold Tale...No Juliana, but a story that tells us, Juliana wasn't the only girl who fell head over heels with our favorite elf...PLEASE REVIEW!!!