Author's Note
Hello all! This is my very first fanfic! I actually been working on this fanfic for a while, but I have been working up the courage to put in on FFN for others to read. The story follows an Elf named Eleniel Vanglirtána. (Pronounced Eh-le-nee-ell Vahn-gleer-than-nah). It will eventually turn into a 10th walker fanfic, the storyline will mainly follow the events in the movies, but there are times that you will notice that I incorporated some of my favorite parts of the books. I hope that you will like the story! Please read and review!
Disclaimer: I do not own LotR! Everything belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien except for Eleniel Vanglirtána.
My World Ends with You
Laurelindórenan, the Land of the Valley of Singing Gold, was known for many years for its ancient mallorn trees that towered over all other trees in the land in height and beauty. The canopy of the trees remained a constant gold. In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful golden only to fall in spring. Yet in place of the leaves, bloomed golden flowers on the silver boughs. Years passed and the woods came to be known as, simply, Lothlórien. Their beauty forgotten, history lost, and myths grew. None dared to enter the Golden Woods. But, nonetheless, this is where Elves created a sanctuary from the evil tidings that spread through the land and undisturbed they were for many centuries for the wisest of the Wise, Lord Celeborn, and the Fairest of the Elves, Lady Galadriel, ruled and protected the Golden Wood and at their side stood their youngest daughter, Eleniel Vanglirtána.
Chapter One: My World Began with You
"Eleniel…. I want you to meet someone…"
A soft voice floated through the gentle breeze passing through the wondrous trees of Lothlórien. Galadriel, the Lady of Light, garbed in a flowing white gown, glided toward the two small Elf children sitting beneath the tallest mallorn tree of the forest and with her was an old wizard in grey, a tall male Elf, and an Elfling that were not from Lothlórien.
Of the two Elflings of Lothlórien, there was a male that was slightly older than the other, a small maiden. Haldir was his name. His face held a strong composure for one so young for he stood up swiftly to welcome the approaching group. His stance radiated the utmost respect for the approaching Lady of Light, but it was also held a sense of fortification for the Elfling maiden. Haldir was truly a warrior in the making as he was already skilled with the sword that he carried. A gift from the Lady of Light for she saw that one day this Elfling was to be the warrior that would protect her kin.
The other Elfing was the youngest daughter of the Lord and the Fair Lady of Lothlórien, Eleniel Vanglirtána. Her parents named her after silver eyes, which were a beauty that only the radiance of the stars could imitate. She looked up at Haldir then turned and stood to the Lady approaching them to give a lopsided curtsey. She was still young and still learning the elegance of her race. This little one grinned widely when she examined the approaching group. "I welcome you to our beautiful home of Caras Galadhon! My name is Eleniel Vanglirtána and this is my friend, Haldir." Her tiny voice squeaked with a giggle as she curtseyed again, but this time she bent down too deeply and almost fell over. Haldir caught her just before she hit the ground and then stood her upright. Eleniel started giggling uncontrollably and apologizing to her Elfling protector.
"Galadriel, I must say that your newborn is quite a charming one and so talented in Westron at such a young age!" This compliment came from the tall Elf adorned in green and brown clothing, which was nothing like the garb of the Elves of Lothlórien, and atop his head rested a silver crown shaped like leaves.
"Gandalf has generously taken the liberty to be her tutor." Galadriel smiled as she held the old wizard's arm.
"Weaving together a mind like hers is quite the thrill." the old wizard laughed under his wide brimmed hat. He patted Galadriel's hand with delight then continued speaking to Thranduil. "So many questions run through her young mind. She keeps me on my toes." The elders laughed among themselves as Gandalf continued to tease the little Elf maiden.
"Gandalf!" little Eleniel beamed as she ran up to the group of elders. She wrapped her short arms around the wizard's legs to receive a pat on the head.
"How is my pupil?" Gandalf asked.
"Always having you run for answers!" Eleniel giggled at their little inside joke. Gandalf chuckled as he ushered Eleniel to her mother. She smiled widely at his gesture then wrapped her small fingers around her mother's hand to meet the new noble. Easily the young Elfling could see that their visitor was from a different Elven realm.
"Hello Eleniel! My name is Thranduil and this is my youngest son, Legolas. We are from Mirkwood in the North." The young princeling stepped out from in back of the Mirkwood king and little Eleniel took the time to examine her new friend closely. He was as tall as her friend, Haldir, in meeting the elbows of their elders. What fascinated her was not his straight golden hair nor the crown that rested atop his head, but his amorous orbs a bright blue.
"Your eyes!" Eleniel squeaked then ran up to her new friend to get a closer look. Legolas uncomfortably shifted as the younger Elfling stood on her toes to hold his face in her hands. "They are beautiful!" Their elders chuckled amongst themselves for they were happy that their youngest Elflings were able to meet.
"And your eyes are a lovely bright grey as the bark of the Lórien Woods in the morn and the stars of the midnight sky." Legolas smiled as he reached up cautiously to touch her cheek. The young maiden overlooked his adoring gesture as she immersed herself in his eyes.
"Your eyes remind me of water in the Silverlode River!" Eleniel giggled.
"I have not seen the Silverlode River before. Is it beautiful?"
"Oh! We must go, Prince Legolas! The water is a brilliant blue and sparkles in the sun as if stars bathed in it!"
"Maybe not at this moment, my Eleniel. I would like you to stay near the fountain for now." Galadriel smiled.
"Then may I admire at his eyes longer?" Eleniel pouted.
"I think that is, Prince Legolas' decision and not mine."
"May I, Prince Legolas?" asked Eleniel to the Prince of Mirkwood.
"Anything you want." Legolas grinned to the younger Elfling. With that Eleniel continued to examine his bright blue eyes while Legolas continued to look at the golden leaves above to prevent himself from staring at the young maiden.
"So please tell us, little Eleniel… What were you doing before we interrupted?" Thranduil asked to keep the little Elfling to continue talking and find out more about her growing personality. Eleniel looked up at the King with Legolas' face squished between her hands. Even so patient was the young prince. He found himself stealing a glance of Eleniel.
"You did not interrupt us, my King. Haldir and I were trying to decide what game we should play today. I wanted to spar with him, but Haldir did not wish for me to get hurt."
"A little elleth, such as yourself, playing with swords?"
"Gandalf thought it was best if we train her in the ways of the Galadhrim and Celeborn agreed to it with no hesitation after what happened to our Celebrian… Our Eleniel sees it as a game so she is eager to learn... and she makes young Haldir teach her what he is currently learning from the marchwardens." Galadriel explained.
"You should see her in action. Quite a fierce little fighter. She almost took down Haldir twice!" the old wizard praised. "Celeborn would be proud the day that happens, but even prouder if she took down one of yours! Sometimes I think that he should have had a son and you a daughter." Gandalf teased the Mirkwood king. Thranduil laughed with their wizard friend when Galadriel interrupted.
"I warn you, King Thranduil, with so many princes in Mirkwood, that even if you were to have a daughter she may end up like my Eleniel." Galadriel sighed as she straightened Eleniel's diadem.
"Ah, I believe that Legolas is my last, but I would not mind a daughter if she were like your Eleniel. Your daughter's partiality to the way of the sword intrigues me! Nothing is better than having a warrior maiden as your companion. Right Legolas?" Thranduil laughed as Galadriel smiled lovingly down to her little Elfling and the young Mirkwood prince. The prince glanced away from his father with hesitation in his eyes as if he was disagreeing with his father's statement, but still forced a slow nod. Eleniel's charming smile faded as she noted the prince's saddened eyes then removed her hands from his face. Legolas was taken back from the missing warmth of her small hands. His wide eyes watched in wonder, only to realize that she only wished to do something to see his smile once more.
"Ah!" Eleniel suddenly squeaked as she grabbed Thranduil's hand with a pleading look up at the Mirkwood king, and with a pull of on his robe to gain all of his attention. Galadriel cast a look of disapproval of her daughter's discourtesy toward the noble. But, ever attentive, Gandalf placed a hand on the small of her back to calm her and a nod of his head asked for her to watch the events unfold. "King Thranduil, if I may ask... Can Prince Legolas play with Haldir and I? I promise not to get him hurt!"
"Your boldness is enchanting! Of course you may, Eleniel!" Thranduil laughed then knelt down to whisper in her ear. "But I warn you, Legolas is fairly good with a sword as well."
"Really!?" Eleniel spun to Legolas and took both of his hands in hers. "Maybe you can beat Haldir in a spar! Never have I, but you definitely can!" Legolas grinned widely. "Come Legolas!" Eleniel pulled the young prince toward Haldir then grabbed her friend's hand. "Haldir! This is Legolas of Mirkwood. He is King Thranduil's youngest son!" Legolas stepped forward and they each rested a hand on the others shoulder and nodded in a greeting. Immediately, tension could be felt in the air as the two Elflings stared down each other.
"Shall we partake in a duel?" Legolas grinned anxiously awaiting his chance to show the little maiden his skill.
"So eager to begin a fight." Said Haldir with his head cocked to the side. "Do all Elves of Mirkwood think with their sword?"
"We must to protect those close to our heart." Legolas answered as he removed his hand from Haldir's shoulder then examined the hilt resting on his hip. "But I see that you live by that notion as well." Haldir's eyes narrowed at his words as Eleniel looked back and forth between the two with a blissfully oblivious smile on her face.
"The blade was a gift from the Lady." Haldir answered. "I have been sworn in by the grace of the Lord and Lady to be Eleniel's protector."
"Then I wish to win the Lord and Lady's favor as well." Legolas grinned down at the newborn Elfling. "I have taken a strange liking toward her personality."
"She is not afraid to speak her mind, if that is what bought your attention." Haldir chuckled. "A pact then, we will protect her together." Haldir grinned widely with a pat on the prince's shoulder and with a nod Legolas accepted the promise that they made that day.
Legolas then placed a hand on Eleniel's head and gave her a charming smile. "May I ask for you and Haldir to show me around Caras Galadhon instead of dueling my new friend?"
"Awww!" Eleniel whined then looked down in disappointment. She wished to learn new moves from her friends' duel but was forsaken the chance by the prince. "If you want… Let me ask naneth if I may leave the fountain." She sighed then ran to her mother to ask for permission to leave.
"It seems that our Elders brought us together to be blessed with friends to grow old with." Haldir murmured to Legolas who turned to look at Eleniel talking and making dramatic gestures to her mother.
"And companions to cherish." Legolas whispered back then turned to grin at Haldir. It was rare for the Elven race to have companions near the same age. Many years they lived and not many born around the same time, but the three Elflings now present in Lothlórien were struck with luck's grace. He patted the young Galadhel on the shoulder then his attention was diverted by a passing pack of marchwardens returning from their patrol. "Ah! I would like to meet them and ask them if I may witness the craftsmanship of their bows!" Haldir nodded then the two little warriors ran off in the direction of the marchwardens.
Eleniel turned around to look at her friends but noticed them running from the fountain area. "Haldir! Legolas!" Her voice rattled with despair. She small legs carried her quickly toward her parting friends. "Don't leave me behind!" Her foot caught the root of one of the trees causing her to stumble. Legolas and Haldir heard her scream and turned to see her fall on her hands and knees. They called her name then ran back to her to help her off the ground. Legolas bent down to dust the dirt from her gown as Haldir pulled leaves out of her hair. Meanwhile, they explained to her what caught the prince's attention. Excitement filled her bright grey eyes then they ran off together in the direction of the marchwardens leaving the elders to speak among themselves.
Many mornings and nights quickly passed for the three Efllings. They searched for hidden places in Caras Galadhon, played in the Silverlode River, fought imaginary orcs in the woods, trained with the marchwardens, bade Gandalf farewell, and even climbed to the pinnacle of the greatest mallorn tree to admire the stars every night. However as the days carried on, Haldir and Eleniel knew that their friend from Mirkwood must leave for his own realm and it happened sooner than they expected. Haldir left, on his first assignment as a marchwarden, for the northern borders of the woods leaving Eleniel and Legolas to themselves to watch for shooting stars. After the night they spent on the canopy above the trees, Thranduil asked for their leave for a situation occurred in their woods and they were much needed at their home. At a slow pace, the nobles of Lothlórien and Mirkwood made their way for the Great Gates of Caras Galadhon.
"Will you be coming back to Lórien?" Eleniel sniffled. "Are you going to forget about me?" Legolas bent his knees to try to look up into her saddened eyes but was unsuccessful so he grabbed her tiny chin and lifted it gently. She was met with the most handsome smile.
"I will be back, just for you." Legolas beamed. "And, I guess, for Haldir too." He chuckled. Eleniel's eyes widened with happiness then she threw her arms around his neck as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "How could I forget you?" He rested his forehead on hers as he gave her a grin. King Thranduil approached the two Elflings and rested a hand on his son's shoulder causing Legolas to gaze up at his father. He let go of the Elfling maiden and then whispered softly and full of gloom. "Please tell Haldir that I wished to tell him farewell… " Eleniel nodded. "Namárië. ~Farewell.~"
"No in elenath erin râd lîn... ~May all stars shine upon your path…" Eleniel whispered with a deep curtsey before the King and Prince of Mirkwood. This time her poise reflected the elegance of her race. Legolas caressed her cheek gently as she reciprocated his kindness with a smile. He then looked up at his proud father who guided him to the main gates of Caras Galadhon. Galadriel and Celeborn stood next to their daughter as it was tradition to watch and bid farewell to their visitors. As the visitors of Lothlórien made it to the gates, the young prince glanced back to sneak a peek of the small maiden once more except he was met with the grieving sight of Eleniel crying to Lord Celeborn.
"Ada." Legolas called for his father as he stopped walking. The Mirkwood king glanced back to see his son running back into Caras Galadhon and its three nobles. "My I?" Celeborn turned Eleniel around to face Legolas. Her eyes reflected her shock when he grabbed her arm to swiftly pull her into a tight embrace. Their parents watched them with smiles across their lips. "Please don't cry. I will see you again." He gently pushed her from him to look in her grey eyes. "I will write to you as well. We can practice our Westron and you can tell me of the new techniques that you learned from Lord Celeborn and Haldir."
"I will be just overjoyed to hear from you!" Eleniel giggled with tears still stinging her eyes, which he wiped away with his thumbs. Legolas kissed her forehead then let go of her and ran back to his father. He turned to wave one last time before they walked out of sight.
"Thranduil is raising a charismatic prince. Legolas is nothing like his brothers." Celeborn told Galadriel.
"Yes, he is very compassionate. A perfect fit." Galadriel smiled to her husband then placed a hand on their daughter's shoulder. "Come, Eleniel…"
Author's Note
I hope that you all enjoyed the first chapter! Only the first chapter is in third person... I wrote it this way so that the readers can get to know Eleniel, her childhood, her close bond with Haldir, and also Haldir & Eleniel's instant connection with Legolas. I did make an attempt to have it in first person, but it didn't seem right. So I rewrote the whole chapter in third person... I hope it wasn't a bad decision! Thank you for reading and please review!
8/31: I fixed some grammatical errors and made corrections with the Sindarin I used in this chapter. Special thank you to Certh for the help!