Legolas and Lily, Part II
The Continued Fulfillment of the Visions and Prophecies of
Lady Elanor Tindómiel of Lórien and Prince Legolas Greenleaf of the Northern Realm
Chapter 1
Lily rested, cozy and warm, among soft quilts on a low couch in the Golden Hall of Meduseld. Flames danced and roared like triumphant warriors in the fire pit that ran down the center of the hall—indeed, triumphant warriors had celebrated earlier in the evening, drinking to the health of their comrades and the valor of the fallen, and stomping and cheering as the Hobbits Merry and Pippin danced on the rough-hewn tables. It was the middle of the night, now, and the brave Men of Rohan had retired to their homes; Théoden King, his sister-son Éomer, and his sister-daughter Éowyn to their chambers; and the honored guests—Merry, Pippin, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, Gandalf the Wizard, Gimli the Dwarf, and Legolas the Elf—to their quarters. Lily might have dozed off if something hadn't been sounding a warning in the back of her mind, something that wouldn't let her retire with Éowyn to her chamber and relax into an Elf-maiden's peaceful dreams.
The day had been long and eventful. She had awakened before dawn after scant hours of rest in the chamber she had shared with Éowyn at Helm's Deep, allowing herself to relive in just moments the events of the previous night: the rebuilding of the blasted wall that had fallen to the traitorous wizardry of Saruman; her theretofore unknown power to heal the wall as she had so often healed Elves and Men; the blanket of starry elanor flowers and green grass that had covered the battle-bruised ground after she wept, mourning the great losses to Middle Earth suffered at the Battle of Helm's Deep; the precious minutes stolen from grief and duty when Legolas had accepted her betrothal jewel in the shadow of the redeemed land and the starlit wall.
She had had only those few moments to wonder at and savor her memories, for Éowyn was already awake, dressed, and packing. The White Lady of Rohan looked as though she had slept ill, despite her joy at the renewed safety of the fortress and Lily's betrothal. Even in her weariness the princess was fair to behold.
Lily slipped out of bed. "At what hour does Mithrandir leave? I have slept too long."
"And a good morning to you, too, Lily. You don't have much time," Éowyn said. "My uncle has asked me to see our people safely back to Edoras. But I would rather ride to Isengard with you."
"We'll catch up to you, Éowyn. I know you feel like you're missing out, and I'm sorry." Lily put on her traveling clothes and girded her sword at her waist.
"I want to know all about your visit to Isengard as soon as you rejoin us on the road."
"At your command, Lady of Rohan," Lily said with a smile. "It could be quite the interview between Mithrandir and Saruman—we may wish we were distant from Isengard, after all. Have you had breakfast?"
"No, and I doubt there's time for it," Éowyn answered. "I have to see that those still recovering from their wounds are ready to travel."
"Here, try this," Lily said, breaking off a piece of lembas and holding it out to Éowyn.
"What is it?" Éowyn asked, examining the golden, bread-like food and sniffing it.
Lily laughed. "You can trust me. It's lembas, the waybread of the Elves. Try it. That piece will nourish you for the entire day."
"I could certainly use that," Éowyn said, nibbling her piece. "This is good." She took the entire amount in two bites and Lily broke off her own piece and did the same, then wrapped the remainder in the mallorn leaves that kept it fresh. She finished packing and checked her medical kit. "Well, Éowyn, I'll see you by mid-day, or a little later, I think," Lily said, gathering the pack, kit, and her quiver and bow.
"Beware Saruman's voice," Éowyn said, placing an arm around Lily's shoulders. "They say it charms the unwary with flattery and spells."
"I've heard that also," Lily said. "You be careful, too. I think all the awful creatures are far away from Rohan now, but you should send scouts ahead and riders to guard your flanks, and also a rearguard."
"Yes, Éomer told me in great detail. You've convinced him that women need not be defenseless, for which I thank you."
Lily stepped toward the door. "If a Rider of Rohan can be so convinced, then there's hope for all Men. But better to have peace, where no one goes to battle. I'll see you in a while."
"Take good care."
"And you."
Lily went down the stone stairs to the renewed fastness behind the Deeping Wall. Legolas and Gimli were talking near a brown horse and a white horse, but fell silent as Lily came down the stairs and smiled at them. "Good morning, gentlemen," she said, and went to Legolas. She saw her—now his—betrothal jewel on the light chain around his neck, shining against his open-collared shirt. She touched the jewel with her fingertips and smiled up at the Elf.
Gimli said, "May I wish you happiness, Lady Elanor?"
"Thank you Gimli; indeed you may—and I am quite happy." The white horse turned its head and snuffled Lily's shoulder. She stared. "Snowstar? What are you doing here? You should have been in Lórien days ago!"
"She was with the mounts they brought from Edoras," Legolas said. "The Rohirrim must have found her on their way. I saw her this morning and was certain she was yours, so I didn't let them saddle her. And see, this is Arod, who bore Gimli and me from the shadows of Emyn Muil to Fangorn when we tried to find Merry and Pippin—after the Orcs took them."
"Hello, Arod," Lily said, stroking and patting the horse. "Thank you for carrying Legolas and Gimli safely. And Snowstar!" she said, moving to place her hand on the horse's neck. "I'm so glad you are safe." Snowstar nickered softly.
Gandalf came striding toward the group, cloaked in grey, with Théoden King and Aragorn at his side. The great Shadowfax, the king's horse Snowmane, and Aragorn's Hasufel followed behind. "Lily, you and Legolas will represent the Elves, Théoden King and Éomer the people of Rohan, Gimli the Dwarves, and Aragorn will be there for all Men. This business with Saruman is serious and requires witnesses."
"We have all witnessed enough of Saruman's treachery—I hope we witness no more," Legolas said. They all greeted each other as the dawn began to lighten as best it could with the smoke and shadows of Sauron spreading from the East. Lily secured her pack and medical kit, stroking Snowstar and speaking Elvish endearments while she inspected the horse's coat, hooves, and teeth.
"Have we taken adequate care of your horse, my lady?" Éomer said, riding up next to Gandalf.
"You have indeed, my lord, for who knows horses better than the Rohirrim?"
"You and Legolas and Gimli ride behind Aragorn," Gandalf said. Lily swung lightly onto Snowstar's back. Legolas helped Gimli up behind Éomer and then mounted Arod. The Elf pointed to the East. "Behold, the Morning Star! The lovely Tindómiel!" he said. "How beautifully it shines—no reeks of the Black Land can diminish its beauty." He looked with love at the star and then at Lily.
See this star, Frodo and Sam, Lily thought, and have hope that its light will protect you. She bent her thoughts toward Lothlórien. My Lady Galadriel! Guide them; keep them safe; help them endure. Lily looked at the morning star as it faded slowly in the bleak sunrise. In her mind, she saw a vision of Frodo sleeping, wrapped in his grey Elven-cloak. Sam was beside him, Hobbit-sword in hand, sleeping as though he had intended to watch until the night ended and could not stay awake. Most surprising, Sméagol sat at a distance, watching, and appeared to wish he had such friends.
Aragorn turned and looked at Lily. "Many times have I looked to the Morning Star and taken new hope. I had forgotten . . . ." He noted the faraway look on her face. "Lily, can you see them?"
"Frodo and Sam are safe, for now. If what I saw is 'now,' and I feel it is." Lily shivered and pulled her own cloak around her. Her mind was back in the present. "I think the sight of you, Lord Aragorn, will be of great interest to Saruman. You are kingly even in the clothes of a Ranger from the North, my brother."
"Come along, let's begin," Gandalf said, taking his place beside Théoden King. "And remember, don't answer questions or volunteer information. Let me do the talking."
Théoden King looked at the others, his regal demeanor somewhat relaxed, and in good humor. "This party is under Gandalf's command, clearly—and I am glad to have him giving the orders."
The Wizard looked around. "Am I being abrupt?"
"Perhaps a little," Lily said with a smile. "But as it is dangerous to meddle in the affairs of Wizards, as the saying goes, and as there is a Wizard to manage here—not you, Mithrandir, but Saruman; we wouldn't dream of managing you—I think you are the best leader we could have."
"Well then—let's be on our way," Gandalf said, and began to ride. Aragorn exchanged bemused glances with Lily and Legolas, and left the keep behind the Wizard and the King of Rohan.
They rode toward Isengard on the road the Elves had taken to march to Helm's Deep. "This is an expedition of note," Legolas said. "All we need are Hobbits and then representatives of all the Free Folk of the West would be present for this business with Saruman."
"Don't count out the Hobbits yet," Gandalf said, overhearing Legolas's remark. "We may yet find a few on the way."
"Indeed?" Aragorn said. "I would be happy to see Merry and Pippin again."
"They have played their part in the battle against Saruman," Gandalf said. "They brought the Ents into the fight."
"Then they did more than anyone else could have done," Legolas said. "The tree-herds would usually take so much time deciding what to do, it could be too late for them to do it."
"Those Hobbits can certainly surprise you," Gimli said.
"So can those Ents," Gandalf said.
Lily showed the group the flet she had built while waiting to join the Elves in hopes of saving Haldir, whose fate she had seen in vision as she dreamt back in Lórien—it seemed so long ago. Aragorn said the flet looked sturdy, but Legolas examined it from horseback as closely as he could.
"It's rather small, I know," Lily said.
"You weren't building a flet in Caras Galadon," Legolas said. "I'm sure it was exactly what you needed."
"And I'm sure you would have built something better."
"Perhaps. You fastened the rope well. If we came back in a few years, this might still be here. I'm glad you weren't sleeping on the ground."
"Yes—I felt much better when I was safely on my little flet."
Lily quietly told the company how she had followed Gandalf from Lórien until he turned into the forest of Fangorn, then took the road she had known would be the path for the Elves until she found a good tree for the platform where she would wait to join them.
"Were you afraid, with Gandalf not knowing you were there, and no fires, and sleeping on the ground?" Aragorn asked.
"I was so determined to save Haldir, I usually was not afraid. But at night, sometimes, I was nervous. I wished I had someone to talk to and fight beside me, if it came to that."
"Now you do, if it comes to that," Legolas said.
"How did I not sense that you were following me?" Gandalf said. "And how did Galadriel not miss you and seek you out? You were reckless, Lily."
"On the contrary, I was as careful as I knew how to be," Lily said. "I had learned woodcraft and archery and swordsmanship from the best." She thought of Haldir and smiled at Aragorn. "And Galadriel has far more important things to worry about in these dark times."
"I, for one, am glad that Lady Elanor was at Helm's Deep," Théoden King said.
"As am I," Éomer said. "All Rohan owes much to her skill as a healer—and she has made Helm's Deep the secure fortress it was before the battle."
"Hmmph," Gandalf grumbled. He and Théoden King turned onto a road that was wider and better-tended, the road to the fords of the River Isen. Then, after they passed the fords and ridden through the woods for a while, they struck the paved stone road that would lead them to Isengard.
"Here we go," Gimli growled as they rode past the short stone pillars that marked the edges of the road.
The woods were sparse and grew sparser as they approached the Wizard's Vale. Where once had grown orchards and fruitful fields, the land seemed worn and choked with weeds. "This was once like a vast garden," Gandalf said. "Saruman has let the land grow fallow and barren."
"How sad for the families who lived and worked here," Lily said. "Where are they now?"
"Saruman corrupted some to work in his forges and tend his machinery," Gandalf said. "Some even joined his foul army—did you not see the Men among the Orcs and Uruk-hai? The others had to flee into Dunland or seek asylum in Rohan. Some fought with us at Helm's Deep."
"How terrible that Saruman could destroy their lives and livelihood in such a fashion," Lily said. They could see the arms of the mountains that encircled Isengard; above them floated vapors of smoke and clouds of steam.
"An enemy of woodlands and forests—one who destroys but restores or places nothing new where all is bereft—shows himself to be wicked," Legolas said. They passed a black column of rock in the middle of the road; the device of a white hand was marred by what looked like a smear of blood.
"An evil token. We have seen it on the helms of too many of the enemy in recent days," Théoden King said.
"What's that evil smell?" Aragorn asked.
"It's like the smell of an unnatural fire, drowned with a bucket of filthy water—but less wholesome," Legolas said.
Lily's eyes caught the slight movement of two small figures as they approached the entrance to the Wizard's Vale. "Merry! Pippin!" she called.
Before them was an entrance, built into a wall of dark rock, its giant iron gates twisted and thrown to one side. Sitting on top of the stones high above the arch that had enclosed the blasted gates were Merry and Pippin, smoking pipes and looking well-satisfied. After exchanging banter with Gimli, the Hobbits told the company that Treebeard was waiting near the former dam of the River Isen. The company could see through the gate that Isengard had been flooded, its pits and caves filled and refilled until the foulness of the place was mostly washed away out the entrance. The waters had subsided now that the Ents had diverted the River Isen back into its course; the ravaged roads to the tower and the dimly gleaming, gritty surface of the land within the circle of black mountain walls remained. It had been carved into dwellings and workshops with windows like black holes of eyes. Debris and pools were scattered about, with some stone pillars left standing, and a few trees—which Gandalf said were actually watchful Ents—appeared outlandishly vertical and alive on the dead, grey plain.
"So the Ents tore down the dam and flooded the evil out of Isengard," Legolas said.
"But they could not wash all of the evil out of Isengard," Gandalf said.
"The Ents—it was they who shepherded the trees into the valley at Helm's Deep, wasn't it, Mithrandir?" Lily said. "That's what happened to the Orcs who survived the battle. The Ents took care that they would not attack again." She shuddered. "I'm glad the Ents and the Elves have been friends from ancient days."
"Some Elves have known the Ents and walked in Fangorn," Gandalf said. "But recently the Elves have been concerned with other matters."
"Still—as a Wood-Elf, I feel akin to all trees, and their shepherds," Legolas said. "I was not afraid of the Fangorn Forest and I am eager to meet the Ents." Places were found for Merry and Pippin to ride with the company as it set out to travel inside the circumference of Isengard toward the north end, where Treebeard waited. "Stay on the path!" Merry called. "These pits and pools hide danger and may be deeper than they look."
"I'm sorry you have to walk in this filthy place," Lily said to Snowstar, patting the horse's neck.
After the ride to the dam through the unclean pools and scenes of destruction, the company was introduced to Treebeard, which seemed to take an inordinate amount of time. Treebeard welcomed them all, and said that he had met Lily's parents many lives of Men past, back when the Elves used to travel to Fangorn. "As you came towards me, I though that you were Celebrian; you look so much like her," Treebeard said to Lily. "But of course she left Middle Earth some time ago."
"Yes, she went to the Grey Havens," Lily said. "But she would be pleased, I know, that you remember her."
The company waited while Gandalf and Treebeard consulted about Saruman and Gríma Wormtongue, who were still in the unassailable Tower of Isengard. The group then rode to the tower of rock: glassy, opaque black, and made so much harder than stone by sorcery that even the Ents had been unable to mar or crack it. A long stair had been carved ages ago by power greater than that of any Wizard and led to the door above the level of the floods. Indeed, the floods and the efforts of the Ents to destroy Orthanc seemed to have had no effect.
Gandalf ordered Saruman to come forth. Reluctantly, the white-bearded engineer of so much destruction stepped out onto the landing at the top of the stairs. Gríma Wormtongue hid behind Saruman's shifting-colored, whitish robes like a cringing child behind his mother's skirts, but without any of a child's innocence. When he saw Gandalf sitting sternly on Shadowfax, and Aragorn and Théoden King behind the Wizard, regally gazing with disdain at Saruman and his minion, Wormtongue disappeared back through the door. Saruman, after looking with apparent sorrow at each member of the company ("and taking the measure of each," Aragorn said later), begged Gandalf in honeyed tones to stop his rebellious ways. Gandalf made no reply and Lily and Legolas heard Saruman's manipulations for what they were. Aragorn stared silent at the base of the tower, but the Elves were surprised to see the others nodding and saying, "Quite reasonable," "This is wisdom," and the like. Legolas quickly set an arrow to his bow. It caught fire as it flew, passed close to Saruman's head, and bounced off the side of the tower, extinguished. Saruman was suddenly angry. "Don't be so quick to let those arrows fly, Elf, lest they turn on you or that witch beside you."
Lily couldn't help laughing. "Saruman, you never had power over the High Elves, unless they chose to come within your influence. If you were still a Wizard you would know that. Or perhaps you think to frighten us with your lies."
This exchange woke everyone from their enchantment. Gandalf quickly raised his hand and spoke a word that caused Saruman's staff break in pieces; the Wizard announced that Saruman was no longer part of the White Council. But he also offered mercy to Saruman and Gríma, and free passage out of Isengard if they would swear to do no more harm.
"You would kill me. I see the malevolence in the eyes of that Ranger, and I know who he is. And when my new master comes to smash the arrogance of the West, I will be his high servant and throw down this Dúnedain impostor," Saruman said, his eyes burning with hate.
"Saruman, your own fantasies have driven you to madness. Sauron does not share power. If he gets what he wants, all who live will be enslaved." Gandalf seemed brighter and taller.
"Be gone, imposter!" Saruman cried. As he moved to slam shut the door, a sphere of glass flew out and bounced down the stone steps, and the company heard Gríma squeak, "Be gone!" The sphere struck sparks from the steps, but did not break. Pippin saw it gleaming faintly in the cloudy water of a pool and slipped off his place on Aragorn's horse to pick it up. He gazed into it; Legolas and Lily looked at each other with alarm. As they both reached out to take the sphere from Pippin, Gandalf took it and wrapped it in his robes. Lily's eyes met the Wizard's, who shook his head slightly, then called, "We'd best catch up with Lady Éowyn and the people of Rohan. These floods and the Ents will keep Saruman and Gríma in their prison."
They rode from Isengard as quickly as they could. After stepping gingerly through the despoiled vale and moving past the woods, the horses were able to run at a good pace across the plains toward the road that the people of Rohan would take to Edoras.
The Rohirrim were sitting in rough meadows, eating lunch as men rode on guard duty around them, when the Isengard party rode up. Éowyn was watching over her charges and keeping an eye on the road they had travelled. The people cheered Théoden King and Éomer as they rode at the head of the group. Lily dismounted to help Éowyn check the wounded and found them and their families cheerful enough and their injuries healing well. "Lady Éowyn," Lily called, "The halls of Rohan will ring with song at your skill in healing."
"Then the song must include you, as well," Éowyn answered. The women finished their task and sat down to rest and have some water and lembas while Lily told Éowyn what had happened at Isengard.
"What was the sphere that Wormtongue threw out the window?" Éowyn asked.
"I would be guessing, and so should not tell," Lily said. "Who knows what a Wizard would have lying about in a tower so secure as Isengard? He did not reckon on the stupidity of Wormtongue."
"Those Wizards are a strange lot," Gandalf said from behind them. He had apparently been listening to them.
"Mithrandir! Must you sneak up behind us like that?" Lily asked.
"Forgive me, ladies. The world is such that you might consider guarding your conversations from 'sneaks' when possible. Not all are as harmless as I am."
Lily looked at the Wizard. "I should be so harmless, my lord."
Gandalf raised his eyebrows. "Indeed you should, Lily. And in your own way, you are. Now, Lady Éowyn, how long have your people been resting?"
Éowyn glanced up toward the sun. "It's been an hour and more, now."
"You might consider getting them moving again. It will be late afternoon when we arrive in Edoras and there is much to be done."
"Of course." Éowyn went to Éomer and soon the camp was moving slowly. Gandalf said to Lily, "I'd like to ride beside you here at the back, Lily. I need to know what you've seen. And yes, Legolas and Aragorn can ride behind us. Although I've no doubt Legolas knows more than I do."
Lily looked down and blushed. "Would you have me keep secrets from my betrothed? Oh, Mithrandir, tell me you approve of my choice."
"With all my heart."
"Then I will be even happier than I already am."
As Gandalf and Lily mounted Shadowfax and Snowstar, Legolas and Aragorn rode up to join them. "So, we finally get the benefit of Lily's gift of foresight," Aragorn said.
"It may not be as complete as you'd like. I kept my mind quiet and closed while traveling to Helm's Deep—I didn't want the Lady Galadriel to sense my purpose and try to stop me—and then I was so busy, and then, well, I was thinking of Legolas a lot. I've seen more of what is happening in the world in the past day or two than in all the days since I left Lórien."
"I hope you didn't leave your mind open to Saruman," Gandalf said.
"I did, actually—just a little, to test him—but he no longer knows the thoughts of others. He guesses correctly sometimes, just as anyone would, but he can't do much of anything with his Wizard craft any more. If he hadn't betrayed everyone and been so stupid about his own powers, I would have some sympathy for him. I suppose I should have more compassion, but he's had many years to use his power and wisdom for good, and instead he's chosen evil. I hope he and Wormtongue are taking turns sneaking about, trying to throw each other off the tower. And still, you gave him one more chance, Mithrandir."
"I've come to believe in the power of mercy and giving someone another chance," Gandalf said thoughtfully.
"You'll be interested in this, then. Frodo and Sam are being led through the approaches to Mordor; their guide is Gollum—Sméagol—whatever name the creature uses. They have passed through the Dead Marshes and are moving eastward, traveling at night. The Hobbits are being careful—they do not trust Gollum. Sam has tightened his belt a notch or two, but is sturdy and alert and would give his life for his 'Master Frodo.' Frodo is being weighed down by the Ring and burned by it. It's beginning to affect him, and that will become worse as he's nearer Mordor or actually enters the place. They still have some lembas, although they are tired of eating only that. I've tried to send them all the strength and guidance I can, and I believe Galadriel has, too—but Lórien and Rivendell are closed to me, probably as part of their protection against the Dark Lord."
"Frodo and Sam, still trying to fulfill their promise—and with Sméagol to guide them! I thought he might have a part to play in these contradictory times. Poor Frodo, his burden will only grow greater as he gets closer to the end," Gandalf said.
"But where is Gollum leading them?" Aragorn asked. "Can he know some secret way into Mordor, or is he up to something else?"
"I believe it's out of our hands, now—those who are true will be true, and those who would play us false will follow their own ways. But we can continue to hope for Frodo and Sam; there is much yet to be decided," Gandalf said. "Have you seen anything else, Lily?"
"Just snatches of this or that. Or things I can't name and places I've never been. It would be foolish to accept them as foresight. Although something is happening with Faramir—King Denethor's son? I wonder if Gondor knows of Boromir's death. And I am concerned for the Hobbit, Pippin—the sphere he picked up at Isengard—"
"Let us not speak of that at this time," Gandalf said. "Although you are right to be concerned."
"It seems few destinies are open to my sight, at present," Lily said.
"No one is given to know all fates," the Wizard said. "You've done well, Lily. Aragorn and I should probably ride with Théoden King. If you see something else, you'll tell me?"
"Of course." Lily watched Gandalf and Aragorn ride toward the front of the group. The future king was growing in strength and power; he had wielded his great sword Andúril with valor at Helm's Deep. If Frodo fulfilled his quest to destroy the One Ring and Aragorn led the people of the West to triumph over the Dark Lord—how often she had seen it in her heart—then Aragorn would be the King of Men in an age of peace. But the Elves would continue to leave Middle Earth for their haven in Valinor—would she and Legolas also take the ships into the West? Could Legolas leave Aragorn, at whose side he had fought so valiantly? She could not leave Legolas, she knew, but so many she loved had gone or would go to the ships, including her mother, Celebrian, and her father, Elrond. And what of Haldir, her dear brother?
"What are you thinking about?" Legolas asked.
"I was wondering about Haldir and the others who fell at Helm's Deep," Lily said. "Since those Elves who do not take the ships to Valinor, but die here in Middle Earth, are said to wander beyond the Sundering Seas—where are the Sundering Seas? Sunder means 'to divide.' Could the Sundering Seas not be the seas between Middle Earth and Valinor? And 'beyond the Sundering Seas' is Valinor, so will they be waiting for us in Valinor?"
Legolas thought a moment. "Then why would there be two different names for the places we speak of when we think of those who die in Middle Earth and those who sail to Valinor? It seems unnecessary, if all the Elves will be in the same place, to call it by two different names."
"I don't know. Maybe some bard put 'beyond the Sundering Seas' in a lament long ago, and a tradition grew up around it, as being a different place from Valinor. The lay of Lúthien Tinúviel and Beren speaks of the Sundering Seas, but they are reunited at last."
"I hope you're right. Perhaps Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn know."
"I think it will be a long time before we see them."
A boy yelled, "Edoras!" and everyone looked forward and up to the glint of gold on a massive outcropping from the foothills.
"That gold is the roof of Meduseld, the Golden Hall," Legolas said. "It may not seem kingly to someone from Lórien, but if you liked Helm's Deep, you'll probably find it cosy enough."
"I'm sure it's fine," Lily said. "There are many kinds of beauty, and I haven't made a habit of seeking luxury."
"No," Legolas said with a smile, "I've seen your luxurious flet. You seem to keep very busy, my love."
"Busy talking, Haldir would say. Would have said." Lily looked at Edoras as it drew closer. "I hope these people will find their homes as they left them. I understand Aragorn urged Théoden King to stay and fight."
"There are others than Saruman who may have plundered the Golden Hall, as it was left unguarded."
"Let us hope all is well," Lily said, as Snowstar began to climb the road to the flat mountaintop where Edoras had been built. Close behind it on two sides were the White Mountains with snow at their summits; hanging beneath the snowcaps was a bank of clouds, dark grey and roiling like waves. They passed the mounds of the Kings of the Mark, with the ever-blooming Simbelmynë flowers like a memory of snowflakes on the grassy tombs. "You know, Legolas, I have never seen the sea. I know we are supposed to be drawn to it, but right now I believe I love the mountains and forests and woods so much, I could not possibly love the sea more."
"I have yet to see the sea, either, but expect that when it is my time to seek out the ships, I will be drawn to it as I know other Elves have been."
"When it is 'your time,' I will be there with you. At the Bay of Belfalas or the Grey Havens, I will be there."
"Yes, you must. Because I can love no mountain or tree or inlet more than I love you." A cold wind breathed a warning at the travelers; then the sun shone and the day grew fair again. "Right now, my lady, autumn draws near its end and winter will soon be upon these lands. I wonder where we will be when spring comes."
Lily envisioned Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli stepping from within a mountain, followed by many Men of a shape and character she could not discern—but in her vision, the sun shone from the South on their uplifted faces. "Perhaps you will enjoy the warm weather for a while longer," she said.
Before Legolas could ask what she meant, they topped the road and came to the paved way that marked the entrance to Edoras. The houses seemed empty, deserted, but no sign of disturbance or plunder was evident. People hurried to their homes, and Gandalf, Théoden King, and the other noblemen, as well as Éowyn, Gimli, and the Hobbits, handed the reigns of their mounts to stablemen and began the climb up the broad stairs to Meduseld, the Golden Hall. Guards went ahead, bowing to the king as they passed him to secure the entrance to the Golden Hall.
"It appears that no plunderers climbed the road to see if the place was guarded or not," Legolas said as his horse, Arod, stopped near the base of the stairs. "I hear no shouts of dismay that the valuables are gone; things look to be as we left them."
"Every creature for many leagues around was drawn to the battle of Helm's Deep, no doubt." Lily slid off Snowstar's back. A spring of water flowed clear from a fountain carved in the shaped of a horse's head, channeling the snowmelt from the White Mountains into the stream the flowed through Edoras on its way to join the River Entwash on the plains far below. But the stones where the fountain emptied were marked with rivulets of mud. "What this place needs is a good cleaning. They should have called Wormtongue 'grimy Wormtongue,' not 'Gríma Wormtongue.' His deception and treachery to Théoden King and to Rohan left the people without pride or strength until Mithrandir brought his influence; there's a dark layer over everything. Even the roof of Meduseld looks like it could use a scrub."
"This place could indeed use a 'scrub,'" Legolas agreed. "And after their victory at Helm's Deep, Rohan has regained its pride and glory. The city should reflect that."
A young man appeared at Legolas's side. "I'll take your horse to the stable, sir. And my lady,"
"Oh—thank you," Legolas said, dismounting. Legolas and Lily each whispered Elvish words in the horses' ears and the young man looked puzzled that the horses had no saddles or other tack.
"It's all right," Legolas said. "Just walk toward the stable and they'll follow you." And so they did.
Éowyn came out of the door of Meduseld, high above. "There you are!" she called. "I knew Elves couldn't get lost. Come up, come in."
The long fire pit was already dancing with welcome flames in the stone hall, and Lily admired the tapestries that hung to honor the Kings of the Mark, passing one on each side for every three strides she took. "Éowyn," she spoke, and the lady came to her side. "Should we check the wounded, do you think?"
"They know where we are," Éowyn said. "Perhaps we should go around after our evening meal and see that everyone got home all right and has no need for food or other help—the nights grow chill, and the wind off the mountain snow can seem to blow through the walls. You'll share my room?"
"Of course—I'd be happy to do so. Although I wish I could stay with the Fellowship—something is wrong there; I feel it."
"Surely Gandalf and Aragorn can deal with whatever it is," Éowyn said. "Better to be in a warm bed than wrapped up in blankets on the floor—we try to give comfort and hospitality to our guests, but where so many desire to remain together, our choices are limited. They'll be in a drafty barn compared to my chamber in Meduseld."
Lily nodded. The two women moved toward the others, who were reliving the earlier parts of the Battle of Helm's Deep for the benefit of Gandalf and Éomer. As the sun set and night came, the tales of the battle went on. When serving-women brought food and ale for the increasing numbers in Meduseld, the stories alternated with toasts to the valiant fighters who lived and those who had died. Legolas raised his mug to Lily when the Elves were mentioned, and she, seeing him across the room, put her hand on her heart and bowed. Then she and Éowyn went to check that those who had not come to the Great Hall were safe and comfortable in their homes. Afterward, Éowyn returned to attend Théoden King, while Lily, wrapped in her grey Elven-cloak, went to stand at the edge of a stone precipice that gave a view of the stars toward Lórien. She tried to reach Galadriel with her mind, but a protective cloud lay over the Golden Wood. Then she relaxed her mind, willing what would to come, and traveled in thought to the brown hills by the gates of Mordor, where Frodo and Sam trudged on, following Gollum, but she could not see the end of their path. Her mind went next to Minas Tirith, the White City of Gondor gleaming in the starlight. In a tower high above the city Lord Denethor leaned over something. He had been kind to her in earlier days, but now he looked preoccupied, even obsessed, and his hands shook as he stared into—Lily's breath caught in her throat—a sphere of crystal like the one Gríma had thrown from the Tower of Isengard. Lily heard a voice forbidding her to see what Denethor saw in its depths, and she wrenched her mind away with a low cry. Aragorn, who had been walking toward her, ran to catch her in his arms as she swayed against the wind above the precipice.
"They are palantíri," she whispered.
"You saw the one we have? Another one?"
"Another." Lily laid her face on Aragorn's chest and felt his strong arms around her. "Denethor has one at Minas Tirith. Sauron has turned it to his own uses, but the Lord Denethor doesn't know that. He thinks he sees the truth. He has no hope. He is not himself."
"Did you see what the palantír communicated? Did it see you?"
"No. I heard my father's voice, commanding me to take my mind away. But as I did, I saw the Nazgûl, on flying beasts, circling the towers of the White City. Oh, my brother! Your kingdom will be difficult to win."
"We have always known that."
Lily looked up, thoughtfully. "Frodo and Sam seem to be all right, although I can't see where they are going. They must soon find a way into Mordor if Frodo is to complete his task."
"We should tell Gandalf what you saw."
"Just let me breathe a moment," Lily said. Aragorn let her step away, and she held her hands up towards the sky and opened herself to the clean wind off the snow-topped mountains while chanting something about the stars under her breath. When she opened her eyes and turned to Aragorn, she said, "I have hope, and so should you, for you shall be crowned King of Men, my brother."
"You saw that?"
"I have seen it many times. But the path to that hour will be dark and require all the strength of your heart and mind. I know that our choices determine our fates and that what I see could, in the end, not come to pass—so much depends on the thoughts and actions of so many, you not the least and Frodo perhaps the most. But I have hope, and you must always choose hope, Aragorn. In hope, at last, Arwen will be at your side and you will wonder if some of the worst times were nightmares, dark mists that finally blew away on a fresh breeze." She took Aragorn's arm and they walked toward the door of the Hall.
"You've never told me this before."
"I have not believed it to be the right time before. Nothing has come easily to you, Aragorn. I mean to remind you of difficulty ahead and give you a measure of that hope on which you must depend, and of comfort. You have all you need within you to choose your destiny, and friends around you."
"But if Frodo does not complete his quest—"
"Frodo's fate is in Frodo's hands—the fate of Middle Earth is in Frodo's hands—but I cannot think of a better bearer of our fate than our humble, dear Hobbit-friend, and his faithful Sam loves and guards him well. Your faith that Frodo was the proper Ringbearer helps give him the will to continue. Never despair, Aragorn. You always have the strength for another attempt while you live."
"I will remember that, and take as my example the Lady Elanor of Lórien."
Lily's laughter caused heads to turn as they walked into the torchlit hall. Gandalf turned and thought for a moment that he saw Aragorn as a younger man, less careworn, and with him the ever-radiant Arwen of Rivendell, the Evenstar of her people.
"Only the Morning Star," Lily whispered, reading the Wizard's mind. Legolas heard her.
"The brightest and most beautiful star to me, new with each dawn," he said, smiling at the courage that lit Lily's face.
Aragorn spoke quietly to Gandalf and then Wizard, Elf, and Elf-maiden accompanied him to a room off the Great Hall, where they discussed what Lily had seen. She and Aragorn did not reveal her confidence in his triumph. Most of the talk was of the palantíri, Denethor's near-madness, and Frodo and Sam.
"We should pull Merry and Pippin away from their dancing and singing, however it may amuse the Rohirrim, and get some rest," Gandalf said. "We mustn't celebrate before the victory is truly won."
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli went to gather the Hobbits and Lily sat on the floor and leaned her head against Gandalf's knee. "I'm so glad you're not dead," she said. "Of course I'm glad you're not dead! But I think you may hold the power that will lead to our final victory."
"Courteous of you to say, my girl. I was thinking how nice it would be to have a smoke and a quiet mug of ale at the Prancing Pony in Bree. I don't want that power."
"It is not yours entirely. You share it with Frodo and Aragorn and so many others who are with us on the edge of this knife that we call our task. But if you wanted a quiet life, you should have stayed away from Hobbits and ringlore, and especially the Mines of Moria."
"And you should be playing your harp in the Great Hall of Caras Galadon. We both seem to know how to get ourselves into trouble, Lily. Do you know where we'll be sleeping—where to find us if you need us?"
"Yes, although I feel left out not to be staying there with you all. Éowyn didn't understand that I would prefer your quarters to a cosy bed in her room. I do feel uneasy. Something's going to happen, and perhaps I could help if I were there."
Gandalf placed his hand on her head. "Do you know what this something is, or when it will happen?"
"No. But something will, sometime soon."
"Something like all the hellhounds of Mordor unleashed against us? I can foresee that."
"No, something smaller. Something that could have a small effect or a great effect."
"Well that helps a great deal," Gandalf said with irony. "Your gift is a bit fickle, Lily."
"Lately, yes." Lily heard Aragorn's laugh in the passage and stood. The members of the Fellowship entered the room and Gandalf rose, as well.
"I'll bid you goodnight, then, gentlemen," Lily said.
They exchanged goodnights and Lily went and gave each Hobbit a hug. "I'm so happy to see you and to know that you're all right, Pippin and Merry," she said. The two sobered up and courteously responded as the members of the Fellowship left Lily standing in the Great Hall.
