Part, the Seventh
Things of Beauty
When they reached the outlying trees of Lothlórien, Kagome sent out a pulse of purifying greeting into the trees. There was an immediate return brush of amused exasperation. She grinned at the blue power.
Legolas looked at her in question. "Who was that?"
He was cut off when they were abruptly surrounded by Elves with their bows drawn. Legolas had his own arrow knocked and aimed as a voice split the silence.
"The Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark," a tall blonde Elf said, moving through the guards.
"Haldir!" Kagome cried, throwing herself into his arms.
He grinned, hugging her back. "Kagome, dear, what have you and Kirara gotten yourselves into this time?" Looking down, he nodded to the cat.
Kagome giggled and drew back to motion to the Fellowship. "These are my friends." She eyed him shrewdly. "And I suspect you know why we've come."
Haldir inclined his head. "The hafling brings great evil here. I cannot let the group pass."
Kagome stepped back, frowning. "Haldir, you know what we must do. We need help!" She implored. "Gandalf is battling a Balrog and Aragorn has taken up the leadership. We need rest and solace."
He sucked in a sharp breath at that. Staring into her so blue eyes, he felt his resolve crumble. Finally, he looked at the others in the group. The Dwarf was glaring at everything and the hobbits were staring wide-eyed at the Elves. The two Men were watching them closely, but the Elf-the Elf was staring at Kagome peculiarly.
Moving, Haldir addressed the group. "Welcome, Legolas, son of Thranduil."
Legolas inclined his head. "Our Fellowship stands in your debt."
Haldir arched a brow and looked at Aragorn. "Aragorn of the Dúnedain. You are known to us."
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves!" Gimli growled. "Speak words we can all understand!"
The Elf's eyes narrowed and Kagome sighed in exasperation. "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days."
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" Gimli spouted off.
Kagome's eyes widened in alarm. Freaking really? 'I spit on your grave'? Why didn't Gimli just ask to kindly be returned to Moria if he was in such a hurry to lose his life?
Reaching out, she grabbed Haldir's arm as Aragorn hit Gimli.
"That was not so courteous," the heir glared.
Haldir looked down at Kagome and shook his head with a defeated sigh. "You bring trouble wherever you go," he grumbled.
She drew back, hurt. Haldir smirked and leaned down to whisper in her pointy ear, low enough that only she heard.
"You seem to have stolen the attention of yet another Elf. Tsk, what am I to do with you?" Then, he kissed her below her ear and stood.
Kagome's face was crimson as she sputtered at her friend. He smirked again and then addressed the shocked group.
"Come, you will follow me, after the Dwarf is blindfolded."
This caused an uproar until Aragorn suggested that the entire group be blindfolded. Kagome huffed, but allowed Rumil, Haldir's brother, to tie a scarf around her eyes. He moved to take her hand before Haldir intervened.
"Come, little firefly. It's been too long since you've visited," Haldir stated, throwing the woman over his shoulder.
Kirara growled at the woman's shriek, but settled when Kagome began calling the Elf curses in every language she knew. Haldir laughed heartily and slapped her on the back of her thighs.
"Haldir!" she nearly screamed. "Orophin, I'm going to kill your brother as soon as he puts me down!"
Orophin chuckled. "I shall enjoy watching, Kagome."
"It behooves me to keep you in my arms, then, doesn't it?" Haldir retorted cheekily.
"What'd he do, Kagome?" Sam said, ready to defend his friend.
Kagome grumbled, whacking Haldir in the back. "N-never mind, Sam," she stuttered with embarrassment.
"I didn't know it was Elven custom to accost women," Boromir said tightly.
Haldir's brows shot up. "Accost? Have you known Kagome for any length of time? You should inquire of her about how she first came to know me."
The miko twisted so she was sitting on his shoulder rather than tossed over it. "Don't listen to him, Boromir. He's making it sound worse than what it was." Tilting her head, she tugged on Haldir's hair. "Jerk, you promised you wouldn't tell anyone about that."
He chuckled. "Ah, but I haven't broken the promise. I simply said that he should ask you about it."
With a defeated sigh, Kagome fell silent the rest of the journey; the weight of Legolas' displeasure heavy at her back.
…..
They were given their sight back when the group reached Caras Galadhon, the great Elven city in the trees. Haldir slid Kagome down his body-not erotically because of their armor, but Kagome slapped his arm nonetheless. He grinned and stroked her flyaway hair from her face, then took the scarf she handed back to him.
"I'll find you later," he promised and then was gone.
Aragorn cleared his throat and arched a brow. Kagome blushed and stomped her foot.
"Not one word, Estel," she huffed, "Not one single word."
The heir would have teased her anyway, but he saw hurt deep in her eyes, buried under anger and embarrassment. Instead, he motioned for the group to climb the stairs to meet with Galadriel and Celeborn. Legolas hesitantly fell in step beside the woman and her cat, his muscles tense. She was looking down before raising her eyes and forcing a smile.
"You okay?" she asked when she saw his frown.
The Elf hesitated, but inclined his head. "Yes, I was concerned for you."
Kagome's smile turned genuine. "Thanks, but I'm fine. Haldir is…well, he's Haldir. He loves to mortify me, ever since we first met. He's a very good friend, though and wouldn't really hurt me."
"How did you meet?" The Elf couldn't help but ask as his fists unclenched. There was nothing but friendship for the Marchwarden in her words or aura.
Her face turned red again. "Ah, ha, that's an interesting story. It was a few hundred years after I came here. I was being chased by some Orcs and was trying to get to a place where I could have the advantage. I cut across a stream and ran smack into a bathing Haldir. I was so shocked that the Orcs managed to catch up." She grimaced and pulled on her hair. "Kirara burst out of the tree line and tossed me on her back. Without thinking, I hauled Haldir on as well. We had to fly back to Caras Galadhon soaked, with him completely naked. I was totally mortified."
Legolas' eyes danced with amusement. "And thus began your friendship?"
"If you want to call it that," she grumbled as they reached the top of the stairs and waited to be presented.
Kagome skirted around and stood behind Legolas as Celeborn and a glowing, radiant Galadriel descended to their platform. They smiled kindly at the group before Galadriel spoke.
"Where are Gandalf and the Lady of the Fellowship?"
Kagome clenched her jaw and moved to stand before the Elven rulers, stilling her hands from trying to brush off the road and straighten her hair. "Gandalf has fallen into shadow," she answered.
"A Balrog of Morgoth," Legolas finished, his voice strained.
"What now becomes of this Fellowship?" Celeborn said, his brows together, "Without Gandalf, hope is lost."
Kagome growled, "Hey! Yeah, we took a blow when Gandalf fell, but we are far from defeated! What kind of attitude is that?"
Everyone's eyes went wide at her tirade. Legolas frowned and drew Kagome to stand beside him, silently telling her to calm down.
The Noldor female studied her a moment and then her eyes widened just a fraction. "I see. Tirelen's light shines even now."
Gaze falling to the side, Kagome crossed her arms. She never could tell when the She-Elf was making fun of her or was just genuinely amused by something.
"The enemy knows you have entered here," Celeborn stated as if to make his case, "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone."
Galadriel's eyes twinkled with mirth as she said, "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of us all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled." She looked to Gimli. "And do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril and in all lands love is now mingled with grief. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil."
After they were dismissed, Kagome stormed down the tree and disappeared with Kirara. The Fellowship looked at each other in confusion, but followed their guide to their lodging. Legolas' brows were furrowed with concern as he watched her light get further from him.
The miko ended up on one of the guard's platforms a ways away after bathing. Kirara mewed and rubbed against her mistress in a gesture of comfort. Kagome smiled wanly and petted her companion. Her emotions were jumbled, just like they always were when she visited the Galadhrim. Galadriel was beautiful and so very in control of her power, that Kagome felt untrained and frazzled next to her. The feeling sent her back to Japan and measuring herself against Kikyou.
It was stupid. Galadriel had never been anything but kind to her, and yet her too knowing eyes always seemed to track Kagome with something close to calculation. She didn't like being a pawn and she had enough experience now to keep herself from being too much of one. Her misfortunes weren't Galadriel's fault.
Kagome shook her head to cast aside that line of thinking. Heartache burned her chest like a brand as she tried desperately to keep a lid on everything she couldn't afford to think about right now.
Someone landed on the platform beside her. Looking over, she saw Haldir studying her carefully.
"You are harder on yourself than anyone else," he stated.
She gave a choked laugh and met his eyes. "You're biased, but thank you," she responded. "Has everyone bedded down?"
"Yes," he said softly. "You can stay with me tonight, or are you going to your little hut?"
Kagome shook her head and smiled. "Are you trying to get me in your bed, Haldir? I'm shocked," not rising to the bait of what he thought of her nest in Lothlórien. It was sparse, for she was in the wood often enough to demand it, but not so much to upkeep it.
The Elf chuckled. "Dear, if I were trying, you wouldn't have to ask-you'd know."
Blushing, she looked away. "Tease."
He grinned before growing serious. "When this is over, I'm going to sail to Valinor."
The announcement made her breathing catch and her body turn cold.
"What?"
The word was said faintly, with such feeling that Haldir was taken aback. Frowning, he watched her carefully.
"I feel that my time in Endor has ended. My soul longs for the Undying Lands."
Laughing with anything but joy, Kagome turned her head away and pulled her knees up to her chest. "Glorfindel sailed when we left Imladris."
A poignant silence settled between them. Haldir closed his eyes at the pain in her voice and what she must be feeling at the Elf's loss. Shifting, he sat beside her and wrapped a gentle arm around her waist.
"He Saw something?"
Turning slightly, Kagome rested her head against his shoulder. Haldir brushed her hair back and held her trembling form close.
"Yeah. Said he'd just be holding me back, or something stupid like that." She took in a shuddering breath. "He renamed me and then Gandalf fell and there is so much darkness coming, Haldir. I can't…I-he said I wasn't lost anymore, but I feel more so than ever."
Contemplating that, he turned his gaze to the night sky. "He named you 'Tirelen', 'watchful star'. Do you think that the stars know that we look to them for guidance?"
Puzzled, the miko frowned. "I don't know."
"Perhaps they don't. Perhaps they watch us and move through their own lives, but so much do we follow them that they appear fixed. Guiding us, watching us without even knowing the extent of their gifts."
"That's weird, Haldir," she pointed out, wrinkling her nose.
With his hand, he turned her head until she was watching the twinkling lights so far from them. "If they are confused, if they falter, we never know it. We follow them regardless, and great is our joy when we can hear their song, Tirelen. Ever there, ever burning, a companion even in the darkest night."
"But, they must be terribly lonely." The words rushed up from the hollow places inside her.
Tugging on her unbound hair, he traced where the braids had been that Legolas had woven. "We don't know what is behind the stars, do we? Or what they do during the day, little firefly. If everyone shone so brightly, what would be the point?"
His words were all Confucius-like and probably wise, but she was tired of people clucking her on the chin and telling her to buck up. When was it her turn to be selfish? Or was she being selfish by holding onto her anger at everyone seemingly leaving her?
"Glorfindel's still a bastard," she mumbled.
Amusement rumbled in his chest. "I will not object to that. But, perhaps you could sail with me, Kagome. The Undying Lands will accept you and perhaps you will find your peace there. We have never been lovers, but you have been very dear to my heart in all the seasons we've had together. I would be grieved to leave you, especially so soon after your lordling's departure."
Kagome wiped her eyes and felt rather that she couldn't handle any more emotional upheavals. "I'll think on it. Haldir," she said intently, "don't go to Helm's Deep. Whatever happens, don't go there."
His brows furrowed. "Rohan? I have no reason to go there."
"Not yet, but promise me," she begged, gripping the soft fabric across his chest. He had bathed and changed out of his armor since she'd last seen him.
"Kagome, you know I cannot. If the Lady of Light asks me, I will go." His hand covered hers on his chest. "What did you See?"
Her eyes clenched. "I Saw you fall in battle."
The Elf released a breath and tipped her chin up, making her open her eyes and look at him. "Do not let this burden you. If I fall in battle, I will see you in Valinor."
The miko gave a shuddering breath, searching his eyes for reassurance. Finding it, she nodded. "Okay. I'm very tired, Haldir."
He smiled. "Humans were not meant to live eternally, but you aren't quite human, are you?"
"No," she admitted, "but sometimes I wish I were again."
"Ah, I am fortunate you are not. I would be deprived of your company and what a dull life that should be!" He kissed her forehead and settled back against the tree with her in his arms.
She laughed weakly and sat with him in silence for a long while after, each of them drawing strength from the other.
…..
Later that night, Kagome sat outside the Fellowship's pavilion, after telling Haldir that the group really should stay together. She was waiting on Frodo's return, having seen Galadriel lead the hobbit away-probably to look into her infamous mirror. Rubbing Kirara's head, the miko watched as the hobbit made his way over to her side and flopped down. He held the One Ring loosely in his hand despondently. Kagome patted his knee, drawing his attention as she looked at the stars.
"Don't let the Ring's negativity get to you, Frodo. Galadriel's a heifer sometimes, you know."
His eyes blinked and then looked at her in shock at her irreverence for the Elf. Grimacing, he curled his hand around the jewelry. "What do you know about it?" he muttered, still shaken from what he'd Seen.
Kagome smiled, not offended. "More than you think, my friend." Seeing his disbelieving look, the miko hesitated, before saying, "I was once the Guardian of an object just as powerful."
The hobbit's eyes snapped to her. "You had one of the Rings?"
"No-something else-a jewel. I was born with it inside me. When I was fifteen, it was ripped out of me and shattered across the land. Understand, this jewel could grant great power, like the Ring, and its shards could do the same. Someone with an impure heart would taint the jewel and be driven mad with its power. When the jewel was whole, it would grant the owner a wish and legend had that a pure wish would unmake the jewel."
"What happened?" Frodo asked.
She shrugged. "I met my friends and we traveled looking for the shards. At the end, we fought a great evil and won. The jewel was made whole and I purified it."
"How long did it take you?"
"Nine years of my life were spent finding the shards and the rest of my years have been spent trying to find meaning in it. Frodo, whatever your path, there is a reason for it. You must trust in the people who have never let you down," Kagome stared at him intently. "Do not be so quick to trust those who would have the Ring for themselves."
Frodo shifted uncomfortably. "I Saw the Shire on fire."
Kagome nodded. "Yes, I Saw it, too. The destruction of the Ring will keep that from happening. Remember, I will be with you always, Frodo." She placed her hand over his heart and purified the sliver of taint the Ring had weaseled in. "Now, get some sleep."
Hesitating, he swallowed at the abrupt feel of darkness that had slid away from him. Looking at his friend, so very different than he'd ever thought she could be, he worked his jaw until he could speak again.
"I Saw you, too, Kagome," he whispered, meeting her odd eyes.
For a long stretch of time, she studied him, her thoughts deeper than even the Lady's. Then, the corners of her lips turned up in a pale mockery of her usual smile. He wondered at the sudden age that he could see in her.
"Our paths," she began, very softly, almost as a breeze against his ear, "are ever changing, Frodo Baggins. Very soon, you will live your fears. Your torment will twist you, punish you, will be as a rabid dog on your heels. You will walk in Darkness and it will appear pleasing to your eye. When those festering murmurs leak into you and your soul begs for relief; any relief regardless of who gives it, I want you to remember something."
The hobbit was shaking, a clammy film coating his body as even Galadriel's mirror hadn't induced. He felt the words she spoke-his future echoing back so violently that he touched a shade of it even in this hallowed place.
Rising to her knees, Kagome came level with his eyes, her own such a brilliant blue that even the night couldn't conceal their color. She took his shoulders in her hands and held him steady as her power rushed through him.
"I want you to remember my eyes tonight," she commanded, something lacing her words to bind him to them. "I want you to remember that the Darkness will flee with Light. No matter how frail, or windblown or dying. Darkness cannot exist when touched by Light."
A weight melted from him, taking with it all the dirty things that had burrowed inside him since he'd come into the Ring. He felt clean…so much so that tears spilled down his cheeks. Collapsing, he fell into her arms and sobbed there as she soothed him. He'd been of age for nigh on twenty years, yet here, tonight, he felt a lad still in his mother's arms. She couldn't take this burden from him, but she could give him a haven-just for a moment.
When he pulled away to go to bed at last, his eyes were clear and bright for the first time in so long.
"I am…I am proud you are my friend, Kagome," he told her with absolute sincerity.
An ancient feeling unfurled in her face, like someone who had quite forgotten what to do when thanked for passing the salt. She'd never thought about not being loyal to him and that-more than anything else-ensured that he'd remember her words.
"Don't undervalue your own self, Master Baggins," she replied, patting his cheeks. "I'm quite fond of you, too. Now get on with you."
Smiling, the hobbit did as she bade and moved into the lodging with the others. Grey eyes flicked from the returning member to the one sitting like a fallen star guarding their rest.
A wave of his hand sent a tendril of green power to her, catching her attention. When she turned to him, he frowned at her, his message clear. Wrinkling her nose at him, she flicked a rude gesture before acquiescing. He shifted, making room for her between him and the wall, which she slid into with an indignant huff. She didn't mention her pleasant surprise at him already having bedding out for her.
"Orophin said that you have your own lodging here," he murmured to her.
Pulling off her boots, she shrugged. "Sort of. It's mostly just a little hut thing that I can stay in when I'm in Lothlórien so I don't bother anyone. I don't know what kind of shape it's in now."
"I should like to see it."
Sliding until she rested on her back, Kagome looked up, as he was sitting with his back to the wall. He was too close to her raw emotions right then. Instinct wanted to push him away until she could breathe without hurting, but something kept her from following through. Biting her lip, she centered herself and inclined her head in agreement.
Legolas watched her, saying nothing else, until he began to sing quietly. The feel of the forest settled around her as he rested a light hand on her head.
She slept and she dreamed of stars whirling with amber eyes and pink armor and a golden staff lit with blue foxfire.
…
The Company was bid to eat with many of Galadriel and Celeborn's closest Elves the next night. The hobbits were pleased to finally have food enough to promise full bellies, and set about eating the moment their plates were filled. Happy chatter rose around them so much that they didn't notice someone missing until a hush fell over the hall. Raising their eyes curiously, they were met with a sight unlike any they'd seen yet.
Kagome glided toward them, but it was their friend as they'd never seen her-even at Rivendell. She seemed to glow with an Otherworldly light, as the Elves were wont to do. Her hair flowed freely and she was clad in the garments of the Galadhrim. For the first time, they became aware of her as a female and couldn't help but stare unabashedly.
Legolas rose and immediately went to her side, escorting her the rest of the way to their table. His face was gentle and his grey eyes were silver as they fastened solely on the miko. When their hands touched, the light around them pulsed, filling the empty spaces with things the hobbits couldn't hope to understand. To them, they could only say that they were touched down even to the bottom of their souls.
Frodo swallowed as Kagome lowered herself into a seat beside her escort. She blinked at their gaping looks and then flushed heavily.
"What?" she asked, touching her hair self-consciously.
Even Aragorn had to take a moment to speak. "For most of my life I've known you, Kagome," he began, "but never have I seen you without a seal upon your True Self."
Though he could not see her as she and the Elves would appear in the Undying Lands, he could understand what her appearance that night meant. He could understand that those who could see both planes could see Kagome as she truly was. Mortal eyes simply weren't meant for such things.
Ducking her head, she shrugged elegantly. "Lothlórien is one of the only places I don't have to keep a seal. Anywhere else and I would draw far too much attention from things that would be better avoided."
The Enemy would see her and her power would draw him in a terrible way.
Steadily, the Company resumed their eating, though they often found their eyes drifting back to the sole female of their group.
Legolas said nothing until Kagome finished, and then he offered to escort her out. Heart fluttering, she nodded slowly and allowed him to lead her from the hall.
Gimli chuckled ruefully to himself. "He'll be useless to us the rest of our time here."
Laughing, Aragorn tilted his goblet in agreement and watched as his two friends slowly descended from the raised area.
In silence the two walked, finding themselves before a small pond after a while. The Elf watched her as the moon and stars appeared, glowing down from the sky and up from the reflective surface of the water.
He'd lived many lifetimes of a Mortal, but never had he seen a True Self like hers. It radiated purity and called to him as nothing ever had or ever would. His True Self yearned to meld with hers so much it was a physical ache.
"I learned more than you revealed of yourself while at Imladris," he told her, studying her face intently.
Brows furrowed, Kagome looked at him in question. Releasing her hand, he stepped very near her, stormy eyes churning with emotions he wouldn't put name to yet.
Then, with quiet intensity, he clarified, "I am not Glorfindel of Gondolin."
Flinching back, she crossed her arms. "I know." Licking her lips, she met his gaze with her own. "I…he just…left. It seems like I'm always the one stuck, watching the world and everyone else pass me by, leave me behind."
Gentle hands settled on her elbows and his familiar warmth washed over her like a caress. "It is the way of the Elves to feel so. What are memories, but waking dreams to us? You aren't an Elf, but it is the same with you."
Blue eyes were searching when they met grey. "I'm tired of fighting and losing and waiting." Lids fell tightly as she turned her head down. "But, I don't know anything else."
A quiet exhale was his reply before he pulled her to him, silently offering to be her strength for however long she needed. She didn't know why she was startled, but she was at the action. For a full minute, she stayed motionless and unyielding. When her mind caught up with everything he was and wasn't saying, the miko relaxed completely into him.
"I will not move, Tirelen," He breathed, "tenn' Ambar-metta."
The smell of the forest filled her nose and the feeling he gave her made her a melted weak thing. Hands clenching in his tunic front, she forced away her shudder.
"The end of the world may very well be upon us."
Smiling, he rested his head against hers and she knew that one day or a thousand-he meant what he said. He would be with her through it all.
What sucky timing. Stupid Elf.
….
On the tenth day after the bridge of Khazad-dûm, Kagome felt Gandalf pass. She closed her eyes tightly and silently decided not to tell the others. There was no reason to give them another burden to bear.
The Fellowship was leaving the heart of Elvendom, having received supplies and rest gratefully.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," Celeborn said as he stood before the Fellowship and watched his Elves pin cloaks on them. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."
Kagome shifted in the soft material, her seal back on her True Self and appearing as she ever had to her friends. They still cast wondering glances to her, but she tactfully ignored them as she smiled at the Celeborn. He inclined his head as his wife stepped forward.
"My gift to you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim. Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin."
He tested the weapon and examined it with awe, bowing his thanks. Kagome eyed the six foot bow and saw the tendril of power about the chord. Galadriel had blessed it with a hair from her head. She felt mildly put-out that she wouldn't be able to even ask to try out the weapon. It had to have a nearly 69kg pull to it. No way could she use it. Stupid Elf and his freakish upper body strength.
The golden haired ruler moved to stand before Pippin and Merry, presenting them with their own weapons. "These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war. Do not fear, young Peregrin Took," she said to the hobbit. "You will find your courage."
"And for you, Samwise Gamgee, a bit of earth from my Orchard. If you keep it and see your home again, though you should find all barren and laid waste, there will be few gardens in Middle-earth that will bloom like your garden. Then you may remember Galadriel and catch a glimpse far off of Lórien."
Sam blushed mightily and muttered his thanks as he bowed low as he could.
Galadriel grinned and moved on to Gimli. "And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?"
"Nothing," he said gruffly, "Except to look upon the lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth."
Kagome hid her smile and shared a look with Legolas, who was surprised at the shorter man's words. They were even more astonished at the Dwarf's further praises to the Lady of Lórien and her gift of three of her hairs.
"I shall treasure it, Lady," he told her, so fervently that the emotion filled the air, "in memory of your words to me at our first meeting. And if ever I return to my home, it shall be set in imperishable crystal to be an heirloom of my house, and a pledge of good will between the Mountain and the Wood until the end of days."
His Oath settled about him and the Elves, as though a glistening sheen had been unearth after ages of neglect. Galadriel's eyes sparkled with delight as she turned to the Ring-bearer.
The Elf ruler gave Frodo the light of Eärendil, the Elves most beloved star.
"May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out. Remember Galadriel and her Mirror!"
Frodo accepted the phial gratefully, shooting a look to Kagome as he did. She winked, her face soft, and it bolstered his spirits.
The miko's contentment faded when Galadriel stood in front of her.
Giving a bow, she then stood, knowing the She-Elf deserved that much. Galadriel studied her a moment, testing her resolve, for she could not read Kagome's mind as she did others'.
"Aman will welcome you, Kagome," she said at last, "if you choose to follow us."
Kagome gave a genuine smile. "I'm glad you will get to go home, Galadriel."
The Elf's eyes crinkled warmly and the women felt some of their tension fade. "You have everything you need for your journey. What would you ask of me?"
The miko swallowed. "I don't know if you can do it, but is there any way to sever Midoriko's bond with me? She deserves to really rest, not like she's been doing in my soul."
Galadriel placed her hands on either side of the miko's face. "Help me, and perhaps we can do this for her."
Kagome closed her eyes and focused her powers and Galadriel's at the niche Midoriko was in. Together, the women were able to finally break her ties to the Shikon. When they looked up, a ghostly Midoriko was before them, tears in her eyes.
"Thank you," she said. "Thank you so very much."
Kagome shook her head. "After everything you've done, you deserve this. You've earned it."
The Fellowship looked on in shock and awe at the ghostly woman who resembled Kagome.
"I'm sorry, Kagome," Midoriko apologized. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more." Looking to Galadriel, she touched the hand that wore Nenya. With a last flare of her powers, she severed the three Elven Rings' ties to Sauron. "So that he will never have them."
Galadriel's eyes widened. "Thank you."
The old miko nodded and disappeared. Kagome staggered at the feeling of a long-born thorn being removed before Legolas steadied her. Galadriel kissed her forehead, a breath of protective prayer washing through the miko, before the ruler looked to Aragorn. As she and her husband moved to talk with him, Haldir appeared. Kagome smiled and squeezed Legolas' forearm before walked over to hug the Marchwarden.
He enfolded her in his arms, holding her tightly. "I shall see you in Valinor, firefly. If we do not sail together, let it be me that first makes the journey."
Kagome shook her head and then looked at Rumil and Orophin standing beside their brother. She couldn't let her mind focus on that sharp possibility. Pasting on a smile, she said goodbye to the two brothers.
"And you two better make sure he doesn't do anything stupid," she told them.
They grinned and shook their heads, knowing that there was no stopping Haldir when he got an idea in his head. Haldir leaned down and kissed her cheek, before looking over her shoulder to a tense Legolas.
"You'll not have to worry about Sauron, son of Thranduil, if you let harm befall her. I'll hunt you myself."
Legolas blinked and arched a brow. "Why do all of Kagome's friends feel it necessary to threaten me? Especially when it is you who have her in your arms?"
Haldir threw back his head and laughed, tossing Kagome at the startled prince. Kagome flailed, barely managing to not injure Legolas when he deftly caught her. Feet on the ground, she glared back at Haldir.
"Keep her for now, little prince. We shall see how long you can hold on to her."
Kagome stuck her tongue out at her friend and watched as he and his brothers disappeared into the trees. Looking up at Legolas, she flushed and moved out of his arms.
"Ha, sorry about that."
He smiled. "You certainly inspire violence in friends, don't you?"
Eyes narrowing, she huffed and clamored into one of the boats, waiting for the rest of the group with Kirara. Legolas grinned and followed Gimli into the boat with the miko. Boromir loaded the boat behind Merry and Pippin while Aragorn took the one with Sam and Frodo. As they set sail, Kagome looked back to see Galadriel giving them a farewell and her heart lifted more so than it had since entering Moria.
