I ask that there be no flames, for any of my stories. Nobody is perfect. If you don't like what I've written, then you don't have to read it.
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to the Lord of the Rings except for my character. I try to paraphrase character lines so that it doesn't seem like you're reading the movie but there will be points where it's said as it is written for 1 of three reasons. Either A, it's a good line and deserves to be left as is. B, it's blunt enough and can't really be said another way or C, it's too sophisticated to be changed into something else that might make it sounds stupid.
Anything that is supposed to be Elvish shall be written like this 'elvish'. Telepathic thoughts are 'telepathic'.
AN: As promised, here is the next chapter. I wish a very Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy Holidays.
For those of you who are fans of Doctor Who or Once Upon a Time, read this as it may interest you. If you have no idea what I'm talking about then go ahead and just skip to the story.
I have been working on a Doctor Who fanfic for almost a year. It starts off from 'New Earth' in season 2 and goes on from there. It will eventually become a Doctor/OC love story but not for a while. This story shall contain some of the audiobooks/novels during the time of 10 but not all of them so there will be spoilers about them. However, I am currently still writing the story out. Once I start writing season 3, I will begin typing and posting season 2. Currently I have finished up till 'Satan's Pit' with only one more possible novel/audiobook left but it's not determined if I'll use it yet.
As I received OUAT season 3 for Christmas, I have gotten into the mindset of writing a story between my OC and Rumple/Gold. I am a fan of Rumbelle but I don't think there are enough Rumple/OC stories out there so I'll try my hand at it. It won't be for a while but if you're interested in either of these, then let me know and I'll work on them as soon as possible. I want to try and finish LOTR trilogy first before I start something else.
The sounds of grass and footsteps in the ground were the only sounds heard as the Fellowship made it way through a grassy field. Vardainiel had fallen behind with Gimli and Boromir, clutching her shoulder. The pain was starting to catch up with her and she could feel her life's blood seep through her binding, her energy starting to fail.
"Lass, perhaps we should check your wound again." The dwarf suggested but the elleth shook her head.
"Nay, Gimli. We must reach the woods of Lothlorien first." She breathed as they came upon a forest of tall trees with very green leaves.
The running slowed to a walk as the group made their way through the forest. Gimli walked before the Hobbits and ushered them closer.
"Don't wander, little Hobbits! There is word of a great sorceress that lives in these woods, an Elf witch with terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell and are never seen again." He warned with much caution in his voice.
Legolas's eyes darted around from tree to tree, as if he sensed something was there. His hand reached back and went to his bow to be ready.
"Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox." Gimli boasted only to come face to face with multiple arrows notched and ready to fire by Elves who had surrounded the Fellowship.
Legolas had his bow drawn and ready but they were greatly outnumbered. A tall blond elf stepped forward as Captain of the Guard.
"The so called Dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." He looked to Aragorn and Legolas. "We were told of your coming." It was when he heard his name called from behind the others that he stepped forward further.
"Haldir." Vardainiel stepped up to meet him, his eyes landing on her wound.
"Lady Vardainiel! Come, we must treat your wound." He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her to the front of the others before turning to them. "Follow me."
Haldir led them through the forest to the platforms at the edge of the city where healers whisked Vardainiel away to treat her. As Legolas watched her go, Haldir greeted the others properly.
"Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil."
"Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lorien" The Prince answered back, his eyes darting back to the direction that Vardainiel had been led off in.
Haldir looked to Aragorn and recognized him.
"Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are most known to us." Aragorn bowed his head in respect as Gimli began grumbling.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves. Why not speak words we can all understand? And where have you taken our lassie?" Though she was an elf, he was beginning to grow fond of her, much to his surprise.
"We have not had dealings with Dwarves since the dark ages. Your friend will return to you momentarily, but you can go no further. You bring a great evil with you." Haldir turned and walked away to be met with the strides of Vardainiel as she returned to the group, her shoulder now wrapped cleanly.
"My lady, how do you fare? The Lord and Lady have been worried."
"I am fine, Haldir. A small wound such as this is nothing to fuss over. We must pass through Lothlorien, there is no other way."
"I cannot allow such a great evil to enter this realm! It's far too dangerous!" Angered now with a stern face, Vardainiel stood boldly in front of him.
"Haldir, you know as well as I that I will use all the power that is in my name to see to it that we are brought through Lothlorien."Haldir stared back with equal determination but he knew that this was an argument he would not win.
Sighing he turned and walked back to the Fellowship, the Hobbits embracing Vardainiel around the legs and waist.
"It is alright, young Hobbits. There is no harm done." They broke off and stepped away as Haldir spoke.
"Come with me." He led the others through the forest with the rest of the elven guard until they come upon a long path that wound itself around the tall trees. "Caras Galadhon…the Heart of Elvendom on Earth. Ruled by the Lord Celeborn and Galadriel, our Lady of the Light." He presented before they climbed their way up the staircases until the sun had set and the blue glow of moonlight provided light up the path.
They passed many different paths before coming upon an archway with stairs that seemed to lead up to the sky. The Fellowship stood before the stairs as Haldir stepped off to the side. A bright light emanated from the top of the steps as an elven couple descended down, hand in hand. Everyone started in awe as the light diminished and they could see the two elves, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel who stopped before them.
"The enemy knows you have entered this realm." Celeborn spoke. "What hope you had for secrecy has vanished. Nine of you are here, yet ten set out from Rivendell. Tell me where Gandalf is, for I wish to speak with him." Galadriel looked around at the members of the Fellowship as they were reminded of the loss they suffered not a day ago. "I cannot see him from afar."
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land." Galadriel answered with a realizing whisper. "He has fallen into Shadow." Celeborn turned to face his wife as Aragorn nodded his head slowly.
"He was taken by both Shadow and Flame. We went needlessly into the net of Moria and he faced a Balrog of Morgoth." Legolas answered as Gimli bowed his head sadly.
Vardainiel placed a hand of Legolas's arm in comfort as he turned down to look at her, sadness in his eyes as well.
"Gandalf never did anything without reason, Legolas." She stood before the stairs and knelt before the couple.
"Mother, Father." She whispered before rushing into her parents open arms, their faces warm with joy.
"Vardainiel, you have ventured far but you seem to fair well enough. Well done, my child." Celeborn kissed his daughter upon her head as the three turned to face the shocked faces of her friends.
"Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart, Gimli son of Gloin." Galadriel spoke gently as the dwarf raised his head. "The world has grown full of peril and in all lands, love is now mingled with grief." She finished, placing a hand gently on her daughters shoulder and looked at Boromir who could not hold her gaze for long.
"Without Gandalf, all hope is lost." Vardainiel turned to her Father and frowned at his grim words.
"Nay, Father. There is still hope for this quest, if those in its company keep true." Galadriel squeezed her daughters' shoulder in pride.
"My daughter speaks the truth. Go now, rest and do not let your minds be troubled. Tonight you shall all sleep in peace."
Haldir led the Fellowship to a place where coverings had been set up among the roots where shelter could be taken beneath the trees. Vardainiel did not go with them. Legolas was offered the traditional elven garb, no longer donning his battle armor. No one did. Their swords, bows, shields and axes laid to rest as they listened to the song of sorrow that echoed against the trees.
"A lament for Gandalf." Legolas translated as the Aragorn gave Gimli a kick to wake him.
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked.
"I have not the heart to tell you." The Prince whispered as he turned around. "For me the grief is still too near."
Sam made a comment about them not saying anything about Gandalf's fireworks.
"The finest rockets ever seen
They burst in stars of blue and green
Or after thunder, silver showers
Came falling like a rain of flowers"
But then he stopped, feeling his words would not do them justice.
"Why do you think Lady Vardainiel didn't tell us she was a princess?" Pippin asked aloud but the others didn't answer because they themselves didn't know.
"Because there are some things that need not be said." A gentle voice answered and all turned to see Vardainiel, clad in a silver elven gown with lace trimming with a white woven circlet atop her head. "I did not say who I was because it was not important to the quest. Just as it still isn't important now. Though I do not believe my title to be one of Princess. I am merely a Lady of Lorien, just as I have always been." Legolas ran to greet her, looking to her shoulder which was covered by her gown.
"How does your wound fair, Vardainiel?" He ask as he bowed, taking in the woman in front of him.
"Legolas, please. We need not be so formal with one another. I am still the same woman you met in Rivendell. As to answer your question, I feel no pain now. There should be little more than a scar in a few days' time." The two stood off away from the others, gazing at the moonlit realm of Lothlorien. "Is this similar to what Mirkwood looks like, Legolas?"
"Similar enough, though our trees do not reach such heights." He smiled as they looked from the realm to each other.
"Will you walk with me, Legolas?" She asked the Mirkwood Prince.
He smiled and offered her his arm in acceptance which she took with a smile. As they walked, they spoke about many things. Their families, their childhood, their choice of weapon and much more.
"There is something that has been troubling my mind since we left Moria. Before we crossed the Bridge, you aided Aragorn and Frodo jump the gap. You made movements with your arms and wind seemed to come from nowhere. What kind of magic did you conjure?" he asked and they stopped walking.
"T'was not any magic that one can call upon, but the power of the Three. Since the forging of the Three Rings, those who wielded them gain their knowledge and power. There was a prophecy that the One Ring would resurface and wreak havoc on the lands of Middle Earth because it was not destroyed when cut from the Dark Lord's hand. But peace could be brought if the Wielder would join the fight against Sauron. The Wielder would bare the power of the Three Rings of the Elves, Nenya, Vilya and Narya." She looked down at her hand, Vilya shining in the light of the moon."Before we left Rivendell, Elrond gave me Vilya, the Ring of Firmament. I invoked the hidden power to control air to give Aragorn and Frodo the push they needed to make it to the other side. The knowledge to do so just came naturally, as if I knew all along what to do. But the ring had only been in my possession since Rivendell." Legolas nodded in understanding of the situation so far and they continued their stroll.
"And what of the other two? How is it decided that you are the Wielder?"
"Mother had a vision at my birth of a woman standing on the battlefield, the power of the Three Rings aiding her in the fight. While the face of the woman was not clear, she was all but certain that it was me. When the Rings were made, she became the keeper of Nenya, the Ring of Adamant after Celebrimbor sent it away for safe keeping. She always had the gift of foresight, but the Ring made her visions stronger. When she looks into the water, the Mirror, she can see all that was, what is, and what comes as clear as if they were happening now. My father understood the prophecy and though he tried to fight it, he knew that when Elrond called the Council I was to go. He is not happy that his now only child and heir is involved in this quest, but there is no choice."She looked down at Vilya again."They will not be mine to keep, however. Once this quest is over, I shall return the Rings to their respected Keepers. It is not right for me to become the Keeper of all three. That position was once held by Gil-galad, or so the legends say, though I do not know who is to be the Keeper of Ring of Fire, Narya."They stopped when they came to a cliff side that overlooked a small valley. "I have always wished to see Mirkwood but Mother and Father never liked me straying too far from home, especially after what happened to my sister." Legolas's turned to face Vardainiel, his eyes softened in expression.
"What happened to her, if you do not mind my asking?" He asked, but regretted it immediately after seeing the pained expression across the elf maiden's face. "Forgive me, I should not have asked."
"No, it's alright. I will tell you." Their hands slid together unconsciously as she continued. "She was traveling back here for a visit and orcs attacked her on the Redhorn Pass of the Misty Mountains." Her voice broke as she struggled to finish the tale, Legolas held her hands tightly in comfort."She was captured, tortured and received a poisonous wound by their hand. My nephews, Elrohir and Elladan, rescued her successfully and brought her to Elrond to be healed. Physically the danger had passed but she was never the same after that and soon, she wished to leave Middle Earth. She passed over the Great Sea a year after."Small tears fell from Vardainiel's eyes as she remembered the memory of her sister leaving Lothorien for the last time.
Legolas gently reached up and brushed her tears away.
"She is at peace now. You will see her again. Once all this war and fighting are done and peace is restored, I will bring you to Mirkwood and show you my home, just as you have shown me yours." Vardainiel smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Legolas. I would like that very much."
The two walked back to the encampment where the others were fast asleep.
"I bid you good night, Legolas. We shall speak again in the morning."
"Goodnight, Vardainiel." He leaned in and let his lips caress her cheek softly before staring into her eyes.
Slowly they broke apart and Vardainiel turned away from the encampment, her pale cheeks now pink with flush. She entered her room again for the first time in weeks and slept blissfully.
The Fellowship recovered their strength in Lothlorien for a month. Gimli only started one fight when he discovered his axe was taken by the elves, later returned after being sharpened. He knew of the stories of the 'hospitality' his father endured at the hands of Thranduil and though they were not in his kingdom, the dwarf was still weary of the company they stayed with.
Both Legolas and Vardainiel kept one another company various times through out the month, learning more of one another and their bond strengthened, though they could not see what bond. Aragorn watched from afar at how two of his friends reminded him of how he and Arwen were in their younger years. Though Vardainiel was Arwen's aunt, being the younger sister of Elrond's wife Celebrian, the two had the relationship that sisters would as they were both similar in age, though Arwen was still older by a few hundred years. However, one would not see that Vardainiel and Celebrian were sisters unless told so. Celebrian had much of Galadriel's beauty which she had in turn passed to Arwen. Vardainiel looked more like her father, Celeborn.
One night, sleep did not keep Vardainiel for long as she heard a call to her mind.
'Come, my young one. Come to me'
Even before she left her bed, Vardainiel knew that she was to meet her mother in the Garden of the Mirror. As she approached, she saw Frodo there.
"To be a Ring-bearer is to be alone." Galadriel lifted her right hand to show a white flowered ring, with diamonds in its six petals. "This is Nenya, the Ring of Adament. I have been its keeper since the time of its forging. But my time is over for it must pass to another." She looked to the steps to see her daughter descending them.
"Milady." Frodo greeted with surprise.
"The task has been appointed to you, Frodo. If you cannot find a way, then no one can." Frodo looked down at the Ring at Galadriel's words.
"I know what I have to do…but…I am afraid to do it." Galadriel closed his hand over the Ring and smiled gently.
"Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." Vardainiel stood with her Mother as she placed a hand of strength on his shoulder.
"Go and sleep, Frodo. Rest as much as you can for we leave in two days time." 'And remember that you are never truly alone.'
Frodo looked at the two elves before him and gave them a respectful bow before leaving.
"The time has come my child." Galadriel took her daughters hands in hers. "You have begun the journey to fulfill your destiny." Gazing at Nenya, she slid it off her finger and onto Vardainiel's right middle finger. "Now you must see it through."
"Yes Mother. I will do what I must to fulfill the prophecy. I will make you and Father proud and you will receive Nenya again." Galadriel placed a hand against her daughters cheek.
"We have always been proud of you, no matter what you've done. Remember that." The woman leaned in and kissed Vardainiel's forehead. 'Go rest now, for your journey shall start again soon.'
Sleep came very little to Vardainiel as she lay in her bed. The kiss she received from Legolas still lingered in her mind like a constant light. She could still feel his soft lips against her cheek, even now.
Two days later, as the early morning dew started to caress the plants, Vardainiel rose from her bed and dressed to for the journey. Ithil had been taken when they first arrived to be re-sharpened and it was waiting for her with the rest of her armor which had also been mended. She took one last look around her room, feeling that it might be the last time she would see it. As she made her way back down to the encampment to meet the others, she saw her parents standing with numerous other elves, waiting patiently. When the bags had been packed, the Fellowship stood in a line before the rulers of Lothlorien and seven other elves. Each one held a green cloak that was fastened around each member with a green and silver leaf broach.
"Never before have we clad strangers with the clothes of our people. May they shield you from unfriendly eyes." Celeborn stated before backing away and let his mate address each of the Fellowship with a gift, starting with Legolas.
"I gift to you, Legolas, a Galadhrim bow. It shall prove its worth when used with the skill of our Woodland kin." Legolas accepted the bow with admiration and tested the tension as the Lady of Light moved on to Merry and Pippin.
"These are the daggers of Noldorin. They will serve you well, for they have seen war before." While it startled the youngest Hobbit at first, her words were gentle and inspiring to him. 'Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. Your courage will find you soon.'
"My gift to you, Samwise Gamgee, is Elvish rope, made true with hithline." Sam accepted the gift with a bow of his head.
"Many thank, milady." His eyes roamed over to Merry and Pippin's gift. "Though I don't suppose you have any more of those nice, shiny daggers?" Galadriel smiled lightly and looked to Gimli.
"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" Gimli kept his head bowed to the ground as he spoke not with frustration or anger, but with kindness.
"Nothing." And he raised his head to meet her eyes. "Except to look upon the fair Lady one last time, for she is more beautiful than all the jewels in the Earth." Galadriel smiled at his flattery, her laughter bringing happiness to his ears. "Although there is one thing…oh, no…I can't its stupid really." He began grumbling so Galadriel moved on, but would come back to him later on when no one was watching for the pride of the Dwarf was an obstacle in and of itself.
She came to Aragorn next and looked to the Evenstar pendant that hung from his neck. It seemed to glow brightly against his dark clothes.
"I have nothing greater to give you than that which you already have. For her love, I fear that the grace that the Valar have bestowed to Arwen Evanstar will diminish."
"I would have her leave these shores with the rest of her kin, than to die waiting for me to return when I may never."
"She has yet to be given the choice. Just as you have yet to choose your path. To rise about the height set by all your forefathers since the days of Elendil or to fall into the darkness that has taken the rest of your kin." Aragorn knew the Lady's words to ring true but that did not settle the uneasiness that he felt in his heart as Galadriel moved on.
"I have nothing left to give you my darling Vardainiel, only the blessings of our love to go with you and guide you through your turmoils." She said as she placed her hands on her daughters' shoulders.
"Thank you, Mother." Galadriel smiled as she placed a kiss against her child's head and moved to the last member of the Fellowship.
"Frodo, I give to you the Light of Earendil, our most beloved star. May it be a beacon of light to you in any place where darkness reigns."
Celeborn gifted the Fellowhsip three boats for them to use to sail to the Falls of Rauros. As they packed, Celeborn warned Aragorn of creatures that seemed orc like but walked in daylight and bore the mark of the White Wizard. And that they were being tracked. As the two men talked, Galadriel spoke again with Gimli about his gift. The dwarf managed to ask her for just a single strand of her hair. Smiling, Galadriel presented him with three. Warmed by her gift, Gimli secured the three strands in a pouch that was placed inside a pocket of his armor. As the Hobbits started to climb into the boats, Vardainiel stood with her parents to say goodbye.
"I always knew this day would come, and yet I wished it never would. But I've accepted the destiny laid before you and I know you will be the one to fulfill it."
"Farewell Mother, Father. May the Valar keep your hearts free of fear for me. I will return to you." She hugged her parents one last time before joining the others.
Sam and Frodo were situated in their boat with Aragorn at the paddle. Merry and Pippin got cozy in their boat with Boromir which left Vardainiel share with Legolas and Gimli. Legolas aided Vardainiel in first so she sat in the front with her back against the side of the boat, her bow sat on the floor by her feet with her pack. Together, they aided Gimli in getting in so he sat in the middle and Legolas filed in last. As they pushed off the banks, Vardainiel looked back to see her Father raise his hand in a final farewell. Slightly further down the bank, Galadriel stood and raised her hand as well to the Fellowship as they sailed on the waters to fulfill their mission.
*I realized that when I first introduced Vardainiel, I gave her a last name. I have gone back and taken it out because technically that's one of Gandalfs' names.
*I also thought that since this would be Legolas's first time to see Lothlorien, it would be only fair that Vardainiel has not seen Mirkwood.
*For those of you who may think that the whole Weilder thing is starting to make her look Mary-Sueish, hold judgement because there is a catch that come with it. For now let things go as they are and you will understand why by the end of the whole story. And that includes what happens with Galadriel during the last Hobbit movie (for those of you who have seen it) Okay my lovelies?