A/N: This chapter truly took that this long to write. I did not want to break it up, so it just turned into a very long chapter. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the reviews, and support. Thanks for taking the time to read this story.
Italics = Elvish
Qeani: That is a very good question, to which there is an answer. Unfortunately you are going to have to wait to find out the answer to that one.
Chapter 11:
"Tell me what happened Legolas." Elarinya asked quietly looking at his eyes searchingly.
Legolas sat the vase of water down and gestured for her to walk with him. "Two days after you left Imladris, we set forth on the journey. Our plan was to set out and hold west of the Misty Mountains for forty days, but we were found by spies. It was decided by Gandalf that we must go over the mountains instead. The hobbits, would have died if we continued the journey over the mountain. Again our course was changed, and we were forced to go through the Mines of Moria. We had just set foot into the mines, but it was not a mine, it was a tomb. Goblins had overrun it. We prepared ourselves to be attacked, but it did not come from where we intended. There was a Watcher in the water outside the mine Frodo was snatched up by it. We attacked it, but we were forced to retreat back into the mine. some of the mine caved in leaving the entrance closed off and we only had one choice - to go on the dark journey through Moria. We went quietly, and our presence went unknown. Then we arrived in what was a great hall. There we found the tomb of Balin's tomb. Pippin knocked something then caused a bucket attached to a long,heavy metal chain wrapped around a skelton down a well-like hole. Our secrecy was lost. We were attacked by goblins and a cave troll. Thankfully, we all managed to survive, we began running, but we were stopped. Goblins surrounded us on all sides. There came a deep noise, and the Goblins fled. Coming after us was a demon greater than any of us had ever known - a Balrog. We ran to the bridge of Khazad-dûm. Gandalf, faced the Balrog to give us a chance to make it. The bridge broke and with it the Balrog. The whip of the Balrog came up back up and snatched Gandalf's foot. He could not hang on as both shadow and flame took him from this earth. Even in our sorrow, we could not stop on the mountain. We arrived at the Lothlorien for shelter."
"How long will the Fellowship stay?"
Legolas shook his head. "I do not know."
They arrived at small clearing where the starlight could shine down freely. Elarinya sat down, basking in the starlight.
"What of your journey here?" Legolas asked, joining her on the ground.
"When I left, I took the passage you told me. As I was crossing the mountains, there came a great blizzard that lasted for four days. I lost the trail, and had to lead was so cold and the snow was relentless, I worried for her greatly. When the snow stopped, I knew we had to leave the mountain quickly. Our trail could easily be spotted by anyone amongst the pristine snow. In the distance, I had spotted a fortressed home. It was the only place that appeared to offer some protection in the area. I was met by Grimbeorn, son of Beorn, Chieftain of the Beornings. He permitted me to stay so I could allow Baneth to rest. Early the next day, I set off again. When I arrived at the Lothlorien, there was a battle going on outside its borders. I rode into battle. I fought along side an elon, whom I did not know at the time. After the battle, I met Haldir. He brought me here." Elarinya replied keepings parts of the entire truth to herself.
"Have you spoken with the Lady Galadriel?"
"I have, and you were right." Elarinya paused. "Lady Galadriel has told me it is to me to keep them safe. So I have decided to stay here until the Ring is destroyed."
"I am glad, to hear that."
"Maybe I am being a coward… I am not sure. But I do not see another way. Sadron has told me the orcs are have only become bolder in their strikes as the evil of Mordor has spread across the land."
"Sadron?"
"Oh, we fought beside each other in the small battle. He has started to become my friend since coming here. Truthfully, I have not met many. Though, the elves here has been very generous." Elarinya laid back in the grass looking up at the stars, feeling comfortable for the first time in a long time.
"And how are you doing?" Legolas questioned slowly looking down at her.
Elarinya looked back at him. "I do not know how to be who I was anymore. That elleth I was before the attack has become a stranger to me in so many ways. Yet, I remember. I remember loving my ada. I remember laughing so hard with Cuilwen, our ribs hurt. I remember the night Turin told me his feelings. I remember so well Legolas, and now I wonder if they would even recognize me. If Turin would still love me? But even those feelings I felt for Turin, have become like phantoms in my memory. Most days, I feel that I am moving through the actions of daily life. And then today - I painted - and the elleth that is a stranger, was me and I was her. I felt myself awaken."
"Does your heart desire to be her anymore?"
She laid there for a while before responding. "Maybe?" Elarinya responded unsure. "Before the attack, I knew who I was. I was content and happy. I had the support and love of the elves that lived in my small village. It was beautifully ordinary. I know Turin and I would have been together till the end of the days. But, I do not believe I can, because there is no future in living in a past which no longer exists. Everything I based my life on was taken from me. I feel I want to be that elleth out of fear..."
Legolas laid down next to her looking up at the world with her for a while. "I am afraid of the future too." He stated in honesty. "I fear that the fellowship will fail, and all will be lost. I fear for my home, and what will become of it if we do not succeed. If Sauron gets the ring, there will be no stopping him this time."
Elarinya reached her hand over and took Legolas' in hers, squeezing it gently for a moment before letting go, but Legolas held on to her hand. The two of them looking at eachother. Neither one had answers for the other. They just had themselves and the knowledge that in this time of feeling alone in their own fears, that they were in that together. That was something to take comfort in.
Early in the morning Elarinya and Legolas both left the clearing before the rest of the Fellowship would awaken.
"Will I see you come back later today?" Quietly, so as to not awaken anyone.
She nodded her head 'yes' in reply. "I will come in the afternoon."
Legolas watched her walk away.
"She is very fair elleth." Aragorn said walking up to Legolas.
"She is more than just fair elleth." He responded. Aragorn looked at Legolas curiously.
"I am going to go practice, join me in a sparring match Legolas."
Elarinya headed toward the stables to attend to Baneth. Opening the doors, she could easily spot her amongst the empty stalls. The past couple of times she had been her, the stalls were almost all completely empty.
"Good morning my dear Baneth." Elarinya said brightly as she started brushing Baneth. It had started to become a routine. She would arrive early in the morning, brush Baneth out and then take her out of the stables to allow her to wander freely under the great trees. Today, Elarinya planned to ride Baneth out along the northern border of the Caras-Galadhon, to allow her to properly stretch herself. When Baneth finished eating, Elarinya jumped up on her back and raced out through the woods. Riding made it feel as if she were a bird in the air with the wind in her hair.
The border of the Lothlorien was very distinct, marked by the meeting of grasses to mallorn trees. Elarinya dismounted Baneth and let her roam in the open grass, as she stayed under the protection of the trees, enjoying herself as she watched Baneth wander and even frolic at times.
Just after the sun had reached its highest point in the sky, Elarinya called Baneth back to her and headed back to the stables. Reaching the stables, the doors were shut again. She lept off her horse and walked up to the doors about to open them when inside she heard voices speaking to each other.
"...Fellowship should leave. The the Eye of Enemy will stay fixed on the Lothlorien until the Ring is gone from these borders." said the first in a deep voice under his breath.
"We do not have the numbers and strength as we did during the Last Alliance. Mordor's army's numbers are whispered to have grown beyond count." continued another little lighter voice.
"It is only a matter of time before the forces of Mordor are unleashed upon Middle Earth. Even I wonder if the power of these woods is strength enough to match an attack from Mordor." commented a voice Elarinya did know - Sadorn.
"That is enough." stopped a familiar voice. "His Lord and Lady granted the Fellowship their protection, despite the evil they have brought with them. It is not for us to question their decision. They shall leave when the time is right."
Elarinya heard footsteps coming back towards the door, quickly she went back to her horse. A moment later the door opened.
"Elarinya. What a pleasure." Haldir greeted.
"Indeed" Elarinya looked at him and smiled.
"Did you find what you were searching for the other day?"
"I did. Thank you again for bringing me to them Haldir. Sadorn and the other two elves emerged from the stables.
"It is good to see you again Sadron." Elarinya greeted.
"And you as well."
"Elarinya, this is Beleg and Megildur." Haldir introduced as he gestured to each of them. Beleg and Megildur stood at similar heights to Haldir. Beleg facial features were far more pointed than either Haldir's or Sadron, and eyes steady and his hair was golden like the sun. Even in good company, Megildur looked lethal as he stood with his long hair the color of starlight. His eyes had a sharpness to them.
"So we can finally properly meet the young elleth that saved our dear Sadron from the terrible orcs." Megildur stated in a joking manner.
"Yes, I am not sure if I should be glad for he is still alive, or angry because though he lives, he has not stopped speaking of you." Beleg jested.
"I have only spoken about her -" Sadron interrupted.
"Whenever there is an opportunity to bring her up." Haldir continued. The three of them laughed as they saw Sadorn become more irritated. Even Elarinya could not refrain herself from laughing some.
"I will admit, my life is rather ordinary. However, to learn that it is being made the center topic, cannot speak very highly of the conversations you must have with each other. Perchance you should try to find something more interesting to speak of in your conversations. Then maybe our dear Sadron would not resort to as tiresome of a subject as my life." She countered. Now it was Sadron's turn to laugh at them.
"Indeed." Megildur began. "We will have to try that sometime, but speculating whether or not Haldir will eat lembas each day, is such an invigorating topic."
Beleg started speaking then as soon as Megildur finished. "The interesting part of it is, you never know. So we must speculate about our great Marchwarden here. Why Sadron would not wish to take part is beyond both Megildur and myself."
"How else should we spend our time as we sit waiting for orcs?" Megildur finished.
"You should give extra thanks to the Valar, we are not on duty, or I would put you both on extra duty." Haldir smirked.
"Some elves will just never grow up." Sadron replied grinning.
"And you are one to speak Sadron?" Beleg questioned with mirth in his voice.
"I am afraid I must be off, as much as I enjoy bantering on about Sadorn and Haldir, I have duties at home that need my attending." Megildur stated. "It was a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully Sadron will bring you around more often, even if you do stand up for him."
"Myself as well. I promised Anira, we would spend the evening together." Beleg added.
After bidding farewell the two left heading in the same direction.
"How is your wound healing?" Haldir inquired as Elarinya led Baneth back into her stall, with Sadron following.
"It is healing slowly. It looks like a disgusting stab wound, but time will fade it away into a scar. I am not too worried about it. I am sure you have seen worse" Elarinya shut the stall door.
"How do you find Caras-Galadhon?"
"It is quite different here than from where I came from, slowly though I am finding my way, and meeting more elves."
"My brother Rumil is hosting a gathering in a fortnight, you should come, it would give you an opportunity to meet some other elves, Beleg, Megildur, Sadron will also be attending."
"By choice or force?" Elarinya asked. "Thank you for the invitation Haldir. I would gladly come."
"Right, well, I shall leave you two. I am to meet with Lord Celeborn, this afternoon."
"Are you heading back to your talon?" Sadron asked.
"Aye."
"May I escort you?"
"I hardly think I need escorting, but I would appreciate the company."
Sadorn offered his arm like a proper elf, and Elarinya linked her arm through.
"How was the patrol today?" She asked making small talk.
"It went well - silent."
"And your day?"
"I took Baneth out. I used to take her out for long rides every day in the open fields, where she could run free. It is an adjustment for her being here.
They continued making small talk along the way until they reached her talon.
"Sadorn, I do not make a habit of eavesdropping on people, especially, when it is not my place. Today though, in the stables, I heard you speaking."
"You did?" Sadorn asked slightly surprised. He stepped inside her talon and shut the door. Elarinya sat down on the end of her bed, gesturing for Sadorn to take a seat in the wooden chair.
"Is what was said true? That Sauron knows the Ring is here?"
"You know of the Ring?"
"Yes, I know of the Fellowship and the Ring they carry with them."
"Aye, Sauron does know the Ring is here."
"Is it true that he will send his forces from Mordor here?"
"We suspect, but Haldir was right, it was not our place to question his Lord and Lady. They are both very wise and powerful. You need not worry. The borders of this land will remain protected."
Elarinya half smiled back.
"Why do you ask?"
"I am concerned - for my friends."
"Is that how you came by your cloak?" Sadron asked taking the cloak off the back of the chair he was sitting on.
"Aye, It was lent to me, by Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood. It was for protection."
"Legolas son of Thranduil, King of Mirkwood?" He clarified as he looked at the broach attached to the cloak. "For one who has not traveled beyond the borders of Imladris before now you certainly know quite an assortment of beings." Sadron looked back up at her.
"If not for the council, I may have never met him or the others as it were. Since I have met him, he has only ever shown kindness towards me."
"It would be difficult to not show kindness towards you."
"You flatter me more than I should be Sadron. If you knew him, you would see Legolas is genuinely caring elon. You could join me, I told my friends I would meet with them in the afternoon." Elarinya replied standing up from her bed.
"I would rather not intrude." Sadron replied getting up.
"Another time then?"
"Aye, enjoy the rest of your afternoon then."
After Sadron left, Elarinya changed into a simple ivory chemise, dark green leggings, and tall, soft leather brown boots. Quickly she braided her hair away from her face and left with Legolas' cloak in hand.
In a short time, she reached the encampment to find it empty save for Gimli, who sat sharpening his axe.
"Gimli…"
Gimli looked up slightly startled at her presence before him. "Ya could have made some noise lass when were coming, instead of appearing from thin air."
"You could tried to use your ears for hearing." Elarinya retorted.
Gimli grinned back letting out a deep chuckle as he continued to sharpen the axe.
Elarinya watched him for a moment before asking, "May I sit down?"
"'course ya can, I won't be stopping ya."
Elarinya took a seat next to Gimli on a low laying boulder. She had sat by Gimli before at the feast, but there was no other seat to be found in the hall. Never before had she willingly sat down by a dwarf. Even as she took her seat, thousands of preconceived notions about dwarves filled her mind. The thoughts were enough to make her question her decision to sit by the dwarf. She pushed back on the thoughts. "Where have the others gone?"
"To a practice area, somewhere down the path there, but they should be back soon enough." Gimli answered as he pointed with his sharpening stone down the path she and Legolas had walked down the last night.
"Oh…" Elarinya responded. She stayed there in an awkward silence as her prepossessed views crept to the forefront of her head again. It was simple, she did not like dwarves, and dwarves did not like elves. Dwarves were brash, loud, rude, and only cared for themselves. Here was Gimli, who was brash, loud, and rude. Even if he did join the Fellowship, it would be the exception in his character and not his true nature. Gimli had only joined after Legolas had joined, and it was clear in his voice it was only so he would not be overshadowed.
Gimli set his sharpening stone down and axe on the ground next to himself. "We dwarves do not dance in such formal ways as you elves do, but you were a fair dancer that night of the feast in Imladris."
Elarinya looked down at Gimli. "Thank you. You were - good… too."
"Don't waste your kind words on my dancing lass. I could never dance, not even in dwarvish ways."
"Then why did you dance?"
"It was a bet, to see which of us dwarves could get a elf to dance with them first. I thought since you were willing to sit next to a dwarf, you would not oppose to dancing to one for a song. And you were dancing with the hobbits too."
"Did you win your bet?" Elarinya asked plainly.
"Aye."
"What was your prize?"
"A feast of salted pork, cheese, sausages, bread, and all the finest ale in Erebor I can drink."
"Typical…" Elarinya replied under her breath, looking down the path the rest were supposedly somewhere along.
"What would you have asked for a prize, if ale and salted pork are beneath you?" Gimli challenged.
Elarinya was about to respond, but found herself hesitating to find an answer. Truth was, she did not bet much, even when her friends were alive. Even then, the bets were either empty, or it was something small, like the last of the berries from that years harvest. How different was a simple pleasure like berries from salted pork or ale?
"Salted Pork and Ale, is not such a terrible prize is it?"
"Wine would be better." She replied indifferently, unable to fully admit that a dwarf was right.
"Have ya ever even tried finest ale from Erebor lass? It will turn even the worst cook's food into food fit for kings."
"Maybe dwarvish kings. I still prefer a fine elvish wine."
"You sure are a stubborn lass." Gimli replied, but there were underlying tones in his voice suggesting he wanted to say something much stronger than "stubborn."
She heard the heavy footsteps approaching them. "They are coming."
Not long after Elarinya told of their upcoming arrival, could they see them emerge from around a curve in the path. Her face lightened up and she smiled as she saw the hobbits come up to her quickly to greet her and give her a hug.
"It is so good to see you m'lady." Merry said brightly.
"They told us you came by in the evenin' yesterday after we'd fallin' to sleep. I thought we'd miss our chance to see you, but here you have come again." Pippin added.
"I would not miss the opportunity to see you all again. Boromir and Aragorn, it makes me glad to see you not look as weary anymore."
"It has been a long time since we have been able to get a full night's rest." Aragorn replied.
"Will you join us for afternoon tea." Pippin asked. "It is long since we have had a proper day's meal's."
"I suppose you would prefer a fine elven wine instead of tea?" Gimli asked picking up his axe and sharpening stone, giving her a hardened look. The others did not miss.
"I do enjoy tea, however I will have to decline this time. Perchance another time?"
"Suit yourself. You will be missing out the pastries here are delicious." Merry replied.
"I'll get the water started." Sam said walking over to their encampment. Merry and Pippin both followed behind Sam.
"Was Legolas not with you?" Elarinya asked.
"No. he is at the archery range. I can show you the way, if it please you." Aragorn replied.
"Thank you."
Aragorn started taking Elarinya down the path. "What caused you to flee Imladris as you did that night?" He asked when they were beyond the hearing range of the others.
"Of that, I cannot speak for it is a secret I must keep."
"You are full of many secrets. I do not ask you to share, what you cannot, but I hope you know that you do not have to hide from them either."
Elarinya glanced over to Aragorn. "I cannot foresee a day that will come when I do not remember that night. Even if it were my desire to stay forever lost to my memories, I do not believe I could. I would not know how. Those memories from the night and my life before are becoming more and more phantomlike. I find myself questioning, if it was real, or just some dream life. Of course, I know it was very real. But I find it hard to see myself as the same elleth from before the attack. She is a stranger to me."
"You and I are not so different from each other."
Elarinya looked curiously at Aragorn. "How so?"
"Over the years, I have come to be known by many name. However, king is not one of them. I have no desire in my heart to take up that path. I fear that if I were, I would fail as those before me, for the same blood runs through my veins. So you see, I have roamed the vast lands of Middle Earth as a ranger, distancing myself from my birthright to rule as King of Gondor."
"I do not hide in fear of the past Aragorn."
"But you are Elarinya. The Gift of Men, is a two sided sword. On one side, there is the man who passes from this world to the Halls of Mandos. The other has those who are left to in pain and grief. For those left, it may feel that there will forever be a shadow cast over their hearts. The beauty time is it is always moving forward. As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the day when the shadow leaves your heart will come. On that day, you will realise the elleth you believe to be a stranger is the same elleth you are now. You distance yourself and hide in fear of facing the reality of your loss. Elarinya, you must face grief, if you truly wish to move forward."
"Your words are bold, but are you not being a hypocrite? You tell me that I must face my grief, while you continue to roam across Middle Earth?"
"I only tell you, what others desire to tell you. There are many whom care dearly for you. As for me, at least I acknowledge my fault. I know the day I have ran from my entire life is coming. Soon, I will face the same evil as Isildur. I pray Valar, my strength will not fail me."
Elarinya remained silent as they continued the rest of the way. In her heart, Aragorn's words rang true, but for now, she could not focus on herself.
Legolas released another arrow into the air. It landed directly in the center of the target.
"You should try walking softer Aragorn. It is wonder have managed to live this long, when you walk as if an army were coming. Anyone with ears would know of your arrival." Legolas smirked.
"Thankfully, not all who walk upon this earth have hearing as great as you elves. This is where I will leave you Elarinya. Do think about which we spoke."
"Of course." Elarinya replied.
Aragorn headed back down the path towards their encampment.
"Of what did you speak with Aragorn? It is not often he requests others to consider deeply the words transpired between him and them."
"Nothing, which you do not already know." Elarinya smiled. She paused. "I thought it is time, I should return this to you." She held out the folded cloak to Legolas. "It has served me well."
He looked down to the cloak for a moment. "It is yours to keep."
Before she could refuse, Legolas interrupted her. "I want you to have it." He gently pressed the cloak back towards her.
Three elons walked passed them with quivers and bows. Neither Elarinya, nor Legolas recognized them as they walked to the far end of the range.
"Wait here." Legolas said. Quickly he ran to the end of the range by the target and gathered his arrows back into his quiver and fastened both his bow and quiver to his back. "Let us find some place quiet."
"I know a place we can go." Elarinya led him through the trees to the banks of the river.
"Where are you leading me?"
"To a place I have a growing fondness for of late." She replied as she stopped at a tree. "Come with me." They climbed up the tree and out onto one of the large branches overlooking the river. "There is a peace that flows through this place, my heart is drawn to it."
"I feel it too." Legolas replied, looking out to the surroundings. "When I was very young, even by standards of man, my ada used to told me of the of this flowing peace that filled the air throughout the Greatwood. Almost three ages have passed, since Mirkwood was called the Greatwood. There has always been a curiosity and desire to know what the woods must have been like. Darkness may be at at the borders of the Lothlorien, but it has not spread its fingers out across this land. Standing here, makes me wonder if this was what it was like?"
"Do believe there will ever be a time when Mirkwood returns to the Greatwood it was?"
"I hope… But the time of the elves is ending and the scars upon Mirkwood run deep."
"Do you mean to return then to Mirkwood after the quest is completed?"
"After the war - my mind has not had time to contemplate such matters. I do have my responsibilities to ada and to Mirkwood. I would, maybe we could return Mirkwood back to the Greatwood. And you?"
"Even if I wished to return to Imladris, the elves will have left the lands. No. I will sail to the shores of Valinor."
"You would leave so soon?"
"My path has been laid before me. It is clear what I must do, not even you could deny that."
"I cannot deny there is a clear path laid before you Elarinya." Legolas turned his focus to their surroundings. "I only wonder if the silmarils had not come to you, if you would still leave the shores now?"
"Yes I - or…" Elarinya glanced to Legolas who was looking back at her intently. "I do not know for sure. My life has become centered on one task, and to imagine it now without it is difficult. Have you ever imagined your life not as the son of a King of Mirkwood?"
"I have imagined that countless times. When I was very young elfling, I did not think of such things. As I grew older, I resented my inevitable future. My ada, he thrusted upon me countless rules of decorum I wished nothing more than to run through the woods of Mirkwood exploring and Middle Earth, to be anybody but myself. Over time, I have come to care for the woods of Mirkwood and the people greatly it is my home. One day, the resentment I held captive for countless decades faded away into oblivion."
"What of your naneth? You have never spoken a word about her."
"She is in Valinor, like your naneth. When she came to my ada one day saying she wished to leave the Middle Earth, my ada begged for her to stay with him in Mirkwood, but she felt the calling of the sea. After she had left, my ada became quite jaded. He misses her greatly, but he stays in Mirkwood, because of his love for the land and the elves. His heart is torn. We do not speak of her, it brings him pain."
"What of you?"
"Of course I miss greatly."
"What is her name?"
"Malthenniel."
"That is a very beautiful name."
"She was very beautiful. My naneth, had a grace and elegance about her. Her hair was golden like the sun, and her eyes as blue as the sky on a crisp autumn day. Her eyes were soft, and smile sweet. She was deeply loved by the elves of Mirkwood."
"I am sure she was."
Legolas smiled at her. Time seemed to stand still for them as they got lost in conversation. The hours of the day faded away, and the worries of the world did not weigh so heavily on their minds.
Over the several days they spent long hours of the day together walking and talking with each other. Often returning to the same tree by the river. Elarinya shared with him her book of paintings of the Caras-Galadhon, the surrounding landscape, Baneth frolicing amongst the open field, and the Fellowship. Sometimes, Elarinya joined Legolas at the Archery range and practiced. They had started to become inseparable.
Elarinya found herself back in the market again. Her fingertips covered in watercolor, wrapped tightly around her leather book she carried.
"Elarinya, what a pleasant surprise to see you again so soon! What brings you here today?
"I wanted to thank you for the gift. I do not have much, but I painted something for you." She flipped over the leather cover of the book and pulled out one of the pages she'd carefully torn out earlier, and handed it to Melda.
"This is lovely. You are quite talented." She replied brightly as she looked down at the painting of the market filled with elves her small shop was located. "Thank you, very much."
"It is the least I could do. You have given me so much more than you could possibly realize."
"You are always -"
"I must be seeing a vision, for it was as if you had disappeared into the wind." A familiar face interrupted.
Elarinya looked over to see the bright face of Sadron, standing at the entrance of the shop.
"Has it?" She joined him, and they walked through the market.
"Aye indeed."
"Time has slipped by, and I have not noticed its passing. I have spent much time with my friends."
"Are you sure they are all only just friends?"
"Aye, of course they are only friends."
"Even Legolas?"
"How would - or why -"
"When you spend most of your time near one of the borders, other elves on patrol are bound to see. Beleg saw you two.
"Legolas, is a dear friend."
"Why him?"
"Why me Sadron, is it because you feel indebted?"
"I am sorry, it is not my place. Forgive me."
"You are forgiven. If you must know, Legolas and I becoming friends, was unintentional, it was one of those things that just happened.
"What do you mean?"
"It is a long story." She replied simply.
Sadron could tell she did not want to be pushed on the subject, and turned the conversation elsewhere.
"Would you like to join me for dinner this evening."
"I had already told the hobbits, I would eat with them and the Fellowship."
"Oh, well maybe another time then."
"You should come Sadron, it would give you a chance to meet them. There hobbits always make more than enough food. I insist."
"Then it appears I have no other choice but to join."
They turned and headed toward the Fellowship's encampment. Soon they could smell the cooking food and see the tops of the tents.
"Ya made it just in time. Here we thought we would have to start without ya." Pippin greeted as he took a seat next to Boromir.
"I hope you do not mind, I invited a friend to join us."
"Of course not." Aragorn replied.
"Sadron, this is Frodo, Merry, Sam, and Pippin of the Shire. Then this is Boromir son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor. Gimli son of Glóin, Aragorn son of Arathorn, and Legolas son of Thranduil. Everyone this is Sadron, he is a member of the border patrol."
"Come sit." Aragorn gestured.
Elarinya took a seat next to Legolas, and Sadron sat between her and Frodo.
"Have you decided when you will set off on your quest again?" Sadron asked.
"There have been discussions, but we have not decided when." Aragorn replied after finishing a bite of sausage.
"If I was in your position, I would not hold off for much longer. Attacks along our borders have become more regular and their numbers every time appear to grow. If we kill one next time there will be five more. Now everyone is going on double shifts. We need the numbers. Has Imladris been attacked?"
Legolas and Aragorn shifted their eyes to Elarinya, whose posture had stiffen slightly the air around them seemed to have thicken in stillness. Even, Sadron, an outsider, could feel the atmosphere change. He was about to speak, but Aragorn spoke first.
"Yes, there was one."
"Then I will pray to the Valar, that that is all the lands of Imladris will know. What of news from Mirkwood and Gondor?"
"The woods of Mirkwood have grown very dark, and have been for quite sometime. Giant spiders are sometimes more of a problem than the orcs in our lands. Our borders have remained closed" Legolas responded.
"We have managed to keep the forces of Mordor at bay. A few decades ago we had regained hold of all of Osgiliath. Fate would have it otherwise. In June, we were forced to relinquish our hold of East Osgiliath. Now only the West Osgiliath remains in our control. There has been a growing darkness over Mordor, that has slowly spreading out from the heart of Mordor." He explained to them.
"Even here we know it only a matter of time before Mordor comes to our borders." Sadron empathized. "Some believe the attacks we are facing now, meant to weaken our forces Now the have laced their arrows and blades with poison, we have never seen likes of before now. It acts quickly, and spreads through the body as if it has a mind of its own. It was almost too late with Elarinya. She was barely hanging to a thread, when Haldir reached helped. If not for the skill of our healers and , powers of Galadriel, she would not be -" Sadron stopped mid sentence seeing the shocked looks on the rest of the Fellowships' faces. "You never told them." Sadron said to Elarinya. She could feel Legolas' eyes on her.
"No, I had not…" Elarinya replied softly taking another bite of the bread roll.
"I thought you would have. I would have said anything if I had known."
The rest of the meal passed with small talk about the Lothlorien. After the sun had set, Sadron left them to get ready for evening patrol watch the other members prepared themselves for bed.
Legolas walked with Elarinya back to her talon.
"This is my - home…" Saying 'home' felt awkward, and not quite right as she opened the door into the room. "It is not much right now." She set her leather book down on her dresser.
"It is very nice." Legolas replied as he looked around. The room was simply furnished with a bed, a couple of chairs, and a small round wooden table where she had put her sword, bow and quiver full of arrows. There was also a dresser. which she had placed her wooden box. There were several candles on the dresser. Beyond the main room was a smaller room washroom.
"At night time you can see the stars well from here." She told him as she walked out onto a small balcony. Legolas joined her out on her balcony.
"Look up." She said pointing upward.
Legolas looked up, it was as if the branches of the trees were made to have a perfect opening through which they could see the night sky.
"Why did not tell me?" He asked, saying question Elarinya wished he would not, but would inevitably.
Elarinya let out a breath, and looked up to Legolas. "You have so many other important things on your mind. I survived. To me, I remember being stabbed, and I remember the world fading around me, but the rest is a black void in my memory. There is nothing there. It is as if I went to sleep and slept dreamlessly. When I awoke, I was in a strange place, I did not recognize. Why burden your mind with the thoughts of a what if, that never came to pass?"
"We are friends right?"
"You know we are Legolas."
"If I was Turin, would you have told me?"
"Of course, I would have he and I were the dearest of friends."
"Exactly, Elarinya. I am your friend, and I want to know. Whether or not something is a burden, is not for you to decide, that is for me. Elarinya, I -" He stopped.
"Yes?" Elarinya suddenly became aware of how little room there was between the two of them as she looked up at Legolas' blue eyes.
"I - should get back to the encampment. They wanted to do early morning training tomorrow."
Elarinya broke eye contact with him and stepped back into the room. "Of course."
"Will you come by tomorrow?"
"Aye."
"Good night then, Elarinya."
"Good night Legolas."
Elarinya closed the door behind Legolas. She exchanged her dress for a light night gown, and laid down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, as day's conversations filled her mind. At sometime during the evening she fell asleep, but she did not know when, only that she awoke the next morning.
The next evening Elarinya and Legolas found themselves up in the same tree by the river again.
"I have not been able to stop thinking about last night's conversation, truthfully, I think I have had similar thoughts for several days, but now I cannot ignore them."
"What thoughts are those?"
"Do you remember that first morning we saw each other again?"
"Of course I do."
"After I left you, I took Baneth out as I always have. When I came back, I overheard a conversation not intended for my ears. They spoke of how Sauron knows of the Fellowship, and it is only a matter of time before the forces of Mordor are set on the Lorien."
"Aye, Sauron knows of our quest."
"When he releases his armies, the Fellowship may have long left the woods of the Lorien and I pray to the Valar that you are, but I will be here. If his armies break through, they could discover the silmarils. The darkness of Mordor would extend beyond Middle Earth onto Valinor until the end of time.
"Elarinya, Galadriel's protection over these lands is strong."
"Strong enough to face the ever growing threat of Mordor?"
"If you have so little faith in Galadriel, do you even have faith in the Fellowship?"
"Faith? Legolas, what faith could one have in a Fellowship made of four small hobbits, that had never experienced the pain, suffering, and hardships that come with war? What faith could you have in a Fellowship made of a man, who has hidden from whom he is all his life? Or a man who so foolishly believed he could have the power to wield the Ring against its own creator? How could you have faith in a dwarf who by nature care only for themselves? I have never had faith and you knew that before I even left Imladris, but I have held onto the hope that the Fellowship would succeed against the innumerable forces against them."
"Can you not find it in yourself to hold onto hope for those who protect the borders here?"
"You do not understand Legolas."
"What do I not understand? I may have the title of prince in Mirkwood, but never have I sat upon some throne and commanded others to do my bidding. Everyday I have guarded the borders of Mirkwood alongside my kin. I have fought against the shadow that has threatened the borders of my land. The very same shadow reaching to the far corners of Middle Earth now. I would freely give my life, if it meant the borders were safe. Every elf guarding the Lothlorien would do the same."
"I had faith. I had faith in Náriel, Morcion, Siladhiel, Authiel, Arthion, Marilla, Istuion, Eärwen, Rissien, Tithdaeron, Locien, Daeron, Lalaithion, Eruaran, Erumeldir, Gwedheil, Pendecardiel, Cugedhion, Nestaron, Handion, Beinion, Tegalad, Daugon, Maldor, Caunion, Yattien, Balanidhren, Eleyond, Carandol, Cilmion, Lathron, Limdur, Alagos, Castien, Gleinadhorion, Sidhpation, Talatheil, Daerwen, Bellsuilion, Lindethiel, Iellwen, Meldiriel, Adan, Calanon, Randiriel, Naerwen, Bainwen, Idhrenion, my ada Thannor, and Turin. To you, they will only ever be names. But I knew them my entire life, and I trusted all of them. If they were still alive, I would still put my faith in them. Then there was an attack, and all the faith in Middle Earth could not have saved them or anyone else.
"Turin did not die, so that you could die a later death. He stayed back, so you could live Elarinya.."
"I know Turin gave his life up for mine, but for how long do you think Mordor has been breeding an army? Imagine the masses of orcs it must have behind its black gates, waiting for the moment that they will begin their destruction of Arda. With my eyes, I have seen the power evil possesses to overrun everything like water breaking through a dam."
"What safer place is there than here in all of Middle Earth? Please, stay here, stay under the protection of the Caras-Galadhon."
"Legolas, I hope the Fellowship succeeds in destroying the Ring. I pray to the Valar that you find a way to do so before the forces of Mordor descend upon the Lothlorien. But, we do not know how long it will be until the Ring is destroyed, nor do we know if the armies will arrive here tomorrow, or the next day, a week, or in a month. They will come, and if the battle is lost, there will be no escaping from these woods. Sauron will once again have the silmarils. I cannot stay here and be idle, hoping that all goes well, when nothing is certain. Every day I wish, I could go back to the night of the attack - I know I could not have saved my village, but I may have been able to save Turin. I did nothing. I fled on my horse as Turin had told me. I fled when I knew the orcs were attacking him." She paused and unlocked the mithril clasp of her necklace and held the necklace in the palm of her hand for him to see. The silmarils shined brilliantly like two stars in the night sky. "These are why, I must go, why I must not stay idle and hope. I have leave while I still have a chance of making it."
"Where would you go?"
"I will not say, for if ever a time when it was known the Silmarils were found, I would not desire to put you in more danger than you already are."
"I do believe that is possible, please do not make my heart wonder, tell me."
"No..."
"When will you leave?"
"First light tomorrow."
She gathered her belongings in her bag, along with lembas. Then she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders, and attached her bow and quiver to her, and put sword in its sheath by her hip. When she left the talon, it appeared as if she had never been there. Quickly she made her way to the stables.
"Legolas, you're here." She stated surprised to see Legolas standing by Baneth, who was ready to go.
"I could not let you go without saying goodbye first."
"Goodbye, Legolas." She said, feeling that the words were not quite right.
"Goodbye, Elarinya."
She stepped forward and hugged Legolas, who immediately embraced her back.
"Promise me, you will keep the others safe, especially the hobbits, and yourself."
"I Promise." He replied, gently brushing a hair away from her face.
"Keep yourself safe too Elarinya." He pulled the hood of the cloak up over her head.
She nodded her head, and then jumped up on Baneth. Elarinya looked down one last time at Legolas. Not knowing if she would ever see him again, wanting to say so much, but failing to find the words to say. Briefly she closed her eyes, and then commanded Baneth to go. Instantly, Baneth raced off like the wind.
"At least the food will not be as bad as the - " Beleg, started. "Who is that?" pointed out a rider heading from the woods heading south.
"I know that horse - That is Elarinya." Sadron replied.
"Why would she leave?" Beleg questioned to Sadron, but he was already gone.
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