Farewell
AN: First things first, I am really, really sorry for not updating. I have so many projects on my mind that this was one was pushed aside. My mind has been on the Silmarillion and I have so many stories I want to write about the House of Finwe. If some of you don't know already I have a story called My Brothers Children, if you want to check it out. I also have another story that I am working on, it took me a year to develop it, and I barely have the first chapter done.
Second: I was excited to post this that I didn't send it to my best friend and editor, so I hope there aren't too many mistakes.
Last but not least : Thanks to Ladies Limwen and Aranel- I read your review again today and that's why I decided to finish it and post it, I am so glad you love it! Thanks!
feathered moon wings for always reading and reviewing each chapter I look forward to your reviews whenever I post something. Thank you so much!
Of course thank you to: Mirkwood Warrior , and SparklesJustReads for your reviews and all who have favorite or followed this story, and to all those silent readers. Thank you for staying with me. Please enjoy
It took most of the day, but with a heavy sigh, I finally stepped out of my room.
So far the day has been relatively quiet, but I can feel the grief in the air, as the servants go about their business.
Keeping up their routine as best as they can, just because the lady of Imladris will be departing does not mean the rest of the world stops.
It has been strange these past few days. Whenever I came to Imladris, there was always a sort of cheer in the air. Not like my realm where everyone is on guard for any potential threats or harmful creatures.
Imladris was a place full of peace and celebrations, where colors were many, and the air fresh and light.
Now it's gone silent and cold as everyone grieves, but no grief is as great as that of their lord and his family.
I haven't seen the twins since my arrival.
I have heard that Elrohir has hidden himself away in the library, and grieves to himself.
I have seen Arwen with her grandparents. If silent tears were not running down her cheeks, then she would stare ahead with a far look in her eyes.
I have heard Elladan is very emotional. His temper is quiet renown, especially with his mother making her journey soon. He has started to act out even more so than usual. I once stumbled upon him hacking away on some unfortunate straw training solider. I stood by, a few feet away shocked at his behavior.
It was then that Glorfindel told me that he was upset because he refused to spar with Elladan.
"I told him plenty times before, that I wouldn't encourage his blind rage while sparing with him. He needs to have a clear head on the battle field if not…" Glorfindel solemnly shook his head.
"My lord Elrond will lose not one, but two family members." He then continued to explain how Elladan talks of revenge and going after any orc pack he can. To Elladan's dismay Glorfindel has made sure that he be kept inside the gates of Imladris.
I couldn't agree more with Glorfindel.
Today, I have not questioned about my nephews and niece, today has been quiet for all of them. At least that is what I hope, especially for Elladan. Today it seems I hardly see anyone, the halls are lonely with maybe one or two occupying it. I pay no one any mind and they do the same to with me. I walk to tiled hallways to a familiar place, where there was once so much joy and laughter.
Fresh spring air fills my lungs with the beautiful smells of all types of flowers, and herbs. I stand in the entrance of the garden, gazing at the beautiful green and all shades of flowers littering the aisle. I take a step into the garden and let my mind wonder as memories of old resurface of all the happy times I had with my friends and family.
It isn't long when a pretty blue flower stands out to me on my left side. I stop in my tracks and look in the direction of this special blue flower. It is one I know so well and many times complimented it's beauty. Knowing what the flower represents and what I am about to do makes my steps hesitant, but I walk in that direction anyway.
Gently I bring my hand to cup one of the petals of this baby blue flower. This color has always enraptured me. I bend forward to smell its sweet fragrance and Celebrían immediately comes to mind. I wanted her to have these flowers. It seem like it was so long ago when she told me that the garden would have plenty of these baby blue flowers. I know what I must do, as I pick the flower and others around it, already making my gift one last time.
The walk to Celebrían's room felt slow and my feet dragged behind me making my footsteps heavier with each step. My chest felt much the same the slow thud seemed to sink lower into my stomach.
By the time I reached my hand out to the door, I could feel the slow and heavy pound in my head. I took a breath to steady, and closed my eyes to steady myself. As I breathed, the pounded in my head lessened. My hand left the door and placed on my heart where I held her gift.
This isn't for me. I opened my eyes and faced my current obstacle. My hand made its way back to the door. I felt a surge of confidence seep through and turned the knob It's for Celebrían.
The private room I entered was slightly dimmed. All the windows were covered by drapes allowing only some light. The room wasn't as furnished or elaborate as the other rooms. On left corner was a small seating area for two in front of the fire place with the usual table in front. On the right side was an empty bed with the sheets and blankets thrown off to the side. I felt silence linger in the air, and I wondered at all if Celebrían was even here.
A slight movement to my left had my head turned, past the sitting area and a little further in the room, standing in front of a wide window was Celebrían. I felt my heart sink lower when I didn't feel her presence at all. Before she could walk into the room and bring light and warmth wherever she went.
She stood like a grey statue, staring out the window. After three hard thumps against my chest I finally made my move and placed one foot in front of the other.
"Celebrían?" I softly called her name. She didn't even flinch or turn my way. I held in my sigh and the loss of my dearest cousin and continued to walk until I was next to her.
She was dressed in a long grey long sleeved dress. It was a dull color on her, the dullest color she's ever worn. My heart sunk even further, she always wore bright colors, pinks, purples, blues; all bright colorful, with jewelry and hair pieces to match and an ever present smile on her face.
"Celebrían," Slowly I stretched my hand out to her and placed my fingers next to hers just barely touching.
Just as slowly she turned her head to meet mine. There was no expression on her face, save but sorrow and suffering. The light behind her blue eyes had gone out and what remained was gray that have seen unspeakable horror.
Behind my eyes I could feel tears building in them. Imagining her changing was one thing. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but to see her now in front of me is heart wrenching. She looked down at my hand and moved hers closer to mine. Her fingers stretched out to where they overlapped mine.
I was afraid she would shy away from physically contact, from what Elrond has told me in her early stages of recovery.
Feeling confident that my touch wouldn't frighten her, I placed my hands gently over hers.
She didn't react to our hands touching; she glanced down at them and turned back to staring outside where the sun was setting.
Her hands were surprisingly cold, her color was abnormal as well. Her skin was a lot paler than mine, I wanted to give her a gently squeeze, but I didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
There was so much I wanted to tell her, and yet nothing came to mind. I wasn't sure what was going to upset her, but I knew I couldn't stay quiet with what little time we had left. I wanted to tell her about all the times we spent together, the laughter, and sunshine. Even if it was painful, I knew I had to tell her.
"Do you remember—" my voice started to break. I took a moment and cleared it. "Do you remember that one time…"
I went on, and on, about my favorite moments together. The first time we met and all of the fun we had afterwards. A never ending tale of the two of us, mostly up to no good, the times when I was a prince and didn't have the burdens I do now. I laughed at myself when telling the story. Celebrían didn't laugh so I did it for the both of us.
I wasn't sure if she was even listening to me, but it felt good to go over all of the memories we shared.
"Thranduil," it was silent, but I could hear her over my words. I was surprised as she turned to me again. She opened her mouth, she looked as if she was going to say something. Then without a warning she started to fall backwards.
I caught her in an instant and held her in my arms. I felt how small she was in my arms. Fragile and thin, her clothes did well to hide what she looked like underneath.
Looking over the bed I started to walk over there, and laid her down, I adjusted the pillows and covers to make sure she was comfortable.
"I apologize, I tire of the most menial tasks." She shook her head, and I could almost hear the humor in her voice, if it wasn't so quiet.
I took a seat next to the bed, "its all right." We stayed silent, I didn't feel like speaking anymore, but I did remember her gift.
"Celebrían, I have something for you."
Going into my left breast pocket, I pulled out her gift. The one gift I made for her the first time we met and so many times afterwards.
I held the crown out for her, and a single finger traced the flowers. I picked most of her blue flowers she planted in the garden and created the crown. Usually I would add other colors, but I felt that the soft baby blues would be enough to give her comfort.
"This is a beautiful gift." I felt my lips turn into a small smile as I could see a little of her brightness shine through.
"More beautiful, than, than…" she grew silent, and I could see her inwardly draw back in herself. The light that was briefly shown in her eyes had gone and she only stared blankly at.
Surely she must know that she is still beautiful. For some reason my lips started to quiver at the end I bit my bottom lip to stop it. I could slowly feel my eyes watering again. Perhaps she doesn't see her beauty anymore?
I know it's still there, even if she doesn't believe it herself. Gently I placed the crown on top of her head.
"You are beautiful," I declared. She looked up at me, and I gave her my widest smile. She only nodded and leaned back into her pillow and closed her eyes.
I felt my lips quivering again, it was much harder to control this time. I placed my hands together and squeezed them just as I squeezed my eyes.
Then I felt my shoulders quake and I bit my lip all the more harder to not cry in front of her.
I felt one tear fall and then another, each landed on top of Celebrían. In between my tear blurred eyes, she gave me a puzzled look. She sat up in her bed and reached out her hands to touch my cheek.
"Why do you weep?"
I forced myself to be still. She didn't sound fragile like she did before, I didn't think it was possible for her to move as much as she did.
I took a deep breath to calm myself. "I will miss you, very much." I sadly smiled at her. She surprised me with one of her own. "This is not goodbye, we will see each other again."
"When?" My voice cracked as I spoke. "We can no longer write to each other."
"We will see each other again," She promised me, and when she spoke I believed her.
It's strange, I thought to myself after a few minutes passed and my eyes had dried and Celebríans had closed. I felt that I was the one to give her comfort, and yet with all that's she's been through she comforting me instead.
I placed my hands on top of hers and gave them a gentle squeeze, and faintly I could feel her do the same. With a soft smile I knew we were comforting each other. Even if we were not talking or laughing like we normally did. Just being here in the same room, was enough. Perhaps there would be more tears, but for now I was enjoying her comforting presence like I always do.