YOU GUYS! 350 REVIEWS! I am just in awe right now. Seriously, I tear up when I read what you guys take the time to write to me. This is so humbling for me, so thank you for all of your encouragement, kind words, and hilarity.
Two warnings:
One- Legolas and Haldir won't really be in this chapter. I just wanted to warn you now so you didn't get to the end and were like "where the heck are they?!" I had to make room for a bit of development and it's hard to do when other characters are bombarding the story. So please, don't kill me! They will be back next chapter!
Two- I am finally revealing a bit of information about the necklace. And I do mean a bit. The tale that is given is a bit clipped, and the reason why will be revealed further down the line. It was important to reveal a sliver of the history to Lehlina so she can start processing some new information. If everything is shoved onto her at once, well that could drive her mad. So please be patient with me on this like you guys have been so far because you are all so amazing.
Another thing I wanted to say is that I have been trying to do some heavy research on some things. Everything that is mentioned in this chapter (other than who had the necklace before her and that little sidestory) is something that exists in Tolkien's world.
And now, my lovely cucpcakes, it is reader appreciation time!
Martine9295: I am glad you are back home safe and sound! And what did you think of the hobbit? I actually saw it in XD-3D and the HFR version, which was so strange haha. Also this chapter reveals a bit about the necklace
ZabuzasGirl: Although this update isn't immediate, it's here now! And that's enough for the moment, hopefully haha
Angel Bells: Fixed! ^_^ I am so embarrassed haha
Megan1997: Oh my goodness, I am so happy that you got caught up in it! I have done the same myself haha. There was one story that was like 50+ chapters and I think I read it in like a day because I just couldn't stop reading. Thank you thank you thank you for all of your support and kind words! And welcome to the adventure ^_^
The-Painted-Miao: I love seeing midnight premieres! Unfortunately I was unable to see it until a few days after haha. I enjoy her interaction with Legolas and Haldir as well. Unfortunately, neither are really focused on in this chapter
Lilypad: Why thank ya kindly! I hope to keep you guys entertained ^_^
PadawanCassy: Lol… huffy Legolas, that makes me giggle! Can you blame him though? Lehlina can be pretty stubborn! Haha
PoisonInTheWine: I can understand the namechange! Can I tell you a secret? Sometimes I have to go back and reread some of my stuff as well! Lol mostly because I have so many ideas in my head and I can't always remember what I've penned down yet. ^_^
CeffylGwyn: I adored the movie toooo! I want to see it again, but time is just not allowing for that to happen! I will say that your guess is pretty spot-on, but maybe in a different way than some will think! Aaaaand, I can't divulge any information on what may or may not happen with Legolas in light of Lehlina receiving attention from Haldir.
Starlit888: Violet patch explanation will not be until installment two, but I am giving a tad bit of information in this one to you guys!
Captain-Gef: LOL! Gotta love when you spend time reading fanfiction at work. I am also guilty of that! Sometimes I just can't help myself though! And here is the update that you are requesting :D
To my guest/anonymous reviewer: Thank you! And here is an update for ya!
Pertaining to the Second Age
A new day had begun as Lehlina strolled quietly through the forest with Frodo and Aragorn. Sleep had come to no one the night before as they mourned the loss of a dear friend. Lehlina herself had sat for a long while as the elves of Lothlorien sang a lament for Mithrandir. She was able to comprehend some of the words, but not all for she had only learned some of the more common phrases. She had smiled to herself as Sam began to create a verse of his own detailing Gandalf's knack at fireworks.
"The finest rockets ever seen, they burst in stars of blue and green," he began quietly, "or after thunder, silver showers, came falling like a rain of flowers."
His focus began to dwindle and he returned to making his bed before shaking his head to himself, "Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road." Her heart broke at the disappointment that flickered across his face. Walking towards him, she leaned down enough to place a hand on his shoulder and squeeze it gently. He turned towards her and his frown lessened as she smiled comfortingly at him.
"It was a fine verse," she spoke to him in a hushed tone, "and I am sure it would bring a smile to his face, albeit a cryptic one," she added lightly. Sam smiled and ducked his head down, a blush coloring his cheeks.
"Thank you, miss Lehlina. It is nice to remember him for something other than the perilous misfortunes we have found ourselves in as of late," he spoke, with his head down as he continued his task. She could understand what he meant. It was comforting for him, and a way to cope. She could not fault the kind hobbit for that.
Snapping back to the present, she watched as Aragorn held a yellow flower with small star-shaped blossoms. Elanor,Haldir had called the flowers that graced the forest. He twirled it absentmindedly as a small smile graced his face, and she tilted her head at the man who suddenly seemed so much younger. Perhaps he was thinking of a certain elf? Her eyes drifted to Frodo's form, partly to give the man a private moment of serenity. Frodo's eyes gazed up at one of the towering trees as his hand rested on the smooth and silver-grey bark.
"Mellyrn," Aragorn's warm voice claimed as he stepped up beside her to watch the hobbit. "This is the only realm on Middle Earth where they dwell." She watched him, intrigued, as he imparted knowledge. "The leaves, though golden now, will soon begin to fall in order to make room for the sprouting of a new color." He turned to glance at her and smiled at the curious light in her eyes. "They are unique for they have green on the top, and silver underneath. Golden flowers will also begin to bloom along the branches. It is why some refer to this place as the Golden Wood," he concluded as Frodo paced back towards them, a thoughtful look adorning his face.
"What is it, Frodo?" she asked with concern.
"When I touch one, it is as if I can feel its life," he explained with uncertainty in his voice. Aragorn seemed to understand what the hobbit meant, but Lehlina felt as confused as Frodo looked. She was still getting used to the people and occurrences of this new world that existed outside of her prior home.
Aragorn and Frodo spoke quietly as she allowed her mind to wander. The company was separated on this day, the first time in a long while, as each found a way to cope with their loss. Boromir and Sam remained at their resting area as they both mulled over their own thoughts in silence. Merry and Pippin were exploring the forest, hopefully not getting into too much trouble. Gimli, too, was wandering through the Golden Wood though she suspected he was actually hoping to catch a glimpse of the Lady Galadriel once more. It was easy to see that he was smitten with her, though he was too much of an honorable dwarf to ever say or do anything to attempt to sway her from Lord Celeborn. Legolas had departed before anyone had woken from the short and restless slumber that morning. Lehlina assumed he was with Haldir, possibly helping him scout the perimeters of the Wood and gleaning information of how Dol Guldur and Mirkwood were faring when it came to the Orc attacks.
Lehlina had woken from what felt like an empty sleep to see Frodo anxious to escape the large group for but a moment. Aragorn offered to escort him, unwilling to leave the hobbit alone with his dark thoughts, as well as to ease Sam's mind on the matter of his friend being alone. Without a word, she had approached Aragorn and glanced towards Frodo, asking for permission to join them. She also had a need to wander away from the spot where she had experienced such despairing dreams of Gandalf falling once more, his eyes locking with hers as he realized his fate before plummeting into darkness.
Putting a hand to her face, she pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath as she tried to make the afterimages of her nightmare vanish. A hand was placed on her shoulder, and she lowered her hand to see Aragorn staring at her with concern. Unleashing a smile, she nodded to let him know she was okay before following behind Frodo as they made their way back to camp, their footsteps lighter than before.
A week, or perhaps two, passed as the fellowship continued to heal and recover from both their physical and emotional journey. Time in Lothlorien was difficult to process as it passed differently than anywhere else on Middle Earth. Legolas had tried to explain this to them, by saying that Lothlorien was, in a way, timeless. The power of Nenya, Galadriel's ring, allowed for the Lady to protect and sustain the Golden Wood in a way that Lehlina could not fully grasp but still was able to appreciate.
Haldir entered their clearing as Lehlina had finished patching up some holes that were in Pippin's tunic. He had brought the tunic to her with wide and embarrassed eyes earlier and without any explanation. She imagined he had willingly gotten himself into a precarious situation, but that it had perhaps gotten out of his control. He seemed to have learned his lesson, if the red on his cheeks and the shame in his steps were any indication. Handing the tunic back to the still flustered hobbit, she made a mental note to ask him later about what happened as she noticed that Haldir's eyes were pinned on her. Walking past the others, she ignored the curious looks as she met the Marchwarden and followed him away from the others.
When they had walked for a few moments, she finally questioned him.
"Come to whisk me away from the others? Do you plan to blindfold me and leave me somewhere far away from your home?" she teased him relentlessly.
Truth be told, she was rather nervous as to why he had come for her. She had only seen him once since the night of their arrival and the idea that she was needed for something made her stomach churn at the implication. Were the Lord and Lady uncomfortable with her presence? Did they question her usefulness on this quest? Or perhaps they did not wish it upon a mortal woman to continue with the others. Possibility after possibility flew around in her mind as she began to wonder about what their course of action would be.
He smiled, barely, but said nothing as they continued. He was also deep in thought, and this caused her to panic even more. Struggling to control her breathing, she focused on her feet padding against the soft earth as they traipsed further away from her friends. A moment later, he stopped abruptly and firmly grabbed her arm, pulling her to face him.
"You have a choice," he spoke to her in a firm voice. He watched as the puzzlement darted across her face, and he spoke again, much more quickly. "You have a choice whether or not to look."
"I do not understand," she finally breathed out as her eyes searched his face.
Before he could say anything more, his head turned to the side, as he seemed to be listening to something.
Or someone, she thought to herself.
"Come," he released her arm, "we must not keep her waiting," he admonished, as if she were the one to impede their progress.
Lehlina stood alone in a glade, her eyes traversing the area with wonder. In the middle of the glade stood a silver basin on top of an ornate stand. Walking up to it slowly, she leaned over to see that it was shallow, but empty. Keeping her hands to herself, she stepped back slowly still taking in the beauty of such a simple thing.
"So inquisitive," a soft, low voice rolled across the glade. Turning sharply at the abrupt arrival of the Lady, she allowed her heart to slow back to its normal pace. "Not unlike the hobbits you travel with," she said fondly as she floated towards the mortal, the bottom of her white gown whispering against the earth.
Lehlina curtsied to her, embarrassed to be caught so unaware. What must she think of her abilities on such a quest?
"I know what you are capable of, young one," she said gently, her gaze searching. "Do not think so low of yourself."
Lehlina stood upright once more and swallowed as Galadriel smiled at her with patience.
"What is it that I may help you with, my lady?" the mortal timidly posed. It was then she noticed the silver pitcher that was being cradled in the elf's delicate hands. Her eyes drifted behind her to see a nearby stream as Galadriel strode past her and to the basin. Carefully, she began to pour the water into the basin as Lehlina cautiously followed behind her, her eyes watching the liquid cascade from the pitcher. Stepping back from the basin, Galadriel turned to her once more.
"Do you know what this is?" she asked Lehlina, not in a condescending tone.
"I am afraid I do not," she said after hesitating for a short moment.
"It is a mirror," she began, watching carefully as the woman took in her words. "It shows events guarded by time itself. I can command it to show different things if I so choose."
Lehlina had an urge to rub her temples at what she was being told, but she kept her hands still.
"Though what it shows unbidden," Galadriel picked up once more, "tend to create more rewarding visions."
Haldir's words came rushing back to her as she stared fearfully at the mirror.
You have a choice.
Although Lehlina was aware that Galadriel knew her thoughts, the honest side of her wanted to voice them to her host.
"Haldir said that I have a choice."
"You always have a choice."
"What if I choose not to look?"
Galadriel set the pitcher down before sweeping back towards the frightened woman.
"You have questions," she began, "some of which may be answered at this very moment should you choose to look."
Bewildered, she mustered up some courage as her heart sped up.
"I do not suppose you could tell me what I wish to hear?" she questioned boldly.
"Some things are more effective if seen by one's own eyes," Galadriel spoke truthfully. Seeing that the woman was not budging anytime soon, she offered a piece of information. "Do you know how you came to possess that necklace of yours?"
Lehlina's hands twitched, as if to move to grab it, but she clenched her fists instead.
"It belonged to my mother," she said in a low voice, unsure as to the Lady's intentions.
"Before her," Galadriel responded quickly, catching her off guard. Lehlina offered no reply, and Galadriel nodded. "It was passed down," she said simply.
"From how far back?" Lehlina pondered out loud.
"Almost 1500 years," Galadriel began before Lehlina interrupted her.
"Ago?"
"Almost 1500 years," she began again, "into the Second Age."
Lehlina stared at her in shock, her mind unable to wrap around what was being told to her.
"I am afraid I do not," she paused, breathing in, "entirely understand."
"Do you know what a Maia is?" Galadriel inquired of the perplexed woman.
"They are, in the simplest definition, helpers of the Valar. They, too, possess great power but to a lesser extent. The Maiar were sent to this earth to protect and thrive, and many were associated with a single Vala. Though some strayed from their paths through corruption of one Vala: Melkor." Passing by Lehlina, she walked over to her basin and peered down in her mirror. "Were you aware that Sauron and Saruman are of the Maiar? As well as Mithrandir?"
Lehlina's eyes looked everywhere but at Galadriel as she listened to her slightly muddled explanation. Galadriel switched gears, not allowing Lehlina to answer.
"There was one Maia who, shortly into the Second Age, was sent to walk among the earth. Her Vala held deep affection for her, as if she was his own daughter. He crafted a gift for her before her departure," she stepped forward to her and allowed her eyes to trail to where she knew the necklace rested. "It was a pendant of extraordinary beauty."
Setting the pitcher down, she continued her story.
"It had a gift, one that was most coveted. And if in the wrong hands, it could be something so powerful that it could win wars."
"What gift?" Lehlina breathed out.
"The gift of life," Galadriel stated in a serious tone. "Her Vala could not fathom the idea of her life being stolen should trouble find her. Though, had she not possessed such an item, perhaps she would never have come into danger," she finished mournfully. "The necklace could bring her back to life should she be killed. There was a consequence to using it, but that was never discovered as it was never set in motion."
"What happened after she arrived?" Lehlina asked, more curious than she thought possible.
"She met an elf, with whom she fell deeply in love with. Together, they created a home which slowly grew into a small kingdom, one that held many races for that was something the Maia strived for - love and equality. The kingdom thrived, and its rulers were kind and benevolent, and their inhabitants were loyal and happy."
Lehlina could tell she was deliberately leaving out details, whether because the pain was too much for her or because parts of the story had been lost to time itself.
"Somehow, the power of the necklace was exposed and an unknown enemy wanted it for himself. He sent a small army to confront the King and Queen, keeping his identity a secret. They marched upon the kingdom, and demanded that the Maia turn over the pendant. Wishing to bargain with them, she adhered to their wishes only if they allowed their people to leave unscathed, and in return they would make no move to stop them. Agreeing with her single demand, they searched each person and belonging to make sure the necklace was not smuggled out of the kingdom."
Lehlina's heart sunk as she felt that this story had no happy ending.
"Only a few remained when they demanded she hand over the necklace, for the Maia wore it at all times. Imagine their rage when they discovered the bold queen no longer adorned it. Knowing that to have the necklace in the wrong person's hands could mean the swift destruction of all, starting with her own kingdom, she hid it. They ransacked the kingdom, searching for it for days as they kept the queen imprisoned. They eventually resorted to torture in order to find out where she placed it, but she would not bend. Finally, at their wits end, they killed her. Without her necklace, her life was unable to be restored."
Lehlina struggled to breathe as the horror of the story ran through her and chilled her bones. She was thankful that Galadriel was giving her a clipped version of the tale, for if she delved any deeper, Lehlina feared she could not handle it.
"They left the kingdom in ruins with no one to rule it, and its dwellers scattered across the realm, searching for new homes."
Swallowing, she looked up at Galadriel and voiced her first question, "who do you think sent the army?"
"I believe it was Sauron," Galadriel answered without hesitation, "or at the very least, someone who was allied with him."
"But why forge the One Ring? Why not another necklace?"
"Because he did not have that power. Only one of the Valar could construct something more powerful than that of the ring."
Lehlina nodded, understanding that part at least. Her eyebrows furrowed once more though.
"How did it come to my mother if it was hidden for so long?"
Galadriel dipped her head down and shifted her eyes back to the basin.
"That is another story entirely, and not mine to tell," she answered cryptically before gesturing to the basin. "Will you choose to look now?"
Stepping forward, she stepped onto the low platform and hovered over the basin, not yet looking into the water.
"Will what I see change now because of what you have revealed to me?" her eyes connected with Galadriel's.
Clever mortal, she heard in her head as Galadriel smiled at her in amusement.
Taking a deep breath, she turned away from the elf and focused on the water. For a moment, all she saw was her reflection before visions began to play before her wide eyes.
A/N: I am pretty evil for stopping here, I suppose. But I literally ran out of time and am having to upload this without checking for typos. So I am hoping it isn't too terrible. I adore all of you, and will see you next chapter!