S/N (Story Notes): Suggested re-reading: Chapters 1, 15, 16.
Chapter Twenty-Five: Lady of the Mirror
"She knows not what the curse may be,
And little other care hath she,
The Lady of Shalott.
And moving through a mirror clear
That hangs before her all the year,
Shadows of the world appear."
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson
.-.-.-.
The days waned faster and the winds colder as they passed farther from Rivendell. They headed southward on narrow paths under the shadows of the Misty Mountains, the land windswept and barren on this side of the rivers. The sun hid beneath grey veils of fog and clouds, adding to the cruel chill of the air. Eva marveled at the skills of the Elves, who knew hidden and twisting paths through the wild countryside. At times the ways grew treacherous, and they were forced to lead their horses one by one. The farther they got from Rivendell, the darker and more forlorn each day seemed.
After one particularly long afternoon of climbing over rough terrain, their party took refuge for the night in a small hollow. It was protected from the wind by thickets and trees, allowing them to build a small fire in the center. They set their blankets in a circle around the flames, and settled under them fully clothed. Despite hot soup and meat, an uncomfortable shiver settled into Eva's belly and would not be moved. In the early hours of morning, a gripping series of cramps awoke Eva, forcing her to leap from her blankets. She broke barefoot towards the outlying bushes and heaved up the last remnants of dinner into the undergrowth. Shaking and her face covered with sweat, she crawled back under the blankets, slipping into a troubled sleep.
The episodes continued for three more days, causing her to grow weak and somber, until Mereth finally took notice. When they had settled once again for camp, the elleth took their guide Rodyn aside after their meal. Eva noticed them arguing and wearily made her way towards them, overhearing part of their conversation.
"We must turn back. Milady is ill; she needs the healers of Rivendell."
"It has been six days since we left; we are more than halfway to Lórien. If she is still taken ill by then, their healers will manage. My people are just as adept as yours—"
"Pardon me," interrupted Eva. "But shouldn't I have a say in this?"
Mereth nodded sheepishly. "Yes, but this is in your best interest."
"It is important for all of us to continue forward," said Rodyn flatly.
"I agree, whether or not I drop dead on the road," replied Eva, her mouth twitching.
"Milady!"
"We all have important business Mereth. We must listen to him and the others."
The elleth slowly giving in, took her by the arm helpfully. "Very well, but you must let me care for you. None of this running into the brush to hide your sickness."
Eva sighed and let herself be tucked into the bedroll with a warm poultice, remaining silent for the rest of the night. It felt as if something was missing, and the rest of her yearned in endless grief for its missing half. The pain kept her moving forward; with the little hope she had left.
On the morning of the eighth day, the skies cleared and the weather grew warmer, lending them more speed on their journey. They emerged near noon on a long green ridge, crowned with multitudes of holly trees, budding in the golden sunlight. For the first time in a week, they heard the twitter of birds and movement of small animals, which served them as dinner that night. The air was wholesome and the last of autumn's plants still clung to life on the ridge. Out of these Mereth made a new concoction for Eva, and managed to stop the heaving which had plagued her continually.
She awoke the next morning feeling more alive, though the hollow dull pain remained in the bottom of her stomach. They set off eastward along the ruins of a broad road, leaving the area for a distant mountain peak, which Arphain called Caradhras. A foreboding feeling crept over them as they climbed higher into the mountain pass, along a narrow and winding road. The weather grew chillier and the wind blew harder, but they managed to keep their pace. Mereth insisted on multiple breaks over their course, despite Rodyn's warning to not interfere. After a day and a half of hard riding, the path left the cliff and ran down a long hazardous slope. They led their horses yet again amongst the hillside of tumbled stone, carefully choosing the way down.
Arphain and Rodyn led, with the rest behind them. Eva fell several times, tearing the skirt of her dress, and scraping her hands thoroughly. As Oropher was helping her stand yet again, a shrill cry rose behind them. They stared in horror as Mereth's horse lost its footing and tumbled down the hillside, narrowly missing the elleth.
"Watch out!" yelled Oropher, yanking her and Sadron out of the way.
The horse skidded to a halt several feet below them and struggled to stand, its eyes wild and head thrown in the air. Eva cautiously approached it, observing as the horse hysterically rolled on its side, struggling to stand. Large gashes covered the soft white coat, and one of the forelegs was at an awkward angle. As she got closer, she realized the leg was in tatters, the bones protruding below the horse's knee. The Elves carefully approached the animal and calmed it, but it was too late. Mereth and Eva were sent farther down the hill with Oropher, while the soldiers put the horse down and covered its body with rocks. Near the bottom of the slope, they rode through a wide shallow trough, Mereth and Eva sharing the same horse. Though she tried to hide it, the elleth silently cried against her lady's back, shedding tears for the lost animal.
At dawn, they passed into a deep cloven valley, veiled in shadows and stillness. High walls of stone rose on either side of them, until it widened and gently sloped downhill. The air was cool and clean, the wind having died down almost completely. The desolate barren landscape became greener and less rocky, until they came across a large wide lake in the midst of the valley. Its surface dark and blue, but it reflected back rays of the sun in bright gleams of silver light. At its other end the arms of the Misty Mountains faded into flat lowlands, covered with trees and evergreens. Despite their need for water, their party did not stop to take their fill, and hurried along a new road through a series of ruins.
"Arphain, why do we not stop?"
The Elf reined his horse in and trotted up alongside them, his voice low. "Lady Mereth, stay quiet. It is rumored there are evil things occupying the Dwarrowdelf nearby. We had best move on from the shadow before it finds us."
She stared at him fearfully, and did not say anything further until they made camp that night beside the Silverlode River.
.-.-.-.
"We're being watched," said Rodyn, smiling.
The two females behind him stood closer together, Eva's hands nervously tightening on Sadron's lead. He nodded to the other soldier and glanced behind him.
"Do not worry, it is only my people. They will not harm you, but remain here." Rodyn laid aside his bow, and carefully crossed the shallow river before them. He stared upward into the trees on the other side, and yelled, "Le suilon!"
To their surprise, two figures clambered down from the shadowed tree tops above. They bowed and laughed merrily, greeting Rodyn with familiarity. They talked for several minutes in low voices, until motioning Arphain to bring the others across. Their group was led onward for a day and a half by the Marchwarden Haldir and his brother Rúmil. The longer they rode, the more alive the forest grew, despite the oncoming depths of winter. The trees became mighty silver trunked giants crowned with gold, the life greener and richer, the air more gentle. They passed hillsides of nameless beauty and the aura of the wood took on an ancient wonder, timeless and alive all at once.
On the second day, as the shadows deepened and the sun fell, they reached the outskirts of Caras Galadhon, the heart of Lothlórien. The elven city rose to great heights atop a large hillside, encircled with green walls and multitudes of massive Mallorns. Their endless crowns of branches reached into the starry evening above, and were lit with innumerable gleams of gold, green, and silver. Eva stared in dumbfounded awe, feeling relief wash over her, despite the intimidating magnificence of their surroundings. Their horses were left at the main gate of the city, leaving them to follow on foot. They were taken along many long walkways, until they reached a wide lawn set beneath a colossal Mallorn. Two stately Elves awaited them beside the tree, greeting them warmly but hurriedly. One led Oropher and Rodyn up a nearby ladder, leaving the others with the second Elf. He stepped forward and bowed, raising his hand in greeting.
"I am Caladhir, chamberlain to the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien. You must be Arphain, Mereth, and Eva. I am to give you lodgings and food."
"Are our companions to see the Lady of the Wood?" asked Arphain, stepping forward.
"Yes."
"Then why must we wait?"
"Messengers from Rivendell take precedence over all else. You shall have your turn tomorrow," said Caladhir. The lieutenant paused a moment, a look of impatience on his face, but he nodded. "Very well, I will take you now."
The chamberlain led them up a series of nearby stairs, which wound endlessly around the trunk of another great Mallorn. In a great house high above the ground, they were given two small rooms, normally allotted to Elven messengers. The rooms were simply furnished, and prepared with clean white linen. Mereth and Eva changed quickly out of their riding clothes, then collapsed onto the beds, into dreamless sleep.
December 13th
The day languished slowly while Eva waited hour by hour for summons. At eventide, a knock came at the door, and she was led away by an Elf maiden. They walked towards the southern hillside of Caras Galadhon, traversing narrow paths until they reached a small garden, completely encircled by trees. The maiden bowed and left her alone in the green space, to wander around curiously. High above, the trees lay open to the sky, the fiery stars peeping out one by one in the oncoming veil of night. In the center of the hollow, stood an elegantly carved pedestal, which held a silver basin and ewer. Eva circled it cautiously, but did not approach it, feeling a sense of foreboding.
"Lady Eva." A voice suddenly broke the dark stillness, clear and crisp as bells ringing on a winter morning. Eva pivoted around, startled. "Do not be afraid."
A tall pale lady clad wholly in white emerged, her step light and graceful, and hair falling like a gold waterfall around her shoulders. She stopped before the pedestal and gazed steadily at the woman, her eyes keen and deep. Eva lowered her head courteously and went closer.
"Hello Lady Galadriel," she said unsteadily.
"Greetings Evelyn. Do you know why I brought you here?"
"Only partially."
"What passes here must not be heard by others. I was told of your predicament, quite unusual." She was silent a moment, her eyes thoughtful. "I do not wish for any of your knowledge. Even the smallest thing could turn the tide against the hope you represent, for the future."
"I do not know all that I once did," said Eva softly, a bit of fear creeping into her voice. "I'm not sure if I have wreaked havoc with my presence here."
Galadriel picked up the silver ewer and poured it into the large basin, motioning the woman forward. "Then we shall take a look. The mirror shows many things, past and present, or that have yet to pass."
The water's crystalline surface rippled then turned completely still, reflecting the light of the stars above. Eva crept closer and stood above the shining water. It suddenly turned grey, then a panoply of images began to surface in the reflection. It showed the scene of her parents' car crash, images of her journey, and childhood. The mirror cleared once more, alighting upon a green pasture from home. The dark haired boy from her dream was riding Basil her pony barebacked through the tall grass, followed by Morna carrying a brown haired woman, her neighbor Leora Langley.
The image was replaced, by a seemingly familiar wood filled with lissome trees, a stream flowing through it. A thin tall woman with long dark hair and wearing only a nightgown waded against the current, a bewildered look on her face. Eva gasped as she recognized the woman, but the mirror darkened again. It changed to another forest, dark and ominous. Boromir stood in its midst, his sword swinging mightily as he hewed down foul creatures. A series of arrows suddenly thudded into his chest, causing him to crash to the forest floor. Muffling a cry, Eva stumbled backwards from the pedestal, covering her eyes.
"Why do I keep seeing this?" she said, choking back tears. "I have to stop it, he can't die like this."
A thin pale hand touched her arm, causing her to uncover her eyes and look upward at the Lady Galadriel. "Your path may lead from his, or may entwine and change his. It is impossible to say."
"Are you saying I may see him again?"
"I do not know, but this I did see. There is a way back, and you must try to return. If you do not succeed, then your place was meant to be here. I must warn you it may be dangerous, even deadly. Do not take this matter lightly."
"Firien Wood—I saw it in mirror," said Eva, her voice distant. "But that woman…"
"Who was the lady in the mirror?"
"Elena. In Firien Wood."
"Then perhaps the door is still open to you," replied Galadriel, looking at her kindly.
.-.-.-.
The starlight cast a silvery sheen on the surroundings, eerie and beautiful at the same time. Eva wandered aimlessly on the garden path, still spinning from all that she'd seen and heard in Galadriel's presence. The information had her numb and overwhelmed.
Why was this happening? What was she going to do?
She was used to being alone, but it was the first time she was scared of it.
Don't be silly, you have Mereth and Arphain. But only till Firien Wood. And once you're back, everyone there will still be against you... That child you keep seeing, who is he? Is he really mine?
She tightly folded her arms, rubbing her shoulders pensively. She was not about to give up, despite what the mirror had shown her. There had to be some way to save Boromir and return home; she was going to find it.
December 17th
The breeze was clear and cool, filled with faint memories of summer, despite the oncoming winter. It played high amongst the vaulted roof of golden Mallorn leaves, allowing beams of sunlight to escape through to the ground. The crystal rays shone onto two figures walking barefoot amongst the green grass. They spoke in soft voices, their laughter mingling like music, and ringing throughout the clearing. When they finally reached their destination, each bowed to the other, and Arphain kissed Mereth's hand before departing. With a pleased sigh, the elleth wandered to the great house amongst the treetops. She found Eva in their room, hunched over a piece of parchment.
The woman looked up wonderingly, and smiled. "Been walking again Mereth?"
"Yes."
"With Arphain?"
"Yes." The tips of Mereth's ears and her cheeks reddened, causing her to turn away. She cleared her throat. "And what are you up to milady?"
Carefully Eva rolled up the paper and set it aside. "Just writing a letter for Boromir, since we leave tomorrow."
"I shall miss Lórien," said Mereth quietly.
"Me too."
December 18th
The map lying on the table was not mottled and marked clearly with unfaded ink, but the yellowed edges betrayed its age. Rodyn dragged a finger in the air across the parchment, following a small black line with his finger. One of the other Elves around the table rubbed his chin, looking at him intently.
"That is an old path, but it crosses the Limlaith and Onodló at its shallowest points—under the shadow of Fangorn."
The group was silent a moment, until Rodyn nodded. "I see no other way, this is the safest route whilst Arphain and I ride with the ladies." He glanced over at Eva and Mereth, who stood on the fringes of the room, watching them with reserved interest. "Lady Eva assures me she was well acquainted with several nobles of the Rohirrim during her passage through."
The other Elf raised his hand. "In company of Lord Boromir of Gondor."
Eva stepped forward, looking at him blankly. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Your welcome may not be as warm the second time. Rodyn, I advise you to keep away from human settlements until you assess their receptiveness."
"Depending on the weather, that might not be possible."
Their discussion continued on for another hour, until the Lórien Marchwarden and Caladhir had agreed on a travel plan with Rodyn. They walked together down to the front gates of Caras Galadhon with their belongings and maps, where their horses were waiting. With heavy spirits, they rode away from the heart of Lothlórien.
Lothlórien, January 17th
The tightly bound paper unfurled in Boromir's hands, revealing a short letter written in thin curved handwriting.
My love,
I hope my letter finds you safe and well. I know not what perils you have faced, I only wish I had been there by your side to face them with you. Rest assured, my journey has been uneventful, and my escort has kept me safe. I hope the same is true for you. I long for you with each minute, each mile. I hope we meet someday again, though I try my hardest to return home.
I keep having the vision I told you about in Rivendell, and it worries me. In my heart I know you are safe as I write this. However, I cannot escape my fear. I know you are strong and brave, but please have the utmost caution. I care for your life more than my own. All I can say is beware of arrows and always keep your shield with you, especially in the woods. I know that is vague, but it is the only information I possess. If my journey fails, we will meet again in Minas Tirith.
-Eva
He clutched the paper to his chest and rolled over on the blanket, staring off into the distance.
Story Notes (S/N): River Limlaith is an Elvish name for the river "Limlight." The Entwash river is known as Onodló. Both feed into the Anduin.
Author's Note (A/N): I apologize for the brevity of this chapter, but I am trying not to linger so much on lesser aspects of Eva's journey. If I succeeded in further confusing you, don't worry. All shall be explained…eventually. (evil laugh). Happy Halloween!