Prompt 38: Fifty
"Sometimes I wish, melethril-nín, that you had no Mirror," said Celeborn to Galadriel fondly. "For what use are predictions which may never come true?"
"It was no prediction I saw, hervenn, but the very present truth," said the Elf-Lady sadly. "You know that I perceive the Dark Lord and know his mind regarding the Elves, but this time the Mirror showed me his image clearly, and he knew I watched." A shudder rippled through her. "He said, 'Spy if you wish, Elf Witch! For you are helpless to stop me; my Powers grow apace, and soon my collection of pretty baubles will be complete, including the one you bear so proudly upon your finger!' He hissed then, and puffed himself up to resemble a dragon, and laughed through his smoke. 'I shall even tell you how long you have to prepare, silly pretty one! Fifty years - that is all; fifty short years, and it will all be over for you and your golden trees and your insipid little paradise on the Anduin!' "
"Fifty years?" said Legolas, aghast. "It is but a day…"
"For you and for the Dark Lord," replied Aragorn firmly. "But it is half a mortal man's life, and much may be accomplished in preparation. Sauron puffs himself up indeed, to boast so!"
"Brave heart!" said Galadriel. "We will have much need of your spirit and courage for those fifty years and more."
tbc
melethril-nín - my [female] lover
hervenn - husband