Elleth of Light

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Merenwen's POV

"Wandering about at this hour could be considered suspicious behavior for someone who has yet to introduce themselves to the king." I turned; even the shadows could not keep the grandeur of the Mirkwood king from illuminating my gaze. He stood tall, much like the trees that surrounded him. His eyes were aging, yet immortality kept the centuries a mere secret but allowed the wisdom and knowledge of his years to glisten through.

"But my lord, we have met. Your son introduced me to you this morning."

"Do not take for a fool. I will not be so easily blinded by you guile disguised as charm that has ensnared my son. I see all that enter my realm and you did not enter these gates alone. A shadow follows closely behind you…shall you introduce me to her or shall I disregard my remaining hospitality and allow you both to rot in the dungeons?" His voice pierced right through me, every inch of my skin now adorned with goose bumps, I stood before the mighty king frightened and confused.

"A shadow?" I asked, barely above a whisper. He then raised his hand; the elaborately draped fabric about his wrists fell gracefully leaving his finger pointed directly behind me.

I turned, painfully slow it seemed as I finally laid eyes upon this shadow. My lips parted to allow a gasp to escape,the shadow revealed itself to be…me; a haunting reflection of myself. I flung myself backwards, frantically searching for some explanation from Thranduil, surely this was some trick, some game the cryptic elf king was playing but instead I received a look of disdain.

"I await your introduction."

I did not want to return to the sight that awaited my acknowledgment but I felt myself drawn to it in a way. I laid eyes upon myself once again and I realized this was the very version of myself that succumbed to the power of the ring, an evil reflection of myself, a dark soul that I had met once before in Galadriel's mirror.

As she stood, lips pressed tightly together as they curled into a slight smirk, I began to study her. The thin features, eyes drawn back behind sleepless flesh and wet hair plastered to her sharpened cheek bones and frail shoulders. But as fragile as she appeared, there was a sense of strength about her I could not explain. It was not the tarnished crown upon her head nor the crystal adorned silk fabric hugging her body but it was a strength radiating from within her. A faded light that still burned, yes, there was no mistaking that strength.

"I lost them." She spoke, her voice sounding as if she had not spoken in years. Raspy and crackling her words fell from her red stained lips.

"Excuse me?"

"They were all taken from me and so the world shall burn." Her words were so slow and deliberate, as if she wanted to ensure no one would question her intent.

"I'm waiting." Thranduil roared, his wooden staff crashing hard into the floor below to portray his impatience.

"It's me…this is the darkness in me." As I said it aloud I felt my fear of this darkness subsiding. It finally made sense, this darkness, this frightening figure before me was who I could become if my life had deviated from the path I was on. I suppose I still could become her, maybe there were forces trying to tell me that I was meant to become her but as I looked upon her I did not think the possibility was there. She was a stranger to me, I think I could have met her when Haldir…died within my arms or even when I took the ring from Frodo but it was a chance meeting. A meeting that did not linger to the point I knew her…let alone became her. This was me…but this was a part of me I did not intend on allowing free upon the earth.

I smiled at her before placing my hands upon her shoulders; her skin was like ice…a jumped at the touch until I did what I never could have imagined I'd ever feel the need to do…I embraced her.

"All shall burn."

"No, none shall burn. This is not who you are…who I am." I said softly but I suddenly felt cold hands around my neck. Jagged nails began to dig into my nails as dark eyes glared at me from a face now filled with rage.

"You have the power to save them…do it…take the ring! Save them!" She screamed, shoving me into the wall behind me hard enough to drive the air from my lungs. Her grip only tightened as I struggled for breath, her nails soon punctured my skin. I could feel my blood trickling down my neck.

"The ring will be what takes them from us!" I strained before pushing her with all of my strength; she was sent crashing onto the floor before glaring up at me once more.

"You cannot push me away forever. There will come a moment…you will be left alone, drowning in you despair. You will wander into the depths of your sorrow and ask yourself how could it be that you have allowed yourself to come to this. You will be alone, no one there to save you..."

"Well I'll just have to save myself then won't I? I don't need a shadow to tell me how my life will turn out, no future is set in stone and you, my evil darkness within…you will remain a shadow of a distant thought that I will no longer fear. I will not speak of you, my thoughts will never revolve around you and after this moment…you will disappear." I was as slow and deliberate with my words as she would have been, but I wanted my message to be clear.

"Merenwen?" I felt my body being shaken until I finally opened my eyes, freeing my mind from the remnants of a dream. My mind conjured the sequence of events behind my sleeping eyes but there was no mistaking the feeling of freedom I still felt from the darkness I finally sent away from my heart and soul.

I shifted my gaze from the shadows above and onto the face made clear by candlelight.

"Faramir…what are you doing here?" I asked, still somewhat unsure as to where I was to begin with.

"Nice to see you too." He grumbled before taking a seat on the bed I was lying upon before stretching out and carefully positioning his injured body onto the bed next to me. If it were not for his injuries I would have instantly kicked him into the floor but instead I merely shuffled myself to the furthest edge, Legolas was going to kill him if he walked in, but of course Faramir would welcome the confrontation. Always enjoying a chance to prove yourself my dear friend Faramir.

I began looking around and it became slightly clearer where I was; Legolas carried me to the healing chambers and was told, much to his dismay, that I required rest and time to heal without interruption. I did not know how long I had been here but at least I know I was in the company of a friend.

I rolled onto my side, facing the young man fully and smiled.

"You truly look terrible. My damsel in distress." I teased, I felt my smile widening as Faramir groaned through his hands now covering his face.

"You're never going to let that go are you?" He chuckled.

"Of course not, what else could friends be for?"

"Well seeing as how we are friends…can I confide in you about…something?" Well that was unexpected.

"Of course Faramir, what is on your mind?" I watched the young man fix his gaze upon the ceiling above, he interlocked his fingers atop his chest and his foot began to shake in the smallest of manners but it was enough to show he was nervous about something. And that something was surely about to be revealed.

"I met someone, well not exactly. I saw her…just for a moment. But in that moment, however brief it was, seemed to linger for a lifetime. She was so beautiful, her skin as pale as the morning frost but when she raised her head to look at me her smile could warm this entire city. I saw in her…another chance…the possibility that another path, a better path awaits me. I think…I've lost my mind but I have not been able to free my mind from her since I looked upon her."

"Should you not be telling her this…rather than me my friend?" I offered, surely the Captain of Gondor would not fear approaching her, he was after all, quite the bold character these days.

"Introducing oneself and confessing you believe you may have fallen in love with them within a passing glance within the same sentence may be frowned upon to most, wouldn't you agree?" I could not help but to laugh at his statement, he had a point.

"Why don't you simply introduce yourself first, perhaps the confession of love can wait until you tomorrow." I smirked.

"Can you be serious for a moment, keep the jokes until after I sort this whole situation out?" He snapped while sitting up slowly, his body clearly aching from battle injuries which instantly caused a sense of guilt to take over.

"I'm sorry, I should not make light of a situation that means so much to you. Forgive me my friend." I said while rising to a sitting position beside the clearly overwhelmed captain.

"I don't even know if this is love, I'm not quite sure if I even know the feeling. There was a time I believed I loved…you. But obviously that was a path I was not meant to follow." My cheeks flushed, if things had been different perhaps there would have been a path for us both to travel upon, he was indeed a fine man. This woman, whoever she may be, would be lucky to have captured his affection and his will to protect all he loves no matter the cost.

"If you are finding yourself questioning if it is love…usually means that it is. I honestly believe there are more than one soul that leaves an impression such as love within you, it does not make your feelings false, it just allows you the opportunity to decide which path is the right one for you at that given moment." There was no way I could believe that there was only one person you are meant to love in the entire world. Not after I had been given such a long span of time to contemplate the events my life has placed before me. I was meant to be with Legolas, but I would be a blind fool if I did not believe I was once meant to be with Haldir. We learned in the infancy of our relationship that the chance was no longer ours to obtain. If love only came for me once…I would be a lifeless, cold shell of my former self awaiting my broken heart to claim my life for the loss of Haldir. Love gives you opportunities; a chance to feel strongly for another if you find your previous path has been taken from you, wiped off of the map within your heart. It's a poetic justice if you think about it, it is as if love wants you to find your happiness again…and expects you to feel the rush of a lover's touch, the butterflies within your stomach and the way you think that it is impossible to even breathe when you first hear them speak your name in a hushed tone against your neck. Yes…love finds a way.

"My heart belonged to another before Legolas entered my life. Had he…survived the battle at Helm's Deep…it could very well be he that I speak of when the conversation of love is presented. Thankfully…he and I…our story…though it came to an abrupt end…it allowed a new story to begin. I do not doubt you did not love me, I am still flattered to have such a man to feel something so special for me…but it would seem love has come for you again my friend, go to her…hear her name for it may be the only name you will find yourself wanting to say for the rest of your days." Faramir was staring at me until he quickly pulled me into his arms, an abrupt embrace that I quickly felt as ease within.

"Merenwen…you are truly a beautiful soul…from the inside, out. Thank you." He whispered, he then rose to his feet and drew in a deep breath.

"I do not know what hour it is nor do I care. I must find her." He said proudly before leaving me to the greatest feeling anyone could experience…the feeling that someone you care about has found their happiness. Go find her Faramir. Start down this new path love has set out before your feet.

"Well that was an…interesting conversation." An elf adorned in his finest Lothlorien armor stepped into the light, his arms folded across his chest revealed his obvious disinterest in the conversation Faramir and I shared.

"I did not ask you to eavesdrop upon it." I replied with a smirk.

"True. I simply wanted to ensure you were well looked after but it would seem you are. You would not believe how many guards I had to convince that seeing you was a matter of emergency."

"So I've noticed, I think it is because Faramir is here, they are protective of their captain." That was one of the many admirable qualities of men; they look out for their own.

"I can leave…if you require rest." Anion said, but there was something he was withholding from me. I could hear it in the hesitation carrying his every word.

"Something is on your mind…" With a sigh of aggravation from his lips I knew my words were true.

He strolled further into the space; he remained standing while leaning against the stone wall closest to the lit candles. Shadows danced about as his breath intertwined with the flame. His face was riddled with expressions I had not seen in him, he looked…lost. Such an expression was not typically shown in his handsome features; my curiosity was becoming a frantic desire to know what was troubling my closest companion.

"Well?" I demanded.

"It's nothing really…well, I suppose it is something. Merenwen…you do not intend on returning to Lothlorien…once this war is over…do you?" His lost expression faded into a look of sheer defeat.

"Anion…" I started until he shook his head.

"I have followed you into dangers and battles unknown to my eyes. I followed you because I believed in you…I trust in you…and I admire you. You have given my life direction…and the thought of entering the woods of Lothlorien without you leading me…has created an uneasy feeling within me. I am not ready to leave your side." He was looking at me in such a way I felt myself growing close to tears. I had not yet thought of my decision affecting Anion so.

I cared so deeply for Anion, the thought of his absence was reflecting that uneasy feeling he spoke of. He was so young but he knew the true meaning of the word loyalty…he was dedicated to his home, his people…and me. I searched for something to say to him…anything to say to him but my mind remained blank. All that I could think of was his eyes upon me, pleading for me to remain in the position of rank so that he may continue to follow.

"That is why I have decided to come with you to Mirkwood." He finally said, a smile creeping into sight.

"What?" I questioned, excitement clearly showing in my voice.

"I cannot allow you to stroll into the realm of Mirkwood alone now can I? I think…hypothetically speaking of course…you and I could take the king out…if the situation called for it of course." I burst out laughing before he could continue.

"Are you suggesting we overthrow King Thranduil…you do know he will soon become my father in law right?"

"I said if the situation called for it, I just mean…I would do whatever it takes to keep you safe…and if that means leaving Lothlorien forever, then so be it." I was still completely shocked to hear Anion express his desire to follow me even into my new stage in life. A true friend and a hero he would remain to my life, I do not think words could ever express how much he meant to me.

"Are you sure about this? I could not ask you to leave your home, your entire life…the opportunity to take my place…"

"Stop right there, you must have hit your head harder than you think if you believe anyone could take your place. But Merenwen, you did not ask me to come with you but I intend to. Galadriel may not find warriors as great as you and I, but Lothlorien will endure and life will go on as it always has and our new adventure in Mirkwood soon awaits."

In that moment, I realized the night; this glorious night has brought to me more than I could have ever asked for. I found peace within myself, I saw a glimmer of a new life filled with love and happiness in the eyes of Faramir and the future became a little bit more exciting to think of knowing I will not be alone in my new adventures…I'll always have Legolas, but now I know I will have a piece of home along with me in the form of an irreplaceable companion. As of now, my life seemed to be going in the very direction I had always hoped. And this feeling of pure happiness and acceptance was almost too much to contain. I was ready to see this war finished...so that life could continue down my own, amazing path. All that remains in my way was you Sauron...but you will not remain there for long, I shall see to it personally.

A/N: I hope I didn't cram too much into one chapter, but I felt it was time to clear the air for the new battles and adventures to come, start the inevitable union of Faramir and well, you know who ;) And also establish the fact that Anion will be along for the remainder of the story (I know a lot of you are excited to learn this…we must keep our second favorite elf around…right?). Anyway, as always thanks for all the new follows, favorites and reviews…we've got a lot more story to come so please stick around, I've got a few more tricks and twists up my sleeve! ALSO if you are fans of Harry Potter fics, I have started one of my own! I'd love to see my followers to carry over into my other stories, your motivation and support is the absolute best! Thanks everyone!

Animexchick: Hey there! Well you know that chapter was for you girl! I knew you'd enjoy the cuteness, it was time for a bit more anyway…plus they're just so much fun to write, I really have to contain myself in the mary-sue, lovey dovey stuff and stay on track BUUUUT you best believe there is a lot more cuteness to come after the war is done! Thanks for reviewing, glad you enjoyed

Guest: Thank you so much for taking the time to review! Hope you enjoyed this update!

Mari Clair Roemajji Celts: My friend, it feels like it has been too long, right? I'm about to post another update on our other story, don't you dare feel down about any of our discussions regarding the story girl, we are in this together and I'm glad to have you as a partner in writing and a friend. So just know that!

Glad you enjoyed the little plot thickening scene, I have a few more surprises in store and another twist or two, gotta keep the story interesting, especially for those who think they know how the remainder of the story will play out!

Glad school is going okay, what classes do you have? And yeah girl I work, go to school and all that fun (cough cough not fun) adult stuff haha, I hate it but it will lead to a good future…hopefully. Well hope all else is going well with you, I'll PM you shortly, I know I get behind on those *slams hand to forehead* no worries about the short review, we got work to do! Haha, talk to you soon my friend thank you for reviewing!

Maple12: Hello there! I must say, your reviews are my absolute favorite! It's like you keep me super motivated and feeling like I did a good job! Thank you! And yes, I think Legolas handled himself quite well, I'm sure he is not used to so many emotions that Merenwen expresses at times, but he showed her that just because he doesn't become an emotional wreck doesn't mean he isn't experiencing those emotions. And thanks so much, I'm glad the chapter title set the scene so well, I'm so glad to have you along for the story! I hope you enjoyed this last chapter, one step closer to Thranduil, the wedding and all the fun in between! I look forward to hearing from you again! Hope all is well my friend.

Biku-sensei-sez-meow: Aw my friend, I understand where you were coming from but I did not intend on that seeming like a filler chapter, I had five previous chapters in a row regarding the battle, I thought it was time for a bit of a intimate moment between our the two main characters. They deserve it after the battle I thought, but still I understand how you feel and not to worry the big show is about to start, I hope this chapter did not seem like a filler chapter as well, its hard to have action in every chapter but I think you will enjoy the chapters to come, at least I hope! I must agree though, Thranduil is scary; I can't wait to bring him into the story more…completely haha, rather than a dream sequence. I love his character! And yes, it is a long story, but those are the best, I keep thinking someone new stumbles upon my story and they're like "oh my gah I have enough to read for awhile"…haha I don't know, I always enjoy reading and writing the longer fics, but although there is much to go, there is certainly an end in sight. Thanks for your review; I'll keep the less involved chapters to a minimum!

ShadowWolf: Hello there! Well hands down, this is the best review I've received, especially hearing that I have inspired you in some way to start your own story,I am beyond excited for you, please PM me your story once it's published, I will certainly follow along with you on your own creativity in a fanfic! As for your amazing review, thank you so much! I am so glad you are enjoying the story so much, and you like how I have written it and developed the characters and plotline…that is the greatest words any author could hear! And well I will be turning this into a second story in time, first will come a prequel though, I hope you will chose to follow along with that as well! Thank you again for your kind words, I hope you enjoyed this update and I hope to hear from you again! Feel free to let me know about your story, I'm always excited to return reviews, follows and such