CHAPTER 24 - All those who wander
The echo of their steps resounded through the lit corridor. The half-orc followed the elf maid, her eyes trailing over the strange inscriptions on some of the doors she saw, carved using etchings and symbols unknown to her eyes. Some were of straight and sturdy lines while others swirled in winding regular shapes.
"Your companion seems very much at ease in this new place," Kal heard the elf maid speak then, and turning noticed the elf set her lost gaze on Eron.
The wolf was indeed following them, a curiosity brimming in its eyes which Kal thought mirrored her own. It felt as if her state of mind flowed through him, and it was then she recalled the strange words Legolas had said to her. A part of you.
"Where are we heading?" Kal dared ask the ethereal being to her right, observing her gliding stride as the elf led them silently on.
"First you ought to eat, and then I will show you a place you can dwell in." Her voice was soft, but restrained, and cold. Even female elves are still elves. Kal wondered how much this one shared the sentiment of the sentries she had almost fought, had it not been for Legolas.
Then the half-orc wished he had not gone so soon and left her with this new stranger, but such it was.
None said a word as they continued on until Kal saw the corridor end into a wide arch, and passing through it her eyes fell on the sight of a large chamber. It was again lit by copper sconces and different types of light diffusing lanterns, large and small, and lined with long wooden tables.
"This is the main hall, used as a dining place, mostly," Arwen spoke from beside her.
Looking upward Kal noticed the wide dark grey cavernous ceiling, the place having been hewn from a natural underground cave. But, unlike the ominous darkness of the Tower, this place was filled with warm light and a novel feeling of comfort, not dissimilar to what she had felt during one peaceful fire lit night in the presence of an elf. Trust?
"I have never seen such a place," Kal wondered, meeting the eyes of the elf. There may have been a smile there, but Kal was not sure.
Wordlessly Arwen went towards one of the tables closer to the entrance, and bid the half-orc and wolf stay there. "I will return shortly."
Nodding her understanding Kal returned her attention to studying this strange place, her curious eyes trailing over every new detail. There were others. Some were tall and lithe, while others were sturdy and short. Kal had seen enough of the slaves in the fields of Mordor to know of dwarves, but never thought she would find such beings here. They were dressed in leathers and furs, while others wore patched working garments. Their hair and beards were thick and strewn with numerous beads and woven in similar ways. She also saw a few more elves, as well as those of the human race. Those she knew well, and they were the only race which left the half-orc bemused in their ways. For unlike the rest, they had taken both sides. There were men such as Faramir. And then there were men such as the ones she had seen whipping the slaves, cursing at them in their Easterling tongues. How could there be such duality in a race? And then her mind drifted to herself. Have I not changed sides myself? Was being here not proof of such? She could have gone into the world on her own, it was her freedom to do so. And yet, she had chosen to follow an elf. "I will be there," he had said.
She shook the memory away, her eyes focusing on the beings going about their usual chores. There were a few groups conversing quietly among themselves, while others sat and ate their quiet fare from what appeared to be clay bowls and various utensils. None seemed to take much notice of her during this time, and the half-orc was grateful for it.
She felt the presence of the elf maid returning after some time, her hands laden with two bowls. One she placed before the half-orc, while the other she knelt and offered to the wolf. Kal was astonished how, instead of growling, Eron lowered his head in bashful surrender when the one called Arwen gently stroked his ear. Elves. So it was as Legolas said; their connection with all manner of life in Arda did run as deep.
Kal looked into her bowl where she saw a broth of sorts. It was warm and the scent of it was unlike any she had smelled before. She looked up to Arwen, who was silently seated before her, her eyes cast downward. There was no bowl in front of her.
With the odd feeling that she should hurry Kal saw the wooden spoon inside, and remembered how the slaves would carve such to use and eat with. She took the spoon in her left hand, somehow it came easier, and hesitatingly took a mouthful of the offering. Her eyes widened. The taste was both salty and rich, but there was also an appealing sweetness about it. She took another spoonful, then another. She wanted to ask the elf maid what it was, but her gaze remained downcast, and it seemed to Kal that even though she was there in body, the elf was far away in presence. Thus the half-orc said nothing and ate her fill, after which nodding to the elf they both rose, and the three proceeded on their way.
"How long has this place stood for?" Kal dared ask the quiet elf after some time.
The maid lifted her head, her eyes staring ahead into nothing. "After the Fall, it has been built for some years now."
That was helpful but not quite. The half-orc decided she would not inquire anything further of this elf, whose pain and frostiness seeped through her in nearly tangible waves.
Kal nearly did not see her stop before a door left ajar, having followed through one of the many corridors.
"This is a place you may sleep in during your stay." She opened the door and led them inside. "It is not much, but then neither is what the others have." And so she moved forward, and Kal saw her lighting a sconce in the wall.
She then noticed a wooden pallet, a small table and a rack, a chamber pot. The room itself was small, but still its walls were straight and the space was clean. There were no windows.
"Gratitude," Kal turned to the elf, at which the other tilted her head and turned to leave. "Wait-" Kal asked before she bit her lip.
The other stopped in askance.
"Will, that is, how will I see Legolas?"
Arwen was silent for a moment before turning to leave anew. "He will find you."
And with that the elf was gone, leaving the half-orc staring after her, halfheartedly stroking the fur of her companion.
Having met with the others on his return Legolas paced down the stone stairs, his steps swift. The words with his brother had further darkened his mood, but then it was still but one reaction out of many to come.
Why had he brought her here?
He should have kept his silence. But then, leave one like so, not even aware of their true nature? Though it may not be his place to tell her, somehow the elf could not keep his silence after seeing her so destitute over the loss of the humans. Her ruthlessness from the beginning seemed to clash with the being he had seen during their unwilling companionship. A duality, struggling forces to overwhelm. Which would subdue the other within her? But he had decided, that it was all worth the risk if it meant but one more soul turned from the clutches of the Shadow. He pondered over this with a slight frown until his mind drifted to other situations. And then unbidden and to his pique, the image of her struggling in the river came to mind, and then of him holding her, the feel of her shivering form. He shook his head, willing the thought away as the elf came to face a wide opening in the mountain.
Night had fallen and before him was a natural platform of stone high into the side of the cliff, overseeing the endless darkened seas. A wooden bench stood facing the Great Sea, and a figure was seated there. Her black hair flew with the breeze, her light robes billowed gently about her.
His steps took him towards her, and the elf saw the green stone she held in her lap. Her eyes were empty and still as a statue she did not even lift her head at his approach.
Legolas descended beside her, and both elves sat in silence for a while.
"Your companion is on the second level," the elf maid said, still looking to the stone in her hands.
Legolas nodded in understanding before searching her eyes.
"I found more intelligence this time, I am close, Arwen."
The elf maid shook her head, and he saw a slight and steady stream spill over her drawn face, though her words were emotionless when she spoke. "I still dream of him. He is seated upon a high chair surrounded by darkness and red fumes, and he suffers, endlessly. He calls my name, and then I lose him, as if a black veil is drawn over my eyes, or his."
Legolas lowered his head at the all too familiar detail.
"But," the maid continued, taking a deep breath, "perhaps it is all a figment of my wearied being after all. Perhaps," she choked, "perhaps he is gone and this is as foolish as others make it to be. I cannot let you endanger yourself like this any longer. You should cease this, Legolas," she looked to her friend, catching the light frown on his youthful face.
He placed a hand over her own clutching the elf stone. His voice came soft but firm. "Arwen, I promised."
She lowered her head further, and the elf saw new unruly sobs shaking her frame.
"My brothers are gone," the maid all but whispered, and Legolas felt his heart drop to his feet.
"Are you..."
"I am certain," she wiped her face with her sleeve. "It happened while you were away, some weeks ago. I was doing a chore, I remember not what it was. And I felt the rift within, as if a part of me had been struck down and would never be recovered. I knew it was them. I knew it was..." she repeated, covering her eyes with her palms, taking a deep breath. She looked into his troubled eyes. "I cannot let the same happen to you. Please, Legolas."
His gaze turned to the black nothingness of the waters before them. It all spoke of reason. And yet. "He is not gone."
Arwen was quiet for a long time.
"Does the ache persist as before?" the elf maid asked in the end. She asked, though she knew they all felt it the same.
"With each wave crashing against the shores," said Legolas. "And yet..." he looked to the pitch black sky devoid of the once bright celestial lamps. "I oft times still wonder why the Straight Path has closed to us. And then I seethe, and curse them and ask them why, though there is never an answer." There was but one way of being free of this world now. A world leaving all elves weakened in turn, for they were tied to its fate, and endured its suffering. The physical death of their bodies, and being called to Mandos. If there were still such a place for them. And even so the Guardians stood silent to whatever pleas the Firstborn sent them. "Do you suppose at least Mandos is still open to us?" he asked, his head tilted to the sky.
Arwen lowered her eyes, the silvery beads of her feelings streaking her face. "For my brothers' sake, I truly hope so, Legolas. I truly do." She then leaned into him with her head resting on his shoulder, seeking the rare comfort of one who knew the same turmoil and loss as she.
Legolas placed an arm around her, and they both tilted their heads towards the endless darkness. Perhaps tonight. Perhaps they would appear tonight. It had become a habit to dwell so, though the memory of their shimmer was all that remained of the once bright speckles of light.
"I miss them so," the elf maid spoke softly. Her family, gone to none knew where. For she had made her choice that day on Cerin Amroth when she pledged herself to him, and stood by it to the end.
"As do I, Arwen," Legolas thought of them, and of his own kin. He hoped those gone had at least reached Mandos. And that, one day, he may see them again, and walk with them under the Light of the Undying Lands.
A fool's dream.
A/N:
Thank you again for reading this! We have dwarves! *cough*
Wren(Guest): I agree, a normal reaction from the elves.
Cricklewood16: You are right about the fact that the prejudices of the elves will not be as easy to overcome.
