If elves stopped to make camp, much like Lady Georgina and Lady V had to, Lady Lostcirithial Greenleaf and her company certainly would have taken quite some time to return to Lothlorien, despite its relative closeness to Mirkwood. But thanks to the stamina of the elves, they made it by nightfall of their second day of travel. As much as the Lady Greenleaf hated to be away from her Legolas, as well as the other members of the harem, she had to admit, it was good to be back in the Golden Wood, the place she now called home. A smile of relief fell upon her pretty face as she caught sight of Lothlorien, and she urged everyone to move a bit faster.
Per usual, Haldir and his guard were waiting to intercept these supposed visitors. Seeing that it was the Lady Greenleaf, however, they relaxed and hurried to meet them. "It is good to have you home, Lady," Haldir said, smiling brightly.
"It's good to be home, Haldir," Lady Greenleaf replied. "I hate to be away for very long."
She turned to the members of Haldir's guard, and instructed them to find comfortable arrangements for her company. After they left, Haldir followed her to her chambers, to fill her in on all that had happened during her absence.
"Things were relatively quiet. People still stay away from these woods, thankfully. A few traveling parties went down the road that just passes us, probably from Lake Town, headed towards Gondor and Minas Tirith. Ever since King Elessar had the road connecting many of the cities of Men built, more people than ever have been traveling, just because they can." Haldir laughed a little at this.
Then, he frowned a little, and Lady Greenleaf paused in her unpacking and settling in to concentrate fully on her most trusted companion. "We did have one visitor," he said warily.
"Indeed?" asked Lady Greenleaf.
"Yes. The Lady Arwen showed up rather unexpectedly yesterday. Luint tried to get a hold of you via the Palantir, probably to tell you Arwen was coming. She hasn't done much of anything, really—a lot of wandering and resting, although it does seem like she's waiting for something. She hasn't talked much at all," Haldir explained.
"Hmm…well, maybe I'll try to talk to Luint about it in the morning, or even Arwen herself. Maybe she just wanted a change of scenery. I'm not exceptionally concerned," Lady Greenleaf said. "Right now, I need some of that rest myself. Thanks for the update, Haldir."
"Quite welcome, milady," Haldir replied. "I'll leave you to it, and check on the Mirkwood Elves."
Haldir left to do just that, and the Lady Greenleaf finished settling herself in. She braided her hair and threw a light dressing gown over a lounging outfit, and moved to lie out on her bed. Curiosity over Arwen's appearance in Lothlorien took over her mind, and she threw ideas around in it for some time. She didn't even notice her weariness overtake her…
They were running, hard, as if their lives depended on it. She watched from overhead, and saw Avi, Georgie, Jade, Ivy, Primrose…others, all running…towards or away from something, she couldn't tell…
Rain started to fall, but it was hot, like tears…Lewen, Lily, Lady V…they were crying…their tears fell like rain out of the clouds, mixed with the tears of others…
…and darkness fell, and she felt a searing pain in her heart…
Lady Lostcirithial Greenleaf gasped awake, gripping at her heart, which was beating almost painfully hard and fast. She tried to steady herself, but found it was useless. Breathing heavily, she muttered to herself, "The Mirror…" and stumbled out of her bed, away from her chambers.
Lady Greenleaf had experienced dreams like this before, and she had discovered that gazing into Galadriel's mirror often helped her sort out her thoughts, and make sense of things. Her only thought now, however, was not of the dream, but of just getting to the mirror without collapsing. Her breathing was laboured, and her chest hurt, but she moved as quickly as she could to the fabled mirror, hoping against hope that it would ease her pain.
She filled the waiting carafe with water, and spilled some in her haste to pour it into the basin. As the water settled to become the Mirror, Lady Greenleaf watched with anticipation for images to begin forming. At first, she thought the water was just cloudy, but when she felt her head slowly but surely began to ache, she knew it was something else, something more.
The water was cloudy, because what the Lady Greenleaf was seeing was clouds; dark, ominous clouds filling the whole mirror. With every moment, the clouds grew darker and thicker, and in turn, Lady Greenleaf's pain grew worse and more intense. She tried to withstand it for as long as she could, but as the clouds became thunderheads, each lightning flash sent a blinding pain through her entire body. Her vision blurred, and she collapsed, falling back from the Mirror to the ground below.
Before she fell into almost blissful unconsciousness, Lady Greenleaf remembered what she had told the harem. Yes, the Lady Galadriel's ring carried much responsibility.
* * * * *
Georgie had taken the second watch of the night on the third—and hopefully final—night of their journey, and she awoke Lady V at the first light of the fourth day since they left Edoras. Seeing the last traces of night still in the sky, Lady V grumbled a bit, but Georgie paid her no heed as she readied the horses for the day ahead. When V realized she wasn't getting the attention she wanted, she simply garbed herself for another day of travel rather silently, and mounted her horse and followed Georgie in much the same silent manner. Georgie noticed this, but left it alone, deciding to just let V start her day any way she wanted.
In starting her day the way she wanted, the Lady V let her thoughts drift to more pleasant things, and they immediately settled on Faramir. She smiled slightly as she thought about her husband, still somewhat amazed that he had married her so soon after Eowyn had left him. Faramir said that V had helped to ease his aching heart, and had taught it to work again, and she blushed just thinking about his words. He had never told her why Eowyn had left—she was gone before the girls had even arrived in Middle Earth—and she had never pursued it, content with just being with him.
Lady V let her thoughts stay on Faramir for a while, and when Georgie glanced back to see the dreamy smile on her friend's face, she hid a smile herself. She knew what V was thinking, which immediately brought Eomer to mind. Georgie quickly pushed those thoughts aside, for she still didn't know what to do with that whole situation just yet. She focused on the matter at hand, and kept her eyes peeled for any danger around them. They had just entered a wooded area of the road, and the low hanging branches caused her some worry.
Up ahead, Georgie saw branches bouncing around, and she turned to warn V to watch out for the swinging boughs. Obviously, a pack of squirrels or something was up there, causing the ruckus. She was surprised to see Lady V's eyes widen when she turned, and almost jumped out of her saddle when V pointed and screamed, "Look out!"
Georgina yanked on the reins of her horse, but the horse had already halted, rearing in alarm. V's horse did the same, and the ladies struggled to calm their horses and keep from falling. When they managed to right everything, they looked forward again, and saw a swarthy, female figure hanging from a branch by her knees.
"'lo, Riders!" the Dunlending said cheerfully.
"Not you again!" groaned Lady V.
"I told you I had things to tell you," the Dunlending said in a sing-song, reminding tone.
Georgie, however, was in no mood. "Just who do you think you are?" she demanded.
"Why, I'm me, of course!" replied the Dunlending.
"You know what I mean! Don't you have a name or something?" Georgie cried, exasperated already.
"I sure do. Don't you?" said the Dunlending, smirking at the Lady Rider.
"Why, you little--!" growled Georgie, but when she reached out to strangle the annoying Dunlending, a la Homer Simpson, said Dunlending laughed and swung back into the trees, and Georgie nearly fell out of her saddle again. Lady V looked up, saw the branches shaking wildly, and gasped when the Dunlending dropped in front of her this time, hanging by her arms like a monkey.
"We really don't have time for this," Lady V said crossly, glaring at the Dunlending.
"Oh, I think you should make time," their unwanted visitor said, swinging slightly from the branch. "Everyone makes time for the Soothsayer."
"Fine, then. If everyone does it," sighed V. "We'll jump off a cliff the next time everyone does that, too."
"That's next Thursday, by the Shire Reckoning," the Dunlending informed her seriously. Before Georgie or V could react to that, she hurried on to speak her piece. "I have seen things. They concern you, and others you care for."
"The girls, you mean?" Georgie asked.
"Yes, and no," the Dunlending replied. "The visions weren't clear—they never are, really—but if what I saw is true, then much woe will befall you, and those you are closest to. Take great care, Lady Riders."
"Why tell us this?" Lady V wondered aloud.
"Soothsayer's duty," the Dunlending said, shrugging slightly and almost falling out of the tree. "Plus, it just seemed like the thing to do at the time."
"But what exactly do you mean, much woe? What is going to happen?" said Georgie, her voice full of concern.
"Just what I say. But that is all. Bye, now." And with that, the Dunlending hoisted herself into the tree, and out of sight. Georgie and Lady V called for her to come back, but soon saw it was in vain. A little disgruntled and more than a little put out and worried, the pair set out on the road for Minas Tirith again.
They rode in silence for a while before Lady V asked, "What do you think it all means?"
"No idea," Georgie admitted. "But I do know we have to get to Minas Tirith tonight. Avi will want to hear this. Whatever it is, it's nothing good."
V nodded, then frowned. "You know, that Dunlending looked a bit familiar."
"Familiar how?" Georgie inquired.
"I don't know, exactly. Like someone from back home…" V explained.
"Well, the only one of us we've never been able to place is Afrai…" Georgie said.
"She might pull something like this…and it would explain why she went all this way to tell us about her vision…" added V.
"Nah," they both said in unison, and let the subject drop.
* * * * *
"Um, your Majesty?"
"Yes?" said Avi distractedly as she practiced some simple rapier thrusts on a sparring dummy.
The Lady Ivy Sirithwingwen is here to see you and she...um, politely informed me to tell you that she won't take 'she's busy' as an answer," the guard said nervously.
"What are you waiting for, then, lad?" Avi said, skewering the devil straight through. "Send her in. No sense in getting her angrier."
"Yes, my Queen," the young guard replied, and left to get the "visitor". Avi shook her head and sheathed her rapier. She then leaned it against the wall and traded it for her two thin blades that were her pride and joy. She knew Ivy well enough, and knew she'd have to get her mind off of whatever was troubling her somehow. Avi knew firsthand that a little skirmish now and then was a great remedy against anger.
And Ivy certainly was angry. Her face was as red as Avi's hair, and she had clenched her teeth firmly. She opened them only to demand loudly, "Where is he, Avi?!"
"I know not of what you speak," Avi replied calmly, drawing her swords. "Now have at you, Lady."
Ivy growled and unsheathed her sword, then took a wild swing, which Avi deftly dodged. As their blades clashed back and forth, Ivy grunted her explanation. "Boromir didn't meet me for dinner, nor did he come home to me. While Aragorn is away, you're his master. Now where is he!"
She let out a wild scream and flipped over Avi's head, but the red lady was ready. She braced both blades against the almost deadly blow delivered by the elven woman, and forced her back. The swift parries, thrusts, swings, turns, and so forth continued as Avi said, "I saw your beloved not at all today, which had me sorely vexed. I value his advice highly. Indeed, I had hoped you would know of his whereabouts."
"Well, obviously, I don't!" exclaimed Ivy, now forcing Avi back in a frenzy of strikes. "We've got to find him before I lose my sanity!" She twirled her sword over her head, and sliced downward to deliver the final blow.
She misjudged Avi, however. The Queen of Gondor kicked out and knocked Ivy's sword out of her hand, and turned to knock her to the ground with a second kick. Before Ivy could respond, Avi stood over her, one sword poised for attack over her head and the other set against Ivy's neck. The elven princess stared up at Avi, breathing heavily, wondering what was coming next.
"If you do not calm down, you shall lose your head as well as your sanity, Lady," Avi said quietly, still holding her blade close to Ivy's neck. "Not by me, naturally, but by someone less inclined to pacifism." Avi smiled slightly, sheathed her blades, and helped her friend to her feet again. She sent a nearby servant for water, and led Ivy out of the training room to one of her more comfortable sitting rooms.
After letting Ivy settle into her favourite armchair, Avi sat in a nearby chaise lounge and looked at her closely. "You are feeling better now?" she asked.
"A little," Ivy admitted. "I'm worried and upset, but not angry anymore, thanks to that. I'm a little curious about your language, however."
Avi laughed and blushed slightly. "I tend to fall into archaic speech when presented with situations such as this. It'll wear off soon."
"Well, good--I don't think I could have taken much more of it," sighed Ivy, leaning back in her chair. "So you don't know where Boromir is?"
Avi shook her head. "Not unless he joined Aragorn on his voyage to Hobbiton."
Ivy groaned and smacked her forehead. "Of course! It is time for the guys to get together, isn't it? I had forgotten, since last year it was in Gondor, and they didn't have to leave."
"Well, there's your answer then, most likely," Avi said simply, smiling.
"I'm sorry, Avi," Ivy said sheepishly. "I've just got these bad feelings, is all."
"I could tell," Avi replied, gesturing to Ivy's change in hair colour. "You only use dark blues, purples, and et cetera when you're bothered. It's still rather odd, though, that Boromir would leave without telling you where he was going. He knows that sort of thing upsets you. I'll send word to Lily to let us know when he gets to the Shire."
"Thanks, Avi," Ivy said, grinning.
"Anytime, Ivy, dear," Avi replied, smiling back. "Now, if you're not busy, maybe we could pick this session up when you're a little less frenzied, mind you."
Ivy laughed and was about to accept when the guard who had admitted her entered the room. "Many apologies for not knocking, my Queen, but it's the Palantir."
"Lily?" Avi asked hopefully.
The young guard shook his head. "Lady Jade Greenleaf. She said to come right away, and she won't take 'I'm busy' as an answer."
"You people," Avi sighed, shaking her head. "Come on, Ivy. You'll probably want to hear this."
* * * * *
The first thing Avi and Ivy heard upon entering the Palantir room was an odd wailing. They both winced at the sound, then saw Cara Heble sitting in a chair near the Palantir, with the same wincing look on her face. "Tell them to quiet whatever that is down, Avi," Cara said loudly, so as to be heard over the noise. Avi simply nodded, and placed her hand over the Palantir, closing her eyes and concentrating on making a connection.
"Avi? Oh, thank you," she heard Jade say, relief filling her voice.
The wailing grew louder, and Avi asked, "What is that sound? It's driving us batty."
"Lewen and Jessica and Cela and about half of the other girls," replied Jade, and Avi detected a strain in her friend's voice. Before she could press her for information, Jade burst out with, "Oh, Avi, Legolas is gone!"
Avi's eyes flew open from her surprise, and Cara and Ivy focused all their attention on her. "Gone? What do you mean, 'gone'?"
"Just that. We don't know where he is," Jade said miserably. A brief silence fell, and Avi heard Telepavariel and whom she thought was astera trying to calm people down, but with little success. Jade sighed, then continued. "He was supposed to leave today, but you know he wouldn't just leave without saying anything. I have this feeling something bad has happened to him."
Avi recognized Lewen's voice as she cried, "Oh, my Legolas!" before bursting into fresh and louder sobs, as if she had heard Jade voice her fears. Jade told Telepavariel to get Lewen out of there, and obviously, several others went with them, because things grew considerably quieter after that. With that done, Jade returned her attentions to Avi. "I'm just at a loss of what to do, Avi. He just up and vanished…"
"Something similar happened here, with Boromir," Avi told her, and quickly outlined what Ivy had told her. "There's definitely something strange going on."
"You're telling me. So what can we do?" Jade asked.
Avi thought for a moment, then shook her head. "We don't know enough. Maybe Legolas simply didn't want a big send off from you girls. But it might also be something more. Ask Lady Greenleaf if she's sensing anything, and I'll send word to our Hobbit gals to keep an eye out for things. If we don't hear anything in a few days—with the new roads, it should only take three or four days for Aragorn to reach Lothlorien—we'll rethink things."
"Do you still want us to come to Minas Tirith?" said Jade.
"Not just yet. All of you stay in Mirkwood, just in case some news comes in. You're the only one connected to the Palantir there, no da," Avi answered.
"All righty, then. Keep me posted," Jade said, and they broke the connection. Avi sighed heavily, and sank to the floor, settling herself into a comfortable sitting position.
"What happened?" Ivy demanded.
"Legolas is gone, too," Avi replied listlessly.
Both Ivy and Cara gasped, and Avi told them everything that was said. They may have been able to hear the ambient noise in the Palantir room in Mirkwood, but what had been said between Avi and Jade had been private—until then. The pair listened intently to the recap of the Queen's conversation with the elven one, then all three lapsed into silence.
Finally, Avi spoke. "It may just be coincidence. We simply don't have all the facts. But if something is indeed happening, and someone has abducted Legolas and Boromir, which is the only logical explanation in my mind, I have a pretty good idea who might be behind all of it."
Ivy's eyes darkened, and she nodded her understanding. "I wouldn't be surprised if she picked up where he left off. Even back home, her obsession with him was growing unhealthy," Ivy said.
"Let's not do anything rash, though," said Cara. "Not until we know for certain. Maybe you should ask around about the other guys going to the Shire, Avi. Faramir and Eomer, Gimli, Elrond, and so on."
"Well, Georgie and V are already on their way here, and V is my Palantir connection in Edoras," Avi informed her. "But I can try to get a hold of Luint, and Alison in the Misty Mountains…"
"I still don't understand why Alison decided to go there, of all places," Cara commented. She, Avi, Lily, and Alison had known each other quite well before they arrived in Middle Earth.
"She said something to me about wanting to get away from it all, but that's not the point," Avi said dismissively. "You two should probably just leave me to it. I'm going to be a while. Keep an eye out for the Rohirrim ladies—they should be here any day now." With that, Avi stood and returned to the Palantir.
Cara and Ivy looked at each other, shrugged at Avi's bluntness, and left to do as she suggested. Hopefully, their fears would be for naught, and their friends would get there soon.
* * * * *
The guards in the west cupola of the lowest wall of Minas Tirith were both honoured and nervous to have both Lady Ivy and the Wizard Cara Heble on watch with them. They didn't want to be rude, but at the same time, they didn't want to say something stupid to their esteemed guests. They were lucky, though—neither woman was talking. Ivy paced the floor, wringing her hands with worry about Boromir and Legolas, and Cara remained stationary at the window, leaning against her staff and staring west, letting nothing distract her watch.
It took longer than Cara expected for Ivy to get claustrophobic. When she did, however, it startled them all greatly. "Oh, I can't take this anymore!" Ivy cried out of nowhere as she threw her arms in the air. "I'm going outside to walk the wall. It's stuffy and small in here. I'll be back." Cara nodded to acknowledge that she had heard, and Ivy left the cupola with a bang.
As the guards watched her leave, Cara said, "Don't mind Ivy. She's a trifle emotional. Why don't you guys go and get a snack. I'll be fine here."
"We're not to leave our posts, Green Wizard," one of the guards said seriously.
"I take full responsibility," said Cara. "I'd take advantage of it, if I were you. Not too many chances like this will arise again."
The guard made to argue again, but his partner stopped him with a look. Not only did a dinner and some ale sound good to him right then, no one could say what a wizard could and would do. It was rumoured that Cara was fond of turtles, and this guard didn't particularly want to find out just how fond she was of them. "Thank you, milady. We will certainly take your offer," he said for them.
"Smart man," Cara mumbled. Out loud, she said, "If you would bring me back some tea, and a little bread and cheese when you return, I'd appreciate it." The guards assured her they would, and left her alone in the cupola.
Cara sighed. Finally, she could have some peace, and do what she needed to do. She took a few steps back from the window, and set her dark, slightly gnarled staff directly in front of her. Carefully intoning the words, Cara released the spell and felt her vision become somewhat telescopic. She focused her thoughts on the Ladies V and Georgina, and was pleased to find them very close to the White City. The only reason why Cara couldn't see their tiny forms from the cupola was because the two Riders were behind the last few hills before the land evened out. Cara estimated their arrival at about an hour from then, counting both travel time and stabling, and leaned out the window to search for Ivy. "Oy, Ivy!"
"What?" Ivy called, directly to Cara's left.
Cara looked down, and saw Ivy was not too far from the cupola itself. "Georgie and V are almost here. It should only be an hour more. Wanna go tell Avi? I'll meet them when they come in."
"Sure. What will you do until then?" Ivy asked.
"Pretend I'm Cara of the House Guard," replied Cara, her smirk growing smirkier. Ivy decided not to ask, and headed back to the Palantir room.
She found Avi on the floor again, curled up in the fetal position and simply staring at the doorway. Ivy gave her an odd look, and Avi replied with, "Tired and cold. That Palantir'll take a lot outta you."
As Avi got to her feet, Ivy commented, "The archaic speech is gone."
"And Taylor Street seems to have taken over," said Avi, smiling slightly. "I can never win. What's up?"
"Just wanted to check on things, and let you know that Cara thinks Georgie and V will be here in an hour," Ivy said.
"Well, that's good. Let's head for the sitting room, then. I want them to be comfortable. I'll send for some food, too," Avi said. She sent the guards outside the door to inform Cara of their whereabouts, and to have dinner ready for the five of them, and then she and Ivy headed again for the sitting room.
"Who did you get a hold of?" Ivy asked as they walked.
"Well, I called Lily first, and she was thoroughly worried, as Lily would be in a situation like this. She's a hobbit to the core—always was, really," Avi said ruefully, smiling a bit more. "She promised to be on the alert, and said she'd keep both eyes on Pippin. I'm sure she'll tell the others to do the same for their men."
"Good. I don't want them going through what I'm going through," shuddered Ivy.
"I don't want anyone to go through it," Avi said, opening the door for Ivy as they arrived at the room. As Ivy sat in her chair, Avi chose a large armchair over her usual chaise lounge, and wrapped a brightly coloured blanket Lily had knitted for her around her shoulders to warm her before continuing. "Anyway, after that, I talked briefly to Luint. She said that Elrond and Bilbo had already left for the Shire, but she'd check in with Lily about their arrival. The decision of Bilbo to leave Rivendell surprised me, as did Luint's news that Arwen had left for Lothlorien."
"Really?" said Ivy, leaning forward in her chair.
Avi nodded. "Arwen left to visit her kin a few days ago, without telling Elrond. They discovered she had left after Luint suggested she take a vacation, and Elrond went to offer the option to her."
"That's not like Arwen," Ivy commented.
"No, it's not, and it's got Luint concerned. The way I see it, if it'll calm Arwen down, more power to her. She won't be in our hair, then." Ivy noticed the scorn Avi used to have for Arwen re-emerge in her tone of voice, but chose to ignore it.
"I tried to get Lady Greenleaf, but she wasn't around," Avi went on. "She should be back in Lothlorien by now. I could sense something wrong there, but you never know. When she bet's in, she'll know I tried to get a hold of her and call me back."
"What do the Palantirs have answering machines?" Ivy teased.
"Something like that," Avi said mysteriously, grinning. "But that's about it. Alison wasn't answering, either, but that's not uncommon. So that just leaves V, who'll be arriving with Georgie soon. We'll update them then."
Ivy and Avi made small talk for a little while, then grew quiet as they waited. Ivy, whose thoughts had returned to Boromir for a while, glanced over at Avi at one point to find her dozing in the armchair, curled up in her blanket, and laughed lightly. She let Avi remain like that until Georgie and V showed up. "So this is how we find our Queen—asleep on the job!" Georgie joked as V rushed in to hug Ivy.
"Sleeping my foot," Avi said as she stifled a yawn, then grinned sheepishly. "I was simply resting my eyes."
"Yeah, and I'm a Dunlending," Georgie laughed, going to hug Avi in greeting. She and V switched, and hugged Ivy and Avi respectively, and then took seats in the room. V relaxed on the chaise lounge while Georgie opted for a smaller armchair. Cara, who had followed behind them, snagged a desk chair. When everyone was seated, Georgie turned to Avi and asked, "So what's going on?"
"More than you'd think," Avi said gravely, pulling her blanket around her again. She quickly ran through what had been going on in and around Minas Tirith, much to the Rohirrim women's dismay. V had lapsed into silence, already fretting about Faramir, but Georgie was a bit more verbal.
"I'm surprised, to be sure, but we got hints about something like this," Georgie said. She told the others about their encounter with the Dunlending Soothsayer, and after her tale, Avi looked more worried than ever.
"I'm not fond of Dunlendings, but I have to admit, I take what they have to say seriously. I think it's safe to say that we need to take action, and go find Boromir and Legolas before any harm comes to them, " Avi said determinedly.
"Or anyone else," Cara reminded her.
"Exactly," agreed Avi.
"Any ideas as to where to start?" Georgie asked.
Avi glanced quickly at Ivy and Cara, who both nodded slightly. Avi then returned her gaze to Georgie, her eyes narrowed behind her glasses. Georgie held her breath involuntarily as she waited for Avi to speak.
"We start in Mordor."
* * * * *
Per usual, Haldir and his guard were waiting to intercept these supposed visitors. Seeing that it was the Lady Greenleaf, however, they relaxed and hurried to meet them. "It is good to have you home, Lady," Haldir said, smiling brightly.
"It's good to be home, Haldir," Lady Greenleaf replied. "I hate to be away for very long."
She turned to the members of Haldir's guard, and instructed them to find comfortable arrangements for her company. After they left, Haldir followed her to her chambers, to fill her in on all that had happened during her absence.
"Things were relatively quiet. People still stay away from these woods, thankfully. A few traveling parties went down the road that just passes us, probably from Lake Town, headed towards Gondor and Minas Tirith. Ever since King Elessar had the road connecting many of the cities of Men built, more people than ever have been traveling, just because they can." Haldir laughed a little at this.
Then, he frowned a little, and Lady Greenleaf paused in her unpacking and settling in to concentrate fully on her most trusted companion. "We did have one visitor," he said warily.
"Indeed?" asked Lady Greenleaf.
"Yes. The Lady Arwen showed up rather unexpectedly yesterday. Luint tried to get a hold of you via the Palantir, probably to tell you Arwen was coming. She hasn't done much of anything, really—a lot of wandering and resting, although it does seem like she's waiting for something. She hasn't talked much at all," Haldir explained.
"Hmm…well, maybe I'll try to talk to Luint about it in the morning, or even Arwen herself. Maybe she just wanted a change of scenery. I'm not exceptionally concerned," Lady Greenleaf said. "Right now, I need some of that rest myself. Thanks for the update, Haldir."
"Quite welcome, milady," Haldir replied. "I'll leave you to it, and check on the Mirkwood Elves."
Haldir left to do just that, and the Lady Greenleaf finished settling herself in. She braided her hair and threw a light dressing gown over a lounging outfit, and moved to lie out on her bed. Curiosity over Arwen's appearance in Lothlorien took over her mind, and she threw ideas around in it for some time. She didn't even notice her weariness overtake her…
They were running, hard, as if their lives depended on it. She watched from overhead, and saw Avi, Georgie, Jade, Ivy, Primrose…others, all running…towards or away from something, she couldn't tell…
Rain started to fall, but it was hot, like tears…Lewen, Lily, Lady V…they were crying…their tears fell like rain out of the clouds, mixed with the tears of others…
…and darkness fell, and she felt a searing pain in her heart…
Lady Lostcirithial Greenleaf gasped awake, gripping at her heart, which was beating almost painfully hard and fast. She tried to steady herself, but found it was useless. Breathing heavily, she muttered to herself, "The Mirror…" and stumbled out of her bed, away from her chambers.
Lady Greenleaf had experienced dreams like this before, and she had discovered that gazing into Galadriel's mirror often helped her sort out her thoughts, and make sense of things. Her only thought now, however, was not of the dream, but of just getting to the mirror without collapsing. Her breathing was laboured, and her chest hurt, but she moved as quickly as she could to the fabled mirror, hoping against hope that it would ease her pain.
She filled the waiting carafe with water, and spilled some in her haste to pour it into the basin. As the water settled to become the Mirror, Lady Greenleaf watched with anticipation for images to begin forming. At first, she thought the water was just cloudy, but when she felt her head slowly but surely began to ache, she knew it was something else, something more.
The water was cloudy, because what the Lady Greenleaf was seeing was clouds; dark, ominous clouds filling the whole mirror. With every moment, the clouds grew darker and thicker, and in turn, Lady Greenleaf's pain grew worse and more intense. She tried to withstand it for as long as she could, but as the clouds became thunderheads, each lightning flash sent a blinding pain through her entire body. Her vision blurred, and she collapsed, falling back from the Mirror to the ground below.
Before she fell into almost blissful unconsciousness, Lady Greenleaf remembered what she had told the harem. Yes, the Lady Galadriel's ring carried much responsibility.
* * * * *
Georgie had taken the second watch of the night on the third—and hopefully final—night of their journey, and she awoke Lady V at the first light of the fourth day since they left Edoras. Seeing the last traces of night still in the sky, Lady V grumbled a bit, but Georgie paid her no heed as she readied the horses for the day ahead. When V realized she wasn't getting the attention she wanted, she simply garbed herself for another day of travel rather silently, and mounted her horse and followed Georgie in much the same silent manner. Georgie noticed this, but left it alone, deciding to just let V start her day any way she wanted.
In starting her day the way she wanted, the Lady V let her thoughts drift to more pleasant things, and they immediately settled on Faramir. She smiled slightly as she thought about her husband, still somewhat amazed that he had married her so soon after Eowyn had left him. Faramir said that V had helped to ease his aching heart, and had taught it to work again, and she blushed just thinking about his words. He had never told her why Eowyn had left—she was gone before the girls had even arrived in Middle Earth—and she had never pursued it, content with just being with him.
Lady V let her thoughts stay on Faramir for a while, and when Georgie glanced back to see the dreamy smile on her friend's face, she hid a smile herself. She knew what V was thinking, which immediately brought Eomer to mind. Georgie quickly pushed those thoughts aside, for she still didn't know what to do with that whole situation just yet. She focused on the matter at hand, and kept her eyes peeled for any danger around them. They had just entered a wooded area of the road, and the low hanging branches caused her some worry.
Up ahead, Georgie saw branches bouncing around, and she turned to warn V to watch out for the swinging boughs. Obviously, a pack of squirrels or something was up there, causing the ruckus. She was surprised to see Lady V's eyes widen when she turned, and almost jumped out of her saddle when V pointed and screamed, "Look out!"
Georgina yanked on the reins of her horse, but the horse had already halted, rearing in alarm. V's horse did the same, and the ladies struggled to calm their horses and keep from falling. When they managed to right everything, they looked forward again, and saw a swarthy, female figure hanging from a branch by her knees.
"'lo, Riders!" the Dunlending said cheerfully.
"Not you again!" groaned Lady V.
"I told you I had things to tell you," the Dunlending said in a sing-song, reminding tone.
Georgie, however, was in no mood. "Just who do you think you are?" she demanded.
"Why, I'm me, of course!" replied the Dunlending.
"You know what I mean! Don't you have a name or something?" Georgie cried, exasperated already.
"I sure do. Don't you?" said the Dunlending, smirking at the Lady Rider.
"Why, you little--!" growled Georgie, but when she reached out to strangle the annoying Dunlending, a la Homer Simpson, said Dunlending laughed and swung back into the trees, and Georgie nearly fell out of her saddle again. Lady V looked up, saw the branches shaking wildly, and gasped when the Dunlending dropped in front of her this time, hanging by her arms like a monkey.
"We really don't have time for this," Lady V said crossly, glaring at the Dunlending.
"Oh, I think you should make time," their unwanted visitor said, swinging slightly from the branch. "Everyone makes time for the Soothsayer."
"Fine, then. If everyone does it," sighed V. "We'll jump off a cliff the next time everyone does that, too."
"That's next Thursday, by the Shire Reckoning," the Dunlending informed her seriously. Before Georgie or V could react to that, she hurried on to speak her piece. "I have seen things. They concern you, and others you care for."
"The girls, you mean?" Georgie asked.
"Yes, and no," the Dunlending replied. "The visions weren't clear—they never are, really—but if what I saw is true, then much woe will befall you, and those you are closest to. Take great care, Lady Riders."
"Why tell us this?" Lady V wondered aloud.
"Soothsayer's duty," the Dunlending said, shrugging slightly and almost falling out of the tree. "Plus, it just seemed like the thing to do at the time."
"But what exactly do you mean, much woe? What is going to happen?" said Georgie, her voice full of concern.
"Just what I say. But that is all. Bye, now." And with that, the Dunlending hoisted herself into the tree, and out of sight. Georgie and Lady V called for her to come back, but soon saw it was in vain. A little disgruntled and more than a little put out and worried, the pair set out on the road for Minas Tirith again.
They rode in silence for a while before Lady V asked, "What do you think it all means?"
"No idea," Georgie admitted. "But I do know we have to get to Minas Tirith tonight. Avi will want to hear this. Whatever it is, it's nothing good."
V nodded, then frowned. "You know, that Dunlending looked a bit familiar."
"Familiar how?" Georgie inquired.
"I don't know, exactly. Like someone from back home…" V explained.
"Well, the only one of us we've never been able to place is Afrai…" Georgie said.
"She might pull something like this…and it would explain why she went all this way to tell us about her vision…" added V.
"Nah," they both said in unison, and let the subject drop.
* * * * *
"Um, your Majesty?"
"Yes?" said Avi distractedly as she practiced some simple rapier thrusts on a sparring dummy.
The Lady Ivy Sirithwingwen is here to see you and she...um, politely informed me to tell you that she won't take 'she's busy' as an answer," the guard said nervously.
"What are you waiting for, then, lad?" Avi said, skewering the devil straight through. "Send her in. No sense in getting her angrier."
"Yes, my Queen," the young guard replied, and left to get the "visitor". Avi shook her head and sheathed her rapier. She then leaned it against the wall and traded it for her two thin blades that were her pride and joy. She knew Ivy well enough, and knew she'd have to get her mind off of whatever was troubling her somehow. Avi knew firsthand that a little skirmish now and then was a great remedy against anger.
And Ivy certainly was angry. Her face was as red as Avi's hair, and she had clenched her teeth firmly. She opened them only to demand loudly, "Where is he, Avi?!"
"I know not of what you speak," Avi replied calmly, drawing her swords. "Now have at you, Lady."
Ivy growled and unsheathed her sword, then took a wild swing, which Avi deftly dodged. As their blades clashed back and forth, Ivy grunted her explanation. "Boromir didn't meet me for dinner, nor did he come home to me. While Aragorn is away, you're his master. Now where is he!"
She let out a wild scream and flipped over Avi's head, but the red lady was ready. She braced both blades against the almost deadly blow delivered by the elven woman, and forced her back. The swift parries, thrusts, swings, turns, and so forth continued as Avi said, "I saw your beloved not at all today, which had me sorely vexed. I value his advice highly. Indeed, I had hoped you would know of his whereabouts."
"Well, obviously, I don't!" exclaimed Ivy, now forcing Avi back in a frenzy of strikes. "We've got to find him before I lose my sanity!" She twirled her sword over her head, and sliced downward to deliver the final blow.
She misjudged Avi, however. The Queen of Gondor kicked out and knocked Ivy's sword out of her hand, and turned to knock her to the ground with a second kick. Before Ivy could respond, Avi stood over her, one sword poised for attack over her head and the other set against Ivy's neck. The elven princess stared up at Avi, breathing heavily, wondering what was coming next.
"If you do not calm down, you shall lose your head as well as your sanity, Lady," Avi said quietly, still holding her blade close to Ivy's neck. "Not by me, naturally, but by someone less inclined to pacifism." Avi smiled slightly, sheathed her blades, and helped her friend to her feet again. She sent a nearby servant for water, and led Ivy out of the training room to one of her more comfortable sitting rooms.
After letting Ivy settle into her favourite armchair, Avi sat in a nearby chaise lounge and looked at her closely. "You are feeling better now?" she asked.
"A little," Ivy admitted. "I'm worried and upset, but not angry anymore, thanks to that. I'm a little curious about your language, however."
Avi laughed and blushed slightly. "I tend to fall into archaic speech when presented with situations such as this. It'll wear off soon."
"Well, good--I don't think I could have taken much more of it," sighed Ivy, leaning back in her chair. "So you don't know where Boromir is?"
Avi shook her head. "Not unless he joined Aragorn on his voyage to Hobbiton."
Ivy groaned and smacked her forehead. "Of course! It is time for the guys to get together, isn't it? I had forgotten, since last year it was in Gondor, and they didn't have to leave."
"Well, there's your answer then, most likely," Avi said simply, smiling.
"I'm sorry, Avi," Ivy said sheepishly. "I've just got these bad feelings, is all."
"I could tell," Avi replied, gesturing to Ivy's change in hair colour. "You only use dark blues, purples, and et cetera when you're bothered. It's still rather odd, though, that Boromir would leave without telling you where he was going. He knows that sort of thing upsets you. I'll send word to Lily to let us know when he gets to the Shire."
"Thanks, Avi," Ivy said, grinning.
"Anytime, Ivy, dear," Avi replied, smiling back. "Now, if you're not busy, maybe we could pick this session up when you're a little less frenzied, mind you."
Ivy laughed and was about to accept when the guard who had admitted her entered the room. "Many apologies for not knocking, my Queen, but it's the Palantir."
"Lily?" Avi asked hopefully.
The young guard shook his head. "Lady Jade Greenleaf. She said to come right away, and she won't take 'I'm busy' as an answer."
"You people," Avi sighed, shaking her head. "Come on, Ivy. You'll probably want to hear this."
* * * * *
The first thing Avi and Ivy heard upon entering the Palantir room was an odd wailing. They both winced at the sound, then saw Cara Heble sitting in a chair near the Palantir, with the same wincing look on her face. "Tell them to quiet whatever that is down, Avi," Cara said loudly, so as to be heard over the noise. Avi simply nodded, and placed her hand over the Palantir, closing her eyes and concentrating on making a connection.
"Avi? Oh, thank you," she heard Jade say, relief filling her voice.
The wailing grew louder, and Avi asked, "What is that sound? It's driving us batty."
"Lewen and Jessica and Cela and about half of the other girls," replied Jade, and Avi detected a strain in her friend's voice. Before she could press her for information, Jade burst out with, "Oh, Avi, Legolas is gone!"
Avi's eyes flew open from her surprise, and Cara and Ivy focused all their attention on her. "Gone? What do you mean, 'gone'?"
"Just that. We don't know where he is," Jade said miserably. A brief silence fell, and Avi heard Telepavariel and whom she thought was astera trying to calm people down, but with little success. Jade sighed, then continued. "He was supposed to leave today, but you know he wouldn't just leave without saying anything. I have this feeling something bad has happened to him."
Avi recognized Lewen's voice as she cried, "Oh, my Legolas!" before bursting into fresh and louder sobs, as if she had heard Jade voice her fears. Jade told Telepavariel to get Lewen out of there, and obviously, several others went with them, because things grew considerably quieter after that. With that done, Jade returned her attentions to Avi. "I'm just at a loss of what to do, Avi. He just up and vanished…"
"Something similar happened here, with Boromir," Avi told her, and quickly outlined what Ivy had told her. "There's definitely something strange going on."
"You're telling me. So what can we do?" Jade asked.
Avi thought for a moment, then shook her head. "We don't know enough. Maybe Legolas simply didn't want a big send off from you girls. But it might also be something more. Ask Lady Greenleaf if she's sensing anything, and I'll send word to our Hobbit gals to keep an eye out for things. If we don't hear anything in a few days—with the new roads, it should only take three or four days for Aragorn to reach Lothlorien—we'll rethink things."
"Do you still want us to come to Minas Tirith?" said Jade.
"Not just yet. All of you stay in Mirkwood, just in case some news comes in. You're the only one connected to the Palantir there, no da," Avi answered.
"All righty, then. Keep me posted," Jade said, and they broke the connection. Avi sighed heavily, and sank to the floor, settling herself into a comfortable sitting position.
"What happened?" Ivy demanded.
"Legolas is gone, too," Avi replied listlessly.
Both Ivy and Cara gasped, and Avi told them everything that was said. They may have been able to hear the ambient noise in the Palantir room in Mirkwood, but what had been said between Avi and Jade had been private—until then. The pair listened intently to the recap of the Queen's conversation with the elven one, then all three lapsed into silence.
Finally, Avi spoke. "It may just be coincidence. We simply don't have all the facts. But if something is indeed happening, and someone has abducted Legolas and Boromir, which is the only logical explanation in my mind, I have a pretty good idea who might be behind all of it."
Ivy's eyes darkened, and she nodded her understanding. "I wouldn't be surprised if she picked up where he left off. Even back home, her obsession with him was growing unhealthy," Ivy said.
"Let's not do anything rash, though," said Cara. "Not until we know for certain. Maybe you should ask around about the other guys going to the Shire, Avi. Faramir and Eomer, Gimli, Elrond, and so on."
"Well, Georgie and V are already on their way here, and V is my Palantir connection in Edoras," Avi informed her. "But I can try to get a hold of Luint, and Alison in the Misty Mountains…"
"I still don't understand why Alison decided to go there, of all places," Cara commented. She, Avi, Lily, and Alison had known each other quite well before they arrived in Middle Earth.
"She said something to me about wanting to get away from it all, but that's not the point," Avi said dismissively. "You two should probably just leave me to it. I'm going to be a while. Keep an eye out for the Rohirrim ladies—they should be here any day now." With that, Avi stood and returned to the Palantir.
Cara and Ivy looked at each other, shrugged at Avi's bluntness, and left to do as she suggested. Hopefully, their fears would be for naught, and their friends would get there soon.
* * * * *
The guards in the west cupola of the lowest wall of Minas Tirith were both honoured and nervous to have both Lady Ivy and the Wizard Cara Heble on watch with them. They didn't want to be rude, but at the same time, they didn't want to say something stupid to their esteemed guests. They were lucky, though—neither woman was talking. Ivy paced the floor, wringing her hands with worry about Boromir and Legolas, and Cara remained stationary at the window, leaning against her staff and staring west, letting nothing distract her watch.
It took longer than Cara expected for Ivy to get claustrophobic. When she did, however, it startled them all greatly. "Oh, I can't take this anymore!" Ivy cried out of nowhere as she threw her arms in the air. "I'm going outside to walk the wall. It's stuffy and small in here. I'll be back." Cara nodded to acknowledge that she had heard, and Ivy left the cupola with a bang.
As the guards watched her leave, Cara said, "Don't mind Ivy. She's a trifle emotional. Why don't you guys go and get a snack. I'll be fine here."
"We're not to leave our posts, Green Wizard," one of the guards said seriously.
"I take full responsibility," said Cara. "I'd take advantage of it, if I were you. Not too many chances like this will arise again."
The guard made to argue again, but his partner stopped him with a look. Not only did a dinner and some ale sound good to him right then, no one could say what a wizard could and would do. It was rumoured that Cara was fond of turtles, and this guard didn't particularly want to find out just how fond she was of them. "Thank you, milady. We will certainly take your offer," he said for them.
"Smart man," Cara mumbled. Out loud, she said, "If you would bring me back some tea, and a little bread and cheese when you return, I'd appreciate it." The guards assured her they would, and left her alone in the cupola.
Cara sighed. Finally, she could have some peace, and do what she needed to do. She took a few steps back from the window, and set her dark, slightly gnarled staff directly in front of her. Carefully intoning the words, Cara released the spell and felt her vision become somewhat telescopic. She focused her thoughts on the Ladies V and Georgina, and was pleased to find them very close to the White City. The only reason why Cara couldn't see their tiny forms from the cupola was because the two Riders were behind the last few hills before the land evened out. Cara estimated their arrival at about an hour from then, counting both travel time and stabling, and leaned out the window to search for Ivy. "Oy, Ivy!"
"What?" Ivy called, directly to Cara's left.
Cara looked down, and saw Ivy was not too far from the cupola itself. "Georgie and V are almost here. It should only be an hour more. Wanna go tell Avi? I'll meet them when they come in."
"Sure. What will you do until then?" Ivy asked.
"Pretend I'm Cara of the House Guard," replied Cara, her smirk growing smirkier. Ivy decided not to ask, and headed back to the Palantir room.
She found Avi on the floor again, curled up in the fetal position and simply staring at the doorway. Ivy gave her an odd look, and Avi replied with, "Tired and cold. That Palantir'll take a lot outta you."
As Avi got to her feet, Ivy commented, "The archaic speech is gone."
"And Taylor Street seems to have taken over," said Avi, smiling slightly. "I can never win. What's up?"
"Just wanted to check on things, and let you know that Cara thinks Georgie and V will be here in an hour," Ivy said.
"Well, that's good. Let's head for the sitting room, then. I want them to be comfortable. I'll send for some food, too," Avi said. She sent the guards outside the door to inform Cara of their whereabouts, and to have dinner ready for the five of them, and then she and Ivy headed again for the sitting room.
"Who did you get a hold of?" Ivy asked as they walked.
"Well, I called Lily first, and she was thoroughly worried, as Lily would be in a situation like this. She's a hobbit to the core—always was, really," Avi said ruefully, smiling a bit more. "She promised to be on the alert, and said she'd keep both eyes on Pippin. I'm sure she'll tell the others to do the same for their men."
"Good. I don't want them going through what I'm going through," shuddered Ivy.
"I don't want anyone to go through it," Avi said, opening the door for Ivy as they arrived at the room. As Ivy sat in her chair, Avi chose a large armchair over her usual chaise lounge, and wrapped a brightly coloured blanket Lily had knitted for her around her shoulders to warm her before continuing. "Anyway, after that, I talked briefly to Luint. She said that Elrond and Bilbo had already left for the Shire, but she'd check in with Lily about their arrival. The decision of Bilbo to leave Rivendell surprised me, as did Luint's news that Arwen had left for Lothlorien."
"Really?" said Ivy, leaning forward in her chair.
Avi nodded. "Arwen left to visit her kin a few days ago, without telling Elrond. They discovered she had left after Luint suggested she take a vacation, and Elrond went to offer the option to her."
"That's not like Arwen," Ivy commented.
"No, it's not, and it's got Luint concerned. The way I see it, if it'll calm Arwen down, more power to her. She won't be in our hair, then." Ivy noticed the scorn Avi used to have for Arwen re-emerge in her tone of voice, but chose to ignore it.
"I tried to get Lady Greenleaf, but she wasn't around," Avi went on. "She should be back in Lothlorien by now. I could sense something wrong there, but you never know. When she bet's in, she'll know I tried to get a hold of her and call me back."
"What do the Palantirs have answering machines?" Ivy teased.
"Something like that," Avi said mysteriously, grinning. "But that's about it. Alison wasn't answering, either, but that's not uncommon. So that just leaves V, who'll be arriving with Georgie soon. We'll update them then."
Ivy and Avi made small talk for a little while, then grew quiet as they waited. Ivy, whose thoughts had returned to Boromir for a while, glanced over at Avi at one point to find her dozing in the armchair, curled up in her blanket, and laughed lightly. She let Avi remain like that until Georgie and V showed up. "So this is how we find our Queen—asleep on the job!" Georgie joked as V rushed in to hug Ivy.
"Sleeping my foot," Avi said as she stifled a yawn, then grinned sheepishly. "I was simply resting my eyes."
"Yeah, and I'm a Dunlending," Georgie laughed, going to hug Avi in greeting. She and V switched, and hugged Ivy and Avi respectively, and then took seats in the room. V relaxed on the chaise lounge while Georgie opted for a smaller armchair. Cara, who had followed behind them, snagged a desk chair. When everyone was seated, Georgie turned to Avi and asked, "So what's going on?"
"More than you'd think," Avi said gravely, pulling her blanket around her again. She quickly ran through what had been going on in and around Minas Tirith, much to the Rohirrim women's dismay. V had lapsed into silence, already fretting about Faramir, but Georgie was a bit more verbal.
"I'm surprised, to be sure, but we got hints about something like this," Georgie said. She told the others about their encounter with the Dunlending Soothsayer, and after her tale, Avi looked more worried than ever.
"I'm not fond of Dunlendings, but I have to admit, I take what they have to say seriously. I think it's safe to say that we need to take action, and go find Boromir and Legolas before any harm comes to them, " Avi said determinedly.
"Or anyone else," Cara reminded her.
"Exactly," agreed Avi.
"Any ideas as to where to start?" Georgie asked.
Avi glanced quickly at Ivy and Cara, who both nodded slightly. Avi then returned her gaze to Georgie, her eyes narrowed behind her glasses. Georgie held her breath involuntarily as she waited for Avi to speak.
"We start in Mordor."
* * * * *