A MOMENT OF TRUTH
PART SEVEN
A weak winter sun flashed the last of its rays as guards on the eastern border of Lothlorien kept watch from their tree platforms above the Nimrodel where it meets the Celebrant, or Silverlode. Though late winter snows piled high in the foothills of the Misty Mountains, the air was merely crisp and the ground bare within the borders of the Golden Wood.
Haldir, warden of the eastern border, saw a party of four approaching on horseback. No one crossed the Mountains alone in these days of growing Darkness. His keen Elf sight revealed the identity of the riders. They were familiar to him but he knew they were not expected. He wondered what news could bring these road-stained travelers over the Mountains in the depths of winter.
Haldir dropped silently from his place in the tree. Three other border guards joined him soundlessly at his signal. The riders halted at the sudden sight of the Elf warriors, for their garments cloaked them from sight amidst the silver branches until they chose to reveal themselves. Though the visitors had not seen Haldir and his men until now, they seemed unsurprised at the manner of their abrupt appearance.
Haldir spoke to the dark-haired Elf in the forefront of the party, "Well met, Elrohir, son of Elrond. You have traveled far and at a season when the wise do not tempt cruel Caradthras to live up to its name. You were fortunate enough to find the Pass open to you?"
"The Redhorn Pass is known to me in all its seasons, Haldir, March-warden of Lorien. The wise will go where and when the need drives them. Now I have need to come to Caras Galadhon, so I ask that you let me pass." Elrohir said with a glint in his grey eyes. He was not used to being challenged in the land of his kin.
Haldir held his ground, well aware of both his authority as a March-warden and the rank and connections of the impatient rider before him. "Your welcome is certain in the house of Lady Galadriel, but your coming is unlooked for, so far as I know. Always before, a messenger has preceded you or the Lady has known of your coming by her own will. Never have I failed to have the Lady's consent, ere your arrival, that those from the House of Elrond had leave to enter her realm."
Elrohir gestured impatiently but Haldir continued with no change in his firm manner. "You well know our law that no strangers enter Lorien without leave of the Lord and Lady. It is also law that even friends or kin arriving unlooked for must state their business and go under escort directly to Caras Galadhon."
One of the riders accompanying Elrohir, a tall stern-looking Elf, looked as though he would have something to say about upstart border captains telling the grandson of Lady Galadriel where he could go and when. Elrohir, who had looked angry during most of Haldir's pronouncement, now simply looked wearily amused. "Peace, Erestor. Since I desire to go directly to Caras Galadhon and my business is to see the mother of my mother, Master Haldir can fulfill his duty with good conscience. I must insist, however," Elrohir said with steel in his voice, "that our good captain come with us and give a complete report of our arrival to both Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn"
Knowing he had taken his authority to its absolute limits, Haldir agreed with what dignity he could muster. A complete report, indeed! He thought ruefully he might be spending a lot of time on patrol duty after this night.
The party of four weary riders was escorted by Haldir and one of his lieutenants. Despite their obvious exhaustion, Elrohir declared they would ride through the night to reach the Green City. Haldir wisely did not object, even though it meant swimming the horses across the Silverlode in the dark. Fortunately the night was clear and the stars were bright as they made their way across the Naith of Lorien. The smooth bark of the silvery trees in the forest dimly reflected the starlight, and the riders passed through the silent wood shining like pale phantoms in the dark.
When they arrived at the Gates of Caras Galadhon, they entered without challenge by authority of Haldir, even though it was late in the night. But neither Haldir's position as a March-warden nor Elrohir's kinship with the Lord and Lady of Lorien would bring them into their presence before the next morning. The party from Rivendell was shown to the comfortable flets usually set aside for them. The other three members of his party, thrust upon him by his father for this impetuous journey, fell asleep immediately upon their couches. Elrohir, as tired as he could ever remember being, lay wakeful till dawn, pondering the meeting to come.
The next morning, Elrohir and his party were shown to the presence of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. They stood to welcome their guests after their custom. Elrohir introduced his companions, Erestor, Glorfindel, and Onoril. The rulers of Lorien previously knew all but Onoril and each was graciously welcomed. Lady Galadriel looked intently at Elrohir and bade his companions take their ease and look upon the City of Caras Galadhon while she spoke further with her kinsman.
The other three Elves bowed low and left the chamber to find Haldir waiting for them. His reward for his dedication to his duty was to act as their guide for as long they wished it. Erestor decided he had a long list and herded the hapless captain out into the city. Glorfindel promised Haldir relief in the form of a bottle of wine later if he kept up with Erestor in the meantime.
Inside the chamber, Lady Galadriel granted permission for Elrohir to speak. Elrohir bowed and said in a formal manner. "Lord Elrond sends greeting to Lady Galadriel, wisest above all others, from whom sprang Celebrian the Fair, she who has ever held the key to his heart. He sends greeting to Lord Celeborn, guardian of Lothlorien. Lord Elrond prays this message finds your realm in peace."
"The realm of Lothlorien bids the son of Elrond and Celebrian welcome, as ever. I know that your brother Elladan wanders with the Rangers in the far north and west of Middle Earth. Arwen, your sister resides with her father in Rivendell, though I hope she returns to visit me soon."
"She sends you her love, as ever, my Lady." Elrohir assured her. He would need all the good favor Arwen's name carried before this meeting ended.
Lady Galadriel paused, then mused in a way boded ill for her grandson. "But never before, Elrohir, have you come unheralded and unlooked for. It seems you have gone to some trouble to make sure you came in secret, even from me."
Lady Galadriel's voice seemed to echo inside Elrohir's mind and her eyes to penetrate his very being. He had seen her do it to others but could not remember ever being its target. She continued speaking, but now without words. "This clandestine approach is a new skill for you, my dear. Does your father know the manner of your coming? Or indeed, its real purpose?"
Elrohir answered aloud truthfully. "He does not know that I hid my approach from you. He will be displeased to hear it. I know that you have looked into my heart. You see how I accomplished my concealment and will guard against it in future. That is well, for I wish no harm to come to Lorien."
Elrohir looked from Celeborn to Galadriel. "Neither does my Lord Elrond. He sends a further message. He wishes you to know that, like you, he ever strives with the Shadow. But he sensed some shade of threat is growing here, in Lorien. He does not know its nature or extent or purpose. He knows you are ever vigilant but offers whatever aide he can."
"And what aide does he offer? You, my dear Elrohir?" Lady Galadriel said softly.
"I would lay down my life to protect Lothlorien, home of my childhood, and the home of my mother," Elrohir said earnestly. "When my father told me that he sensed a growing shadow in the Golden Wood, it echoed a truth I had begun to feel in my own heart." He thought briefly of the terror and joy that truth had brought him, then pushed it aside; he could tell Galadriel continued to probe his heart and mind.
Elrohir took a deep breath for he knew he was about to venture into perilous territory. "When word reached us in Rivendell that Celemedril and Eloessa were injured in some sort of attack on their journey home, my father sent immediate inquiries as to their welfare and asked for details of what happened. The initial reports received from Lorien were grievous, but vague, saying only that Celemedril survived a terrible wound but Eloessa's recovery remained doubtful. No details of the attack were given." Elrohir remembered his anguish at the news and halted for a moment.
"Continue", Lord Celeborn said into the silence, leaving no doubt this was a command, not mere encouragement.
"I, I mean, my father, asked that regular reports on the condition of Eloessa be sent, for she is dear to my family." Here Elrohir stumbled a little, a rare occurrence for the son of Elrond, glancing quickly at his grandparents. "Despite this request, only one more message did we receive in all the months since. It said simply that she had withdrawn into seclusion for healing and contemplation. And still no word of how she and her brother were injured. Indeed, there has been no news of her brother, Eomeril, at all."
"We know the content of the messages sent, for they came from us, Elrohir. And so?" Lady Galadriel queried, raising an aristocratic brow.
Elrohir had known this would not be easy, but his grandmother certainly was not helping. "So I have come to see for myself how Eloessa, and her brothers fare."
Lord Celeborn drew himself up and looked hard at his grandson. "Of what do you accuse us, pray? Speak! Let us hear why you come like a thief in the night and then cast slurs upon the honor of Lorien."
Elrohir managed not to flinch at his grandfather's tone--barely. He thought of the worry and frustration of the past months that could have been dispelled with a simple message from the man before him. He lifted his head and returned Celeborn's gaze. "It was disturbing to me that our direct requests for information about Eloessa were met with silence. And quite unlike you, who taught me everything I know about honor and duty toward a guest and long-time friend."
Celeborn's expression grew stormier, but Elrohir continued. "This occurred at the same time that my father perceived a shadow of peril drawing over Lorien itself, which had never happened before in his memory. My heart was full of foreboding. Since I did not receive answers to my messages about Eloessa and her brothers, I thought to come in person."
"And if answers were to be found, it seemed needful to me to come secretly. If this new threat to Lorien were connected to what happened to Eloessa, then my coming unexpectedly might hinder its purpose. If there was a good reason for the silence," Elrohir turned to Galadriel but perceived no change in her expression, "then it was meet that I come discreetly so as not to endanger her further."
The chamber was silent following Elrohir's words. He could not tell what Galadriel and Celeborn were thinking. He saw them look at each other and knew they were communicating directly without words. Finally Lord Celeborn spoke aloud. "Leave us now, Elrohir. Come again tomorrow and we will speak further on these matters."
When Elrohir might have spoken, he heard in his mind "Be patient! You know not all that has come to pass. Now go!" The force of his grandmother's unspoken command nearly sent him to his knees. He struggled to remain upright and even managed a creditable bow. He saw an acknowledging glint in her eyes at the effort that cost him. He withdrew with as much dignity as possible and waited until the chamber door closed behind him to sink, shaking, to the polished floor.
When he was certain he would not walk like a drunken soldier, he made his way back to his talan. His companions had not yet returned. He ate a light dinner of fruits, cheese and sweet Lorien wine. He then sat in silent contemplation, long legs crossed in front of him, arms across his chest. One might almost have thought him asleep, so still was he. But a close observer would note an air of tension or expectation about the Elf.
When the shadows grew long and twilight fell amongst the trees, the door to the talan opened quietly. Elrohir did not stir, but the feeling of tension in the lithe body increased palpably. "Did you get what I needed?" he asked the figure standing in the doorway.
"Yes. Though Haldir did not realize it, he was most helpful." said Glorfindel, coming into the room and closing the door. He crossed to stand in front of his younger friend.
Elrohir sat up and asked intently. "Then it is true, what we heard? None may approach there without the express command of Lady Galadriel? Are there guards?"
The older Elf shook his head and reported. "There is only one guard, in place day and night, with three changes. The last change will be at moonrise. No one is permitted inside the talan save the servant. Nothing is known except Lady Eloessa took some hurt on her journey back from Rivendell last summer. She was in the care of the Lady for a few weeks and then recovered enough to withdraw to a private residence."
Glorfindel imparted the rest of his intelligence. "Most think she pines for her brothers, who have both left Lorien. Eomeril arrived after Celemedril brought Eloessa here from the Mountains and left again in just a day or two. No one knows where he went. Celemedril departed several weeks ago, at the beginning of winter, to search for Eomeril, it is said. Nothing has been heard of them since, but there is a rumor both traveled south when they left."
Elrohir rose and began to collect items from his pack. He took a rope, a knife and a cloak identical to those worn by Haldir's border wardens. With an almost ritual gesture, he touched the small leather pouch that he wore on a thong around his neck hidden beneath his clothes. He paused a moment, then added his sword at his belt. Glorfindel watched these preparations with alarm. "Think about what you are doing Elrohir. Some would consider it treason. You could be risking banishment or even death, depending on what you find."
Elrohir did not pause in his preparations. Glorfindel continued urgently. "Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel do nothing without good reason, and their commands are not to be taken lightly. I, myself, have broken every law of hospitality we hold sacred, by using my freedom to spy and gain information. I do not know what will come of this madness of yours."
The room had grown quite dark as they spoke though Elven eyes adapted to it easily. Elrohir's teeth flashed in the dim room as he grinned and walked out the door. "It's not madness, my friend. It is love."
PART SEVEN
A weak winter sun flashed the last of its rays as guards on the eastern border of Lothlorien kept watch from their tree platforms above the Nimrodel where it meets the Celebrant, or Silverlode. Though late winter snows piled high in the foothills of the Misty Mountains, the air was merely crisp and the ground bare within the borders of the Golden Wood.
Haldir, warden of the eastern border, saw a party of four approaching on horseback. No one crossed the Mountains alone in these days of growing Darkness. His keen Elf sight revealed the identity of the riders. They were familiar to him but he knew they were not expected. He wondered what news could bring these road-stained travelers over the Mountains in the depths of winter.
Haldir dropped silently from his place in the tree. Three other border guards joined him soundlessly at his signal. The riders halted at the sudden sight of the Elf warriors, for their garments cloaked them from sight amidst the silver branches until they chose to reveal themselves. Though the visitors had not seen Haldir and his men until now, they seemed unsurprised at the manner of their abrupt appearance.
Haldir spoke to the dark-haired Elf in the forefront of the party, "Well met, Elrohir, son of Elrond. You have traveled far and at a season when the wise do not tempt cruel Caradthras to live up to its name. You were fortunate enough to find the Pass open to you?"
"The Redhorn Pass is known to me in all its seasons, Haldir, March-warden of Lorien. The wise will go where and when the need drives them. Now I have need to come to Caras Galadhon, so I ask that you let me pass." Elrohir said with a glint in his grey eyes. He was not used to being challenged in the land of his kin.
Haldir held his ground, well aware of both his authority as a March-warden and the rank and connections of the impatient rider before him. "Your welcome is certain in the house of Lady Galadriel, but your coming is unlooked for, so far as I know. Always before, a messenger has preceded you or the Lady has known of your coming by her own will. Never have I failed to have the Lady's consent, ere your arrival, that those from the House of Elrond had leave to enter her realm."
Elrohir gestured impatiently but Haldir continued with no change in his firm manner. "You well know our law that no strangers enter Lorien without leave of the Lord and Lady. It is also law that even friends or kin arriving unlooked for must state their business and go under escort directly to Caras Galadhon."
One of the riders accompanying Elrohir, a tall stern-looking Elf, looked as though he would have something to say about upstart border captains telling the grandson of Lady Galadriel where he could go and when. Elrohir, who had looked angry during most of Haldir's pronouncement, now simply looked wearily amused. "Peace, Erestor. Since I desire to go directly to Caras Galadhon and my business is to see the mother of my mother, Master Haldir can fulfill his duty with good conscience. I must insist, however," Elrohir said with steel in his voice, "that our good captain come with us and give a complete report of our arrival to both Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn"
Knowing he had taken his authority to its absolute limits, Haldir agreed with what dignity he could muster. A complete report, indeed! He thought ruefully he might be spending a lot of time on patrol duty after this night.
The party of four weary riders was escorted by Haldir and one of his lieutenants. Despite their obvious exhaustion, Elrohir declared they would ride through the night to reach the Green City. Haldir wisely did not object, even though it meant swimming the horses across the Silverlode in the dark. Fortunately the night was clear and the stars were bright as they made their way across the Naith of Lorien. The smooth bark of the silvery trees in the forest dimly reflected the starlight, and the riders passed through the silent wood shining like pale phantoms in the dark.
When they arrived at the Gates of Caras Galadhon, they entered without challenge by authority of Haldir, even though it was late in the night. But neither Haldir's position as a March-warden nor Elrohir's kinship with the Lord and Lady of Lorien would bring them into their presence before the next morning. The party from Rivendell was shown to the comfortable flets usually set aside for them. The other three members of his party, thrust upon him by his father for this impetuous journey, fell asleep immediately upon their couches. Elrohir, as tired as he could ever remember being, lay wakeful till dawn, pondering the meeting to come.
The next morning, Elrohir and his party were shown to the presence of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. They stood to welcome their guests after their custom. Elrohir introduced his companions, Erestor, Glorfindel, and Onoril. The rulers of Lorien previously knew all but Onoril and each was graciously welcomed. Lady Galadriel looked intently at Elrohir and bade his companions take their ease and look upon the City of Caras Galadhon while she spoke further with her kinsman.
The other three Elves bowed low and left the chamber to find Haldir waiting for them. His reward for his dedication to his duty was to act as their guide for as long they wished it. Erestor decided he had a long list and herded the hapless captain out into the city. Glorfindel promised Haldir relief in the form of a bottle of wine later if he kept up with Erestor in the meantime.
Inside the chamber, Lady Galadriel granted permission for Elrohir to speak. Elrohir bowed and said in a formal manner. "Lord Elrond sends greeting to Lady Galadriel, wisest above all others, from whom sprang Celebrian the Fair, she who has ever held the key to his heart. He sends greeting to Lord Celeborn, guardian of Lothlorien. Lord Elrond prays this message finds your realm in peace."
"The realm of Lothlorien bids the son of Elrond and Celebrian welcome, as ever. I know that your brother Elladan wanders with the Rangers in the far north and west of Middle Earth. Arwen, your sister resides with her father in Rivendell, though I hope she returns to visit me soon."
"She sends you her love, as ever, my Lady." Elrohir assured her. He would need all the good favor Arwen's name carried before this meeting ended.
Lady Galadriel paused, then mused in a way boded ill for her grandson. "But never before, Elrohir, have you come unheralded and unlooked for. It seems you have gone to some trouble to make sure you came in secret, even from me."
Lady Galadriel's voice seemed to echo inside Elrohir's mind and her eyes to penetrate his very being. He had seen her do it to others but could not remember ever being its target. She continued speaking, but now without words. "This clandestine approach is a new skill for you, my dear. Does your father know the manner of your coming? Or indeed, its real purpose?"
Elrohir answered aloud truthfully. "He does not know that I hid my approach from you. He will be displeased to hear it. I know that you have looked into my heart. You see how I accomplished my concealment and will guard against it in future. That is well, for I wish no harm to come to Lorien."
Elrohir looked from Celeborn to Galadriel. "Neither does my Lord Elrond. He sends a further message. He wishes you to know that, like you, he ever strives with the Shadow. But he sensed some shade of threat is growing here, in Lorien. He does not know its nature or extent or purpose. He knows you are ever vigilant but offers whatever aide he can."
"And what aide does he offer? You, my dear Elrohir?" Lady Galadriel said softly.
"I would lay down my life to protect Lothlorien, home of my childhood, and the home of my mother," Elrohir said earnestly. "When my father told me that he sensed a growing shadow in the Golden Wood, it echoed a truth I had begun to feel in my own heart." He thought briefly of the terror and joy that truth had brought him, then pushed it aside; he could tell Galadriel continued to probe his heart and mind.
Elrohir took a deep breath for he knew he was about to venture into perilous territory. "When word reached us in Rivendell that Celemedril and Eloessa were injured in some sort of attack on their journey home, my father sent immediate inquiries as to their welfare and asked for details of what happened. The initial reports received from Lorien were grievous, but vague, saying only that Celemedril survived a terrible wound but Eloessa's recovery remained doubtful. No details of the attack were given." Elrohir remembered his anguish at the news and halted for a moment.
"Continue", Lord Celeborn said into the silence, leaving no doubt this was a command, not mere encouragement.
"I, I mean, my father, asked that regular reports on the condition of Eloessa be sent, for she is dear to my family." Here Elrohir stumbled a little, a rare occurrence for the son of Elrond, glancing quickly at his grandparents. "Despite this request, only one more message did we receive in all the months since. It said simply that she had withdrawn into seclusion for healing and contemplation. And still no word of how she and her brother were injured. Indeed, there has been no news of her brother, Eomeril, at all."
"We know the content of the messages sent, for they came from us, Elrohir. And so?" Lady Galadriel queried, raising an aristocratic brow.
Elrohir had known this would not be easy, but his grandmother certainly was not helping. "So I have come to see for myself how Eloessa, and her brothers fare."
Lord Celeborn drew himself up and looked hard at his grandson. "Of what do you accuse us, pray? Speak! Let us hear why you come like a thief in the night and then cast slurs upon the honor of Lorien."
Elrohir managed not to flinch at his grandfather's tone--barely. He thought of the worry and frustration of the past months that could have been dispelled with a simple message from the man before him. He lifted his head and returned Celeborn's gaze. "It was disturbing to me that our direct requests for information about Eloessa were met with silence. And quite unlike you, who taught me everything I know about honor and duty toward a guest and long-time friend."
Celeborn's expression grew stormier, but Elrohir continued. "This occurred at the same time that my father perceived a shadow of peril drawing over Lorien itself, which had never happened before in his memory. My heart was full of foreboding. Since I did not receive answers to my messages about Eloessa and her brothers, I thought to come in person."
"And if answers were to be found, it seemed needful to me to come secretly. If this new threat to Lorien were connected to what happened to Eloessa, then my coming unexpectedly might hinder its purpose. If there was a good reason for the silence," Elrohir turned to Galadriel but perceived no change in her expression, "then it was meet that I come discreetly so as not to endanger her further."
The chamber was silent following Elrohir's words. He could not tell what Galadriel and Celeborn were thinking. He saw them look at each other and knew they were communicating directly without words. Finally Lord Celeborn spoke aloud. "Leave us now, Elrohir. Come again tomorrow and we will speak further on these matters."
When Elrohir might have spoken, he heard in his mind "Be patient! You know not all that has come to pass. Now go!" The force of his grandmother's unspoken command nearly sent him to his knees. He struggled to remain upright and even managed a creditable bow. He saw an acknowledging glint in her eyes at the effort that cost him. He withdrew with as much dignity as possible and waited until the chamber door closed behind him to sink, shaking, to the polished floor.
When he was certain he would not walk like a drunken soldier, he made his way back to his talan. His companions had not yet returned. He ate a light dinner of fruits, cheese and sweet Lorien wine. He then sat in silent contemplation, long legs crossed in front of him, arms across his chest. One might almost have thought him asleep, so still was he. But a close observer would note an air of tension or expectation about the Elf.
When the shadows grew long and twilight fell amongst the trees, the door to the talan opened quietly. Elrohir did not stir, but the feeling of tension in the lithe body increased palpably. "Did you get what I needed?" he asked the figure standing in the doorway.
"Yes. Though Haldir did not realize it, he was most helpful." said Glorfindel, coming into the room and closing the door. He crossed to stand in front of his younger friend.
Elrohir sat up and asked intently. "Then it is true, what we heard? None may approach there without the express command of Lady Galadriel? Are there guards?"
The older Elf shook his head and reported. "There is only one guard, in place day and night, with three changes. The last change will be at moonrise. No one is permitted inside the talan save the servant. Nothing is known except Lady Eloessa took some hurt on her journey back from Rivendell last summer. She was in the care of the Lady for a few weeks and then recovered enough to withdraw to a private residence."
Glorfindel imparted the rest of his intelligence. "Most think she pines for her brothers, who have both left Lorien. Eomeril arrived after Celemedril brought Eloessa here from the Mountains and left again in just a day or two. No one knows where he went. Celemedril departed several weeks ago, at the beginning of winter, to search for Eomeril, it is said. Nothing has been heard of them since, but there is a rumor both traveled south when they left."
Elrohir rose and began to collect items from his pack. He took a rope, a knife and a cloak identical to those worn by Haldir's border wardens. With an almost ritual gesture, he touched the small leather pouch that he wore on a thong around his neck hidden beneath his clothes. He paused a moment, then added his sword at his belt. Glorfindel watched these preparations with alarm. "Think about what you are doing Elrohir. Some would consider it treason. You could be risking banishment or even death, depending on what you find."
Elrohir did not pause in his preparations. Glorfindel continued urgently. "Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel do nothing without good reason, and their commands are not to be taken lightly. I, myself, have broken every law of hospitality we hold sacred, by using my freedom to spy and gain information. I do not know what will come of this madness of yours."
The room had grown quite dark as they spoke though Elven eyes adapted to it easily. Elrohir's teeth flashed in the dim room as he grinned and walked out the door. "It's not madness, my friend. It is love."
