Pallando and Alatar
By Cathelm
Chapter 4
After a week of doing magic tricks, entertaining the dwarves, and learning their customs in Moria, Pallando and Alatar finally found a spare moment to talk. Or so they thought.
"Alatar, it's nice being in such pleasant company, but do you think we have outstayed our welcome?" Pallando inquired as they walked through the Great Hall.
"What do you mean, Pallando? We seem to be perfectly welcome here, and I'm enjoying myself."
A group of dwarves came skipping across the room towards the blue-robed wizards. By their shorter height and half-grown beards, they could tell that their company was made up of young children, aged no more than thirty years.
"Wizard sir, can you make your stick shine again? Please?" The dwarf children crowded around Alatar.
Trying to hide his annoyance, the wizard waved his hand over the top of his staff for what seemed like the thousandth time that week. A medium glow filled the room.
"Wow! You must be the greatest wizard ever! Again! Again!" They looked up at the wizard with excited eyes.
Pallando quickly saw the situation: If he didn't stop the children now, Alatar would waste away his afternoon flicking his staff's light on and off. "Now, my dears, why don't you go and do something else? I hear that Groror is meeting his lady-friend today. The cook has some of that leftover supper that would look quite nice on his beard."
A devilish glint appeared in every little dwarf's eye. Giggling, they raced to the kitchens, plotting the pranks they would play on the grumpy Groror.
The two wizards didn't breathe until the last child had disappeared from sight. "Thanks for the distraction." Alatar sighed. "I don't think I could have done that a single time more."
"Do you see what I mean? We have stayed here long enough. We still need to go to Lothlorien, as Cirdan told us to. Don't you agree?"
"Now that you point it out, yes." He thought for a moment. "What about Farin? It'll break his heart to see us leave."
"True. We might as well tell him now, rather than later. Let's leave tomorrow morning, at sunrise. No one told us how far away Lothlorien is from the east exit, so we might as well get an early start."
"Good logic. I still wish I could think things out like you do." Before Pallando had time to counter his friend with praise of his own, a young (yet older than the previous visitors) dwarf came bounding down the aisle towards the two wizards.
"Here he comes," Alatar whispered. "Oh, I can't bear to tell him!"
Farin sprinted the rest of the way to his two friends. "You would not believe what the little ones are going to do!" he wheezed. Alatar hid his grin behind his sleeve as Pallando put on a serious face.
"Farin." He hesitated. "We're leaving."
"Isn't it great? They." The dwarf paused. "You're what?"
"Don't take it the wrong way," Alatar quickly said. "We like you very much. It's just that."
"We have things to do," Pallando supplied.
A teardrop slid into the young dwarf's beard.
"Oh Farin, don't cry," pleaded Alatar.
"We'll visit you whenever we have a chance," Pallando promised.
The sobbing Farin threw himself into the blue wizard robes. Within moments he was wailing, teardrops falling like rain. Pallando and Alatar exchanged exasperated glances over the dwarf's head.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Farin sniffled. "It's just that, you're the greatest friends I've ever had, treating me so nice and lettin' me show you to the king and all.(sniff) It's just."
"Hush now." Pallando gave his small friend a squeeze. "We won't go without saying goodbye to you. Besides, we're not going until morning."
"And we promised to come back again, didn't we?" Alatar pointed out.
"You're right." Farin dried his face on his shirt. "I'll stop now."
"Would you like to help us pack?" offered Pallando.
The dwarf smiled a bit and looked up at his tall friends. "I would like that."
Pallando and Alatar headed towards their room, with Farin walking in between. For the rest of the day they gathered their few belongings, packed food from the kitchens, and received a great many farewells. Even Groror dropped in to mutter a gruff goodbye.
"Meet us by the east gate at sunrise," Pallando reminded Farin.
"Don't worry, I won't forget." For the last time, the wizards listened to the dwarf's footsteps thump down the hall.
"Might as well get some sleep." Alatar yawned. "We've got a bit of a walk tomorrow, if I read Cirdan's maps right."
Pallando simply nodded. Falling into a light sleep, they awaited the coming of a new day.
Pallando and Alatar sat just outside the east entrance, watching the colorful horizon as the sun peaked up over the distant hills. A shuffling sound began behind them, gradually growing closer. They turned around to see a dwarf slowly making his way up the dim hall.
"There's Farin," Pallando said, standing to greet their friend.
"And he's right on time," Alatar added, nodding at the rising sun. "But what's that he's dragging along? If I was any more greedy, I'd say it was a parting present for us."
Just then, their young friend arrived beside them, giving the large sack he was carrying one more yank to bring it to his feet. "Well, here I am," he announced.
"And you came with dry eyes," Pallando gently teased. Farin's face turned a light shade of pink; he certainly had not forgotten the previous day's incident in the great hall.
"So what's in the bag?" Alatar asked, trying to act casual. Even Pallando couldn't stop his eyes from rolling at his friend's remark.
"Nothing for you, that's for sure," Farin retorted, crossing his arms. "This is my stuff."
"Then why'd you bring it way out here just to say goodbye to us?" said a slightly confused Alatar.
"Who said anything about saying goodbye?" The heavy-set dwarf slung his pack over his shoulder. "I'm coming with you."
Alatar jumped, taken aback by the dwarf's decision. Pallando simply nodded, approving Farin's choice to accompany them on their journeys as if he had half expected their friend to do so (which he had).
"Come along then," the wizard said. "If we wish to reach Lothlorien by noon we'd best get walking. Are you sure you can keep us?"
"Don't worry about it, Pallando," replied Farin. "Trust me, you'll be glad you took this dwarf along. Groror, uh, 'sent' me out on many little expeditions. I can guide you to anyplace within a good many miles of here. Even if it is to that ghastly forest."
Alatar, who had not yet moved since Farin's announcement, finally realized that there was little reason for the dwarf to stay behind, even though his short friend had declared that the wizard's presence was going to bring great changes for him in Moria. That would just have to wait to prove itself until they came back, whenever that would be. Trotting to catch up, he reached the other two members of his new group just as they were starting their conversation.
"What do you mean, 'ghastly forest'?" inquired Pallando.
Farin lowered his voice to a hushed whisper. "They say that an evil sorceress guards the forest." The two wizards exchanged glances. Was this the Galadriel that Cirdan had spoken of?
"They tell tales of what she does to the foolish dwarf that enters her realm." He shuddered. "But don't worry. She won't bother with two great wizards like yourselves. Who told you to go there, anyway?"
"Cirdan the shipwright, an elf that we met when we first reached this land," Pallando replied.
"Elves!" Farin spat. "Nasty creatures! Livin' in trees and actin' all high and mighty. Did I mention that the witch and all her henchmen are elves?! Just my luck." Still grumbling, the dwarf quickened his pace, obviously not pleased at his friends' taste in their first destination.
The sun had begun to sink into the west when Farin stopped them beside a shallow river.
"I go no further. Your elves are probably waiting just inside the woods for you, with bloody arrows and sharp sticks." The dwarf growled. "I hate woodelves!"
Taking their leave before Farin could go into his list of reasons why elves didn't agree with dwarven custom, the two wizards quickly waded the cool, clear stream and strode towards the tall trees.
"Don't take too long!" a voice called after them. "And come back alive, for my sake if none other!"
The wizards turned and waved at the dwarf, then headed boldly into the forest, once again alone with each other.
A silence filled the air. This silence, though, could not be described as eerie or even calm. It was the quiet of an isolated land, untouched for thousands of years. The two friends could only guess at what lay hidden deep into the mighty trees.
And the trees! Even a powerful blast from the wizards would have great difficulty in knocking it down. Their bark was silvery, and created a sense of beauty and peace; yet years of growth had made the trees virtually impenetrable.
Not a sound could be heard aside from the thudding of boots against the forest floor. Twigs snapping left and right, the two had quickly given up the idea of being quiet. If the elves of the forest would notice them, they might as well notice them now.
"Ping-crack!"
Without warning, an arrow came zipping right between the wizard's heads and stuck into the tree behind them. A dozen elves appeared out of nowhere, all with arrows at the two intruder's throats.
"Who dares to enter the forest of Lothlorien?" the one in front glared.
Alatar's feet planted themselves on the forest floor as he opened his mouth to speak. "Please, don't kill us! We mean you no ha-" Instantly, the bows tightened.
Pallando thought fast. What was it that Cirdan had said? Something about the Lady. The elves drew back their bows just as he remembered the words. "We have been sent by Cirdan the Shipwright, and we wish to speak to the Lady of the Wood!" he yelled.
The elves immediately dropped their weapons. "Our deepest apologies," the one who had spoken before said. "We did not know that you had business here. Haldir, Rumil, Orophin." Turning to some younger elves, they began conversing in elvish. The wizards recovered their senses as they waited for the elf to speak again.
"Haldir and his brothers will take you to our Lady. They do not speak the common tongue very well, but he can guide you through the forest." The elf nodded his head in farewell. As quickly as they had come, the guards disappeared into the ancient woods, leaving the wizards alone with the young elfs.
"Come!" One of the youths said, motioning for them to follow.
Before the two could ponder anything, let alone why the words of Cirdan would allow them to freely pass through the wood, the three brothers were off, dancing through the trees like golden fairies. It was all the wizards could do to keep the young elves in sight.
Aniron arwenrim! They sang in their bell-like voices as they frolicked along the bright forest path. One of them scooped down and picked a yellow, star shaped flower. Ai! Aerin, findelya cala ve laure! He laughed with his brothers as they continued into the forest.
"Ah, children!" said Alatar, rolling his eyes. "I may be seeing why Farin does not like elves. Look at them, giggling like a bunch of chimps. A young elf-maiden has caught their fancy, I suppose!"
"It could very well be." Pallando motioned at the three golden haired figures dancing ahead of them. "If so, they are very fast young lovers. Let us hurry before we lose sight of them!"
Their walk (or jog, as some may say) through Lorien continued as such for about an hour or so. Even as they were moving non-stop, the two felt rejuvenated, as if the forest's very air contained healing magic. The three brothers stopped their dance in front of the greatest tree they had seen in all the forest. They turned to watch as the wizards, who were slightly out of breath, caught up.
Namarie ar culo mae! The tallest of the trio spoke his parting and pointed towards an elven path that wound its way up around the tree's massive trunk. The two nodded their thanks and turned to start up the walkway.
Many minutes passed, and the stars began to show through the tree's golden leaves as they continued ever upward towards the dwelling of the Lady.
Finally, the wizards reached the top of the long, winding staircase. As soon as they lifted their heads above the top step, brilliant color and light filled their eyes. As their vision cleared, they looked in awe around their new surroundings.
The silvery tree's uppermost limbs created an arc over the pathway that lay out before them. The flowers of the forest decorated the sides of the path, dancing in the warm glow of the sun. The two friend's eyes followed the walkway to its end, and what a majestic sight they found!
Two elves stood atop a small platform. But these were no ordinary elves; behind them were silver thrones, and atop their heads lay a circlet of leafs and flowers. A soft light radiated from their smooth white skin. As they stood in amazement, the taller elf stepped towards them.
"I am Celeborn, king of the forest of Lothlorien," he spoke in a rich, flowing voice.
The other gracefully stepped next to him. "And I am Galadriel, his queen."
Hastily, the two bowed, astonished at the elven beauty of the Lord and Lady.
"Do not trouble yourselves, Pallando and Alatar, wizards from the west." Galadriel's eyes twinkled at her guests gaping mouths. "You have traveled far already."
Alatar, half shaking from the elf queen's knowledge and power, felt something strange come inside his head. It began searching through his thoughts, prying at his secrets. He shifted uncomfortably.
Do not be a fool, a silent voice said. But isn't that what you are? Beware of yourself, wizard. There may be troubled times ahead. Alatar shuddered, trying to get whatever it was out of his mind. Moments later, Pallando also shook. They exchanged questioning glances. Had the other heard the voice too?
"You were sent by Cirdan," the lady continued as the wizards once again became entranced by her wisdom. "He sent you because you do not know your path." The two nodded in agreement.
She hesitated. "My mind tells me many strange things, but the things it says of you are the most puzzling yet." The lady paused again, half closing her eyes as if deep in thought. "My only words for are these: Go, and explore the world. I believe your path will take you far away; but that will come as it may. I am sure many adventures will come to you on your travels." She smiled. "Go now. You are welcome to stay here in Lorien, but your dwarf friend is waiting. Farewell, great wizards."
Pallando and Alatar, by now not surprised at the elf-queen's knowledge of their doings, dipped into a polite bow. Pondering the Lady's words, they silently made their way back down the winding stairway.
Following the two with her gaze, Galadriel raised her hand in parting. Her thoughts drifted back to the day before as the wizards forever disappeared from her sight.
The Lady of the Wood walked down the ancient steps, her angelic gown flowing past the tiny starflowers. She floated across a small clearing, around which the trees grew so closely that those on the outside could not tell that anything was there. In her hand was a silver flask. This she dipped into the tiny, bubbling stream that flowed down from the hillside. Turning around, she stepped up to a white-stoned podium. The water flowed from her flask into the depression on the smooth rock, shining as clear as it had been since the beginning of time. Her long, golden hair covering her face, Galadriel gazed into the shallow pool.
At first, she only saw the distant stars reflected in her mirror. Then a dark mist began circling in the water. Flashes of blue lightning began shooting out of the clouds. A deafening roar filled the air as a shadow lurched forward out of the darkness towards the source of the sparks. With a cry, the blue lights grew more powerful, and countless bolts thrashed out at the hideous shadow. All of a sudden, darkness covered all. Moments passed, and all was a deadly black. The elf-queen focused her eyes, never blinking, hoping to see more. Slowly, the darkness crept away. In its place came a dim, gloomy light. Galadriel's eyes darted back and forth over the now visible floor. There they were- two long staffs, each with a blue crystal encased in the top.
A tear slid down the Lady's soft cheek as she recalled the last of the fading image. Eyes filled with worry, she looked at the place where the wizards had stood before her. If only they knew of what may become of them!
After a week of doing magic tricks, entertaining the dwarves, and learning their customs in Moria, Pallando and Alatar finally found a spare moment to talk. Or so they thought.
"Alatar, it's nice being in such pleasant company, but do you think we have outstayed our welcome?" Pallando inquired as they walked through the Great Hall.
"What do you mean, Pallando? We seem to be perfectly welcome here, and I'm enjoying myself."
A group of dwarves came skipping across the room towards the blue-robed wizards. By their shorter height and half-grown beards, they could tell that their company was made up of young children, aged no more than thirty years.
"Wizard sir, can you make your stick shine again? Please?" The dwarf children crowded around Alatar.
Trying to hide his annoyance, the wizard waved his hand over the top of his staff for what seemed like the thousandth time that week. A medium glow filled the room.
"Wow! You must be the greatest wizard ever! Again! Again!" They looked up at the wizard with excited eyes.
Pallando quickly saw the situation: If he didn't stop the children now, Alatar would waste away his afternoon flicking his staff's light on and off. "Now, my dears, why don't you go and do something else? I hear that Groror is meeting his lady-friend today. The cook has some of that leftover supper that would look quite nice on his beard."
A devilish glint appeared in every little dwarf's eye. Giggling, they raced to the kitchens, plotting the pranks they would play on the grumpy Groror.
The two wizards didn't breathe until the last child had disappeared from sight. "Thanks for the distraction." Alatar sighed. "I don't think I could have done that a single time more."
"Do you see what I mean? We have stayed here long enough. We still need to go to Lothlorien, as Cirdan told us to. Don't you agree?"
"Now that you point it out, yes." He thought for a moment. "What about Farin? It'll break his heart to see us leave."
"True. We might as well tell him now, rather than later. Let's leave tomorrow morning, at sunrise. No one told us how far away Lothlorien is from the east exit, so we might as well get an early start."
"Good logic. I still wish I could think things out like you do." Before Pallando had time to counter his friend with praise of his own, a young (yet older than the previous visitors) dwarf came bounding down the aisle towards the two wizards.
"Here he comes," Alatar whispered. "Oh, I can't bear to tell him!"
Farin sprinted the rest of the way to his two friends. "You would not believe what the little ones are going to do!" he wheezed. Alatar hid his grin behind his sleeve as Pallando put on a serious face.
"Farin." He hesitated. "We're leaving."
"Isn't it great? They." The dwarf paused. "You're what?"
"Don't take it the wrong way," Alatar quickly said. "We like you very much. It's just that."
"We have things to do," Pallando supplied.
A teardrop slid into the young dwarf's beard.
"Oh Farin, don't cry," pleaded Alatar.
"We'll visit you whenever we have a chance," Pallando promised.
The sobbing Farin threw himself into the blue wizard robes. Within moments he was wailing, teardrops falling like rain. Pallando and Alatar exchanged exasperated glances over the dwarf's head.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Farin sniffled. "It's just that, you're the greatest friends I've ever had, treating me so nice and lettin' me show you to the king and all.(sniff) It's just."
"Hush now." Pallando gave his small friend a squeeze. "We won't go without saying goodbye to you. Besides, we're not going until morning."
"And we promised to come back again, didn't we?" Alatar pointed out.
"You're right." Farin dried his face on his shirt. "I'll stop now."
"Would you like to help us pack?" offered Pallando.
The dwarf smiled a bit and looked up at his tall friends. "I would like that."
Pallando and Alatar headed towards their room, with Farin walking in between. For the rest of the day they gathered their few belongings, packed food from the kitchens, and received a great many farewells. Even Groror dropped in to mutter a gruff goodbye.
"Meet us by the east gate at sunrise," Pallando reminded Farin.
"Don't worry, I won't forget." For the last time, the wizards listened to the dwarf's footsteps thump down the hall.
"Might as well get some sleep." Alatar yawned. "We've got a bit of a walk tomorrow, if I read Cirdan's maps right."
Pallando simply nodded. Falling into a light sleep, they awaited the coming of a new day.
Pallando and Alatar sat just outside the east entrance, watching the colorful horizon as the sun peaked up over the distant hills. A shuffling sound began behind them, gradually growing closer. They turned around to see a dwarf slowly making his way up the dim hall.
"There's Farin," Pallando said, standing to greet their friend.
"And he's right on time," Alatar added, nodding at the rising sun. "But what's that he's dragging along? If I was any more greedy, I'd say it was a parting present for us."
Just then, their young friend arrived beside them, giving the large sack he was carrying one more yank to bring it to his feet. "Well, here I am," he announced.
"And you came with dry eyes," Pallando gently teased. Farin's face turned a light shade of pink; he certainly had not forgotten the previous day's incident in the great hall.
"So what's in the bag?" Alatar asked, trying to act casual. Even Pallando couldn't stop his eyes from rolling at his friend's remark.
"Nothing for you, that's for sure," Farin retorted, crossing his arms. "This is my stuff."
"Then why'd you bring it way out here just to say goodbye to us?" said a slightly confused Alatar.
"Who said anything about saying goodbye?" The heavy-set dwarf slung his pack over his shoulder. "I'm coming with you."
Alatar jumped, taken aback by the dwarf's decision. Pallando simply nodded, approving Farin's choice to accompany them on their journeys as if he had half expected their friend to do so (which he had).
"Come along then," the wizard said. "If we wish to reach Lothlorien by noon we'd best get walking. Are you sure you can keep us?"
"Don't worry about it, Pallando," replied Farin. "Trust me, you'll be glad you took this dwarf along. Groror, uh, 'sent' me out on many little expeditions. I can guide you to anyplace within a good many miles of here. Even if it is to that ghastly forest."
Alatar, who had not yet moved since Farin's announcement, finally realized that there was little reason for the dwarf to stay behind, even though his short friend had declared that the wizard's presence was going to bring great changes for him in Moria. That would just have to wait to prove itself until they came back, whenever that would be. Trotting to catch up, he reached the other two members of his new group just as they were starting their conversation.
"What do you mean, 'ghastly forest'?" inquired Pallando.
Farin lowered his voice to a hushed whisper. "They say that an evil sorceress guards the forest." The two wizards exchanged glances. Was this the Galadriel that Cirdan had spoken of?
"They tell tales of what she does to the foolish dwarf that enters her realm." He shuddered. "But don't worry. She won't bother with two great wizards like yourselves. Who told you to go there, anyway?"
"Cirdan the shipwright, an elf that we met when we first reached this land," Pallando replied.
"Elves!" Farin spat. "Nasty creatures! Livin' in trees and actin' all high and mighty. Did I mention that the witch and all her henchmen are elves?! Just my luck." Still grumbling, the dwarf quickened his pace, obviously not pleased at his friends' taste in their first destination.
The sun had begun to sink into the west when Farin stopped them beside a shallow river.
"I go no further. Your elves are probably waiting just inside the woods for you, with bloody arrows and sharp sticks." The dwarf growled. "I hate woodelves!"
Taking their leave before Farin could go into his list of reasons why elves didn't agree with dwarven custom, the two wizards quickly waded the cool, clear stream and strode towards the tall trees.
"Don't take too long!" a voice called after them. "And come back alive, for my sake if none other!"
The wizards turned and waved at the dwarf, then headed boldly into the forest, once again alone with each other.
A silence filled the air. This silence, though, could not be described as eerie or even calm. It was the quiet of an isolated land, untouched for thousands of years. The two friends could only guess at what lay hidden deep into the mighty trees.
And the trees! Even a powerful blast from the wizards would have great difficulty in knocking it down. Their bark was silvery, and created a sense of beauty and peace; yet years of growth had made the trees virtually impenetrable.
Not a sound could be heard aside from the thudding of boots against the forest floor. Twigs snapping left and right, the two had quickly given up the idea of being quiet. If the elves of the forest would notice them, they might as well notice them now.
"Ping-crack!"
Without warning, an arrow came zipping right between the wizard's heads and stuck into the tree behind them. A dozen elves appeared out of nowhere, all with arrows at the two intruder's throats.
"Who dares to enter the forest of Lothlorien?" the one in front glared.
Alatar's feet planted themselves on the forest floor as he opened his mouth to speak. "Please, don't kill us! We mean you no ha-" Instantly, the bows tightened.
Pallando thought fast. What was it that Cirdan had said? Something about the Lady. The elves drew back their bows just as he remembered the words. "We have been sent by Cirdan the Shipwright, and we wish to speak to the Lady of the Wood!" he yelled.
The elves immediately dropped their weapons. "Our deepest apologies," the one who had spoken before said. "We did not know that you had business here. Haldir, Rumil, Orophin." Turning to some younger elves, they began conversing in elvish. The wizards recovered their senses as they waited for the elf to speak again.
"Haldir and his brothers will take you to our Lady. They do not speak the common tongue very well, but he can guide you through the forest." The elf nodded his head in farewell. As quickly as they had come, the guards disappeared into the ancient woods, leaving the wizards alone with the young elfs.
"Come!" One of the youths said, motioning for them to follow.
Before the two could ponder anything, let alone why the words of Cirdan would allow them to freely pass through the wood, the three brothers were off, dancing through the trees like golden fairies. It was all the wizards could do to keep the young elves in sight.
Aniron arwenrim! They sang in their bell-like voices as they frolicked along the bright forest path. One of them scooped down and picked a yellow, star shaped flower. Ai! Aerin, findelya cala ve laure! He laughed with his brothers as they continued into the forest.
"Ah, children!" said Alatar, rolling his eyes. "I may be seeing why Farin does not like elves. Look at them, giggling like a bunch of chimps. A young elf-maiden has caught their fancy, I suppose!"
"It could very well be." Pallando motioned at the three golden haired figures dancing ahead of them. "If so, they are very fast young lovers. Let us hurry before we lose sight of them!"
Their walk (or jog, as some may say) through Lorien continued as such for about an hour or so. Even as they were moving non-stop, the two felt rejuvenated, as if the forest's very air contained healing magic. The three brothers stopped their dance in front of the greatest tree they had seen in all the forest. They turned to watch as the wizards, who were slightly out of breath, caught up.
Namarie ar culo mae! The tallest of the trio spoke his parting and pointed towards an elven path that wound its way up around the tree's massive trunk. The two nodded their thanks and turned to start up the walkway.
Many minutes passed, and the stars began to show through the tree's golden leaves as they continued ever upward towards the dwelling of the Lady.
Finally, the wizards reached the top of the long, winding staircase. As soon as they lifted their heads above the top step, brilliant color and light filled their eyes. As their vision cleared, they looked in awe around their new surroundings.
The silvery tree's uppermost limbs created an arc over the pathway that lay out before them. The flowers of the forest decorated the sides of the path, dancing in the warm glow of the sun. The two friend's eyes followed the walkway to its end, and what a majestic sight they found!
Two elves stood atop a small platform. But these were no ordinary elves; behind them were silver thrones, and atop their heads lay a circlet of leafs and flowers. A soft light radiated from their smooth white skin. As they stood in amazement, the taller elf stepped towards them.
"I am Celeborn, king of the forest of Lothlorien," he spoke in a rich, flowing voice.
The other gracefully stepped next to him. "And I am Galadriel, his queen."
Hastily, the two bowed, astonished at the elven beauty of the Lord and Lady.
"Do not trouble yourselves, Pallando and Alatar, wizards from the west." Galadriel's eyes twinkled at her guests gaping mouths. "You have traveled far already."
Alatar, half shaking from the elf queen's knowledge and power, felt something strange come inside his head. It began searching through his thoughts, prying at his secrets. He shifted uncomfortably.
Do not be a fool, a silent voice said. But isn't that what you are? Beware of yourself, wizard. There may be troubled times ahead. Alatar shuddered, trying to get whatever it was out of his mind. Moments later, Pallando also shook. They exchanged questioning glances. Had the other heard the voice too?
"You were sent by Cirdan," the lady continued as the wizards once again became entranced by her wisdom. "He sent you because you do not know your path." The two nodded in agreement.
She hesitated. "My mind tells me many strange things, but the things it says of you are the most puzzling yet." The lady paused again, half closing her eyes as if deep in thought. "My only words for are these: Go, and explore the world. I believe your path will take you far away; but that will come as it may. I am sure many adventures will come to you on your travels." She smiled. "Go now. You are welcome to stay here in Lorien, but your dwarf friend is waiting. Farewell, great wizards."
Pallando and Alatar, by now not surprised at the elf-queen's knowledge of their doings, dipped into a polite bow. Pondering the Lady's words, they silently made their way back down the winding stairway.
Following the two with her gaze, Galadriel raised her hand in parting. Her thoughts drifted back to the day before as the wizards forever disappeared from her sight.
The Lady of the Wood walked down the ancient steps, her angelic gown flowing past the tiny starflowers. She floated across a small clearing, around which the trees grew so closely that those on the outside could not tell that anything was there. In her hand was a silver flask. This she dipped into the tiny, bubbling stream that flowed down from the hillside. Turning around, she stepped up to a white-stoned podium. The water flowed from her flask into the depression on the smooth rock, shining as clear as it had been since the beginning of time. Her long, golden hair covering her face, Galadriel gazed into the shallow pool.
At first, she only saw the distant stars reflected in her mirror. Then a dark mist began circling in the water. Flashes of blue lightning began shooting out of the clouds. A deafening roar filled the air as a shadow lurched forward out of the darkness towards the source of the sparks. With a cry, the blue lights grew more powerful, and countless bolts thrashed out at the hideous shadow. All of a sudden, darkness covered all. Moments passed, and all was a deadly black. The elf-queen focused her eyes, never blinking, hoping to see more. Slowly, the darkness crept away. In its place came a dim, gloomy light. Galadriel's eyes darted back and forth over the now visible floor. There they were- two long staffs, each with a blue crystal encased in the top.
A tear slid down the Lady's soft cheek as she recalled the last of the fading image. Eyes filled with worry, she looked at the place where the wizards had stood before her. If only they knew of what may become of them!