A Note From Sun Queen: Lookie! Lookie! Two chapters at once! Don't EVER look for this again, because I seriously think I hurt myself...I posted them together because Ivy the beta-reader figured people would be pissed at me for not advancing the plot last chapter (she complains a lot). I really shouldn't have done it, it messes with the pace of the story. Chalk it up to Lazy Author Syndrome.



Anyways, if this chapter doesn't spell it out for you, I am a rabid Galadriel fan. A cool, beautiful, ancient Elven-Queen who is scary, smart, icy, and compassionate, all at once. "All will love me and despair..." That line (book *and* movie) gave me the shivers. I thought Cate Blanchett was amazing, that she portrayed the character really well.





Chapter Ten: The Mirror of Galadriel



Drifting through blissful darkness, I felt a gentle, yet insistent tugging. Following the dancing thread towards consciousness, I slowly opened my eyes.



The throbbing pain was gone, and the deep wounds on my chest had vanished. I was standing in a clearing, surrounded by silvery, enchanted trees. They towered over me, silky grey trunks reaching skywards, faded golden leaves spiralling slowly and lazily in the dying light. My eyes widened as recognition hit me. This was *Lothlorien*!



But my elation faded as I realized the truth. The world was hazy around the edges, highlighting the almost-painful clarity of the tree trunks, the falling leaves, the whisper of the wind...this was illusion, a dream conjured by my pain-clouded mind. I wasn't in the Golden Wood, among my Sylvan kin.



None of this was real.



Still, if it was a dream, I was not eager to wake. I strolled slowly through the trees, watching the play of sunbeams over the floating leaves, letting the breeze rustle my hair. Idly, I hummed the lament that the 'Lorien elves had sung for Mithrandir on my last visit to this enchanted wood, half-expecting Haldir and the Galadhrim to challenge me from the trees.



No one did.



Then, some distance ahead of me, I saw a glimmering figure. The space between us closed, and the figure resolved itself into the pale beauty of Lady Galadriel, her lithe body draped in a shimmering white gown, her hair hanging loose over her back like a waterfall of clear gold. She seemed to stare at me, her smooth brow furrowed, her lips pursed in a thoughtful frown.



I knelt, lowering my eyes to the ground as I kissed her hand. Her knuckles were cool as ice beneath my lips. "My lady." I breathed, basking in the radiance of her presence.



Galadriel, or the dream image that bore her likeness, inclined her head as I rose to my feet. She touched my cheek with one slim hand, then softly caressed a strand of my hair. "Little prince of the wood," she spoke gently, her face softening with compassion. "Why are you here?"



"I do not know." I whispered, misery clenching my heart. "I think I'm lost."



Suddenly, the trees around us shifted and blurred, and then we were standing in the natural grotto where Galadriel kept her Mirror, a round, shallow silver dish that stood on a wide stone pedestal. A clear spring splashed over the rocks, gurgling into a deep pool near our feet. Spray lashed the skirt of the ancient elf's gown, but she paid it no mind.



She touched the carved stone of the pedestal, her gaze lingering on the silver reflecting surface before she looked deep into my eyes. "All that happens in our lives occurs for a reason, Legolas." she pronounced, circling around to stand across from me. "You have a destiny as unchangeable as the sunrise. Will you look into the Mirror?"



"Yes." The word was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I felt an irresistible pull, drawing me towards the pedestal. The dying sunlight rippled over the water's surface, and I stared deep into the Mirror.



For a moment, I saw nothing but my own reflection, peering back like a wraith from the shadows. Then, images and memories began to swirl and dance, drawing me deeper still.



A dizzying tumble of light and sound, flashes of people, places, and events. I felt like a bird, flying weightless and free through my own mind, as I saw Albus, Helm's Deep in the sunset, Rowena, the Hogwarts Castle, Pippin grinning in his cheeky little hobbit way, the thrashing tentacles of the giant squid in the darkness. I saw my friend Gimli, a frustrated snarl on his dwarven face, the light glittering in the giant spider's eyes as his fangs sank into my chest, and the familiar figure of Elessar, pacing the walls of his beloved city. I saw his eyes widen as he turned towards me. Then, there was a deafening roar in my ears, and I tumbled into darkness.



I landed hard on the rough grass of a clifftop, studded with chips of sharp rock. I scrambled to my feet, and felt my jaw drop.



The Sea.



An endless expanse of dark grey water, stretching out below me under a glowing, cloudy sky. I heard it roar as it crashed against the rocky cliff, and smelled the sharp, acrid tang of salty air.



I felt an explosion of longing in my heart, a desperate desire that I'd repressed for so long. A ragged moan tore itself from my throat, and a single tear ran unheeded down my face as I beheld the majesty of my people's final destiny. The Sea, the West, where we will one day find eternal rest and peace, away from the cares and sorrows of Middle Earth.



I felt a gentle hand touch my shoulder, and I whirled to find another Elf standing beside me, his long, dark hair blowing in the cold breeze. His skin was pale and smooth, and his was the lean, muscled body of warrior. His vivid, jewel-green eyes fixed themselves on mine. Emotions warred there, doubt, fear, hope, pain...finally, a profound peace seemed to settle over his features. He lifted his hand, his long fingers brushing my cheek. I stared at him, touching his own face, as if to prove to myself he was really there.



"Who are you?" I asked, when I could trust my voice.



He smiled wearily. "I'm your brother."



Then the world blurred, shifting, and I was hurled away.

*********



I was back in the grotto, clutching the Mirror's pedestal so hard my fingers had cramped. The feeling of cold, hard stone under my hands almost convinced me this vision was real. *Almost*.



Galadriel eyed me, her beautiful features settling once more into a little frown. "You do not understand."



"No," I rasped, my throat dry and tight. The visions of the Mirror had been a random jumble of memories; the Sea and the unknown Elf had only added to my confusion. Exhausted and heartsick, I managed to raise my eyes to the ancient Queen's ethereal face, trying to quell the hope in my heart. "Lady, do you have the power to bring me home?"



Her face dark with sadness, Galadriel shook her head. Then, her long white skirt swishing, she crossed the stone floor of the grotto. Taking my face in her hands, she stared into my eyes, her beautiful features kind and compassionate. "Do not despair, little prince," she whispered, her voice soft in the fading afternoon. "The light of our kind is born in the darkest of places."

"What must I do?" I asked wearily, taking her hands in mine, knowing that all too soon this vision would vanish like mist in a strong wind, and the ancient Elven-Queen would fade along with it.



"Namarie," she breathed, laying a gentle kiss on my brow. "You must live."



Her lips were warm.





To Be Continued...destiny isn't something you want to mess with, but there are always obstacles on the path of life. One of them is fast-acting spider venom. Another is Cornelius Fudge. Tune in next week for the exciting adventures of a Mirkwood Elf in Dumbledore's Court!