Estel – Part 2
Elrond had called another Council. Legolas and Aragorn sat talking quietly and Gandalf seemed to be trapped in his thoughts.
"Do you know why Elrond has called this Council, Legolas?"
"Mellonamin, I do not. I was surprised as you when the summons came."
Elrond walked in, notably weaker after his ordeal with the fire. Legolas and Aragorn exchanged concerned looks.
"You may be wondering why I brought you here today. Even Gandalf does not know."
"Indeed, I do not, Master Elrond, but I have news of my own, concerning Estel."
"Stand, then, and speak your news."
He spoke. "While searching through Sauron's books I came across many entries on the 'Fair Queen'. They were not made, however, before the Elder days but in the Second Age. It seems she had a power to rival his own. An Elven Queen, she dwelt where in the land of Mordor and her palace stood in the far West of Mordor. It seems that Sauron feared her greatly for, you see, she had wrought her own ring. Her ring could only be used for good and could only hold dominion over those that gave their permission. Sauron sent her to a world far from this, hoping that she would never return. She could have easily overthrown him if she wanted to. Her downfall was trust. Sauron swore to her that he would never do evil deeds. She turned her back to him and he threw her from this world. I found a poem sung by the Elves of her palace next to the entry. It read as follows;
The Fair Queen in her palace of light,
Her Ring shining golden bright.
A beacon of light in the middle of Darkness,
An angel in the Pit of Hell,
The Fair Queen, our hope, Estel.
"So you see, Estel is the Fair Queen. She can remove the shadow from Mordor and erase Barad-Dûr from Middle-earth." Gandalf finished and sat down.
Elrond considered Gandalf's testimony carefully and rose.
"I have news of a similar sort. I was in Estel's room yesterday and I felt a connection with her. I called to her, she called back. As she did a fire ripped through my mind and sapped my strength. She spoke of an Elven ring and as she stopped speaking the fire also stopped. I sensed that she was unconscious but I do not think that any harm will come to her. I think she felt the fire too. I knew at once she was the 'Fair Queen' her tidings spoke of. We must have misinterpreted them. I believe the lines should be;
Oh, Estel, my friend, maybe the Fair Queen is not lost.
Out of the West, orcs. To the East, Estel. Farewell, now, my friend, the Fair Queen, your Estel.
"My only hope is that she remembers who she is."
Legolas stood. "We must find a way to talk to her. Can we use her room again?"
"Legolas, I am afraid that you will not be strong enough. She will have to do this part on her own."
"Can I not try?"
"No. That is all I have to say on the matter."
"Why can I not speak with her?" Legolas was now shouting at the Elven Lord. "Let me talk with her!"
"Sit down, Legolas." Elrond did not need to raise his voice; everyone could feel its power.
"No! Just let me speak to her!"
Elrond was not in the mood for reasoning with the Elf. "Sit!"
Legolas returned to his seat trembling with anger.
Why will he not let me speak to her? I'm dying for her and he will not let me receive comfort from her voice.
* * *
Estel went to her jewellery box. She never wore her ring, a jeweller told her that it was made from a metal that he had never seen before, like gold but purer. It was set with a diamond that was so perfect it was worth more than the whole of London. She had never insured it, couldn't afford it on her student grant. She looked at it now; it was identical to the one in her vision. Slipping it on her finger, she felt its power running through her veins giving strength and courage. Remember. Elrond's final word echoed in her mind again. Remember.
Remember. The Fair Queen, Estel, Ring, Power. Remember. Mordor, Barad-Dûr, Shadow, Light. Remember. Promise, Evil, Good, Betrayal. Remember. Sauron, One Ring, Hope, Banished. Remember.
Her ring flashed and Estel realised the truth. Sauron had betrayed her and sent her here after his promise to do no evil deeds. She had a Ring of Power, one that could one rule over willing rings. Mordor had been her land, the land of Lisse'estel Sweet Hope, her palace Vanya Mellilar Fair Friendship, shone instead of the grim Barad-Dûr.
She wondered if her ring could work here.
* * *
Legolas sat outside Estel's old room; he could feel her spirit within but was forbidden to enter. Elrond had been weakened by the fire that had slashed through his mind when he had entered the room. Legolas was already weakened by the grief of losing Estel and Elrond knew that it could kill him. The Elf despised Elrond's decision, he wanted more than anything to hear Estel again.
Gandalf and Elrond sat at a small table talking. They both wore their Elven Rings of Power. Gandalf's, Narya, glowed a fiery red and Elrond's, Vilya, shone blue.
"Mithrandir, do you think that if we let her ring, Mellilar Friendship, rule over our rings they could be as they used to be? She does have a ruling ring; hers would have the same effect on our rings as Sauron's except that her ring is good. Is there any hope, Mithrandir, any at all?"
"Whilst, Estel lives hope will always exist. Yes, it is possible that the Three can be given back their former powers, but, you will have to willingly submit to her ruling."
"Then the Three could be used against us if the Ring came into fell hands."
"No, like the One Ring, Mellilar can only be used by one master, or mistress as the case may be, all that is done with it will turn to good. No evil can be made from Mellilar."
"My mind is at rest, mellonamin."
"I am glad to hear that, Elrond."
* * *
Kerry stared as Estel emerged from her bedroom, glowing with power. Such power and dignity, Kerry had never seen before and her first thought was to curtsy. After the shock of seeing her like that died down Kerry noticed that Estel had a beautiful ring on. Made of a shining gold and set with a glowing crystal it drew the eye. Estel was clad in Elven robes of pure white which rippled and shone in the light, a bow was in her hand and a quiver on her back. A long Elven knife lay in her belt and reflected the starlight that shone through the window for it was made from mithril. A sudden calmness hit Kerry in a powerful wave and her heart was filled with hope. Hope that her world would be made pure by this Queen before her. Throughout the world the wave of calm rippled and filled hearts with hope. The evil of the world however felt none of this for they were filled with fear, fear that they were going to be crushed like cockroaches and wiped from this Earth.
* * *
~~~~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~
The Fair Queen stood by her crushed velvet throne, her malthril Pure Gold ring glowing brightly. She was in her palace, Vanya Mellilar and was waiting to see Sauron. She was clad in a white silk that flowed over her soft skin, a grey cloak wrapped round her shoulders. Her hair was back and she had a long Elven knife, made from mithril, tucked in her belt, with it was her faithful sword. Her favourite bow hung on her back with a quiver full of arrows. After she had seen Sauron she was travelling to seek her sons, whom she trusted in all matters. The Elves in her palace were singing and she could feel their joy. They sang for their Queen;
The Fair Queen in her palace of light,
Her Ring shining golden bright.
A beacon of light in the middle of Darkness,
An angel in the Pit of Hell,
The Fair Queen, our hope, Estel.
She smiled to herself, fairly certain that she was neither an angel nor a beacon of light. She turned a Sauron entered the room, she gave him a smile and beckoned for him to be seated, he was and she stood before him.
"Sauron, will you hand me your ring?"
"Nay, my lady, I will not, it can have no other master but me." Sauron looked on her with insolent eyes, she chose to ignore it.
"If you will not hand me your ring, will you swear not to use it?"
"Nay, my lady, I will have great opportunities opened to me with this ring."
"Then you will submit your ring to my dominance?"
"No, I will not."
"You must choose between these three options, Sauron, you are here by my good will. Another may have just executed you; there is still time for that."
"I shall not choose."
Her ring flashed a blinding light into Sauron's eyes.
"Insolent woman, show me some respect."
"Pay you respect? Only when you learn to do so yourself."
Sauron flashed a fake honey smile at her and hoped she would be satisfied. She appeared to be.
"Sauron, I will destroy your ring if you don't choose now."
Sauron was thinking quickly.
"I will not use it."
"SWEAR you will not use it." She was becoming impatient.
"I swear to you, my lady, that I will not use my ring again." As he spoke he drew his fingers behind his back and crossed them.
"Thank you, Sauron, you may leave."
She crossed the room turning her back to him.
"Goodbye, Queen Estel." Sauron spat her name. The room blackened and Estel was thrown into the air. She remembered no more.
~~~~~~~~~~~End of Flashback~~~~~~~~~~~
* * *
Estel walked along the busy London street, attracting curious glances and filling hearts with hope. Her ring glowed with a power that the passers-by could never understand; they just thought that it looked remarkable. She stopped to talk with homeless people and left them with more hope than they had ever felt before. She walked and walked, she walked right through London, her pace was quick and her stamina great. She walked through until she came to the road she was looking for. A quiet street, a row of houses neatly numbered. The road, Downing Street. She walked right up to the door of Number 10 and rapped lightly on it. A curtain twitched and the door was not opened. Estel waited patiently, her head held high. The curtain twitched again but still the door did not open. With her Elven sight, Estel saw the police cars before they saw her and her Elven ears she could hear them long before she could see them. She noticed that many were dressed with bullet proof vests and carried guns. They cautiously stepped out of their cars and crept towards Estel.
"Miss, drop your weapons or we may be forced to shoot." The voice came from her right side, slowly edging towards her.
"I will harm no one; I carry these weapons to protect myself." She took her knife from her belt and held the hilt towards the officers in a gesture of peace. She put the knife away again. Her bow, she hung on her back with her quiver.
"If you step away from the house, we would be very grateful." The voice was closer this time.
"I shall step nowhere."
The officer at her side made a grab for her, Mellilar flared and a protective circle was formed around her. The officer was thrown into the air and knocked out. Dogs were released, ordered to attack her.
"Do not expect your dogs to harm me, they can sense my purpose," she said and turned her back to the officers. "I came to speak with the Prime Minister. That I shall do."
Her ring blazed once more and the door flew open, she entered and the door shut behind her.
* * *
Estel sat with the Prime Minister, Sara, her bow, quiver and knife discarded in the hall. Sara was not only a woman but the youngest Prime Minister at just 27. Her ring, Mellilar, glittered and sparkled making specks of light flit across the room. The pair sat in deep conversation.
"So you say that you can cure the world of all its evil?"
"Well may be able to. If the force is stronger than I, then it may overcome me, all we have is hope."
"Hope?"
"Hope that we will triumph over this evil."
Sara leant back into her chair and sighed.
"You know I still find it really hard to believe what you are trying to say. I used to know someone who spouted Lord of the Rings facts all day so naturally, I remember most of it but it's just so strange."
"I do have some idea of what you are going through, I thought, up until 6 months ago, that I was just like you and that peoples like the Elves and Hobbits didn't exist save in books. It is very strange and complicated but to cut a long story short, someone from Middle-earth accidentally got brought here and in sending him back I got taken with him. Then I learnt what I told you."
Sara leaned into Estel, her eyes attentive.
"Who was it that came here?"
"Legolas."
"Which one's Legolas again?"
"Legolas is the blonde Elf."
"Oh, Blonde Elf, yeah, I know who you're going on about now."
"Well my roomie wasn't exactly LOTR literate so I spend most of my spare time trying to teach her the names of the characters. I had to refer to the characters by stupid names like Blonde Elf and Wizard-guy."
"Yeah, my friend used to have to do that with us."
"We have lost sight of our task, we must continue with our sterner discussion."
"Yes, we must, how are you planning to get rid of it all? I mean, you want to do what no body has succeeded in doing since the creation of man."
"I will use my power and the power of my ring."
"How will you find them to kill them?"
"Kill them?"
"Yes, kill them, that is how you're going to get rid of them isn't it."
"I will kill no one, to do so will be against my nature."
"Very well but I don't think it will work."
"You must not give up hope; it is the one thing that the enemy cannot take away. Do not take it away yourself." Estel rose and walked into the hallway. "Trust in me, I will aid your world."
"I lay my trust in you, my lady."
Estel restored her knife to her belt and her bow and quiver to her back.
"Do not give up hope, Lady Sara."
"I'm no Lady."
"Yet I will treat you as such, Lady Sara, for you shall be one of my ladies."
Estel turned and stepped out into the street still packed with police officers. There were TV camera there now, watching her every move. She paid no attention to them but walked calmly into the distance.
"She really has a presence doesn't she?" The officer that had ordered Estel to drop her weapons now spoke again. "She seems almost too powerful to be here."
A murmur of agreement ran through the crowd. The police and cameras slowly dispersed in awe.
* * *
The power radiated from Estel's room was so powerful it drew Elves to it like a magnet. Elrond was not worried thought; he knew it meant that she was gaining power. However, he did keep it and the hall it was in securely locked, he did not want another Elf to have to endure the fire that had consumed him during his visit there.
Legolas was still growing weaker, he could no longer draw his bow and he didn't even have the strength to walk amongst the trees. He sat, thinking deeply, feeling her aura in her old room. He wanted nothing more than to sit in her room engulfed by her aura, to breathe it in, to feel its power in the room and to feel her presence with him. To hear her voice and take comfort from it. He wanted to know if she would come back and be with him again, whether he would ever be able to see the blue light of her eyes and hear the harmonious and lilting sound of her voice. He wanted to know whether she felt the same way about him, whether she thought about him like he thought about her, felt sorrow at their parting and even remembered who he was.
* * *
Sitting in her room, Estel allowed her thoughts to trail to Mirkwood and Rivendell. She wondered what Legolas was doing and if he still thought of her. She did not know that he was thinking the same things in Rivendell.
Kerry, gently knocked on the door then opened it. The sound of her CD wafted into the room.
When I'm with you its paradise,
No place on Earth could be so nice
Through the crystal waterfall I hear you call.
Just take my hand it's paradise,
You kiss me once, I'll kiss you twice
And as I gaze into your eyes, I realise, its paradise.
Kaci Paradise
Hearing those words brought tears to Estel's eyes; she could not help but think about Legolas. As she broke down, sobbing, Kerry tried to comfort her.
"Estel, what's wrong?"
"Kerry, I don't think I can do this, I miss Middle-earth too much. My heart longs to go back but I must remain."
"Estel, go if you want to. You don't have to stay here, just go."
"I cannot go, Kerry, I am needed here. I have made a promise and I intend to keep it."
"You chose a promise over going to Middle-earth?"
"I did, and I will keep it." Estel wiped away her tears and stood up. "Kerry, I will aid those who need it before thinking about myself."
Estel walked out of the room, collected her bow, quiver, sword, knife and some food. She drew a grey Elven cloak around her shoulders and walked out of the flat. Kerry never saw her again.
* * *
After Estel had left her home of 10 years she headed straight for the bank. She withdrew her life savings, Queen of Lisse'estel she may be but you need money to get around in this world. She bought a plane ticket to Tibet and headed to Gatwick.
* * *
Her mithril and malthril did not show up on the airport metal detectors so she walked straight through customs. After a long flight on a cramped plane, severe turbulence and airline food, Estel was glad to get off. So glad that she started to sing an Elven song in gratitude to Varda[1].
O Elbereth[2]! Gilthoniel!
We still remember, we who dwell
In this far land beneath the trees,
Thy starlight on the Western Seas.
Her Elven voice floated through the airport, spreading calm. People looked on her strangely but they too felt her cheer in their heart. Her words were not understood, nobody knew who the song was for but every part of the body could tell that it was no ordinary woman that sang the words.
She gathered her bow, quiver and food and set off towards the exit. She knew she had a long journey ahead. She thought of Frodo and his journey with the ever growing burden of the ring. She had no burden save her quiver and bow and that would not grow. The stars shone far above her and she turned her head to look at them and called thanks to Elbereth. Her golden hair shone in the moonlight and her cloak was the colour of trees in twilight. She looked around her, hoping to see a friendly face to accompany her on her journey but knew it was impossible.
* * *
She stood at the foot of Everest, it had taken her a long time to get here but finally she had made it. Now she had to climb the mountain that she likened to Taniquetil, the High White Peak, the highest mountain of Arda, upon whose summit are Ilmarin, the mansions of Manwë and Varda. Estel began her ascent, grateful for her Elven cloak for it kept her warm and dry. Snow was all about her and her cloak was the colour of snow in twilight. She sang softly to herself the Lay of Leithian. This brought to her mind Elrond who was one of Lúthien and Beren's descendants, then Imladris, Mirkwood and finally Legolas. She tried to stop herself from thinking about him, knowing that it would leave her weak and full of sorrow. She trudged on, through darkness and light, not daring to sleep. She knew that she must reach to summit as soon as possible.
She stood upright at the summit, her golden hair glittering in the moonlight. Her ring shone and she shone as a beacon of hope, a bright star in night sky. She uttered her gratitude to Elbereth for her gift of light and began her work.
"Melkor[3], Dark Lord, He who arises in Might,
Rebellious Vala[4], beginning of evil.
Your work is done here, leave."
A shadow slid over the snow and came to rest at Estel's feet. It rose into the form of a man both powerful and majestic, crowned with smoke and fire, eyes than shone with a deadly cold. It towered above her and she knew she beheld Melkor, the most powerful of the Ainur. He stood; black and looming, his large chest rose and fell as he drew long breaths. Lightening cracked across the night sky illuminating Melkor's fell face. The thunder rolled in like drums being pounded by an unseen hand. It grew louder, more deafening. Lightening flashed again but this time the light fell at Melkor's feet and would not touch him. The winded roared and whipped Estel's hair, clouds drew across the moon and covered the stars. Melkor's eyes flashed a chilling red and were the only things visible in the smothering darkness. Estel drew herself up to her full height and held her head high, refusing to intimidated. There was a flash of lightening and the sky opened, emptying hail on the Fair Queen and the Dark Lord. Estel's eyes flashed a bright blue, angry, powerful, determined.
"Leave, you have no place here."
"I will not leave, Fair Queen." He spat her name in manner that reminded Estel of Sauron.
"Do not speak to me in that insolent manner."
"I will speak to you how I wish, I am the Dark Lord." As he spoke, he circled, leaning into her, his voice a deadly whisper. He looked deep into her eyes and saw fear. "You cannot banish me, I can see it in your eyes, you are afraid."
His words brought a chill to Estel's heart but she was determined not to show it.
"I am not afraid of you, I fear no one."
"Do not lie," he laughed.
"I do not lie; I have not your faults."
A sour look crossed his face but soon disappeared. He looked at her thoughtfully, then spat in her face. She wiped it off and her ring flashed bringing her some comfort. She decided to finish what she had started.
"Melkor, leave, you are not wanted here,
Your crimes against this world are great.
Leave and do not return."
Pure power ran through her body, leaving her ring glowing brightly. Melkor looked amused.
"Do you really think that you could banish me?"
"I do and I will."
"You will not and I will kill you."
He drew a long, dark sword from his belt. Estel followed his example, drawing her sword of mithril. Melkor lunged at her and they fought furiously. Estel concentrated on Melkor's sword, watching it intently, throwing it off when it came too near. She was not yet hurt but he was far too good even for her high degree of skill. He pressed harder and harder, waiting for her to make the mistake that would cost her life. He brought his blade down in a movement that made her guard her right side and made a grab for her left arm. He caught it and drew her to him, his sword at her throat.
"So," he whispered, gloatingly, into her ear. "You thought you could kill me?"
Estel dropped her sword and clawed at the one on her throat.
Melkor laughed. "Do not struggle; you have no hope of overcoming me."
"I always have hope. I will destroy you."
"Can you destroy me with your throat slit? Elves are not immune to being slain."
Estel was desperate. She grabbed her last hope;
"By Varda, Lady of the Stars, Greatest of Valier,
And Manwë[5], the Elder King, Chief of the Valar,
You shall have neither me nor this world."
The clouds were blown away and the stars shone brighter than ever before. Estel's heart soared and Melkor dropped her like he had been burnt. He looked from his hands to her; she was shimmering with a hidden power. He breathed heavily, his eyes wildly searching for a way out. Estel felt herself grow in stature and Melkor's eyes widened in fear. It was not her that he was afraid of; it was the figures behind her. She felt their presence and was strengthened by them. Melkor grew bold and stepped forward, challenging the figures. A soft hand came to rest on Estel's shoulder giving her courage.
"Melkor, leave or I will make you."
"Brave thing to say, Child of Ilúvatar[6], you would not dare to say such a thing if you were alone."
He stepped forward once more so he was inches from Estel. His freezing breath ran over her face and his eyes looked deep into hers, searching her soul.
"Melkor." A powerful male voice came from behind Estel. "Leave her alone, your fight is with us not her."
"Manwë, do not be foolish, you heard her challenge me. I would have thought that you and Varda would have stopped meddling in my affairs a long time ago."
"You think that Manwë and I should stop meddling in your affairs." The voice was unmistakably the voice of Elbereth, Lady of the Stars. "I think about it another way, why will you not meddle in my affairs. You have not guarded or governed Arda or this world; you just destroy our hard work. Leave this child, she is under our protection."
Estel hated being called a child but she knew, compared with the Valar who stood behind her, she was.
"I agree, Varda, he should stop meddling with our affairs."
"I think both of you are incredibly naive and foolish. Hand her to me, I long for her blood."
"I will not give her to you," It was Manwë that spoke again. "She has asked for help and it will be given."
He and Varda stepped forward simultaneously, each taking one of Estel's hands. Their combined powers raced through Estel and shone out of her ring.
Suddenly, Estel knew what she had to do. The three spoke together as one;
"Melkor, Dark Lord, He who arises in Might,
Rebellious Vala, beginning of evil.
Your work is done here, leave.
Melkor, leave, you are not wanted,
Your crimes against this world are great.
Leave and do not return.
The Powers command you, do as they say.
You are not wanted here.
Melkor, Dark Lord, He who arises in Might,
Rebellious Vala, beginning of evil.
Your work is done here, leave."
All ball of power formed around Estel's ring. She lifted her head to the stars and let out bloodcurdling war-cry. The ball of power shattered, scattering light everywhere. Power streamed through her, taking her life with it. She fell, silent and lifeless.
* * *
Estel awoke in a strange place. She knew that there was no where like this in Middle-earth or Earth. The bed linen was even more luxurious than it had been in Mirkwood or Rivendell and was far superior to any that could be found in Earth. She sighed and got out of bed. Her head burned and every noise made it burn harder. She noticed that she was dressed in a pure white silk that shone with radiance. There was a knock at the door that made her dizzy with the pain from her head.
"Come in," she said weakly.
Varda swept in, her long gown gliding across the floor.
"Lie down, my child."
Estel did as she was told, used to obeying doctor's orders.
"Is he gone?"
"Gone? Oh, yes, Melkor. He has vanished and I don't think we will hear from him again."
"But he might not have been destroyed?" Estel searched Varda's fair face but could not find any clues as to her answer.
"I will tell you later but for the time being rest."
"I can't..." Estel started but was interrupted by Varda gently stroking her forehead.
"My dear, you must rest."
Varda continued to stroke her forehead until she was asleep again.
As she left the room she muttered to herself, "I doubt she will ever get over this, her heart is heavy and the root of her grief I have yet to find. She may die if she doesn't tell what is making her feel the way she does. Poor girl, there may be no hope for her."
* * *
Estel sat in a large bed staring at the thick soup in front of her. She couldn't stomach it, her appetite had completely disappeared. Her longing to see Legolas had returned with a vengeance but she daren't say anything for fear of seeming ungrateful. It was a week since she had been on Everest and she was feeling worse under the care of Varda and Manwë than she had ever felt before. She had erratic mood swings and only seemed to be able to keep a civil tongue in her head was when Varda was in the room. She snapped at Manwë although he had never been anything other than patient and caring with her. Other times she was as gentle as a lamb. She grew paler by the day and almost blended in with the bed linen. He had not eaten all the time she had been with Varda and Manwë and her stomach rumbled constantly. Varda tried to coax her problem out of her but the more she did the more Estel clamed up.
Manwë came into the room, determined to get Estel to eat. He sat on the edge of her bed and took her hands in his own. He looked into her eyes to see what kind of mood she was in.
"Estel, please try to eat, you are making yourself ill." He chose his words carefully knowing all to well that she could fly into a temper very swiftly.
"I can't, I just can't."
Huge tears rolled down her cheeks. Manwë removed the bowl from her lap and drew her into a fatherly embrace. Powerful sobs shook her body, sending shockwaves of sorrow down his spine.
"Estel, just tell me what is wrong." As the words fell from his lips he realised he shouldn't have said them. Estel threw him off and glared at him.
"For the final time, there is nothing wrong with me!" Her face coloured as she shouted at the Elder King.
"Estel, calm down. I didn't mean to upset you."
"You did not upset me and I don't need to calm down. Leave. Me. Alone." She jabbed her finger into his chest in time with her final words
"Estel, stop shouting at me." His voice remained impassive which seemed to irritate Estel even more.
"I'm not shouting!" She yelled right into his face. "I don't need to be here."
With that she tried to leave the room but Manwë had hold of her arms. She swung out of his grip and started hammering her fists on his chest. He gripped her hands and pinned them against her sides.
"Estel." He said sharply. "I have not done anything to harm you, why do you take your anger out on me? I cannot help you if you won't let me."
Tears pricked Estel's eyes once more.
"You wouldn't understand, you can't."
"Would you like to speak with Varda? She may understand your troubles."
Estel nodded. Manwë called Varda in and left.
"My dear child, are you ready to reveal your secret?"
Estel did not answer but tears rolled down her cheeks falling onto the bed sheets. Varda put her arms around Estel and held her close, offering assurance and comfort.
"It will all be all right," she whispered to Estel whilst rocking her gently.
"I just want to see him again. I miss him so much, it was bad enough to leave him in the first place but now I can't even go back. I don't know how I'm going to cope, I can't, I can't do it without him, I just can't."
"Tell me who you miss, Estel, who do you want to be with?"
Flooded with memories of her time in Middle-earth, Estel couldn't get his name out. Her tears fell heavier and were laden with grief.
"Just try, my child, take your time."
It took Estel half an hour before she had calmed down enough to tell Varda, who was offering comforting words and patience.
"Legolas. Legolas Greenleaf. Of Mirkwood." Estel breathed heavily between the pauses.
"Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood?" Varda raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"Do you know him?" Estel looked at her with surprise.
"No, I do not. The name sounds familiar to me. I have not heard of Mirkwood but Legolas was one of the Fellowship of the Ring, wasn't he?"
"Yes, he went on behalf of the Elves."
"I have not heard of him for many months. I do not even know if he is alive. I am sorry to break this to you but I think it may be the case that he is not. You see four months ago the Elf he was deeply in love with left him, he never really got over it."
Estel's face fell.
"Can you not find out whether he is alive or not?"
"The best I can do is to send you to Middle-earth, perhaps you will go to Imladris or Lothlórien. At least you will be with Elves."
"Send me to Lothlórien, I don't wish to be near Imladris. It would be too difficult for me to go back there with all my memories."
"Lothlórien it is then. I am sorry you could not have stayed with us longer, Manwë and I would have been pleased to see you stay."
"I will stay if you want me to." Estel did not mean her words and they chilled her heart and made her pale.
"My child, you must do what your heart desires. If it desires that you go to Middle-earth then you must go. Listen to it, it will not steer you wrongly, trust it."
* * *
Estel walked under the mallorn of Lórien with Galadriel. It was five weeks since she arrived in Lothlórien. She never talked about her previous time in Middle-earth or her meeting with Varda and Manwë. Her Elven ring was locked away and she never showed it to anyone. In the privacy of her room she wept bitterly, crying herself to sleep, believing Legolas to be dwelling in the Halls of Mandos[7].
As she walked Estel tried to take in the outstanding beauty of the forest where she now dwelt but she could not when she felt so unhappy. Galadriel sensed her unhappiness and resolved to do something about it.
* * *
Estel entered the ball room with Galadriel. She had tried everything to make Estel happy but nothing had worked. This was her last resort and she wanted it to work. Galadriel had introduced Estel and Fëaruth[8] over dinner. Estel talked to him rather awkwardly but he was full of confidence and oozed charm. Galadriel left them to get to know each other while they danced.
"So," Fëaruth started. "What do you think of Lothlórien?"
Estel looked up at him shyly. "It's more beautiful than anything I have ever seen." She did not speak from the heart; she believed that the green light that shone under the boughs of Rivendell dancing over Legolas' face was far more beautiful than anything she could ever behold.
They went on in the same manner for quite some time, Fëaruth asking the questions and Estel saying what she thought would please him.
"Arwen Estel Lady Estel, would you like to go for a walk?"
Estel nodded gently and they departed from the room. Galadriel saw this and smiled to herself.
* * *
Fëaruth walked side by side with Estel, looking at her interestedly. She spoke to him of places he had not seen such as London. She didn't have much time to think about the past, Legolas had now become a distant memory, cherished but not kept alive.
* * *
Fëaruth, tall with long, raven hair and eyes that were deep pools of black, claimed her attention now. Galadriel had put him up to it but he enjoyed his time with her and often went to her of his own accord. Estel could feel herself falling for him, he was nothing like Legolas and perhaps that is why. She did not have to make comparisons and it stopped her from thinking about him when she was with Fëaruth.
* * *
In time Estel grew very attached to Fëaruth, he did not seem so interested but she was blinded by her love. She gazed into his eyes at every opportunity but he came up with cruel comments and embarrassed her in front of the other Elves, she seemed not to care. As she fell more and more in love with him, he became more distant.
As they walked through together, neither said a word. One thought that it was a loving silence, the other was just ignoring the first. Fëaruth decided to speak.
"Arwen Estel, do you not think we had better turn back?"
"Quit with the Lady, it doesn't suit me. We're fine as we are, let's keep on walking."
He gave her a sour look and walked faster, eager to get back to the fine food inside. Estel had to almost run to keep up with him.
"Fëaruth, slow down, I cannot keep up with you."
He did not respond verbally or slow down.
"Fëaruth, please, slow down."
Estel pulled on his elbow, urging him to slow. He shook her off and shot her a dirty look.
"Fëaruth, I cannot keep up with you. Slow down."
"Arwenamin My Lady, I want to turn back. You did not want to; you cannot have everything your way."
"Fëaruth, I did not mean to upset you. Let's turn back."
They turned and literally ran back down the path.
Galadriel watched as Estel and Fëaruth talked together. She could see that Estel had grown very attached to Fëaruth but she could not see the same love in his eyes. She felt pleased with herself for making Estel happy. Celeborn, her husband, stood next to her, also watching the couple. He did not see it as Galadriel did but more clearly. He knew that she wanted it to work out between Estel and Fëaruth but also knew that Fëaruth held no love for Estel. He did not speak for fear of offending his wife but he was deeply troubled by Estel's obsession with Fëaruth. He had seen him with several other female Elves and did not like what he saw.
* * *
"Fëaruth, do you think that this dress suits me?"
Estel stood in front of a full length mirror clad in a blue silk which exactly matched the colour of her eyes. Fëaruth, who was standing behind her, rolled his eyes.
"Estel, just pick anything, I am hungry and I do not wish to wait any longer for my dinner."
"I'll wear this then, melamin." My love
"Come then, we shall go to dinner at last."
His sour expression only became more repulsive as Estel took his arm and they walked down to the dining hall.
Celeborn appeared at Estel's side when she entered the hall.
"Arwen en amin My Lady, would you like a glass of wine?" asked Celeborn.
Estel did not need to answer, Fëaruth answered for her, in the negative.
"I did not ask you, Fëaruth," Celeborn said calmly and turned to Estel, "Arwen Estel, would you like a glass of wine?"
Estel nodded and Celeborn obliged, leaving them for a minute and coming back with a glass of wine.
Throughout the evening Celeborn kept with Estel, making sure she was happy.
While Fëaruth was speaking with one of his friends, he walked with her.
"Arwen Lady, do you mind my keeping you company?"
She looked up at him to try and see what he was thinking.
"No, not at all, my Lord."
"You needn't keep with the formalities, I'm just plain Celeborn to my friends."
He smiled down at her, setting her at ease.
"Don't call me Lady then." Estel said with a hint of sarcasm.
As they walked past the table Celeborn swept up two glasses of wine and handed one of them to Estel.
"Thanks." She smiled gently and started to sip the wine. "It very good, smells good too."
"It should be good; it comes from my private stores." He gave a gentle chuckle.
She too laughed.
Fëaruth returned and looked sullenly at Estel. She smiled at him, her love for him obvious.
"I hope you haven't been drinking too much of that."
"Fëaruth, that is for her to decide," Celeborn interrupted impassively.
Fëaruth looked at Celeborn, took Estel by the hand and led her away. It just so happened that she tripped, throwing her drink straight over Fëaruth's pristine clothes.
"Look what you have done," He stood dripping while all the Elves in the room turned to look. "You fucking, stupid bitch, look what you've done."
"Fëaruth, I'm so sorry," Estel took his hands, trying to calm him, regretting teaching him how to swear now she heard him cursing at the top of his voice.
"Estel, get off me, I don't even want to see you again."
Fëaruth strode out of the room, leaving bewildered Elves in his wake. Tears rolling down her cheeks, Estel ran after him.
* * *
Estel sat on her bed crying and muttering to herself. She didn't even notice that Fëaruth was in the doorway. After studying her for a few minutes he walked across the room and stood before her.
She looked up at him, his face told of extreme displeasure.
"How could you embarrass me like that?"
Estel did not answer. He pulled her to her feet and moved her close to him so that his face was just inches from hers.
"I asked you a question, why did you embarrass me like that?" he hissed.
"I don't know."
"Don't lie to me, I can tell when you're lying."
"I'm not lying."
The Elf before her was not in the mood to hear her out.
"I told you not to lie, I don't like liars." He had lowered his voice to an almost silent whisper.
"Fëaruth, I am not lying to you."
"Shall I show you what I do to liars?"
He reached up to her head and grabbed a handful of hair, pulled it to the ground, bending Estel's neck backwards. He leered at her.
"I haven't even started yet."
"Let me go, please." Estel, still weakened from her battle with Melkor, tried to plead with the furious Elf holding a large amount of her hair.
Fëaruth did as he was bid and turned his back to her.
"Now its time for your punishment, Arwen Estel."
He swung round and struck her in the face as hard as he could. She was sent flying and crashed into the wall. She put a hand up to touch her eye; her fingers were sticky with blood when she removed them. Weakened, yes, but did it stop her from losing her temper? No. She grabbed a vase from the mantelpiece and threw it at her attacker. It hit him square on the head, knocking him out. She walked over to him and gave him a kick in the ribs, just to make sure.
"Never mess with a British bitch.[9] She'll only screw up your plans."
She viciously kicked his head and walked from the room, Celeborn was waiting for her.
"I wondered when you would realise how violent he is."
They walked along the corridor, Celeborn clearly amused at Fëaruth's beating.
"A man only hits me once. Then he gets his arse kicked." In her anger her speech had become rougher.
Celeborn laughed, "Don't you think you ought to get that eye seen to?"
"It will heal pretty quickly. Anyway, I don't have time to get it checked."
Celeborn raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"I'm leaving, heading for Rivendell. I know Master Elrond and would be glad to see him again."
"You have visited Rivendell?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Estel's eyes showed so much sorrow that Celeborn knew to leave the subject.
"Do you need help packing?"
"Sure." Estel, glad of the change of subject, smiled.
* * *
Estel was less than a day's ride away from Rivendell. Celeborn had given her an Elven steed of dusky grey and a quiver full of arrows. She wore her white silk and grey cloak once again and her mithril knife was hidden in her belt with her sword. Her ring, she wore openly, knowing that it would offer protection.
She stopped, her horse was tired. She lit a fire and started eating some lembas that the Elves of Lórien had given her.
Unknown to her, Aragorn and Arwen were riding in the same region. They had already seen her and were riding towards her, bow and sword ready.
She drank from her water bottle, lost in thought. She was stirred by Aragorn's voice echoing through the valley.
"Stranger, drop your weapons." His call knocked her into consciousness.
Estel was in a very playful mood and had decided to have some fun. She rode hard towards him, her cloak covering her face, brandishing her sword. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, I thought you knew better than to teach a maiden in a dress to fight!"
He grinned, jumped off his horse and ran to her.
"Arwen Estel, you have returned."
"Thank you for stating the obvious, Aragorn."
"We have missed you; you didn't even say farewell before you left."
"I'm sorry; it was a spur of the moment kinda thing."
"Spur of the moment kind of thing?"
"Yeah, it means that I decided to just go for it and leave there and then and jumped in head first."
"Come, we'd better get back to Rivendell before it's too dark. They might not let you in." He ruffled her hair and mounted his horse.
"I seriously doubt that."
She flashed her ring at him and his jaw visibly dropped.
"Where did you get that ring?"
"I made it long ago when I ruled in Mordor."
Aragorn looked even more astounded.
"I better not tell you anymore until I speak with Elrond."
She mounted and followed Aragorn and Arwen to Rivendell.
* * *
Elrond had called another of his councils. To Estel they were incredibly boring and she sat waiting, covered in her long grey cloak, her hood falling over her face.
Great, now I'm going to have to explain to everyone that I'm not evil while telling them that I was ruler of Mordor. Fun. There will be tremendous uproar then I'll have to show them my Ring of Power and they'll want to destroy it. Without Mellilar I wouldn't have survived the last few months. How am I going to get round this?
Gandalf seated himself in the corner and Estel was instantly transported to the last time she was in a Council of Elrond, Legolas at her side. The thought caused her pain and she jolted back into reality.
Shame Legolas isn't here. I know he can't be but I really miss him, how am I going to stop myself from making a fool of myself or offending the Elves? Oh, to be able to go back in time, what would I change? Well, I wouldn't have left, that's for sure. I would have kicked Sauron's butt before he world-switched me. I would have made the most of the time I had with Legolas. Why did I leave?
Someone sat down next to her but she did not see who. It irritated Estel that someone would sit next to her when she quite plainly wanted to be alone with her thoughts.
Can I make it more obvious I want to be left alone? This idiot sits next to me, he must be so stupid. What is this world coming to, Elves are supposed to be intelligent. This one is pretty dumb, how could he not understand that I want to be left alone?
Elrond explained to the Council who Estel was and where she lived. This was old news; the Council had heard it months ago. However, they hadn't talked about her Ring of Power in detail, Gandalf and Elrond had discussed it together but the Council needed to hear answers from the maker of the Ring.
"Arwen Estel, would you please tell us about your ring?" Elrond asked.
Estel peered out from under her cloak; she could see Aragorn, Elrond and a few other Elves and Dwarves. She couldn't see to her side where Gandalf and the Elf next to her were.
"Well, it's hard to know where begin."
"To begin with," Elrond began good humouredly. "Stand up; we can't hear you when your cloak is covering your face."
"Fine, I'll stand up," Estel groaned as she got to her feet.
She walked to the middle of the room and threw back her hood, eager to see who had disturbed her. Long, blonde hair, shocking, blue eyes and clad in greens and browns.
Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! How can it be? How is he here? I can't believe it, he's still here. Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! It's him, I'm sure it is, how can it be though? This is so strange, this is even stranger than when I found out that Lord of the Rings was all true and that was strange. I thought he was dead, how is he here?
Estel stood staring at the Elf for what seemed to her years, her eyes revealing her surprise and confusion.
The Elf smiled. "It's good to see you too, melamin." My Love
"I. I. I thought you were dead. No one mentioned you at Lórien."
"Did you ask after me then?"
"That could be the reason that I wasn't mentioned."
Estel grinned.
"Leave the reunion until later. We have an important issue to discuss," Elrond interrupted. "Lady, please continue."
"Well...um...when I lived in Lisse'estel...that would be Mordor now." Estel looked into the keen blue eyes in front of her and stopped. "Um...I learnt...from the same sources as you, Sauron, how to make Rings of Power." Legolas' stare made her pause once more. "Well...I...um...made one that could only rule over willing rings, you see I didn't want to have power over all the rings. I used it to...well...to keep evil out of Lisse'estel but when Sauron wrought his ring he duped me into thinking that he wouldn't use it. Obviously, he didn't, he broke his oath to me. Um...Lisse'estel fell into Shadow, Vanya Mellilar, my palace, was razed to the ground and...um...Barad-Dûr set in its place."
"Thank you, Arwen Estel. I can see you wish to talk with Legolas. We will discuss this further tomorrow."
Estel bowed her head. "Thank you, Master Elrond, you cannot understand what this means to me."
One by one, everyone filed out of the room, leaving Elrond standing in the doorway.
"The Fair Queen does indeed live on." He turned and walked from the room.
Estel walked over to where Legolas was seated and sat down, their fingers entwined as their eyes locked.
"You came back." Legolas was the first to speak.
"Yeah, I came back. When I went I realised I didn't really want to go in the first place. You know, grass is no greener on the over side kinda thing."
Legolas brought up a hand to touch her lips.
"What did you do while you were away, melamin?"
Estel dropped her gaze to the floor.
"You are not proud of what you did?"
"Not exactly."
"Do you want to speak of it?"
"Not really, you see, well, I wasn't exactly faithful to you."
Estel could see the hurt in his eyes and felt that he deserved an explanation.
"I thought you were dead, I was told you were anyway. Well, he wasn't very nice; I don't think I could find anybody as wonderful as you are."
Legolas smiled. "Flattery will get you nowhere. More, please."
Estel shut her eyes against his powerful gaze. "He hit me. That's why I came here; I couldn't stand having him around me anymore."
"He hit you? Where?"
"It doesn't matter, the point is he did."
Legolas lifted her head to his, making her look deep into his eyes.
"I would never hurt you, melamin."
He kissed her gently.
"I know you won't, that's why I trust you."
* * *
Estel and Legolas walked together, hand in hand, green light playing over their faces.
"It's beautiful here, is there anything more so?"
He turned to her, his blue eyes glittering.
"It is nothing compared to your beauty, Vanyar Tári."Fair Queen
He pulled her to him and she felt his arms snake round her waist. Legolas planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Melamin auta yassen lle, Vanya Arwen."My love goes with you, Fair Lady
Tears coursed down her cheeks while Legolas held her tenderly.
"You said that to me before, long ago, before I left."
She wiped the last of her tears away and a slight smile crept over her delicate features.
"I never want to leave again. I want to stay in Middle-earth forever and I will."[10]
* * *
The three Elven Rings were being called to Rivendell. Elrond wished to let Estel's Mellilar rule over them so that its power would rejuvenate the Three. Two of the Three, Narya and Vilya were already in Rivendell. Galadriel and Celeborn had ridden to Imladris as soon as Elrond had summoned them. Her ring, Nenya, wrought of mithril, the stone a flickering white.
Celeborn was glad to see Estel and conversed with her for many long hours when he arrived. He brought the tidings that Fëaruth was no longer dwelt in Lothlórien, Galadriel had bid him leave. They also, discussed Estel's being a Queen. He wondered what Estel would do to punish Fëaruth for his actions and was surprised to hear her tell him that she would not punish him. She told him that she believed in forgiveness and would willing speak with him if he wished to do so.
They gathered in the Council, wanting to join with Mellilar.
Elrond rose, looking around the room.
"Galadriel, Gandalf, do you both agree to letting Estel's ring rule over the Three?"
Both nodded their heads in agreement.
"Lady Estel, how do you get your ring to rule over ours?"
"Hold out your hands, when the rings come into contact and the weaker ring is willing, Mellilar will rule."
She took each of their hands, allowing their rings to touch hers. The stones on the Three glowed brighter, Mellilar flared.
"I can feel her," Galadriel murmured.
"I also," Gandalf spoke this time.
"And I." Elrond rose. "The Three have regained their power. Thank you Estel."
Estel nodded. "It is the least I could do. Throughout my stays in Middle-earth, Elves have been nothing but kind to me"
Galadriel blushed, remembering Fëaruth and his treatment of Estel. She noticed and turned her attention to her.
"You needn't worry about that matter; it is for my thought only as it concerns me deeply. If I had made up my mind to reprimand those actions, I would have. Do you not remember the vase, Galadriel?"
Estel smiled bringing one to Galadriel's face also.
"Forget that time, I was not myself. Grief does strange things to the mind. If it were not for that it would not have returned here and the Three would not have been rejuvenated. Look at everything in a positive light, Galadriel, it makes life seem far better."
"Hearken, Ladies, a feast awaits us."
Elrond had come between them offering an arm to each. Estel and Galadriel accepted and the group departed from the chamber, Gandalf following, his arms full of books, Narya glowing a fiery red.
Gandalf shook his head. "She has much on her mind, I fear, and such that may never be told under this roof or any."
Foresighted he was but the prediction was only partly true.
* * *
Estel dwelt in Imladris for many months before heading for Greenwood the Great had returned to Lórien a few weeks after the Three joined with Mellilar. Estel still thought of her time in Ilmarin with Varda and Manwë. She spoke to no one of this and revealed to none her fight with Morgoth and its intentions. Nor did she speak any further of Fëaruth but if she had she would have found out that he had tried to gain admittance to Rivendell. Elrond, knowing from Celeborn what he had done, had bid him turn back and not to bring his violence to poison the boughs of Imladris.
On entering Mirkwood, Estel knew in her heart that she would not find lasting peace here. She sighed and ignored the feeling, wishing it would leave her.
* * *
Estel walked along the row of young Elves, their eager faces looking up at her, eyes hungry. She was dressed as if she were male in breeches and a tunic made of greens and browns. Her golden hair fell over her shoulders and her electric blue eyes glittered with anticipation. The only clue to her true identity was Mellilar which glittered with a golden light.
"I suppose you all know why you're here?"
There was a chorus of answers, mostly of "Yes!", but one or two in the negative.
"You all ways get some, don't you?" She asked herself before looking into each of the Elves eyes in turn. "You're here to learn the art of using a bow. Greenwood the Great is famed for its archers, I want you to keep up that tradition. If you do not work, I will not teach you. Help will be given to any that ask for it, understood?"
An Elf stepped forward, tall and coming to the end of his teens, he stood a head taller than Estel, his bright blue eyes glinting mischievously.
"You're not male, are you?" He asked sneering. "I could beat you with my eyes closed."
Estel looked at him, her eyes sparkling.
"Would you like to prove that, ...?"
"Gildor, and yes, I would challenge you."
"Very well. Pick up your bow, your aim will be this."
Estel drew a red cloth from her pocket, walked about 100 yards from the group and tacked it to a tree with a small pocket knife. She ran back to where Gildor was waiting and took her bow from her back.
"You have three arrows. Try and get them in the centre if you can."
Gildor shot three arrows, aiming each one carefully before he let it fly. Each hit the cloth; he turned and smirked at Estel.
"You have not seen me yet, child."
She loosed three arrows in quick succession, her hands moving quicker than sight. They flew straight and true, grouping in the centre of the cloth.
"You did no better than I," Gildor whined. "We both hit the cloth."
"Shall we let our judge decide that?"
Legolas leaned against a tree trunk, his arms folded against his chest. His eyes locked with Estel's for a moment before flitting to Gildor and pinning him to the spot.
"You are no match for your teacher. You took far longer to achiever far less a result. Do not challenge if you are not prepared to lose." He removed his gaze from Gildor and let it trail across the line of Elven children. "If you do succeed in mastering the bow, you will move on to the sword."
Drawing his sword he ran the tips of his fingers down the blade, Estel took over.
"Only the best archers will learn to sword fight. The rest will try and get their archery up to the appropriate level of skill."
Legolas looked up. "We will give a demonstration of the level of archery needed to learn to the sword then a little demonstration with swords. Lady, lift your bow, your aim is the oak a few hundred yards from here. Do you see it?"
It was nearly out of sight and the young Elves had to strain their eyes to see it.
"Yes I do, you shoot first."
He pulled up his bow, firing three arrows that flew through the air, screaming.
"Your turn, Arwen Estel."
She too fired three arrows, each one landing next to one of Legolas'. She looked at them thoughtfully and drew her bow once more, firing an arrow without even thinking about it, her eyes vacant. It flew to the centre of the group, striking the centre arrow, shattering it.
Legolas leaned into Estel, speaking in an almost silent whisper, "Very good, not many could have done that at such a distance. Ready to show your skill with the sword, melamin?"
"Sure, lisse'corm." Sweetheart Estel spoke in the same tone to prevent the Elven children from hearing because even though they were young their ears were very keen indeed.
"Lady Estel and I will now show you the level of skill needed with the sword to survive a battle with minimal injuries. Draw your sword, Lady."
She obliged, her sword, a shining silver that glowed at the edges.
"Don't bet on winning, you haven't seen me with a sword yet, you've only seen my archery. Prepare to lose."
She darted forward raising her sword and brought it down in ferocious arc. Legolas pushed her sword away with his own, grinning wildly.
"Is that the best you can do?"
"No, I'm just warming up."
Legolas, in a series of rapid thrusts, started his assault, Estel stopped each of them, her confidence soaring. She lost her concentration allowing Legolas to swirl his sword around in a half circle, aimed at her side. She stopped it, inches from her skin.
"Do you yield?"
"Not yet," she growled. (Assume mock female rapper voice here) "I gotta kick yo ass first, boy. I ain't even got started yet, let the lady work her magic."
She threw his sword from her side and slashed at his shoulder revealing a strip of tanned skin. Throwing a smile at him, she brought her sword round in sweeping pass, he blocked it with a force that the pair were afraid their swords might shatter. Estel took a deep breath, thinking. She lunged, her sword tearing through more cloth, yet careful not to draw blood.
"Do you yield?" Estel demanded.
"Nay, my Lady, I do not yield. We fight on."
(Assume Ali-G type voice here) "Big up yoself for carryin on. Respec. Aiii!"
She snapped the fingers (Ali-G style) on her free hand. "Booyakasha!"
Legolas looked at her strangely, his sword sweeping downwards on to Estel's. She slid her sword around his and twisted. The sword flew into the air; Estel caught it and held both to Legolas' throat.
"Do you yield?"
"I yield."
She handed him his sword and turned away.
(Assume British news reader type voice) "News just in, girl beat really old Elf, Legolas, in a sword fight. Yes, a girl beat him."
"Hold your tongue, Lady." He sheathed his sword and turned to the young Elves who were staring at them in awe. "That is what sword play is supposed to look like. I doubt that any of you will be able to get to that standard and if you do it will take a lot of time. First, you have to get your archery right. Come here tomorrow if you are still willing to learn. Now, go, think about how much time and effort you are prepared to put to this. If the answer is not most of your time and all of your effort, do not return."
Estel and Legolas watched the Elves run into the distance.
"So what do 'Booyakasha' and 'Big up yourself' mean?"
Estel laughed at the sound of Sacha Baron Cohen's mock street slang being spoken in such a serious tone.
"Well, 'Big up yoself' means to praise yourself and 'Booyakasha', well, that, it means, it means, well nothing. It's made up, to make people laugh. I'll explain later." She laughed to herself. "Ah, the joys of teaching an Elf to speak like Ali G."
She took Legolas arm and leaned on his shoulder. He smiled down on her.
"You are an amazing swordsman, melamin."
"Swordswoman. I'm female, I'll prove it if you don't believe me."
Legolas grinned, realising the meaning of her sauciness.
"I don't think you'd have to go that far." He snaked his arm round her waist so she couldn't move away. "I'm really glad you came back."
"I'm glad I came back too."
He turned her to face him. "Don't ever leave again; you belong here, with..." He stopped abruptly, not wanting to finish the sentence, afraid that if he said those words, she would leave again.
Estel stepped closer to him. He brushed a strand of hair from her eyes and kissed her gently. She brought her hands up to run her fingers through his hair, his hands lingering on the tops of her arms. Snickering, coming from the trees behind them, made their heads flick up.
"Did you hear that?"
Estel nodded her head slowly.
"Do you think that...?"
"There definitely was."
A tall Elf with long, raven hair stepped out of the trees.
"Do you mean me?"
The pair turned swung their heads round to see who spoke. Legolas stepped forward, Estel followed, her blue eyes blazing with anger.
"How dare you show your face here!"
"How dare I, whatever can you mean, Lady Estel?"
"What can I mean?" Estel drew her sword. "You know full well what I mean."
Legolas had now heard enough to work out how this Elf was, he stepped forward.
"Leave."
"Who are you to bid me that?"
"Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of this land. What is your purpose here?"
"I come to claim what is mine."
"What do I have that you could possibly have any claim to?"
"Your lady."
Estel, enraged by his manner, pulled Legolas back so that she stood in front of Fëaruth, sword in hand.
"I am nobody's Lady," she roared. "I stay with who I want to and not some one who thinks they have claim on me."
"You are mine and I want to repay you for our last meeting."
His closed a hand into a fist and rubbed it against the other.
"I told you I don't belong to anyone." She pointed her sword at his face. "Leave. Now."
"You'll have to kill me before I leave."
"I will not shed any Elven blood."
"I will not while I do not have what I have come for."
Estel suddenly caught with inspiration rolled up her sleeves, allowing Mellilar to shine. Fëaruth looked on it, astounded. Mellilar threw out a web of golden light, sparkling and shimmering, showing an image of Lórien.
"Look what you have done." Fëaruth stood dripping, all the Elves turned to look. "You fucking, stupid bitch, look what you've done."
"Fëaruth, I'm so sorry." Estel took his hands, trying to calm him.
"Estel, get off me, I don't even want to see you again."
Fëaruth strode out of the room, Estel ran after him.
"You have seen your affirmation. You have no claim on me and any you did have you relinquished when you struck me. Leave. Now."
She held her sword to his throat, gently pressing it in. He turned tail and ran down the path. Legolas shot an arrow after him, aiming it so that it sailed over his head and landed in a tree just ahead of him. Fëaruth ran faster and soon disappeared. Estel sheathed her sword and Legolas returned his bow to his back.
"Where were we?" Estel asked cheekily.
Legolas pulled her to him, touching her face before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. "I think we were here."
Estel giggled. "I sure hope that nobody else is watching."
"Do you wish to go somewhere more private?"
He didn't wait for an answer but took her hands and led her down a secluded path.
* * *
Estel walked over to a young Elf with bright blue eyes and long blonde hair scraped back severely to adjust his stance. Gildor had not attended any of Estel's classes, many female Elves, however, when they heard of his downfall joined the class. They proved to be just as good as the male Elves and some were even better. Estel had earned the respect of her pupils and worked hard to keep it, she still remembered what it was like to be taught in an environment where there was no respect between the pupils and the teacher. She walked along the line of youngsters, each of them with bow in hand aiming at the targets in front of them.
"Remember, look along the shaft of the arrow, that way you can see its path. Fire when you're ready."
A line of arrows came flying from the row Elven children, each striking near the centre of their targets. Estel sat down on the ground, watching the Elves fetch their arrows.
"You have taught them well, Lady Estel."
She looked up, the voice that spoke was not one that she recognised nor did she recognise its owner.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?"
"Surely the Fair Queen remembers one of her most loyal friends and archers?"
"No, I do not. It is my doom that I remember none of my life in Lisse'estel but my final moments in Vanya Mellilar."
"I am Elenglin, I once belonged to your household. I have come to you on behalf of your people, asking you to come back and free our land from Shadow. My Lady, there were not enough of us to fight the Enemy when you left; we were forced to live in exile. There are not enough of us to remove the Shadow hanging over our land. We seek your aid, my Lady, Fair Queen; we wish to have you fight alongside us."
Estel searched his face and found that he was telling the truth.
"Heruamin my Lord, do you wish me to give up these children, my life here and join you?"
"I hoped you would."
"My heart bids me follow you, but I can't just leave. If you would care to follow me." Estel turned to the Elves. "Your lesson is over for today, you all did extremely well."
"They have much respect for you, Táriamin." My Queen
Estel smiled. "Come, I will introduce you to my friend, the Prince of Greenwood."
Elenglin followed Estel down the path. His long hair, a deep black, floated in the breeze, his chocolate eyes, sparkled thoughtfully.
"You have changed since I last looked upon you, Arwenamin, your eyes betray it."
"I have indeed changed, I have seen many things that I wished I hadn't and many things I wish I could gaze upon again, things that you could not possibly comprehend."
"Arwen Estel, do not dwell on the darker memories in your life, it casts a shadow on the lighter ones."
"I thank you for your advice, Elenglin, I know it to be true for I have had experience of it happening." Estel paused, thinking of her long bouts of depression. "I do not wish it to happen again." She walked on in silence.
"Legolas, what do I do? My head tells me to go and aid my people but my heart bids me to remain here. Which one do I choose, help me, please?"
"It is not for me to make up your mind for you, I can only give you advice and I will say only this; between your head and your heart lies the true answer."
"Can't you give me anymore? How am I supposed to work out what to do if you won't help me?"
"If I tell you what to do, you will regret following my counsel. You must decide this yourself."
Estel was happy where she was and the troubles of her people seemed irrelevant to her. She didn't want to leave Mirkwood but her sense of duty was wracking her conscience. Elenglin remained in Mirkwood while Estel tried to make up her mind, he did not speak with her though. She had shut herself in her room, emerging only for food, trying to see an end to her dilemma. By the end of the week she knew what she had to do.
* * *
Estel rode out over the plains, dressed in grey from head to toe. She blended into the background, her clothes changing colour with the scenery. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she did not bother to wipe them away. Elenglin had departed the day before, leaving Estel to ride alone.
Estel hadn't wanted to leave Mirkwood but her heart knew that her people needed her far more than she needed to remain in Mirkwood. She had crept out late at night, thinking that Legolas would have tried to stop her leaving if she had told him what she was doing. She had written him a letter, explaining what she was doing and with it she left a lock of her hair enclosed in a mithril locket. She wore one identical to that which she had left, hers empty, that she never took off.
Estel had ridden through the night, wanting to get as far away from Mirkwood before the day was out as possible. It was not that she didn't like being in Mirkwood but she did not want to go back. Her reasoning was that the more distance she put between herself and Mirkwood the less likely she was to turn her back on her people. She had ridden in silence, keeping her thoughts in Mirkwood, wondering what was taking place there.
* * *
The sun was shining over Mirkwood, casting green shadows over the ground. Legolas had risen early and was waiting by the archery range for Estel. She didn't come although her class did.
Thinking on his feet, Legolas took over the class, all the while wondering why Estel hadn't turned up. He put the children to a quick competition, giving him time to think about the possibilities.
After the children had gone he raced back to the palace. He didn't stop running until he reached Estel's door. He thought he would never get there; each foot step seemed to push the door further away. He pounded on the door.
"Estel?"
No answer came. He opened the door, not caring if whether he was bid come in or not.
"Estel, are you in here?"
The room was empty, stripped of all Estel's masculine clothes, her weapons and travelling bags. Legolas took it in and sank to his knees.
"Not again, she can't have done this to me again. Why? Why did she do this again, she swore she wouldn't leave again, why?"
He spotted her letter and snatched it up.
Legolas,
I'm sorry to have to leave you again. I wouldn't do it if I didn't think that it was the best thing to do. My people need me; they need me more than you do.
I am headed for Mordor. They want me to get rid of the Shadow and restore Lisse'estel to its former glory.
I will be back, don't ever forget that. I don't think I could stay away for long.
I have left you a gift to remember me by, keep it close. You will always be able to find me if you look hard enough and I can find you.
I'm so sorry to have to do this to you again but there is no other way, my people need me, I must go to them. When the Shadow is lifted I will return, if you wish me to that is.
Say farewell to my pupils for me. Tell them how well they have done.
Once again, I am sorry to leave you. I hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive me; I'll understand if you don't.
Yours forever, in heart and soul,
Estel
Legolas read through the letter and took out the locket Estel had left for him. He studied it closely; a small Elven script was engraved on it. It read;
Hope will come to those who believe, aid to those that ask.
"Bound by her oath, she had to go." He shook his head sadly. "No wonder she left in secret, didn't want me to prevent her from leaving."
* * *
Hooves pounded the dry earth, sending up a cloud of dust. A grey cloak streamed out behind the rider, beating the air.
The sky, swirls of pinks, reds and oranges, cast out by the setting sun, had no clouds and a light wind brushed the face of the rider.
A shadow hung over the dark lands in the distance, ominous and overbearing, the rider headed straight for it, against all counsel and sense.
The rider lifted its head to the heavens, blue eyes flashing. "Hope will come to those who believe, aid to those that ask."
Letting out a bloodcurdling war cry, as it had done before and would do again, the rider took off like the wind.
* * *
[1] Meaning 'The Exalted', 'The Lofty'. Greatest of the Valier (Queens of the Valar). Maker of the stars.
[2] A name the Elves gave to Varda meaning 'Star-Queen'.
[3] The mightiest Ainur (meaning 'The Holy Ones, the order of the Valar and Maiar).
[4] Singular form of Valar meaning 'Those with Power', 'The Powers'. Name given to the great Ainur who guarded and governed Arda.
[5] The Chief of the Valar. Also known as Súlimo, the Elder King and the Ruler of Arda. He speciality he wind and the clouds as well as swift birds and those who have strong wings.
[6] 'Father of All'
[7] Where the souls of the dead went.
[8] Means 'Spirit of Anger'.
[9] Credit for this line goes to Emma. You know who you are E. L. F.!
[10] If this passage sounds familiar it's because I've used it before. You can look now if you don't believe me, I was right wasn't I?