[This is a reupload of the original fic by Ms Elaura. I did not write any of this.]
Please see her page linked above for the first 28 chapters as I don't want to break this sites Rules to have multiple of the same story up.
Just reuploading the remainder of her story which seems to have been lost on the site it was originally hosted on (AFAIK), which was lotrfanfiction. It was never finished uploading on here and as it's been 13 years since it's last update on here, so I figured I would go ahead and cross-post it on here so no one has to dig through the wayback machine to read her excellent, amazing story.
If anyone knows Ms Elaura or she reaches out for me to take this down, I will. All rights belong to Ms Elaura and JRR Tolkien and nothing is claimed by me.
P.S. Here is a link to the story on the waybackmachine if anyone wants to read it that way instead. . . ?sid=8701&chapter=29&textsize=1
Chapter 29: Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Elrond and Gandalf decided the company bound for Mirkwood would leave at first light; the Fellowship would leave at dusk and travel under the cover of darkness. The morning before our departure began the same as every other morning. When I got to the training grounds all the elflings were there. My little friend was no longer wearing his neck brace and his limp was almost gone. There was no sign of Legolas or any of the other Mirkwood Elves and I assumed they were preparing to leave Rivendell.
Gimli and I had our final lesson and after a couple of hours, he declared, "Lassie, I'd fight by your side anytime. You have done well."
I was embarrassed by the compliment and all I could think to say was, "Thank you, Gimli. You are a wonderful teacher."
"I had a dedicated pupil; a Dwarf can't ask for more than that. Now, go and show that Elf what you can do!" Gimli took his leave then and went back up the path.
I sparred for a little while with one of the older elflings and then with Glorfindel. I knew he was holding back, but I was able to block and parry his strokes and once I even switched hands and caught him off guard.
"Well done!" he said and laughed. "With that I think we shall call this lesson to a close."
He then announced to the children I would be leaving the next day. They were all very sad and as I sheathed my sword, the littlest one came up to me and tugged on my tunic.
"Would you sing to us one more time?" he asked.
"Of course; I saved a very special song for today," I replied.
The children gathered around me and I sat down in the middle of the circle and waited for the elflings to join me. While they were getting situated, I drank from my water skin and went over the words in my mind, then I began to sing :
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
By the time I finished I had to swallow hard to keep from crying. There was no laughter in the glade and when I looked around I saw that several of the little faces were quietly contemplating the words. The female elfling was openly weeping and I motioned for her to come to me. I got up on my knees and hugged her tightly.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry," I said.
"Oh, it was a beautiful song, please don't apologize. It made me think of peace and hope and how much I love my home and my nana a ada [S. mommy and daddy]."
"Oh, well that's a good thing then!" I replied and kissed her on the forehead. The other elflings lined up to say goodbye. I hugged each one and kissed them on the forehead. The last one was my sweet little eavesdropper. He had tears in his eyes and he wiped his nose on his sleeve.
"Did you know that you are the first real friend I made in Rivendell?" I asked him.
He shook his head, still fighting back the tears.
"I'll never forget you, mellon nín."
"I'll never forget you either," he replied. "Lord Erestor told me you had to leave and I asked him to teach me something in Quenya." He swallowed hard and spoke slowly, "Nírë tulë i lumessë autielyo, nai i Valar nauvar as elyë. It means 'A tear comes in the hour of your leaving, may the Valar be with you.'"
I wiped the tears from his face, "That was very beautiful. Thank you," I replied and kissed his forehead. Then I hugged him and said, "Navaer, mellon nín [S. Farewell, my friend]".
I stood up then and Glorfindel told the elflings I had to go. As I departed, I turned and waved, several of them were humming the tune I'd just sung. I went back to my room, lit the fire, and ate lunch alone. I cleaned up and changed into my healer's garb, but when I got to the healing wing, my instructor gave me a small leather pouch, bid me farewell and told me to return to my room and pack.
Inside the pouch were bandages and a variety of instruments. I put the pouch on the bed and began laying out some other things I'd acquired over the past several weeks: several jars of healing herbs and seeds, a tinder box and a full box of matches.
The tailor had made me a few more ponytail holders and Gimli and I made a neat little thing out of leather and a stick that I could hold my hair back with. It was a single oval piece of leather that I could wrap around a section of hair and then secure with the stick through holes on the small ends; I wore it almost every day after my weapons training.
I'd had pockets sewn onto the outside of my pack and a couple on the inside. I packed my most precious possessions in the interior pockets: Legolas' poem, my leather ball from Gimli, my ponytail holders, my tinder box and matches, the pipe Gimli had given me and the pipe-weed, the personal hygiene items from the basket (refilled), a supply of cleansing oils and 'toilet paper', and the cloth the twins had given me.
In the outside pockets I packed the herbs and seeds. Finally, I packed the embroidery-hoop device Gimli had made for me, the boots and clothes Glorfindel had given me, the gold dress from Legolas, my bras, underwear and my comfy blue pajamas (with the ponytail holder I'd made from them in the pocket of the over shirt) and slippers in the main compartment. I packed my cloak on top, knowing I would be wearing a much heavier one through the mountains.
The rest of my clothing would be packed in the bundles on the pack horses. I would wear my training clothes and weapons on the journey; I was told there would be no opportunity to wash or change before we reached Mirkwood so I only kept out one shirt and one bra.
Macavity had been sitting on the bed, watching me pack. I hadn't realized it, but I'd started to cry while I was packing and when I looked up at him, my eyesight was blurred with tears. I sat down next to him and he stepped lightly into my lap. "I'm going to miss you, my little protector. You won't forget me, will you?"
He sat down in my lap and looked directly at me. His deep green eyes were expressive and I got the distinct feeling he understood me and was trying to tell me something. I stared back at him and got a warm fuzzy feeling deep inside. No words, no mental pictures, just warmth. He lifted a paw and batted away a tear that was hanging on the tip of my nose. "Okay, Macavity. I won't cry anymore." He rubbed up against my chest and stepped off of my lap, swishing his tail under my nose. He hopped to the windowsill and jumped down. I didn't see him again.
There was a knock on my door. I walked over and opened it and the tailor stepped in carrying a large bundle.
He set it on the bed and turned to me, "These should keep you warm, my lady."
"Le hannon," I replied.
"Sílo anor bo men lín [S. May the sun shine on your road]," he said and left.
I opened the bundle and found a jacket and a fur lined cloak. They were beautiful.
I tried to make a mental list of things I still needed to do and people I needed to say goodbye to, but all I could think of was how much I hated being shunted away to Mirkwood.
I needed something to distract me so I dug through the inside pockets of the pack and found the silver handled hair brush. I took the leather oval and stick out of my hair and began to brush it.
Then I had an idea. I picked up the basket and found the pale green ribbon that matched the first dress I was given in Rivendell. I separated a lock of my hair from underneath behind my left ear and began braiding it carefully. When I finished, I took my knife and cut the ribbon in half, tying one length around the lock close to the scalp and the other around the end of the braid. Then I took my knife and cut the lock as close to my scalp as I could. I pulled the ends of the braid so the ribbon was tight and would stay and set it down on the desk next to Erestor's book.
I put the brush back into the pack and laid out my clothes for the morning on the chest. I set the pack and my boots to the left of the chest and my weapons on the floor to the right. I was as ready as I was going to get and I had nothing to do but wait until the Elves came to get the rest of my clothes.
I sat in a chair in front of the fire and waited. I drifted off to sleep. I awoke to a soft knock on my door. I glanced over my shoulder and saw the sky was gray and it was getting dark. "Come in," I said and stood up, thinking it was the Elves from Mirkwood coming to get my clothes. Erestor opened the door. "Good evening, my lord."
"Good evening, my lady. I came to say farewell."
"Oh, no lesson tonight?" I asked and stepped over to the desk and picked up the book.
"Nay, my lady, our time is done."
"Thank you for teaching me and for lending me this," I said and held out the book.
"Keep it. It is my parting gift to you."
"Le hannon, hîr nín, I will miss you."
"I will miss you as well. Na-den pedim ad [S. Until we speak again]," he said and bowed.
"Farewell," I replied and bowed. He turned back to the door and left without another word.
I flipped through the book and found the Song of Beren and Lúthien and then I dug through the pack for Legolas' poem and put it back where it belonged. I then put the book into the pocket of the pack.
I decided to go for a walk. I pulled my cloak out of my pack and put it on over my healer's frock. I didn't want to go through the house; I was done with goodbyes for the moment, so I sat on the windowsill, swung my legs out, and dropped to the ground. I wandered around for a bit, looking at the cloudy sky. There were no stars save one; it was red and low on the horizon to the South. I shivered as I realized what it was.
"The Eye," I whispered to myself and swallowed hard. I spun around so I couldn't see it and still I felt it burning into the back of my head. "Maybe Mirkwood isn't such a bad idea after all," I muttered and strolled toward the fountain.
There was no one there that night and I began to wonder where Legolas was. Actually, I'd been wondering about him all day, but I knew he had to be very busy dealing with his own people and their departure. I turned and headed to the Hall of Fire. I found the Hobbits there, all five of them. Frodo was sitting next to Bilbo on a cushioned bench and the three younger Hobbits were sitting in front of them on pillows on the floor.
"Good evening, my friends," I said.
They all stood save Bilbo and said 'good evening' in their own individual styles.
I walked up to them and knelt. "It's time to say goodbye; I'll miss you all."
Pippin was the first to reply. He walked up and looked at the floor. "I'll miss you too, Elaura. You're the only one 'sides Bilbo who doesn't yell at me."
I addressed the others, "You all stop yelling at poor Pippin. You were young once too, besides, he never messes up on purpose." Then to Pippin, "You stay just the way you are, Pip; if anyone doesn't like it, send them my way. I'll straighten them out for you."
He gave me a shy hug and I ruffled his hair. Merry stepped up next. "Goodbye, Merry. Keep an eye on Pip for me, won't you?"
"I will, two of 'em! His mum'll kill me if anything happens to him!"
"Take care," I said and offered him my left hand, he took it and gave me a quick hug.
"Goodbye, Elaura," he said as he backed away.
Frodo came forward next, "Thank you for taking care of me, my lady."
"It truly was my honor, Frodo. You are much stronger than you think. Watch out for your cousins and Sam will watch out for you."
He grinned, "That he will; I have no doubt. Farewell, my lady."
"Farewell, Frodo. I have faith you will accomplish your quest; be brave." Frodo and I shook hands and he stepped back to Bilbo's side.
It was Sam's turn. "I'll miss you, Sam. You are the bravest, most loyal Hobbit I've ever met. Never forget it."
He blushed, "I don't know that I deserve such praise, but I'll not argue with a lady. I won't let Mr. Frodo out of my sight, and no mistake!"
"Thank you for all the wonderful food, Sam. I'm proud to call you my friend. Farewell."
"Farewell, milady," he replied and shyly retreated before I could hug him.
I turned toward Bilbo. "Bilbo, I can't tell you how much fun it's been knowing you."
"Ah, it's been a joy having such an attentive listener to tell my stories to, my dear. Have a good time in Mirkwood. Tell old Thranduil I said 'hello'."
"I will Bilbo, take care of yourself and don't let the Elves boss you around too much."
"I let them believe they are in charge; it makes them feel better. Oh, and don't think I didn't know what you were doing, Lass, pretending to be tired and asking me to escort you back to your room all the time!"
I grinned, "I never pretended, Bilbo. I was always just as tired as you were."
He stood and took a step toward me taking hold of my shoulders in his little hands, "You are a fine woman and Legolas is a fine Elf. I wish you all the happiness in the world, my dear. I have something for you." He took something out of his waistcoat and handed it to me. It was the little carved pipe he had given me and a pouch of pipe-weed. He explained, "About two weeks ago, an Elf found this and returned it to me. I want you to have it to remember me by."
"Thank you, Bilbo, I'll think of you every time I use it. Farewell."
"Farewell, Lass."
I stood and walked out of the hall without looking back. I was crying and I just didn't want them to see it. I thought about going down the path to the Mirkwood tents, but decided to go to the kitchen and fix myself something to eat instead.
The kitchen was empty, so I made a quick sandwich and headed back to my room with it. I put the pipe-weed and pipe in my pack with the other one. I sat in front of the fire and ate in silence. I didn't even bother to take off my cloak.
Finally, there was another knock on my door. I stood up and opened it, convinced that it had to be the Elves of Mirkwood coming for my clothes. I was half right. It was an Elf from Mirkwood, but he wasn't there for my clothes.
"Legolas!" I exclaimed. He was wearing his formal tunic, the long one that glimmered silver-blue.
He grinned and seemed surprised at my enthusiastic greeting. "Hello, Meleth, I am sorry I missed your last training session. How did it go?"
"You didn't miss much. Gimli and Glorfindel basically cut it short. I got to say goodbye to all the children, though."
"You will miss them, will you not?"
I sighed, "Yes, very much."
"You will have a whole new group of elflings to teach your songs to in my Lord father's realm," he said and smiled.
"Well, that's a plus; I've run out of new songs here."
"Come, I do not wish to spend our last night together standing in your doorway."
"But I was waiting for them to come and get my clothes. Shouldn't I be here?
He laughed, "Look in your closet, meleth nín."
I turned and went to my closet, it was empty. I was shocked. "How? When?"
"They came while you were out, Elaura. Come."
"Wait, I need to take off this hook and grab something." He waited in the hallway while I removed the hook and picked up the lock of hair. I hid it inside my glove and stepped out into the hall. "Okay, I'm ready."
He took my hand and led me out of the house. We went through the trees off the path in the direction of the Mirkwood tents. It was chilly and dark and I began to wonder how far we were going.
After about thirty minutes we came to a small clearing. There were lanterns strung up in the trees like Christmas lights but there was nobody else there. Legolas led me to the center of the clearing where there was a pile of sticks and logs and a blanket and pack.
He sat on the blanket and pulled me down next to him.
"Okay, what's going on? I'm freezing."
"Be patient, Meleth," he said and lit the fire. The little clearing glowed in the firelight. I scooted closer to it and he leaned over and pulled a bottle and two crystal wine glasses out of the pack. He handed me a glass and filled it from the bottle.
"Firelight and wine, hún nín, if you pull a bouquet of flowers out of that bag I'll think I've died and gone to heaven," I laughed and sipped the wine. "Oh my, miruvor!"
He grinned and filled his glass. "Alas, I have no flowers, but I do have something I wish to give you."
"What a coincidence, I have something I wish to give to you . . . actually two somethings."
"It is traditional for the female to go first," he replied with a smile.
I took another sip of wine and pulled the lock of hair out of my glove and palmed it. I looked down at my hands, "I know it's silly, but you seem to like my hair so much . . ." I opened my hand and held it in the firelight.
He looked astonished and reached for the braid with his right hand as if it would disintegrate when he touched it. "You . . . you are giving me this?"
I began to wonder if I had insulted him or something. "Should I not have done that? Is there something wrong?"
He looked up at me and there were tears in his eyes, his mouth opened and closed but no sound came out.
I started to get really worried. "Legolas, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. If this is an insult, I swear I didn't know."
He shook his head 'no' but still he didn't speak. He set down his glass and reached out and touched my face with his left hand. Finally, he smiled and when he blinked the tears rolled down his cheeks.
I closed my eyes and breathed a sigh of relief.
"I will treasure this, meleth nín, for all of my days," he whispered and took the braid from my hand.
"Legolas, I'm afraid I don't understand. I don't mean to belittle this, but I had no idea you would react this way. This is not a grand gesture on my part. It'll grow back."
"That is what makes it all the more special. You did not give this gift as a display or symbol, but merely because you believed it would bring me joy to have it."
"I still don't understand," I said and shook my head.
"Meleth, among the Eldar hair is sacred. It is never cut and it is cared for meticulously. Lúthien, the fairest of all the children of Ilúvatar possessed an enchantment in her hair. It is a symbol of beauty and strength. Bowstrings and ropes have been made from Elven hair, but only from that which is shed naturally. For you to give this gift to me willingly, without guile, purely for the sake of my happiness, I am without words."
"I may never understand Legolas, but now I wish I had given you the other present first." I chuckled and took a good drink of the wine.
He smiled a brilliant smile and his glassy eyes twinkled in the firelight. "No, I am certain I will treasure it also. What is it?"
I reached behind my head and lifted my hair searching for the clasp of my necklace. I found it and took the chain from around my neck. I leaned over and fastened it around his.
He picked up the little gold cross, "What does it mean?"
"To my people, it is a symbol of hope, hún nín."
"Estel," he said softly.
"Yes. When you despair, remember these gifts and know that I am waiting for you and you have given me hope."
"Thank you, meleth nín, I shall remember."
I took another drink of the wine; I could feel it warming the tiniest, coldest places of my soul . . . or maybe it was being alone with Legolas.
"I have something for you as well, Elaura." He reached into the pack beside us and pulled out his hand, I couldn't see what he was holding. He reached out and took my left hand. He slipped a thin silver band onto my ring finger. It was delicately engraved with tiny vines and Elvish runes. "Wear this and know you have my heart and my promise that if you accept me, I will unite my faer with yours for all the ages of Middle Earth."
It was my turn to cry. "Oh Legolas, I accept your gift and your promise. When your trials are over and I have told you all that I must not tell you now, if you will still have me, I will be your wife."
Without a word he pulled me into his arms and kissed me. I dropped the glass, holding the back of his head in my right hand and his face with my left. He leaned back pulling me with him. We knocked over his glass as our bodies melded. There was nothing lustful in our embrace or kiss, just love. We lay there, side-by-side holding each other with our hands and our hearts, breathing one another's breath. From that moment forward, there was never a doubt in my mind that I belonged to him and he to me.
There were no words, not in any language of his world or mine, which could have been spoken between us that would have told us more than we already knew; we were already bound, physical union or no. It was no longer a question of if; the only question left to us was when we would share our secret with the world.
Eventually, as all things must, the kiss ended and we were left looking into one another's eyes, speaking without speech, knowing without words. I lay my head on his chest and listened to his heart; I knew that it was beating just for me. His left hand was caressing my hair and his right was resting lightly on my shoulder. I reached over his head, pulled off my glove, and tossed it aside. I ran my scarred hand through his hair, twirling the spun silk around my finger. He caught my left hand in his right and held it against his face; I felt the wetness of his tears.
"I have waited so long," he whispered.
"A lifetime, hún nín," I answered. I rose up, leaning on my elbow and looked down at him, smiling. "What now, my darling Elf?"
He grinned, "What now indeed, my beautiful Edan?"
"'Merry' huh? I believe you truly are mad, Legolas. You must be. In fact I'm sure I'm quite insane myself."
He laughed, "Why is that, Meleth?"
"Because I am breaking my number one rule."
"Oh? What rule is that?"
"Never fall in love with a male who is prettier than I am."
"Did you just call me pretty?"
"I did."
He shook his head. "There is a penalty for calling an ellon 'pretty'."
"If I had a mirror I could prove it."
"Ah, but you have no mirror. Hence, you must pay the penalty."
"Penalty . . . should I be afraid?"
He grinned and sat up. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes, with my life."
He picked up his glass and filled it again, shaking his head. "Do you trust me enough to drink this and stay with me here tonight?"
"Oh." I felt a thrill stirring deep inside me and although I had a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, I nonchalantly took the glass. "Of course I trust you, hún nín," I said and downed the entire glass.
If I thought I'd felt a thrill before, it was nothing compared to the tingles I felt after drinking the wine. Every nerve in my body felt electric, I mean every single nerve.
Legolas pressed his lips together in an attempt to stifle a laugh. "What you are feeling right this moment Elaura, is the penalty."
"Oh, well then. You are the prettiest ellon I have ever seen." I giggled.
He raised his eyebrows and he couldn't contain his laughter anymore.
I reached over and filled the glass again, "Now it's your turn, pretty-boy."
He took the glass from me and eyed me over the rim, "You should not tempt me so." He took a small sip.
"What's the matter, my love? Can't hold your wine?"
"In truth I am amazed you are holding it so well."
"What, you wanted to get me drunk on our last night together? That doesn't sound fair. I get to leave in the morning with a blistering headache and you get to laugh at me?"
"Miruvor will not give you a headache, nor should it make you drunk. It should cause you to become maelui."
"'Maelui'? Wait, I know that word! It means 'lustful'. You naughty Elf!" I exclaimed and ruffled his hair. No wonder Gandalf only let the Fellowship have two sips on Caradhras! If he'd given them any more, the slash-fics would have had nothing on the reality!
He replied through his laughter, "I had no intention of allowing you to act on it, Meleth, but in truth I do not understand why it has not affected you."
"And here I thought you could read my mind. It has, my dear. But I have more self control than you think." I took the glass from him and took another sip.
He reached out and took the glass away from me. "Will you never cease to amaze me?" he asked.
"Not if I can help it. Now, when will these tingles wear off?"
"As soon as you eat something sweet. That is why miruvor is always served with dessert."
"I hope you have some food in that bag Legolas, because the sexual innuendo you just made is about to backfire on you."
He went back over what he'd said and when it clicked, his eyes got wide and he reached for his pack. He pulled out a bundle and unwrapped it; it was full of the sweet cakes with the cream on top. He handed me one.
"Your honor is a credit to your family, Legolas Thranduilion," I said and bit into the cake.
"Perhaps you think that because the Eldar do not speak openly of matters of the flesh we cannot tease and be merry about it?"
"No, your comment about begetting on the path that day disabused me of that notion. I'll have to admit though; you've surprised me more than once since I met you." The tingles began to subside to a dull roar and I was left with an extreme warm fuzzy feeling.
"How?"
"Well, I'll admit I've protected my heart more carefully than most people, but I can't understand how you were able to give yours to me so freely, so quickly. I understand you are well past the usual age of marriage for your people, so am I for that matter, but still . . ."
"Meleth, I know my heart. In truth, all Eldar know when they are in love, from the very instant it happens. Unions have commonly been made nearly upon the moment of meeting. The engagement period became a tradition in order to allow friends and family members of the couple time to become accustomed to the idea." He laughed.
"Then late marriages and extended engagements are an exception?"
"Yes, they are quite rare these days. My Lord father has been very concerned over my refusal to marry, although he has always understood I would not unite for any reason other than love."
"I've heard of love at first sight, I just never actually believed in it."
"Do you believe now?"
I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, not trusting myself to touch him for more than a moment, "Yes, I definitely do."
We stayed there by the fire all night. Sipping the wine and nibbling on the cakes. We chatted some and snuggled a lot and Legolas brushed my hair again as the cloudy, starless night began to turn pale grey. He braided it in three very complicated plaits, one on each side that fell loose in front of my ears and one large one that started at my forehead and went down my back.
I was surprised that I did not feel even the slightest bit drowsy all night. I figured it was the after-effects of the miruvor.
Legolas covered the dying remnants of the fire with ash and poured water over it. I found my glove and put it back on, then gathered up the glasses and empty bottle and put them back in his pack. We left the clearing hand-in-hand and went quietly back to the house.
When we reached my room I asked, "Legolas, do you think I could get a small bottle of miruvor for my trip? I expect it will be very cold in the mountains and I may not get much sleep."
"I had thought of that. My people will each have a small bottle and they have one for you. I will wait for you while you change and escort you to the place from which you will depart."
I changed as quickly as I could, putting on the jacket over my tunic. I packed my cloak and the clothes I'd been wearing and the leather hair-thing, put on my hook, and checked my closet and dresser for anything the Elves may have missed. I donned my weapons, quickly brushed my teeth, and filled my water skin, slinging it over my head and the pack over my shoulder. I picked up the fur-lined cloak and carried it.
I opened the door and took one last long look at my room. I sighed and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind me. Legolas took my hand and led me to where the tents of the Mirkwood Elves had been. The clearing was filled with Elves and horses, but there was no sign the tents had ever been there.
Glorfindel, Elrond and Gandalf were there, as were Aragorn and Arwen. Lindir was assisting with the horses. There was no sign of Boromir or Gimli. I was disappointed. I tried to steel myself against the goodbyes and Legolas must have sensed it because he squeezed my hand and smiled sweetly.
Lindir brought Legolas' mare over to where we were standing and my pack and harness were secured to her with soft leather straps on either side of her rump like saddle-bags. I draped my heavy cloak over her back.
"Le hannon, Lindir," I said and began my first goodbye. "I will always be in your debt for the kindness you have shown me. Farewell," I said and bowed.
He smiled. "Carnen an gwend, no i Melain na le [S. (it was) Done for friendship, may the Valar be with you]," he replied and bowed.
He put the mare's reins in Legolas' hands and moved away. Arwen and Aragorn stepped forward. Aragorn looked nothing like a king in his travel-stained clothes, but Arwen was every bit the Evenstar of her people in a black velvet gown that matched her raven hair and violet eyes.
"My lady, my lord. It has been my honor to have met you both. May your life together be long and happy," I said, hoping that referring to them as a couple wouldn't make anyone uncomfortable. Hell, they'd known each other for 70 years; it was time to get over it!
Arwen bowed her head and spoke softly, "No i brestanneth anírach tírad vi amar. Cuio mae [S. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Live well]."
"Navaer [S. Farewell]," Aragorn said simply clasping my left forearm and pressing something into my palm. He smiled and bowed.
"Navaer," I answered and bowed.
They walked away towards the house. I looked at what Aragorn had given me; it was a small wooden jar. I opened it and the smell of nutmeg filled the air. It was the wax he had used on my glove. I grinned and put it in one of the outside pockets of my pack.
Glorfindel stepped forward in his usual leather training clothes.
"My lord. It has truly been an honor to be your student," I said and bowed deeply.
"Nal mára istar. Áva rucë, haryuvalvë túrë. Tenn' omentielva enta, nai i Valar nauvar as elyë [Q. You are a good student (lit. scholar). Fear not, we will have victory. Until our next meeting, may the Valar be with you]."
Lindir had soundlessly stepped up behind me and whispered the translation in my ear. Then laughing, said in his thick accent, "Glorfindel has always preferred Quenya to Sindarin, even though he knows it is very seldom spoken anymore."
"Thank you again, Lindir," I said and smiled. "Navaer," I said and bowed to them both. They returned my bow and walked away toward the house together.
Gandalf and Elrond did not come forward as I had expected. The entire company began to move and they walked with us. Legolas led the mare with speech, holding the reins loosely. We walked for a while in silence and out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Gimli, standing with Boromir. They were wearing their travel clothes. I walked up to them.
"I'm so glad you came. I was afraid I wouldn't get the chance to say goodbye!"
Boromir bowed and said, "Never goodbye, my lady, say rather 'farewell'."
I had a sinking feeling in my heart then. "My lord, we have a tradition among the warriors of my people, may I share it with you?"
"Aye," he replied.
"When we set off on a perilous journey, we write letters to our loved ones, only to be sent in the event we do not return. I have written many that were never sent, but I always wrote them, nonetheless."
"We have a similar tradition. I have written them as well."
"Just remember, my lord. Write one to your pretty maid. I know that it would bring me great comfort to know my love's intentions, were I never to see him again," I said and glanced back at Legolas, who was still standing next to his horse.
"Good advice, my lady. I will take the time to do it today 'ere we depart. As for your departure, farewell. When we meet again, may it be in the light of victory in the court of my father."
"Farewell, my lord," I replied and bowed, and then I turned to Gimli. "Gimli, you have been much more than a teacher to me, you have been a great friend. Thank you for everything."
"It has been my pleasure, Lassie! I have never had such a dedicated student. I am proud to call you friend."
I bowed low, "At your service and your family's, Gimli."
He took off his metal cap and bowed, "At your service and your family's, Lassie!"
I turned and walked back over to Legolas and we resumed our walk. We were heading East toward the edge of the valley and although the sky was still grey, it was becoming lighter. When we reached the end of the valley, Gandalf and Elrond came over to where Legolas and I had stopped.
"My lady, you have served my house with honor and love. No one could have asked for more," Elrond spoke quietly. "I wish you happiness, love, and long life. Navaer."
"Navaer, my lord. You have shown me great kindness. I thank you for your gifts, for your care, and for your hospitality," I replied and bowed deeply once again.
Elrond stepped aside and Gandalf spoke, "You are a strong woman and a wise one. I thank you for sharing your knowledge; it has brought me comfort in these dark days."
"Farewell, Gandalf. You have brought me comfort as well, thank you," I said and hugged him.
He returned my embrace, chuckling. "Farewell, my dear. We will meet again, I think, perhaps sooner than either of us suspects."
"I hope so," I said and released him.
Gandalf and Elrond stepped away; I was glad Legolas would not have to return to the house alone.
Legolas pulled me away from the group a few steps and held my hands in his. "I will miss you, meleth nín. Be well and give my father my love."
"I will, hún nín. I love you."
He leaned down and kissed me; I closed my eyes and memorized every sensation. He broke the kiss and led me by the hand back to his mare.
"Legolas, there is one more thing I want to tell you. This is going to sound crazy, but you'll understand if it happens. If you ever see Haldir, he is a marchwarden of Lórien, if you ever see him outside of the Golden Wood, watch his back. Promise me!" I had a pretty good idea Haldir would not show up in Helm's Deep. So far everything was going according to the books and he wasn't there in the books, but just in case, I didn't want him to die. It never made any sense to me.
He grinned. "I promise I will remember." He kissed me on my forehead and put my cloak over my shoulders. Then he helped me mount the horse.
I pulled up my hood and he handed me the reins. I fell in line with the others and turned back only once. I blew Legolas a kiss and mouthed "I love you."
He smiled and I turned away to face the mountains and my future.
End of Chapter 29.
Chapter End Notes:
* "Amazing Grace" Lyrics by John Newton, c. 1772