THE DAYSTAR
BY: GABRIELLA THE FAIR
Chapter 17
SILVER RAIN
"What was she like, how would you explain her?" With a faraway smile, he looked up to the sky and answered, "She was the Daystar, lighting up the day during our darkest hour, warming the earth with her love." "She is as clear as the moon, as fair as the sun, and as glorious as an army under one banner"
To most she was a loving friend, her fairness lighting up the world, no matter what the weather. To some a companion, and one a lover and dream. Yet, many feared her dignity in her footsteps, power in her stride, and authority in her eyes. This is her story.
"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*
"Lets get started, we should reach the city by nightfall." Haldir again led the Company.
They started off about mid-morning and traveled until noon, when they were stopped by a host of marching elves. They were going to the borders of the Wood to protect against any attack from Moria.
"Daro!" Raquel said, and walked up to the elves with Haldir, speaking to them in Elvish. Some they reported to the Company.
"I have great news," Raquel said, "The Lord and Lady are letting us walk freely. Even Gimli is allowed"
Haldir removed the bandages from each of their faces, "Your pardon, Master Gimli," he said, bowing low.
He came last to Raquel, "Now we can take these off and finally see your eyes again, Glînrómen."
She smiled as he took it off, and laughed when she saw his face, hugging him.
"Thank you Haldir." She let go of him and looked around, "I am never shutting my eyes again, not while I am here." she looked and looked, taking in everything.
"Welcome" she said, turning to the rest of the Fellowship, "to Cerin Amroth, you will stay here for awhile and come to Galadrim at dusk."
"You?" Legolas asked. "But what of you Raquel?"
"That is some other news I am to tell you. I have been called to the City earlier and must leave soon, but I will see you later today." she looked at each of their faces, "Please do not fret, as I said, we will see each other later today."
Everyone's eyes drifted round, looking at the glorious land. Beautiful it was, with green grass and trees.
"I thought Elves were all about moon and stars, but this is definitely Elvish to me." Sam said. Raquel came up beside him.
"You are looking at the power of the Lady." Raquel said.
"You mean Ladies." Haldir said, coming up from behind Raquel.
She stayed for a few more minutes, basking in the brilliance of the land, but turned to leave.
"I must go now, but I will see you tonight." she started to walk again, but was stopped by Pippin.
"Wait, Lady, just a second!" Pippin ran to her.
She stopped and bent down, "Yes, what is it Master Pippin?"
"Have a safe trip." he said. She smiled and kissed him on top of the head, "You too, Master Pippin."
With that she left, whispering a goodbye to everyone she passed.
"I will see you tonight?" Legolas asked as she passed.
"Yes, I look forward to it." she said, clapping him on the shoulder as she left, Legolas' eyes following her until she disappeared into the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Welcome to Caras Galadon, where Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel dwell. Come, we cannot enter here, for the gates do not face northward, but southward. It will not be a short trip, for the city is of great size."
Haldir spoke no lie, it took a very long time to get to the white bridge that lead to the inside of the city. On the gate Haldir knocked and spoke, the doors opened silently, no guards appeared to be opening them. They then went on many different paths, and finally came to a wide lawn, with a fountain in the middle. Behind the fountain stood a mighty tree, biggest of all those in the city. Next to the fountain sat two Elves, clad in gray mail and from their shoulders were white cloaks.
"Here is the house of The Lord and Lady. They wish to speak with you." He led them to the bottom of the tree, where there was a set of stairs. "It will take awhile to climb these stairs, if you are not accustomed to climbing these stairs, but you may rest on the way up." So they began, Haldir leading with Frodo and Legolas behind him, as he bid. After climbing for sometime, they saw a house built upon a talon. It was an oval shape, massive enough to be a Hall of Men in the sky. The walls were of green and silver and the roof was gold. Many paintings and works of art were all around, pillars carved intricately and lights beautifully hung.
In chairs side by side sat the Lord and Lady. They stood up and greeted their guests, by the custom of Elves. They were clad all in white, the Lady's hair was a deep gold and the Lord's was a bright silver. The Lord approached them and greeted them in his own tongue. Then he switched to Common and greeted them individually. When each was greeted, they sat, Frodo on one side of the Lord.
"Nine there are here, but ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." The Lord asked them.
The Lady looked at each of them and spoke, "He is fallen into shadow."
"Alas! Gandalf has fallen into shadow!" Aragorn said, grief overtaking his face. At these words, the Elves in the hall cried out.
Celeborn turned to Haldir, speaking in his own tongue, "Why have I not already heard of this?"
Before anyone could say anything, behind Celeborn came a voice, "We did not tell Haldir of our quest, we were weary and altogether almost forgot our grief." Raquel came out from behind them, clothed wholly in a white dress, she came to them, a crown of silver upon her brow. They stared at her, as she sat down next to Galadriel, her face grave and sad.
"Is this true?" Celeborn turned to the Company.
"Yes, Lord it is." Pippin spoke, his voice quavering.
Celeborn sighed and spoke, "If I had known of the evil the Dwarves had stirred up in the mountains, I would not have let you pass the northern borders. Many may say Gandalf fell from wisdom to folly, going to Moria carelessly."
Raquel stared straight ahead, her face showing no emotion, "Rash would be the one to say those things, none of the things Gandalf did was needless. Those that follow him did not know his mind nor his intentions. The followers are blameless. Do not take back your welcome to the Dwarf Gimli. If the Elves of Lorien were exiled from our land, who of the people, even Celeborn the Wise, would pass, though the land be filled with dragons?"
The Fellowship again stared at Raquel, her face still showing no emotion, in amazement. There was silence and Galadriel spoke of Dwarven cities of old, using the old tongue of the Dwarves. She and Raquel looked to him and smiled. He got up clumsily and spoke.
"Fair is the Land of Lothlorien, yet fairer than all the jewels in the earth is the Lady Galadriel."
There was again a silence and Celeborn broke it, "Let Gimli the Dwarf heed not my rude words. I did not know your plight was so dangerous. I spoke in of the trouble of my heart," he turned to Raquel, "forgive me."
They then spoke to Frodo, but turned back to the Company and spoke, "We will not tell you what to do, nor give you advice, but listen to what I have to say, the quest stands on the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains as long as the company is true."
Galadriel then stared at each of them, Legolas and Aragorn enduring the stare the longest. Sam immediately turned away, blushing as he did. She released them from her stare.
"Go now and rest, you are weary with sorrow." the Company sighed, "Even if we have no close relation to the quest, you can find refuge in the city, Gilwen will take you."
Raquel stepped forward and nodded to each of them, "Follow me." bowing to the Lord and Lady, they left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Raquel led them to the site, Haldir beside her, stopping at the fountain at the bottom of the tree. She got a silver pitcher and filled it with water, carrying it back to the site. She showed them to their things. The Company set up camp and Raquel went to the little fountain in the middle of the site, Legolas came beside her.
"Glînrómen, I must leave now, I am called to the borders again."
"Will I see you again?" She asked.
"I hope, but now I must leave, goodbye Glînrómen." she leaned over and hugged him, not wanting to let go. She let go, and he turned, leaving Raquel feeling all-alone in the forest. She turned back to the fountain, Legolas still by her.
"A lament for Gandalf." Legolas said quietly, taking the pitcher from Raquel.
"What do they say about him?" someone asked.
"I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near." he said, Raquel bowing her head and nodding.
"Pour some water into my hands, Legolas." she said.
He looked at her questioningly, but did as she commanded. When her hands were just about filled up, he stopped. She brought her hands to her mouth and whispered to the water. When she was done, she threw her hands into the air. As the Company and Legolas watched in amazement, silver rain fell down upon the two Elves. It was not water, for they did not get wet, but it was more like the stars fell to the earth, and Raquel and Legolas stood among them. Raquel turned to them, the streaks in her hair glowing as brightly as the crown she wore, her whole head shimmered of silver.
~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, the Company woke and found Raquel gone.
"Where did Raquel go?" Sam asked sleepily.
"I do not know." Legolas replied.
"I am right here." Raquel appeared from among the trees, "Legolas, are you ready to go?" He nodded and got up.
"Where are you going?" Merry asked.
"I am showing the Wood to Legolas, would anyone else like to come?" Raquel asked.
So they talked and everyone decided to come, except Gimli, he sat in a corner alone. Raquel went to him.
"Gimli, would you come? Please?" she asked but went on without waiting for an answer, "I am sorry if there have ever been any ill feelings between us. Please forgive me for anything I might have done to offend you. Let us be friends and show the world that Elves and Dwarves really can be with eachother wothout bloodshed." She held out a hand to the Dwarf, and he took it.
"I think that is a splendid idea, Lady Elf.", he said, "I am also sorry for anything I may have said.
"And I also agree with Raquel." Legolas appeared beside her, "I am sorry Gimli for anything I might have said, but let us put the past behind us and enjoy these days together." He put his hand over the Dwarf's and Raquel's. The Company looked on and witnessed everything.
"I think when the world comes to better days, they will be pleased with you, all of you." Aragorn said coming to them and smiling. "Come, it is time to get started, so lead the way Raquel."
All that day they traveled round the forest, as a Fellowship, and enjoyed each other's company. Raquel led them to amazing places, leaving the Company breathless. When they stopped to have some food, they told stories, sung songs and laughed at old memories. Raquel and Legolas showed the young hobbits how to use a short-bow as Aragorn and Boromir helped Frodo and Sam with their swords. Gimli sat back and watched the amusement as the masters taught the amateurs. They hardly noticed when it was nightfall. One by one they fell asleep, sometimes pointing out stars or telling more tales. That day, they forgot their grief and for one of the last times, the Fellowship was found laughing together.
(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_ (|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*
Yea, Raquel's getting pretty mysterious huh? well more to come soon, next chapter-Lothlorien, more and more Lothlorien! anywho, thanx to every1 who reviewed- Estriel- yea, I luv the dvd to, I've watched the orli feature like a million times, hes so hot! and to Rya- to ur first review, I kno that JRR Tolkien is dead, but I still have to dedicate this to him, since he did write lotr (and I would kinda get in trouble if I didn't) and ur second review, ill keep goin, lol. ok, im done, so peace out and have a good one!
*~*~*Gabi*~*~*
"What was she like, how would you explain her?" With a faraway smile, he looked up to the sky and answered, "She was the Daystar, lighting up the day during our darkest hour, warming the earth with her love." "She is as clear as the moon, as fair as the sun, and as glorious as an army under one banner"
To most she was a loving friend, her fairness lighting up the world, no matter what the weather. To some a companion, and one a lover and dream. Yet, many feared her dignity in her footsteps, power in her stride, and authority in her eyes. This is her story.
"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*"*
"Lets get started, we should reach the city by nightfall." Haldir again led the Company.
They started off about mid-morning and traveled until noon, when they were stopped by a host of marching elves. They were going to the borders of the Wood to protect against any attack from Moria.
"Daro!" Raquel said, and walked up to the elves with Haldir, speaking to them in Elvish. Some they reported to the Company.
"I have great news," Raquel said, "The Lord and Lady are letting us walk freely. Even Gimli is allowed"
Haldir removed the bandages from each of their faces, "Your pardon, Master Gimli," he said, bowing low.
He came last to Raquel, "Now we can take these off and finally see your eyes again, Glînrómen."
She smiled as he took it off, and laughed when she saw his face, hugging him.
"Thank you Haldir." She let go of him and looked around, "I am never shutting my eyes again, not while I am here." she looked and looked, taking in everything.
"Welcome" she said, turning to the rest of the Fellowship, "to Cerin Amroth, you will stay here for awhile and come to Galadrim at dusk."
"You?" Legolas asked. "But what of you Raquel?"
"That is some other news I am to tell you. I have been called to the City earlier and must leave soon, but I will see you later today." she looked at each of their faces, "Please do not fret, as I said, we will see each other later today."
Everyone's eyes drifted round, looking at the glorious land. Beautiful it was, with green grass and trees.
"I thought Elves were all about moon and stars, but this is definitely Elvish to me." Sam said. Raquel came up beside him.
"You are looking at the power of the Lady." Raquel said.
"You mean Ladies." Haldir said, coming up from behind Raquel.
She stayed for a few more minutes, basking in the brilliance of the land, but turned to leave.
"I must go now, but I will see you tonight." she started to walk again, but was stopped by Pippin.
"Wait, Lady, just a second!" Pippin ran to her.
She stopped and bent down, "Yes, what is it Master Pippin?"
"Have a safe trip." he said. She smiled and kissed him on top of the head, "You too, Master Pippin."
With that she left, whispering a goodbye to everyone she passed.
"I will see you tonight?" Legolas asked as she passed.
"Yes, I look forward to it." she said, clapping him on the shoulder as she left, Legolas' eyes following her until she disappeared into the forest.
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Welcome to Caras Galadon, where Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel dwell. Come, we cannot enter here, for the gates do not face northward, but southward. It will not be a short trip, for the city is of great size."
Haldir spoke no lie, it took a very long time to get to the white bridge that lead to the inside of the city. On the gate Haldir knocked and spoke, the doors opened silently, no guards appeared to be opening them. They then went on many different paths, and finally came to a wide lawn, with a fountain in the middle. Behind the fountain stood a mighty tree, biggest of all those in the city. Next to the fountain sat two Elves, clad in gray mail and from their shoulders were white cloaks.
"Here is the house of The Lord and Lady. They wish to speak with you." He led them to the bottom of the tree, where there was a set of stairs. "It will take awhile to climb these stairs, if you are not accustomed to climbing these stairs, but you may rest on the way up." So they began, Haldir leading with Frodo and Legolas behind him, as he bid. After climbing for sometime, they saw a house built upon a talon. It was an oval shape, massive enough to be a Hall of Men in the sky. The walls were of green and silver and the roof was gold. Many paintings and works of art were all around, pillars carved intricately and lights beautifully hung.
In chairs side by side sat the Lord and Lady. They stood up and greeted their guests, by the custom of Elves. They were clad all in white, the Lady's hair was a deep gold and the Lord's was a bright silver. The Lord approached them and greeted them in his own tongue. Then he switched to Common and greeted them individually. When each was greeted, they sat, Frodo on one side of the Lord.
"Nine there are here, but ten there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak with him." The Lord asked them.
The Lady looked at each of them and spoke, "He is fallen into shadow."
"Alas! Gandalf has fallen into shadow!" Aragorn said, grief overtaking his face. At these words, the Elves in the hall cried out.
Celeborn turned to Haldir, speaking in his own tongue, "Why have I not already heard of this?"
Before anyone could say anything, behind Celeborn came a voice, "We did not tell Haldir of our quest, we were weary and altogether almost forgot our grief." Raquel came out from behind them, clothed wholly in a white dress, she came to them, a crown of silver upon her brow. They stared at her, as she sat down next to Galadriel, her face grave and sad.
"Is this true?" Celeborn turned to the Company.
"Yes, Lord it is." Pippin spoke, his voice quavering.
Celeborn sighed and spoke, "If I had known of the evil the Dwarves had stirred up in the mountains, I would not have let you pass the northern borders. Many may say Gandalf fell from wisdom to folly, going to Moria carelessly."
Raquel stared straight ahead, her face showing no emotion, "Rash would be the one to say those things, none of the things Gandalf did was needless. Those that follow him did not know his mind nor his intentions. The followers are blameless. Do not take back your welcome to the Dwarf Gimli. If the Elves of Lorien were exiled from our land, who of the people, even Celeborn the Wise, would pass, though the land be filled with dragons?"
The Fellowship again stared at Raquel, her face still showing no emotion, in amazement. There was silence and Galadriel spoke of Dwarven cities of old, using the old tongue of the Dwarves. She and Raquel looked to him and smiled. He got up clumsily and spoke.
"Fair is the Land of Lothlorien, yet fairer than all the jewels in the earth is the Lady Galadriel."
There was again a silence and Celeborn broke it, "Let Gimli the Dwarf heed not my rude words. I did not know your plight was so dangerous. I spoke in of the trouble of my heart," he turned to Raquel, "forgive me."
They then spoke to Frodo, but turned back to the Company and spoke, "We will not tell you what to do, nor give you advice, but listen to what I have to say, the quest stands on the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains as long as the company is true."
Galadriel then stared at each of them, Legolas and Aragorn enduring the stare the longest. Sam immediately turned away, blushing as he did. She released them from her stare.
"Go now and rest, you are weary with sorrow." the Company sighed, "Even if we have no close relation to the quest, you can find refuge in the city, Gilwen will take you."
Raquel stepped forward and nodded to each of them, "Follow me." bowing to the Lord and Lady, they left.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Raquel led them to the site, Haldir beside her, stopping at the fountain at the bottom of the tree. She got a silver pitcher and filled it with water, carrying it back to the site. She showed them to their things. The Company set up camp and Raquel went to the little fountain in the middle of the site, Legolas came beside her.
"Glînrómen, I must leave now, I am called to the borders again."
"Will I see you again?" She asked.
"I hope, but now I must leave, goodbye Glînrómen." she leaned over and hugged him, not wanting to let go. She let go, and he turned, leaving Raquel feeling all-alone in the forest. She turned back to the fountain, Legolas still by her.
"A lament for Gandalf." Legolas said quietly, taking the pitcher from Raquel.
"What do they say about him?" someone asked.
"I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near." he said, Raquel bowing her head and nodding.
"Pour some water into my hands, Legolas." she said.
He looked at her questioningly, but did as she commanded. When her hands were just about filled up, he stopped. She brought her hands to her mouth and whispered to the water. When she was done, she threw her hands into the air. As the Company and Legolas watched in amazement, silver rain fell down upon the two Elves. It was not water, for they did not get wet, but it was more like the stars fell to the earth, and Raquel and Legolas stood among them. Raquel turned to them, the streaks in her hair glowing as brightly as the crown she wore, her whole head shimmered of silver.
~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, the Company woke and found Raquel gone.
"Where did Raquel go?" Sam asked sleepily.
"I do not know." Legolas replied.
"I am right here." Raquel appeared from among the trees, "Legolas, are you ready to go?" He nodded and got up.
"Where are you going?" Merry asked.
"I am showing the Wood to Legolas, would anyone else like to come?" Raquel asked.
So they talked and everyone decided to come, except Gimli, he sat in a corner alone. Raquel went to him.
"Gimli, would you come? Please?" she asked but went on without waiting for an answer, "I am sorry if there have ever been any ill feelings between us. Please forgive me for anything I might have done to offend you. Let us be friends and show the world that Elves and Dwarves really can be with eachother wothout bloodshed." She held out a hand to the Dwarf, and he took it.
"I think that is a splendid idea, Lady Elf.", he said, "I am also sorry for anything I may have said.
"And I also agree with Raquel." Legolas appeared beside her, "I am sorry Gimli for anything I might have said, but let us put the past behind us and enjoy these days together." He put his hand over the Dwarf's and Raquel's. The Company looked on and witnessed everything.
"I think when the world comes to better days, they will be pleased with you, all of you." Aragorn said coming to them and smiling. "Come, it is time to get started, so lead the way Raquel."
All that day they traveled round the forest, as a Fellowship, and enjoyed each other's company. Raquel led them to amazing places, leaving the Company breathless. When they stopped to have some food, they told stories, sung songs and laughed at old memories. Raquel and Legolas showed the young hobbits how to use a short-bow as Aragorn and Boromir helped Frodo and Sam with their swords. Gimli sat back and watched the amusement as the masters taught the amateurs. They hardly noticed when it was nightfall. One by one they fell asleep, sometimes pointing out stars or telling more tales. That day, they forgot their grief and for one of the last times, the Fellowship was found laughing together.
(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_ (|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*(|)_(|)*
Yea, Raquel's getting pretty mysterious huh? well more to come soon, next chapter-Lothlorien, more and more Lothlorien! anywho, thanx to every1 who reviewed- Estriel- yea, I luv the dvd to, I've watched the orli feature like a million times, hes so hot! and to Rya- to ur first review, I kno that JRR Tolkien is dead, but I still have to dedicate this to him, since he did write lotr (and I would kinda get in trouble if I didn't) and ur second review, ill keep goin, lol. ok, im done, so peace out and have a good one!
*~*~*Gabi*~*~*