2b- Still Dol-Goldur…
See part one for disclaimers and thanks. I wrote Thranduil nice! Hah to you all.
He must've dozed off around dawn, for when he next became aware, Celeborn was
lying on his back with his wife in his arms, and the sun was shining. He didn't want to wake her up, so as always he stayed still and waited patiently, hoping that she'd wake in a better mood. The previous evening had been disturbing and frightening, and he was still shaken by his wife's violent behavior. The knowledge that his entire army probably heard the fight didn't help calm his spirit. They'll be concerned, he knew, and only Haldir might express his feelings. The others were too awed by the lord, and especially by the lady, to speak out.
Eventually she woke, and they dressed themselves in silence, staying away from each other without even intending to. Galadriel was indeed in a much more cheerful mood, although still burdened by guilt. She knew she'd hurt her husband, and allowed him to make the first move rather than forcing her presence on him. If he wished to stay away for a time, she accepted it as her deserved punishment. As long as he made no attempt to interfere with their bond, she was happy. He took her hand as they left the tent, but she could feel the hesitance of his touch. Spontaneously, she turned and kissed him softly, "I love you."
"I love you too, queen of my heart." He replied, even if I do fear for your sanity. Celeborn resolved to write to Mithrandir and Rivendell as soon as he could, and see whether the bearers of the other two Rings were suffering the same problems. "Come, let us prepare for the ritual." He saw the worried looks directed at them by many of his captains, and didn't resist when Haldir drew him aside. The younger elf could barely contain himself.
"My lord, last night-"
"Was between my wife and I, Haldir. Nothing happened- that is all you need to know." Celeborn cut him off coolly.
"But-"
"Enough, Haldir." An edge crept into the lord's voice. 'Learn to curb your curiosity. We have much to do." He realized he was being curt and unkind, but did not want to explain things right then and there, or anytime later, really. Haldir nodded, looking hurt, and retreated, still looking worriedly over his shoulder. Celeborn's steely glare kept whoever tried to approach them a safe distance away on their way into the dark fortress.
The ritual itself was fairly simple- for everyone but Galadriel, that is. All the others had to do was lend her their energy as she focused it to destroy the evil. She stood in the center of the main courtyard, with Celeborn directly behind her, his hands linked with those of Haldir and Rumil, his captains, who in turn linked hands with others in a circle surrounding the Lady. The army of Lothlorien formed a ring of power more powerful than most of those remembered, even by elves, and all their power was directed at their queen.
Galadriel held her hands high, fighting both to control the power and to direct it, her voice rising in a chant as ancient as it was sacred. Her voice rose and fell, carrying to the furthest corners, dungeons and towers, and the shadows visibly retreated with a muted howl of an evil wind.
No one was really surprised when the first cracks appeared in the walls, but the shaking of the earth threw the elves off balance, quite literally. Nimble elven feet quickly found the right place to step in, and the circle was undisturbed, but the tremors of the ground made harder to concentrate. The ring was far enough from the outer walls to have to worry about them collapsing on their heads, but chunks of the floor started falling inwards as well. Still, the circle held. With a final note, held for what seemed like eternity, the walls crumbled to dust and the pits laid open for all to see. Galadriel sang three more defiant notes, clear and piercing, and the black smoke fled from the dungeons, leaving them empty. Then the elven queen collapsed in exhaustion on the rocky ground. Many elves swayed as well, drain by the ritual, but not Celeborn. More tired than he'd felt in some time, still he carried his wife back to their tent and cared for her until she sunk into a deep slumber later that day. Only then did he allow himself to rest, letting his captains take care of the final destruction of Dol-Goldur.
Celeborn knew that he had barely closed his eyes when he felt a presence by his side. Immediately, he was alert. He opened his eyes, hand wandering to his sword, but relaxed when he saw it was only Haldir. "Yes, my friend." Celeborn sighed, "How can I help you?"
"I'm sorry to disturb you after so difficult a day, but messengers have arrived from King Thranduil of Mirkwood, and they asked to see you." Haldir said apologetically. Celeborn lowered his eyes and inspected his outfit quickly. Despite the slight dustiness, he was presentable. He nodded at Haldir. "Show them in. Have you offered them refreshments?"
"They claim that they have not traveled far enough to need any." Haldir replied, and Celeborn's curiosity was aroused. Granted, Mirkwood was the closest elven realm, but they were still at least a week's hard ride away from Lorien itself, and at least a day away from where the army of Lorien now camped. He wondered. The messengers were two elves he was unfamiliar with, but then he had not visited Mirkwood in many years.
"Welcome, friends." He greeted them. They bowed.
"King Thranduil's greetings to you, Lord of the Golden Wood." One of them started, and Celeborn suppressed as grimace of distaste at Thranduil's insistence to call himself 'king' when there was no High-King of elves anymore. "We bear news from the forces of Mirkwood, situated but half a day's ride from this place on the other side of this accursed fortress which, I see, you have destroyed today. Our army has cleansed the forest from our city southwards to this point. We assume you have done the same south of here, to the Anduin?"
"Indeed we have. The forces of darkness dwell no longer in Mirkwood north of the Anduin and south of Dol-Goldur." Celeborn found himself acting more formal than he was used to with these pompous elves. They seemed to have very little respect. He wondered that his scouts hadn't met the other army, but remembered that the green elves of Mirkwood possessed the uncanny ability to disappear completely within the confines of their realm, even from the eyes of other elves. "Tell me, is Thranduil with his army?"
"He is, my lord, and he would be very pleased to meet with you at some halfway point to discuss the future of this land, which is now inhabitable again." The Mirkwood elf replied. "If you will ride with us, we will lead you to this spot."
A small part of Celeborn was outraged at the imperiousness of the other king. How dare he demand a meeting like this! Still, most of him was simply too tired to argue. Leaving his army was not something to be done lightly, and there was no great trust between Mirkwood and Lorien, so he took some time to think, offering the messengers food and drink and letting Haldir take care of them. He would have to meet with Thranduil and decide things anyway, if the forest was indeed cleansed, and since they were closer now, he saw no reason not to join the others and meet now. His only problem was that he would be leaving his forces alone. Galadriel, as experience told him, would take at least a day to recover from the exhaustion, and would be unable to direct the army in case of a sudden attack. He trusted his captains, of course, but was still uneasy. He summoned Haldir and the messengers back.
"I will meet with Thranduil." He said. "My lady will oversee things here, aided by my captains." He gave Haldir a meaningful look, and the archer nodded, knowing that he and his brothers were in charge until either the lord or lady were back. "Haldir, have my horse prepared. Are you ready to leave immediately?" He asked the other elves as Haldir disappeared from the tent. They nodded. "Very well. Let us go, then." He rose, telling himself that his traveling outfit was perfectly adequate for a parley, even with one as standoffish as Thranduil. He really disliked the king, a dislike that came from several carelessly tossed insults about the exploits of certain forces during the Last Alliance and the general snobbishness of elves who were all much younger than Celeborn was, and didn't have what he felt was the proper respect. He mounted, whispering last orders to Haldir. He knew that the other elves would never harm him, but was still wary. Haldir didn't have to be told that if his lord wasn't back in three or four days, a search party should be sent out. Silently, unescorted, they rode out northwards.
The messengers had exaggerated the distance between the two armies- it took them no more than three hours to reach the other camp. Celeborn was shown into the royal tent, and announced with all due respect. Thranduil rose to greet him, and they bowed to each other, but it was clear they were not friends.
"Greeting, Thranduil of Mirkwood." Celeborn started.
"Greeting, Celeborn. How fair you and your wife?"
"We are well, thank you." Celeborn lied, "And you?"
"We are well. I lost people in the attacks, but most are well, and enjoying the newfound peace." Thranduil motioned for Celeborn to sit, and they both settled into slightly more serious things. "Tell me, what news from the west?" He looked slightly embarrassed, "Our contacts with the outside world were never strong, and we long for information."
"We have also been unfortunately secluded lately, through our own fault," Celeborn agreed, "but we have my wife's mirror, which shows us much." He gave Thranduil a short summery of the events of the past months, and what he knew of the final battle.
"We guessed from the sudden fear of the orcs, and from our lighter hearts that the One Ring was destroyed." Thranduil nodded. "This is indeed happy news, my friend." The elven lord seemed uncertain for a moment, and Celeborn could see that the next question cost him some pride. "What of my son? Have you any news of him? I have heard nothing since he left Rivendell against my will."
"He is well. He visited our realm with the Fellowship several months ago, and fought in the great battles. He is well, fear not, and will probably return to your house soon. Will you accept him?" Celeborn asked, curious to see how the other would react. Thranduil and Legolas's arguments were famous, and the king's rage when he had heard that his son was traveling with humans and dwarves had been terrible, so people said, but Celeborn could see genuine concern in his eyes now.
"Of course, with open arms." Thranduil replied quickly, then sighed. "My son and I have had our disagreements in the past years, since his mother's death. I am starting to feel that he was in the right, though, and that I should perhaps," he paused, hating to admit defeat, "apologize. We cannot afford to be torn apart now, when the world is in uproar around us. Yes, I will be happy to see him."
"And he you, I'm sure." Celeborn said, inclining his head slightly. "And now, the matter of the forest. I apologize for my unseemly haste, but I do not wish to leave the army on its own for too long." Nor my wife, he thought.
"Your people are adults, Celeborn, and can take care of themselves." Thranduil waved his hand, "But we do want to return to our homes, I think. It would be a shame if Legolas returned and found me away."
" I do not think you should be concerned. It will be a while before he returns. There is much left to do in the realms of men." Celeborn cautioned him, not wanting him to get his expectations too high. "But yes, let us proceed."
"I propose that we divide the forest between us." Thranduil offered, and Celeborn nearly laughed. Of course they would divide the forest- the question was how. Thranduil continued. "The forest is large, and neither one of us needs or can control even a part of it. Also, there is an expanse that is equally far from both our realms."
"Yes." Celeborn suddenly found himself thinking that Lorien didn't really need more land. They had their piece of forest, and that was enough. After all, there were no children who grew up and needed new houses, and replanting all that forest with mallorn to keep things neat would be so bothersome… "Well. I think we can agree that we don't really need all that land, and there are many who would benefit from it. Let us each take the land closest to our realms, and share the rest with others."
"Agreed. I think I could handle the land in the north, from my borders to the mountains in the south." Thranduil said, and Celeborn nodded absent mindedly, trying to think of the southernmost landmark in the great forest to name. He knew, with an instinct as strong as the one which told him his wife would leave soon, that Lorien itself didn't have much time left.
"I believe that we should take the southern lands, as far north as The Narrows." He said finally, knowing that anything less would look suspicious. Even so, Thranduil was surprised.
"Are you sure?" Celeborn nodded. "It's your choice, of course. What shall we do with the rest, then?"
"Give it to the men, when they return." Celeborn suggested calmly, and Thranduil's eyes narrowed. "The Beorlings, and the other Men of the woods. They will take good care of the land once we are gone."
The darker elf thought for a long time, and Celeborn could see him fighting with himself. Finally he closed his eyes and nodded his agreement. "I will not deny that the thought of giving good forest to the humans bothers me, but you are right- they will take good care of it. It is decided then."
"It is." Celeborn smiled. Thranduil called for wine to seal the agreement, and filled their goblets. "We will deal with the men of the forest, if you wish." He offered.
"It would be better. I fear that we don't know the ways of humans, and may offend them." Thranduil admitted ruefully. "It will be good to return to our part of the forest. I have not seen the Mirkwood so calm and bright since the beginning of this age."
"I think," Celeborn swirled the deep red wine of Mirkwood, made with grapes that barely saw sunshine, yet were as sweet as the grapes of the Shire, "that now that the shadow is lifted, the name Mirkwood no longer fits. It deserves a more cheerful name. Perhaps it is time for this land to return to its original name."
"Greenwood the Great?" Thranduil said, deep in thought, "Yes, that does sound right. The very trees agree with us." He rose and opened the flap door of the tent, calling out to the scattered elves, "Quickly, gather everyone- hurry!" he turned to Celeborn, "I wish to tell them immediately and have them start spreading the news. They need to hear good news."
Soon, the entire army of Mirkwood, clad in the traditional green and brown, was gathered outside the royal tent (which was only different from the other tents in that it was slightly bigger to accommodate councils). Thranduil cleared his throat, and his voice carried to the very edge of the crowd.
"Elves of Mirkwood, rejoice! The shadow has been lifted from Middle-Earth, and from this forest in particular. The Enemy is forever destroyed. Let it be known that from this day forth, this forest shall be name Greenwood the Great, as it was known in the days of light many years ago." The elves cheered. Thranduil raised his goblet. "To Greenwood!"
"Greenwood!" The cheer echoed off the thick trees. Several voices immediately rose in a song of gratitude. Celeborn felt his heart ease a bit. Here were elves for whom the sea wasn't calling yet, and would remain long after the ages of the Eldar passed, happy to be apart of the world and yet in it still. And he noticed that there was still enough daylight left for him to return to his own camp before dark. Amid the celebrating elves, he excused himself and went to find his horse. Thranduil followed him.
"You are not leaving already, Celeborn?" he asked, surprised. "Surely you will stay the night here, and return to your camp in the morning, refreshed."
"I regret that I cannot." Celeborn replied. "I…" He decided to be truthful, "I worry about Galadriel. She strained herself today, and she's been unwell lately. I wish to return to her and reassure myself that she is well again."
"I under. Go then, and give her my regards and respect. May we meet again in circumstances just as happy as today's!" Thranduil waved Celeborn on his way, but offered no escort, trusting in the other elf's ability to find his way back.
Celeborn rode hard and managed somehow to reach his own army camp before darkness. He dismounted quickly and handed his horse to a handler who was waiting for him. He updated Haldir about the results of his meeting with Thranduil while striding towards his tent. "Has my wife awakened yet, Haldir?"
"Not yet, my lord." The younger elf replied, "Will you eat something before you see her?" He knew his king well enough to know that in the rare times in which he was busy, Celeborn could go without food and sleep for days, but still he worried.
"I'm not hungry, thank you, but Galadriel should eat. I'll take care of it." Celeborn waved Haldir away and disappeared inside his tent. Galadriel lay there as still as he had left her. Celeborn didn't think she'd moved at all all day. Gently he pulled the covers away from her and kissed her forehead. "Rise, my wife," he whispered, "You have slept long, and should awaken." Galadriel opened one eye, then the other as her surroundings became clear.
"Celeborn?" She asked groggily, still mostly asleep, "How long have I slept?" He handed her a goblet of juice and she drained it.
"Most of the day, beloved. The ritual was just after dawn, and it is nearly night again. I would've let you sleep, but you need to eat. Shall I see if the fires still burn, to make you something?"
"I'd rather have fruit, thank you." Galadriel rose slowly, smoothing out the wrinkles in her robe, "I am getting too old for this, my love."
"You'll never be old, and you know it." Celeborn said, keeping any sign of rebuke out of his voice, "you just want me to compliment you on your looks."
"And is that wrong?" Galadriel smiled archly. He smiled back and she basked in the glow of his love.
"It is never wrong, flower of my life. Will you walk with me tonight? There is something I want to show you." He pulled her outside, "Go eat, and then we shall walk the forest as we did when the sun was young."
"Gladly, my husband. Gladly." Galadriel replied, then wandered off towards the kitchen tent. Celeborn snagged the first elf who passed by him, who happened to be Rumil. He sometimes suspected that Haldir was using his brothers to spy on the royal couple and keep them both out of harms way. Well, not this time.
"Rumil, could you inform anyone who seems inclined to walk the woods tonight that strolling west of the camp could be…dangerous?" he asked casually, and saw the other's eyes widen as a large smile appeared on his face.
"Certainly, my lord. And what shall I tell those who search for you this night?"
"That I am out courting danger, my friend." Celeborn replied happily. He felt like a young elf barely into his first century for some reason, and his joy was infectious. Galadriel soon joined him and they walked out of the camp, away from prying, though polite, eyes. She glanced at the sword he was still carrying. "Are we in danger, then?"
"Not at all. There is no danger tonight in Greenwood." He said. At her surprised look, he explained the events of the day and the decisions made. "So you see, my love, our kingdom has grown."
"We really did not need more land," Galadriel said, "but those are good news indeed. Excellent news." They held hands as a peaceful night settled over the forest. Suddenly Celeborn let go of Galadriel's hand and jumped high, grabbing a branch and swinging into a tree. Galadriel stared up at him. "My love, have you completely lost your mind?"
"Hardly." He called from above, "I simply wish to be closer to the trees. Join me?" He held out his hand.
"Honestly, Celeborn, at your age." She chided gently. "What if somebody sees you?"
"Then I will have given them a good example. In any case, I told them all to stay away from this area. Come on up, beloved. Let the trees clear your mind."
"Very well, I'll make a fool of myself." Galadriel gathered up her skirt and followed her husband up the tree. Balancing on one of the higher branches, they looked down at the forest below them. "Beautiful, is it not?" She asked, and he nodded silently, then leaped to another tree, barely making the jump. She gasped. 'be careful, beloved. You have not done this in a long time."
"Too long." He agreed, "and neither have you. Come, let us tree-walk like we used to." Again, she shook her head but complied, and they jumped, climbed and balanced their way deep into the forest without once touching the ground. They didn't disturb the night birds or beasts, but their laughter was heard quite far away. Eventually they reached a small clearing, where the ground was starting to turn into mountains. Galadriel had heard the water rushing before, but didn't comment, for there were many small streams away. The sight that met her eyes made even her, so used to beauty, gasp in surprise. A small waterfall tumbled down from an outcropping of rocks at the foot of the mountain, the water forming a perfectly round pool in the clearing, before continuing as a stream towards the Anduin. The moon was nearly full, and its silvery glow reflected on the water.
"I found this place long ago, dearest. I prayed to Elbereth that it survived the darkness, and she has seen fit to grant my wish, it seems. Is it not a sight to behold?"
"It is, beloved. Galadriel breathed, and hopped down lightly from the branch they were standing on to the ground. "Could we?"
"Of course." He replied, landing beside her. "That is why I brought you here. Let's." He hugged her from behind and started unbuttoning her robe. She turned around and glared at him.
"I can undress myself, Celeborn of Lorien! Take care of your own clothing." She pushed his hands away and undid her own buttons. "Before I claim the pool for myself alone." Faster than his hands could fly, she was out of her dress and in the pool with a small splash. He didn't bother to take off his leggings in his haste to join her, and soon they were both soaking in the pool. It was deeper than they'd expected- deep enough to swim in comfortably. Galadriel immediately headed for the waterfall, soaking her head with the cold, clear water. Celeborn followed more slowly, ducking his head under as he went and pulling it out abruptly, spraying a fine shower of water into her face as he did. She squealed and splashed him back, thus starting a water fight such as only children or adults who are very much in love can have. The sound of their merriment reached far again, but no enemy ear was there to hear them, and they were safe.
"We are acting like children." Galadriel stopped, breathing hard with laughter, and allowed Celeborn to gain the advantage momentarily and douse her face with water before he, too, stopped.
"Who's to see and care, my love? We deserve some time off." He protested. The elven king felt a sense of urgency, some foreboding that made him want to have as many happy moments with his wife before she left. Somehow he had a feeling that he wouldn't join her for a long while, and he wanted to spend all the time he could with her. "Don't bother yourself with such trifles. Unless," He moved forward suggestively, "you'd rather engage in a more mature, sedate pastime."
Her eyes gleamed and she pressed herself against him. Then she pouted. As with everything she did, Galadriel pouted beautifully. "But you are much too formally dressed for such sports, my lord. Will I have to play by myself?" she teased. Celeborn looked down and realized that he still had his leggings on. The offending article of clothing found its way to the grassy bank, and soon new sounds, quieter but just as joyful, filled the forest. This time, rather than staying politely out of their way, the animals of the forest crept close to see the magic.
Even in the midst of watery passion a small part of Celeborn marveled at the change in his wife. She was much like the elf-lady he remembered meeting so long ago in Doriath- still fair, serene and powerful, but much happier and more lighthearted now that the Ring wasn't burdeniher. They hadn't been together as a real couple for far too long, in truth, and he'd missed it badly. They were both trying to make up for lost time. He shared that thought with her afterwards, when they lay breathless and dripping on the grass under the stars. She sighed.
"Aye. We have been strangers for too long, my love. It was my fault, and I apologize. But we can make amends, can we not?"
"We can indeed." But there is so little time…Celeborn thought sadly. Galadriel seemed unaware of her impending departure, or perhaps in denial, but it was very obvious to Celeborn. He suddenly felt very tired. "Perhaps you should look into your mirror again when we return home, beloved." He suggested quietly, hesitantly. The last time Galadriel had looked in the mirror herself, she had nearly entered a head-on confrontation with the Great Eye, and a battle she didn't have much chance of winning. Less than a year afterwards, a strange conglomeration of of travelers had come to Lorien on a quest to destroy the One Ring. Perhaps it would bring her a better vision now. Her answering smile was sad.
"Yes, I think it may be time to look again. When will we return then?" Instantly she was her practical self again, sitting up and searching for her clothes.
"Soon. I think we should leave tomorrow, now that our business here is ended." Celeborn replied. He didn't rise, and pulled Galadriel back down. "Don't let us return yet, Galadriel. For one night let us not be the Lord and Lady of Lorien, but simply ourselves. They can live without us for one night."
"And where shall they find us tomorrow?" Galadriel asked, smiling, 'Here in the forest, or back in the camp acting like chaste, level-headed, serious rulers?"
"They'll find us when they will, and then we shall pack up and go home at last." Celeborn looked around the dark clearing and started humming an old melody few still remembered. Within minutes Galadriel was asleep, and this time he too nodded off quickly. They both had very pleasant dreams.
They rose before dawn, and the first rays of the sun found them sneaking into the camp hand in hand. Hours later any trace of the elves except for a lasting serenity in the forest had disappeared, and the army started making its way back to Lothlorien.