Disclaimer: Once again dear readers I do not have any connections with Lord of the Rings.
A/N: Part two WHOO!! It took me ages to write and my dear friend Kat ages to beta for me so please, we implore you to review so that our mission to improve the lives of ego's everywhere can be fulfilled!!
The spring days in Lothlorién lengthened until they became weeks, the weeks distorted themselves into months, time slipped by and no one could have guessed how precious it was to be. All passed Kĩyara in a haze of trees and grass. She had forgotten her quest for the time being and was revelling in the now openly exchanged love with Legolas. Her senses were all overwhelmed, the touch of his hand on her bare skin, the feel of the grass beneath her feet, even the breeze that stirred her hair was magical. But all good things come to an end.
The sanctuary Galadriel had given freely was about to be brought crashing down about her head.
It was some two months after Kĩyara had killed Stragin and been brought to Lothlorién that she was wandering through the ancient trees with Legolas. The sun beat down in a lazy manner as though it wasn't particularly bothered whether it touched the ground or not. The leafy canopy provided a dappled light on the forest floor that they walked on. They wandered together, Legolas' hand encircling her waist.
"Alayen what are you thinking right now?" He said in her pointy ear.
Kĩyara could feel his breath on her ear and it sent a thrill up her spine.
"Hmm…well, I wouldn't flatter your self, I was wondering how Aragorn is, you know I haven't seen him in two days now. Alas now I have no one to practice sword with! No one good enough any way!" She laughed slipping her arm from him and ran away as he made to catch her.
The grass was wet with morning dew and it soaked slowly through her dress which she had worn more often now they were in Lothlorién, Kĩyara was laid flat on her back among the summer flowers that grew on the forest floor. At her side laid Legolas, now he turned and rested his head on his hand so that he was looking over her. He smiled down at her and gently kissed her lips.
"What is it?" She asked softly.
"Nothing. No that's a lie; I just cannot stop thinking about how beautiful you are. Your hair is silky soft and the colour of horse chestnuts and…"
"Shut up, please? You make me embarrassed when you do that!" Kĩyara said self-consciously, turning her head away.
He reached out and turned it back. "…And your eyes, well they are beyond this world, no in fact they are the world…"
"Stop it! I don't think I could blush anymore!" She said teasing him, knowing what was going to happen and anticipating it.
"Yes you can, I could do this…"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lady Galadriel turned from the silver basin of water the liquid was steaming even in the gentle heat of midday. She sighed and spoke to the small creature next to her
"Alas, it is so, the elven rings are no longer useless their power has returned. My mirror works again, I can see the world once more." Her words were deep and a faint edge of uncertainty was there.
Since the Ring had been destroyed the power of the elven rings had gone, rendering Galadriel's Mirror useless, merely a basin of water rather than the potent seeing bowl.
"What should we do now?" A small voice spoke "I'm confused and disheartened. We have been here neigh on three months and the only two who get any bliss from your sanctuary are the two oldest. It is not fair." Frodo replied.
"That I cannot govern, they have unlocked something inside themselves that is new, even for their age. Though they are relatively young for elves. But they cannot ignore what they set out to do for any longer. I will call I council for the day after tomorrow, though I must speak with Aragorn first. Now I need you to help me Frodo, find all of your company and tell them that we meet in the great hall at noon two days from now." She spoke gravely with no humour in her voice.
Frodo bowed and left to find his friends, his curly hair blown in the breeze. Galadriel called out and a tall blonde elf walked down the steps to the Mirror, she said something to him and he left bowing slightly. No more than half an hour later he returned with Aragorn. She dismissed the elf she had sent to fetch Aragorn and turned to him.
"It is dire I fear Aragorn, the rings have awoken once more! There is only one answer in my mind and that is one which I dread to voice." Galadriel told him.
Aragorn paced slowly backwards and forwards. He had walked alone now for two days, thinking. He had thought of Arwen, alone in Minas Tirith, ruling as Queen, Éomer sat in the hall of the King of The Mark. He had also dwelt on Faramir and Éowyn. He had once almost wavered from Arwen in Éowyn's presence but he had held true and was now good friends with them both, but he had not heard from them in years. His mind was in turmoil. He had too many thoughts in his head and he was slowly drowning in them. Galadriel pierced him with her gaze and smiled gently.
"Do not fear for Arwen, she fares well in your absence, although she is beginning to resent her sacrifice for you, she misses her immortality. Minas Tirith is in no danger. As for Éomer well, you would know the truth, his land is failing and it is getting harder to find pasture land for the horses of the Mark, he will send word to Minas Tirith soon asking for aid. Arwen will give it. I hope this will content you for now, as I need your thoughts."
Aragorn gave her his rugged smile and said.
"I will unravel my self from my thoughts if only to humour yours."
"You will not like what I say, I do not like what I say, but it is the only path. I have had long and wearisome talks with Celeborn and others. We are all of the same opinion. Sauron has indeed returned, the ring it seems was only a vessel for the evil; it was not the source of evil. Sauron has found a way of regaining what he lost when the ring was destroyed. He has only returned now because he had to gather the evil back to him."
Aragorn did not answer. He simply stared at her. Then he put his head in his hands and sat down a mossy boulder.
"What do we do?" He said in a voice that sounded lost among the terrible news.
"That I cannot answer, but my instinct leads me to believe Kĩyara has her part to play in our future. It seems we will never be at peace. We shall meet together in two days, Frodo will no doubt find you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kĩyara frowned at Frodo, it was the day after his meeting with Galadriel and he had at last found the two elves in a clearing.
"Why do we have to go to the council? We've only just got here!" Kĩyara said, annoyed.
Legolas nudged her.
"Eller solas Legolas!" little prince
"What about him?" Legolas slipped back into the common tongue.
"He's mean." Kĩyara pouted childishly. Frodo stood with his arms folded.
"Shut up! Listen to the sensible hobbit here! Will you two wake up and come back to reality! You've forgotten the seriousness of this I'm ashamed. Your elves, not some half wit Proudfoot from Michel Delving! Legolas did you not also suffer in the Fellowship; I thought you would have realised the seriousness of this. And Kĩyara sometimes you are no more than a selfish little girl! You know that?! Both of you are making me so angry! You need to start thinking, you don't know how important this meeting could be to the future of your little bubble world!"
Frodo's angry outburst took the elves by surprise. Legolas cast his eyes down in submission to the torrent of words, but before Kĩyara could check herself, her strong nature took over, rebellious and uncompromising.
"You're just a silly little hobbit with nothing better to do than come around here stirring up trouble! You don't know what you are talking about! Just go away! Back to your silly little hobbit friends!" Kĩyara instantly regretted the words that she had just said.
Frodo just looked at her and turned on his heel. The anger welling up inside him, he didn't care where he was going as long as it was away from her. She knew nothing, she was a blind fool and he cursed her under his breath.
"Look, Frodo I'm sorry!" She called out after him. He ignored her.
She looked at Legolas for support. He just shook his head and got up.
"How could you do that? You have no idea; nothing even comes close to what Frodo has been through! Sometimes you are just too much!" He said in an angry voice
"But…"
"But nothing! Forget it!" He retorted vanishing in whirl of blonde hair.
She stood there for hours after he had gone, hands by her side, too taken aback to move. Eventually she walked forlornly to a lake that was nestled in a glade. She had a vague idea that the clearing was called Glinaĩne, but other than that she felt totally blank. Lost. Lonely. She sat down on a rock that jutted out over the clear blue waters. She cried. For the first time in a thousand years she cried because she was in the wrong. She had deliberately hurt people she loved. Everything that had ever plagued her came out then in those salty drops of water.
She hugged her knees and howled to the heavens. It was a raw mournful sound. The trees seemed to rustle in response and the birds stopped singing. The earth turned to watch its reflection in her time of need. It felt the pain she did. As she screamed with the pain in her heart and the secret she held, the earth recoiled away from a darkness eating at its soul in the south.
The sound rent through the twilight like a sword. Aragorn looked around, alert. It was an elf's cry, and from the power behind it he guessed it was Kĩyara's. He listened again more intently, it came on the breeze carried like a leaf. He followed its sound. His footsteps were light and cautious making little sound in the undergrowth, he recognised where he was now, and within no time he was stood at the edge of the clearing.
The early moon was full and round and the first evening stars were out. He stood silent in the shadows, watching. He could see her illuminated in the moonlight, sat on a bare slab of cold granite that jutted out over the water. She was huddled up, and she was alone. Slowly he walked forward. She was wearing her purple cloak with the silver star of the house of Aithianne on the back. He touched her shoulder. She twisted around in alarm.
"What are you doing here?" She said in a surprised, teary voice. She snuffled, holding back the tears.
"Oh Kĩyara, what've you done?" He said sitting down next to her. He noted the glistening streaks running down her face, and the raw intake of her breath. He put an arm around her and she collapsed onto his chest, he felt her shudder as more tears flowed forth. He hugged her more tightly.
He whispered in her ear. "What's happened?"
She looked up at him, her eyes were blank, and there was no sparkle, only the moonlight.
She whispered back in a voice hoarse from crying. "I was awful, you'll never forgive me if I tell you. I am in ruins."
He wiped away her tears with his thumb and shook his head. "What ever it is I need to know, just tell me. Anything and everything."
She half smiled at him leaning her head on his shoulder instead now. She poured out her heart; she ended with her argument with Frodo and Legolas. Aragorn just listened, letting her say whatever she wanted.
"…And so now I don't know what to do." She finished
"You have to apologize. Frodo will forgive you if you truly mean it."
"Of course I do! I didn't mean to be so selfish and spiteful!"
She looked up to the now dark sky and the round silver face of the moon. Her face was a picture of anguish.
"I hurt Legolas too."
Aragorn sighed. "Tell him what you feel, say you're sorry."
"I can do that, and he may find it in his heart to forgive me, but there is something else. If I tell him it will mean a lot more than us just enjoying being with each other. I don't want to spoil what we have…or had."
She couldn't look at Aragorn. The secret she had kept for three weeks now came bubbling up.
"What is it? I can help you if you want." He tilted her head so she was looking at him.
"If you can make it go away you will be a miracle worker, if you can't just promise me you will keep it a secret."
"I will not tell a soul. I swear."
"Well then…" She undid the last three clasps on the bottom of her pale green shirt.
Her skin was pale on her stomach, not tanned like her face and arms. Aragorn saw the long thin scar that marred her, a reminder of Stragin. He was very bemused, but he waited for Kĩyara to tell him in her own time. She reached out and took his worn hand in her soft elegant one. She drew his hand to her stomach and rested it there.
"Make your mind go blank and just concentrate on your hand."
However strange he thought this to be Aragorn thought of nothing else except the rhythmic rise and fall of the warm flesh beneath his fingertips, and then he felt it. A little pulse of life, it made his skin prickle with the intensity of it, a life inside Kĩyara. He withdrew his hand. She looked at him, her eyes pleading.
"Oh Kĩyara, you have to tell him." He said softly.
"No, not yet, not now. It would only ruin everything, he might not even want to be with me anymore." She said dejectedly.
"Kĩyara, you are carrying his child! He cannot ignore that."
"I don't want him to be with me just because he thinks he has to! I want him to love me. If he can't then he shouldn't lie, this is thousands of years we are talking about!" Kĩyara was nearly in hysterics.
"Calm down, look I won't tell him, and I won't make you either. But I really think you should." He hugged her again "What a mess you manage to get yourself into!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The sun rose on the second day after Lady Galadriel had looked once more into her mirror. She told no one what she had seen and no one asked. The sight though had been horrific. She knew in her heart that it had been an image of what was to pass; she had seen two armies gathered on the plains of Mordor. Then she had seen a golden horse galloping across the plain, there had been a flash of blinding white light and mist clouded her view it slowly drifted away to reveal a body, whose she could not tell, but she also knew that evil had once more been lifted in the mirror world.
She turned from the window and walked gracefully to her throne. Celeborn turned to her and smiled encouragingly. She returned it they understood each other perfectly. The doors of the great hall swung open and in walked the nine, the light falling around them. Whether tall or short, halfling human elven or wizard, all were proud and brave. They stopped and bowed before The Lady of the Wood in unison, then sat on the chairs in front of the thrones.
"There are many things I must say to you all, you will not like them. Nor do I but they must be said. Please listen and do not be too hasty in decisions for this time is vital. But before I begin is there anything that any of you wish to say?" Galadriel began looking around the seated people.
Kĩyara rose from the carved grey chair she sat on. "I have."
She walked towards Frodo. He regarded her coldly. Then she did something few elves would do, she knelt in front him, and her eyes cast downwards. She asked for his forgiveness. "Frodo, I beg you. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me? I…I was wrong and regret it" she looked up into his blue eyes "I have suffered, though I know not of yours. Please, forgive me."
"I'd have forgiven you anyway, though I'm glad you asked for it. Of course I will!" He said cheery as ever. She laughed and got up. Before she reached her seat though Aragorn spoke.
"Do you not also have things to tell Legolas Kĩyara?"
She stopped and turned fixing Aragorn with a stare that would have reduced any lesser man to a shivering wreck. She felt angry, but most of all betrayed. "No I don't think that I do. I have asked for Frodo's forgiveness, but I will not ask for his yet, I have things to think about first."
Galadriel was staring at them all. "What is this about, will some one please tell me?" She commanded sternly.
Legolas stood up. He looked angry, yet sadness lurked behind his eyes.
"I think I know what Kĩyara should tell me, had she the courage to do it." He stood in front of Kĩyara and Aragorn.
"You both have deceived us, me. Aragorn, I thought you were worth more, I trusted you beyond any other living man and Kĩyara, well I misjudged you completely. I thought that…never mind. I just wish that I didn't know either of you."
"What are you talking about Legolas?" Kĩyara frowned.
Aragorn however had already pieced it together. His heart sank; this was going to get out of hand. But before he could explain, Legolas answered. "Do you really think so little of me that you brand me as a blind fool? Do you not think that I too heard you crying last night? I was not so angry as to leave you in obvious distress. Whence I came upon the clearing you were no longer alone though were you?"
"No I wasn't, I was with…"
"Exactly, you were with Aragorn. I thought that any second I should be spotted by you, I was barely a hundred metres away. You were too involved with him though weren't you? Your senses were dulled and you did not spot me, I saw everything. You once talked about betrayal, you asked if I knew what it felt like, I do now. Its bitter." He spat out.
"You did not see what you thought you saw! I would never, never betray you. I did nothing with Aragorn he was comforting me. I was so desolate; he was there for me. I would never betray you. Never you hear Legolas. Never!" She looked at him, her eyes filled with despair, imploring him. Her shoulders were sagging and she did not stand tall, she was almost beaten.
"How is it then that I don't believe you? Why should I? You are nothing to me anymore. Once I would have put my life in your hands now I can bear look at you! Why did you…?"
"I'm pregnant Legolas." She said it loudly, her head bowed.
The torrent of words stopped. The silence washed over her. It became unbearable. She dare not look up, not into his blue eyes, not at anyone.
"I'm pregnant," she whispered, a tear rolled down her cheek "no it is not Aragorn's or anyone else's for that matter." She finished more loudly, sensing that he would challenge her.
She felt broken and lonely. She felt sure she would be sent back to Rivendell. Though only seconds had passed since she had finished, it seemed like an eternity. She felt strong arms encircling her, pulling her forwards. She allowed herself to fall into Legolas' embrace, she cried silently, feeling his hair tumble over her face as leaned close to her ear.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid."
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said those things. I'm sorry I doubted you. Can you forgive me? Kĩyara?"
"Can you still love me? Will you, I don't want you to lie, tell me the truth. We should not deceive each other or ourselves. I will have to cope, but you can have the option. I will not force you."
"Kĩyara I will love you forever, you for what you are and what you aren't. But why did you not tell me before?"
"I thought that I was mistaken, I wanted to be mistaken. I only really believed it when I told Aragorn. This is all wrong!"
She said those last words in anger pulling away from Legolas. She stamped her foot and swore in elvish.
"Auta miquila orqu! Everything is wrong! I won't trouble you all anymore; I won't be a burden or a tag along. I will go back, to where I do not know for I no not from where I came, but all the same you will not see me again!"
She burst into a run heading for the ornate hall doors and the steps below.
But before she reached them four objects crashed into her, all were curly haired and shouting at the top of their voices. She lost her balance and fell, sprawled across the cold wood floor. She closed her eyes breathing heavily, letting the outbursts of protest crash over her. Gradually they faded away leaving quiet, nothing could be heard but the breathing of her friends and the bird song in the forest.
Then someone laughed, Gimli she thought.
"Well in all my years! That is one thing I have waited for! An elf to fall so ungracefully! What a sight!"
She opened her eyes. The ceiling swimming in her tear filled eyes. "Thank you Gimli, but now I have provided the days entertainment I would dearly like to get up."
Nine faces above her withdrew and moved away, save one. He offered her a hand. She took it, allowing herself to be pulled up. "Are you alright Kĩyara? Did you…"
"No. I didn't hurt your child. Bruised pride is all I have left, I feel worthless and alone." She cut in.
"I wasn't going to ask about the child, I was going to ask about you. I love you, not just because you carry our child, because I always have. Ever since you decided to stop hating me that is."
"I didn't hate you, I was nervous that's all." She said sullenly.
"Nervous? You are never nervous, just cunning! You and your little fair maiden act, all innocent and bewildered. When in reality you were just playing games with me. Weren't you?" He said jokingly.
"No, I wasn't. It was all real." She said seriously.
"I know that's why I love you. You are a lamb and a tiger at the same time." He said putting his arm around her waist and led her back to the ring of chairs.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
At the council of Lady Galadriel it was decided that they should continue with their journey as soon as possible, within the next two days at the latest. They still had to get the one remaining vial to Minas Tirith. Kĩyara had got a severe lecture from Lady Galadriel on her use of the other one, however she didn't mind if Pippin was alive. They were sat around a small fire that cast dancing shadows on the moss-covered sides of the cave they were sheltering in. The company was curious and wanted to know more about Kĩyara's child.
"What are you going to call it Kĩyara? Come on tell us!" Pippin was hopping from one foot to the other in excitement. All the hobbits were excited and happy. Hobbits loved big families.
"Arrgh! How about shut up and leave the tired elf alone?" Kĩyara snapped.
"That's too long!" Sam persisted "How about Daisy for a girl and Tom for a boy?"
"That's not elvish though is it, Sam? What would a young elf do with a hobbit name?" Legolas answered seeing that Kĩyara was fast becoming annoyed.
"Well my Elanor has an elvish name and she's a Hobbit." Sam said indignantly.
"That's different though Sam, hobbit names wouldn't do an elf justice. No offence meant in any way." Frodo put in.
"How about I don't have a child at all? It would be a lot easier, I don't want one, you lot don't know what to call it and it is going to change everything. Please let me get some sleep!"
Kĩyara said nearing the end of her tether. She turned on her side resting her head on Legolas' shoulder and pulling a blanket over her. The others continued their conversation in whispers long after she had dozed off. They all agreed that Kĩyara would not suit motherhood one bit. Legolas hinted that he wanted a boy child but hurriedly added that he didn't mind either way, he looked as though he was far away just staring into the fire the flames dancing in his eyes. Aragorn just smiled at him, understanding. Legolas was also worried, his father would be angry in the way only elves can be when he found out. Kĩyara didn't know what trouble this would cause. Legolas just smiled bravely.
The sun rose early the next day into the late summer sky. The forest seemed a little hazy, as a summer mist had threaded it's way through the trees the night before. Kĩyara was dreaming, in the dream world she was galloping across a body strewn battlefield, it was day but the sun was blotted out by a shadow, she couldn't be sure why she was there but in her heart she knew that she would not be coming back. Then someone was calling her name, calling her back…She opened her eyes. Legolas was standing over her, he was dressed in travelling clothes and by the looks of it was ready to go.
"If I could wake up to that sight every morning I would be the happiest elf alive." She murmured sleepily.
"Come on, I left you as long as I could, but we are nearly ready to go now. Once Sam has re-packed his bag for the third time that is."
She yawned and allowed Legolas to pull her up. She stood slumped, hands by her sides.
"I need some motivation, otherwise I could stand here all day." She announced.
"This will have to do for the time being then." Legolas said softly as he walked over and kissed her. Neither noticed that Aragorn had walked in.
"Hate to break you off but Sam has actually packed his bag now." He said. Kĩyara jumped and Legolas looked around.
"Don't ever do that again! You scared me to death! I can't wait until we get to your city because I am going to tease you and Arwen non-stop!"
Kĩyara half laughed half said angrily at the interruption. She picked up her cloak and walked out to the clearing where the horses stood patiently. Everyone was mounted up except her, Legolas and Aragorn. She walked up to Caradien and whispered in his ear. He nuzzled her neck and nickered softly. She hugged him before mounting up.
"How's my beautiful stallion then?" Kĩyara cooed at Caradien lovingly.
"I'm fine thanks." Legolas answered cheekily. Aragorn laughed.
"I reckon she loves that horse more than you Legolas" Aragorn taunted.
"Of course I do, because he's my little baby isn't he? Braver than that silly old elf aren't you?"
She said winking at Legolas and patting Caradien. Legolas just smiled and walked Hénduil up to Caradien. He resisted the urge to anger her and mention that she would have two babies soon.
The hobbits had decided to double up on the horses, so Sam was riding with Frodo and Pippin was with Merry. As they were making last minute preparations (Sam searching for his elven rope) Lady Galadriel and Celeborn rode in the clearing on grey horses. They talked briefly, Galadriel ended with her farewell.
"Goodbye, may the grace of us all go with you, we may yet meet again. Luck to you all!"
Frodo and Sam were riding beside Kĩyara, when they were well out of ear shot of Lady Galadriel Frodo muttered
"It's deja-vu."
Kĩyara laughed and all were cheered at the sound for they were apprehensive at the start of their new journey.
The company travelled for weeks. They passed over the river Nimrodel, named after Kĩyara's mother, and out of Lothlorién. They continued southwards over flat grassland. They rode fast in the open and rested only briefly at night always alert and the lookout. The journey was taking its toll on them all. Frodo no longer smiled and he always seemed preoccupied. Sam was quiet and stuck close to Frodo. Merry and Pippin joked less than usual. Aragorn looked old and worn and Gandalf spoke little. Legolas shut himself out from the world concerned only for Kĩyara. For her part, Kĩyara was short tempered, an unusual trait for an elf. The first part of the long journey was brought to an end however some eight-days later when they reached the edge of Fangorn woods. Everyone seemed to be lifted from his or her gloom by the ancient trees and were laughing and joking once more.
"Ah Gimli we return once more to these woods, will you not endure an elves domain for a second time?" Legolas enquired as they passed under the first of the great trees.
"I did not endure them the first time, but I cannot see what fascinates you about trees. There just trees that's it. No more no less."
"But they are more, the material thing you see is merely a shape, a container for what a tree actually is! They have, I don't know how to describe it to someone who does not see it, a soul for a better word." Kĩyara told Gimli earnestly.
"Elves will be elves I say. They are trees and that is it. You lot and your 'gift' I don't know." Gimli resisted.
"It's no use Kĩyara, I've tried, and he will not be persuaded." Legolas told her.
They passed through Fangorn uneventfully, though when they came out the other side all non-elves were in agreement that, yes the wood was beautiful, yes it was a wood, but it was nothing more. Both the elves however were dead against this and the company had had long arguments over woods and nature. They passed out of Fangorn within the week though and into the lands of Rohan. There Caradien and Shadowfax could barely be kept from galloping all the time as they passed along the grassy plains where they had been born. Gandalf instructed that they should first stop at the hall of The King Of the Mark, taking his advice the company came upon the hall within two days.
"At last! I will get to see Éomer again!" Aragorn exclaimed when they could at last see the great gates of the Hall in the distance.
"At least someone's happy!" Kĩyara retorted as Caradien pranced sideways into Hénduil "WALK PROPERLY CARADIEN!"
"Now then Kĩyara, you would do well to listen as well Legolas, Elves have not been seen in these parts since the last age when Arwen's escort arrived. Knowing Éomer he will have chosen young men to attend his court, many will not have seen elves before. Please Kĩyara do not be too much like your self, try to be a little more refined and watch what you say, your speech is far too free for a King!" Gandalf lectured her.
"I'll try, I really will I promise, but it might not work." She reassured.
"Hmm, well I will trust to Legolas to keep you in check, listen to him and obey for once in your life!"
Legolas grinned at her; she stuck out her tongue at him, sulking already. Gandalf wanted to make a show of their arrival, not having lost all his merriment over the years, so they set off at full gallop. Gandalf and Aragorn in the lead, followed by Legolas and Kĩyara then Gimli and the Hobbits. Legolas glanced over at Kĩyara and noted how the light glinted off her hair and the way she moved with the pounding of Caradien's hooves, the sight exhilarated him. As the distant gates grew closer a trumpet call went up.
"Alas! They have recognised Shadowfax our surprise has been spoilt! Oh well, maybe it will work another time." Gandalf said above the sound of the horse's hooves on the dusty road.
They reached the golden gates and came to a skidding halt, Shadowfax stopped so suddenly that Caradien nearly crashed into his back and was saved only by rearing into the air.
"Vedui! Gandalf!" hello!
Gandalf smiled at the look on the guards face when he heard the elvish words. The guard gulped and started hesitantly
"I…er…the King…um…is waiting for you in the courtyard Mithrandir."
"Thank you guardsman, the gates please?" Gandalf said politely.
"Oh…er yes, sorry." The guard pushed open the great golden gates to reveal a flagged courtyard.
The company walked in, in front of a broad set of stairs leading up to the palace itself were stood two men and one woman. One of the men wore a golden crown with the sign of the mark upon it; Kĩyara guessed that he was King Éomer. The other man she could not place nor the woman but they were together she could tell by the way they were stood next to one another. The company dismounted, and Éomer spoke
"Welcome dear friends! It is a great surprise to see you all once more though there are some faces I cannot place" he said looking at Kĩyara "I hope that you do not still bear bad tidings Gandalf as is your wont."
"I am afraid that I do King Éomer, but they can wait until tomorrow I think. Our horses need rest as we have ridden them hard for nearly two weeks and I can think of no better place for them than the stables of the King of The Mark."
"Indeed there isn't! But there is more than one horse from Rohan among your company I see. I know who you all are except you my lady." He said pointedly "I did not know that Gandalf allowed elf maidens to make such perilous journeys and on such an unlady like steed."
People often in the company of elves soon get used to the glow of light that falls at their feet, Éomer however wasn't so he could clearly see that Legolas and Kĩyara were elves even though their ears were not visible.
"I am Kĩyara Aithianne, King Éomer. I am as worthy as any who ride in these people's company."
"Indeed she is Éomer, she is like Lady Éowyn only times everything by ten!" Gandalf cut in before Kĩyara could continue, he sensed that she would make a scene.
"Well you will always cause a stir when you walk in our lands Gandalf, bringing elves of all things, the whole palace will be in uproar. No offence to you, it's just that so far south elves are treat with caution and sometimes distrust." Éomer finished.
While the horses were led away the other man and the woman by the stairs were introduced to Kĩyara as Faramir and Éowyn. Kĩyara felt a little lost, as everyone knew him or her and she got ignored.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That night Éomer held a feast in honour of his guests. It was an hour before the feast began and Kĩyara was stood in front of a mirror. Her hair was dripping and she had a towel wrapped around her. They had all accepted the hot tubs of water that Éomer had offered to wash away the grime that had collected on their journey.
The room she had been given was well furnished with a large bed with a feather mattress and pillows and in the corner was a dresser and wardrobe. The mirror was a full length one and was set in a gold frame, the room was light and airy and her feet sank into the soft sheepskin rugs that covered the cold stone floor. She let her muscles relax; the bump was growing more obvious now.
There was a click as the bedroom door opened she looked around. Legolas was there. She smiled and then sighed as he put his arms around her. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his; she could feel his breath on the side of her face. When she opened her eyes she could see their reflection in the mirror, she wanted to capture that and keep it forever. She wanted to forget everything that was going on around her and lock herself in that room, with nothing but Legolas and their love.
"What are you going to wear alayen?"
"I don't know, I only have one dress with me but it is not splendid or worthy of such an occasion."
"You look beautiful in whatever you wear." He kissed the side of head.
"It's too tight though, it will show off my bump."
"Does it matter?"
"Yes. I'm going to be an awful mother aren't I Legolas?"
Legolas turned her around so she was facing him and he looked at her very seriously.
"I don't know. In all possibility you might be, but it won't just be you. I'm not going to abandon you. Now cheer up and don't cry."
"I'm not"
"Yes but you were going to, it's happened and however much we want to change it we can't." He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled her onto his lap. "You are the strongest most powerful and passionate person I have ever known. You are beautiful and skilled. You have the strongest character and so much determination it is unbelievable. I love you Kĩyara and don't forget it."
In response she kissed him, then whispered in his ear.
"I love you too."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
At the feast that night Éomer told the company of the ill fortune that had recently befallen his kingdom. The grassy plains where the horses of The Mark were reared and kept had been plundered. The grass had been set alight and many horses and men had perished. No one had seen the attackers, but the plains were in ruins and it was getting harder to find grazing land. He also said that he had sent word to Arwen at Minas Tirith asking for men to help patrol the borders. Aragorn nodded and told Éomer what Galadriel had said.
As the night wore on the talk got more boisterous and the crowd began to get unruly. Gandalf, Aragorn, Faramir and Éomer were in deep discussion out on the balcony that ran around the hall, Kĩyara guessed that they were discussing their mission. Éowyn was sat at their table and was very inquisitive as to the life of elves and pressed her and Legolas constantly.
"So you do not get disease or illness and you are immortal?"
"No we can on very rare occasions get illnesses however they will not kill us, but it is very rare. We are immortal in a sense, though we can be killed by weapons."
Legolas explained for the third time. Kĩyara spoke rapidly in elvish to Legolas
"Please, get me out of here! So many questions! I am bored!"
"It would be impolite, we cannot just go. Besides Gandalf said you were to obey me."
"In your dreams! I am a free spirit little prince."
During this fast exchange Éowyn opted for a politely puzzled expression.
"Sorry Lady Éowyn, continue." Legolas said.
The night dragged, time seemed to slow and then stand completely. Kĩyara could no longer hold her graceful composure and wilted in her chair. She needed some air. The room was getting stuffy even with its lofty ceiling and open doors. She was saved when Frodo walked up to her and asked in hesitant, broken elvish
"Are you bored? I am."
"Extremely. Come on let's go outside. Leave Legolas to wrestle with the Lady's questions."
She couldn't be sure if Frodo had understood all she had said but he got the gist. She stood up letting her hand trail along Legolas' shoulder so he looked around.
"I'll see you later." She smiled.
Éowyn's face dawned with relisation; she hadn't known that she and Legolas were together. Kĩyara left the matter for the time being and took Frodo's hand, leading him out of the great hall.
They walked out into the night. The air was cold and crisp and the stars twinkled in the inky black sky, it was a cloudless night. Kĩyara looked up at the stars, breathing deeply. She whispered something under her breath.
"What?" Frodo asked.
She smiled, down at him. "Nothing."
"Do you know about the stars? I mean the stories behind them, the old elvish lore?"
"Yes, I do Frodo. Not as well as Galadriel or Elrond, but I know quite a bit. Why does it interest you?"
"I never heard much about them on my last adventure, although I know that they were held in great respect by elves, I'm just curious."
"Well then I'll tell you about them master Frodo."
She led Frodo onto the high stonewalls that surrounded the palace. They sat on one of the crenels and Kĩyara lent against the cold stone next to her.
Frodo peered cautiously over the edge then quickly withdrew. Hobbits didn't like heights. For the duration of the feast, which carried on well into the early hours, Kĩyara and Frodo talked about the stars and elven lore. Once Kĩyara had related all she thought Frodo would find of interest, they sat in silence for a while, thinking.
"Kĩyara can I tell you something?"
"Anything Frodo."
"I feel lonely, I know I have Sam and everyone, but I still feel isolated."
Kĩyara felt as though her heart would break, Hobbits made you want to protect them, and the look on Frodo's face was a picture of anguish. She put her arms around him and sat him on her lap. She couldn't do anything else except comfort him and it made her feel awful.
"There's nothing I can do Frodo" she whispered, "If I could I would."
"I know, I don't think anyone can, but I just had to say something. I didn't want to tell Sam he would worry and I can't imagine telling Aragorn."
He sounded as though he was crying as he had taken deep breaths between words. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tell anyone, it's just that…"
"Some things should be said Frodo, you have more courage than me."
"You are far braver, and you're an elf, I'm just a hobbit."
"No Frodo you are braver. I can be brave but I am terrible at emotional courage. As for your only a hobbit, hobbits are worth just as much as elves. Our time is over, yours is just beginning."
Frodo smiled up at her. "Thank you. You know just what to say sometimes."
"Unfortunately it's only sometimes." He smiled at her.
Kĩyara gazed out over the plains, to the south you could still see the smoke rising from the last plain that was destroyed, then she made up her mind, she had a feeling that it was the right one.
"Frodo you have many souvenirs of your past journeys, lot's of them from elves. I want you to have one from me and this journey." She took a chain from around her neck on it was a pendant. It was bright silver with a deep blue stone in the middle. It was an eight-pointed star, four were long points and every other one was shorter. Frodo gazed at it in awe; it was so bright it seemed to radiate light.
"Mithril!" he exclaimed recognising the colour of the metal.
Kĩyara nodded.
"But what is the stone? It seems to swirl, parts of it are blue, some black and others purple. It's beautiful."
"It's loeadhan or sky stone. It is seldom found in Middle Earth now. But it is more than just a fine elvish necklace, Frodo. It used to be my mother's, see it is in the shape of the house of Aithianne. Take it Frodo."
"I cannot, it is too precious."
"It's alright I have had it many an age." Kĩyara took it and put it around his neck. "To remember me by."
She didn't know why she just said that, other than that her heart had told her to. Presently Frodo fell asleep having more need of it than elves and that was how Legolas found them an hour later, Frodo asleep in Kĩyara's arms. He wondered what it would be like when Kĩyara held their child like that.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Two day's after their arrival at the palace the company was once again ready to set off. Éomer, Éowyn and Faramir had also decided to ride with them to Minas Tirith. The courtyard was a hive of activity. The horses were being led out, saddled and ready to ride. Caradien was valiantly trying to shake off his groom by rearing; this did naught but to upset the rest of the horses. Kĩyara swung into the saddle and took the reins. Caradien pawed the ground then bucked. Kĩyara sat it and waited for the others. Éomer was the last to mount, his horse a white stallion. As he walked the horse forward Caradien reared. It was one of his special rears as Kĩyara called it. He crashed back down.
"Well sat my lady." Éomer said.
"He's just playing, silly horse."
"Are we all ready then?" Gandalf called.
"Yes!" Aragorn answered.
"Rohanilinion!" Kĩyara cried and Caradien reared again. The rest of the horses were caught by Caradien's mood and followed the lead, they galloped out of the gates raising a dust cloud as they went.
They had gone nearly a mile at a slow canter, Legolas kicked on Hénduil so he fell into line by Kĩyara.
"I'm bored, let's liven thing's up a little." She grinned mischievously.
"For once I'm with you, no one has spoken yet. We need to go a little faster I think."
"I have the perfect idea." She lent closer to whisper in his ear.
There were cries as Legolas and Kĩyara urged their horses into a gallop, they split and went either side of the ride. They laughed and called out as they sped past. Kĩyara shouted something that made the rest of the company's horses ignore their riders and try to spurt forwards as well.
"Rohanilinion Legolas!" Kĩyara shouted.
They both burst into laughter as they galloped onwards, Kĩyara stood in her stirrups and looked back the other horses were fighting with their riders, bucking and rearing, trying to follow the elf-steeds. Kĩyara shouted again, her voice carried on the air it was no language anyone understood but the horses. They tossed their heads and broke into full gallop.
There were more cries as the riders valiantly struggled, the elves laughed again, they jumped a log and landed in a shallow river, the water sprayed around them as they pounded across.
"Race you to that hill!" Legolas cried pointing at a small grassy knoll.
"Easy!" Kĩyara kicked Caradien on his muscles bunched and stretched she felt the power of it surge through her as his legs moved, he stretched out eating up the ground in his stride. She easily reached the hill first and stood on the top waiting for Legolas and the others.
Legolas reached her first and reined in beside her. "That was fun."
"I know did you see their faces!"
They both sat there and grinned; both had a mischievous side to them. It was perfect, for a moment they had achieved total understanding it was broken when they were forced to look forward as the rest arrived.
The wind swept across the plains of Rohan and the solitary trees strained against its force. No one saw ten horses galloping across save the herdsmen of The Mark and they did not trouble them selves. The company were a silent ghost passing like a shadow, the noise of hooves carried away on the wind.
For six day's they rode, stopping little and pushing their horses to the limits. With each passing hour they drew closer to Minas Tirith, the white city, closer to safety. There had already been two orc attacks. The company spoke little to one another as they felt a sense of urgency and fear clawing at their minds.
The air was thick as though swirling with meaning though no one could read it. Kĩyara had for the past six-day's had the same dream as she verged on the edge of sleep and wakefulness. She was stood on a hill and she was saying goodbye to everyone, then she was galloping across the flat land where two armies were battling, she recognised orcs and Rohrrim, men and elves, but she was not fighting she was heading for the hill on the other side of the valley where a great black figure was stood.
Then there was a flash of blinding light and she felt a power well up in her dream self and spill out, the black figure fell. Next she was looking down on her body on a cold slab of marble, Legolas was knelt beside her. Then she woke. A weight settled on her shoulders as she contemplated the meaning, it was far too vivid to be a normal dream it had to be a premonition or something.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
On the seventh day after their departure from Rohan the white city at last emerged on the horizon. They made camp eight miles from the gates as night was already upon then, Aragorn however continued with Gandalf, eager to see Arwen. Sam had the fire burning merrily and once more had his black pot hung over it.
"I'm sorry King Éomer this is in no way fit for a king but it's all I have." He said ladling out the stew into rough bowls.
"Sam, you're a twit, you know, everyone loves your food and you're just too modest about it!" Kĩyara laughed hugging him as he handed her the bowl.
"Thank you, its just as I've never been much good at things." He said blushing red.
"Sam! You know that isn't true!"
"Ssh." Legolas said, straining as though he was trying to hear something.
Everyone stopped talking and listened. Kĩyara heard it then too, a high shriek borne on the air. It was cold and bone piercing. It made Kĩyara's blood run cold. Everyone else looked blank, they did not have the hearing of elves. It stopped and all was silent except for the sounds of the night.
Legolas asked her in elvish. "Did you hear it?"
"Yes, it was…"
"Don't say it they might guess, we don't want them worried."
"We should keep watch tonight." They exchanged hurriedly in whispers.
"Don't hide this from us. Legolas what did you hear?" Gimli had picked up the tone of urgency in their voices.
"It was the Nazgûl Gimli." Legolas said reluctantly.
Everyone went white.
"The…the…black…riders?" Frodo stammered.
"Yes" Kĩyara answered.
"But their leader fell, I helped!" Cried Pippin looking at Éowyn.
"One of them did, just as one of our company fell, it does not mean they are all gone. They are abroad it seems." Legolas said peering into the gloom.
Just then the unearthly scream of the Nazgûl rent the night air again. It was close, even the other's heard it. The fire flickered and died in its stone circle. They were plunged into the darkness of the night. Only the moonlight and the elves glow lit the ground now. They stood and drew weapons. Around the campsite the grass rustled as long cloaks swished through it. They were surrounded. Fear was in everyone's eyes, despair swept over them as the evil advanced.
Kĩyara nudged Legolas with her arm, and said in elvish. "You have to help me, I…I cannot do it on my own."
"Do what?"
But she had already started saying the words to an old song. It was called wild fire; it was on old legend about a wise man that could conjure fire from nowhere. She was singing the words fiercely and she held her sword in front of her. Legolas joined in. He was doubtful as to the effect of it, but as he was about to give up, he saw it. The swords that the company brandished were wreathed in flames. They licked the cold metal and leapt from the edges. No one had noticed or could see the fire though save Legolas.
The ring wraiths advanced closer now, unaware of the flaming swords. One was caught by Éowyn's sword as she arced it down, its cloak going up in orange flame. It shrieked horribly and turned around trying to dampen the flames. Éowyn looked surprised and looked around at Kĩyara. Still they fought on.
However there were only four wraiths there, Kĩyara looked wildly around. In the midst of the battle they had forgotten the hobbits. They were surrounded by the remaining wraiths and were helpless. With a wild cry she turned and ran towards them she heard a shout behind her. It was Legolas.
"Take Frodo! It's him they want, they have a vendetta!"
Out of the darkness came the sound of hoof beats, Caradien was galloping towards Kĩyara, glowing gold in the moonlight. He came beside her and she leapt onto his back with ease. She felt as though it was slow motion, it seemed to take an age to reach the hobbits even though they were no more than a few strides away. Each second more painful than the last, the wraiths drawing in on the crouching halflings. Even in that time of need Legolas could not help but stare, she looked so powerful atop her golden horse, riding for all she was worth, hair streaming and her voice hoarse from war cries.
As she neared the wraiths scattered at the presence of a powerful elf. Kĩyara had the power to withstand them Legolas knew, she reached down trying to reach Frodo's hand, she grasped it tightly and pulled him up in front of her.
"You can't let her take him! She'll be caught!" Éomer cried out.
"She's the fastest rider!" Legolas answered firing an arrow at the retreating forms of the wraiths.
That was the last Kĩyara heard as she galloped away, soon there were more horses behind her. Caradien was tired and had rested little in the time they had stopped. The wraiths were gaining.
She spurred him on, feeling him lengthen his stride. A wraith closed in on her left, she cried wildly sending Caradien on. She was overtaking them! Her hair whipped about in the wind and her cloak was like a banner behind her, she was now only a mile from the gates of Minas Tirith.
Her head swam come on you can do it! She was mentally urging on Caradien willing it with every fibre in her body. It was no use though he was falling behind. As the wraiths horses closed in they lunged at him trying to bite his flesh. He shied away, valiantly trying to keep going he stumbled and came to a stop, shaking with the effort of carrying his mistress.
"Kĩyara what are we going to do?" Frodo's voice was bear more than a hoarse whisper, the evil clutching at him and claiming him.
"YOU CANNOT TOUCH ME! BY ELBERETH AND GIL-GALAD YOU WILL HAVE NONE OF US!" At the sound of her voice the wraiths stepped back. Kĩyara drew her sword and held it out. She shouted again in her earth voice.
When she used it they turned and fled. Galloping away into the night their shrieks of defeat echoing on. Kĩyara smiled triumphantly then she realised Frodo was limp in her grasp. He had succumbed to their evil force. She cried out in despair clutching at his cloak.
"I'm sorry Caradien, but I need you again, please for me." She whispered in his ear, her voice was tearful. She kicked him on; courageous and brave he once more gave his all for her galloping the final mile to the city gates.