Author's Note: I'm sorry for the delay, but my life has been kinda hectic lately. Unfortunately, my grandfather died and that put a stop to my daily activities. So I want to dedicate this chapter to my grandfather, the wonderful ole Brit that I love and dearly miss.
Chapter Seven
Silence reigned as Colleen and Gandalf rode, both beings lost in their thoughts. Gandalf had informed her that they would be approaching Rivendell or Imlandris in less than two days and she was nervous.
She thought back to when they had left Lorien, her stomach in knots. She had looked at the only home she had known in Middle Earth, the only family she knew here and almost became panicked at the idea of leaving them. She might never see them again. Leaving the familiar for the unknown was never a calming action but good-byes do seem to reveal truths about relationships. And it had with Haldir, his parting words imprinting themselves on her heart.
*f*l*a*s*h*b*a*c*k
A light breeze rustled through the trees and danced upon her cheek, causing the leaves to talk and chatter, and her hair try to escape its clasp. She tightened the ties on her saddlebags, making sure that her scrolls and writing were secure in their place when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she saw Haldir smiling before her, a package in his hand.
"I was just coming to find you," she confessed. Her fingers fidgeted with Tsornin's mane. "Gandalf is impatient to leave and it is well understood. He is anxious about current events and the promises he has made. He was supposed to have met Frodo Baggins at the Prancing Pony but then he was imprisoned by Saruman."
Colleen turned again and adjusted the saddle on Tsornin's back, needlessly checking again to see if everything was secure. "So now he doesn't know what happened, if Frodo had managed on his own. So he wants to leave and find him. But he had to stop for me, but that was really a good thing. He needed some rest." Colleen knew she was babbling. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against Tsornin' shoulder and took a deep breath.
"Haldir, I am scared."
She felt Haldir's hand on her shoulder and she let him turn her round. She kept her eyes cast down, shamed at admitting her fear. But Haldir would not allow this. His hand grasped her chin and forced her to look up at him.
The warrior elf stared into her eyes. "Fear is not weakness. Giving into fear is," he told her sternly. He brought up his hand and placed the package he was holding into her hand. "And you are not weak. You will find your destiny on this journey, you will triumph, Colleen. Because that is who you are."
She stared at her friend and saw the confidence he had in her floating within his eyes. At such reassurance she felt a couple of her butterflies still and die. She glanced down at the package.
"What is this?" She smiled and started to unwrap it. Haldir spoke as she did.
"This is something to always remember Lorien and the Mallorn Woods by, something to remember me by."
The wrapping fell open to show a delicate gold chain holding a charm. She looked more closely at the charm and saw a small gold Mallorn leaf pressed in the middle of the crystal. Tears came to her eyes.
"Haldir, it is beautiful. I love it but there was no need. I would never forget Lorien."
He nodded and took the charm from her. He motioned for her to turn around so he could fasten it around her neck. "Colleen, use this as a symbol of what you will return to. I know you say that you have no family, but I want you to always know that you will be my sister in my heart, my sister and friend."
A tear fell down Colleen's cheek at his words. It had been so long since she had been called sister. She threw her arms around Haldir. "And you shall be my brother, Haldir of Lorien."
* * * *
"Colleen!"
Colleen shook herself from her memories as she heard her name being called by Gandalf. She reached up and touched the charm at her neck for a moment before responding.
"Yes, Gandalf?" She looked at the wizard before her and realized he had dismounted from Shadowfax, his magnificent horse. She also noticed that the day had grown dim.
"It is late. Let us set up camp for the night, darkness is quickly falling."
She nodded and dismounted from Tsornin, quickly grabbing her bedroll and supplies. Soon a fire was crackling and she and Gandalf sat warming themselves.
"You seemed deep in thought earlier," Gandalf commented, smoking his pipe.
"Do not bother with my thoughts Gandalf. There are much more serious matters at hand than my memories," she told him softly.
"Memories?"
She nodded. "I was just thinking of our departure." Her hand unconsciously traveled to her pendant under Gandalf's watchful eyes.
"I noticed that Haldir and you seemed to have been having a very deep conversation before we left."
"We did discuss for a while, yes."
"That is a pretty necklace you have there," Gandalf commented slyly.
At this Colleen smiled and laughed. "Is there nothing you do not notice?"
He just raised an eyebrow.
"Haldir was kind enough to give this to me, something for me to remember Lothlorien by. Something to encourage me to return there," she whispered. She raised her gaze and met the wise eyes of her mentor. "Gandalf, my future is unknown. I know not what comes but I pray on this charm that it will somehow lead back to Lothlorien, that I will see the Mallorn woods again." She sat silent for a while and Gandalf just waited patiently, letting her arrange her thoughts.
"Haldir called me his sister," she said suddenly. She reached to fondle her charm again. "He told me that I had family. Family." Her voice held a touch of wonder at that final word.
Gandalf just calmly smoked his pipe. "Family does not need to be bound by blood. Family only need be bound by love."
Colleen laughed. "Gandalf, that was very cheesy. True, but cheesy."
"Cheesy?"
"Nevermind." She crawled over to her bedroll. "I think that I am going to retire. Thank you for letting me discuss this with you."
He nodded.
"Goodnight Colleen."
* * * *
Colleen held tightly to her saddle as Tsornin's hooves led down the path into the valley of Rivendell. While her hands were concentrated on her saddle, her eyes were widened at the beauty of the land before her. She could hear the water winding its way in its bed at the bottom of the valley; she could smell the scent of the trees as they changed from beech and oak and pine. They had arrived. They were here, the Last Homely House of Elrond Halfeven, Rivendell.
They had crossed the Ford of Bruinen, the river of water that Gandalf told her Lord Elrond could bend to his will. Nearing the gate, the butterflies that had plagued her departure came back, fluttering and brushing against her stomach and causing her to try to swallow her nerves. They reigned in their horses as the guards on the watchtowers stopped them.
"Who approaches?" a cry came from a nameless elf.
The mention of Gandalf's name seemed to be the correct password that allowed entrance and they were allowed to ride through. Hooves clattering upon the stone path, she entered the courtyard and was allowed her first glimpse at Rivendell. She gazed at the white marble halls and buildings, trying to notice everything at once. So long did she stare that Gandalf had to clear his throat several times before she noticed the Grey wizard had dismounted and was waiting for her to do the same.
Quickly she hoisted herself out of her saddle and removed her bags. She watched as an elf moved to take Tsornin's reigns. She looked over at her mentor.
"Gandalf?"
Gandalf grinned. "Do not worry, Colleen. They will take fine care of your precious Tsornin." He turned and started through arched doorway.
She nodded and with a soft caress on Tsornin's nose, made to follow. She hoisted her pack onto her back as they were led through long hallways, covered in brilliant murals and tapestries, to the suite of Elrond who was waiting to meet them.
As they entered what seemed to be a large office, she watched as a tall man with long dark brunette hair and sculpted ears strode towards Gandalf, his robes swirling around him.
"Mithrandir." Their hands clasp.
"You might want to follow me, the Halfling Frodo has arrived before you, injured by a Morgul blade." Gandalf started at his words. Elrond lay a hand on his shoulder to reassure him. "Due to Glorfindel's horse, he arrived here in time. I have healed him to the best of my abilities and he will live, yet will always bear the mark of the blade."
Gandalf nodded, his face grave. "I should like to see him."
Colleen stood silent to the side, visions of a hurried race across a river from nine black riders playing in her mind. Frodo Baggins had made it and with him, the Ring. She withdrew from her thoughts and listened as Elrond spoke again.
"I was sure you would like to see him. Come I will take you to his quarters." He turned to lead Gandalf towards the doorway when he noticed the girl standing to the side.
He had seen her enter with Mithrandir but had forgotten her in his need to relay his news. He stared at her now, taking in the long auburn hair bound in the way of the elves, two braids holding back the sides. He noticed the Elvish cloak clasped at her neck with a leaf pendant of Lorien and the Elvish bow on her back. Elrond was sure that if she turned, there would be Elvish daggers strapped to her back. But most of all he noticed her rounded ears, ears crying out that she was not of the elves of Lorien but of the race of man. His eyes darted to Gandalf for explanation.
"Elrond, I have brought with me Colleen, my student and resident of Caras Galadhon."
Elrond's confusion grew for he knew that strangers were not welcome in Lorien. His wife's mother kept close watch on her borders and he had never heard of Gandalf taking on a student before. But his confusion would have to wait to be satisfied until the more urgent matters at hand were resolved. "As a guest and friend of Gandalf, you are most welcome in my home. Later, we shall make a closer acquaintance." He spoke formally as his eyes stayed trained on her form; he was most interested in this unknown girl.
Colleen nodded and inclined her head in respect to the Elvish Lord. "Thank you for your hospitality. I shall look forward to that meeting Lord Elrond."
"Colleen, I wish to check on the well-being of Frodo. I shall find you later."
Colleen saw the apologetic look on Gandalf's face at having to leave her alone, and she shook her head. "Do not worry about me, Gandalf. I shall settle in with my belongings. Take care of your more important matters." She lifted her pack as a servant came in to show her to her room.
Elrond raised an eyebrow at Gandalf as they started towards Frodo's quarters. "My friend, you have much to tell me."
Gandalf nodded. "I only wish they were all pleasant topics such as Colleen."
With those words, they entered the Ringbearer's room.
* * * *
Colleen followed the pale haired servant before her silently, her eyes taking in her surroundings as they passed through some of the most amazing and intricate architecture she had ever seen. Almost too soon, they arrived at her room and the servant silently opened the door and then informed her that a bath lay waiting and that someone would come to lead her to dinner. Until then, her time was her own. Colleen thanked her as she left as gracefully as she had come.
Colleen sighed. She wished that she could be that graceful. While living with elves had made her less clumsy, she still was confronted everyday with how much less elegant she was in her movements. You had to be born with that charm, it seemed.
She moved towards the large four poster bed that lay in the middle of the room, staring at the dark mahogany wood that was carved into figures as delicate as lace, scrolls and swirls floating through the air. She lay her pack down on the dark blue coverlet, her fingers softly tracing the luxurious threadwork.
Turning her attention from the gorgeous material to her travel pack, she quickly withdrew the few things she had brought with her, putting them away before walking through the doorway to her left. Her eyes widened at the sight of a marble tub filled with steaming water and she grinned in delight. A bath after traveling so long seemed like heaven. She shed her clothes and entered the water.
As she lay against the back of the tub, the water smelling like roses and lilac, she felt her muscles ease and the tension release from her neck and back. Her eyes closed in complete bliss. But while her body relaxed, her mind raced on with thoughts that swirled and flitted around in her head.
She was here, at Rivendell. Her journey had begun and soon she would meet the fellow players in this grand legend that was to unfold. Soon she would find whatever courage and skill she had. Soon she would find out the reason for her being here. Or so she hoped.
Her bathwater grew colder as she lay thinking of the things to come and she shivered as the cooling water evaporated from her skin. After making sure that she had washed all the dirt of traveling from her hair and limbs, she climbed out of the bath and wrapped herself in one of the soft towels that lay nearby. Finding a comb on the dressing table, she started to brush and towel dry her long locks as she walked into the bedroom. She was startled to find her clothes gone, replaced by a long gown that lay on the bed.
She ran her fingers over the soft clothe before picking up a note that lay upon it.
"Lady, your garments are being washed.
I hope you find this suitable for the moment."
She smiled and looked at the dress. "Suitable?" Her eyes took in the long cream material with draping sleeves and a square neckline. There was lovely delicate green embroidery along the neckline and the hems of the sleeves. Next to the gown lay matching slippers and a chain belt to complete the outfit.
She sighed. "The beauty of even the simplest things here far outshines anything in my world. Yes, this gown in quite suitable." She laughed at her own understatement and went to change into her new outfit.
After brushing out her now dry locks and styling them into her usual Elvish braids that joined in the back, she was struck by a moment of whimsy and took a few of the white flowers that resembled Baby's Breathe, and placed them in the braids. She looked in the mirror and felt like a medieval princess.
"Enjoy this while you can, Colleen," she told her image. "For soon, you shall be back to breeches and tunics, to dirt and sweat." She looked down at her flowing dress and the long sheer princess sleeves, and smiled. "But for now, you can be beautiful."
She turned away from the mirror and crossed towards her door. 'Time to explore Rivendell.'
A couple of hours later, and many twists and turns, she found herself in a private little garden with a stream that bubbled gently by. The air was heavy with the scent of lilacs from the bushes that surrounded the clearing. Colleen walked towards the edge of the stream and knelt, watching as goldfish swam by, flitting in and around rocks, their movements all part of an intricate water ballet.
She lay back on the grass, her hair spread out around her, the red more vivid in contrast with the green of the grass. She stared at the brilliant blue sky and watched peacefully as clouds drifted by, taking on shapes and figures that she named with a smile inside her head. Soon her mind drifted along with the soft, warm breeze that floated gently around her. And she slept.
Flash
"Did you know that if a man puts his glass very close to the one with which he is drinking, it means that he is infatuated with her." Her eyes danced as she stared at him, sitting across from her.
He paused in drinking and his eyes met hers. "Really? This is a saying? I have never heard of it."
She shrugged. "Well, I have and it is supposed to be a true sign of what level of affection a man has for a woman. A clue, you might say, into his true feelings." She watched as he slowly began to put down his cup and smiled as he set it right next to hers, the sides of the two goblets touching. She looked back up to see him smirking. "So I might take it that you feel something for me?" she asked teasingly.
His eyebrow rose. "Of course, I feel something for you. The question is what something do I feel? Annoyance, irritation, or maybe exasperation?"
Her eyes narrowed for those were not the words she had been expecting. She moved to her knees and reached for their plates.
"Ugh, why do I put up with you?" She moved to start packing up their picnic into the basket that sat nearby. Suddenly, she felt herself pulled backwards and she found herself on her back, her arms imprisoned above her. His face appeared over her and it was her turn to quirk an eyebrow.
"What do you think you are doing?"
He grinned. "Well, I have a saying for you." His free hand came up and caressed her cheek, brushing aside a wayward strand of hair.
One side of her mouth quirked into a small smile. "Really? What is this saying?"
His hand continued its travels down her neck as he spoke. "Well, they say that if a man is really infatuated with a woman," he paused and stared into her eyes. "If he is really infatuated, he can look into her eyes, and see his future."
She held his gaze. "What do you see?" she whispered.
His expression turned serious. "I see, forever." With that, he bent his head and their lips took possession of each other.
Flash
"Archers, protect the right flank! Soldiers strengthen the line!"
She looked around in confusion. Where was she? A pair of fighting soldiers stumbled her way and she jumped back to avoid the downward slash of a sword.
"Isildur! Look towards your front!"
She turned to see a tall, dark-haired soldier twist to avoid what would have been a deathblow from a mutated orc. Instead, his sword reached up and sliced, separating the monster from his sword, and then his head. She watched the orc's arm and head fall, and then looked up into the eyes of a prince.
But he only gave her a cursory glance before turning his gaze onto his next victim in this bloody battle.
Fallen soldiers, from both sides, lay everywhere, decorating the field in blooms of limbs and sightless eyes. She bit back a moan as she felt something squish under her foot and turned expectant eyes down to see the dismembered arm of an elf.
She turned her back quickly; forcing down the nausea that threatened to erupt. She watched as an elf that looked to be Lord Elrond, commanded archers to fire before a gap appeared in the masses. Her sight took in a hideous soldier, tall and black with a massive sword that seemed to swipe and kill a handful of soldiers in one effort. And as his hand flew, what little light there was on that gray day reflected off a plain, gold band that lay on his finger.
Her eyes widened. The One Ring. That means . . . . Her breath caught.
Sauron.
As the name floated through her brain, Sauron seemed to stop as if he had heard her thoughts. He turned and his gaze fell upon her.
Fiery eyes met hers and a sinister smile grew upon his face. You will not stop me, he hissed inside her mind.
She stared right back. Not on my own, but I will be part of the group that will. You will not win.
She felt the rage that came from her response and as if he wanted to prove that he would succeed, he turned and struck, bringing down the old man that stood behind him.
She heard the soldier from before, Isildur, cry out and rush forward. But her attention turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder that tightened.
Instinctively, she turned and struck back, sweeping out and bringing her attacker down as she aimed to restrain him by the neck.
She looked down and met alarmed eyes.
"Lady! I mean no harm!"
Flash
Bewildered eyes met hers as Colleen stared, uncomprehending at the man below her. Her hand was wrapped tightly around his neck as her other hand was raised to strike. She could hear the stream bubbling beside her as she found herself back in the garden at Rivendell. She looked around to find the battlefield gone and the soldiers faded away. And Sauron was nowhere to be seen.
"Lady, is there a chance that you could remove your hand now?"
Her attention was brought back to him by his voice and she quickly realized her position. Her legs straddled the man, restraining his own limbs while her hand held his throat in such a way that she could easily crush it if she wanted. The man spoke again and with the sound of his voice, she stiffened. She knew this voice.
"I mean you no harm. I was passing and saw you in the throes of what seemed a violent dream. I merely meant to shake you awake, not to do injury to your person," he said calmly, as if trying to speak quietly in the presence of an unbalanced mind.
Colleen could not seem to move. She knew this voice, almost as well as her own. It was his voice, the man from her dreams.
"Lady?"
She suddenly realized how crazy she seemed and released her grip, scrambling off him.
"Oh God, I'm so sorry. I was just, I mean there was soldiers and a battle, and of course I had to defend myself. Then you tried to wake me up and I got confused and it was just a big misunderstanding," she said quickly, babbling as she crawled backwards on her hands and knees, her dress tangling with her legs and making it hard to move.
"It is alright. I have had experience of being caught inside my dreams," he replied kindly, a smile upon his face.
Her stomach clenched. She knew that smile and the sight of it transfixed her.
"Lady?"
Realizing she had once again been staring openly and that she was still on her knees, she yanked her skirt out from under her legs and stood up hastily. She was making such a fool out of herself!
She smoothed out her dress and keeping her gaze averted this time, she spoke again.
"I really am sorry. I hope I did not hurt you or . . . anything," she finished lamely. Deciding that it would be best to flee, she gathered her skirts, turned and started walking.
"Lady, wait!"
But she ignored him and just walked more quickly, her pace ever increasing until she was full out running as tears began to fall down her face. She followed the line of lilac bushes; her eyes fixed on the marble steps in the distance that led back into Rivendell. She reached the stairs, running past startled elves and through corridors until she finally found herself in a darkened corner where she stopped, breathing heavily. She fell against the wall, exhausted and slid down its length and sobbed.
"Oh god, he is real," she whispered brokenly.
A.N. Heh heh, who is the mystery man? *Soap Opera Voice* Find out in the next chapter of . . . A Wind in the Door! Ain't I a stinker?