Rating: G
Pairing: Elrond/Celebrían
This Night is for Hope
by Isis
All my life, I have loved looking at the stars. But ever since you have left, they have lost much of their radiance to me. Duller they seem to me now than in those nights we wandered together below the night sky, our hands entwined, our spirits in perfect harmony.
Oh, how wondrous was your sweet voice when you sang to the Lady of the Stars. My mind found rest within the temple of your song, and Lúthien herself could not have made a music fairer to my ears. And then, the starlight caught in your silver hair, and brighter it shined than the brightest of all stars, even the very star of Eärendil.
In nights like these I wish I could sleep, sleep the sleep of mortal men, the sleep of oblivion, dreamless, senseless. Sleep, sleep and forget. Forget the guilt, forget the pain, forget the loneliness only to keep your smile in my memory for the rest of time.
Ah, why did I fail you? Was my love not strong enough to heal you? I have healed Elf and Men but your ailments were beyond my lore. All I had I offered for a cure, but my cries went unheard.
Deadly was the blow the vile blade of fortune stroke and it shattered our world. My heart suffered a wound when you left, and I fear it shall not heal for the rest of my days on the Hither Shores. Only the promise I made to you binds me here now to this land. I have sworn an oath to my King to keep Vilya, and to remain here until the Dark Lord meets his ultimate defeat. I would have betrayed my oath only to be with you. No wrath would have kept me. But for Arwen, Elrohir and Elladan I stayed behind, to watch over them for you. Much joy their love brought me through the long, lonely years. They are your most precious gift, and the more I love you when I recognise your light shining in their eyes.
I know that, one day, I will see you again when I will finally be unbound from my oath and can sail into the West. I find myself willing time to pass faster, but I know it cannot be. The world is changing at her own pace. I can but watch and wait with dread until the Darkness returns. However long it takes to darken the world, it will be too soon even if it means that my time with you is near.
The stars might not be as bright as in the old days but they remind me of one thing. Even if all is lost, we have still one thing to hold on to. Hope.