In Obscurum
Evil. Pure evil.
Darkness. Cold.
Arrows flying everywhere. Grating noise of silver meeting steel. Deafening ring of combat. Clashes of shields, weapons, screams of injured and dying.
Then all went silent.
I could not hear anything.
Total silence. Even the rain had no sound.
Frantically I searched for anyone.
"Legolas!" His body laid slumped over pile of Elf and Uruk-Hai corpses. A river of blood solidified on his fair face.
Stepping backwards, I fell over a long stone staircase.
"Haldir!" His frozen gray eyes stared into the sky. Gaping wounds across his mid-section and throat.
Those I love - all dead around me.
Rivendell in ruins flashed in my eyes.
Finding the familiar long jacket - "Aragorn!" Face down in the mud. Multiple arrow pierced his back. The Evenstar crushed into thousand of pieces scattered around him.
Elf and Rohan kind - all dead.
I am all alone.
Lóthlorien, my home, in flames was the next vision to appear.
The Uruk-Hai leader stopped to smell the air. A twisted grin crosses it's face as it turns towards it's next kill.
Me. "I am not afraid of you." Pulling a sword from the holder on my back.
Uruk-Hai swings its crudely forged weapon. I duck out of the way.
A swing of Elvin silver is blocked and knocked out of my inexperienced hands.
I reach for my bow.
New set of hands grab my arms from behind.
'Lets have a bit of fun with this one.' I do not understand the language of this vile creature. The meaning is quite clear.
I struggle against this new intruder. My fingers notice a gap on the side of the armor. "She's a live one, eh? Will make a nice trophy for Saruman." My struggle increases.
I am a creature of light. I will not serve Saruman.
Uruk-Hai walks closer.
((Just a few more steps))
Uruk-Hai reaches out to grab my neck.
Lifting myself up by my arms, I plant a full kick into the mid-section of the encroaching Uruk-Hai. Knocking it over.
Replanting my feet on the ground, I use leverage in flipping the behind attacker over my shoulder. The cracking of it's bones ceases any movement.
I can feel the circle of darkness closing in.
The kicked over Uruk-Hai stands - returning to it's attack.
My back makes contact with solid rock.
I turn to look. Solid rock as tall as I can see. There is nowhere to run. No where to go.
My armored fist contacts with skin and bone.
Uruk-Hai attacker catches my hands.
It crushes my fingers first.
Then my wrists.
A light pull took my elbows out from their sockets.
Finally, my shoulders are ripped apart.
The rain carry my tears away. I will not scream. This creature will not have the pleasure of my scream. The taste of blood fills my mouth as I bite my own tongue. ((I WILL NOT SCREAM))
The Uruk-Hai's face multiples into hundreds - then thousands.
I can not breathe. Circle of darkness comes ever closer.
I can not move. Creek of non-Elvin made bows catches my attention. I can not move. There is nowhere to go. A horde of Uruk-Hai in front of me. Solid rock to my back.
Must keep standing.
An orange and red unblinking eye dominates the sky over the enclosing darkness. Dark speak of Mordor echoes in my head.
Arrows fly.
Searing pain filled my body.
All went black. ((I have failed))
To the cheers and celebration of the dark army, the last Elvin body on Middle Earth fell to the blood soaked ground.
*****
*****
Arelén sat straight up in bed - screaming. Shaking. Terrified. Breathing short and shallow.
Struggling against what held her. "I will not serve Sauron."
"Arelén. Come back to here." The familiar voice spoke.
Frightened black eyes quickly scanned the room.
Focusing on the form in front of her, Arelén brought herself back. "Haldir?
His familiar face nods. "Yes, it's me. You're home."
Arelén took a few slow deep breaths. Her eyes calmed back to her normal gray.
Haldir wrapped his arms around her still trembling body, "What did you see?"
"Darkness - evil - death - destruction - fire."
"I'm here. It's all right. It was all a dream. They can't hurt you now"
"I fear for my brother and the other walkers."
Releasing his tight hold, Haldir wiped away the last few tears. "I am sure he is all right. They are a strong company and will succeed." Come back to bed, Melethrun."
As they laid back down in their bed, Haldir wrapped one arm around Arelén's waist, the other played with her hair.
Even in the warm comfort of their bed, Arelén could not return to sleep. Waiting until Haldir's breathing changed to his sleeping rhythm, she slipped out of his arms. She planted a kiss on his cheek, "I will be in my room."
Up a small staircase and to the right lies Arelén's private sanctuary. It is a long room, with tables, plants, a small comfortable bed and chair.
Numerous bookshelves are filled with books and sewing supplies. After making herself a tea Arelén sat on her floor. Closing her eyes to start her series of meditations.
Two distinct places form in her mind.
Shades of warm gold, brown, red. Waterfalls. Trees. Elf kind. Rivendell.
Stone. Cold. Stark against the mountains. Rhoan kind. Helms Deep.
Arelén opened her eyes and started packing what healing supplies she could fit into her bags.
((Arelén, come here)) Gladriel's voice was unnerving.
Racing up the familiar staircase, Arelén bowed as she entered Gladriel's chamber to see Gladriel, Celeborn and Haldir already assembled.
"Are we to Rivendell?"
*****
Even for Lord Elrond, Gladriel's last message made no sense. "I send to Rivendell my treasures." He muttered to himself as he paced his library. What was she talking about?
The sound of two riders caught his attention. The tall fair one he knew as Haldir. The dark one he only knew through stories. "She must be Arelén." Elrond then understood the message.
As the two riders dismounted in the courtyard, Elrond appeared at the top of the stairs. "Haldir, we must talk. Arelén, my library is yours to explore." Arelén watched as Haldir and Elrond walked towards his council chamber.
A few moments of wandering left Arelén at the murals of Isildur.
Sitting on the balustrade, her mind concentrated on the two voices inside the chamber.
"Lord Elrond, you know how important this is." Haldir's voice reflected the seriousness of this visit.
Elrond's angered voice was easy to catch. "What she asks for is impossible. It can not be done!"
As Elrond made his way to the garden, a low, deep voice resonated in the empty hall.
"Elrond, son of Earendil, Lord of Imlardis, Keeper of Vilya - stop."
Elrond's pace came to an abrupt halt as he crossed Arelén's line of view. His eyes focused on the dark haired one in front of him. ((The stories of this one are true))
The voice continued, "The world is again changing. We cannot let them stand alone. You have seen what the darkness can do. You were there."
Elrond voiced disapproval, "Our time is over. We are to leave to the undying lands. Why should we join their fight now?"
The voice again spoke, "Yes our time is over. How will their eternal darkness rest upon your mind? Elf kind must keep their allegiances. You know this."
A shudder ran up Elrond's back "Lady Gladriel said the same."
Arelén took a deep breath. Bringing her focus to Elrond, her normal voice returned. "I know." With a resigned sigh, Elrond returned to his talk with Haldir.
An hour later, Haldir entered the library to see Arelén engrossed in a large book.
Her gray eyes met his "Shall we to Helms Deep, my Captain?"
*****
As night fell on the third day from Rivendell, the blue cloaked army of archers were met by King Theoden of Rhoan.
Looking past the King and his people, Arelén sought any signs of her brother and his companions.
A smile of relief crossed her face as she saw Aragorn, Grimly and Legolas make their way out of the keep. ((Thank the Valar they are still alive, but where are the others?))
Legolas walked past the King to stand with his kind as Haldir's voice interrupts her thoughts. "We come to honor that allegiance."
Bewilderment crosses Haldir's face as Aragorn greeted him with a hug. "You are most welcomed!"
King Theoden interrupted "Captain Haldir, let us plan for your archers."
Legolas tugged Arelén aside. "Aragorn, you remember my sister, Arelén. She is the healer of Lorien."
"The Valar be with you, Elessar."
Aragorn bowed then forgetting himself grabbed Arelén in a hug as he did Haldir. A weary smile crossed his face. "You and your kin are greatly welcomed. Set up in the caves with the women and children."
"I will fight with you." Arelén replied.
Aragorn clasped her shoulder, "If you are as skilled as Legolas tells us, we will need you later."
Arelén nods and walked off to the caves with Legolas.
"You show much worry, brother."
"I am much better since you and our cousins arrived."
Arelén rephrased her question. "You worry over Aragorn."
"Yes. He is a natural leader, but..."
"Legolas! We need you." Aragorn yelled from the wall.
"I must go." Legolas hugged his sister.
"Watch behind you. You will not face the darkness alone. Be safe my brother. "
"And you, my sister."
*****
A small Rhoan child stood alone at the entrance of the cave. His big brown eyes caught Arelén's attention.
Arelén knelt down to put herself on the same level as the child. "I'm Arelén. What's your name?"
"Colin." The child answered in his Rhoan accented common language. His grubby hands grabbed her cloak. "Mommy?...I want my mommy" as tears fell down his face.
Arelén wiped his tears away with her sleeve. "Colin, lets go find your mother together."
"Ok"
Arelén dropped her bags and picked up the child. Wrapped him in inside her cloak, she started humming a song to calm him down.
A few steps later, Colin looked up to notice a pair of pointed ears. "You're Elf kind."
Arelén warmly smiled. "Yes I am. You are Rhoan."
His brown eyes grew wide with excitement. "Where do you live?"
"I live in a magical place named Lóthlorien." Arelén spent the time wandering the caves replaying stories of her home to her young friend.
"Colin!" Cried out an old woman.
"Mama!" Colin wiggled his way out of Arlene's arms.
He ran to his mother and younger sister.
Faint noises of the encroaching army catches Arelén's hearing.
"Mama! This elf was telling me about her home in the trees."
"Colin, be serious." His mother chided.
"No really Mama. She lives in a large tree." Colin's face glowed with excitement.
Arelén knelt down again "Colin, keep your mother and sister safe. That is what brothers do." She tussled his dark hair as she stood up.
[This is reason enough to fight]
The encroaching army's noise shook the ground as they stopped not far from the wall.
Returning to the cave's entrance, Arelén dropped off her cloak, bow and sword. It was too easy to hide these from Haldir. Opening one large bag she started pulled out her armor.
((I will fight with you. I will not stay behind.))
Taking one small bag with her, she walked out of the second gate.
Arelén turned to see the army of darkness encroaching the wall.
Quickly she found where Legolas and Haldir were standing. ((Valar protect them))
Aragorn's distance voice commands "Leithio i philinn!" {release the arrows}
[Do you see the one you will sacrifice?]
((Yes I do))
Amidst the incoming and outgoing arrows, one more cloaked Elvin figure drew their bow in defense of the Deepening Wall.
Evil. Pure evil.
Darkness. Cold.
Arrows flying everywhere. Grating noise of silver meeting steel. Deafening ring of combat. Clashes of shields, weapons, screams of injured and dying.
Then all went silent.
I could not hear anything.
Total silence. Even the rain had no sound.
Frantically I searched for anyone.
"Legolas!" His body laid slumped over pile of Elf and Uruk-Hai corpses. A river of blood solidified on his fair face.
Stepping backwards, I fell over a long stone staircase.
"Haldir!" His frozen gray eyes stared into the sky. Gaping wounds across his mid-section and throat.
Those I love - all dead around me.
Rivendell in ruins flashed in my eyes.
Finding the familiar long jacket - "Aragorn!" Face down in the mud. Multiple arrow pierced his back. The Evenstar crushed into thousand of pieces scattered around him.
Elf and Rohan kind - all dead.
I am all alone.
Lóthlorien, my home, in flames was the next vision to appear.
The Uruk-Hai leader stopped to smell the air. A twisted grin crosses it's face as it turns towards it's next kill.
Me. "I am not afraid of you." Pulling a sword from the holder on my back.
Uruk-Hai swings its crudely forged weapon. I duck out of the way.
A swing of Elvin silver is blocked and knocked out of my inexperienced hands.
I reach for my bow.
New set of hands grab my arms from behind.
'Lets have a bit of fun with this one.' I do not understand the language of this vile creature. The meaning is quite clear.
I struggle against this new intruder. My fingers notice a gap on the side of the armor. "She's a live one, eh? Will make a nice trophy for Saruman." My struggle increases.
I am a creature of light. I will not serve Saruman.
Uruk-Hai walks closer.
((Just a few more steps))
Uruk-Hai reaches out to grab my neck.
Lifting myself up by my arms, I plant a full kick into the mid-section of the encroaching Uruk-Hai. Knocking it over.
Replanting my feet on the ground, I use leverage in flipping the behind attacker over my shoulder. The cracking of it's bones ceases any movement.
I can feel the circle of darkness closing in.
The kicked over Uruk-Hai stands - returning to it's attack.
My back makes contact with solid rock.
I turn to look. Solid rock as tall as I can see. There is nowhere to run. No where to go.
My armored fist contacts with skin and bone.
Uruk-Hai attacker catches my hands.
It crushes my fingers first.
Then my wrists.
A light pull took my elbows out from their sockets.
Finally, my shoulders are ripped apart.
The rain carry my tears away. I will not scream. This creature will not have the pleasure of my scream. The taste of blood fills my mouth as I bite my own tongue. ((I WILL NOT SCREAM))
The Uruk-Hai's face multiples into hundreds - then thousands.
I can not breathe. Circle of darkness comes ever closer.
I can not move. Creek of non-Elvin made bows catches my attention. I can not move. There is nowhere to go. A horde of Uruk-Hai in front of me. Solid rock to my back.
Must keep standing.
An orange and red unblinking eye dominates the sky over the enclosing darkness. Dark speak of Mordor echoes in my head.
Arrows fly.
Searing pain filled my body.
All went black. ((I have failed))
To the cheers and celebration of the dark army, the last Elvin body on Middle Earth fell to the blood soaked ground.
*****
*****
Arelén sat straight up in bed - screaming. Shaking. Terrified. Breathing short and shallow.
Struggling against what held her. "I will not serve Sauron."
"Arelén. Come back to here." The familiar voice spoke.
Frightened black eyes quickly scanned the room.
Focusing on the form in front of her, Arelén brought herself back. "Haldir?
His familiar face nods. "Yes, it's me. You're home."
Arelén took a few slow deep breaths. Her eyes calmed back to her normal gray.
Haldir wrapped his arms around her still trembling body, "What did you see?"
"Darkness - evil - death - destruction - fire."
"I'm here. It's all right. It was all a dream. They can't hurt you now"
"I fear for my brother and the other walkers."
Releasing his tight hold, Haldir wiped away the last few tears. "I am sure he is all right. They are a strong company and will succeed." Come back to bed, Melethrun."
As they laid back down in their bed, Haldir wrapped one arm around Arelén's waist, the other played with her hair.
Even in the warm comfort of their bed, Arelén could not return to sleep. Waiting until Haldir's breathing changed to his sleeping rhythm, she slipped out of his arms. She planted a kiss on his cheek, "I will be in my room."
Up a small staircase and to the right lies Arelén's private sanctuary. It is a long room, with tables, plants, a small comfortable bed and chair.
Numerous bookshelves are filled with books and sewing supplies. After making herself a tea Arelén sat on her floor. Closing her eyes to start her series of meditations.
Two distinct places form in her mind.
Shades of warm gold, brown, red. Waterfalls. Trees. Elf kind. Rivendell.
Stone. Cold. Stark against the mountains. Rhoan kind. Helms Deep.
Arelén opened her eyes and started packing what healing supplies she could fit into her bags.
((Arelén, come here)) Gladriel's voice was unnerving.
Racing up the familiar staircase, Arelén bowed as she entered Gladriel's chamber to see Gladriel, Celeborn and Haldir already assembled.
"Are we to Rivendell?"
*****
Even for Lord Elrond, Gladriel's last message made no sense. "I send to Rivendell my treasures." He muttered to himself as he paced his library. What was she talking about?
The sound of two riders caught his attention. The tall fair one he knew as Haldir. The dark one he only knew through stories. "She must be Arelén." Elrond then understood the message.
As the two riders dismounted in the courtyard, Elrond appeared at the top of the stairs. "Haldir, we must talk. Arelén, my library is yours to explore." Arelén watched as Haldir and Elrond walked towards his council chamber.
A few moments of wandering left Arelén at the murals of Isildur.
Sitting on the balustrade, her mind concentrated on the two voices inside the chamber.
"Lord Elrond, you know how important this is." Haldir's voice reflected the seriousness of this visit.
Elrond's angered voice was easy to catch. "What she asks for is impossible. It can not be done!"
As Elrond made his way to the garden, a low, deep voice resonated in the empty hall.
"Elrond, son of Earendil, Lord of Imlardis, Keeper of Vilya - stop."
Elrond's pace came to an abrupt halt as he crossed Arelén's line of view. His eyes focused on the dark haired one in front of him. ((The stories of this one are true))
The voice continued, "The world is again changing. We cannot let them stand alone. You have seen what the darkness can do. You were there."
Elrond voiced disapproval, "Our time is over. We are to leave to the undying lands. Why should we join their fight now?"
The voice again spoke, "Yes our time is over. How will their eternal darkness rest upon your mind? Elf kind must keep their allegiances. You know this."
A shudder ran up Elrond's back "Lady Gladriel said the same."
Arelén took a deep breath. Bringing her focus to Elrond, her normal voice returned. "I know." With a resigned sigh, Elrond returned to his talk with Haldir.
An hour later, Haldir entered the library to see Arelén engrossed in a large book.
Her gray eyes met his "Shall we to Helms Deep, my Captain?"
*****
As night fell on the third day from Rivendell, the blue cloaked army of archers were met by King Theoden of Rhoan.
Looking past the King and his people, Arelén sought any signs of her brother and his companions.
A smile of relief crossed her face as she saw Aragorn, Grimly and Legolas make their way out of the keep. ((Thank the Valar they are still alive, but where are the others?))
Legolas walked past the King to stand with his kind as Haldir's voice interrupts her thoughts. "We come to honor that allegiance."
Bewilderment crosses Haldir's face as Aragorn greeted him with a hug. "You are most welcomed!"
King Theoden interrupted "Captain Haldir, let us plan for your archers."
Legolas tugged Arelén aside. "Aragorn, you remember my sister, Arelén. She is the healer of Lorien."
"The Valar be with you, Elessar."
Aragorn bowed then forgetting himself grabbed Arelén in a hug as he did Haldir. A weary smile crossed his face. "You and your kin are greatly welcomed. Set up in the caves with the women and children."
"I will fight with you." Arelén replied.
Aragorn clasped her shoulder, "If you are as skilled as Legolas tells us, we will need you later."
Arelén nods and walked off to the caves with Legolas.
"You show much worry, brother."
"I am much better since you and our cousins arrived."
Arelén rephrased her question. "You worry over Aragorn."
"Yes. He is a natural leader, but..."
"Legolas! We need you." Aragorn yelled from the wall.
"I must go." Legolas hugged his sister.
"Watch behind you. You will not face the darkness alone. Be safe my brother. "
"And you, my sister."
*****
A small Rhoan child stood alone at the entrance of the cave. His big brown eyes caught Arelén's attention.
Arelén knelt down to put herself on the same level as the child. "I'm Arelén. What's your name?"
"Colin." The child answered in his Rhoan accented common language. His grubby hands grabbed her cloak. "Mommy?...I want my mommy" as tears fell down his face.
Arelén wiped his tears away with her sleeve. "Colin, lets go find your mother together."
"Ok"
Arelén dropped her bags and picked up the child. Wrapped him in inside her cloak, she started humming a song to calm him down.
A few steps later, Colin looked up to notice a pair of pointed ears. "You're Elf kind."
Arelén warmly smiled. "Yes I am. You are Rhoan."
His brown eyes grew wide with excitement. "Where do you live?"
"I live in a magical place named Lóthlorien." Arelén spent the time wandering the caves replaying stories of her home to her young friend.
"Colin!" Cried out an old woman.
"Mama!" Colin wiggled his way out of Arlene's arms.
He ran to his mother and younger sister.
Faint noises of the encroaching army catches Arelén's hearing.
"Mama! This elf was telling me about her home in the trees."
"Colin, be serious." His mother chided.
"No really Mama. She lives in a large tree." Colin's face glowed with excitement.
Arelén knelt down again "Colin, keep your mother and sister safe. That is what brothers do." She tussled his dark hair as she stood up.
[This is reason enough to fight]
The encroaching army's noise shook the ground as they stopped not far from the wall.
Returning to the cave's entrance, Arelén dropped off her cloak, bow and sword. It was too easy to hide these from Haldir. Opening one large bag she started pulled out her armor.
((I will fight with you. I will not stay behind.))
Taking one small bag with her, she walked out of the second gate.
Arelén turned to see the army of darkness encroaching the wall.
Quickly she found where Legolas and Haldir were standing. ((Valar protect them))
Aragorn's distance voice commands "Leithio i philinn!" {release the arrows}
[Do you see the one you will sacrifice?]
((Yes I do))
Amidst the incoming and outgoing arrows, one more cloaked Elvin figure drew their bow in defense of the Deepening Wall.